The Real Rooneys gives fans a real insight into the lives of Wayne and Coleen Rooney and also some surprising details of what goes on
Wayne and Coleen have opened their home to the Disney+ cameras
The Real Rooneys throws up some interesting and surprising scenes and a lot of nuggets of information and Wayne and Coleen which will be new for fans. Coleen says of the series: “We live in this in this extraordinary world, but we are normal at the end of the day.”
Wayne adds: “When you know you’re on TV or you’re doing something, you maybe tone things down a little bit, but at home with four young boys, that’s impossible. It’s real what you see.” Here are some of the more shocking and surprising things I spotted previewing the first four episodes…
WAYNE’S WINDOWLESS REQUEST
The Rooneys live in an incredible mansion with dozens of rooms and grounds which are big enough for them to race around in go karts, as we see on the show. But despite paying for the property, Wayne had just two slightly odd requests when it was built. He says: “I only wanted two things in here, a small little room with no windows, not because I am a psycho for playing PlayStation or watching a movie. And a snooker table. I didn’t really care what else.” Thanks to Coleen there is also other great rooms which have fun things in them like a swimming pool and a boxing ring.
COLEEN LUCKY TO BE ALIVE
Coleen’s mum reveals that her beloved daughter may never have met Wayne or survived beyond a brief childhood having been very ill as a small child.
Colette McLoughlin tells the cameras: “When Coleen was three, she got really sick. It turned out it was encephalitis, and her brain was swelling. She couldn’t walk. She couldn’t speak. She was stumbling her words. When we got to Alder High Hospital, she ended up in a coma. For 24 hours it was touch and go. She had to learn to walk again. All the coordination had gone, but I’m so grateful because she was alive.” This help she got at hospital is one of the reasons Coleen’s parents became foster carers.
WAYNE WATERWORKS AT TV SOAPS
Wayne admits now he is older he gets emotional about lots of things. The subject comes up when Kai’s football career is being discussed and he is asked if he will cry if his eldest son gets a scholarship at Manchester United. Wayne replies: “Probably. I cry at everything anyway. I’ve cried over some mad things, Coronation Street, X Factor, when Barry got pushed off the hill by Janine in EastEnders, I’m pretty sure I was crying.”
COLEEN CONSIDERED SPLIT FROM WAYNE
His bad behaviour down the years is well documented and Wayne is not perfect husband material in the series either. Like most married couples there are some rows and at one stage Coleen says: “There’s times where I think ‘Is the answer to see what it’s like if we were separated?’.”
She then adds: “But the we still care for each other, we still have good times. You know, we still love each other.”
At another point she tells Wayne: “It’s been a bit of a lads holiday for you, staying up all night. You can’t just keep doing what you do. It is not fair of everyone else. It is only you that can fix it because no one else is doing it. I’m just hoping that things change.”
KAI MOCKS HIS DAD
It seems Wayne struggles with early starts as he is shown sleeping through alarms and missing doing the school run on at least one occasion.
But one morning – seemingly the first time the Disney+ cameras are at the home – Wayne is seen up early, although he seems in need of coffee. His eldest son Kai is clearly not used to seeing his dad before school. With a grin he says: “Bro’s up for the cameras”.
Kai also states he is the best footballer in the family, and that he wants people to “know the name Kai Rooney” so he is a star footballer in his own right in the future.
WAYNE SOMETIMES HATES FAME
Wayne and Coleen take their two youngest children Kit, 10; and Cass, eight to Poland for an educational trip.
Initially it goes well and Wayne goes unrecognised but a trip on a horse drawn cart in Krakow blows his cover and he is soon swamped for autographs and selfies, and then family need to beat a sharp exit.
Afterwards Wayne reflects on what happened and says his level of fame has changed him as a person and he would love to be able to live unrecognised more often. He says: “I’m not a celebrity. People who know me know, know that I want to be as normal as possible.
“Back to when I was a kid, and you wanted to be a football player. That’s all I ever wanted to do, and didn’t care about fame or money or whatever. I just wanted to be a football player. I think I’d be such a better husband, dad, person, friend without it(fame). It affects places I go, things I do.
“I bought a mask I saw on TikTok[to use as a disguise], it looked incredible but it was terrible.”
WAYNE’S JEWISH ROOTS
As part of the break with Kit, 10; and Cass, the family visit Auschwitz because Kit asked to visit while learning about the Second World War at school.
Wayne tells the cameras: “I recently found out my mum’s mum, so me nan, her family were Polish Jews.”
He is told by producers that would make him technically jewish. Wayne replies: “I’m Catholic, but then I’ve always asked questions like, why aren’t we Jewish?”
Told it could make a whole spin off show he says with a grin: “Roo the jew!”
* Stream The Real Rooneys on Disney+ from September 24.
