Alan Carr won The Celebrity Traitors in a tense series finale on Thursday and, overcome with emotion, the comedian told viewers: “I am and have always been a traitor”
But his own career is now set to change, with The Celebrity Traitors thought to act as a springboard for more success. An insider has even said Alan is being considered for Strictly, as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are set to leave. They added: “He has got to be up there with the BBC to get a huge new role… Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Strictly.”
And a BBC source said: “Alan has always been a star – but it’s amazing what a month in a Scottish castle can do to elevate your career. He’s ours now.”
The Mirror had reported how chatter linked Alan to one of the Strictly vacancies, but now his triumph in the Scottish castle is said to have firmed his bid to take the Saturday night gig. The presenter had been praised for “super competitive streak” and charisma during his time on The Celebrity Traitors, which began at the start of October.
A source on The Celebrity Traitors said “people just love Alan”. The BBC believes viewers “loved him and [think] he has been the star of the Traitors,” one insider told the Daily Mail.
Alan, snubbed for a potential role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, was hoping for nothing more than a bit of a giggle when he signed up for the BBC show. He got off to a difficult start as fellow traitor Jonathan Ross worried Alan, born in Weymouth, Dorset, might give himself away.
But Alan showed the resilience and courage to thrive and eventually beat former England rugby star Joe Marler and his fellow Traitor Cat Burns. Bursting into tears when he was declared the winner, the comedian said: “I am and have always been a traitor… I’m so sorry, it’s been tearing me apart.” He told host Claudia Winkleman: “All that lying, all that treachery was worth it, wasn’t it?”
Nick Mohammed covered his mouth in shock when Alan revealed the other traitors. The Ted Lasso star said: “Not Joe!” He added: “Alan Carr. He played an absolute blinder.” Alan said: “What a rollercoaster, how did this happen? I was awful at lying and had a terrible poker face and here I am, the winner.”
Ore Oduba’s ex Portia took a new swipe with post about ‘inability to co-parent’Credit: InstagramThe Strictly star revealed he has been suffering with a porn addictionCredit: YouTube/Need to talkPortia seemed to take a swipe at Ore by adding Taylor Swift’s song Father Figure to a postCredit: Instagram / @portiajett
In 2024, Ore, 39, confirmed his split with wife and the mother of his kids Portia after nine years of marriage.
Appearing on Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast, Ore told how he was “terrified” to address his situation that had dogged him for 30 years.
He said his porn addiction started aged just nine after being introduced by the brother of his mate – and confessed the intrigue “set in immediately.”
Following Ore’s revelation, Portia shared an Instagram meme from co-parenting coach Chantal Contorines.
It said: “Them: How has co-parenting been lately?,” with a video of John Cleese smashing his head against a wall.
It was captioned: “You can’t co-parent with a person who wants to control you and hurt you… You can’t co-parent with a person who hates you more than they “love” (and don’t have a capacity for love) their children.”
Just yesterday, Portia took to social media to share a photo of their kids Roman, seven, and Genie, four.
Portia flashed a big smile as she posed with her two children either side of her during an autumn day out.
The lyrics talk about a partner who is “young, wayward and lost in the cold” and includes the phrases “you pulled the wrong trigger”.
ORE’S STRUGGLE
Ore told how his struggles have spanned three decades.
He candidly said: “I was nine when I was introduced to pornography. That’s when my addiction started.”
Ore added: “While I wouldn’t say the addiction set in immediately, the intrigue started immediately and it didn’t take long for that intrigue to start running my mind over.
“It was the thing that was destroying my life from the inside out.
“But it was a thing I was running to from an early age as a response to the trauma.”
He told MAFS expert Paul he was speaking out as he wanted to “guide my own children.”
The London-based TV and radio anchor shares two children with ex wife Portia, son Roman born in 2018 and daughter Genie, born in 2021.
Ore, who admitted he had become a “master masker” during his childhood due to fears his father would send him back to Nigeria, told of the personal “shame” he had been struck by.
FAMILY FIRST
He then told how his brave confessions were for his family.
He said: “I’m sharing this to save my kids.
“Shame kept me silent for 30 years. It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: here’s what’s happening.”
He added: “The reason I felt like I needed to speak out on this, is because I wanted to guide my own children when it comes to it, when it comes to them seeing stuff that is going to be there.
“They’re going to come across it.”
Ore then confessed: “I never imagine I’d ever share this with anyone but in the last year I’ve spoken to friends and family and some amazing, supporting people in my working world who have all shown so much love and pride in me talking about something that is a problem for so many of us.”
The couple’s break-up shocked longtime followers of the pair, who have watched on as they got engaged, married and welcomed two children.
They first met in 2010 when they were studying at Loughborough University.
Portia was also a prominent support for Ore when he competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, eventually lifting the glitterball alongside pro partner Joanne Clifton.
Swerving rumours of the long-derided “Strictly curse”, Ore made sure Portia bonded with Joanne throughout their time on the show together.
Yet he revealed their sad spit in an emotional message to fans.
The statement read: “Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year [2024.]
“We’re so grateful for all the love you’ve shared with us both over the years.
Holly Willoughby is poised for a dramatic return to our TV screens, following her departure from This Morning in October 2023, as she’s set to host Strictly Come Dancing
Holly Willoughby is tipped to host Strictly Come Dancing(Image: PA)
Mr Fincham, who since managed ITV between 2008 and 2016, said: “My hairdresser also cuts the hair of a well-known channel controller. What’s said in Harry’s the hairdresser stays in Harry’s. But he says with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over.”
The insider spoke to Richard Eden, a journalist with the Daily Mail, who wrote Holly is likely to present Strictly from the start of the next series in 2026. Tess and Claudia will depart at the end of the current series, from which actress and model Ellie Goldstein was eliminated on Saturday.
The experienced presenter was dropped by his talent agency YMU after the affair, which was not illegal, and he also stepped down from ITV completely – meaning he did not host the British Soap Awards in the following days.
