Next! Linford Christie...

Olympic gold medalist Linford Christie has admitted that he turned down Strictly recently, because he can't dance.

The Evening Standard reports that Linford told the Radio Times: "I didn’t fancy it because I’m not a good dancer. I’m the only black guy you’ll meet with two left feet. I spent so much time training in my youth that I missed out on dancing.”

Come on Linford. You must've watched the show. The lack of dance ability has never been a barrier. Just ask Nancy, Anne, John, Judy, Gregg, Christopher...

Next! Fiona Bruce...

Fiona Bruce has decided to reveal that she has turned down Strictly.

She told the Daily Telegraph: “The call has come many, many times. I’ve always said no. Not because I’m snotty about it but that structured formal dancing is so not me. I just want to get down on the dance- floor.”

That's one of the strangest excuses for not doing it. I think she'd be a Kaplinsky-type. Maybe I'm underestimating her, but I just can't see her being free enough. She seems a bit to controlled to really let go on.

Has Kirsty Gallacher Signed Up?

Has sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher signed up to take part in Strictly this year?

Eurosport reports that The Sun claims it's a done deal. A source told the paper: "Kirsty’s absolutely thrilled that Strictly have signed her up. She’ll be perfect for it. She’s stunning and very athletic. She’s also very likeable, so it will be a great chance to let the public see her personality... Kirsty sees it as a brilliant opportunity to get into another side of broadcasting and TV. She loves sport but would love to start doing a bit of entertainment work."

I like Kirsty. I think she'd be a great addition to the line-up.

Steph McGovern: "I Would Love To Do It"

BBC Breakfast's business presenter Steph McGovern would love to appear on Strictly.

She told the Middlesbrough Gazette: “It’s not going to happen this time round, but in the future who knows? I would love to do it."

Wedding News

There have been two Strictly weddings in the last two week.

On 11th July, Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer were married. Hello! magazine was there to get all the gossip, and you can read all about it in the new issue, which is out tomorrow.

And on 18th July, Vincent Simone married his partner Susan in Londonderry, with his I'm A Celebrity... junglemate Matthew Wright as his best man.

Congratulations to both the happy couples!

Champagne & Chocs For Strictly Inventor

The person who came up with the idea for Strictly only received champagne and chocolates, and a nominal bonus, for her efforts.

The Independent reports that Fenia Vardanis told the Sunday Times that inspiration struck at a commissioning meeting in 2003: “I suddenly said, 'wouldn’t it be funny if we did celebrity Come Dancing...' In those days there were annual staff bonuses and I didn’t get anything extraordinary. I got a staff bonus which I probably would have got anyway. The only thing I got was a bottle of Champagne from BBC Worldwide. I also got a box of chocolates which spelt the words Strictly Fantastic and I’m not saying this in a bitter or twisted way at all. The champers and the chocolates were very nice.”

Kevin & Karen To Marry This Weekend

Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer are set to get married this weekend, and Hello! magazine will be there to take the pictures.

Kevin's father Keith told the Grimsby Telegraph that he thinks things are going well, but has not been involved in the planning: "We've not really been involved with the organisation, we're just the parents who are extremely proud – so we just need to turn up. There's going to be some very important guests there, although I'm not at a liberty to reveal exactly who! But of course there will be a large Strictly contingent. Karen's family have come over all the way from New York already. Joanne is also going to be one of the bridesmaids so she is obviously very excited, too."

Peter Jones & Mario Falcone Would Like To Do Strictly

Dragon's Den investor Peter Jones would like to take part in Strictly, but would struggle to find time.

The Radio Times reports that Peter told Heat magazine: “I would love to do Strictly, but it’s a question of time. They ask every year. I have done it. It was a one-off at The O2 for Sport Relief [2010] and I competed against Duncan Bannatyne in front of 10,000 people. I won."

Peter also took part in Let's Dance For Comic Relief in 2009, so has had lots of practice.

TOWIE star ('star' always seems like the wrong word in this context) Mario Falcone would also like to participate in Strictly.

Mario told the Radio Times: “I like the little open shirts, get the six pack out... [I haven't been approached] yet, no. They haven’t seen me cut my shit on the dance floor have they?”