Dyer

Vicky Pattison has ‘confirmed’ the first star of next year’s Strictly Come Dancing as she revealed she will be in the front row every week to watch close pal Dani Dyer ‘smash it’

Strictly‘s Vicky Pattison appears to have confirmed the first contestant of next year’s series as she stated her friend Dani Dyer will return to the dance floor, after she had to pull out of the competition last minute due to an injury.

Dani, 29, and Vicky struck a close friendship during their training for the BBC dance show and have publicly supported each other online. Dani, who was initially paired with show pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27, was left gutted after she had to suddenly leave the show and her friends, just days before her first dance.

While she is unable to dance, she showed up on Saturday evening to support her fellow stars and praised Vicky on her routine to Fight for This Love by Cheryl for Icons Week.

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Dani shared a series of images on her Instagram, including a sweet snap cuddling an emotional Vicky. She wrote in the caption: “So happy I got to watch @bbcstrictly last night.. missed you all and so proud. And my beautiful @vickypattison just love you so much and watching you live was just PERFECT!! love you all loads.”

Vicky was quick to comment back and appeared to confirm that Dani will be on next year’s series. She wrote: “I love you so much mate, my girl!!! I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT”. Vicky also reposted the image to her stories, where she repeated that she ‘can’t wait’ to watch Dani next year.

It came after Vicky’s emotions poured out before her latest performance, as she reflected on the person she used to be and who she is now, before transforming into Cheryl Tweedy for an impressive routine.

As the pre-dance video rolled, Vicky said: “I first started out in this industry at about 21 and I made some bad decisions. I just don’t think at that age I had the tools to navigate that space I was in. Now I do my best to be a better version of myself – someone I can look in the mirror and feel alright about.” She went on: “What I’ve learnt about myself is that with determination and a little bit of self-belief, you can achieve stuff.”

As she opened up on her song choice for the week, Fight for this Love by the Girls Aloud star, Vicky added: “Apart from being a banger is a very important song to me. The whole idea that the comeback is greater than the setback.

“You can have the life you want. You can change the narrative. You can be who you want to be, not letting the past define you. I think that’s really powerful. I worked on myself and now I’m here in a place that makes us really happy and I’m finally becoming a woman I’m proud of.”

Following the performance, which racked up a score of 33 from the judges, Cheryl congratulated her fellow Geordie before saying she was “honoured and humbled” to be her choice of icon.

Cheryl sweetly said: “I know you’ve got it in you because you’re a Geordie. So go on, get out there. Fight for your place, and I’m sending you loads of love. I’ll be rooting for you from home.”

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Dani Dyer has opened up on how she feels watching fellow Love Island alumni Amber Davies join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in her place following injury

Dani Dyer has admitted she found the first live Strictly Come Dancing show hard to watch at the weekend. The former Love Island star, 29, had been excited to be a part of the hit BBC contest, but injury forced her to quit in the week running up to the series starting.

Now, while chatting with her dad Danny Dyer on their Live and Let Dyers podcast, the reality TV star admitted she would love to go back next series. “My door is open,” she confessed. “If they want their door to be open then I’ll walk through their door.”

And talking about Amber Davies replacing her, she admitted she feels she will be amazing with Nikita Guzman. “Watching the launch show, they’re all so lovely,” she said before her dad asked how she felt.

READ MORE: Dani Dyer opens up about ‘pure devastation’ she felt when forced to quit StrictlyREAD MORE: Love Island star’s desperate call to cops after creepy man ‘tried to grab kids’

“That was really hard,” she confessed. “Obviously seeing them, but obviously Amber’s come in and they’re going to be amazing together.

“I’m glad that Nikita’s actually got a partner because there was a chance he wouldn’t get a partner. It was just such a quick turnaround.”

She added: “Listen, I wish everyone the best, ” before confessing her love for Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison. “I’m so glad I met Vicky,” she gushed.

Dani also revealed during the chat that she felt she may have done something wrong in the world after injuring herself. It left her requiring the advice of her therapist for the first time since she met her husband Jarrod Bowen.

“He just put things into perspective for me,” she candidly revealed.

Speaking of how the injury occurred, dad Danny labelled it a “freak f***ing accident”. Dani then added: “Basically I fell and rolled my ankle and initially I heard a noise but I thought, ‘I think it’ll be fine’, but I came home on the weekend and iced it all, and they sent me for the MRI and it came back that there was a hairline fracture on my ankle, but it was my ligaments.”

“They said to me, the physio, if you have a grade one sprain, we can work with a grade one sprain, but one side of my ankle had a grade two sprain and the other side had a grade one.

“We went and got a second opinion, see the doctor, and I was like ‘What can we do? Physically do? Can you jab it, there’s got to be something’.”

But she admitted the Strictly bosses pulled the plug on her time, admitting they told her it wasn’t worth it. They explained she would be “in so much pain” if she was to continue.

Now, with Amber going in as one of the favourites, fans have been wondering if her call-up is fair due to her West End and dancing background.

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DANI Dyer has quit Strictly Come Dancing days before the live shows after injuring her ankle in training.

Dani’s exit dropped just as the cast was putting the final polish on their first live dances.

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She had taken part in the launch show — filmed ahead of transmission — where her partnership with Nikita was revealed to viewers.

The plan was to hit the floor this weekend, but the fracture means she won’t make it to that first Saturday night.

