Strictly

Bradley Walsh got tongues wagging when he rocked up at the Strictly Come Dancing studio after hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkelman sensationally announced they’re quitting the show

Bradley Walsh has added fuel to rumours he’ll host Strictly after he was seen backstage with the show’s crew over the weekend. The presenter, 65, is odds-on favourite to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of Strictly when they step down at the end of the current series.

Gladiators host, Bradley, is reportedly in final talks to host the primetime programme after dynamic duo, Tess and Claudia, sensationally announced they were quitting in October.

Bradley headed to the BBC studio during a break in filming ITV’s The Chase, where he posed for a selfie with the crew from the dance show. Both The Chase and Strictly are filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

READ MORE: New Strictly Come Dancing host ‘revealed’ as top presenter seen on setREAD MORE: Strictly spoiler leaves fans ‘absolutely devastated’ as they demand second opinion

Head dressmaker Theresa Hewlett shared a photograph with star on X, formerly Twitter, with a smile a mile wide, posing alongside her colleagues ahead of Saturday’s live show.

She captioned the post: “The Chase is filmed next door and he popped in to say hi. What a lovely man Bradley Walsh is!”

Meanwhile a source told The Sun: “Bradley’s appearance in the studio has certainly set tongues wagging. Bosses are keen for Bradley to take over. He is a real pro and has brilliant experience hosting live shows.

“Producers need a safe pair of hands to steady the ship amid so much damage. Of course, he’d have a female alongside him as part of a duo.

And that female, is reported to be The One Show’s Alex Jones, who took part in Strictly in 2011. A source told the publication: “Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia… they have been in the BBC’s sights for some time.”

“Alex is a massive fan of Strictly, too, so this would be the dream gig for her.”

The insider clarified that “nothing is set in stone yet”, but said discussions involving the pair had been “moving in a really positive direction” so far.

Tess and Claudia stunned Strictly fans when they posted a joint video in October, announcing they were calling it quits.

Addressing viewers, they said: “We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and every single person who works on the show.

“They’re the most brilliant team, and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing,’ but we will continue to say it to each other – just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is flying by, and another star will be shown leaving the BBC series on Sunday night, filmed on Saturday, but the leak has already revealed who left

Another star has left Strictly Come Dancing 2025, and the result has left fans “absolutely devastated”.

While the result has not been confirmed by the BBC and doesn’t air until Sunday night, as per usual a leak has given the game away. With the results show filmed on the Saturday night after the live show, each week the booted off celebrity gets revealed online hours before the BBC announce it.

This week is no different, and the Strictly mole has revealed all – with the result dividing fans. As usual, Mirror has chosen not to state the name given, but fans have reacted to the supposed result online.

Taking to social media fans confessed they were “absolutely devastated” and some didn’t see it coming. Others even went as far as to say they wanted a second opinion, while some were “not surprised”.

One fan said: “Holy – that I was NOT expecting. absolutely the correct decision though.” Another said: “I can’t believe it!!!!! I’m absolutely devastated.”

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing RECAP: Instant Dance causes chaos as fans fear for one starREAD MORE: New Strictly Come Dancing host ‘revealed’ as top presenter seen on set

A third fan said: “I am gutted with this elimination,” while one fan said: “Not the biggest surprise after this evening’s show, but overall they have been lovely to watch.” Another added: “Absolutely the right decision.”

One fan didn’t believe it to the point they wanted a “second opinion”. “I’m sorry, I want a second opinion here. I don’t believe for one minute they would save the person in question between those two,” they claimed.

It comes a week on from La Voix leaving the show due to an injury. Initially only missing out on one week, the drag artist sadly had to quit the show altogether meaning an elimination was cancelled.

After sustaining a food injury, La Voix and pro dance partner Aljaz had hoped she would recover and continue their Strictly journey, but sadly this was not to be. She broke down in tears as she spoke out about her sudden exit.

The star said: “This has been the most extraordinary experience of my entire life. What I loved most, don’t hate me, it’s not the dancing but it’s just being welcomed by everyone.

“I came into the show as a minority, as a redhead, and you’ve embraced me wonderfully. I cannot thank you enough, it’s been amazing.” La Voix added: “I’m just so lucky. What you see on that dancefloor is a fraction of the love and the passion this man has for dance.

“You have made me carry on when I’ve questioned myself, made me laugh on the toughest day and when I thought I couldn’t do something, you never gave up on me. Not once. I am leaving this show more confident, and that’s because of you.”

Meanwhile, fans were left fearing fellow celebrity contestant Alex Kingston would be next to withdraw, after an injury. After claims she had sustained a rib injury, Alex spoke out to assure fans she was going nowhere, and had no plans to quit the series.

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

One celebrity will be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing this weekend

One Strictly Come Dancing star could end up missing out on the semi-final as they’re dealt a devastating blow.

This weekend, another celebrity will be booted from the competition, and it’s not looking promising for one celebrity couple.

Whilst Balvinder Sopal is the bookmakers’ favourite to depart the competition this weekend, it appears it’s also grim news for Alex Kingston and Amber Davies, as they could also miss out on claiming the Glitterball Trophy.

According to exclusive odds provided by Betway, Balvinder has odds of 250/1 of departing this weekend, whilst Alex Kingston has 33/1, and Amber has odds of 20/1 of leaving before the semi-final, which takes place in two weeks’ time.

Nevertheless, the top three frontrunners predicted to reach the final are George Clarke, Karen Carney and Lewis Cope, reports Wales Online.

Last weekend, presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced that no elimination would take place after La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition.

It was a shocking moment for the remaining celebrities, but it meant none of them were at risk of being axed from the show.

La Voix and her dance partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, appeared on Saturday’s show to discuss their decision to withdraw.

La Voix broke down as she said, “I came into the show as a minority, as a redhead, and you’ve all embraced me wonderfully.

“I cannot thank you enough… this is not how I wanted my journey to end,’ before joking: “At least it gives someone else in this competition a chance to win.”