The presenter is currently impressing millions with his playful charisma on The Celebrity Traitors, on which he has reached the final five. A source had said: “He’s an old-fashioned showbiz pro who would be just perfect hosting Strictly. If he does manage to win Traitors it will be a sign to the BBC that he has the star quality to present its flagship show.”
Taylor Swift fans ‘screamed’ on Sunday evening’s results show after learning that Vicky Pattison will be dancing next week to the pop star’s latest single – The Fate of Ophelia
Jessica Clarke Digital Reporter
21:00, 02 Nov 2025
Taylor Swift fans are already looking forward to next week’s Strictly(Image: Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
After finding out that she was safe from the dreaded dance off, reality star Vicky Pattison was told what her dance and song choice would be for next week. Taylor Swift fans couldn’t contain their excitement on Sunday evening’s Strictly Come Dancing results show after learning that Vicky, 37, will be dancing next week to Taylor Swift’s latest single – The Fate of Ophelia.
Professional partner Kai Widdrington started dancing as a small clip of the song played and sent Swifties into a frenzy online. One person took to X, formally known as Twitter, and wrote: “Arrgghhh not @VickyPattison dancing to The Fate of Ophelia, I screamed Strictly…doing Taylor Swift…and it’s a race weekend, I may just burst with excitement”.
Another fan penned: “Omg Vicky and Kai are dancing to Ophelia next week. My life for a month has been dominated by life and of a Showgirl”, while a third chimed in: “As a Swiftie. I’m Super excited to see that Vicky and Kai are dancing to The Fate of Ophelia next week!! Let’s see this be an iconic performance”.
The track The Fate of Ophelia is the lead single off the album The Life Of A Showgirl which was released last month and features multiple references to her relationship with Travis Kelce.
She references a “megaphone”, a hint at the fact he reached out to her by screaming it out into the world on his podcast, rather than going through the usual ways.
Speaking about the new album, she said: “One thing about this album that I think is really exciting is that oftentimes when I make a record there’s like a lag time between when I made it and when it enters the world.
“Like for example, my last album, Tortured Post Department, by the time that album came out, I was in a completely different point in my life. With this one I would say that this album is a complete and total snapshot of what my life looks like right now.”
It comes after Vicky burst into tears on Saturday night’s Strictly after she performed the American Smooth with professional partner Kai. The dance, which was set to Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart, saw Vicky dressed as a white witch on theme for Halloween Week.
The dance went well and she received praise across the board from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, eventually scoring 31 for her efforts and even a standing ovation.
Not only was Vicky pleased her hard work was paying off but she was left in utter shock when Motsi predicted that she will make the final.
Motsi said: “A few weeks ago, I couldn’t believe that you’d open our show. I loved the character play in the beginning, you did it so, so well. So for me, you are a contender for the final. Honestly. And I just want you to finish everything, make everything nice and clean.”
Motsi’s comment was met with cheers from the audience, and Vicky promptly broke down in tears of joy. Rushing over to be interviewed by Claudia Winkleman, her tears continued as she said: “I hated going first! Honestly, I loved this dance this week because for once I had a foundation to build on. I wasn’t just starting from scratch and feeling so inadequate. I was just desperate to prove that I have improved.”
Balvinder and her professional partner Julian Caillon reprised their Rumba to Stay by Shakespears Sister, while Ellie and Vito Coppola performed their Tango to Abracadabra by Lady Gaga once more.
Post-dance-off, Balvinder posted a photo of herself and Julian performing on Instagram, captioning it: “I loved dancing the Rumba with @Julian_caillon. This was a gorgeous pay off to a very difficult week.”
This followed Julian’s post of photos from their performance, declaring it their “favourite dance yet”, reports Wales Online.
“Which I can’t believe we’re saying considering where we started with the Rumba,” he wrote.
“This week more than ever I saw @leesopal grow and improve as a dancer. From the technique to the performance there was absolutely nothing more she could’ve done, and I absolutely loved dancing this routine together.
“Make sure you’re tuning into the results show tonight to see if we “Stay” in the competition.”
Meanwhile, on the Strictly results show, Vito had some heartfelt words for Ellie after their elimination.
“Honestly, there are no words I can use to describe how proud I am of you and you did really change my life so much,” he said.
“You made me such a better person. At the beginning of this year, I said to myself please, please, please can you send me a beautiful angel into my life? And now you arrived.
“I’ve never had a little sister but I always wanted one. Now, I have you and you’re my little sister forever, and your big brother is always by your side.”
Nine couples remain in the competition and will perform next Saturday when the professional dancers will be accompanied by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment in a special tribute to Remembrance Sunday.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have reacted to news of the latest elimination after a spoiler leaked online following an eventful Halloween Week on the BBC competition
23:06, 01 Nov 2025Updated 23:07, 01 Nov 2025
The judges were all dressed up for Halloween week(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left ‘heartbroken’ after a spoiler revealed who has been eliminated from the BBC dance competition. Fans will know that the results show traditionally airs on Sundays but is pre-recorded immediately after the live show on a Saturday evening, and news is often leaked online.
This time around, it was Halloween Week on Strictly, and it was eventful from start to finish. With judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse all dressed up in spectacular spooky gear, and the contestants all embodying creepy and kooky personas for the evening, it was Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope who topped the leader board with a perfect score of 40, a first for this series.
Just before the result was confirmed, rumours had already started to swirl and one fan wrote: “Genuinely worried this will come true again. Why are my faves always in danger?” Another said: “ffs I hope this is wrong,” and one fan admitted: “I ain’t sleeping until that spoiler drops, I’m on EDGE”
Another admitted: “got strictly spoiled for me last week bc someone updated the wikipedia page by like midnight based on the leaked spoiler while me and my sister were in depth examining the judges evil scoring HOWEVER this week im looking intentionally bc im getting nervous.”
A fourth fan said: “I wish there was a poll on X where we can see a live accurate version of what the votes look like cause waiting for the strictly spoiler poll is painful.”
At the end of Saturday’s show, it was revealed that Shirley would have the deciding vote when it came to deciding who would survive the dreaded dance off.
