Latest news with #STRICTLYComeDancing
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly set to sign up The Traitors winner as they scrap ‘no reality star' rule
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing are set to sign up The Traitors UK winner Jake Brown for the upcoming series. Jake, who was a Faithful on series three of the BBC show, is now ready to dazzle on the dancefloor, according to a source. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Strictly are set to sign up The Traitors winner Jake Brown Credit: BBC 3 A source said bosses are keen to break their 'no reality star' rule to welcome Jake Credit: BBC Bosses have previously waived their "no reality star" rule to welcome Love Islanders Tasha Ghouri and Zara McDermott to the show, and it looks like they will be doing the same for Traitors star Jake. A source told us: "Strictly bosses think Jake would be the perfect fit for this year's line-up. "He's a good guy, as viewers saw by his journey on The Traitors, so he will be popular with the fanbase and they love to cross-promote with other huge BBC shows." Jake, who has cerebral palsy, has been open about his disability in the past and would make a good role model for the show. "Jake has also overcome a lot of adversity in his life with his cerebral palsy, so it will really be inspiring to see how he tackles the dancefloor with a disability," the source continued. "As previous contestants like Rose Ayling Ellis, Tasha Ghouri, JJ Chalmers, Lauren Steadman and, of course, Chris McCausland have proved, being disabled can be a superpower on this show." A BBC spokesperson said: 'We don't comment on speculation.' Cumbria lad Jake won the show alongside with former soldier Leanne Quigley triumphed as the last remaining faithfuls. Jake revealed he had cerebral palsy at the end of the series. He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "I know the struggles of having a disability growing up and I was very ashamed of it. Neighbours legend become latest star to sign for Strictly Come Dancing after soap ending leaves him free to take part "I tried to hide it and wanted to be normal, but once I'd met fellow people with cerebral palsy and started playing football for the England cerebral palsy football team, I realised actually I'm doing a disservice here. "It's something to be proud of. He added: "I don't want another six-year-old boy sat at home thinking 'I hate this disability, I want to be normal'." Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. It's usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. Usually, the symptoms of cerebral palsy aren't obvious immediately after a baby is born, but they tend to become noticeable during the first two or three years of a child's life. What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is a muscular condition which affects an estimated 30,000 children in the UK and an additional 1,800 children diagnosed each year. It's the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. According to the NHS, symptoms can include: delays in reaching development milestones – eg. not sitting up by eight months or not walking by 18 months seeming too stiff or too floppy weakness in arms or legs jerky or clumsy movements walking on tip-toes swallowing difficulties speaking problems learning disabilities The severity of symptoms can vary – some of those with the condition only experience minor problems, while others may be severely disabled.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Strictly set to sign up The Traitors winner as they scrap ‘no reality star' rule
STRICTLY Come Dancing are set to sign up The Traitors UK winner Jake Brown for the upcoming series. Jake, who was a Faithful on series three of the BBC show, is now ready to dazzle on the dancefloor, according to a source. 3 Strictly are set to sign up The Traitors winner Jake Brown Credit: BBC 3 A source said bosses are keen to break their 'no reality star' rule to welcome Jake Credit: BBC Bosses have previously waived their "no reality star" rule to welcome Love Islanders Tasha Ghouri and Zara McDermott to the show, and it looks like they will be doing the same for Traitors star Jake. A source told us: "Strictly bosses think Jake would be the perfect fit for this year's line-up. "He's a good guy, as viewers saw by his journey on The Traitors, so he will be popular with the fanbase and they love to cross-promote with other huge BBC shows." Jake, who has , has been open about his disability in the past and would make a good role model for the show. READ MORE ON STRICTLY "Jake has also overcome a lot of adversity in his life with his cerebral palsy, so it will really be inspiring to see how he tackles the dancefloor with a disability," the source continued. "As previous contestants like Rose Ayling Ellis, Tasha Ghouri, JJ Chalmers , Lauren Steadman and, of course, A BBC spokesperson said: 'We don't comment on speculation.' Cumbria lad Jake won the show alongside with former soldier Leanne Quigley triumphed as the last remaining faithfuls. Most read in News TV Jake revealed he had cerebral palsy at the end of the series. He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "I know the struggles of having a disability growing up and I was very ashamed of it. Neighbours legend become latest star to sign for Strictly Come Dancing after soap ending leaves him free to take part "I tried to hide it and wanted to be normal, but once I'd met fellow people with cerebral palsy and started playing football for the England cerebral palsy football team, I realised actually I'm doing a disservice here. "It's something to be proud of. He added: "I don't want another six-year-old boy sat at home thinking 'I hate this disability, I want to be normal'." Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. It's usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. Usually, the symptoms of cerebral palsy aren't obvious immediately after a baby is born, but they tend to become noticeable during the first two or three years of a child's life. What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is a muscular condition which affects an estimated 30,000 children in the UK and an additional 1,800 children diagnosed each year. It's the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. According to the delays in reaching development milestones – eg. not sitting up by eight months or not walking by 18 months seeming too stiff or too floppy weakness in arms or legs jerky or clumsy movements walking on tip-toes swallowing difficulties speaking problems learning disabilities The severity of symptoms can vary – some of those with the condition only experience minor problems, while others may be severely disabled. 3 Jake said he no longer wants to 'hide' is cerebral palsy Credit: BBC
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly signs two new professional dancers as head judge Shirley Ballas reveals new line-up is ‘off the charts'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has confirmed that two brand-new professional dancers are joining the upcoming series — and she's calling the line-up 'off the charts'. Appearing on ITV's This Morning earlier today, Shirley couldn't hide her excitement as she spilled a few juicy titbits about what fans can expect when Strictly waltzes back onto screens later this year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning today 6 She revealed two new pros have joined Strictly 6 Celebs Go Dating guru and Married at First Sight expert Paul C Brunson crossed over with Shirley - after The Sun revealed he has signed to the new celebrity line-up 'I can tell you that we have two new professionals joining the show and they are amazing,' she gushed. 'There's a few little changes — you know they do little things every year. But we've got the cast of all cast. It's going to be off the charts!' Things took a cheeky turn when Paul C Brunson, relationship expert from Married At First Sight, happened to cross over with Shirley. Host Ben Shephard couldn't resist stirring the pot, referencing The Sun's exclusive story that Paul has been signed to the 2025 series. Ben said: 'Well apparently Paul is in the line-up… show us a move!' to which Paul responded with a slick body wave that had the studio in stitches. Shirley clapped but played coy and expertly deflected the speculation, refusing to officially confirm anything. It comes after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima's exits from the show. Giovanni, 34, sensationally quit Strictly in May last year following allegations about his behaviour in rehearsals from former partner Amanda Abbington. Months later Graziano, 31, was sacked after an altercation with Zara McDermott during her time on the show. Last month The Sun revealed one of the new dancers in talks to join the show after he was seen in rehearsals with the team. Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne reveals show's two new pro dancers have been signed up after Gio and Graziano's sackings We told how dancer and choreographer Luke Miller is hotly tipped to be announced as one of professionals. Fellow professional Dianne Buswell, 36, has also revealed two new dancers will join the competition when Strictly returns later this year. Speaking on her podcast with Chris McCausland, she told her co-host: 'You were in my dream the other day. 'We've got two new pros this year on Strictly - don't know who they are yet - a new boy and a new girl.' Comedian Chris, 48 - who won the show with Dianne last year - asked: 'Who are they getting rid of?' Dianne replied: 'Nobody, but we're adding two more. I dreamt that you were the new pro male. But I was fake happy, and it's really mean for me to say that, but I wasn't really happy for you. 'I was like, 'what the hell? He's going to think he's better than me now'. 'And to make it worse you won the series, so you were a double winner and I was like, 'this isn't fair, now everyone's going to think it wasn't me who made him win it was actually himself that won it the first time'.' 6 Shirley was on This Morning to announce a casting call for a dog to star in Coronation Street Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Gio quit the show last year following allegations from Amanda Abbington Credit: Shutterstock