In a new magazine interview Lacey revealed her hopes and fears for the BBC comptition which kicks off at the weekend
Lacey Turner hopes to make her kids proud on Strictly(Image: Sarah Brick/Prima)
Lacey Turner has admitted she has jumped out of her comfort zone to take part in Strictly Come Dancing. The EastEnders star, who is best known for her long-running role as Stacey Slater on the BBC soap, has now been paired with Vito Coppola on the series.
Speaking about the decision to take part, she told Prima: “I’ve been asked to do Strictly Come Dancing before. I’ve seen co-stars like Jake Wood and Kellie Bright work at the same time as doing the show, and I don’t know how they did it.
“Now I’m not on EastEnders , it felt right. I’m nearly 40 and I want to start doing things I’m scared of. I want to go out of my comfort zone and push myself to see what I’m capable of. Maybe it’s a midlife crisis, but I want to show my children that they can do anything they put their mind to.”
As well as being well known in Albert Square, the Edgware-born actress, 38, has also appeared on TV shows including True Love and Call The Midwife, and starred as Molly Dawes in the military drama Our Girl. She was the first contestant to be announced as taking part in Strictly this year.
Asked what scares her about taking part, she added: “I’m nervous for people to see more of Lacey. I’m opening myself up to people criticising me, not just my character. I’m quite terrified of the whole thing, and while I tap-danced when I was younger, this is very different. I am a bit scared of letting people in, but you can’t live your life in fear.”
Lacey revealed at one point in order to juggle motherhood and being on EastEnders she “smuggled” her newborn daughter onto the set. She explained: “I don’t think I was allowed, but I wanted to get stuck back in, so she was partly raised by cast members, assistant directors and makeup artists. It was lovely to be able to go back to work and have her by my side, which is rare. The world is not set up for mothers to be able to do that.”
Thankfully ahead of Strictly there was slightly less pressure on her In terms of work and she has been making the most of family time away from the small screen in the run up to the intensive training she will now undergo. She married husband Matt Kay in 2017 and the pair have three children.
She said: “For the first time in my life, I’ve had a long-time off work, and it’s been lovely to be with my kids, potter around in my allotment and do things just for me. I genuinely love EastEnders and working, so I thought I would get bored during this break, but it’s been so lovely.
“Will I come back to EastEnders ? It will always have my heart and will be a big part of me. I love the show. I miss Stacey, so one day, I hope to go back – but when that is, I’m not sure. I just hope they don’t kill her off!”
* The full interview can be read now in the November issue of Prima, on sale today(Wednesday 23 September).
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing legends Vincent Simone and Brendan Cole have had their say on the divisive new presenting trio of Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Josh, Emma and Johannes hosted for the first time on Saturday(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly legend Vincent Simone has branded one new host of the hit dance show ‘lost and nervous’ after their debut showing on Saturday. He didn’t hold back as he laid bare his thoughts – but he did hold special praise for another, admitting they pleasantly surprised him.
All eyes were on the new trio of presenters on Saturday night prime time as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe took centre stage after the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. But Josh felt the wrath of Vincent, who labelled him a “lost lamb” before saying he hopes it’s just first show nerves.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Vincent went on: “Emma, professional as always. But I’m sure she was probably as nervous as everybody else. There’s a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders to hold a show together which is essentially new but old.”
And he admitted Johannes’ style shocked him. “Johannes surprised me in a good way,” he said. “I thought he was going to be all flamboyant, running around, talking about himself.
“I don’t know the guy, I’ve met him a couple of times but I thought he seemed really professional and seemed like he was doing a really good job as a host. I heard he was just going to be roaming around, talking to the couples and what have you.
“He would have been as nervous as hell. They all would have been. Given that, I think he did a good job.”
The opinion was matched by Brendan Cole, who also had his say on the new hosts, admitting he would have hoped for a Bruce Forsyth vibe to take the hot seat. He said: “I wanted the old-school class of the likes of Brucey [Bruce Forsyth].
“There aren’t many around that good that you could choose from, but it’s a big world out there. I’m sure they could be found. I want somebody old school. I want somebody triple threat – actor, singer, dancer. Somebody who, when they’re at the helm like Brucey was, absolutely knows showbiz like the back of their hand.”
But despite his disappointment, he held out praise for Johannes too. “I liked Johannes, actually. He did really well for the first show. I didn’t know what his role was going to be, and I think he held himself very, very well.”
Fans also had their say shortly after the launch show on Saturday and were divided in their opinions. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “I know it’s only the first few minutes, but I just cannot gel to there being three hosts #strictly.”
Another defended the line-up, adding: “3 presenters was an interesting choice by producers but Emma, Johannes and Josh really do work together. Natural already.” And it was also backed by no-nonsense judge, Craig Revel-Horwood who branded the new trio “fabulous”.
Vincent and Brendan were talking to the Mirror on behalf ofSky Vegas.
