Latest Rumours

More rumours swirl around possible participants for 2018.

The Sun reports that former England goalkeeper David James is on the wishlist. A source told the paper: “The Strictly casting team are really keen to sign up a former footballer this year. It’s been a while since we had a celebrity from the world of football and, as 2018 is a World Cup year, a footballer makes perfect sense. David would be a fantastic signing for us, and he is interested. The question is whether or not he will be able to balance training with his other commitments, as he is currently coaching a team in India.”

Thanks to Soccer AM of yesteryear, I cannot hear David's name without my inner monologue chanting 'Dodgy keeper, dodgy keeper'.

The Sun also reports that producers are interested in Union J singer Josh Cuthbert. A source said: “Josh has caught the eyes of producers and they’re seeing if he could take part. He could easily be a fan favourite. He’s young, in good shape and can dance. He’d be a strong signing.”

Kevin & Karen Clifton Confirm Split

After months of speculation, Kevin & Karen Clifton have confirmed that they have split up, but claim their dancing is better than ever.

Speaking to Chris Evans on his breakfast show yesterday, Kevin said: "Privately, we're not together anymore, but professionally we are stronger than ever. Dance is how we came together, and has been the glue which has held us together for years now. We've danced on Broadway together and West End, got five Strictly finals between us and we're still the best of friends. We've got a lot of love and respect for each other."

You can hear the interview here.

This is very sad news, but it sounds as though they are happy to work together. I hope they are both as happy as they sound.

I remember when Vincent and Flavia split up. The pain was obvious, but they put in some of the best performances of their lives in my opinion. And now they have four successful tours under their belts and are still amazing dancing together. I wish Kevin and Karen the same success.

Congratulations, Brendan!

Congratulations to former Strictly pro Brendan Cole and his wife Zoe, who have welcomed their second child, a boy, into the world. According to The Sun, Danté was born on Tuesday.

It was quite clear from an Instagram post from Zoe that she was nonplussed with the tabloid revealing the news before they could.

Two little sets of ducky feet. Bandy legs just like his daddy! Nice of the tabloid press to share OUR news with everyone but hey-ho. Thanks for all your kind comments on the arrival of our baby boy. We’re all super in love with him especially big sister Aurélia who can’t bare to let him out of her sight. He came right when I asked him to on Daddy’s day off. The power of the mind and the universe is good like that 😜 #newbaby #babyboy #babynews #familyoffour #lifeisgood #tiredmummy #babybubble #tinydancer

A post shared by Zoe Cole/Fashionably Balanced (@thezoec) on Mar 14, 2018 at 8:43am PDT

Brendan is currently on tour with his own show, All Night Long, which is on the road until the end of the month.

Latest Rumours

There have been quite a few rumours about possible Strictly participants in the past few days.

The Daily Star reports that producers are keen to sign former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan. Michelle is married to Mark Wright, who made the final in 2014 with Karen Clifton. A source told the paper: "She has a huge and loyal fanbase, but more importantly to bosses they know her supporters are young. That’s a demographic that they are desperate to attract to the show and something they are willing to break the bank for... Everyone behind the scenes thinks she would set the dance floor alight. It’s now a matter of convincing her to sign up.”

The Daily Mirror reports that The Chase star Mark Labbett is on the wish list. Mark and his fellow 'Chasers' won Let's Sing & Dance For Comic Relief last year. A source said: “Mark has become one of the best-known personalities on TV so he has come on to Strictly’s radar. They think he could be a real hit with viewers, as he has been on The Chase. He would certainly make people stand up and take notice with his stature.” 

The Sun reports that Big Brother's Bit On The Side host and former This Morning reporter Rylan Clark-Neal is also being considered. A source said “Rylan is charismatic and popular, and the bosses are sure he would be a huge hit on the show. He is definitely one of their targets for 2018.”

With about six months until we find out who will take part, expect to see lots more names linked with the show.