While the Mirror have decided not to leak the spoiler, fans have already been reacting online to the leaked elimination news. One simply wrote: “Noooooo,” and left a sad emoji and a broken heart with their tweet.
Another said: “the strictly spoiler. omg,” whilst a third admitted: “I had a feeling this was going to be the result. Devastated for the parson who left but it was the correct result sadly. Heartbroken for the other person too but I hope this means they’ll come back fighting next week.”
Last week, footballer Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley were sent home following a tense dance-off with musical theatre star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Speaking after the elimination, Jimmy said he never expected to enjoy the show so much. “I can only say thank you very much for letting me have this experience and to my daughters for pushing me to come here and do this.
“I never expected that I would enjoy it this much. The people behind the scenes, from the wardrobe people to the hairdressers to the make-up people, are absolutely magnificent – thank you very much.
“This experience is going to live with me forever. Most importantly, [to Lauren] this girl, she is just absolutely incredible. She has been absolutely amazing with me. You are a diamond,” he told Lauren.
Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has scored the first 40 of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after impressing all four judges with his Couple’s choice set to a Radiohead classic
Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has scored the first 40 of this year’s Strictly during Halloween Week(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)
Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has scored the first 40 of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The actor, 30, took to the stage with professional partner Katya Jones in the latest round of the BBC Saturday night favourite to perform their Couple’s choice to Creep by Radiohead, and it all started with an emotional VT focusing on Lewis’ family.
The soap actor left his hometown of Hartlepool in the North East at the age of just 10 so he could star as Michael in the West End production of Billy Elliot: The Musical, and Lewis explained that he went in a completely different direction to his brothers, who chose to go in boxing. Speaking about his family, he said: “They believed in me more than I believed in myself to be honest. The first person I called when I found out I was doing Strictly was Nana Dot. She’s the queen of the family.”
His grandmother then made an appearance, where she noted how ‘proud’ she was of Lewis, and the whole family spoke of how important it was that they gathered around every week to watch him. Following the dance, the audience cheered. Craig simply clapped and said: “As it’s Halloween, darling, that was spooktacular!”
Motsi said: “I’m so glad I had a few moments to calm down. This is one of those moments that we’re going to look at in five or ten yeas and say ‘Remember when Lewis Cope did that thing?!’
Shirley added: “I’m having an emotional moment so I’m just going to hold my skeleton. Leaving home at 10, my message isn’t for you, it’s for our Nana Dot, for your mum, siblings and for everybody for giving you to all of us so we could enjoy that brilliant, phenomenal work. Well done you!”
Anton said: “It is [the best] dance of this series, by about a million miles. But Craig and I have been here since the very, very beginning and that dance was as good as anything we’ve seen on any series. There was nothing you could have done to make that any better!” All four judges then awarded Lewis a 10, making him the first to receive a perfect score.
At home, viewers were equally as thrilled and flooded social media with their reactions. One said: “Been a long long time since I’ve seen a dance on #Strictly that I’ve wanted to watch again immediately! Lewis and Katya! Holy fucking s***!,” and another said: “Outstanding!!!!! Lewis & Katayka ! We have first perfect score! 40!”
A third said: “Lewis was always going to get the first 40!” With 13 siblings, life in the Cope household came at a frenetic pace, often centred around boxing. His brothers Adam, Danny and Peter all won the Northern area title as professional fighters. “I boxed and still train now, but back then it was more a social thing to be with my brothers – that’s what I enjoyed,” he says.
Instead dance became his passion which for some young boys could have led to derision. “Being from a working-class town 20 years ago, there was always that bit of pressure but my family were so supportive that I never felt it,” he says, before laughing: “Having so many brothers that did boxing also helped.”
In any case, the concept of particular sports being for specific genders is “outdated”, he says, adding: “I do think the world has changed from 20 years ago when it happened to me. We have come a long way.” Lewis has so far taken Strictly by storm, finishing second in the combined judges’ scoreboards of weeks one and two.
It’s even more impressive given he was a last minute replacement for Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn “I didn’t have time to really think….I just had to try and take it all in my stride,” he says.
“I have never done a TV show like this before. But it seems I’ve gone into the biggest one. There wasn’t even a warm-up. On a serious note, it’s been fine; everyone has been supportive and full of love.”
Claudia Winkleman has set the record straight on her Strictly Come Dancing experience, as she and Tess Daly are set to leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the 2025 series
Claudia Winkleman has shared her true feelings about working on Strictly
Claudia, 53, recently announced alongside co-host Tess Daly that the pair would be leaving the popular BBC programme after over 20 years of holding various presenting roles on the series.
Claudia, who also hosts The Traitors and Celebrity Traitors, opened up about the origins of her working on the programme in her book Quite, explaining that it was the ultimate case of someone being in the right place at the right time.
She said: “Strictly has been (I don’t want your stomach to turn, so please be prepared) a gift to me. A barnstorming, stonking, thunderbolt of a present.
“I started working on It Takes Two in 2004. There had been one series already, my son was tiny and they said, ‘Look, can you talk about the foxtrot every night live at 6.30pm?’”
She added: “I could be with him all morning and then go to work. I know. It was a six week run and I was ridiculously lucky.
“I then went on to present the results show and when Sir Bruce resigned I got Tess’s job. Sometimes good fortune just falls in your lap. How did I, a short, scruffy, orange idiot get to be part of one of the nation’s favourite TV shows?
“All I can say is there has been no better example of right place, right time on earth.”
In a statement on Instagram announcing of her exit from the show, Claudia said: “It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career.
“From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for.
“I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to co-hosting on Saturday nights.
“Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent.”
A former Strictly Come Dancing contestant has said they want to return to the BBC show
Anita Rani says she was “robbed” on Strictly(Image:
BBC
)
Anita Rani, the Countryfile star and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has confessed she’ll “never get over” her time on the dance show. The 48 year old telly favourite took part in the BBC competition a decade ago, narrowly missing out on the final by just two weeks.