Aljaz added, “I’ve been lucky this year. I’ve made two friends for life. On Saturdays/ Sundays, we all laugh with La Voix, and from Monday to Friday, I had the best time with Chris.

“I haven’t done a single crunch in the past six months, but I’ve got my six pack back, it’s amazing.

“Like Motsi said, ‘We all need it. The world needs more of you. Strictly needed it, you made my life a joy.. You are so beautiful in what you do.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday on BBC One.

La Voix has had a ‘sad day’ coming to terms with the fact that she will not be competing in tonight’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing but has been cheered up by a bouquet of flowers

La Voix has had a ‘sad day’ coming to terms with the fact that she will not be competing in tonight’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing. The Drag Race star, 45, has had to pull out of the much-anticipated Blackpool heat of the BBC Saturday night favourite after sustaining a foot injury.

The star, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, took to social media on Saturday in the countdown for the live show to take place, to reveal that she had been presented with a bouquet of flowers that had cheered her up amid the tough time.

Alongside a picture of the gift, the TV star wrote on Instagram: “Thank you so much Darlings @blossom_and_ivy. This really is a gorgeous surprise on an otherwise sad day of not dancing in Blackpool.”

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star calls for two judges to be axed in major shake-upREAD MORE: Strictly star exposes huge clue La Voix would be forced to miss Blackpool Week

While La Voix was set to perform in Strictly’s highly anticipated Blackpool special, Strictly announced earlier this week that she was unable to compete after injuring herself. A show spokesperson said in a statement: “Due to injury, La Voix has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance in this weekend’s Blackpool specials.

During an appearance on It Takes Two on Wednesday evening, Christopher opened up about the issue that has been troubling her since earlier in the competition. “This has been ongoing since the foxtrot. I felt a little niggle in my foot hence comments about me being flat-footed. I was thinking this will be fine, but it got gradually worse…” the star told viewers.

La Voix added: “Until on Saturday we had to change shoes, I couldn’t wear heels. I had to wear those awful flat shoes.” Attempts to rehearse on Monday proved the injury was too severe to push through.”

She continued: “We tried on Monday, and it was really clear I was struggling in pain, so we decided to be professional and call this, hoping with some rest I can be back.”

Under strictly rules, the pair will automatically advance to next week’s round, buying La Voix time to recover. When asked whether she expected to return after the Blackpool special, she replied: “I hope so. Some people have said online that it’s just because I wanted to get out of doing the samba. I was desperate to get to Blackpool and do the samba. The production that was planned is going to be incredible.”

Despite the setback, the performer emphasised her love for the show, describing Strictly as a “happy place” and adding: “I am really hoping it continues.”

In a BBC statement released earlier this week, La Voix said: “My heart truly breaks knowing I won’t be dancing in such an iconic venue. I am devastated not to be joining the rest of the cast on that famous dancefloor, but my focus now is on recovery. I’ll be cheering on all the amazing couples this weekend.”

She also addressed her followers directly on Instagram, writing: “As many of you know, I injured my foot last week. With the help of an incredible team — and a whole lot of sparkles and determination — I was able to keep going and perform.”

However, she acknowledged that she now has no choice but to prioritise healing, saying she needed to “listen to her body” after “it became clear that the injury wasn’t improving”.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Angela Rippon, a veteran broadcaster with nearly 60 years of experience, was described as the “dream signing” when she agreed to take part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023

Angela Rippon — Strictly Come Dancing’s oldest ever contestant — is interested in presenting the BBC flagship show, reports claim.

The veteran broadcaster dazzled viewers with her jaw-dropping high kick when she was a competitor in 2023. She was the eighth celebrity to be eliminated, getting the boot in Blackpool after she and pro partner Kai Widdrington performed American Smooth to Tea For Two by Ella Fitzgerald.

But the former newsreader, who presented the original Come Dancing series between 1988 and 1991, has thrown her hat into the ring to host the much-loved revamp. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are both leaving after the current season, which will reach its finale next month.

When asked about stepping into either of their shoes, Angela, who is 81, said: “If they asked me, of course. It’s a very popular programme. Claudia and Tess have done a fabulous job, but no job is for life.”

READ MORE: Strictly’s George Clarke reveals backstage ‘pressure’ after tense momentREAD MORE: Claudia Winkleman’s favourite chunky rings she wore on The Traitors have 30% off

The shock move would come more than three decades after the BBC’s then-director-general, Lord (John) Birt, told Angela she’d “had her day” when she was a spring chicken aged 50. The Daily Mail says, though, the journalist — who has more than 60 years of experience in broadcasting — would excite fans of the flagship programme.

Speaking this week at the Starry Night Gala supporting the charity Action for Children at The Peninsula London, Angela said the next host must be “someone that will bring the glamour, and just what everyone loves about Strictly”. Indeed, she competed in it — becoming the oldest contestant ever to do so — at the age of 79 in 2023.

Angela, the daughter of a Royal Marine, has had a long and varied career in the media, including her post as Top Gear presenter in the 1970s and, more recently, as host of Holiday Hit Squad with Helen Skelton and Joe Crowley.

And when she was snapped up to take part in Strictly two years ago, one source said: “She is the dream signing. The audience at home will love her, and many of them will remember her from her days hosting the show in its previous incarnation.”

The broadcaster, originally from Plymouth, Devon, has remained close to her Strictly partner, Kai, 30, and the two recently teamed up to launch “Let’s Dance!”, a project designed to inspire people of all ages to experience the joy of dancing.

But, even despite her interest and experience, Angela faces huge competition for either of the Strictly vacancies. Former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby has been linked with the gig, as has Alan Carr, following his The Celebrity Traitors triumph.

Vicky Pattison is bouncing back after being booted off the BBC dance show, with the star already lining up a new on-screen project that will take her in a very different direction

Vicky Pattison is reportedly preparing for a brand-new TV role after her shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing. The former Geordie Shore favourite, who recently turned 38, was dropped from the BBC competition over the weekend despite impressing viewers with her routines alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington, 30.

