Dancing With The Stars Rumours (Or Should That Be Rumors?)

The BBC is obviously doing a much better job than last year in keeping the participants in the upcoming Strictly series under wraps, because The Sun has resorted to printing rumours about Dancing With The Stars instead.

The paper reports that TNA westling star Kurt Angle is being lined up to take part.

His agent Dave Hawk told the paper: "I had my first real glimpse of his dancing talent at my son's wedding about a year ago. I was really surprised as Kurt can really move. All I can say is if Kurt takes that drive, determination and attitude of wanting to be the best at wherever he does, I believe with his athletic ability and charisma, he will be a very strong contender on this programme."

Congrats Kate!

Big congratulations to former Strictly participant Kate Garraway, who gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday night.

The Press Association reports that baby William Draper weighed 7lb 12oz.

New Pros

Two new female professionals will be joining the Strictly clan this autumn.

According to The Sun, Katya Virshilas and Natalie Lowe will join the show.

Katya was born in Lithuania and grew up in Canada. She has appeared in dancing movies Take The Lead and Shall We Dance.

Natalie has appeared on several series of Dancing With The Stars in Australia.



Naturally, one replaces Camilla Dallerup who has decided not to participate.

I would speculate that the other will replace Hayley Holt, whom the public just never seemed to warm to in the same way as Kristina and Brian. Although, with constant rumours of a shake-up, you never really know for sure.

Will Viewers Switch Channels?

The Mirror claim that X Factor insiders are secretly rubbing their hands together over Judgegate, in the hope that viewers will switch over to ITV1 this autumn.

Please. The two shows are so different, and the lines were drawn in the sand years ago. Even if viewers did decide not to watch Strictly, I can't imagine that they'll suddenly start watching The X Factor. For the most part, the shows attract different audiences.

11th Hour Walk-out?

According to The Mirror, Sharon Osbourne and Richard Madeley have decided not to participate in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, due to rows over fees.

However, DigitalSpy reports that Osbourne and Madeley were not being signed up anyway.

A source told DigitalSpy: "It's a very lengthy selection procedure because we have to get the right mix of people involved. That can start with anything from simple questions like 'Are you interested?' or 'Would you be free on these dates?' But that is never any guarantee we will take on these people. We have no idea where this news story has come from. We have never signed Osbourne or Madeley."

Madeley can't do it? Bothered. As I've said on several occations, no-one should be allowed to turn down Strictly as many times as Madeley claims to have done. Yet now, suddenly his Watch show has been canned and he's 'available'. ZZZzzz...

Sharon would have been interesting to watch, but I would prefer the show to steer clear of any connections with The X Factor.

A Nat-ty Dancer?

Natalie Cassidy is being tipped for dancefloor stardom.

According to The Sun, Natalie is hoping to boost her profile and trim her waistline by appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.

A source told the paper: "Natalie knows she can lose weight, she just needs the motivation. She could have a new DVD out by Christmas. She's a big star and people really warm to her. Appearing on Strictly is a dream come true for her."

The Sun article certainly makes it sound like a done deal.

I think Natalie would be great. She's genuine and she would put her heart and soul into Strictly, I'm sure.

Next! Twiggy...

Model Twiggy is next on the "I turned down..." list.

RTE reports that she told the Daily Telegraph: "Every year they ask me to do that programme, but I just can't do it and I never will. It makes me feel sick just at the thought of it."

Her fellow M&S model Myleene Klass would make an excellent Strictly participant, in my opinion.

That's Arlene Price

Arlene Phillips has been offered the chance to be a model a new ladieswear line for Asda.

According to The Mirror (the paper that seems to be running with ANY story which mentions Arlene), Asda are courting Arlene to become the face of Moda, a line aimed at 40+ women.

Arlene has not yet made a decision.

Are You Among The 17% Who Will Switch Off?

According to a Mirror/YouGov poll, 17% of a sample of 1,305 Strictly Come Dancing viewers claimed they will switch off the next series following Arlene's forced departure.

And 44% believe the BBC was wrong to let Arlene go.

As I've said before, I also believe the BBC was wrong, but it's not enough to make me switch off. I'm not sure what would make me switch off...

The Mirror also claims that around 1,500 viewers have complained to the BBC.