She was partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko during her stint on the show, which saw The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and his partner Aliona Vilani take home the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Soap stars Georgia May Foote of Coronation Street and EastEnders‘ Kellie Bright were the runners-up that year. However, Anita is still convinced she was “robbed” of a place in the final alongside Aliona.
In a chat with The Sun’s TV Magazine, she revealed: “I wish I could do it again – I think they should bring back ‘the robbed’! I’ll never get over it, I should have got to the final.”
During the semi-final, Anita found herself in the dreaded dance-off against BBC presenter Katie Derham. Despite giving it her all, it was Katie and her partner Anton Du Beke who progressed to the grand finale, reports Wales Online.
Anita confessed that she used to turn down reality shows like Strictly, but has recently decided to say “yes” if the “offer arise”. Since then, she’s appeared on popular programmes such as Celebrity Gogglebox, The Chase, and Blankety Blank.
She even hinted that she’d consider joining the cast of Celebrity Traitors if the BBC decides to commission a second series. Meanwhile, Anita and her dad Bal are gearing up for their appearance on Celebrity Race Across the World.
She added: “I used to say no to other reality shows, but now I’m like: ‘If an offer arises, why not?’ The Traitors, I’m A Celeb… But I’ll tell you what me and Dad want to do next – Antiques Road Trip. Let’s put that out there!”.
Before taking part in the travel programme, Anita confessed she wanted her father to enjoy “an adventure”.
She told the BBC: “We get on, he makes me laugh and if I ever want help in making a decision, dad’s the person I call.
“Also, I want dad to have the experience. It’s about my dad having an adventure – he’s never had one before. I think we’re competitive, but I think we’re just really keen to have an amazing experience and give it our best shot.”
The Woman’s Hour presenter reveals she’s currently in a “new era” following the “confirmation” of her fresh romance with partner Alex Lavery.
This comes two years following her separation from spouse Bhupi Rehal. The former pair had been wed for 14 years before they ended their marriage.
Following their break-up, she revealed to Love Sunday Magazine: “‘Life is good, I’m in a good place. I’m focusing on myself and my own wants.
“It’s nice to be able to think about the second phase of my life. I’ve been calling it Chapter Two.”
Comedian Alan Carr has quickly become an unlikely favourite to win Celebrity Traitors, which draws to a close BBC One on Thursday, and his popularity has rocketed
Alan Carr is pictured on Celebrity Traitors alongside Joe Wilkinson, Celia Imrie and Stephen Fry(Image: BBC)
The comedian, 49, is vying to win the reality TV series, which draws to a close on Thursday night on BBC One. PR experts say his stint on the programme, a spin-off from the civilians’ version, has helped further boost Alan’s popularity, following previous success with his own titular show on Channel 4.
And now the broadcaster is being touted to step in to host Strictly Come Dancing next year, following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. One insider said: “More people are watching Alan than are watching Strictly right now. He’s been catapulted to the A-list. The star dust is practically dripping off him.”
It is said Alan, the son of a former professional footballer, thought he would have been the first kicked off The Celebrity Traitors, but he has survived to reach the final five contestants. His antics alongside the likes of Sir Stephen Fry, Kate Garraway, Clare Balding and Celia Imrie have had millions of Brits hooked since October 8.
Alan, who won a BAFTA for Alan Carr: Chatty Man in 2013, was praised for displaying his “super competitive streak” and charisma, traits insiders believe make him an ideal match for Strictly. A source told the Daily Mail: “He’s an old-fashioned showbiz pro who would be just perfect hosting Strictly. If he does manage to win Traitors it will be a sign to the BBC that he has the star quality to present its flagship show.”
He said: “It’s hard to predict. I think the BBC should go for people who are already well-known and experienced – not newcomers. Familiar faces that the audience already trusts, like Paddy McGuinness or even Noel Edmonds. If you bring in big names the public already loves, they’ll go along with the change more easily.”
Alan, a comedian for nearly three decades, has been ruthless throughout his time on The Celebrity Traitors, dispatching his close friend Paloma Faith, and similarly, actress Celia Imrie on Thursday night. The source continued: “His public persona is one of being a bit of a giggle, a bit of a pushover, but that is definitely not the case at all.”
After graduating from university, Alan moved to Manchester, with his sights on a career in comedy. He worked in a call centre for five years, while treading the boards in his spare time on the stand-up comedy circuit, winning awards and a huge following along the way.
DISCREET and “not blatant”, with a stranger and with mandatory payment – those were the strict rules set by Lily Allen that allegedly allowed her husband of four years to cheat.
Lily Allen has claimed she had an arrangement with David Harbour that allowed him to cheat during their marriageCredit: GettyBut she claims he broke that rule by having a fling with costume designer Natalie Tippett (right)Credit: GettyThe mum-of-two has been showing David what he’s missing posting racy snaps and getting a boob jobCredit: instagram/lilyallen
It’s the moniker she gave to costume designer and single mum Natalie Tippett, 34, who allegedly cheated with the American, 50, despite suggesting she had given him a ‘hall pass’ to sleep with sex workers.
Fuming in lyrics, which she says are a “mixture of fact and fiction”, Lily says: “We had an arrangement; Be discreet and don’t be blatant; And there had to be payment; It had to be with strangers; But you’re not a stranger, Madeline, Madeline, Madeline, Madeline.”
Unsurprisingly, it’s Lily’s anti-monogamy stance that has raised the eyebrows of listeners but these types of ‘arrangements’ are far from unusual in the world of celebrity.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings tells The Sun some are tempted due to working away for long periods of time and feeling unable to satisfy each other sexually or emotionally.
However, she cautions: “No matter how many boundaries or rules you put in place, what happens when it becomes more than just sex and your partner falls in love?”
“There are so, so many obstacles with these types of relationships,” Jo tells us. “And it’s interesting that Lily had this very specific boundary.
“She set it because there would be very little danger of her husband falling in love with one of these girls or having an emotional relationship when it’s purely sexual and transactional.
“It sort of sounds modern, grown-up and pre-emptive, deciding you’re in an open relationship and acknowledging what’s going on rather than being ‘cheated on’ but it rarely works.
