Latest news with #StefanDennis
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
All the celebs lined up for Strictly 2025 from Love Island winner to BBC star and hero Olympian
THE Strictly Come Dancing 2025 launch is fast approaching - and if the rumoured line-up is anything to go by, fans are in for one of the best series yet. The reigning Strictly champ is comedian Chris McCausland, who lifted the Glitter Ball trophy last year with Dianne Buswell. 8 But this year names heavily tipped to take to the dancefloor include winners of huge shows such as Love Island and I'm a Celebrity, as well as an Olympic legend. Here's all the famous faces reported to be signing up for Strictly this year. Dani Dyer 8 It's already been a huge year for Dani, 28, after she tied the knot with West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen. But Dani, the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, is in talks to waltz onto Strictly later this year, as The Sun revealed in June. The mum-of-three is no stranger to winning reality shows, after scooping the £50,000 Love Island prize with ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham in 2018. Stefan Dennis 8 Actor Stefan, 66, will show fans a very different side to him after The Sun revealed he's signed up for Strictly. The Neighbours legend has played Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985. But, after the Australian soap filmed its final episode earlier this month, Stefan is free to explore other options. Vicky Pattison 8 She's been a permanent fixture on our screens since shooting to fame on Geordie Shore in 2011. And 37-year-old Vicky 's popularity among viewers was cemented when she won the 2015 series of I'm a Celebrity. Shirley Ballas reveals Strictly's new signings and teases line-up is 'off the charts' The Sun confirmed this month how Vicky had been offered a place in this year's line-up, and she previously told us - while she'd love to do the show - she'll struggle with the dances. She said: 'I've done my fair share of reality TV and I'd never say never to anything but I'm not a dancer, at all.' Jake Brown 8 After winning series three of BBC smash The Traitors, Jake, 26, is set to put his best foot forward in the race for the Glitter Ball later this year. The Sun recently told how bosses are eyeing Jake up after waiving their 'no reality star' rule. 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." Balvinder Sopal Actress Balvinder, 46, has become a firm soap favourite since joining EastEnders as Suki Panesar in 2020. EastEnders stars have historically done very well on Strictly and The Sun recently told how Balvinder is set to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jamie Borthwick, Kellie Bright and Jake Wood. 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.' Sir Mo Farah Iconic Olympian Mo, 42, is no stranger to winning after receiving four gold medals during his career. He might be quick on his feet but there's no doubt the Quickstep will be a new challenge for Mo. And he's had already had a taste of reality TV, after coming fifth in I'm A Celebrity in 2020 when it filmed in Wales because of Covid. Earlier this year he was unveiled as Giant Joel on The Masked Singer. Angellica Bell Presenter Angellica, 49, has been entertaining the nation since joining CBBC in 2000. Since then she's enjoyed a successful broadcasting career and in 2017 she won Celebrity MasterChef. After her stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house earlier this year, Angellica is now in talks to show off what she can do on the Strictly dancefloor.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Saturday Kitchen and TikTok star in talks for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 – as Matt Tebbutt is tipped for MasterChef job
SATURDAY Kitchen star Poppy O'Toole is being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing, The Sun can exclusively reveal. The TikTok chef, who is famous for her potato recipes, has held talks with show bosses and they are keen to snap her up. 5 A source said: 'Poppy is hugely popular both on TikTok and on Saturday Kitchen - she's really fun and easy to work with, plus bosses can guarantee there will be no scandal around her. "They've been in talks to get her on the 2025 series.' Both the BBC and Poppy's agent declined to comment. If she puts pen to paper, she will join the likes of Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis and EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal on the BBC show. Matt Tebbutt has been earmarked for a move to MasterChef following John Torode's sacking earlier in the week. The Australian star, 59, was axed after being hit by an allegation that he used a racist word in 2018 - something he denies doing. It has been reported that the incident, which came to light in a report into shamed former co-star Gregg Wallace's conduct, saw him use the N-word as he sang along to Kanye West's hit song Gold Digger. Meanwhile, 'Potato Queen' Poppy, 32, will be hoping her dance moves are as impressive as her recipes. The Michelin-trained star's rise to the top hasn't been an overnight success. Aged 18, she worked as an apprentice at Purnell's, Birmingham, before heading to London to further her career. It was in lockdown that she discovered TikTok after losing her job as a junior sous chef. This Morning star reveals she's married as she shows off her wedding ring on return to show Her online following gradually increased as more and more people tuned in to her tasty, home-made recipes. But it was when shared her best potato meals that she shot to the top of the TikTok pile, racking up over 1 million views - and she hasn't looked back since. It is shaping up to be a huge year for the popular online star. She recently married partner of 16 years Matt Shattock, showing off her wedding ring on Friday's This Morning on which she was the guest chef. The couple tied the knot at Redditch Registry Office earlier this month. 5 5 5