Start Your Christmas List

It's never to early to start a Christmas list in my opinion, and there is some new Strictly stuff to keep an eye out for.

As was announced in May, the Dance Yourself Fit book is on the way, due for release on 10th December. Here is the cover artwork...

Other goodies to look forward to are a 2010 calendar and A5 diary, although the release date for the calendar is unclear, with Amazon stating 1st September, and Play.com saying 1st October. Of course, a calendar was considered for 2006 and never materialised, so I'll believe it when I see it.

I wonder if any of the other merchandise that was discussed back in February will ever see the light of day.

The Arlene Debate

The Arlene Phillips debate raged on The Wright Stuff last week.

What do Matthew Wright, Denise Black, Biggins and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown think?

Should we all be boycotting Strictly?



I have to admit that while I am not happy with the decision, I could not bring myself to switch off. Strictly is more important to me than is healthy (probably), and no matter what they do, I will still watch. I wish I had the strength to switch off.

And what's going to happen come Tour time?

Arlene On Alesha

Arlene Phillips has very diplomatically commented on her Strictly successor, although it's pretty clear that she is not happy to have lost her spot on the judging panel.

Arlene told the Sunday Mail yesterday: "Look, you know - it's hard. Alesha's lovely and she's a lovely dancer. What more can I say? I'm passionate about dance and I was passionate about the show."

The One Show is great, but to my mind it won't come close to being a part of the Saturday night extravaganza. Arlene has a passion for dance which could possibly be stronger than any other member of the panel. She always talks about dancing from the heart, which it something I believe in myself. I can't possibly imagine how Arlene must be feeling. I think she has show remarkable grace by accepting the job on The One Show, and I will make a point of watching her updates and listening to what she has to say.

Judges Aloud

Alesha Dixon has been seeking advice from Cheryl Cole about her upcoming judging duties.

According to the Daily Star Sunday, Cheryl has been giving Alesha some pointers. A source said: “At first Alesha was worried the Strictly job could backfire on her solo career. But Cheryl is living proof that you can juggle a pop and TV career. Alesha’s also had to cope with a mixed reaction to getting the job after some celebrity fans accused the BBC of ageism. Cheryl replaced an older star on The X Factor when she took over from Sharon Osbourne, so she knows what that pressure is like."

It's going to be very difficult for Alesha to begin with. She has a lot to prove, especially when it seems there is more support for Team Arlene. I wouldn't want to be in her heels...

Kelly Hopes Sharon Can Strut Her Stuff

Kelly Osbourne hopes her mother will get the chance to appear on Strictly, so that we can see another side to her.

Kelly told the Daily Mail: "It's still undecided as to whether she is doing it but I hope she does so that people get to see the other side of her. People think of her as tough but she is really nice. A proper stage school girl. She went to Italia Conti stage school and is an amazing dancer. It would be great if she could show that off."

I never knew that Sharon had been to stage school. Maybe she'd be pretty good. Although careful Sharon - those who have had professional training always get lots of grief...

Anton's Surgery

The Mirror reported this week that Anton du Beke was rushed to hospital recently with a twisted colon, and had his appendix removed.

What I don't understand is why this story was only reported this week, when it happened over a month ago. Anton had to miss a dance weekend at which he was supposed to be teaching, so it's hardly a secret.

How very odd...

Jill Backs Team Alesha

While most people are committed to Team Arlene, former Strictly champion Jill Halfpenny thinks Alesha will make a great judge.

According to The Sun, Jill told GMTV: "Arlene's great and I think she'll be missed. But maybe Alesha will bring something fresh."

Let The Rumours Begin

We can't be more than a few weeks away from the dancers meeting their protégés for the autumn.

Which of course means the red tops are about to go into overdrive.

The Sun reports that Coronation Street star Reece Dinsdale, who played Joe McIntyre and is quitting the soap, would love to hit the dancefloor.

A 'source' told the paper: "Reece has loved Corrie but he wants to move on - and he reckons Strictly is the perfect move. Reece wouldn't do just any reality show. Strictly is really respected."

Harriet Harman, MP: "We Want Arlene Phillips"

Equality minister Harriet Harman has waded into the Judgegate row. She believes Arlene has been discriminated against because of her age, and demanded her reinstatement.