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Strictly signs two new professional dancers as head judge Shirley Ballas reveals new line-up is ‘off the charts'
STRICTLY Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas has confirmed that two brand-new professional dancers are joining the upcoming series — and she's calling the line-up 'off the charts'. Appearing on ITV's This Morning earlier today, 6 Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning today 6 She revealed two new pros have joined Strictly 6 Celebs Go Dating guru and Married at First Sight expert Paul C Brunson crossed over with Shirley - after The Sun revealed he has signed to the new celebrity line-up 'I can tell you that we have two new professionals joining the show and they are amazing,' she gushed. 'There's a few little changes — you know they do little things every year. But we've got the cast of all cast. It's going to be off the charts!' Things took a cheeky turn when Host Ben Shephard couldn't resist stirring the pot, referencing READ MORE ON STRICTLY Ben said: 'Well apparently Paul is in the line-up… show us a move!' to which Paul responded with a slick body wave that had the studio in stitches. Shirley clapped but played coy and expertly deflected the speculation, refusing to officially confirm anything. It comes after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima's exits from the show. Giovanni, 34, sensationally quit Strictly in May last year following Most read in Reality Months later Last month The Sun revealed Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne reveals show's two new pro dancers have been signed up after Gio and Graziano's sackings We told how dancer and choreographer Luke Miller is hotly tipped to be announced as one of professionals. Fellow professional Speaking on 'We've got two new pros this year on Strictly - don't know who they are yet - a new boy and a new girl.' Comedian Chris, 48 - who won the show with Dianne last year - asked: 'Who are they getting rid of?' Dianne replied: 'Nobody, but we're adding two more. I dreamt that you were the new pro male. But I was fake happy, and it's really mean for me to say that, but I wasn't really happy for you. 'I was like, 'what the hell? He's going to think he's better than me now'. 'And to make it worse you won the series, so you were a double winner and I was like, 'this isn't fair, now everyone's going to think it wasn't me who made him win it was actually himself that won it the first time'.' 6 Shirley was on This Morning to announce a casting call for a dog to star in Coronation Street Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Gio quit the show last year following allegations from Amanda Abbington Credit: Shutterstock 6 Months later Graziano was sacked after an altercation with Zara McDermott Credit: GC Images
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 set to sign huge EastEnders star after dramatic Six murder
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing is set to sign a big EastEnders star for this year's series, The Sun can exclusively reveal. The soap actress joins a long list of Albert Square residents who have competed on the BBC1 dance series - and done sensationally well. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Credit: Getty 4 Balvinder has played Suki Panesar for five years in EastEnders Credit: BBC The lucky star gearing up for the dance floor is Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Walford matriarch Suki Panesar. Her hard-nosed character was one of the infamous 'Six' who covered up the murder of mechanic Keanu Taylor. A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks before bagging her breakthrough role on EastEnders. Her character Suki initially joined as a villain, faking cancer to win over her family who had all turned against her. But over the years she finally won them over, managing to escape the clutches of her abusive husband Nish who tried to kill her after discovering she had a secret lesbian affair with Eve Unwin. Suki finally married her lover having spent her entire adult life hiding her true sexuality and the couple now live with her son Vinny and stepson Ravi, and his children Davinder and Avani, and front various local businesses. In 2024 she was recognised for her work on Albert Square by winning the Soap Superstar gong at the Inside Soap Awards for her part in Keanu's death cover up - and bloody battles with husband Nish. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. EastEnders reveals New Year's Day bloodbath survivors - and who DIES Last year, Jamie Borthwick got the call up, following on from Bobby Brazier (2023), James Bye (2022), Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021), Maisie Smith (2020) and Emma Barton (2019). Previous Albert Square dancers have also included Brian Conley (2017), Tameka Empson (2016), Kellie Bright (2015), Jake Wood (2014), Sid Owen (2012), Scott Maslen (2010), Ricky Groves (2009), Gillian Taylforth (2008), Letitia Dean (2007), Louisa Lytton (2006) Patsy Palmer (2005) and Christopher Parker (2004). A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation." 4 Jamie Borthwick appeared on the show last year Credit: PA