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: All of the celebrities rumoured to be taking part so far from a Neighbours legend to two reality stars and a huge sporting icon
Despite being in the throws of a summer heatwave everyone's favourite autumn comfort show Strictly Come Dancing will be back before we know it. Bringing some much needed sparkle and glamour to our Saturday nights the BBC staple will be returning to screens in September. Some huge names have already been reported to be joining the series with stars from all walks of life and careers taking the plunge into the dancing world. From a Neighbours legend to two reality stars and a huge sporting icon all rumoured so far - it is already shaping up to be a great series... Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of Strictly. The actor, 66, has played the womanising and villainous Paul Robinson on the Australian soap for four decades, but finally wrapped up filming for the show's final episode on Friday. And now his time on Ramsay Street is over, he is reportedly taking the opportunity to show off his moves on the dancefloor. A source told The Sun: 'Stefan is a huge character on the soap and is sure to be a hit with Strictly fans. BBC bosses are confident Stefan will bring in the ratings. 'He has made no secret of the fact that he would love to star on Strictly and will put his all into the training.' MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Stefan for comment. Stefan was joined by his fellow cast for an emotional last day on set on Friday at Nunawading Studios in Australia, as they filmed the soap's finale. He has starred on Neighbours since it first debuted in 1985, going on to leave the show in 1992, but then returning in 2004. Expressing his gratitude for the soap that shot him to fame, he gushes that without it, he wouldn't have met the people and lived experiences of a lifetime. Stefan reflected: 'I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years.' Neighbours' impact is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, to gain an unlikely cultural significance in Britain. The final episode is set to air on December 11, after fans have witnessed the drama be axed three times. Just two years ago, viewers were gearing up for what was then billed as the 'finale' before Amazon swooped in with a lifeline. Stacey Solomon In April this year it was reported that Stacey had been approached by BBC bosses to star on this year's series of Strictly after she admitted she is 'obsessed' with the show. The presenter, 35, caught producers' eyes after she scooped a National Television Award for her BBC One series Sort Your Life Out last September. A source told The Sun: 'Stacey is a hit with viewers thanks to her lovable personality. 'The BBC always want to showcase their own talent on Strictly and Stacey's show has already bagged them an NTA.' The mother-of-five has a strong social media fanbase, with fans following every move of her family life with her husband Joe Swash and children Zachary, 17, Leighton, 12, Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two. They added: 'Fans will also love watching her husband Joe Swash in the audience cheering her on every week.' MailOnline contacted both the BBC and Stacey's representatives for comment at the time. Stacey alluded to wanting to take part in Strictly in 2022, saying: '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,' she went on. 'I'd be one of those people who would go out in week one and they'd be like: 'Well that was a waste of time!'' Dani Dyer She found fame on Love Island where she won over the hearts of the nation with her down to earth attitude. And last month it was reported that Dani Dyer is moving on to one of her biggest career moves yet, by signing up to Strictly Come Dancing. The star, 28, is reported to be taking part in the next series, with The Sun claiming she has signed a pre-contract for the show and is currently in pay deal talks. A source told the publication: 'Bosses are thrilled she's agreed to take part and are ironing out her fee. 