The pair were sent home after the judges chose to save Balvinder Sopal, 49, and her partner Julian Caillon, 30. Now, Vicky is said to be heading straight back onto screens – this time alongside her husband Ercan Ramadan, whom she married in 2024 – in a new E4 series.

A TV insider told The Sun: “Vicky is already hugely popular with E4 audiences, thanks to her documentary about her dad’s alcoholism, her wedding specials and her show The Honesty Box, and this is the perfect post Strictly vehicle for her.”

According to the report, the show will explore a range of fertility topics, including IVF, egg freezing and the emotional realities behind the process. Vicky will also share her own journey while speaking to experts and women who have undergone similar experiences.

The star has been open about taking control of her fertility, choosing to freeze her eggs before tying the knot with Ercan last summer. She has frequently discussed the subject on social media and previously fronted the BBC documentary Egg Freezing And Me, which examined the rising demand for fertility treatments in the UK.

Growing up in Newcastle, Vicky felt the pressure many young women face surrounding marriage and motherhood. The 38-year-old has said that in her hometown, “it was ‘expected that you’d get married and have kids by 30, and if you didn’t you’d have failed.”

But despite once believing she had missed the mark, Vicky says her thirties turned out to be the most fulfilling years of her life so far. She told the Daily Mail: “I’d just come out of a relationship. I’d been conditioned to think everything was going to go downhill – looks, fertility, career. But my 30s have actually been the best years of my life. I met my husband, I bought a house, I adopted my dog, I found a career I’m proud of. I was a girl until I was 30 – now I’m a woman, and I like her. Society scares women into thinking life ends at 30. It’s rubbish.”

Vicky has also spoken openly about her diagnosis of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), after doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as nothing more than Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Reflecting on her fertility treatment, she has been honest about the emotional and physical toll, saying: “It’s emotionally difficult, and you’re all over the shop, but I found it to be quite uncomfortable and painful as well. And I don’t think enough people talk about that… we’re not allowed to whinge about it and say it was a bit hard, and it was a bit uncomfortable.”

She added an important reminder that women can feel both grateful and overwhelmed at the same time: “But actually, you can be grateful, and you can be really excited for the end product, but you can also struggle to get there, and I found it painful.”

The Mirror has reached out to Vicky Pattison’s representatives for comment.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Alan Carr is back with a new series of Changing Ends – however, he may be following in the footsteps of his Celebrity Traitors co-star Claudia Winkleman as Strictly’s new host

The job offers haven’t stopped rolling in for Alan Carr since his momentous Celebrity Traitors win, with the comedian even tipped to take over hosting duties on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. While he’s back with a new series of his hit comedy Changing Ends, the 49-year-old admits he’s unsure whether he could handle the challenge of stepping into Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s sparkly shoes.

“My name is in the hat,” he says. “What an honour. It’s a bit like when my name got bandied about for Britain’s Got Talent and The Great British Bake Off – I’m always on the periphery.

“I don’t know how serious it is. No one has approached me. People are so passionate about it and you saw me sweating in the castle when I was a Traitor, imagine me doing live telly with how many million people watching!”

READ MORE: BBC Celebrity Traitors star admits ‘one thing dawned on me early on’READ MORE: Celebrity Traitors finalist says ‘this is what Claudia Winkleman was really like’

Although, after a star turn on The Celebrity Traitors, he knows how to convincingly lie – and that could come in handy on Strictly. “If someone’s cha-cha-cha is a bit s**t, I’ve got the poker face!” he jokes.

“So many things have come from The Celebrity Traitors – so many job offers coming in – I’d be flattered but I don’t know if I could do it [Strictly] justice. I just don’t want to ruin it for people.”

Alan is back on more familiar ground with Changing Ends – the semi-autobiographical sitcom about his childhood in 1980s Northampton. Series three follows teenage Alan (played by Bafta nominee Oliver Savell) as he navigates obstacles such as stressful swimming lessons, and, more importantly, his first big crush – young Alan is smitten with Jake, the Saturday boy at the charity shop.

“I really got into charity shopping,” Alan smiles. “I used to go in there every Saturday and flick through the posters to catch his eye. I must have stunk like an old woman because I would get flares, I wore my dad’s sheepskin and we didn’t have dry cleaning like we do these days.

“I just wanted to be in love really. It still hasn’t happened!” With Alan now single after divorcing ex-husband Paul Drayton back in 2022, is he hoping his teenage crush will reach the real-life inspiration behind Jake?

“The boy knew then because I was just as unsubtle as I am now,” he laughs. “When I went back to Northampton, I saw him queuing up at a cash point. My knees went to jelly and I thought, ‘Oh my God, there he is.’ But I didn’t want to say hi.

“There’s still something there, but I don’t want a Surprise Surprise moment. He had his chance and he missed it! He could be dating a national treasure now.”

Fans will already know that Alan’s father Graham was famous himself – having been a professional footballer in the 1960s who went on to manage Northampton Town among other clubs. However, the new series also sees Alan’s mother Christine embracing life as a local WAG.

“We would drop my brother [Gary] off at Beavers and me and mum would sit in the Tesco café for an hour with a cup of tea and a Chelsea bun,” he says. “I remember this woman coming over in the canteen to ask for an autograph – I mean, it was funny.

“It sounds weird but in Northampton, my dad was famous – people would stop him. My mum didn’t get the same standard as my dad, but it was funny. She was stopped a few times and people whispered, ‘That’s Graham Carr’s wife.’ Now she gets, ‘That’s Alan Carr’s mum – that’s the Traitor’s mum!’”

Christine isn’t always pleased with how Alan portrays his childhood, with Nancy Sullivan and Shaun Dooley playing his long-suffering parents. “My mum goes, ‘Oh Alan, it wasn’t that obvious you were gay when you were a child.’ My mum, bless her – she’s still that she-wolf who goes up the school. ‘Don’t you pick on my Alan, he does fancy girls!’ I don’t think she realises how camp I am, she just loves me.”