It’s a tough blow for Dani and for Nikita, who was ready to kick off the series with a crowd-pleasing ballroom number.

Here’s what happened and where things stand with a replacement.

Why has Dani Dyer pulled out of Strictly 2025?

Dani suffered a nasty ankle injury during rehearsals and has been forced to withdraw on medical advice.

She fell during a Friday training session, her foot ballooned over the weekend, and a hospital scan confirmed a fracture, leaving doctors with no choice but to bench her for the series.

The timing is brutal, coming just days before the first live show after she’d already filmed the pre-recorded launch where her pro partner was revealed.

In an emotional update to fans, Dani explained that continuing would risk exacerbating the injury.

She’d been gearing up for a fast ballroom routine in week one, but admitted taking to the floor with a fracture simply wasn’t possible.

The Love Island winner said she was gutted to walk away so close to the live shows after throwing herself into training.

What did Dani say about quitting?

The TV favourite struggled to hold back tears as she confirmed her exit, calling it “heartbreaking” to bow out before she’d had the chance to perform live.

She also thanked viewers for their support and said she’d be cheering the remaining couples on from the sofa while she focused on healing up.

Dani was particularly disappointed not to get her shot with pro partner Nikita Kuzmin after their pairing was unveiled on the launch show, saying she’d hoped to make her mark on the ballroom this year.

What has Nikita Kuzmin said — and could Dani return?

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Nikita broke his silence with a heartfelt message to fans and to Dani, praising her effort in the training room and saying he was proud of how hard she’d worked before the injury struck.

He admitted he was “gutted” to lose his celebrity partner so close to week one, and hinted he’d love the chance to dance with Dani in the future when she’s fit again.

In a further update, Nikita suggested the door isn’t closed on Dani appearing down the line in some capacity — whether that’s a studio visit later in the run or even a comeback in a future series once she’s fully recovered.

Is Dani Dyer being replaced?

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The BBC has confirmed Amber Davies is stepping into the Strictly 2025 line-up after Dani Dyer’s shock withdrawal with a fractured ankle.

Amber won Love Island in 2017 and has since established a successful stage career, starring in West End hits such as 9 to 5: The Musical and Pretty Woman: The Musical.

Thrown straight in at the deep end, Amber will make her Strictly debut in the first live show on Saturday, September 27.

She and Nikita are set to perform a Waltz as they bid to get their scores on the board and settle those first-night nerves.

What this means for week one

The live show will go ahead with a new name slotted into the line-up if producers can finalise the replacement in time.

The incoming celebrity will need to fast-track rehearsals to match the rest of the cast, and their debut dance is likely to be a classic ballroom routine that can be polished quickly in the studio.

Expect a supportive welcome from the judges and some leeway from viewers as the new pairing finds its footing under pressure.

When is Strictly 2025 on?

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The pre-recorded launch has already aired, revealing the celebrity-pro pairings and giving fans a first look at the glamour.

The live shows start this Saturday night on BBC One, with catch-up available on BBC iPlayer shortly after transmission.

Week one traditionally has no elimination, so viewers will get to see every couple — including the late replacement — take to the floor before the first vote opens the following week.

VICKY Pattison and Dani Dyer’s dad Danny have rallied around her after she was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing due to injury.

Strictly contestant Vicky and actor Danny led the stars sharing messages of support on Instagram last night after the Love Islander broke the news of her exit.

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Mum-of-three Dani was due to perform in her first live show on Saturday night with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, but said: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny.

“I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.”

Dani, 29, continued: “Apparently doing the Quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.

“To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement.

“I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

Her dad left a broken-heart emoji beneath her post, and Vicky replied, saying: “Absolutely devastated for you Dani.

“I’m going to miss you so much… Love you loads x”

The ex-Geordie Shore star added a string of photos of them together in a separate post on her Instagram grid.

She revealed they formed a close bond during their time together on the show.

Vicky said: “I am absolutely gutted for you!! I have loved every minute of our little @bbcstrictly journey together and I’m devastated this is the end..

“But I know you’ll be back next year with your incredible energy, amazing dance skills and beautiful soul… AND YOU’LL SMASH IT!!!

“I’m already peanut butter and jealous of whatever lucky sod gets to be your dressing room buddy… because you’re the best roomie ever.

“Love you mate and wishing you a speedy recovery… this series won’t be the same without you…”

Dani replied: “Going to miss you, love you millions.”

Just days ago Dani shared her nerves ahead of the live shows.

She said last week: “I’m absolutely petrified about dancing live on Saturday nights.”

Speaking to The Sun about her upcoming Strictly adventure, she was asked if her famous dad Danny Dyer was going to watch – and if he would get emotional.

The mum-of-three revealed: “He’s going to. He will try and keep it together. Him and my mum are making a little date day of it.

“They’re coming on the launch show together. They’re really excited.”

Asked whether she could persuade The Football Factory star to do Strictly in the future, she said: “When it [Strictly] was announced, someone said Dani Dyer is doing it – they thought it was my dad. It’s not Danny Dyer – it’s the other one. 

“I don’t know. You can never say never.”