Strictly Come Dancing has finally confirmed which professional dancer each celebrity will be taking to the dancefloor each week, following weeks of speculation
19:59, 19 Sep 2026Updated 22:20, 19 Sep 2026
Strictly threw a major spanner in the works for the celebrities this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
It was all cha-cha changes at Strictly Come Dancing as the celebrity and pro dancer partnerships were finally revealed amid a big show shake-up.
This year, though, there was a twist. While the celebrities often find out who their professional partner is ahead of the series, they actually found out while recording the launch episode. They each rehearsed with a dancer in the lead-up, but this didn’t mean they were paired with the professional for the rest of the series. Instead, they rotated partners throughout the day.
Dani Dyer said the twist had “thrown a spanner in the works” after she danced with Nikita Kuzmin during their training day, before the pros rotated once again.
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner has former champ Vito Coppola as her teacher. Lacey said she felt “amazing” after being paired with Vito, and the Italian dancer added that he was “very, very happy” before saying he would cook for Lacey.
Dame Sarah Storey has been paired with Julian Caillon. She told Josh and Johannes that she was excited to be working with Julian. Meanwhile, returning star Dani Dyer, who had to leave the 2025 series early following an injury to her ankle before the live shows began, is back dancing with Nikita Kuzmin.
“I’m so happy, I can sleep now, I’m over the moon,” Dani said about making history. Nikita said he had “tears of joy” hearing the audience react to the news that he had been paired with Dani again. The reality star said she was hoping to make it to week one of the live shows after having to withdraw last year.
Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters has teamed up with show veteran Aljaž Škorjanec. “I’m absolutely thrilled, on the very first day when we had to dance with everyone, you put me in a practise hold, I said it’s like steering a tractor,” Melanie said of dancing with Aljaž. The dancer said that the twist was one of the “funnest” experiences on the dancefloor.
Actress Jaime Winstone has been partnered with Carlos Gu. Speaking of working with reigning champ Carlos, Jaime said: “I’m so excited, I feel like we match energies. I’m super ecstatic.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips is with American dancer Alexis Warr. Shaun said of wanting to excel on the show: “I like to enter things and be as good as possible, the pros are the margin, and that’s what I’m aiming for.” Alexis thinks that Shaun is already at a professional level.
House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia is part of this year’s same-sex pairing with Nancy Xu. The actress credited Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, who danced as a same-sex couple on the show, with playing a huge part in her coming-out journey. She said she was incredibly excited to follow and lead with a woman.
Reflecting on working with Nancy, Bethany said that the pair instantly bonded when they first met. Bethany later explained that she was a “perfectionist” and Nancy had been “amazing” at reassuring her. “My nanny’s name was Nancy, and she passed away at the start of the year,” Bethany said, adding that it was “special” to be dancing with the star.
Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker will be working with one of the show’s five newbies, Mark Karmalita. “I’m so happy, and I get to be your first partner on Strictly,” the Olympian told Mark.
She added: “That’s sort of amazing.” Mark said: “I’m going to try and be fun, caring and supportive,” he said of his teaching skills. The sports star went on to reveal she’s keen to learn the rumba – and score a perfect 40 for the dance!
Songstress Delta Goodrem is dancing with Kai Widdington. The singer said she was “honoured” to dance with “incredible dancer” Kai.
Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and Jowita Pryzstal will dance together. Speaking of dancing with Jowita, Lawrence said that fans will have to “stand by” to see more excitement from him. “Now we’re into hard work mode, what a feeling, what a rush,” he joked. Jowita said she was “so nervous” before being paired with Lawrence.
Kim Kardashian’s hairdresser, Chris Appleton, is dancing alongside show legend Amy Dowden. Chris said he was overjoyed to dance with Amy. “Over excited, I’m that little kid that used to watch this show on a Saturday night,” he said. Amy, however, said that her hair would get bigger every week if Chris were her partner.
Love Island winner Cach Mercer with Maddie Ingoldsby. The reality star said he was “pleased” to have Maddie, adding that she was “strict but cheeky” and that she’s able to cut the “banter”.
But Maddie said she was a “little bit strict” depending on the day. Cach’s family have also vowed to provide honest feedback, which is making him “doubt himself even more”. “This is a whole different playing field,” he said.
Football interviewer and former air traffic controller John Nellis is partnered with Katya Jones. The pro star revealed that John “messed up” in the lead-up to being partnered with the social media star. John later explained that he had “worked out” that he was dancing with Katya.
The ‘Dogfather’ Graeme Hall has been partnered with Lauren Oakley. “Tonight, I got four tens getting you, I’ve always wanted Lauren,” he told his professional star. He explained that his pals told him he would be “really lucky” to get Lauren as a partner. And the dancer believes that Graeme is a “dark horse” and will put his “all” into the show. However, she will have to “put a lead on him.”
Big Brother and Hits Radio presenterWill Best is dancing alongside show regular Dianne Buswell. Speaking about getting Dianne as a partner, Will said that when he “gets down it’s difficult to get back up again”.
He added: “I’m already a winner, I feel like a champion already just getting her. We’ve been having so much fun training. We finish each other’s sentences.” Dianne added that they were the “perfect pairing”.