Both his parents visited the show’s “surreal” set in Enfield, north London, which completely recreates his childhood home. “My poor dad walked up the stairs and nearly fell to his death because he thought the bedroom was upstairs,” he says. “How weird is that? It’s identical to the house. To have it decompartmentalised in a warehouse is so strange.”

As for whether we can expect more episodes of Changing Ends in the future, Alan says that it’s up to the fans. “I like the stage it’s at – that weird puberty stage,” he says. “If people are watching and they want it to come back, I’ll think about writing some more.

“But when it gets to the call centre years at 18 and when I started packing shampoo and dog food, I think I’m going to run out of stories because that was a really bleak time. It could be like The Office and be called The Warehouse!”

Although, after managing to make it all the way to the very end of The Celebrity Traitors without being found out as a Traitor, Alan is concerned that viewers won’t trust him any more. “I want it to be really authentic, but I worry now after doing The Celebrity Traitors people aren’t going to believe a word of Changing Ends!” he laughs.

Changing Ends airs Sunday at 10:05pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left confused after Vicky Pattison failed to appear on It Takes Two on Monday without any real explanation following her elimination from the show

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left confused after Vicky Pattison failed to appear on It Takes Two on Monday. The Geordie Shore star was eliminated from the dancing competition over the weekend and it’s tradition for the axed contestant to have their first interview on the show’s spin-off at the beginning of the following week.

Host Fleur East confirmed to viewers that Vicky and Kai would appear later in the week, but gave no explanation. But the Mirror can now reveal why Vicky was absent.

A source close to Vicky told us: “Vicky had it pre-agreed that she was going to celebrate her birthday with some friends and family. She has hardly seen them the last few months cos of training so it was a wonderful celebration but nothing too crazy.

“The BBC gave her permission to have the time around her birthday off and so she will be appearing on It Takes Two on Wednesday, it was all pre-agreed.”

READ MORE: Strictly’s Balvinder admits ‘struggle’ in face of ongoing dance off hellREAD MORE: Vicky Pattison breaks silence after Strictly exit branded ‘worst result ever’

The Mirror has contacted representatives for comment.

Vicky had faced Balvinder Sopal in the dance off, and the EastEnders actress appeared in her place, where she explained how ‘horrible’ it had been to compete against her friend for a place in next week’s Blackpool heat. She said: “I knew we were gonna be in the dance off, and when I saw who was lined up, I was like ‘This is awful.’

“And then they announced Vicky, and I was like ‘I just can’t…’ We became quite close, and our journey together has been really solid. I thought ‘I don’t wanna be the one…’ It was horrible, it’s horrible with anybody, but someone you’ve got close to, it’s not the way you want it to play out.”

Over the weekend, the former Loose Women star shared a video clip from her birthday party – which she hosted just as her sad scenes went to air. The post includes a message from a friend that reads ‘You are so special, never change. Love you.”

An emotional Vicky could be seen blowing out her birthday candles in front of a room her pals. The reality star, who has told how she has a constant battle with anxiety, said: “I know I let my nerves get in the way – and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am, sober as a judge.”

Vicky, who was visited by her husband Ercan and their dogs during training this week, looked gutted to be sent home, but told presenter Tess Daly: “It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest, as I have every week.”

She said that getting as far as week eight had far surpassed her own expectations. “Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one,” she insisted. “And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella right here.”

She told Kai: “You’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for. I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner and I’m so grateful.”

Kai said she’d been a joy to teach, telling her: “You are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second. I’m going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner.”

Fans previously said it was an especially brutal departure for Vicky because of Blackpool, her tango triumph last week, and also because Sunday was her 38th birthday.

One fan said: “Pretty shocking result, had Vicky down as a nailed on finalist and 50:50 winner along with Lewis (Cope).”

Another agreed: “Slightly distraught with the result because you were a definite potential winner and a firm favourite of mine, but I hope you’re extremely proud of yourself.VickyPattison, because you’ve done so amazing!!! We’re all proud of you lass!!”

But others felt Vicky had been let down on the night, claiming: “I did think the song didn’t go with the dance, the outfit didn’t go with the staging and the graffitied stairwell is almost designed to turn off the average Strictly viewer.”

One viewer added: “The dress was giving more Charleston vibes and the set was giving just ugly vibes.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Anya Garnis, who shares two young children with her husband Sunna Van Kampen, recently tried to rent a property in Devon, but she was rejected from doing so because of a Home Office blunder

Former Strictly star Anya Garnis fears she may be left homeless after a Home Office blunder rejected her right to live in Britain.

The Russian-born Latin dancer started dancing at the age of 10 and began competing professionally with her dance partner, Strictly’s Pasha Kovalev, in 1998. The pair moved to the US in 2001 to start her professional dancing career.

They reached the final of the US Open Ballroom Championship on a number of occasions and have also appeared in US series So You Think You Can Dance. Anya, who is a US citizen, has performed at the Emmys and the Oscars and even headlined the Broadway show Burn The Floor.

READ MORE: Dad whose son left school due to bullies has now been threatened with fines

READ MORE: Man falls into city centre river sparking huge emergency response

The 43-year-old, who shares two young children with her husband Sunna Van Kampen, recently tried to rent a property in Totnes, Devon, but she was rejected from doing so because of a Home Office blunder.

Baffled by the situation Anya investigated and discovered the Home Office’s landlord checking system suggested she did not have permission to live in the country, despite being here since 2013.

The Home Office said her application for leave to remain may have been lost – rendering her ‘illegal’. Speaking to the MailOnline she said: “I was absolutely shocked and devastated. We have to leave the place we’re living now in a couple of weeks, but have been told we can’t rent or buy anywhere else.

“In effect, this will leave us homeless in Britain. If we leave the country, my visa application will be dismissed entirely, but we may have no choice.”

Anya came to the UK on a temporary UK visa in 2013 to work for Strictly. She married Mr Van Kampen in 2017 and they later had two children, now aged three and one.

Since 2013 Anya has lived in the UK on rolling temporary visas without any major issues until she applied to renew her permission last September.

