Brian Anxious About Strictly

Like all the pros, Brian Fortuna is anxious to find out if he will have a place in this year's Strictly like-up.

Girlfriend Ali Bastian told The Sun: "He's really anxious to hear about the next series - they all are. They won't know until later in the summer."

I'd be surprised if they let Brian go. He's very popular, and has only been in two series. There are pleanty of other pros who should be more concerned about the swing of the axe than Brian.

Next! Sarah Ferguson...

The Duchess of York reportedly turned down a large fee to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

According to The Sun, the BBC were desperate to sign her, but she refused.

A source told the paper: "Despite a really big offer way above the average fee, she didn't seem keen to put in four months' work and refused to take part. It looks as though Fergie thought she could earn more money over a few dinners."

Perhaps, given her current financial situation, she shouldn't be so choosy. Besides, what better way to get the public onside than to appear on Strictly?

I doubt, given last week's news reports, that Strictly would come knocking again. She's definitely missed the boat.

Natalie Would Like To Present Strictly

Natalie Cassidy, who lasted until Week 12 last year, has revealed that she would love to present Strictly Come Dancing.

STV reports that she told More! magazine: "I love Tess, but I think she should have another child and a break. I love presenting!"

Natalie is expecting herself in September, so perhaps not this year...

Brendan Wants To Poshtrot

Following the rumours that Strictly producers would like Victoria Beckham to take part, Brendan has stepped forward and offered to partner her.

He told The Sun: "I would love to tango with Posh. It's a great idea, she'd be brilliant. She gets a hard time, so coming on Strictly would show people what she's really like."

Lilia & James, Darren & Kylie

DigitalSpy have asked pro dancers Darren & Lilia who their dream Strictly partners would be.

Lilia said: "Someone with personality as you spend all day everyday with someone you've never met before, so it's nice to have a personality - someone like James Corden would be great - and he seems a good mover too."

While Darren said: "Kylie Minogue! And it's not just because she can really move... it's a height thing, she's short, I'm short. But seriously, somebody who really wants to be there and wants to learn... it's very important that your partner is willing to put that time and energy into dancing."

The pair hope to hear soon if they have been selected to return for another series of Strictly. The couple said: "We don't know who the celebs will be, who the professionals are, the format or timing of the show. We normally find out in June."

Not long for the pros to wait now. It must be agonising. Especially as they could be missing out on other work by keeping their diaries open for Strictly, only to find their services are not required.

Len On Derek Hough Rumours

Len says he has not heard the rumours about Derek Hough joining Strictly, but thinks he'd be a good addition.

In an interview with DigitalSpy about Dancing With The Stars, Len said: "I've heard nothing about Derek coming over to the BBC to do Strictly Come Dancing, but if he did, what a wonderful person to get in there. His choreography is amazing."

And on rumours about DWTS participants such as Pamela Anderson or Kelly Osbourne crossing the atlantic for Strictly: "I don't think it would be totally fair because they've obviously had a bit of training. What would be fair is if they got a few of the past winners and contestants from the UK and US show and put them together. What about a champion of champions between all those stars? That would be great."

Genius idea, Len! As long as it worked better than that internationl Pop Idol thing that was on ITV. Great idea, poorly executed.

Kylie Won't Join Strictly Panel

Strictly producers approached Kylie Minogue to join the judging panel, but she refused out of loyality to her sister.

Kylie did not want to go head-to-head with Dannii and The X Factor. She told The People: "I know about this Strictly thing, the problem is that I cant go against my sister Dannii. I know some people would love it to happen but I just cant do it. It would be unfair on her because it would be like I was deliberately going up against her as a direct rival. But its flattering if Im being thought of for a show like that anyway."

I love Kylie, and having her on Strictly would have been quite a coup. But the show doesn't need to resort to sensationalism. The Aleseha/Arlene backlash proved that the public value knowledge and experience.

I find the producers' recent obsession with chasing and emulating The X Factor really demoralising. I choose to watch Strictly because it isn't over the top and drawn out (at least, it never used to be). It's great entertainment. I don't need big stars to take part. Former participants who were well regarded in their world have become household names through Strictly. Some of the best participants have been those who we had to Google to find out who the heck they were.

Bruce Tight Lipped On Strictly Return

Bruce is not telling if he will return to Strictly Come Dancing this autumn.

He told Sunday Express: “I am not going to confirm whether I am going back to Strictly or not, that information is strictly confidential.”

I'm sure Bruce is treated better than any other talant on the show, but could it be that he simply doesen't know yet?

I expect that even if he has been made an offer, he knows that he would be the only one in that position this early in the year, and he's classy enough to keep it to himself.

I cannot see Bruce leaving the show as long as the producers want him. He admits that the show wipes him out, but he loves it and what it represents.

Don't Shoot The Messenger!

Melinda Messenger has revealed she would like to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Live From Studio Five presenter told ITN: "I would love to do Strictly. I'm thinking now that I can do the dancing on ice, take the blades off my feet and I'll be brilliant. That will be my famous last words!"

Melinda got to week 7 on the skating show.

I like Melinda a lot. I think she would be a great addition to any Strictly line-up.

Strictly's Wish List

The Sun has listed some names that it claims Strictly Come Dancing producers are keen to land.