Ahead of the first episode, Emma Willis revealed her nerves over the new show starting. Speaking on her BBC Radio 2 show, she said: “It feels like a very long lead-up to this, but also very quick.”
Talking about being a part of the Strictly experience, Emma added: “It’s very strange having that peek behind the curtain – I mean this in a positive way – it’s a beast of a show. It’s just fantastic. It is so exciting, me and Josh and Jojo are looking forward to it so much…
“I’m excited but nervous. I’m going to turn my phone off and disappear for a few days.” Joining her on the radio show – her last for a while as Ellie Taylor will be manning the fort until Strictly is finished – was one of the show’s judges Anton Du Beke. He told her: “I love it as much now as I did when I first walked in.
“It’s only Craig [Revel Horwood] and I left from the very first show – and that fills me with great pride.” Speaking about the five new professional dancers, Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark, he said: “What I love though, there’s no place I’d rather be is in the rehearsal studio with dancers, it’s the most brilliant place.
“These five are as giddy – they can’t believe their fortune.” Giving his verdict on the celebrity line-up, Anton and Emma were discussing British cycler and swimmer Dame Sarah Storey, before he began pitching for his own knighthood.
“Love it when we have a Dame or a Sir,” Anton said. “We don’t have enough of them – we need more of them. If they make me a Sir, then we can just cover that base every year, straight away. I’ve been around long enough to be a Sir. Surely a knighthood should come my way at some stage? Can we start a petition?”
Since the Strictly Come Dancing launched on the BBC in 2004 a host of famous faces have tried on a pair of dancing shoes and kept viewers entertained for weeks, but the show has not been without its fair share of tragedy
10:24, 19 Sep 2025Updated 17:11, 19 Sep 2026
Ann died in July this year(Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing has graced our screens for over 20 years now – and sadly, we’ve bid farewell to some of its stars along the way.
The dancing is, undoubtedly, a crucial part of the show, but the charm of the BBC programme also lies in delving into the personal lives and relationships of those participating.
Each week, fans gain an insight into their daily routines and the show casts a new light on both well-known and lesser-known celebrities. Heartbreakingly, over the two decades the programme has been on air, some of its celebrity competitors, staff and even presenters are no longer with us.
Ann Widdecombe
Former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, in July. More than 100 friends, family and colleagues attended her funeral the following month.
After making a name for herself in the world of politics, Ann had been a surprise entry to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 where she was partnered with Anton Du Beke. Despite their low scores, the duo became fan favourites making it all the way to quarter-finals.
Speaking to the Mirror ahead of the Strictly launch this weekend, her old sparring partner Craig Revel Horwood praised her courage.
“She was an amazing human being, and she was brave; brave enough to come on Strictly and give me what for.
“And then we ended up working together really closely for three years after and became good friends, and we’re still in contact, to this day. Well, we were in contact to this very day. It’s such a terrible thing that happened.”
Len Goodman
Just as much a legend as Sir Bruce Forsyth, Len Goodman was a cherished member of the BBC show and head judge from the show’s start until 2016. Len left fans heartbroken after stepping down from the show after 12 years, stating at the time that he didn’t want people to tire of him.
“In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on, he said at the time, ” he said at the time, “This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else.
“It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”
In April 2023, his family confirmed that he had died following a bone cancer diagnosis. He had been living in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent prior to his death. Tributes flooded in for Len, with his Strictly colleagues sharing their love of his brilliant humour and kindness. Claudia Winkleman tweeted: “I’m so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood wrote: “I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len.”
Robin Windsor
Professional dancer Robin Windsor’s death in February 2024 left the dancing world devastated and in mourning, with his former co-stars and celebrity partners “broken”.
The performer featured on the programme from 2010 until 2013, but was compelled to withdraw from the show due to a back injury and was replaced by Trent Whiddon. He later revealed he had “no choice” in the matter.
After speaking openly about his battles with mental health and finances, he established his own company offering corporate motivational speaking services and corporate team building.
Robin reflected back in 2022: “Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year. It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit.”
Vincent Simone, who had known Robin since he was 17, revealed that a close friend of the dancer started frantically calling his mates when he went missing. But tragically, they were too late, and Robin, 44, was found dead in a London hotel room.
Vincent, who had plans to collaborate with Robin, shared how his friend’s loss has left him devastated. He told The Mirror: “The first thing I thought of when I opened my eyes this morning was Robin. He was the best man I ever met.
“Robin has had these moments in the past – it was an ongoing problem. He would detach himself from people for two or three days. Then he would come back to the world, to reality. But this time, he didn’t come back.”
Caroline Flack
As soon as Love Island host Caroline Flack stepped onto the dance floor, she dazzled everyone. Paired with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, she triumphed in 2014 by impressing viewers with a series of stunning performances.
