Strictly Come Dancing

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.”

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 “will take over” as Strictly Come Dancing presenter, according to top media source.

The host is set for a dramatic return to our TV screens, more than two years after quitting This Morning on ITV when she became the victim of a murder plot. Gavin Plumb, the creep behind the conspiracy, was jailed for life in July and now it is thought Holly, 44, is ready to come back to broadcasting.

Peter Fincham, who was director of the BBC for two years until 2007, understands Holly will replace either Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly, who are leaving Strictly after more than two decades associated with the programme.

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.”

READ MORE: Celebrity Traitors star Alan Carr tipped to become new host of Strictly Come DancingREAD MORE: BBC One Show viewers issued warning as hosts admit they had ‘really good cry’

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.

Holly was on This Morning for 14 years until her exit, which came after her long-time co-presenter Phillip Schofield resigned. Phillip, 63, had admitted that, before leaving his wife, he had carried on an extramarital affair with a young male co-worker and had lied about it to ITV’s management, his colleagues, lawyers, agents and friends and family.

READ MORE: “I feel so lucky”: Vicky Pattison on Strictly nerves, finding peace and THOSE sex ban rumours

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.

Holly’s return, said to be backed with “great confidence” by the “well-known channel controller”, would come off the back of this scrutiny – albeit more than two years down the line. The bombshell claims come after sources linked comedian Alan Carr, 49, to one of the two vacant Strictly posts.

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

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”.

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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.”

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Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal found herself in the dance-off with Ellie Goldstein

After a thrilling Strictly Come Dancing show on Saturday night, Balvinder Sopal found herself in the dance-off against Ellie Goldstein.

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.

Following the second performances of both couples, the judges made their decision and chose to save Balvinder and Julian.

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

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.

Vicky Pattison burst into tears after Motsi predicted she would make it all the way to the final, and fans also started demanding that La Voix be made the new host after he momentarily stood in for Tess Daly.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing LIVE: First 40 of the series, standing ovations and ‘horny’ dancesREAD MORE: Strictly’s Vicky Pattison bursts into tears after shock comment live on air

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.

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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 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!”

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing results spoiler reveals most shocking dance off of seriesREAD MORE: Strictly star speechless by message from Cheryl after breaking down in tears

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.”

READ MORE: Man ‘transformed’ after losing nearly four stone despite trying ‘every fad diet’

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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

Television host and national treasure Claudia Winkleman told fans to “be prepared” before revealing her true thoughts on Strictly Come Dancing.

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, 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 — teasing millions of The Celebrity Traitors viewers — has been tipped to become a new presenter of Strictly Come Dancing.

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.”

READ MORE: Kate Garraway reveals which Celebrity Traitors star has snubbed WhatsApp groupREAD MORE: Dani Dyer says ‘I feel embarrassed’ as she shares Strictly Come Dancing heartbreak

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.”

The search is on to replace Claudia and Tess, who have both been associated with Strictly and its spin-off programmes for more than 20 years. Former Strictly performer, Vincent Simone, had said the hosts need to be replaced by “familiar faces that the audience already trusts”.

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.

Karen Hauer has hit back at the judges after her Argentine tango split the panel on last week’s heat of Strictly Come Dancing where she set an Argentine tango to an Usher track

Karen Hauer has hit back at the judges after her Argentine tango split the panel on last week’s Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, 43, crafted a routine set to Usher track Caught Up and it received a mixed reaction from Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

During an appearance with celebrity partner Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who is known for starring on BBC’s Gladiators, on Friday’s Halloween edition of It Takes Two, Karen was asked if she will be avoiding the dance from now on. She joked: “”Probably! That’s fine.”

The star then insisted that she really enjoyed doing it and she ‘got the assignment‘ and did what she was asked to do even though it is ‘a shame’ how it all turned out.

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman’s horrific Halloween as daughter’s dress caught fireREAD MORE: Amber Davies faces major blow as family set to miss rest of Strictly journey

She added: “No, do you know what? I absolutely loved that and it’s just a shame sometimes. If you want me to do an Argentine classical, then give me the music and I’ll do it. I got the assignment!”

“That was the assignment! Literally. I was just a bit like…we had a really beautiful balance. The judges have a really hard job to do, I just wish they liked it!”

During the live show, Craig claimed that the couple, who eventually received a combined score of 30 for their efforts. seemed to simply be ‘walking’ the routine. He said: “I felt like you were walking through it, standing, placing, standing, placing and not actually dancing step to step.

“And I wasn’t entirely fond of throwing all the groove stuff in there.”

