Latest Line-Up Rumours

It seems the start of the summer holidays marks the start of Strictly rumour season.

Two rumours appeared in the Sunday papers yesterday. First, The People reports that former Countryfile presenter Miriam O'Reilly has been approached to appear. A source told the paper: "They gave her that gig after being hugely embarrassed about the age discrimination action and offering her Strictly would be the ultimate way to make it up to her. Miriam is keen to prove yet again they were wrong to sack her. Talks are at an advanced stage, so expect to see her ripping up the dancefloor in the autumn."

Meanwhile, the Sunday Mirror reports that astrologer Russell Grant is also set to appear. A source said: “Russell is in advanced talks to appear. We can’t wait to get him on the dancefloor in his ­sequins. He’s a really loud, ­flamboyant character and is going to be great TV. He will lose weight in training before the show but he’s still going to be a big bloke and not the most nimble performer. It’s going to be ­hilarious, although whoever has to ­partner him might be in for a rough ride.”

Brian Treads The Boards

Former Strictly pro, Brian Fortuna, will be treading the boards all over the country this autumn in a touring production of Over The Rainbow: The Eva Cassidy Story.

Click here for tour dates and booking information.

Strictly Ricky III

There might be another Ricky following in the footsteps of Groves and Whittle.

Ex-boxer Ricky Hatton claims to have been approached for Strictly and Dancing On Ice, and is considering the former.

He told the Daily Star: “I’ve been asked to do the dancing and the skating, but my footwork is not as good on the ice as it is in the ring! I’ll pick Strictly on the one condition that they let me wear my gloves! It’ll make me feel at home a bit more. I’ve always been that little bit too busy to fit [Strictly] in. But now I have hung my gloves up it’s more of a reality.”

Nancy For Strictly

The Daily Mail has suggested that Nancy Dell'Olio is being courted for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

A BBC source admitted: "She is under consideration but we are talking to a number of people about their availability."

Nancy is most well-known for being the ex-partner of former England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

A friend of Nancy's says she's keen, telling the paper: "Nancy’s a huge fan of the show – and enjoys being in the limelight. She has long been on the Strictly bosses’ radar – and now she feels the time is right to take the plunge."

The same article also reports that former MPs Peter Mandelson and Edwina Currie are also being considered.

Bruno Wants Pippa And Cheryl

Bruno Tonioli would like to see Pippa Middleton, Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh on Strictly Come Dancing.

He told the Sunday Mirror: “I think Pippa Middleton would be a great booking for Strictly. That bum would look very sexual in a nice slinky dress. I can see her doing a slinky rumba. Maybe Cheryl Cole should do it too, she’s free now. Kimberley from Girls Aloud – she’s got ­personality and can give back.”

Congratulations Claudia!

Congratulations to Claduia Winkleman, who has given birth to a baby boy.

The Daily Mail reports that the baby, who has not been given a name yet, was born yesterday.

Despite departing from It Takes Two, Claudia is keeping her job co-hosting the Strictly Come Dancing results show with Tess Daly.

Zoe Ball Is New ITT Host

Zoe Ball is the new host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.

Zoe beat out Natasha Kaplinsky and Denise Van Outen who also auditioned for the role.

Zoe told The Sun: "I'm giddy with glee and I may even have slipped momentarily into a celebratory cha-cha-cha, although technically not a very good one! Having been a contestant myself and hosted the Strictly Come Dancing Tour, it would be fair to say I'm obsessed. I love everything Strictly. I can't wait to start this thrilling adventure."

Zoe is a massive fan of Strictly, and I think she'll be a brilliant host. I can't wait to see how she gets on.

It's no secret that I'm a Zoe fan, so I am thrilled.