“There is nearly always one person who is secretly less comfortable with the idea than they say they are and there’s a big difference between ‘theoretical acceptance’ and actual acceptance.
Lily and David tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2020 with an Elvis impersonator officiating itCredit: Instagram
“When the gossip starts and the press finds out, when it happens on repeat and the public starts to judge their relationship it can get really, really tough.
“And some ‘open relationships’ are less genuine than one might think, some say they are in one to protect themselves. It can be deflective in a lot of cases.
“I think a lot of celebrities are pre-empting scrutiny and that way if their partner is seen snogging the face off someone at a bar, they are one step ahead of the game.”
As Jo highlights, Lily is far from the only celebrity to be stung after opening the sexual floodgates in her relationship – with many ending in divorce, as we reveal.
Will & Jada Pinkett Smith
The aftermath of this ill-fated ‘arrangement’ resulted in the most explosive moment ever seen at the Oscars, which led to Will Smith being banned for 10 years and scrutinised across the globe.
In 2022, the Fresh Prince star slapped Chris Rock after he made a joke about his wife of 28 years Jada Pinkett-Smith’s alopecia, comparing her to a buzz-cut character from the film GI Jane.
Yet the origin of Will’s anger is said to have stemmed from the public ridicule and humiliation he suffered after Jada admitted to an affair two years previously.
Describing it as an “entanglement”, she spoke of a fling with August Alsina, a rapper 21 years her junior, who was a friend of their son Jaden, during a separation from Will.
Later Will apologised for his Oscars attack, stating: “I was gone. That was a rage that had been bottled [up] for a really long time… What I would say is that you just never know what somebody’s going through.”
Rumours of the Smiths having an open marriage had circulated for more than a decade and even when Jada denied it in a 2013 Huffington Post interview, her cryptic response prompted more questions.
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s relationship had long been speculated aboutCredit: GettyThe Men In Black actor slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, supposedly due to humiliation related to Jada’s ‘entanglement’Credit: Reuters
She said: “I’ve always told Will, ‘You can do whatever you want as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and be okay.’”
Later Jada posted a lengthy rant on Facebook questioning if loving someone meant “owning them” and if it should “operate as enslavement”.
She concluded: “Will and I BOTH can do WHATEVER we want, because we TRUST each other to do so. This does NOT mean we have an open relationship…this means we have a GROWN one.”
Jo says for some celebrities being part of a ‘power couple’ can lead to more sexually flexible relationships, as it appeared to be with the Smiths, but it rarely works.
She tells us for some it can be a “way of protecting themselves” ahead of an affair being discovered or a way to have “a feeling of control, by agreeing on the terms” of what can and can’t be done.
“It can be hard to fulfil your partner’s emotional and physical needs when you’re half way across the world and flings may seem like a ‘harmless release’,” Jo says.
“And it’s easy for celebrities to go into these agreements with good intentions but you cannot predict how you or your partner will feel when it happens.
“There are so many opportunities in the chaos of celebrity life for boundaries to be overstepped and so almost inevitably it will go wrong at some point.
“Even if both partners feel they are on the same page and in 100 per cent agreement, most couples aren’t. One partner always wants it more than the other and the other may not be able to accept what happened.”
Michelle Visage & David Case
Michelle Visage opened up on her arrangement with husband David CaseCredit: PABut she seems a little less happy at the thought of David (middle) having flings
Former Strictly star Michelle Visage set sparks flying away from the stage when she claimed cheating makes her marriage “stronger” – but she’s not exactly thrilled by his flings.
She told the Origins With Cush Jumbo podcast that her actor hubby David Case experiences ‘compersion’, which is considered to be ‘the opposite of jealousy’.
It’s a term often used in the polyamorous community to describe a partner feeling joy that their romantic partner had an exciting experience with another person.
“We live openly, so he would get off knowing that I was so happy and no matter what it is that I do, and I’m not just talking sexually,” Michelle said last year.
“Whatever it is, I don’t know if I have compersion in me to be really excited if he’s doing something with another woman but I know that it exists and he is 100% that.”
While Michelle claimed it was something that “works for us” and “what makes us stronger”, Jo says it can still be problematic.
She warns it’s risky when meddling with “the intimacy of a relationship” despite the couple claiming to be “fully transparent and trusting one another”.
Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher
Demi Moore regretted having threesomes with Ashton KutcherCredit: Rex Features
When Ghost actress Demi Moore shacked up with Ashton Kutcher, 21 years her junior, she wanted to “show him how great and fun I could be” – especially when it came to sex.
“I put him first, so when he expressed his fantasy of bringing a third person into our bed, I didn’t say no,” she admitted in her 2019 memoir Inside Out.
But her two ménages à trois, left Demi feeling “flooded with shame” and realising it was a “mistake”. Worse still, Ashton later told her it encouraged him to have affairs.
She claimed the That 70s Show actor told her the threesomes “blurred the lines” of their romance and “to some extent, justified what he’d done”.
It referred to at least three flings, including one on a San Diego stag do and another with a pal of her eldest daughter, that doomed their six-year marriage by November 2011.
Jo says she sees issues like what happened with Demi and Ashton “a lot” in counselling – where one partner is “willing to please” because their partner “wants it so badly” and fears losing them.
“But it can have devastating consequences for the relationship,” she says. “Maybe not immediately but some struggle because they can’t unseen what they have seen or what their partner has done.
“Some aren’t even able to recall seeing their husband having sex with another woman, because it’s so brutal for them. Many prefer to turn blind eye, not see or not join in.
“Even if they think they want it at the time, sometimes threesomes can be the last straw for a couple or for any agreed infidelity.”
Ethan Hawke & Ryan Shawhughes
Ethan Hawke, who’s married to Ryan Shawhughes, believes monogamy is outdatedCredit: Getty
Ethan Hawke’s marriage to Uma Thurman was marked by rumours of cheating, which he strenuously denied, yet after their 2003 split he made it clear he strongly believes in polyamory.