Harman told the Daily Mail: "I think it's absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there. So I'd like to take the opportunity of asking the BBC - it is not too late, we want Arlene Phillips in the next edition of Strictly Come Dancing."

A BBC spokesperson said: "Age had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene Phillips on the judging panel. The age ranges of the Strictly presenters, judges and contestants taking part are clear evidence that this would not have played a part. The BBC employs numerous mature presenters across the schedule."

Well, if age isn't the reason, can someone please expain to me what the reason was. I haven't heard a sensible reason why so far...

Congratulations Camilla!

Big congratulations go to Camilla Dallerup, whose partner Kevin Sacre proposed to her on a recent trip to Italy.

I saw Camilla (& Ian) perform on the eve of my own wedding last month and she said such lovely things to me. I hope she has as much fun on her big day as I did on mine.

Camilla and Kevin make a lovely couple, and I wish them every happiness for the future.

Credit Crunch Hits The Dancefloor

Even Strictly Come Dancing is having to face the economic downturn.

The Sun reported recently that Bruce Forsyth has agreed to a 25% pay cut this year. A source told the paper: “In times like these people are taking cuts. Gone are the days when you’d get a Brucie bonus for being loyal. But can you imagine watching Strictly without Bruce? It would be almost unthinkable.”

Len also expects to take a pay cut, but is philisophical about it, telling BBC News: "The job's brilliant. It's not exactly working on the docks - which I did for 10 years - is it? It's a joy so anything I get I always feel a bit of a fraud so I don't mind if they knock off a couple of bob. It's not arduous. I'm not digging ditches am I? I'm only sitting there saying, 'cock your leg up and keep your head up higher'."

As long as the cuts don't hit the frocks. I'd hate to see Strictly in sweats...

Flavia Interview

Flavia Cacace recently gave an interview to the Liverpool Daily Post.

While there are no major revelations, there are some nice insights in the interview.

On the judges' comments: “Honestly I don’t even remember much of what they say. When you’ve just finished your dance you’re so hyped up that most of it goes in one ear and out of the other. Some you remember, some you don’t, but my memory isn’t that great which is probably lucky!”

And she offers unique insight on working on new choreography with Vincent: “Oh it can still be frustrating, of course, if you’re coming up with new things and they don’t work. But I guess we’ve been doing it for so long that you turn that frustration into adrenaline. We’ve been together so long now we know how to deal with each other’s moods, although when we’re choreographing it’s Vincent who is probably the calmer one. I’m more likely to lose my rag. But we tend to be quite good because we know when to leave it, have a break and come back. That’s the secret really, knowing when to walk away because often you come back and everything’s fine.”

Louisa And Rachel Defend Arlene

Louisa Lytton has given her support to Arlene Phillips, who was always a bit of a mentor to Louisa.

She told The Sun: "I was on the show a few years back now, but Arlene really looked after me. Her criticism was constructive, she taught me an awful lot and she cared about me on that show. It will be a great loss. It is a shame because she knows her stuff and that is what Strictly Come Dancing is about."

And Rachel Stevens also commented, telling The Sun: "I think it's really bad they have got rid of Arlene. She brought lots of experience to the show and knew what she was talking about."

Len's Cancer Battle

Len Goodman revealed earlier this month that he recently had surgery to remove a prostate tumour.

He chose not to go public with the news, quietly finishing the spring season of Dancing With The Stars before having the surgery.

He told the The Mail On Sunday: "I’ve had the surgery now. Everything’s gorgeously good. I’ll be back in September for sure."

He had good reason not to tell anyone, especially those at the BBC: "With all the hoo-ha about Strictly coming up, I thought, 'Just my luck, they won’t want that old f**t on it, the cancer-riddled, bed-ridden old so-and–so.' But they haven’t said that because I haven’t told them. I’ve only told half a dozen people."

Indeed. If he'd have told them, he might have found himself out of a job...

Chris Moyles Turned Down Strictly

Yes, another celebrity bores us with the news that they are not doing Strictly.

According to the Mirror, Chris Moyles turned down Strictly because they weren't paying enough.

He said: "The workload is ridiculous and, judging by how much they're offering, I wouldn't be interested in doing the after-show tour."