After applying she heard nothing for months so chased her application up on the Home Office website which suggested her application was being processed. When she tried to call, they told her they couldn’t discuss individual cases on the phone.

Home Office guidelines state that applicants have automatic leave to remain while their applications are being processed, so she thought nothing of it. After applying again she was shocked to still be turned down by the LCS.

She said: “I can’t buy or rent a property, but I also can’t leave the country while I’m waiting for a decision. I know highly skilled Americans who have been forced to give up on a life in Britain and move back home because of this catch.”

The Home Office said it would not comment on an individual case.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Alan Carr has shared a huge update on replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the presenter of Strictly Come Dancing following his victory on Celebrity Traitors

The job offers haven’t stopped rolling in for Alan Carr since his momentous Celebrity Traitors win, with the comedian even tipped to take over hosting duties on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.

While he’s back with a new series of his hit comedy Changing Ends, the 49-year-old admits he’s unsure whether he could handle the challenge of stepping into Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s sparkly shoes.

“My name is in the hat,” he says. “What an honour. It’s a bit like when my name got bandied about for Britain’s Got Talent and The Great British Bake Off – I’m always on the periphery.

“I don’t know how serious it is. No one has approached me. People are so passionate about it and you saw me sweating in the castle when I was a Traitor, imagine me doing live telly with how many million people watching!”

Although after a star turn on The Celebrity Traitors, he knows how to convincingly lie – and that could come in handy on Strictly. If someone’s cha-cha-cha is a bit s**t, I’ve got the poker face!” he jokes.

“So many things have come from The Celebrity Traitors – so many job offers coming in – I’d be flattered, but I don’t know if I could do it [Strictly] justice. I just don’t want to ruin it for people.”

Alan is back on more familiar ground with Changing Ends – the semi-autobiographical sitcom about his childhood in 1980s Northampton.

Series three follows teenage Alan (played by Bafta nominee Oliver Savell) as he navigates obstacles such as stressful swimming lessons, and, more importantly, his first big crush – young Alan is smitten with Jake, the Saturday boy at the charity shop.

“I really got into charity shopping,” Alan smiles. “I used to go in there every Saturday and flick through the posters to catch his eye. I must have stunk like an old woman because I would get flares, I wore my dad’s sheepskin and we didn’t have dry cleaning like we do these days.

“I just wanted to be in love really. It still hasn’t happened!” With Alan now single after divorcing ex-husband Paul Drayton back in 2022, is he hoping his teenage crush will reach the real-life inspiration behind Jake?

“The boy knew then because I was just as unsubtle as I am now,” he laughs. “When I went back to Northampton, I saw him queuing up at a cash point. My knees went to jelly and I thought, ‘Oh my God, there he is.’ But I didn’t want to say hi.

“There’s still something there, but I don’t want a Surprise Surprise moment. He had his chance and he missed it! He could be dating a national treasure now.”

Fans will already know that Alan’s father Graham was famous himself – having been a professional footballer in the 1960s who went on to manage Northampton Town among other clubs. However, the new series also sees Alan’s mother Christine embracing life as a local WAG.

“We would drop my brother [Gary] off at Beavers and me and mum would sit in the Tesco café for an hour with a cup of tea and a Chelsea bun,” he says. “I remember this woman coming over in the canteen to ask for an autograph – I mean, it was funny.

“It sounds weird, but in Northampton, my dad was famous – people would stop him. My mum didn’t get the same standard as my dad, but it was funny. She was stopped a few times and people whispered, ‘That’s Graham Carr’s wife.’ Now she gets, ‘That’s Alan Carr’s mum – that’s the Traitor’s mum!’”

Christine isn’t always pleased with how Alan portrays his childhood, with Nancy Sullivan and Shaun Dooley playing his long-suffering parents.

“My mum goes, ‘Oh Alan, it wasn’t that obvious you were gay when you were a child.’ My mum, bless her – she’s still that she-wolf who goes up the school. ‘Don’t you pick on my Alan, he does fancy girls!’ I don’t think she realises how camp I am, she just loves me.”

Both his parents visited the show’s “surreal” set in Enfield, north London, which completely recreates his childhood home. “My poor dad walked up the stairs and nearly fell to his death because he thought the bedroom was upstairs,” he says. “How weird is that? It’s identical to the house. To have it decompartmentalised in a warehouse is so strange.”

As for whether we can expect more episodes of Changing Ends in the future, Alan says that it’s up to the fans.

“I like the stage it’s at – that weird puberty stage,” he says. “If people are watching and they want it to come back, I’ll think about writing some more.

“But when it gets to the call centre years at 18 and when I started packing shampoo and dog food, I think I’m going to run out of stories because that was a really bleak time. It could be like The Office and be called The Warehouse!”

Although, after managing to make it all the way to the very end of The Celebrity Traitors without being found out as a Traitor, Alan is concerned that viewers won’t trust him any more.

“I want it to be really authentic, but I worry now after doing The Celebrity Traitors people aren’t going to believe a word of Changing Ends!” he laughs.

Changing Ends, Sunday 23 November, 10.05pm, ITV1 and ITVX

Mystery swirls around the Strictly results show as the couple eliminated is leaked during the show’s taping, despite audience members handing in their phones

Questions are being raised about how spoilers are leaked about the Strictly Results show, as the couple eliminated was revealed while the results show was still being filmed.

Every Saturday, the Strictly main show airs live, but the Sunday results shows are filmed immediately after the live show is screened with the same audience sitting in for both. As such, the audience are aware of who has gone home almost a full day before the wider public are.

To prevent the result leaking, audience members are not allowed to have their mobile phones in the studio and those that bring phones with them are required to hand them over to security.

They can collect them from when they leave. However, the celebrities, their family and friends, pro dancers and production crew are all allowed to keep their mobile phones.

READ MORE: ‘Sexy’ aftershave getting shoppers ‘compliments everywhere I go’ is £28READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star breaks down in tears and ‘can’t stop sobbing’ on live TV

Despite the tight control on communication from the audience to the outside world, spoilers for the results show have continued to leak as it is filmed, making some wonder how this is possible.