But it’s her beautiful Rhumba-inspired showdance to Robbie Williams’ Angels that is forever etched into fans’ memories. Caroline, attached to flowing pieces of fabric, performed a balletic routine with Pasha Kovalev that led them to victory on the show.
Tragically, Caroline took her own life at the age of 40 in 2020.
Lynda Bellingham
Initially known for her comforting ‘Oxo mum’ voice, Lynda became a household name after starring in All Creatures Great and Small, Doctor Who and Second Thoughts, among others.
In 2007, she joined the Loose Women panel and in 2009, she participated in Strictly with Darren Bennett. The duo were eliminated in week four after their Foxtrot to Calendar Girl failed to impress.
Sadly, Lynda was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and passed away just over a year later at the age of 66.
Paul Daniels
Paul, the late husband of Debbie McGee, competed in Strictly seven years before her, in 2010. The magician was partnered with Ola Jordan, but they were unfortunately the second couple to be eliminated from the competition.
He passed away in 2016 at the age of 77. Debbie, who appeared on Strictly a year later, revealed to Hello magazine that performing on the show helped her rebuild her life after the loss of Paul.
“I had the best partner in Giovanni, and I was back in show business again,” she said, “People knew who I was before, but I was still the magician’s assistant. Since Strictly I’ve been Debbie McGee in my own right.
Neale Pirie
The Strictly family was left heartbroken in 2015 following the sudden death of hair stylist Neale Pirie. Neale, 42, had contacted a family member about chest pains, but medics who raced to his Leicester residence were unable to save him
Strictly’s head makeup artist Lisa Armstrong tweeted at the time: “Utterly devastated and heartbroken over the loss of my sidekick and dear friend.” Meanwhile, Karen Hauer, whose hair Neale had styled for her wedding to Kevin Clifton, posted: “Absolutely heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful friend @Nealepirie. I can’t believe your gone. RIP.
Gary Rhodes
TV chef Gary Rhodes left his kitchen behind to take on the ballroom back in 2008, where he was paired with professional dancer Karen Hardy. The duo became the third couple to leave the competition, following Phil Daniels and Gillian Taylforth
.Gary, who received an OBE in 2006, was a renowned restaurateur who had featured on numerous television programmes including MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen. His passing at 59 sent shockwaves through the culinary community in November 2019.
The chef had fallen ill suddenly at his Dubai residence during downtime whilst recording a new television programme. His family later revealed that his death resulted from a fatal brain haemorrhage after he collapsed.
Gary’s wife of three decades, Jennie Rhodes, was by his side in his final moments as he succumbed to a subdural haematoma following his emergency hospital admission.
Dave Myers
Dave Myers was a fan favourite on Strictly during his time on the show in 2013. The Hairy Bikers star was partnered with Karen Hauer on the show and they made it all the way to week seven.
Sadly, Dave died in February 2024 after a battle with cancer. In a heartbreaking tribute, his co-star Si King wrote: “I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own. Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment.
“My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you God’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”
Jason Wood
Comedian Jason Wood holds the dubious honour of being the first contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004. The funnyman was partnered with professional dancer Kylie Jones, but their performances failed to win over the judges and they were sent packing in the first week.
The inaugural series had nearly half the number of celebrities compared to the current format, with the show running for a mere seven weeks from May to July. Following its massive popularity among viewers, the show returned for a second series just three months later.
Sadly, Jason passed away in his sleep six years after his Strictly stint, at the tender age of 38.
Willie Thorne
Snooker ace Willie Thorne discovered that dancing wasn’t as natural to him as his beloved sport when he took part in the 2007 series alongside Erin Boag. The duo were the third couple to be eliminated, following Brian Capron and Stephanie Beacham, after their Tango to Lisandro Adrover’s Obertura.
Willie was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2015 following routine blood tests ordered by a psychiatrist and underwent treatment. In March 2020, he announced that he had been diagnosed with leukaemia and in June 2020, he was placed in an induced coma after suffering respiratory failure in a Spanish hospital.
A day later, his carer confirmed that he had gone into septic shock and was not responding to treatment. He passed away aged 66 after his life support was withdrawn.
Bill Turnbull
After becoming part of the BBC Breakfast team in 2001 alongside Sian Williams, Sarah Montague, Mishal Husain and Susanna Reid, he stunned viewers by entering the third series of Strictly in 2005.
Teamed up with professional dancer Karen Hardy, the duo became the seventh couple to be eliminated despite impressing both judges and the public. After the programme, Bill went on to enjoy a thriving television career.
But in March 2018, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the year before.He passed away at his Suffolk home on August 31 2022, at just 66 years old. Bill’s devastated wife Sarah, known as Sesi, had issued a statement that was read aloud on BBC Breakfast.
Sir Bruce Forsyth
Recognised as Mr Strictly himself, Sir Bruce Forsyth served as the soul of the BBC dance competition, with much of its initial triumph credited to his role as an extraordinary, affectionate presenter.