Strictly Come Dance 2025 lineup

Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up

Love Island star Dani Dyer has confessed that some Strictly Come Dancing may be expecting to see her EastEnders star father taking part in the 2025 season rather than her

Dani Dyer has admitted fans may have been duped into thinking her father, Danny Dyer, is taking part in the upcoming new season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 29-year-old reality star is most famous for being the daughter of EastEnders star Danny, 48, and his financial advisor wife Joanne Mas, 48, and for being a contestant on the 2018 season of Love Island. This winter, fans will see the mum-of-three take to the Strictly dance floor as one of the 2025 contestants.

However, the Love Island star – who married West Ham United footballer Jarrod Bowen, 28, in May – has admitted that some TV fans may be tuning in expecting to see her dad, rather than her, taking on the ambitious dance routines. She explained that this is down to the fact her name and her father’s are pronounced the same.

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She told the Daily Mail: “A lot of people when they said Dani Dyer’s doing it, because it was on the radio they probably thought it was the other Danny Dyer.”

Speaking of her dad, she revealed there is one reality show she’d like to see him take part in – but she revealed he would refuse to do it, if asked. She said: “I would like to see him in the I’m A Celeb jungle but he says he never would go in the jungle.”

And she explained further: “He was like: ‘Dan, I’d be bored.’ He’d be snoring everyone to death.” Danny is known to many for playing Mick Carter in EastEnders – a role he held down from 2013–2022.

Since exiting the BBC soap, Danny has gone on to enjoy critical and commercial success playing Freddie Jones in the raunchy Disney+ series Rivals and for playing Lee in the hit Sky comedy series Mr. Bigstuff.

The 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing has come under fire from some fans for having a lacklusture line-up stuffed full of reality star contestants. Alongside Love Island’s Dani is ex-Apprentice contestant Tom Skinner, former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, and social media star George Clarke.

The Daily Mail has suggested that show bosses failed to attach bigger names to the 2025 season after Strictly was hit by string of scandals – including accusations professional dancers had abused their celebrity co-stars.

A source claimed: “Yes, the Beeb had to expand their roster as they were struggling to get talent to sign up for a variety of mitigating circumstances.”

But a Strictly spokesperson hit back at the report, telling the Mirror: “This is pure conjecture from the Daily Mail. There was absolutely no difference to the casting process this year, both in timescale and the great mix of names wanting to take part.”

The 2025 season is due to begin on Saturday night on BBC One at 6:40pm. The launch show will see the new contestants being matched with their celebrity partners.

While reigning champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell – who won the series in 2024 – will return to take to the floor again, and fans will hear music by Jessie J.

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STRICTLY Come Dancing could be embroiled in a new ‘fix’ row after Dani Dyer claimed she was a ‘qualified dancer’.

Dani Dyer was the second celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, with the announcment being made on The One Show earlier this week.

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Dani, 29, shot to fame when she won Love Island in 2018 – with her new reality stint very different to the dating show.

The daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer will waltz her way around the ballroom in September when she joins the cast of the hit series.

But now it has been revealed that in an unearthed passage from her autobiography, Dani boasted about being a “qualified dancer”.

She said in her 2019 book that she would put “qualified dancer” under the list of qualifications on her CV.

Writing in her book, which came out six years ago, Dani wrote about how she went to theatre school at weekends from the age of 2 to 14.

“It was called O’Farrell’s Stage School and I was a really good little dancer,” she said.

Dani added: “I’m not a bad singer but it was the dance stuff I loved more – jazz, tap, ballet, modern. I’d get home and prance around the house.”

Elsewhere in the book she writes up a mock CV where she states her qualifications include: “Qualified dancer and pretty good at singing (especially Dua Lipa or Ariana Grande at the top of her voice while cleaning the kitchen).”

‘I’D BE HAPPY TO BE WHISKED AROUND’

She also spoke about Strictly in her book, saying how she would jump at the chance of being asked to compete on the hit reality dancing competition.

“If Strictly Come Dancing want to give me a call I’d also be happy to be whisked around the dance floor,” she penned at the time.

At the time of her book coming out, Dani was all loved up with then-beau Jack Fincham, and she said of Strictly: “The only thing I’d be worried about would be the curse.”

In her book from several years ago, Dani also swooned about her bond with Shirley Ballas.

Bonding with her on a trek for Comic Relief, Dani said she was “just the most graceful, lovely person”.

But despite admitting her prior dance experience, fans are still excited to see Dani storm the ballroom.

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Reacting to the news of Dani being confirmed for the series, one person on X said: “Woooo I love Dani!!!”

“Whoop I love Dani! She’ll be awesome,” penned a second.

The Sun has contacted Strictly for comment but they did not immediately respond.

SHOWBIZ BACKGROUND SCRUTINY

Dani is not the only star in Strictly history to have had their background in the world of showbiz scrutinised.

Tasha Ghouri, also from Love Island, had her background in dance.

The star who appeared on the series last year faced a backlash for being a trained dancer and branded the show a “fix” because they signed her up.

Actress Sarah Hadland and JLS’ JB Gill were also accused of having advantages on the show because of their backgrounds and prior careers.

But despite all of their experience, nor Tasha, Sarah or JB won the show.

STRICTLY 2025 LINE UP SO FAR

Gladiator Nitro‘s signing for Strictly was shortly followed by the announcement of three more contestants – Love Island star Dani, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were then revealed.

EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who plays the role of Suki Panesar in the hit soap, was then confirmed on Tuesday morning.

With YouTuber George Clarke unveiled on Tuesday afternoon on BBC Radio 1.