Spoilers have long been an issue on the show, but this is the first year where they have leaked as filming is still underway. A source told the Sun that spoilers “plague” the show.

“Spoilers have plagued Strictly for years with fans struggling to avoid finding out who leaves before the Sunday results show airs. Now, results are ending up online while the cameras are still rolling.”

There are multiple ways that spoilers from the show are leaked, but those dropping during the show’s filming appear to be leaked to a TikTok user called Shirleigh Humphreys.

Shirleigh, who goes by Shirleighshirlz, consistently streams her live reaction to finding out who has been eliminated around 10:30pm on a Saturday, a time when filming sometimes has not wrapped on Strictly Come Dancing.

In one video, she revealed that she gets her information during the show’s filming: “I have my own moles and this particular mole was fantastic for giving us live coverage of the Strictly Results while it was taping.”

Last week, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey found himself in the dance off with La Voix, and the judges ultimately decided to save the Drag Race star, sending Harry home.

With Vicky and the bottom of the dance-off, there is some fear that the Geordie Shore star will be heading home. This week is an important one for celebs to make it through, as next week, they head to Blackpool for the one of the series’ biggest shows.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Strictly Come Dancing will see another celebrity and their professional partner leave the competition this weekend

Strictly Come Dancing will witness another departure this weekend – and the prospects aren’t promising for one pairing.

Last weekend, Balvinder Sopal and her dance partner Julian Caillon managed to avoid finding themselves in the bottom two despite being the bookmakers’ top picks to depart the show.

Nevertheless, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and La Voix found themselves in the bottom two and were forced to perform once more in an attempt to remain in the contest.

Unfortunately, it signalled the end for the Gladiator star, as all the judges chose to rescue La Voix.

Yet this week, Balvinder and Julian’s journey could be over, according to exclusive odds from Betway, reports Wales Online.

The duo has been handed odds of 150/1 of departing on Sunday.

La Voix, who received salvation last weekend, is also in danger of exiting, with odds of 100/1.

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, George Clarke remains the favourite to claim victory in the competition, with odds of 10/11.

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope sits in second position with odds of 11/4, whilst Vicky Pattison occupies third spot with odds of 6/1.

Whoever ultimately departs this week will also forfeit the chance to perform at the iconic Blackpool Tower during Strictly’s Blackpool Week.

Following their bottom two placement, Balvinder and Julian featured on It Takes Two, where they discussed landing in the dance off once again.

Balvinder told It Takes Two host Fleur East, “The rumba, it was the hardest thing to learn. Literally, on Tuesday, I’d thrown the towel in and went, ‘I can’t do it,’ I sat in a corner and cried.

“Jules was standing there and went, ‘When you’re ready, bro… we’ve got to get this done’.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears as they watched the results show

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left reaching for the tissues during Sunday night’s emotional elimination show.

The evening featured a musical performance from James Morrison, belting out ‘Fight Another Day’, accompanied by a dance routine from Jowita Pryzstał and Neil Jones.

The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment also graced the stage alongside the Strictly Professional Dancers for a group performance in honour of Remembrance Sunday, set to Sam Fender’s poignant track ‘Remember My Name’.

However, it was this particular performance that had fans welling up, with many taking to social media to express their emotions – and eagle-eyed viewers spotted that Amy Dowden was part of the special pre-recorded routine.

Amy is currently on a break from the show as she recovers from her second mastectomy, reports Wales Online.

One viewer posted on X, “Amy dancing recorded in August, then, hate these ‘Sunday’ shows and dances recorded months ago.”

Another fan gushed, “Love seeing Amy in the performance. I am sobbing.”

While another added, “Dancing to Remember My Name by Sam Fender on #Strictly making me VERY emotional.

“Not one for sentiment when it comes to war, but brass bands really do choke me up #strictly,” another viewer shared.

Yet another wrote, “That was a beautiful pro dance and the music was spot on, can’t believe I’m now in tears over strictly. I almost never cry, yet I’ve cried two shows in a row tonight!”

Tonight’s results saw the departure of one celebrity, as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer found themselves in a dance-off against La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec.

Both pairs took to the floor once more; La Voix and Aljaž reprised their Foxtrot to Make Your Own Kind of Music by Cass Elliot, while Harry and Karen Hauer danced their Samba to Samba by Gloria Estefan.

However, it was a unanimous verdict as all judges opted to save La Voix, resulting in Harry being sent packing.

It was a poignant moment for Harry, and when quizzed by Tess Daly about his Strictly experience, he said, “I think, first things, I just want to thank Karen, genuinely, you have given me an opportunity to shine.

“You’ve understood my crazy brain. I’m a logical person, trying to dance – and obviously doing what I do – an Olympic sprinter and a Gladiator; now I’m trying to be a dancer.

“I just want to thank you so much for the time and effort, the hard work that you’ve put into me. You show up, you turn out. I want to thank everyone here. Literally, this has been a dream come true. This is a celebration. It’s a celebration.”

The Gladiator continued, “I spoke to my daughter and she didn’t like seeing her dad sad, and when she saw me sad last week, she was like, “Daddy, what’s wrong?’ and I wanted to show everyone that, no matter what happens, there’s always a silver lining.

“But this is an experience for me. So, thank you for this lovely gift, and at the end of the day, we carry on, we give it to them, and we continue to shine. Do you know what I mean?”

Karen also became emotional as she shared with Tess what being paired with Harry had meant to her.

She said, “I am extremely proud. We’ve had the best time.

“You’re such a gentleman, you’re a hard worker, you listen, and you get into those times where I don’t know what you were thinking, but you know what? I loved you in every kind of way because of the person that you are, and it was an honour to teach you, so thank you so much.”

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing is off to a brilliant start and plenty of celebrity faces have been taking to the dancefloor to impress the judges

The Strictly Come Dancing results show could be axed due to ongoing leaks, it has been reported. The results show has been a Sunday staple for years but it could be coming to an end.