The cherished British entertainer enjoyed an enormous career stretching over more than 70 years, during which he fronted numerous game shows including The Generation Game, The Price Is Right and Play Your Cards Right. Guinness World Records also acknowledged him in 2012 as holding the longest television career for a male entertainer.
Co-hosting Strictly alongside Tess Daly from 2004 to 2012, he became famous for his exceptional improvisation skills and informing some of the competition’s weaker dancers that they were his “favourite”.
Following his departure from the programme, he remained at home with spouse Wilnelia Merced, who looked after him whilst he battled poor health during his final years.
His final television appearance came in 2015 on Strictly Children in Need Special, and he subsequently had an operation for his abdominal aortic aneurysm, forcing him to withdraw from presenting the Christmas special. He was hospitalised several more occasions throughout the years with chest infections and passed away from bronchial pneumonia at his Wentworth Estate residence on August 18 2017.
Experienced host Emma Willis knows what to expect in some ways and just wants to bring ‘joy’ to Strictly viewers in the same way Tess and Claudia did
Strictly has a new trio hosting the show this year with Emma joined by professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe.(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Defiant Emma Willis says she knows the new Strictly Come Dancing series will bring her and the other new hosts lots of abuse and criticism – but she won’t engage with it. Emma, former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe, 39, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43, will take over later this month from long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.
Emma is used to comparisons with other hosts having fronted Big Brother after Davina McCall and Brian Dowling. But she vowed to ignore the haters and just wants to try to enjoy the experience. She said: “I’m ready for the comparisons. I am ready for the negative opinions that can come with these things. Those things I don’t engage with or read, and there are always positives as well.
“At the end of the day, I feel like it’s really simple, right? We we work in this industry, and we’ve been given the opportunity to work on a phenomenal show that is really well loved by the public and also by ourselves. We we aren’t reinventing the wheel, and we’re not rocket scientists.
“We’re working on an entertainment show about dancing that is meant to hopefully bring joy to everybody watching it. So hopefully we can be a small part of that joy and have a really lovely time doing it.”
She added: “There’s obviously a kind of fear that comes with it because of the enormity of it, and you have nerves about being good enough to kind of do the job and step into the role.”
The trio were a surprise choice to make up the presenting team and they admitted they were also a bit shocked to be picked. They gave the impression they were unsure if they were in pole position to get the jobs, saying their final audition was the “very last of the callbacks on a Friday afternoon”. They had also been told it would be a pair presenting and so Josh presumed it was “two weirdos against each other” and he was being pitched head-to-head with Johannes, only to end up working with him and more established host Emma.
Comedian Josh also said that while they would not “reinvent the show”, they would “be ourselves and our personalities will be there”. He added on taking the job: “It’s like you only get one opportunity at this career. We’re incredibly blessed that we’ve got where we are in our careers, and just why not?”
Johannes was initially nervous but after speaking with his agent was more confident. “If anybody was afforded this opportunity amongst my peers[dancers], any one of them would jump at it.”
Emma turned 50 in March, but rather than seeing that milestone as a time to reflect or slow down, is arguably enjoying her most successful stage of her career. She said: “I think maybe there’s more of a reframe needs to be had around 50 and as you’re getting older, you should slow down or change or maybe not do as much. I feel more invigorated at 50, I’m more like I’m more sure of myself. I know what I want to do. I’m not going to apologise for myself and my successes like I’ve done for the last 25 years.
“I’m not about to step down and slow down for anything. So I say, bring it on. You know, life is short. So take these opportunities when they they come your way, because at some point they’ll stop.”
* Strictly Come Dancing will return on Sunday September 19 to BBC One and iPlayer.
Shaun Wright-Phillips has revealed that he has been speaking to Strictly winner Karen Carney for advice ahead of his own debut on the BBC competition later this month
20:03, 10 Sep 2026Updated 20:04, 10 Sep 2026
Shaun Wright-Phillips has been speaking to Karen Carney for advice ahead of Strictly(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Shaun Wright-Phillips has played for Manchester City, Chelsea and earned 36 caps for England – but swapping the pitch for the ballroom could prove to be his biggest challenge yet.
Fellow footballer Karen Carney knows a thing or two about making the switch, having gone all the way and lifted the Glitterball last year. She’s been on hand to give her pal a few pointers. “She said to just dive straight into it and don’t hold back,” Shaun, 44, explains. “So I’ll take that advice. I’m going to go for it and do the best I can.”
For Shaun, who scored six international goals between 2004 and 2010 and played club football under the watch of titans such as Kevin Keegan and José Mourinho, Strictly is proving to be a whole different ball game.
“It’s something that’s definitely out of my comfort zone,” he says. “I don’t get overly nervous in general, but this is obviously something that’s really new to me.”
Shaun’s family and friends, including his famous footballer dad, Ian Wright, are used to him busting a move on the dancefloor, but usually after a few beers. He is now bracing himself for their reaction when he takes to the floor every weekend.