Model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down syndrome, was then the seventh celebrity revealed to be waltzing their way onto the dance floor next month, in the groundbreaking signing.

RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK star La Voix was then the next confirmed star to be announced.

And former England rugby union player and captain Chris Robshaw has also been confirmed this week.

He’s miles away from Albert Square and all the EastEnders drama, but Danny Dyer was still thrilled to be reunited with one of his former co-stars while filming for Mr Bigstuff.

Nudity, fights and secret kisses – Danny Dyer doesn’t hold back in the second series of Mr Bigstuff. He even bumped into one of his former co-stars in EastEnders.

Danny Dyer‘s appearance in the first season has already earned him the 2025 TV Bafta for Male Performance in a Comedy Programme. Now, the show returns with Danny and creator Ryan Sampson as chalk-and-cheese brothers Lee and Glen – two blokes bound by blood but tested by secrets and deep-rooted dysfunction.

The emotions may be deep, but Mr Bigstuff doesn’t forget its slapstick roots. The stunts are back, and Danny has gone full throttle. “It’s very physical. It was a whole day of me having a tear-up,” he says, “I don’t mind that stuff, but it’s getting a bit more difficult as I get older.”

One brawl sees Lee square up to members of a working men’s club – and even Ryan couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Danny was very impressive, he’s like Errol Flynn when he gets going,” he says, “I’ve never seen anybody do that before. It’s really technical and knackering.”

Alongside the bruises and banter are a few familiar faces, with Taskmaster’s Fatiha El-Ghorri popping up again as Aysha, as well as EastEnders stars Alan Ford, who played Stevie Mitchell, and Linda Henry, aka Shirley Carter. “I love Linda,” says Danny, who starred as Shirley’s son Mick in the BBC soap. “I wanted more scenes with her.”

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Both actors were inspired by their own lives to nail the chaotic relationship. “They’re at each other’s throats, aren’t they?” says Ryan, 39. “I have siblings, and we sometimes tear strips off each other.”

Danny’s real-life brother Tony provided some inspiration for Glen and his character Lee. “We’re only 18 months apart but we’re so different, a little bit like Lee and Glen.

My brother hated football when he was a kid. His best friend was a girl and he loved playing with Barbies,” Danny, 47, recalls. “He was the bane of my life because being in an East London school, he was being bullied for it and I was fighting his battles a lot.

“He’s a straight man, but he wanted to play with dolls. There’s nothing wrong with that at all.” And then there were the games they played together.

“We used to play a game called Judo Mermaid. He was the mermaid so he would put my mum’s tights on his head and I was Judo. I’d turn up, a bit like Columbo, with a celery stick in my mouth, and solve crimes.”

But in Mr Bigstuff the laughs stop for Glen when his fiancée Kirsty – played by Harriet Webb – starts behaving strangely. She’s sitting on a secret that could destroy everything.

As fans will remember, Kirsty shared a stolen kiss with Lee at the end of series one. And she’s kept it to herself since. But in real life, Harriet admits she isn’t to be trusted with her own secrets.

“I’m very much an over-sharer,” she admits, “I once lied about how many sausages I’d eaten. Then immediately, after telling the lie, I revealed the truth.”

When a mystery blackmailer appears and threatens to spill the beans, silence becomes critical for her relationship with Glen. “Throughout series one, they told each other, ‘No more secrets,’” Harriet says.

“They made a pact, especially after he found out about Kirsty’s shoplifting. So to have another secret, although I’m not the only one, is a lot.”

Series two doesn’t just revolve around Kirsty’s moral dilemmas. Lee and Glen go digging into their father’s past, only for Lee to stumble on something that could shatter their sense of identity.

Not all scenes were fun for Harriet. She recalls one tough day of filming in Canvey Island, Essex. “There was one day dedicated to a scene in episode five and Ryan told me, ‘I can’t wait for this,’” Harriet says.

“And I was like, ‘It’s going to be hell, I’m going to have to be on the verge of tears for an entire day.’ That was my biggest challenge this season.”

For Ryan, the toughest scenes were the romantic ones. As a proud gay man, filming intimate moments with Harriet took some getting used to.

“I’ve written a lot of sex scenes and kissing,’” he says, “But actually doing it… There was one moment Kirsty was like, ‘I think you grab my boob now.’ That might only be the second boob I’ve grabbed.”

Still, the messy love triangle, the family drama and the emotional gut punches all come wrapped in the off-beat humour that made Mr Bigstuff a surprise hit. And its second series goes bigger and bolder.

As for a third? The cast are all on board, though Ryan says he hasn’t got it nailed down yet. “I’m waiting to see what the viewers think,” he says. “But season two ends on the biggest plot twist I could think of. That’s the jumping off point for series three. I already have a few ideas.”

Mr Bigstuff Series 2 launches on Sky and streaming service NOW on Thursday 24 July.

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EastEnders legend Danny Dyer has revealed he’s planning on following in his ‘hero” Harold Pinter’s footsteps by turning down a knighthood if he’s ever offered the accolade

Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer has shared why he’d turn down a knighthood.

The 47-year-old actor says that he was too “anti-establishment” for the title which are given to individuals by the monarch for a significant contribution to society.

He told Radio Times that he’d follow in the footsteps of his “hero” Harold Pinter, who turned down a knighthood back in 1996.