Despite the results show airing the day after the main programme, it is all actually filmed on the same night. However, this means that the person who has been dumped from the show tends to be leaked.

Many viewers are fed up with the Saturday night leaking and are calling for both episodes to be aired on a Saturday instead. Strictly bosses are now under pressure to make a change due to the undercover mole ruining the results for thousands of fans.

READ MORE: Debenhams unveils early Black Friday deals on Estée Lauder, Benefit and more

READ MORE: BBC Breakfast stars announce sad death of Strictly Come Dancing legendREAD MORE: Strictly’s Vicky Pattison shares candid message after achieving series’ highest score

The Daily Mail has reported that some BBC bosses think that the hit show needs to go back to its original format. This included the viewers voting after the Saturday main episode while The National Lottery was aired.

The live results programme then followed afterwards and the contestant with the least public support left the show.

There was no dance-off like there is now which meant that the judges didn’t have the opportunity to save anyone. However, with the current format, within just an hour of filming finishing at Elstree Studios, the Strictly mole leaks the results online which means that thousands of people know the results before the Sunday episode airs.

The current Sunday show brings in more than seven million viewers but these views would most likely be transferred over to Saturday evening if it was to be moved.

It was reported that a source said: “It’s become a complete farce, everyone watching knows that it was filmed the night before – but more significant than that, the result is out on the internet almost immediately.

“It’s fair to say that this mole is a thorn in the BBC’s side. You can find out by 11.30pm on a Saturday night what happened.

“A full readout appears on social media and they have no way of stopping it. Fans have to spend all day Sunday trying to avoid the spoiler online or hearing who went in the dance-off over their Sunday lunch. With Tess and Claudia (Strictly’s hosts, who are leaving at the end of this series) going, it is the ideal time to change things.”

Strictly Come Dancing is broadcast live on BBC1 on a Saturday night then after a break, where the judges and presenters change their outfits, they start pre-recording the Sunday night results show.

The presenters, judges, celebrities and professional dancers all refer to what happened “last night” as it is revealed who is in the bottom two and will face the dreaded dance-off despite it actually being on the same night.

This isn’t the only potential Strictly shake-up as presenters Claudia and Tess also revealed that they wouldn’t be back next year. They announced via Instagram that they would be leaving the show despite being fan favourites.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

BBC Breakfast presenters paid tribute to Quentin Willson after the former Top Gear host and Strictly Come Dancing star died at the age of 68.

BBC Breakfast hosts Roger Johnson and Emma Vardy honoured former Top Gear presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Quentin Willson this morning (Sunday, 9 November).

Willson, who co-presented the BBC motoring show from 1991 to 2001 before the era of Jeremy Clarkson and James May, passed away on Saturday aged 68.

His relatives announced his death in a statement, following his fight against lung cancer.

They called him a “national treasure” and “true consumer champion”, stating: “Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.”

The statement added: “The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach,” reports the Express.

Besides serving as Top Gear’s used car specialist, and working as an campaigner and electric vehicle supporter, Willson appeared on Strictly in 2004.

He created history on the programme when his Cha Cha Cha with partner Hazel Newberry received the lowest score ever awarded by judges on the show, at just eight points.

He subsequently remarked he was “very proud” of it, acknowledging his poor dancing ability and saying: “I ‘m very proud to have the lowest recorded score on Strictly Come Dancing. Builders ran up to me to shake my hand because I failed so badly. I tried, but I was the dancing equivalent of a JCB.”

BBC Breakfast presenters paid tribute to Willson this morning, with Roger stating: “Jeremy Clarkson and James May have lead tributes to the former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson, who has died from lung cancer at the age of 68. His family said that he brought the joy of motoring into people’s living rooms.”

Reporter Graham Satchell said: “Quentin Willson’s presenting style on Top Gear was unforgettable. Direct, forthright, with a wry sense of humour.

“After Top Gear, Willson began campaigning to reduce the amount of tax that motorists paid on fuel, and then to try and make electric cars more affordable.

“He holds the ignominious record of having the lowest ever score on Strictly, 8 out of 40, his performance described as a Robin Reliant trying to make love to a Ferrari.

“Willson loved it, it was important, he said, for people in the public eye to make fun of themselves.

“The car was his first and last love, he named his daughters Mercedes and Mini.”

Satchell continued: “Tonight Quentin Willson’s family said the void he left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived, a library of experience, now beyond our reach.”

The tributes follow heartfelt words from James May and Jeremy Clarkson, who wrote: ” I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”

May commented on X: “Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.”

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were yet again sharing their thoughts on the latest exit on the BBC series, as the elimination result leaked online ahead of the results show

Some viewers were puzzled after finding out who left Strictly Come Dancing this weekend in the latest leak.

Hours before the results show was due to air on Sunday, fans were told who was in the dance-off and which unlucky couple got the boot from judges. As fans are aware by now, the results are filmed on the Saturday after the live show, while the results do not air until Sunday evening.

With many calling this out over the years, the leaks have continued each week ahead of transmission. This week was no different, and with it came a mixed reaction over who apparently left.

The Mirror have chosen not to name the star who has apparently left the show with their pro dancer, while the name was shared by the usual ‘sources’. Viewers were left divided, as some had predicted it would be the case and others didn’t see it coming.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing in huge show first with Britain’s Got Talent link-upREAD MORE: I’m A Celebrity drama as Nick Ferrari pulls out after intervention

Taking to X, one viewer asked: “I swear [they] were higher on the leaderboard? Was there a mistake or something?” Another fan questioned if a mistake in the dance-off led to said person leaving the show.

A third reaction said: “If this is true it’s about time.” Another fan disagreed saying: “No, no way,” as another said: “Thought the judges would have saved them.” A further comment read: “Such a shame.”

Some fans backed the choice, with one writing: “The correct result,” as another said: “Absolutely the correct decision.” One more added: “No surprise there really!”

It comes as a special mash-up has been revealed featuring dance group Diversity. Rehearsals are now underway for the first performance of its kind featuring the group who found fame after winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, famously beating Scottish singer Susan Boyle in the final.