“I’m sure they’ll be giving me as much feedback as the Strictly judges,” he laughs. “They’re used to seeing me dance at parties, but this will be the first time they’ve seen me dance while sober.
“Everyone was crazy excited when they found out I was taking part. And then all of a sudden my inbox was filled with friends and family trying to get their live show ticket orders in! I’ve received a really nice amount of support so far.”
Over the course of his career, Shaun played for play for Manchester City, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and England. He retired from the pitch in 2019, and since then, has carved out a career as a football pundit, appearing across BBC, ITV and Sky Sports.
Last year, he competed on Cooking With The Stars alongside comedian and Outnumbered star Hugh Dennis, former Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu and This Morning’s Kelly Hoppen.
Shaun became the tenth name announced to compete and the BBC Saturday night favourite will return to screens in just a matter of weeks.
When it was confirmed that he had signed up, he said:: “Dancing is in my blood—but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!”
Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosts were summoned to a shock zoom call at short notice which meant Emma Willis was sat on the loo when she was told she was told she had a new job.
Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe in the promo for the new Strictly series.(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Comedian Josh Widdecombe was in grave danger of giving away the news he was a new Strictly Come Dancing host whilst it was top secret – after finding out the news whilst walking around a cemetery.
Stand up star Josh, 43, revealed the bizarre moment as he and co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe were quizzed in a new podcast. And he wasn’t the only one being given the life changing news in a weird place, with Emma flushed with the success of a new job whilst in the toilet at her hairdressers.
The trio said after their final audition they had to wait around two weeks before they were summoned to a zoom call at short notice by BBC execs.
Emma said: “We were all in very random places. But we also didn’t know the call was happening did we? It was a very weird situation.
“The reason it kept getting put back was because I was at the hairdressers.
“I was like this could be an either way Zoom so I’m not going to get excited. And I said ‘I can’ [go on a call] but literally I’m just I’m having my hair washed. And she said okay okay.
“And then they took ages washing my hair. And they’re like ‘do you want a massage?’ I’m like ‘no no just crack on’.
“She[show boss] said can you go somewhere private? And I said the only place I can go is outside in the street or in the loo.
“So I was sat on a toilet at the hairdressers.”
Johannes was at his home when he was on the same call waiting to head out to do a stage show, and then there was also Josh who was desperately trying to find a quiet spot.
Josh explained: “I was in Birmingham because I was on tour. So I was sat in a graveyard in Birmingham because I wanted somewhere quiet.”
Looking back on the moment he knew he had the job, he added: “I didn’t like stand up and go ‘yes’ because obviously it wasn’t public then either.
“Not that anyone would have gone ‘wait a minute, he got the Strictly gig – that guy punching the air by the grave’.”
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the trio also explained the role of Johannes on the show, and denied previous reports he would act as a ‘roving reporter’ with the other two as main hosts.
The trio, who start fronting the show later this month, are replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman who previously hosted the BBC hit series together for 11 years.
Emma said: “There’s no like for like, so no one’s kind of replacing anybody and at the minute it’s all very kind of open. We’re having lots of production days where we go in and we play around and we’re kind of feeling each other out – well, they’re feeling us out really.”
Josh Widdicombe: “It’s going to be like total football. We’re going to be moving everywhere.”
And Emma added: “There’s definitely no backstage roving reporter, which is what has been reported quite a bit. That’s not a thing.”
* The full interview is on The Rest Is Entertainment Podcast out today.
Cheryl looks poised to replace Sir Tom Jones on The Voice following his explosive statement on his axing and the latest bookies odds which seem to be in her favour
Cheryl could be about to replace Sir Tom Jones on The Voice(Image: PA)
Cheryl looks poised to replace Sir Tom Jones on The Voice. The former Girls Aloud star, 42, has taken time out of the spotlight in recent years but, almost 20 years after she joined The X Factor, it’s thought that she could be about to become a TV talent show judge all over again.
It all comes just days after it emerged that music legend Tom, 86, who first appeared on The Voice in 2012, had been axed from his position and made it clear that he didn’t want to leave.
The insider went on to claim that the whole situation could’ve been dealt with better and alleged that Tom’s fans have been left “furious” by the whole thing.
It comes as bookmaker Coral has priced up the contenders to join the new coaching panel on The Voice UK, with former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star Aitch long odds-on at 1-8 and Cheryl even shorter at 1-10 to take one of the hot seats.
With ITV reportedly planning a major shake-up to the hit singing show, Coral makes Olly Murs 6-1 to be signed up, Rita Ora can be backed at 8-1 and Jess Glynne is 10-1.
“The odds suggest Aitch and Cheryl look very likely to join the new-look coaching panel on the next series of The Voice. Both have been popular in our betting, and it would be a big surprise if they did not appear on the red seats next year,” said Coral’s John Hill.
In his post, Tom said he was ‘not thrilled’ by what ITV have offered him. He wrote: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. “ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently.