Nobel-winning playwright Pinter declined the honour of a knighthood offered to him on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth II by former prime minister John Major, but later accepted the award of Companion of Honour in 2002.

When asked if he’d ever been approached about appearing on the New Year’s Honours list, Danny explained: “Have I f! Harold was my hero and turned down a knighthood.

“He was anti-establishment as well, so I don’t think it’s for me.”

Danny became a household name acting in EastEnders from 2013 to 2022 as fan favourite Mick Carter and has since gone on to star in Disney’s hit series Rivals, Sky comedy show Mr. Bigstuff, and an upcoming Irish film Three Quick Breaths.

It comes after Danny left his daughter Dani Dyer horrified with his honeymoon confession.

During a recent episode of their podcast Live And Let Dyers, the Love Island winner opened up about her romantic getaway with new husband and West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, while proud dad Danny managed to overshare in true Dyer fashion.

Back from her sun-soaked trip to Lake Como, Dani revealed the newlyweds were hit with gloomy weather but still made the most of their honeymoon bubble.

“The weather was terrible, it rained for three days but we were very lucky, because it always stopped raining when we went for lunch and for dinners and stuff,” Dani told her dad on the pod.

While the couple had hoped for some sunbathing time, Dani admitted they swapped tanning for telly, champagne and baths.

She added: “We just could never sunbathe, and there’s not really much to do there so, we just binged the whole series of MobLand. We ate and I’d just drink champagne and have loads of baths.”

However, it wasn’t long before Danny spun the convo onto his honeymoon and things got very a little too honest.

He said: “To be fair, you shouldn’t really be getting out of bed a lot in your honeymoon because me and your mother ended up in Florence, and you know, we was appalling!

“I mean, honestly, I look back on it and I think, ‘f****** hell! How on Earth did I manage to get in those sorts of positions!.”

A shocked Dani responded saying: “Oh, you’re disgusting!” before he hit back with: “What do you mean disgusting? There was two people sharing their love. Them days are long gone now!”

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is only a few months away and rumours are already rife about who will be strutting their stuff in sequins on the much-loved BBC series

It seems like only yesterday that Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell waltzed away with the Glitterball trophy, but the new series of Strictly Come Dancing is only a few months away. The BBC often reveals its line-up of celebrity contestants in August, but that hans’t stopped the rumour mill from churning.

A whole host of famous faces are said to be on the top of producers’ lists this year, including Sort Your Life Out star, Stacey Solomon, and Love Island winner, Dani Dyer, who recently tied the knot with West Ham player, Jarrod Bowen. So, as we wait and see who will be strutting their stuff on the dance floor when the new series kicks off in September, here’s the rumoured line-up, starting with mum-of-five, and DIY enthusiast Stacey Solomon…

Stacey Solomon

Stacey is among many names said to be lined up for Strictly. The Sort Your Life Out star, 35, has a whole host of reality TV shows under her belt, including I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, which she won.

The plucky DIY enthusiast also has a fly-on-the-wall show with husband, Joe Swash called Stacey and Joe. In the series, filmed in Pickle Cottage, the pair navigate marriage and parenthood with their combined brood of six kids.

Dani Dyer

Fresh from her marriage to West Ham star, Jarrod Bowen, Danny Dyer’s daughter, Dani, could be coming to Strictly. The mum-of-three won Love Island and has a popular podcast with her famous dad in which they discuss all manner of things with refreshing honesty.

Dani, 28, gained a huge following after Love Island and as a proud parent of three kids, including twin girls, Summer and Star, she would be a great addition to the show as a working mum.

Paul C. Brunson

Married At First Sight guru, Paul C. Brunson, 50, is a huge hit with fans after dishing out advice on the popular Channel 4 dating show. He is also has a successful podcast, We Need To Talk, in which he interviews a host of celebrities, who wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Referring to the scandals that have plagued Strictly in recent years, 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.”

Vicky Pattison- Ramadan

Geordie Shore star, Vicky, 37, is also rumoured to be in the line-up and has a load of experience on TV. Since shooting to fame on Geordie Shore, she has carved out a successful career, appearing on shows, including I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, which she won in 2015.

She got married to husband Ercan Ramadan last year in two ceremonies, including a lavish bash in Italy, which was attended by the couple’s famous pals.

Ashley Cain

Ex On The Beach star, Ashley Cain, 34, could also be slipping into sequins in September. The former footballer, who has load of reality TV experience, is said to have also impressed BBC bosses with his presenting work.

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 BBC shows and has really impressed.”

Tom Parker-Bowles

Queen Camilla’s son, Tom, 50 is said to be top of Strictly bosses’ wish lists. The food critic has published a number of books, including titles for posh shop, Fortnum and Mason.

Tom is the Queen’s oldest child child from her first marriage to retired Army officer Andrew Parker-Bowles.

Angellica Bell

Fresh from her stint on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, Kids TV star, Angellica, 49, could be lining up for some more screen time.

The TV presenter has expressed her interest in taking part in Strictly, having recently told The Sun: “So people have done it and say it’s really good. So when I’ve had, like, in-depth conversations with people who are my friends and they say it’s great, I would definitely go from their recommendation. And they always say, oh, you should do it.”

The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

* Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

READ MORE: Kickers’ ‘durable’ Back to School shoe range that ‘last all year’

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Linda Henry, Shaun Williamson and Rula Lenska are just some famous faces set to make a guest appearance on Sky’s Mr Bigstuff alongside Danny Dyer, Ryan Sampson and Harriet Webb

Danny Dyer’s EastEnders mother Linda Henry is joining him for the second series of Mr Bigstuff.