After getting together with their former nanny Ryan Shawhughes, he argued that most people have “a childish view of monogamy and fidelity”, suggesting it as an outdated concept.
“To act all indignant, that your world has been rocked because your lover wasn’t faithful to you, is a little bit like acting rocked that your hair went grey,” Ethan told HuffPost in 2013.
It’s unclear how open the relationship with Ryan is but he encouraged speculation by stating “neither she nor I know what shape the future will come in” and justified extramarital flings.
“Sexual fidelity can’t be the whole thing you hang your relationship on,” he added. “If you really love somebody you want them to grow, but you don’t get to define how that happens. They do.”
Shirley MacLaine & Steve Parker
Hollywood star Shirley MacLaine and her husband Steve Parker practised an open marriage for nearly three decadesCredit: Getty
It started back in 1954 due to her producer husband, Steve Parker, predominantly working in Japan while she was in America and she admitted “no one understood it” apart from them.
She added: “I would say better to stay friends and we don’t have enough time to talk about the sexuality of all. I was very open about all of that and so was he.”
Despite declaring extra-marital flings “the basis for a long-lasting marriage”, the couple divorced in 1982 but remained friends.
Jo says these types of arrangements can be more common among celebrities due to them maintaining long-distance relationships because of work projects, however it’s very risky.
“While it may feel like a safety net, it can erode trust and intimacy and instead of enjoying the ‘freedom and liberation’ they anticipate, they can feel like they are being replaced.
“You can put in a world of boundaries and rules to but what happens when your partner falls in love with someone else? When it becomes more than just sex, you’re in trouble. Your relationship is effectively over.”
Bella Thorne & Tana Mongeau
Bella Thorne was seeing two people at the same time – including Tana MongeauCredit: Rex FeaturesThe other person in the relationship was Mod SunCredit: Getty
For just over a year, Dirty Sexy Money actress Bella Thorne celebrated her open relationship with musician Mod Sun and YouTuber Tana Mongeau in loving posts online .
In 2019, she told the Gay Times: “We joke around about poly[amorous], but we aren’t in the sense that we don’t put a word, a box or label too many things. It is what it is.”
Bella even claimed that she didn’t think anybody could “really understand the bonds” she shared with Mod and Tana, only for their three-way romance to end just months later.
It all came tumbling down after what Mod – real name Derek Smith – described as a “very, very public incident” that led him to end their “toxic” relationship.
Bella later slammed Tana on X – formerly Twitter – for breaking “girl code” after she was seen on a date with Mod.
Tana later got engaged to boxer Jake Paul and had a legally non-binding wedding to the influencer-turned-fighter in late 2019.
They too had an open relationship but she revealed it heavily contributed to them splitting up because she felt compelled to “green-light everything” to make him happy, even though it was “killing” her.
Mo’Nique & Sidney Hicks
Mo’Nique and Sidney Hicks have been in a relationship since they were teenagersCredit: Getty
Precious actress Mo’Nique put an end to her open relationship with her husband and manager Sidney Hicks after fearing it would lead to them breaking up.
She first spoke about them having hall passes to cheat back in 2010, claiming “I don’t want to be owned anymore… [or] have ownership over anyone”.
Declaring her “beautiful” open relationship “my idea”, Mo’Nique said: “If sex happens with another person, that’s not a deal breaker for us.
“That’s not something where we’ll have to say, ‘Oh God, we’ve got to go to divorce court because you cheated on me,’ because we don’t cheat.”
However by 2023, Mo’Nique, who had been with Sidney since she was 16, changed her tune saying she wanted monogamy. She said it was down to recognising the strength of their relationship and his love for her “at my worst”.
She added: “I didn’t want to sacrifice that just for a lay. So I grew out of that.”
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series, with new hosts set to take over next year
La Voix could be a candidate for the job(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been begging La Voix to be the next new host after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they were leaving. The iconic duo announced last week that they wouldn’t be presenting the next series.
Since then, several names have been suggested who may replace the current hosts. Fans of the show have said they would love current contestant La Voix to take on the job.
La Voix made her own plea during Saturday’s show where she threw her own hat in the ring as a potential candidate. The Drag Race UK star took the chance to ask Claudia live on air for her job.
La Voix was waiting in the Clauditorium ahead of her performance as she asked the host: “Claudia, while I’ve got you, do you know the address when you send your CV to the BBC? Just in case any new jobs are coming up. I’m just asking for a friend.”
Claudia laughed as she grabbed La Voix’s hand and led her over to the camera to take a turn, saying: “Give it a go, babe, let’s do it now.”
La Voix then had a go at reading the autocue, simply saying: “Tess.” She then handed over to the main studio as the entire room burst into laughter.
Fans took to social media to say that they think the star would be a great candidate to present Strictly. One said: “La Voix is pure entertainment. Everything she does/says is gold.”
While a second added: “La Voix has the personality & humour to be one of the new Strictly presenters!” As a third wrote: “She has the sarcastic wit of Bruce Forsyth, love it, make a great replacement for Claudia.”
“La Voix is one of the all-time greatest contestants this show has seen in terms of pure entertainment value. She never wastes a single second of screen time; she’s always ready with a joke to be cracked,” another said.
Tess and Claudia opened the show on Saturday night, where they spoke about their recent announcement. Tess began: “Just before we get started tonight, Claud and I announced this week that this will be our last series of Strictly Come Dancing.”
As the audience clapped, Claudia continued: “We want to thank you for your beautiful messages. We’ve got another eight weeks on this incredible show and a Strictly champion to crown.”
Tess concluded: “And we cannot wait to spend the rest of the series with you, with our amazing couples and these four [the judges].”
The pair announced that they were leaving in a video posted to their Instagram page last Thursday. It’s been previously reported that the duo had made a pact that they would always leave together.
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’
Jessica Clarke Digital Reporter
16:23, 26 Oct 2025
Dani, 29, and Vicky struck a close friendship during their training(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
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.
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.”