“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. They now say in the press they want to ‘refresh’ the show, and a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.
“They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that. So the only thing I know right now is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
A spokesperson for The Voice told the Mirror: “We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series.”
Dianne Buswell has addressed the notion that she could have been axed from Strictly Come Dancing when she was pregnant as bosses decided to add fresh talent to the show
21:26, 05 Sep 2026Updated 21:27, 05 Sep 2026
Dianne Buswell has insisted she never worried about getting the axe from Strictly(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Dianne Buswell has insisted she never worried about getting the axe from Strictly Come Dancing while she was pregnant. The TV star, 37, has served as a professional on the BBC Saturday night favourite for almost a decade and in March, she and her partner Joe Sugg became parents to son Bowden.
Around the same time, as part of a huge revamp, bosses also axed long-standing professionals Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas in favour of new talent.
But now Dianne has insisted that whilst there is always a slight worry that she won’t be asked back to the programme, she wasn’t particularly concerned that she would be axed amid the “bloodbath” because of how much support she had received from the BBC in the first place.
She said: “We’re so lucky to be there every single year and you’re never guaranteed that you’ll be back. Of course, you always hope, but they’re putting on a show, and sometimes they will have to change it up.
Speaking to The Sun, she added: ““You always think: ‘Am I going to be back or not?’ But because of how supportive they were to me when I was pregnant and talking about me coming back, I didn’t feel like they would do that [axe her]. They were very aware that being a working mum while still dancing was possible and they wanted to accommodate that.”
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing will have a different feel entirely, with brand news hosts Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe having taken the reins from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Dianne claimed that the decision of new presenters was “quite genius” and opined that if bosses had simply chosen two women, it would only lead to comparisons of Tess and Claudia. When it comes to the new trio Dianne said she is particularly excited to talk all about babies with Emma Willis, who previously trained as a maternity care assistant and has also fronted Emma Willis: Delivering Babies.
The star competed on Strictly Come Dancing last year alongside Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, who eventually had to withdraw from the show over an injury, but prior to that Dianne was subject to criticism for performing whilst pregnant.
On her Instagram Stories, she shared a comment from a viewer that read: “I get so uncomfortable watching Dianne run down the stairs in heels, cartwheel and do tricks while pregnant.
“Your centre of gravity is off while you’re pregnant, just takes one slip to fall on the precious bump. She is a true professional and fabulous dancer but I think it might have been wise to sit this season out. She is 36 so classed as advanced maternal age mother regardless of how fit she is, I think BBC made a mistake here,
They continued by noting that Amy Dowden also took part in the BBC competition last year whilst facing health issues, adding: “It just doesn’t make sense. Like it didn’t make sense to give Amy a celebrity partner last year and look what happened there.” Fed up, Dianne shared her own thoughts as she reposted the comment, writing: “I have honestly had enough of comments like these.”
The X Factor is reportedly set for a comeback and bosses are said to be looking to trademark some of the show’s biggest catchphrases
X Factor could be returning(Image: Getty Images)
A number of The X Factor’s most famous phrases have reportedly been trademarked as the show reportedly gets ready for a comeback.
The singing contest is set for a shock return and several sayings from the top man Simon Cowell are said to have been put forward for trademarking, including the music guru’s one liner – “I didn’t like it, I loved it”.
The reboot of the show is claimed to have been secretly bubbling away in the background for almost a year, with those on board sworn to secrecy. And it’s said the show will be returning int a “whole new arena”.
Due to the intensity of social media and viral clips, a source has claimed bosses are acting to try to secure their most popular phrases. “Trademarking key phrases is part of that — and Simon’s known for his critiques,” a source said about the new business mode.
The source continued to tell The Sun: “Bosses lodged, ‘It’s a yes from me’, ‘It’s a no from me’ and ‘I didn’t like it, I loved it’ in December.”
It remains to be seen which judges will be called upon for the reboot. Previous have included Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, with hosts including as Dermot O’Leary. Simon is thought to be making a comeback in some capacity too.
A source told the publication: “They can explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Cowell behind the scenes. The plan is for the show’s return to take on a new life and be updated to envelop social media generation.”
The long-running singing competition originally aired from 2004 until 2019. It thrust a number of unknown acts into the international spotlight while also helping to boost the profiles of the roster of judges. At it’s peak, The X Factor pulled in huge audiences just shy of 20 million viewers.
By 2019, interest in the series had waned. Eventually, the show was axed following a celebrity version of the series that struggled to attract more than three million viewers.
Speaking about the potential return of the show previously, Simon told the Tales from the Celebrity Trenches podcast: “Yeah, we talk about it a lot. Do you bring it back as X Factor or do you bring it back as the Z Factor?
“There’s still no question, the power of TV in terms of getting people to know an artist. It’s so important if you’re not writing your own material. The truth is there’s something about being on a big screen. You hear about these artists who break online, but so rarely.
“Truth is, I guess, thank God, people like being on TV.”