Soap icon Danny, Brassic favourite and series creator Ryan Sampson and Big Boys star Harriet Webb return in series two of the comedy, premiering this July on Sky and NOW.

Series one earned Danny his first-ever BAFTA TV award for his performance as Lee Campbell, the estranged brother of Glen, played by Ryan.

Set in suburban Essex, the series was a huge hit with audiences, becoming Sky Max’s highest-rated new original comedy in three years.

Series two picks up two weeks after the shock news that the brothers’ dad’s not actually dead, and Lee and Glen are handling it very differently.

But, with chaos mounting and questions piling up, the brothers unite on a mission to track him down.

Meanwhile, Kirsty’s taking charge in the bedroom and the boardroom, but one badly timed kiss – and a mysterious blackmailer -threaten to bring it all crashing down.

With secrets spilling and tempers flaring, it’s only a matter of time before the family blows up – again.

The brothers aren’t the only ones bringing chaos – first-look images tease guest stars including Danny’s former EastEnders co-star Linda as Pam.

Known for her portrayal of Shirley Carter in EastEnders, Linda reunites with Danny to play Pam, a no-nonsense, hands-on mechanic at the family haulage firm.

Fellow EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson, who played Barry Evans, will also make a guest appearance as an angry clown in episode five.

Guest-starring in episode two, Rula Lensk, renowned for her roles in Coronation Street and her memorable appearance on Celebrity Big Brothe, delivers high comedy as Rita, an eccentric and flirtatious woman the brothers believe is connected to their missing dad, Don Campbell.

Also joining series two are Ryan’s Brassic co-stars Tom Hanson and Parth Thakerar, as well as Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street) David Mumeni (Stath Lets Flats) and Alan Ford (Snatch).

Returning cast include Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey), Fatiha El-Ghorri (Taskmaster), Victoria Alcock (Bad Girls), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders) and and Clive Russell (Ripper Street).

The new series of Mr Bigstuff starts this July on Sky and NOW

Avon and Somerset police are said to have turned up on set to arrest the bricklayer-turned-actor soon after filming scenes

An actor was arrested on the set of Disney’s Rivals in front of cast and crew just an hour after filming with Danny Dyer, it has been reported. Police are said to have arrived on set to arrest Nigel Adams who was working as an extra on the hit show.

The incident allegedly took place in front of shocked cast members and while Adams was still in costume due to filming scenes just moment beforehand. The 45-year-old was filming a polo scene alongside acting legend Danny Dyer for the second series of the programme.

However, it was reportedly just an hour later that police cars turned up and Adams was driven away before spending two nights in police custody. He then appeared in court on Friday as he was accused of assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

The Sun reported that a source said: “It was very dramatic. Everyone was in their costumes and Danny was filming this polo scene when an hour later police suddenly turned up to arrest one of the extras. It was shocking.”

The assault is reported to have happened at a house in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Police were allegedly called to the address at 2am on May 31 of this year.

Adams was said to be questioned about the assault once he was arrested. Avon and Someset police are thought to have been tipped off that the bricklayer-turned-actor was working on the Rivals set at the time.

A friend said that he will be “gutted” as the arrest could mark the end of his acting career. They said: “He’ll be gutted because it could end his TV career, something he really loves doing.

“He’s a bricklayer by trade but he’s been doing more and more TV work, he’s been in loads of stuff. Whenever he’s in the background of a show he gets all his family and friends to watch it.”

Adams has quite a few acting roles under his belt already which include House of the Dragon, The Forsyte Saga and 2022 movie Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher. Adams appeared at Bristol magistrates’ court on Friday charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

No plea was made by him and he was given conditional bail until he returns to the city’s crown court on July 7. Production company Happy Prince, which makes the drama Rivals, told The Sun: “On the 4th June, the police visited the set regarding an ­unrelated matter involving a supporting artist.

“Production co-operated with the police. We do not have any further information as it is not connected to Rivals or to our production.”

The Mirror have contacted Happy Prince, Disney and Avon and Someset police for comment.

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Former Love Island star Dani Dyer shocked viewers when she revealed that her new mother-in-law actually voted for her and her ex-boyfriend, Jack Fincham to win Love Island in 2018

Dani Dyer has revealed who Jarrod Bowen’s mother voted for on Love Island. The reality star, who recently tied the knot, appeared on the ITV special, Love Island: Decade Of Love, where she revealed that her new mother-in-law actually voted for her and fellow islander Jack Fincham to win the show.

Ahead of a brand new series, Love Island shared a special episode where they celebrated an entire decade of the show, with many surprise guests commentating on old clips.

The show marked Dani’s first TV appearance, although it was pre-recorded, since she officially tied the knot with her footballer boyfriend Jarrod Bowen in a romantic ceremony on Saturday, 31 May. As Dani watched old Love Island clips with her friend Samira Mighty, she revealed that her now mother-in-law was actually rooting for Jack and Dani to win as a couple.

She said: “My mother-in-law voted for me and Jack to win Love Island,” leaving fellow former islander Samira shocked.

Entering the villa as a 21-year-old barmaid, Dani quickly became a fan favourite with her down-to-earth personality and relatable charm. Dani and Jack ended up winning the 2018 series by a mile with 79.66% of the vote.