I'm thrilled he said no. I've never been a fan of Moyles.

Len Admits Dynamics Will Change

Len Goodman expressed concern and excitement at how the dynamics of Strictly's judging panel will chance following Arlene's removal.

He told The Stage: “I am sad Arlene is no longer one of the judges because we got to know each other. We all got on, and knew what to expect, so it sort of changes the whole dynamic of the panel maybe, which is a little bit scary. I do feel sorry for her, because we are friends. But who knows, maybe Alesha will be fantastic and bring a different dynamic to the judging panel.”

The panel certainly will be different. And it will leave Craig as the only outspoken member of the panel, as Len and Bruno are usually kinder, even when they are being critical. Expect a 'warmer' panel this series.

Phillips On Phillips

Former Strictly participant Fiona Phillips commented on Arlene's departure in her Mirror column this week.

She wrote: "Since when was Alesha Dixon a choreographer? And who, outside the chattering class pastures of the broadsheets and the Royal Ballet, cares about Darcey Bussell? Arlene Phillips, on the other hand, was an essential part of the winning Strictly Come Dancing formula – her caustic comments cutting through the ice of a wintry Saturday night, willing you to throw your takeaway at the TV screen as she lay in to a well-meant but hopeless celebrity dancer."

Dancers Don't Want Alesha's Advice

According to today's Sunday Mirror, some of the dancers are a bit put out by Alesha's appointment as a Strictly Come Dancing judge.

A source told the paper: "The dancers think it's an absolute farce that Arlene has been replaced by Alesha. They are among the best in the world and away from Strictly they compete at the very highest level. Publicly, they will endorse Alesha. Privately, they are fuming that someone who couldn't even dance until she came on the show will sit in judgment on them."

I was miffed that Arlene was forced out, but I didn't even stop to think about how the show's professional dancers might feel about it.

If I were them, I'd be totally outraged. To have your dancing and choreography critiqued by someone who you were competing against just two years ago and who couldn't dance a step when she walked in. It's totally farcical.

It's also unfair that she danced with Matthew, and assuming he returns this year, it might cloud her view of him. At least Arlene didn't have that sort of conflict of interest.

Bruno Shows And Tells

Bruno Tonioli is the presenter of a new series of dance webisodes entitled Show And Tell for Out.com.

The first edition features Dancing With The Stars participant Marissa Jaret Winokur learning a waltz routine.

More videos will be posted in the coming weeks.

The website also has a featurette on some of DWTS' dancers enjoying the festivities aboard a float at the Pride parade in New York last month.

Arlene's Out, Alesha's In

Sadly the rumours were true.

Today the BBC announced that Alesha Dixon will be taking over judging duties from Arlene Phillips, and Darcey Bussell will also join the panel as a guest judge later in the series.

Personally, I think this is a huge mistake.

While Alesha was good, she is still a novice dancer and not an expert. If the BBC want Princess Alesha to give her opinion, they could give her a blog on their website, or have her talking on It Takes Two. Arlene has more years of dance experience than she'd probably like to admit, both as a performer and a choreographer.

I find it disgusting that her experience is going to be lost. Not everyone on TV has to be under 35. And Arlene looks great!

Cherie Longhi was asked about this on The Wright Stuff a few weeks ago, and I had to agree with her comments. Watch this video from 5mins.



Alesha is a former Strictly champion, but what authority does that give her to sit on the panel.

Camilla has made no secret of the fact that she'd like to be a judge. If they wanted a former champion, perhaps they should have recruited Camilla instead.

Haven't they heard the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?

Why do the BBC insist on chasing ratings from younger viewers? Let ITV and it's advertisers have the 16-34s and get their revenue. The BBC then gets their knickers in a knot when ITV suggests they'd like some licence money because they're not hitting their revenue targets. Well, what do they expect if they needlessly steel viewers from ITV?

Of course, this won't stop me watching Strictly. But I do with they'd stop tinkering with a format that is loved by millions.

Apologies... Again!

Yes, I know I said I would be updating the blog a few weeks back. And I didn't. Bad Loulabelle!

This year has been a little... unusual... for me. But everything is back to normal now, and I PROMISE that SCB will be kept up-to-date.

PROMISE, PROMISE, PROMISE.

xxx