Latest news with #ShirleyBallas
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street launches search for new dog to join ITV soap - but there's a catch
Coronation Street bosses are on the lookout for a dog to star on the soap and have launched a nationwide talent search called Pup Idol with Strictly's Shirley Ballas on board to help Coronation Street has launched a nationwide casting search for a dog with their new competition Pup Idol. But there's a catch, as the doggies keen to become the next big soap star must meet a list of requirements to be a contender. The ITV soap has decided to look for a new canine star to appear on the cobbles, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas is leading the search through a campaign with This Morning. The TV star called out to viewers in a recent episode of the ITV magazine show, where she reminded hopefuls that their pooch must be well-behaved and obedient to be within a chance of securing a role on the long-running soap. She said: "We'll be looking for the best little pup in Great Britain, so I'm very excited about that and would like to see that we have some obedience. Continuing to rhyme off the list of requirements, she added: "Good behaviour - we're looking for something with [a] really good temperament. [The dog will also have to be] loving, kind, caring, well groomed and not easily distracted on TV sets, and maybe some good little tricks would be nice." Shirley will be assisted in the search by veterinarian Dr Scott Miller and Jodie Prenger - who plays Rovers barmaid Glenda Shuttleworth - and the West End star referenced some of the furry friends of Weatherfield past. Jodie, who lives on a farm with her fiance Simon Motson and once helped Andrew Lloyd Webber look for a Toto to star in The Wizard of Oz, said: "From Schmeichel to David [and] Eccles, many paws have graced these famous cobbles and they've probably cocked their legs on a few lamp posts as well. "Your furry friend could be joining that illustrious list. I am so excited to be part of the judging panel that will be putting the pups through their paces to see who will win the walk-on part in the nation's longest-running soap. "So if you think your pooch should play the part, then what are you waiting for? And who knows, you could be watching your four-legged furry friend make their television debut," she told viewers live from the Corrie set. Applications for the search can be found here, and fans must enter by July 25 to be in with a chance of getting their four-legged friend on screen. The lucky canine will be one of several pets who have featured on the programme throughout its 65-year history. Some of the more recent canine residents of Weatherfield included Evelyn Plummer's greyhound Cerebus, and the Platt family dog David, whom David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) inherited from a salon client. Prior to that, Maria Connor ( Samia Longchambon) was gifted a Labrador by her husband Liam Connor shortly before he was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Perhaps two of the more famous dogs to have resided on the cobbles include Chesney Battersby Brown's (Sam Aston) Great Dane Schmeichel, and Border Terrier Eccles, who lived with the Barlows at number one for several years. Other pets to have been included on the cobbles over the years included Yasmeen's pet chicken Charlotte Bronte, and rat Darryl, who arrived along with Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) shortly after his debut in 2011. In the early days, original Street battle axe Ena Sharples (Violet Carson) received a budgie called Archie but passed it onto her friend Martha Longhurst (Lynne Carrol), and Vera Duckworth (Liz Dawn) took a cat called Cleo to the factory to catch the mice. In the 1990s, Rovers landlady Natalie Barnes ( Denise Welch) had a cat called Tiger, and David Platt famously had a rabbit called Barney. Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey) was known for keeping pigeons, and his surrogate son Tyrone Dobbs ( Alan Halsall) found a stray one that he named after Beyonce.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares move away from show saying 'it may be bigger'
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares move away from show saying 'it may be bigger' Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning and teased a new role away from the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas has excitedly shared news of a new venture that she believes 'may be bigger' than the BBC show. The head judge graced the This Morning sofa with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Monday (July 14) and disclosed her latest quest to find a dog to star in Coronation Street. With her own pooch Charlie by her side, Cat enquired: "You're not on the show looking for a ballroom dancer, you are looking for something else right?" Shirley enthused: "Charlie and I will be looking for the next pup idol and this is going to be maybe be even bigger than Strictly and I'm very excited to find out which little pet is going to be coming on the show." The competition, dubbed Pup Idol on This Morning, seeks a dog with standout charisma, charm, and an engaging personality, reports Edinburgh Live. Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning (Image: ITV ) Article continues below BBC Death in Paradise confirms return of Ralf Little as he reprises role READ MORE: The triumphant dog will have the opportunity to walk the iconic cobbles, appearing on television alongside some of the nation's most cherished characters. Elaborating on the criteria, Shirley stated: "We are looking for the best little pup in Great Britain so I'm very excited about that. "We are looking for one with a really good temperament, loving, kind, caring, well groomed and not easily distracted on a TV set." Ben clarified: "So it's a This Morning competition and generally looking for any of our viewers who think their dog could be a TV superstar." Shirley Ballas is on the hunt for a canine star with charisma and charm to join the Corrie cast (Image: ITV ) He then enquired: "So will the dog be on Coronation Street?" Shirley responded: "Yes. They'll be taking a stroll through the cobbles so we really need it to be fabulous." Shirley disclosed that joining her on the judging panel would be Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger. Cat admitted: 'That's going to be a tough job because I bet we are going to get some great entries. Shirley replied: 'Great entries, loving dogs and I just know I'm going to love them all and want them all on the cobbles." Shirley Ballas teased 'little changes' to the show that will 'surprise' viewers (Image: PA ) It didn't take long for Shirley to be quizzed on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing as Cat said: 'We can't let you go, sorry. We are not going to let you go, so come on what can you tell us about Strictly?' Shirley chuckled as she said: 'I knew this was coming. What I can tell you is that we've got fabulous professionals coming in and joining the show and they are amazing.' She then teased: 'We've got some little changes that you're going to be really surprised about. Every year they make those few little changes and it's really, really amazing and we've got a cast of all the cast and I know I say it every year but it's going to be off the charts.' Article continues below This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The 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, 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. 6 6 6 '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. 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 6 6
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Strictly 2025 line-up rumours from Neighbours legend to Queen's son
The great and the good of the showbiz world are being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, including two I'm a Celebrity legends. Although Strictly returns to the BBC in September, excitement has been building around the reality show. Head judge Shirley Ballas teased This Morning viewers on Monday, 14 July: "I know I say this every year, but we have the cast of all casts. It's going to be absolutely off the charts." The professional dancers have been confirmed for Strictly including: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola. Now speculation has begun about which celebrities are going to be joining them on the dance floor. Who are the stars rumoured to be taking part on Strictly 2025? Neighbours has been axed for the second time, and this time the Aussie soap's cancellation is said to be final - leaving cast veteran Stefan Dennis free to take on a new project this autumn. Dennis, known for starring as Ramsay Street businessman Paul Robinson, is reportedly expected on the dancefloor for Strictly 2025, according to The Sun. He has plenty of UK fans thanks to Neighbours' enduring popularity and his 80s pop career, so with the soap having filmed its final episode on Friday, 11 July, Dennis is sure to be welcomed back to TV if he does join this year's cast. He would also follow previous Neighbours castmates into the ballroom, including Jason Donovan and Holly Valance. Vicky Pattison may be dancing her way back to reality TV. Back in 2015, Pattison won the I'm a Celebrity crown. Forget insects and gruesome Bushtucker trials, Pattison now could be taking on the tough challenge of Strictly. Her good friend Pete Wicks took part in Strictly last year and then flew out to her wedding in Italy. At the time, the former Geordie Shore star made a dancing confession. She told The Sun: "When I found out Pete was doing it, I called him straight away to check he was alright. Because me and him are more 'stand in the corner, drink and have a laugh' than the 'centre of the dance floor' people." It's no secret that the royals love Strictly Come Dancing. Royals have done reality television in the past, with Prince William set to make a cameo on Clarkson's Farm soon. It's been reported that TV bosses are keen to sign Queen Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles for the 2025 series of Strictly but he has turned it down before, according to The Mirror. The queen, King Charles and Princess Anne have all said they love the BBC dancing show. Queen Camilla previously told pro dancer Johannes Rabede: "We all watch it. I'm one of Strictly's greatest fans." I'm a Celebrity legend Georgia Toffolo is another name that has been linked with the Strictly 2025 series, according to The Sun. It is an exciting time in Toff's life as she recently got married to the CEO of Brewdog, James Watt, when they eloped to Scotland only giving their guests 48 hours notice. She has a history of reality TV, having made her name on Made In Chelsea. Back in 2017, Toffolo was crowned the I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here winner after facing a series of gruelling Bushtucker trials and a stint in the jungle. She also returned to the show for the legends spin off in 2023. Thomas Skinner is reportedly the first star to be confirmed for the Strictly series, according to The Sun. The charming entrepreneur first stepped in front of the cameras for The Apprentice in 2019. Although he didn't win the BBC show, he has gone down in history as one of the most memorable candidates. Life after The Apprentice has seen Skinner become a dad to his three children. Stacey Solomon is rumoured to be waltzing her way onto the Strictly dance floor