Post-show, they moved in together, adopted a puppy, and began filming a reality series about their life. However, just six months later, Dani announced their split, stating they had realised the relationship wasn’t meant to be long-term.

Seven years on from stepping foot in the Love Island villa and Dani is now living her own fairytale with her family. The reality star began dating West Ham United footballer Jarrod Bowen in 2021, and the couple went on to welcome twin daughters, Star and Summer, in May 2023.

One year later, they announced their engagement in July 2024 and have just tied the knot in a ceremony at the end of May 2025, which was attended by close family and friends.

Dani’s father, former Eastenders actor Danny Dyer, walked her down the aisle while two-year-old twin daughters, Summer and Star, were flower girls. Dani’s four-year-old son Santiago, whom she shares with her ex Sammy Kimmence, was also a page boy.

The bride and groom and all their guests dressed to impress for the ceremony in the British countryside. Dani’s white off-the-shoulder gown by British designer Suzanne Neville cost a whopping £10,000 and was paid for by Danny and her mum.

Love Island returns to screens on June 9.

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DANI Dyer is preparing for the WAG lifestyle as she sported West Ham kit for her second hen do ahead of her lavish wedding.

The reality star, 28, got engaged to West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen last July.

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Dani and her close friends and family jetted to Ibiza on Friday for more pre-wedding celebrations.

The TV star shared Instagram stories of her on the flight with a bottle of Limoncello in her hand.

She flashed a big smile while wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, a veil on her head and a lace garter around the leg.

In a major nod to her future husband, Dani wore West Ham United’s traditional kit, with a claret shirt with blue sleeves, white shorts, and white socks.

On the back of the t-shirt had ‘Mrs Bowen to be’, with Jarrod’s jersey number 20.

This isn’t the first hen party Dani’s had in recent weeks.

In April, Dani took to Instagram to share a peek into her lavish first hen do.

The clip showed her dancing with former Love Island co-star Georgia Steel, while younger sister Sunnie was also in attendance.

Dani captioned: “The most perfect special night with all my nearest and dearest.

“Why do I feel so emotional about it all hahaha…. finally all starting to feel so real and I’m just so excited.”

A follower commented: “You look amazing! Xxx.”

While another penned: “So so happy for you.”

Dani looked stunning as she wore a sheer corset beaded dress at the celebration.

Her off-the-shoulder wedding frock had sleeves embroidered with the words “To Be Bowen”.

She also flashed her huge engagement ring in the snaps, along with a glimpse of the ruched detail on the bottom of the dress.

Meanwhile, the star wore her hair in a classy half updo with loose curls and finished her look with flawless bronzed makeup.

It comes as Dani previously shared her fears over her fiancé’s stag do – as actor dad Danny Dyer revealed racy plans.

The father-daughter duo discussed Dani’s upcoming nuptials – as well as Jarrod’s stag-do on their Live and Let Dyers podcast.

Dani said: “If you can go, Jarrod gets back on the Thursday and we’re married Saturday.”

At this point, Danny, 47, swiftly interjected by cheering: “Strippers!”

His daughter, however, proceeded to disagree with this possibility, saying “no, you’re not.”

She added: “We had a butler in the buff, but we had to draw him. We had to draw the naked man.”

The Marching Powder actor remarked: “That’s what we would do. We’d probably draw the…”

Dani cut in: “It’s different, I’m sorry, it’s so different.”

Dani and Jarrod got engaged last summer on a romantic boat trip in Ibiza, having escaped for a minibreak.

The couple left their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer at home with family, along with Dani’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship.

Speaking previously to Fabulous, Dani revealed: “We’ve found the venue, which is beautiful. It’s giving Bridgerton vibes. I want violins. 

“I’m just praying it doesn’t rain. We’re getting married in the UK, so you never know!”

She added that their wedding “is very family-focused” with their twin daughters as flower girls.

“Jarrod’s little brother and my little Santi will be page boys,” she continued. 

How Dani Dyer transformed her reputation

The daughter of everyone’s favourite EastEnders geezer Danny, is currently living the high life.

But Dani has had a rollercoaster few years, from her Love Island win back in 2018, to watching her son’s father Sammy Kimmence go to prison for fraud, and now navigating her glamourous new life as a WAG and mother of twin babies.

In recent years, Dani has completely shaken off the ‘chav’ persona, and has become one of the most well-known of the current England WAGs.

Fabulous spoke to celebrity PR expert Ed Hopkins to find out the key steps Dani has taken to reinvent herself, including the tips she has borrowed from iconic WAG Cheryl Cole.

Ed revealed that Dani’s ability to navigate personal challenges, such as the scandal involving Sammy, has greatly played a crucial role in her reinvention.

Ed said: “By openly discussing her struggles and triumphs, she has built a strong, relatable persona.

“Her transparency about her personal life, including solo parenting and dealing with public scrutiny, has garnered significant public support and empathy.”

He also shared that Dani’s openness in discussing the challenges of motherhood, has helped to transform her reputation.

Ed said: “This openness has made her more relatable to a broader audience, particularly young mothers. She balances her public image by sharing both the joys and hardships of parenting, creating a more nuanced and authentic brand.”

Dani is often seen supporting West Ham winger Jarrod, including during England’s devastating loss to Spain in the 2024 Euros.

