Peter & Katie: Not Doing Strictly

Peter Andre told Now magazine this week that he and Katie Price are not doing Strictly Come Dancing: "We're both really busy at the moment so we wouldn’t be able to do it this year".

That does make sense, as Heatworld.com reported this afternoon that Katie is taking part in a special dressage event at the Horse Of The Year Show in October. No doubt, training for that would take pressidence over Strictly, as Katie is a big riding fanatic and has been since childhood.

Matthew Cutler: Plane Crashes, Whitney And Beer

There is a lovely interview with Matthew Cutler from ThisIsTotalEssex.co.uk.

It's all quickfire questions, so it's quite a rich interview.

He'd like to be stuck in a lift with Whitney Houston (or a lift engineer!), his biggest indulgence is beer (a man after my own heart), he's most scared of plane crashes and the most expensive thing he ever bought was a ring for Nicole: "It was years and years ago, when I was working for a bank, and at the time it cost a quarter of my yearly salary. Looking back, I don't know how I could afford it!"

Worth a read! It's extra nice, as a Matthew interview is pretty rare.

The Bennetts Go To The Maternity Ward

Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova opened the new neo-natal unit at the Jessop Wing hospital in Sheffield last week.

The Sheffield Telegraph shows a lovely picture of Lilia cutting the ribbon.

Peter Andre & (Ola) Jordan

The Sun reports that Peter Andre is looking to swap one Jordan for another.

He has told New! magazine that he'd like to dance with Ola Jordan if he takes part in the new series of Strictly: "It’s a great show and it would be fantastic to learn a new skill. I wouldn’t mind being partnered up with Ola Jordan, either! She is an amazing dancer and I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from her! It would be weird competing against Kate, but I’m sure we would get used to it. I have more natural rhythm than her, but who knows who would be the best?"

Looks like the gloves are off already.

I really hope they don't do another wife swap thing with the Jordans this year. That gimmick is over.

Medal Class 6

The latin timing issue finally got sorted out!!

The helper, who asked me the week before "It's not me who is wrong, is it?, finally had it out with the teacher at a social, which her teacher was in attendance at. The helper counted the music in the back room and was told he was correct. Our teacher still can't hear the latin beat at all. In my opinion, it's because she's trying to listen to the percussion instead of simply counting the music. But hey, it's been sorted now. Let's all get on with our lives.

We started the sliver foxtrot routine in the ballroom class. I had no clue where I was going and made a complete hash of it at first, but once I had the routine in my head, it was easier. She's talking about culling the bronze class, which would be a disaster for me because I can't be there in time for the silver class which is much earlier. Goodness knows what's going to happen.

The teacher said in passing that she'd like me to be a helper once I've taken my bronze medals. I have no idea how serious she was, but I would consider it. I could push the school into the 21st century given the opportunity.

Imagine, I could even encourage them to put on dances and book Vincent & Flavia or Anton & Erin.

OK, I'm getting ideas above my station. I'll stop now.

No Dancing In Albert Square

The Sun reports that the cast of EastEnders have been banned from taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, becuase the series is too long.

I can understand their point of view. Matt Di Angelo found balancing EastEnders and Strictly training difficult at times, especially as he was filming his emotional final scenes in the show. Both shows are very demanding and require huge commitment.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star reports that former EastEnder Joe Swash has been approached to take part in the new series. The paper reports that Swash had already been approached by Dancing On Ice, but turned them down when Strictly came a-knocking. Good lad!

Anton: "I Love All My Girls"

Anton du Beke gave a lengthy interview to the Daily Mail at the weekend.

In it he talks about 'his girls' - his Strictly partners past - and Step Up To The Plate. He comments on that story about Kate too.

He enjoys the Strictly journey every time: "I build up a unique relationship with all my girls. It's really nice. I love the whole process of meeting them, getting to know them, going out and doing a show, then saying, "How was that for you?" It sounds a bit clichéd but I love the whole journey."

I love the Step Up... publicity shot used in the article too!

Katie & Peter For SCD6?

You know I love a rumour. And with Strictly Come Dancing Series 6 just two months away, there have probably been more names linked with the show than places in the lineup!

The latest rumour is golden. Katie Price & Peter Andre.

The Sun, who seem to be the ones generating every single rumour, have reported that the couple are in talks to appear.

They also suggest that Price's recent breast reduction makes their participation more likely, as it will now be easier for both her and a pro partner.

I actually have a lot of time for Katie Price. I find her determination admirable. And despite all the surgery and press attention, she seems to have her head screwed on. She's a sassy businesswoman who has more control over her image than most glamour models. And she's a devoted wife and mother.

I'd love to see them bickering on Claudia's banquette.

Anton: "I Would Love To Win It Before I Die"

Anton has been talking to DigitalSpy about his upcoming presenting duties on new cookery show Step Up To The Plate.