But Harry was not afraid to hit back at the comments as they happened. He said: “I was given a task to do an Argentine tango to Usher. I took it on, I done it to the best of my ability and that’s all I can do.” The dance was all done as part of Icons week, and big music names like Dolly Parton, Spice Girls and Johnny Cash were also honoured, amongst a whole host of others.

Fans at home rushed to social media to defend Harry and Karen amid the negative feedback. One said: “Why have an Icons week, make the celebs dance to music that’s not really suited to the dance then criticise them for bringing a bit of the icon’s style into the dance? Bal and Harry especially.”

Another said: “what are they even talking about obviously an argentine tango to USHER is gna be a little different #Strictly” and a third added: “I dont get the “whyd you add groove/ bump n grind” comments… you gave the guy Usher to mimic?? with an argentine tango?? so like what was he supposed to do.”

Harry has already had a taste of Strictly before making his debut as a contestant on this year’s series. He appeared on last year’s Christmas special where he was partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu.

The sports star bagged one of the highest scores in the episode but lost to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Tayce, who had danced with Kai Widdrington.

Announcing his return for the new series, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey said: “After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got.

“I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”

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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

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.

READ MORE: Shirley Ballas already knows who should host Strictly Come DancingREAD MORE: Vicky Pattison won’t host Strictly Come Dancing – unless one change is made

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.

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

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

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

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

READ MORE: Tess Daly’s very demanding job away from Strictly as sudden exit leaves fans baffledREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing fans praise judge for ‘subtle’ Ellie Goldstein move

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar, has paid tribute to Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Strictly matriarchs Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be sorely missed, says EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal. This week the presenting duo shocked everyone when they announced they would be departing the show at the end of the current series. Balvinder, 46, paid tribute to the “caring” and “supportive” pair.

“People are sad to lose them and their iconic presence on Strictly,” said the actress, who plays Suki Panesar. “They’re so brilliant. They’re powerful, they’re funny, they’re sexy. They’re sassy, they look amazing, they’re of a certain age and they still power through. They’re engaging, they draw audiences in, people tune in sometimes for them. It’s incredible what they’ve done for the show and for us.”

“They’re the best of friends and they come across like that. How lucky are we to be able to absorb that energy and be taken care of? They’re the matriarchs of the show, they really have taken care of Strictly Come Dancing in the best possible way. And what an inspiration for us as well, to be looking up to such women like that.”

Soap star Balvinder – who danced the quickstep to Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyoncé last night with partner Julian Caillon – described is an “end of an era” and said it’s a privilege to dance in their final season.

“They are of the old school of Strictly, the time of Len Goodman and Bruce Forsyth. They bring all of that legacy. So now when they depart, we’re going to have two new people that are going to provide the show with a different direction. Things come to an end and we just have to reinvent and move on. Let’s see what happens. They’re big boots to fill.”

Tess and Claudia announced their departure from the show on Thursday (23 October) in a joint video, where they said: “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside.”

They added that they have a pact to leave together. In a separate statement, Tess referred to Strictly as her “third child” and “second family” and promised she wasn’t going to stop watching Strictly but felt it was time to “hand over the reins”.

“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 we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to 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.”

Sources close to the pair, who always had a pact to leave together at the same time, suggested they had told the top show execs of their plan some weeks ago, but their video on social media caught many of the Strictly cast and crew off guard. Insiders said privately Tess and Claudia have been discussing the idea of leaving for around a year.

A TV source said: “The feeling is Tess and Claudia wanted to go out at the top and whilst the show is still huge and shortly after they received MBEs. Announcing it mid series also gives them a bit of a swansong and doesn’t take the spotlight away from the winner.

“Claudia is right at her career peak with The Traitors and other TV offers flooding in. Tess has been hosting the show for more than two decades and like that idea of more weekends with her family and her friends.

“The recent scandals around the show have also impacted the ratings a little bit and there might be more around the corner, so they weighed it up and feel it is the right time to quit.”

Another source close to the duo said: “They always said they would go together when they felt right and it just feels right this year.”

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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 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.

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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

Strictly Come Dancing fans were stunned this week by the news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be stepping down from hosting duties. However, they’ve wasted little time in sharing who they want to replace the dynamic duo.

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.

READ MORE: Strictly star opens up on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ‘shock’ bombshell announcementREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star shares true thoughts on show after ‘crying uncontrollably’

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.”

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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.

Tess and husband Vernon Kay share two daughters together, Phoebe and Amber, with Phoebe recently reaching a huge milestone which was celebrated by her parents.

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?

With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing they are quitting Strictly Come Dancing when this series ends, tongues are wagging about who will replace the presenting duo.

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.

READ MORE: Strictly cast ‘blindsided’ by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s double exit

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.

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