Her unwavering support for her partner, has cemented her as one of the most well-known WAGS of this generation, according to Ed.

He said: “Her active support for Jarrod, including attending football matches and engaging with fans, mirrors the strategies used by high-profile WAGs like Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham, who also stood by their partners publicly and built their own identities alongside them.”

Not only this, but Ed revealed that Dani has been able to stay relevant over the years due to her candid use of social media.

He said: “Dani has consistently used media platforms to share her narrative, from interviews to social media updates.

“She has managed to stay relevant by engaging with her followers through candid posts and professional collaborations.

“This approach is reminiscent of how Victoria Beckham transitioned from pop stardom to a respected fashion designer, using media to reframe her public image.”

“My brother Arty is going to be a groomsman.

“Then I’ve got six bridesmaids. Knowing Dad, he will be an emotional wreck.

“He’s already planning his speech, too, but I’m not worried. 

“I’m more concerned about Jarrod’s best man. He’s very cheeky.”

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Danny Dyer was overcome with emotion as he accepted the award for Best Male Performance at the 2025 Bafta TV Awards

Danny Dyer left everyone speechless when he nabbed a prestigious Bafta Award on Sunday, May 11, with his typically colourful language adding some spice to the proceedings. Overcome with emotion, yet true to his EastEnders hardman persona, he didn’t hold back on the expletives during his acceptance speech.

The host for the evening, Alan Cumming, wasn’t caught off guard though, he quickly jumped in to apologise to viewers at home for the actor’s fruity on-air antics.

Celebrating his win for Best Male Performance in Sky Comedy’s ‘Mr Bigstuff’, Danny admitted with a cheeky grin: “The acting was so bad it was funny.”

He then set tongues wagging by dropping the F-bomb repeatedly, flouting the Bafta’s language guidelines, despite having faced a warning earlier on.

Despite the few choice words, the former soap star’s message resonated with the audience as he admitted to being “choked up” and sweetly referenced his two daughters during his heartfelt thanks at London’s Royal Festival Hall, reports Belfast Live.

Here, is an insight into Danny Dyer’s notorious speech, his nod to EastEnders, and where he’s heading in his career next.

The full speech

A good chunk of the 47-year-old’s candid speech was edited out due to the risqué content, but his gratefulness couldn’t be clearer from the snippets that survived.

He kicked things off by expressing gratitude to Sky for taking a chance on their show, saying: “I want to thank Sky for giving our show a shot. F***ing hell, I’m choked up.” In particular, he highlighted Ryan Sampson, the writer he holds in high esteem.

Continuing with his thank yous, Danny quipped: “He’s one of the greatest people ever to come out of Rotherham – not saying much. You won this for me mate.”

Danny further heaped praise on Ryan who is also an actor, proclaiming: “One of the best actors this country’s ever produced, I’m telling you. Never done the same thing twice. Which is not something I can say.

“He wrote this part for me, so you know… I’m getting choked up again, f*** me. So you won this for me, mate, I really appreciate it. Thank you so much.”

In an emotional moment, the star of The Rivals expressed his gratitude towards his daughters, Dani, 28, and Sunnie, 18, who were in the audience, beaming with pride as they witnessed their father’s triumph: “Girls, Sunnie and Dani… I’ve done it, girls, I’ve f***ing done it.”

Upon Danny’s departure from the stage, host Alan Cumming stepped in to express apologies for any offence caused by the “naughty language”.

What Danny Dyer said away from the cameras

While backstage and still riding high from his award victory, Danny didn’t hold back during a chat with the Metro newspaper, he giggled: “Oh, there’ll be some people fuming!”, and assertively declared: “I don’t know, man. I’ve earned it. I only want one, I don’t need more than this. I’m happy.”

Reflecting on his previous recognitions and subtly jabbing at his time on EastEnders, he said: “I’ve lifted a couple of NTAs over the years, and I always like to win awards and lose them, do the moody clap [pretending] that you’re happy for someone else… I’ve done all that b******s, and I thought I’d be doing that tonight.”

Reflecting on his recent triumphs with both Mr Bigstuff and Rivals, he shared: “I’ve had a really good run this year. Rivals has been so well received. A bit odd, really. I’ve got Rivals sitting there, and I’ve got Mr Bigstuff there.”

On to big things

Fans are in for a treat as the critically acclaimed Mr Bigstuff makes its comeback with Danny at the helm in Sky Comedy’s spotlight, gearing up for its much-anticipated second season.

While we’re all on tenterhooks for the release date of series two on Sky and Now, the network has teased that the premiere is slated for “later in 2025”, with Danny set to dazzle audiences once again as the brash brother Lee.

Disney + Rivals fans will be ecstatic to hear that Danny is set to return to the role of businessman Freddie Jones once more, a role that snagged him the British Press Guild Award for Best Actor and the RTS Television Award for Supporting Actor.

The exact timing for the return of series two remains shrouded in mystery, with some media outlets speculating “later in 2025” or “early 2026”. Yet, an insider on ITV’s Lorraine hinted at a much sooner date, suggesting “July 2025”.

Chatting with Andi Peters, who was filling in on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday, May 12, Ria Hebden let slip: “Rivals, we now know it’ll back on screens this July.”

Rivals will return to Disney + at some time in the near future and Mr Bigstuff will return to Sky and Now, also at a near point in 2025.