'She's bubbly, down-to-earth and straight-talking and producers reckon she'll make an ideal contestant — not to mention the bonus of having Jarrod and dad Danny in the audience supporting her.' MailOnline contacted the BBC and Dani's reps for comment. It comes after last year her acting father Danny, 47, said he gets asked to appear on Strictly Come Dancing every year, but he turns it down because it's simply 'not for him'. Speaking to The Sun, the TV star revealed the reason why he would never agree to be on the beloved BBC show. In true Danny fashion, he told the newspaper: 'I get offered to do Strictly every year, and it's not for me. I've got no desire to be mincing around in sequins.' Vicky Pattison Stefan's rumoured Strictly signing comes after reports this week that Vicky had also been offered a spot on this year's series. The reality TV star, 37, is said to have caught the attention of producers when she cheered on pal Pete Wicks from the audience during last year's series - and now bosses are keen to bring her centre stage. A source said: 'Vicky loved watching Pete on the series and was in awe of the detail that goes into every performance. 'She has great energy and will no doubt be a hit with the viewers. 'Vicky's done plenty of reality shows but is ready to be out of her comfort zone on the dance floor.' It comes after a busy few years for Vicky who married her partner Ercan Ramadan in 2024. Paul C Brunson While last month, it was said that the BBC series was in talks with Paul C. Brunson to appear, with bosses convinced they could rely on the star not to fall victim to the show's infamous 'curse'. The so-called 'Strictly curse' has been a tabloid staple for over a decade - rooted in the idea that taking part in the show often spells trouble for contestants' relationships. Now, insiders reportedly claim producers are keen to sign clean-cut relationship expert Paul, who is known for his roles on Channel 4 's hit shows Married At First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating. The American star, who now lives in London, is seen as a safe option - and potentially just what Strictly needs following two drama-filled series. He has been married to his partner Jill since 2000. A source told The Sun: 'Paul would be the ideal tonic to the dark clouds over Strictly as he's clean-cut, very intelligent and has no scandals to worry about. 'They are now in discussion but he's met with producers a number of times. 'Everyone is hoping he'll sign on the dotted line and is keen to make it happen.' Gladiators star Nitro Gladiators star Nitro has also been rumoured to have signed up for this year's show after 'impressing' BBC producers on the Christmas special. The superhuman, 36, took part in last year's festive edition and was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu. And now Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines Aryeetey, has reportedly agreed to appear on the regular series this autumn. A show insider told The Sun how the ex-Olympian had been on bosses' wish list for some time now. The said: 'Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing. 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' Nitro previously hinted at a role in the main series when he revealed he would be taking part in the Christmas special with an injury. He told The Mirror: 'I am carrying an injury to some degree. It's been quite tough. I'm not my full self. Hopefully that's taken into consideration. 'But at the same time, I'm just here for a good time. I can dance, I can enjoy myself, that's the most important thing. 'Although I think we're going to do well and although I think we're going to have fun with it, it would be nice to do myself 100% justice by competing another time on the main series. 'It would be good to be in a position where I can show my ultimate self. I've got the bug. If the opportunity arises… it's being in an arena and learning a new skill. If the opportunity arises, I would jump at it, literally because I'll be able to jump by then.' Tom Parker-Bowles It has also been claimed that member of high society and MasterChef star, Tom Parker Bowles, is also in the running for Strictly this year. The eldest son of Queen Camilla 50, is said to have already been approached for the last series, with bosses keen to get him onboard. 'It would be a coup to sign someone with such a strong royal link. Maybe we could see Camilla and Charles in the audience?' Thomas Skinner Strictly bosses have also reportedly signed up Apprentice star Thomas Skinner in the hopes he'll attract 'working-class blokes' to the show. The businessman, 34, was on season 15 of the BBC show in 2019 and reached week nine before he was fired by Lord Sugar, despite losing all his tasks. Known for his strong Cockney accent and 'Bosh' catchphrase, he went on to rack up a large following on social media and appear on shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Celebrity MasterChef. According to The Mirror, Thomas has agreed to appear on Strictly after previously admitting his mum 'would love him to do it'. A source told the publication: 'Thomas hasn't any dancing experience, but he's up for giving the competition his best shot. 'Strictly bosses are hoping he'll get the dads watching. He has a massive following, especially with working-class blokes. 'He's a huge football fan and enjoys pies and gravy. He's not a luvvie at all. He's bound to get his catchphrase 'Bosh' on to the show, too.' Georgia Toffolo Georgia Toffolo is also said to be top of the wish list. The Made In Chelsea star, 30, previously won rival reality show I'm A Celebrity back in 2017, and might have the chance to do the same on the BBC dancing contest, as she is said to be in talks to sign up. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: 'Georgia is in talks to join – she would bring glamour, poise and fun to the show. 'She's been a huge hit on all the telly shows she's done and would be a popular contestant on Strictly.' Ashley Cain In April it was reported that Ashley Cain is being eyed up for Strictly Come Dancing after 'impressing' BBC bosses with his TV work. The former Ex On The Beach star, 34, is said to have made it to the initial list of names that producers have in mind for the next series of the show. A source told The Mirror: 'He's a proper character with a very interesting background that looks the part. 'He would be a great addition to the Strictly line up. He's presented a couple of shows and has really impressed.' According to the publication, an insider revealed that bosses work from a list of roughly 30 names before whittling it down to the final 15 to take part. MailOnline contacted the BBC for comment. Angellica Bell Last December Strictly fans thought they had already worked out which celebrity would be announced as a contestant on this year's show in a 'reserve' twist. TV presenter Angellica Bell hinted that she would like to take part when she admitted that she is a huge fan and has 'watched every show'. Fans believed Angellica, 48, was a reserve, but will be part of the main cast next year. One said: 'Angellica was announced late in the day as confirmed by The Sun one year, and then didn't actually materialise in the cast. 'I do think it's very possible she's been the reserve before.' While a second chimed in: 'Definitely a backup squad somewhere - makes sense that she's in it.' Angellica has previously said that her friends, and people she knows who have been on the show, said it's 'really good' and that she should do it. She said: 'So, you know, I think you have to. I think everyone's experience has been different. But all I know is I'd go into it and just be like 'Right, how much do I have to move my hips?' 'I like seeing the people who haven't danced and they get better because I think that's what it's for. I love learning new things.' Her friend and CBBC alumni Rhys Stephenson went on the show in 2021 and finished in fourth place with his pro dance partner Nancy Xu. Angellica rose to fame presenting CBBC and has since become a familiar face after appearing on other shows including The Martin Lewis Money Show, The One Show and Celebrity MasterChef - which she won in 2017. She was announced as a contestant on Strictly in 2016 by The Sun, but it's thought that there was a last minute reshuffle as she did not take part in the end. She was also rumoured to be in the line-up for 2020, but this didn't transpire either. At the time, Angellica told The Sun that she would love to go on, and even said she's a 'pretty good dancer' but also confessed she is 'doubtful' that she would do it if she was asked. Sir Mo Farah Sporting icon Mo Farah is also rumoured to be appearing on this year's Strictly. A source said: 'His personality would provide the perfect tonic to the toxicity that's overshadowed Strictly. 'Bosses would love to sign him up but the talks are at a very early stage.' Mo is a long-distance runner. Considered one of the greatest runners of all time, his ten global championship gold medals (four Olympic and six World titles) make him the most successful male track distance runner in the history of the sport, and he is the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stefan Dennis for Strictly Come Dancing?
Stefan Dennis is set to compete on the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. The Neighbours actor – who has played lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode of the soap aired in 1985 – is a huge fan of the BBC dance series and is finally free to take part now that Neighbours has filmed its final ever episodes. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Stefan is a huge character on the soap and is sure to be a hit with Strictly fans. 'BBC bosses are confident Stefan will bring in the ratings. He has made no secret of the fact that he would love to star on Strictly and will put his all into the training.' Stefan, 66 – who has three children with actress wife Gail Easdale, 52 – said goodbye to six-times married alter-ego after 40 years last week as he and the cast filmed their final scenes at Nunawading studios. He wrote on Instagram: 'Just want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone that has been on board the good ship @neighbours for the last 40 years. Yesterday I said goodbye to a phenomenon that has been two thirds of my life and a vast majority of my career life. 'It has genuinely been an honour and a privilege working with all the people on this marvellous show that has taken me on such a wonderful journey I had never considered. And my upmost gratitude to all of our loyal fans out there. You have kept the show alive through thick and thin. Thank you everyone. I will remember and cherish it all forever.'
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.