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left furious when a spoiler revealed who had been voted out before the results show went to air during its usual Sunday night slot
Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison was left in tears as she spoke openly about her experience on the show, which she says is helping her become a ‘better version’ of herself
Vicky became emotional during Strictly(Image: BBC)
Vicky Pattison’s emotions poured out during Strictly Come Dancing’s icons week. The former Geordie Shore star, 37, reflected on the person she used to be and who she is now before she transformed 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 tearfully 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 her dance, Vicky was left gobsmacked after her icon sent her a personal message. As Cheryl appeared on screen, the reality TV star couldn’t help but gasp and jump around as she was told she had been following her progress.
Cheryl congratulated her fellow Geordie before saying she was “honoured and humbled” to be her choice of icon. Cheryl added: “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.” An elated Vicky joked it was amazing that Cheryl even knew who she was as she continued to showcase her disbelief at the message.
Earlier in the show, Ellie Goldstein also received a personal message of her own. After dancing a salsa to a Spice Girls medley dressed as Baby Spice, Emma Bunton surprised her with a touching message.
And fans spotted the sweet moment Ellie’s dance partner Vito Coppola moved to make sure she was okay. After staring down at the star, Vito appeared to wipe away a tear from her eye as the judges gave the duo positive feedback following their routine.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one user gushed: “Vito checking on Ellie and dabbing away a tear. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing” They also added crying emoji faces to their comment.
Alex Kingston also transformed into Dolly Parton for an impressive routine alongside Johannes Radebe. And she too was treated to a personal message from her icon.
However, her moment came in private during training. It came about thanks to fellow celebrity dancer La Voix.
Strictly Come Dancing fans will be faced with watching new hosts from next series and they have made their thoughts heard about who they would like to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they are leaving Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Tess and Claudia have been the long-time faces of the hit BBC show. But their joint statement revealed this is to be their last series fronting the contest.
Now, a surprise pairing has been called out by fans to take over the baton. Commenting on a behind-the-scenes video from this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, fans have expressed their desire for the couple behind LadBaby to take centre stage on the contest.
LadBaby, whose real name is Mark Hoyle, and his wife, Roxanne, were suited and booted for the ceremony, and as they showed their unique personality in the sneak peek, fans were loving their energy.
One user gushed: “These two beautiful people are my pick for the new hosts to replace Tess and Rylan to replace Claudia on strictly.” A second agreed, saying: “Wow this was brilliant you two are amazing you presented this like real professionals , you both need to be grabbed up for your own show.”
Others didn’t specifically name Strictly, but insisted the pair deserved more time on the small screen. “You two are absolute naturals you should have your own morning show,” another penned.
And a fourth said: “You both make such fabulous hosts. So natural. Hopefully we will get to see you presenting more!” Claudia and Tess’ announcement sees the duo leave their roles after over a decade together. While the decision was a shock to some, it has long been hinted by the pair.
Tess recently revealed she wanted more weekends to herself. On the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast she revealed how she would miss her children – Phoebe, 20, and Amber 16 – when they move away but it also would have its benefits.
And it was then that she spoke about the fact that in recent years she had missed out on lots of weekends away with pals due to being a mum as well as her Strictly commitments.
She said: “I’m not someone who goes for a day to the spa. I’m thinking, what do my kids need me to do today? Do you know what I mean?
“So I’m always making up for that. If I’ve worked for a day or two, then I’m like, now this time I need to do more for them because I was absent here. So I’m always trying to make up for that. So if I, you know, remove them from that picture.
“Yeah, I don’t know. I mean, it could be quite lovely. Could be really great. I could be on weekend breaks with my girlfriends to Ibiza. How about that? I might be back dancing on podiums.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Tess Daly has been part of the BBC show since it began back in 2004 when she fronted the programme with Bruce Forsyth.
For the past 21 years, BBC viewers have seen presenter Tess Daly welcome a range of well-known celebrities onto the dancefloor as they try to raise the Glitterball on Strictly Come Dancing.
Although the current series is in full swing, with Stefan Dennis being forced to withdraw in the week, the beloved programme first began back in 2004, when Tess became pregnant with her first child.
However, Tess confessed that she didn’t tell bosses about her pregnancy over fears they wouldn’t want her fronting the show, although once they knew Tess shared that no one minded and all was fine.
However, the 56-year-old sadly never got to introduce her children to her father, Vivian, as he sadly died the year before of emphysema, 18 days after her wedding to Vernon.
In the past, she’s opened up about losing her father and the one thing she regrets following his death.
Back in 2010, the Strictly star told The Guardian how much she misses him, as he was a strong role model in her life.
She said: “The man by whom I judged all others, really, because he was such an honourable and moral person who would never harm another being.
“Just a positive, outgoing… a great guy really and a brilliant father and I do really wish he could have met his grandchildren. That’s my greatest regret, that he never met his grandchildren.”
Similarly, five years ago when speaking to the Daily Mail, she emphasised her regret over her dad not meeting her children, along with him not getting the chance to see her role on Strictly.
She commented: “He would have been so proud. He loved Bruce Forsyth. He adored ballroom, all of it.”
BBC viewers saw Tess and Bruce front the show for a decade before he stepped down from the show in 2014, admitting it was the ‘right time’. Bruce tragically passed away in 2017 aged 89.
Claudia Winkleman was announced as his replacement after hosting the spin-off show It Takes Two.
She’s been part of the show ever since, often seen speaking to the celebrities after their routines in the ‘Clauditorium’
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
It’s the end of the Strictly road for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they’ve quit the BBC show – but who is set to take over presenting duties?
23:18, 23 Oct 2025Updated 23:19, 23 Oct 2025
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they are both quitting Strictly(Image: PA)
And already bookies have been placing their bets on who will land the lucrative gig after BBC bosses have reportedly vowed that the show must go on after 21 years on air.
Fleur East, who already presents Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two has been given odds of 2/1 – and as that’s how Claudia went on to get the main gig when she took over presenting duties from the late, great Bruce Forsyth, it would make sense she would be considered for the job.