Anton wants to show people that his talents do not stop on the dancefloor: "The thing about me is that I love variety. I like to try new things and I don't want to be pinned back. I think it's a shame if people call me 'Anton The Ballroom Dancer' or 'Anton from Strictly Come Dancing'. I love those things and don't want to move away from that, but it's nice to do new things. I think I've got a bit more to offer than just dancing. It might just be me that thinks that, but it's worth saying."

And would he like to be a Strictly Come Dancing champion?: "...before I die?! I think so, I would love to win it before I die. But I want to continue having a lovely time on the show. That's the most important thing, getting someone that I get on with, like I have in the past. I've been very lucky that all my girls have been lovely to spend time with. If we can win as well, that would be a match made in heaven."

Dance With Me, I'm Karen Taylor!

Upcoming commedienne Karen Taylor is the latest celebrity to express a desire to dance.

MyParkMag reports that Taylor had to learn to salsa for her role in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, and would love to learn more: "I really enjoyed the Salsa day... Oh my God, I'd love to star on Strictly Come Dancing. Yes, that would be fantastic. Yes, please!".

Dance In Ian's Shoes

Want to dance like Ian Waite?

A good starting point might be to buy his shoes, which are currently being auctioned on eBay.

Ian has generously donated the shoes he wore for his jive with Zoe Ball to charity Beatbullying, for which he is an ambassador. He has signed the shoes, and there is a photo of Zoe and a signed photo of Ian chucked in as well.

The current high bid is £20, and you have until 6.47pm on Saturday 26th July to make a bid yourself.

Here are the shoes in action.

Kelly Brook To Return?

Now magazine is reporting that Kelly Brook is in talks to return to Strictly Come Dancing.

Now, I thought Kelly was fantastic on the last series, and I was very sad to hear that she decided to withdraw from the competition. But, I don't feel it would be fair for her to participate again, as she's already learnt most of the dances and has all that extra training under her belt.

Perhaps it would be better for her to compete in a Christmas special, on the tour or be a guest in a pro number as Zoe Ball did. I would love to see her involved in some capicity.

Camilla's Gone To The Dogs

You may have read recently that Brendan Cole has signed up to be a judge on the new series of The Underdog Show, which has been picked up by LIVING after the BBC decided not to recommission it.

What you probably don't know is that this is not the show's only Strictly connection.

I have known for weeks, but I can now reveal that Strictly pro Camilla Dallerup is one of the doggie trainers for Series 2. I went to a dress rehearsal 'recording' of the show last night.

And it doesn't end there. Strictly Series 1 participant Jason Wood joins Camilla as a celebrity trainer.

For those that watched the last series (which Anton took part in), the format is similar. Celebrity trainers and their dogs will have to complete an agility course each week, and learn to do heel work to music, or 'doggie dancing'. Enter Brendan as dance expert. The main difference is that the studio audience now has voting keypads, and their votes added to the judges scores decide the outcome. The show is no longer live, so the telephone voting has gone. Perhaps this will actually prove fairer. No Huey Morgans this time around. Sadly, this means money won't be raised for the Dog's Trust, but it will raise awareness for the charity which is equally important.

The show is likely to air in the autumn.

Steve Jones: "I Think It’s Ridiculous And Silly"

Steve Jones of T4 fame has no interest in participating in Strictly. In fact, he has been rather scathing about the show in this week's Heat magazine.

The Sun quotes Jones telling Heat: “I would happily see my entire family slaughtered before I would go on any dancing show or anything like that. Euch! I can’t stand it. I think it’s ridiculous and silly. I’m a presenter. I don’t need to dance on a TV show to pay the bills.”

The Sun's response? "Oh, get over yourself!"

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Medal Class 4

I went back to my medal class last week after another week of slacking off.

I can't believe I've only done four classes. It feels like I've been at it for months. It's probably because I'm a little bored.

The latin class was the usual rubbish, although I was partnered with one chap I enjoy dancing with. He's not the best dancer, but he doesn't mind if I correct his lead and we have fun.

At the end of the class we did a round robin thing, and I finally got to dance with the class' only helper, and the only person who understands the latin timing. It was brilliant, but sadly brief, and we both made comments to the effect of "At last! Someone who can dance on the correct count". It was amusing to watch him make his way around the circle and make every woman dance on the two count making them correct, but out of time with everyone else. I have given up trying to get anyone on the correct count, as I am the student and not the teacher/helper. But I think I will be insisting that he partners me for the exam or I may refuse to go in.

We moved on to the quickstep in ballroom. We spent so long on waltz technique, yet we barely touched on technique at all in quickstep. Rubbish! Although she would like us to take bronze and silver together which is great. She's going to try and teach the silver work in the bronze class, as I can't make the silver class - it's too early.

Diet On The Dancefloor

Diet On The Dancefloor starts this Wednesday on satelliet and cable channel LIVING.

The show pairs an overweight amateur with a professional dancer in order to improve their fitness and their moves.

