Judy Bans Richard From Strictly

In one of the best pieces of news since Judy Murray was finally voted off, Judy Finnegan and her family will not allow Richard Madeley to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Judy told the Sunday World: "The idea of [Richard] doing Strictly for me and the kids was just so spine-tinglingly embarrassing. We've banned him."

I have literally never loved Judy more.

Isabel Hodgins Would "Love To Do Strictly"

Emmerdale actress Isobel Hodgins has said the she would like to do Strictly.

DigitalSpy reports that Isobel told Lorraine Kelly on Lorraine: "I'm not even going to lie, I'd love to do Strictly. I do a bit of dancing, it would be nice!"

Like with Coronation Street, Emmerdale bosses are reluctant to let their cast take part in Strictly, so it's unlikely that we'll actually see her on the show.

James Jordan On Same-Sex Couples: "It's Wrong"

Former Strictly pro James Jordan has waded into the debate over having a same-sex couple on the show.

According to the Huffington Post, James told The Sun: “It’s wrong. I think [Strictly] would lose so many viewers. I have nothing against same-sex couples, if they want to go and do their own competitions. But ballroom and Latin dancing is about a man dancing with a woman – that’s fact. It annoys me that people like Craig can say this because he’s gay. That’s the only reason he’s pushing it.”

Oh James. How very 1950s. Separate but equal and all that.

Dance is an expression, an extension of one's personality. If someone prefers to take a certain role in life, why shouldn't they be able to do so on the dancefloor?

Robin Windsor made his feelings clear on the matter on Facebook:

Dermot O'Leary Will Not Be Appearing On Strictly

Dermot O'Leary will not be joining Strictly, either as a presenter or as a participant.

Dermot told Heatworld: "I won’t be going on Strictly. They have two very good hosts... and it’s a brilliant show. I still have The X Factor in my blood – I love the show, so I’d never be a competitor on Strictly."

Artem Denies Kicking Allegations

Artem Chigvintsev has denied Fern Britton's claims that he would kick and shove her during training sessions.

Artem told the Daily Mirror: "Recent statements apparently made by Fern Britton, whilst not reflecting any situation I recognise, are difficult to ignore. I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care, and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am. I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me. I just want to thank all my fans and friends for their support and belief in me."

I can imagine that Artem, striving for perfection, may have been quite aggressive in the training room. He may well have pushed and pulled her into position. It's what some teachers do in order to make sure the pupil has the right position. I suspect it was a case of Fern not understanding, and not being used to, Artem's teaching methods. I doubt that any harm was intended.

Antony's Strictly Dream

Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton would love to appear on Strictly, and hopes that his Corrie producers will let him do so.

ITV have always blocked Corrie actors from appearing on Strictly. Michelle Keegan was reportedly stopped from appearing two years in a row. Others, including Lisa Riley and Tina O'Brien, were only able to do Strictly after leaving the soap.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “When [Antony] was at Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright’s wedding, he was asking people from the Beeb about it and [was] kind of putting his hat in the ring to be a contestant. There were some Strictly people at the wedding who had become close to Mark when he was in it last year and they were chatting to Antony all about it. Back at Granada it was the gossip in the green room that he could be the shock star this year. It really would be ground breaking for an active Corrie artist to take part in Strictly so it’s a wait and see situation."

Caroline Loses Her Trophy

Last year's Strictly champion, Caroline Flack, had admitted that she's having trouble keeping track of her glitterball trophy, and almost lost it soon after winning it.

She told the Radio Times: “I went with my friends to a random house party in west London after the Strictly final – we stayed until 7am and got so drunk I left my glitterball there. The next day, I had to go and knock on this man’s door and say, ‘Hi – I think I left my glitterball in your house…’”

She still isn't sure where it is now: “I actually gave it to my niece to take into school for a show and tell, and she never gave it back. It’s probably still in her bedroom.”

If you want to know what Pasha has done with his trophy, go and see his Life Through Dance tour.

Fern: Artem Would "Kick Me Or Shove Me"

Fern Britton has said that she was manhandled by Artem during their Strictly partnership.

The Daily Mail reports that Fern made the comments at an event earlier this week: "I did kind of enjoy it but it was grim at the same time. We would be in hold and he would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me".

Fern also commented on the things she would say to her: "He was like 'Shut your face. Go home before I kill you'. I would say 'Oh please just kill me, it would be easier'. Or what was his other one? 'If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb.' I thought, well I won’t correct him on that one.’ We did love each other for a moment or two but he wasn’t charm personified."