Her co-presenter Janette Manrara is also in the running with odds of 3/1. While former It Takes Two presenter Rylan Clark and TV and radio host Roman Kemp are next in line. Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby and Hannah Waddingham are more big names being put in the frame.
Former celebrity contestants, such as documentary maker Stacey Dooley, ex-England footballer turned pundit Alex Scott, This Morning host Alison Hammond and ex-eastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis have also been put in the running, according to odds from Gambling.com.
While he’s not mentioned in the odds just yet, Robbie Williams appears to have thrown his hat in the ring for the top job.
The 51-year-old Let Me Entertain You singer took to X to tell his 2.3 million followers: “Just got a rather fancy phone call about a very glittery dance floor job. Apparently, sequins and tuxedos might be in my future. Stay tuned,” followed by a wink face emoji.
A source told The Sun: “At this stage it’s all to play for and there isn’t any kind of heir apparent – though there are some obvious stars who’d be possibilities.
“What is more certain is the fact that execs are expected to opt for two more women, because the Beeb value the symbolism of an all-female presenting team on their biggest Saturday night show.
“But one element likely to play a big part is diversity because, as terrific as it is having two women hosting Strictly, they are also two middle-aged white people. This was a show created 21 years ago and now has to consider what it should look and feel like from 2026 onwards.”
The announcement has come at a good time for Claudia, who is one of TV’s most in demand presenters at the moment. She is currently enjoying huge success with BBC game show The Traitors and its celebrity version, which is airing at the moment.
She’s also landed another series of Channel 4 talent show The Piano. Both shows are said to be perfect for Claudia as “it’s lucrative and fun gig… but it also doesn’t eat into her life too much.”
With both shows only taking a few weeks to film, it will free up more time to spend with her family, including her husband Kris Thykier and their three kids. This is in comparison to Strictly, which “basically takes over her life for four months at a time”.
Tess and Claudia’s last show will be when the final of the current series airs on Saturday, December 20. But they will both in a special episode that will be shown on Christmas Day.
It’s been 21 years with 56-year-old Tess at the helm. Her former co-host was the late great Bruce Forsyth, who died in 2017 at the age of 89. Claudia, 53, who formerly presented Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, stepped in in 2014 and has been Tess’ co-host for the past 11 years.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has opened up about his long-running feud with a BBC co-star, explaining how their rivalry came to be from the very beginning
Strictly is back (Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood has spilled the beans on his long-standing feud with Brendan Cole, describing them as “archenemies”. The pair, who were both part of the BBC show, had a history of clashing.
In an interview with Radio Times, Craig said: “In my screen test I had to judge footage of two contestants rehearsing. I said, ‘She can hardly walk down the stairs, and the professional has the bowest legs I’ve ever seen’.
“That couple was Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole, and they went on to win it. By the end of that series, it was nail-bitingly exciting.”
He added: “It won the hearts and minds of a nation. As for Brendan, we really were archenemies. He was very mouthy and he’d say, ‘Oh, what would you know?’ So I secretly studied ballroom with Len’s wife Sue, because knowledge is power.”
Brendan was a regular feature on Strictly from its inception in 2004 until 2018, when he was told his contract wouldn’t be renewed, according to the Express, reports Wales Online.
Reflecting on Brendan’s departure, Craig said: “I think it was a good time for Brendan to go. He’s got a fantastic platform and can now build his career. You can’t dance forever.”
However, Brendan seemed hesitant to hang up his dancing shoes completely. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, he confessed: “It’s quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year.
“They’ve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I’m a little bit in shock.
“I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it. It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff.
“I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.”
Craig has since confessed that he reached out to Brendan following their falling out, though for a rather particular motive.
He admits his reasons behind the peace offering weren’t entirely unselfish.
Speaking on Kate Thornton’s podcast White Wine Question Time, Craig said: “I invited him around two years ago to my house. I hadn’t spoken to him for years. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to see Brendan,’ just to see if he’s working..”
Kate erupted with laughter: “What a b***h!”.
Craig added: “Oh god this is going out to people, isn’t it? Anyway, he had an electric car. He was showing off. We hated each other.”
Neighbours star Stefan Dennis was forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing this week after he ‘tore his calf so significantly’
23:54, 22 Oct 2025Updated 23:54, 22 Oct 2025
Strictly Come Dancing’s Stefan Dennis reveals future on show following injury and exit(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing star Stefan Dennis has confirmed his future on the dance competition after he was forced to quit due to an injury. On Monday, the Neighbours star announced his departure in a lengthy post shared on social media, explaining he ‘tore his calf so significantly that he was forced to withdraw from the show’.
“I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne [Buswell] a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife. (When my leg is better),” he said. Stefan – whose soap character Paul Robinson lost a leg in a cliff fall – added he was “gutted” about leaving.
Despite the blow, fans will still be able to see him on Strictly before the programme ends.
“It’s a bit of a s****er, but I’ll be back at the end of the year, for the final,” he explained to The Sun.
However, it is not known whether he’ll be joining in on the group performance or if he will even be able to perform with his injury.
Meanwhile, Stefan recently confessed he felt like ‘he let people down’ because of the injury and subsequent exit from the beloved competition.
“I just feel like I’ve let everyone down,” he said to The Mirror during the Pride Of Britain Awards. “They all say I haven’t, of course, and the pros know all about injuries, but it feels like a shame to go out in this way.
“It was all going so well. When you go out, you want it to be because the viewers have spoken, because it’s your time, not like this.”
The news was a particularly upsetting blow for Stefan as the news came after viewers saw Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova get voted out.
Stefan then revealed he begged producers to let Chris return to the show in his place. “I said they should keep Chris in now that I’m going but they said they couldn’t do that – once you’ve gone, you’ve gone.”
Two exits in two days could lead to just three pairings in the live final in December – provided no one else gets injured along the way. “That’s what has happened before I believe,” says Stefan.
Speaking about the severity of the injury, he added: “I thought I’d be able to carry on but they said absolutely not,” Stefan admitted. “The muscle needs complete rest. So that’s me done unfortunately.”