Like with Strictly, they must learn a new dance every week, which will include a lift. Because the show has already been recorded, it is the team of judges who decide who stays and who goes. The judges in question include our own Karen Hardy and Matthew Cutler, along with fitness and health specialist Catherine Spencer-Smith.

I am lucky enough to have seen the first episode already, and it's a pretty good show. It will plug the pre-Strictly quiet time quite nicely.

While all of the contestants are overweight, none of them have masses of weight to loose. No Biggest Loser contestants here. They are all smaller than me! But, as a colleague pointed out to me, no-one would really enjoy watching obese people dance. It's a bit harsh, but is probably sadly true. Again, unlucky to anyone who has attended a WDS show, as you've had to watch obese me dancing every year since 1984!

Look out for Nicole Cutler, who pops in to dem with Matthew. And for Jodie Seedel (nee Binsteed) from Strictly Dance Fever who is one of the pros.

The Daily Mail has more about the show, or visit the LIVING website for updates, videos and more.

Diet On The Dancefloor is on LIVING on Wednedays at 9pm.

Judges Signed

According to The Sun last week, the Strictly judges have now signed up for Series 6 - with a £30,000 pay rise.

It looks like Len and Bruno will be doing their weekly transatlantic tango once again, as Dancing With The Stars will be back on ABC too, overlapping with our own show.

Live Tour DVD

As they promised throughout the tour, there will be a DVD of this year's live tour.

Play.com have the release date as 10th November - naturally, just in time for Christmas.

And if you visit Play.com, they have a sneak peak at the content. Just watching the short clip brings back so many amazing memories.

And it means I can watch Zoe & Ian's tango again and again and again!

I can't wait for the next tour.

Eurovision Moves To Glasgow

Glasgow has been named the host city for this year's Eurovision Dance Contest.

The BBC has announched that there is a slight change in format this year. The couples will only perform one routine - a showdance with a national flavour. Also, one of the contestants must be a celebrity. This means that most entrants will be couples from local versions of Strictly Come Dancing.

Fifteen countries have signed up: Austria, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the Ukraine and the UK.

Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood will give comments, but televoting will decide the winners. So not the UK, then.

The BBC has not yet announced who will be representing the UK.

The event takes place at the SECC on 6th September.

Vote For Strictly!

It's time for the National Television Awards once again.

It looks to be the preliminary vote. There will probably be a shortlist later on.

You can vote for Strictly Come Dancing for Most Popular Talant Show.

You can also vote for Happy Birthday Brucie! as Most Popular Entertainment Programme and Claudia Winkleman, Bruce Forsyth or Tess Daly for Most Popular Entertainment Presenter.

And you also have the chance to win a trip to the awards when you vote.

Do it for Bruce!

Tess: "I Absolutely Love It With A Passion"

There was a long interview with Tess Daly in the Daily Mirror yesterday.

In it she talks about lots of things including Vernon and fashion, and a little about Strictly.

She is always excited about the show: "Every year it becomes a national talking point - every person I meet talks to me about Strictly. It's wonderful to be part of. I've always been a huge fan of dancing - I'm always grabbing hold of one of our professionals and begging them to drag me around the dancefloor."

Darren And Anton For Human Tetris?

The Coventry Telegraph is reporting that Strictly champion Darren Gough and pro Anton du Beke have signed up as team captains for new gameshow Hole In The Wall.

The format is loosely based on Tetris, and is already a big hit in Japan. Check out this clip



Who knows how Darren and Anton will fit into this, but it's going to make great telly.

Dale Winton is slated to host.

Has Zara Signed On The Line?

The Sunday Mirror reports today that Zara Phillips has now signed up to take part in Series 6 of Strictly Come Dancing.

A source at the BBC told the paper: "The idea of getting Zara involved was floating around for a while but no one thought it would come off. Last year's line-up was pretty strong, but signing a royal is a trump card in the ratings battle. Who can resist switching on, just in case Wills and Harry drop in to wish their cousin good luck?"

Officially, the BBC have not yet confirmed the signing. A BBC spokeswoman said: "We can neither confirm nor deny the speculation around contestants at this stage."

But an unnamed source told the paper that Zara has signed a "letter of intent" to appear on the show.

Debra Stephenson For SCD6?

Debra Stephenson has once again been linked with Strictly Come Dancing.

The Sun reported this week that she had a meeting with Strictly producers recently.

The report that EastEnders actress Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, also visited the producers.

Another New Pro

According to Stuff.co.nz, another new pro has been signed up for Strictly, New Zealander Hayley Holt.

It's reported that Hayley was originally passed up over another dancer, Natalie Lowe. When Lowe dropped out, Hayley was contacted and agreed to take part.

Hayley has appeared in three series of the NZ version of Dancing With The Stars.

Annoyingly, the only clip I can find of her is her exit interview with her most recent DWTS partner, Peter Urlich.

According to NZRealityTV.com, Hayley is hoping her UK work permit comes though in time. She has about 4-6 weeks before she would need to be available to meet her celebrity and start training.