After partnering Natalie Gumede to the final of the following series, Artem moved to the US to join Dancing With The Stars, where he has partnered Lea Thompson and Patti LaBelle.

Strictly Stars Join Red Cross Charity Show

A host of Strictly stars will join other dancers at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to help raise money for the British Red Cross this autumn.

Anton de Beke will host the Dance Power show on Sunday 11th October, and will perform with Erin Boag. Ian & Natalie and Aljaž & Janette will also perform.

Anton said: “I find the work the British Red Cross does very inspiring and I am proud to host the show and perform at Dance Power this October alongside my dance partner Erin Boag and other talented performers. This spectacular evening promises to be filled with glitz, glamour and some great moves.”

Tickets start at £20, and can be purchased via http://www.redcross.org.uk/dancepower.

Robin To Star In Panto

Following in the footsteps of Craig Revel Horwood, Brian Fortuna and Camilla Dallerup, Robin Windsor is the latest Strictly star to sign up for panto.

Robin will appear as the Man in the Mirror (no, me neither) in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Wales.

Robin said: “I’m delighted to be making my pantomime debut in Llandudno this Christmas, not only because I love Christmas, but so the Man in the Mirror can sprinkle a bit of Strictly magic for Snow White too.”

The show opens on Thursday 10th December.

Gregg Wallace: "I Didn’t Enjoy It"

Despite wanting to take part in Strictly for years, Gregg Wallace now says he didn't enjoy his time on the show.

He told the Daily Mirror: "I didn’t enjoy it in any way, shape or form. Well, apart from the last day on the final. I really enjoyed dancing on the final and I enjoyed the practising and the physical side of it, I liked that, but performing something that I wasn’t good at? No. I hated it. Absolutely hated it."

CRH Expects Same-Sex Pairs On Strictly

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood believes that Strictly will get a same-sex pairing, possibly as soon as this year.

He told OK! magazine: “A same sex couple on Strictly – that is on the cards. It’ll be either this year or next year, but most certainly, it will happen. They did it already in Hungary or somewhere. We should encourage that sort of thing, absolutely. There are competitions throughout the world that have same sex couple, you just have to decide who goes backwards, darling!”

I think that a same-sex pairing would be a great idea, but I would hate for any gay celebrity who takes part to feel pressured to do so. 

It seemed more likely when Robin Windsor was a pro. I just can't see the producers pairing any of the straight male dancers with a celebrity of the same sex. Perhaps it would be more likely that they would pair a female celebrity with a female pro.

Being in a same-sex couple could be both an advantage and a disadvantage for the couple concerned. I would want the same-sex couple to be treated and judged in the same way as a mixed sex couple. I believe that the judges would do so, but I am not convinced that the British public would. For some, they would be a novelty to be voted though - just like an Ann Widdecombe or John Seargent. For others, a same-sex pairing might be a step too far.

I do genuinely think it's a good idea, as long as it is handled correctly. It would be nice for the public to understand that anyone can learn to lead and anyone can follow.

Actually, that's given me a brilliant idea. Here's my idea for a theme week - role swap week. That means that for one week only, the couples must switch roles, so the women would lead, and the men would follow. Len always remarks that it's harder for the male celebrities, as they have to lead. What if, for one week, they didn't? 

Gemma Collins: "I'd Love To Do Strictly"

TOWIE star Gemma Collins has revealed that she would like to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Reveal magazine reports that Gemma told The Sun: "I'd love to do Strictly. It would be a dream. I love a good boogie and it would definitely help me shed the pounds. My dress would be pink and full of crystals – you know, like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. I'm obsessed with that programme. I'd be very traveller style."

If we have to have another TOWIE personality on Strictly, I think we could do a lot worse than Gemma. I don't watch it often, but Gemma is one of the most engaging and reconisable people on the show. She'd be comfortable with glitter and fake tan. Bit I'd hope for a bit more tenacity than she showed in the jungle.

Kristina Remains Tight-Lipped Over Ben Cohen

Kristina Rihanoff is remaining tight-lipped over the rumours that her relationship with Ben Cohen is not strictly a professional one, but is upset about her negative portrayal in the press.

She told the Mail On Sunday: "I am a normal human being, maybe I have not always done the right thing. I make mistakes but I do not have to be crucified for them. My past should be allowed to be my past. People say I don’t care about criticism but I do, I do care, it makes me cry for days, for weeks."

Kristina doesn't deny a relationship, though, saying: "We are both single people. We enjoy each other’s company. We work together. Who knows what the future will hold. I do not owe it to the whole country to speak about my private life because it’s just that, private."