later this year, according to The Sun. The mother-of-five would be a great get for the BBC as she is incredibly popular, with more than 6million followers on Instagram to date. Solomon works closely with the BBC, thanks to her successful show Sort Your Life Out as well as her latest reality documentary series Stacey & Joe where she invited the cameras into her home Pickle Cottage. In 2022, the social media guru admitted she is "obsessed" with the dancing show but she confessed she has in her opinion "two left feet". She told The Metro: "I would never say never but I am a terrible dancer, an absolutely terrible dancer! I don't know why but I have no rhythm when it comes to movement. I have rhythm with singing or listening to music but when it comes to moving my feet I am left-footed, I have two left feet! "But I am obsessed with it, I'm obsessed with the costumes. And also I would love to learn a new skill like that. I love learning anything to be honest." Former footballer Ashley Cain could be preparing for all the sparkle and sequins of Strictly, according to The Mirror. His daughter Azaylia died aged eight months after being diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. After her death, Cain and Azaylia's mum Safiyya Vorajee split. They had raised £1.5million to get their daughter special treatment and with the remaining funds they set up The Azaylia Foundation to provide families with memorable experiences for children diagnosed with cancer. The dad said it was his dream to take part on Strictly as tribute to his daughter who loved dancing. Last year, he told The Sun: "Me and my family are known for dancing. That's what we do. When I had my daughter in hospital, when she was poorly, any time that she used to be feeling poorly or she was going through a chemotherapy, I used to hold her in my arms and I used to dance with her. "And I'd dance with her for hours and hours and hours and hours. So something like Strictly would relate to me in a sense where I would love to do a Lion King-themed dance. I would love to be able to tell my story on such an amazing platform that could reach out to so many incredible people." He has two sons Aliyas, one, and Atlas, five months, with two different women. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Craig Rowe (@craigrowetv) A Place in the Sun's Craig Rowe has said he is in talks for the BBC show after losing two stone this year. The 53-year-old prioritised his health when doctors warned him he was at risk of Type 2 diabetes — cutting back on sweets, sugar and alcohol. He told The Sun in April: "My agent is talking to all the reality shows and there's definitely been a little bit of a rumble that I felt from some of them. We've spoken to Strictly and nothing's happened yet, but talks are very much happening. "Obviously, Strictly is the one that is gold standard. And also, I love dancing — and now I'm fitter. I'd like nothing better than the training as well to put me through my paces." Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in autumn.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly's Shirley Ballas drops huge hint Bruno Tonioli is returning to the show after quitting BGT
SHIRLEY Ballas has sparked speculation that Bruno Tonioli could be returning to Strictly Come Dancing after the head judge shared a cryptic Instagram post. The BBC star posted a photo alongside Bruno, captioning it, 'Just can't wait to be back'. 6 6 6 The timing of her post coincides with mounting reports that he is preparing to quit Britain's Got Talent after just two series. Bruno, known for his flamboyant judging style, joined Strictly in 2004 and was a fixture on the panel until 2019. He took a break during the pandemic due to transatlantic travel complications while filming Dancing with the Stars in the United States, and officially stepped down from Strictly in 2022. He was replaced by long-time professional dancer Anton Du Beke, who was later confirmed as a full-time judge in 2022. Bruno's exit was never positioned as permanent, leaving the possibility of a return open. Now his future on Britain's Got Talent appears to be in question due to scheduling conflicts with his U.S. commitments. Bruno was brought onto BGT in 2023 following the departure of David Walliams, a decision personally backed by Simon Cowell despite speculation that comedian Alan Carr would take the role. A television insider said that changes to BGT's 2025 filming timetable have made Bruno's continued presence on the show increasingly difficult. A TV insider said: 'The filming schedule in 2024 meant that Bruno could get away with not being present for filming one week of auditions. 'But it would be virtually impossible for him to miss two weeks, because in the final edit, that equates to half the episodes in the new three-month run of BGT, which will air from February of 2026.' Bruno Tonioli set to QUIT Britain's Got Talent judging gig as two favourites to replace him revealed Last year the show was able to work around Bruno's availability by splitting audition weeks. KSI stood in for him during Blackpool tapings in October, while Bruno returned for auditions in London in January. However, this year all auditions are set to be recorded back-to-back over a single fortnight in October across Blackpool and Birmingham, overlapping directly with Dancing with the Stars filming in the U.S. With his exit looking increasingly likely, attention has turned to potential replacements. KSI, who impressed viewers during last year's Blackpool auditions and during a guest appearance on the live semi-finals, is seen as a leading candidate. Alan Carr, a close friend of Amanda Holden and original favourite to replace Walliams, is also expected to be in the running. 6 6 6