Now 14 members of Diversity, including the most famous faces, Perri Kiely plus brothers Ashley and Jordan Banjo, will make their debut on the BBC ballroom show on November 16 during the results programme.

The performance will see the male hip hop crew dance to Raye’s Where Is My Husband? alongside five of the female pro dancers: Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkis, Nancy Xu and Jowita Przystał.

One Strictly insider said: “Fans can expect a spectacular group number choreographed by Jason Gilkinson and Ashley Banjo. Set in LA, it’s a dance extravaganza that sees old school Hollywood collide with hip hop, as the five Strictly pros and Diversity celebrate some of the most iconic screen sirens from the Golden Age of cinema – including Marilyn Monroe.

“The pros will basically be asking Diversity exactly what the song title suggests.” The results show featuring the mash-up will also have a separate performance from pop star Olly Murs and will be the last show before Strictly’s annual Blackpool Special, which airs on Saturday, 22 November.

It follows judge Shirley Ballas reaching out to contestant Ellie Goldstein after her elimination from the show. The actress and model became the fifth star to be voted off the BBC contest last weekend alongside her partner Vito Coppola.

Sharing an image on Instagram from Halloween week of the dance pair alongside her, Shirley wrote: “Ellie, how beautiful to have had you on our show for six wonderful weeks @elliejg16_zebedeemodel … You have been dedicated to giving it your very best, your musicality is simply breathtaking and your power and energy is spectacular.

“@vitocoppola said it best, we were blessed to witness an angel grace our show. Thank you for sharing your love with us. I feel privileged to have watched you grow each week. This partnership will always hold a place in my heart. @bbcstrictly x”

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Strictly Come Dancing fans rushed to social media as they felt the judges were ‘overmarking’ the contestants during tonight’s show which they felt was not reflective of the performance

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left fuming after judge Motsi Mabuse awarded Karen Carney ten points following her performance of the Charleston, with her professional dance partner Carlos Gu.

Viewers felt that they noticed flaws in her performance, however that did not appear to be reflected in the judge’s scores. Taking to X, one fan wrote: “sure not a 10, the lifts were pretty ropey #strictly.” Another person said: “F**** OFF Motsi and Anton! #Strictly.”

A third added: “What’s with Motsi and that 10? #Strictly.” Meanwhile a fourth penned: “10?!!! did we just watch the same performance #strictly.”

And a fifth fan took to the social media platform and chimed in saying: “Oh come on Motsi – never a 10, too frenetic #Strictly.”

“10??? What??? #Strictly,” said a sixth. Another added: “#Strictly shut up motsi. Its not a 10! Its messy with lots of faults #Charleston.”

And another fumed: “Motsi giving Karen a 10 for a dance which wasn’t perfect is wild #Strictly.”‘

Stars on this year’s line-up have left viewers gripped to their TV screens as they compete to make it to the final and hold up the coveted glitterball trophy.

But for one star, it looks as though joining the BBC ballroom show was more of a tough decision than once thought.

Vicky Pattison, who made her name starring on reality TV show Geordie Shore, recently explained that joining the show pushed back her plans to start a family with new husband Ercan Ramadan.

The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in August last year.

In an interview with The Mirror, she admitted: “At the start of this year, I said to Ercan, I’m either gonna do Strictly, a second series of Honesty Box, or we’re going to have a baby. When I got the call for Strictly, he was over the moon. Kids are definitely on the cards next year. He probably thinks I’ll be at home a bit more, which he’s thrilled about.”

And while Ercan may have been left disappointed by her career decision, Vicky was adamant that he has been her biggest supporter.

Ercan has been providing Vicky with electrolytes and collagen every morning.

Last month, Tess and Claudia left die hard viewers heartbroken as they announced their departure from the BBC show.

Their announcement came with a video which they posted on social media. Claudia was the first to start speaking as she said: “Hi it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us…”

Tess added: “Yeah we have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton…”

Claudia then chimed in saying: “The very sparkly baton…” Turning to Tess, she continued: “You’ve been here since the beginning…”

Tess, who is a mum of two and married to radio host Vernon Kay, kicked off her Strictly journey when she hosted the show alongside the much loved Bruce Forsyth.

Tess went on to say: “2004 with Brucey – lovely Bruce. That’s over two decades ago and a lot of that time has been with you. It’s been a huge part of our lives, hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they’re young adults and I think, genuinely we have cherished every second.”

READ MORE: Dyson Black Friday 2025 sees exclusive deals on hair dryers, Air Wrap and vacuums

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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”

Alan Carr is tipped to become one of the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing after his The Celebrity Traitors triumph.

The comedian, 49, burst into tears when he was crowned the winner of the reality TV programme last night. Alan declared the prize money, which amounted to £87,500, will go to the children’s charity Neuroblastoma UK, a sum he said would “change lives”.

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.”

READ MORE: Celebrity Traitors final LIVE: Winner revealed as fans rage over huge twistREAD MORE: Celebrity Traitors star backtracks ‘I didn’t mean it’ after he’s caught slamming co-stars

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 wife Portia has taken a swipe about her “inability to co-parent” with someone who “hates you”.

The BBC One star, 39, revealed he has a porn addiction and opened up on his personal struggles in the aftermath of his divorce.

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.

FAMILY WOES

Ore Oduba’s ex Portia takes cryptic swipe at star after his porn confession

MOVING ON

Ore Oduba’s ex-wife Portia finds love again as she goes public with new man

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.

She seemed to take a swipe at Ore by adding Taylor Swift’s song Father Figure in the background, which heavily focuses on themes of betrayal.

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.”

SAD SPLIT.

The couple announced they were ending their nine-year marriage in October, with presenter Ore then confirming the news on Instagram. 

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.

FESTIVE FEELS

John Lewis reveals tear-jerker Xmas ad set to nostalgic 90s house track

TRAFFIC CARNAGE

Major motorway shut with TWO-HOUR delays after crash between lorry & van

“And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition.

“We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.”