Topping the list is Victoria Beckham. Also in their sights are Amy Winehouse, Chelsea Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, Kimberley Walsh, Patsy Kensit and Lembit Opik.

The article also claims that the show will run for 12 weeks, and at least three shows will be broadcast from the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.

There are a lot of names to think about here. Here are my thoughts...

Victoria Beckham still seems to still be all over the press, despite not spending any time in Britain these days. She'd be great for the show's profile. Like Emma Bunton before her, victoria has spent a long time learning dance moves, so she should be comfortable with the skills required, even if she's not done this style before. I have no idea about the Beckhams' tax status, though. Is she permitted to be in the country? As she's living in the US, I think she'd be more likely to follow Mel B to Dancing With The Stars. However, she's a much bigger star here.

Amy Winehouse's performance last year, albeit as a backing singer to her niece Dionne Bromfield, caused a huge stir, especially in the press. She would be a handful for any of the pro males (I think James would probably be her best match in terms of temperament). Would she have the focus and energy to do well?

Chelsea Clinton is an odd choice. She works for a hedge fund, and is not really a celebrity. She's the daughter of the US Secretary of State, who goes about her business. She's getting married this summer. Would she really want to spend 3+ months in Britian just a month after her wedding? I think she would be more likely to appear on DWTS.

Monica Lewinsky is that sensational name which always ends up on the list, but very rarely becomes reality. Besides, Strictly is very much a family show, and I don't think anyone would be comfortable explaining to their seven year-old who she is and why she is (in)famous. I'm sure Brucie wouldn't allow it!

It doen't take a genius to work out why Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh is on the list, but it would be great for her to shine in her own right. Like Victoria, Kimberley has been through the routine of touring and learning choreography, so could be a good choice. And from the producers' point of view is probably a more achievable target. I guess it depends if Simon Cowell steps in offers more money not to appear.

Patsy Kensit is also an achievable target. She is leaving Holby City in September. This means that, like so many others (Ricky Whittle, Matt DiAngelo, Sarah Manners), she could be filming her exit while training. But if she made the latter stages of the competition, she could focus on it fully. She has a little bit of music in her past, so she could be a great participant.

With Vince Cable in the cabinet and putting his Strictly dreams on hold, Lembit Opik could be the Lib-Dem to step into gap. He's lost his parlimentary seat, which means he doesn't have much to do at the moment. Like Boris Johnson, he's always been a bit of a celebrity, although he's not as popular as he was during the Sian years. Strictly could be a good opportunity to try and get the public back on side.

Brendan Eyes Second Glitterball

Brendan would like to be the first pro to win two Strictly Come Dancing titles.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times about his Live & Unjudged tour, he said: “It’d be lovely to win another series, I don’t think anyone’s won twice yet so it would be great. But I don’t like to think too far ahead about things like that – it’s more a case of hopefully they’ll ask me to do it first and then see who I’ve got and take it from there.”

Live & Unjudged is currently back on the road. Check BrendanCole.com for venue information.

Congratulations Rachel!

Big congratulations to Rachel Stevens and her husbank Alex, who have announced that they are expecting their first child in Novemeber.

Perhaps her Strictly partner Vincent can provide them some parenting tips...

Mummy's Boy Len

Len had admitted that he's afraid of his mum Louisa, and she'd never forgive him if he quit Strictly.

He told The Mirror: "She would really smack my bottom if I said 'no'. She's a huge fan of the show. She's always telling me off for this, that and the other. If I'm nasty to a couple she'll phone up and vote for them!"

He also admitted that while he loves being a part of Strictly, he would understand if he was not asked to return: "I'm not going to be here for ever am I? If they ask me I will definitely be coming back. But I do understand they like to revamp things and tweak it."

I suppose that since Arlene was dropped, everyone now understands that the show can go on without them. No-one is safe, and they have to keep that in mind, even if they hope it's not the case.

Joe & Kristina Have Not Split

It seems that the report in The People that Joe and Kristina had split is not true.

Kristina wrote on her Facebook status today: "Thanks for all your amazing support for the Pro Tour so far and your pictures! Really loving it, and tonight we perform in Dublin. Just had a few days off between shows with my boyfriend Joe, and come back to see some untrue rumours about us in the paper, so pleae ignore them. Keep the feedback coming, I love to hear from you all xx"

Who are you going to believe? Kristina herself or some old Fleet Street hack?

At least all this social networking stuff gives celebrities the chance to set the record straight.

Joe & Kristina Split

Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff have ended their seven-month relationship.

According to The People, Joe wants to enjoy himself and let loose now that he is free from the strict training regimes of boxing. He is enjoying the female attention he gets when out, and doesn't want to be tied down.

A source told the paper: "They spent so much time together on the show and it was really intense so things progressed quite quickly. Joe thinks she is incredible. He loves her looks and personality and they are so similar but at the moment he wants to enjoy himself as he has been so disciplined for his entire life."

Gerard Wants Strictly Love Match

It worked for Matt DiAngelo, Ali Bastion, Joe Calzaghe, and reportedly a few others over the years.

Now Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy says he'd like take part in Strictly Come Dancing to help him find love.

DigitalSpy quotes an interview Garard gave to Bang Showbiz: "Now that I'm looking for a girlfriend I'm going to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. That seems to be the way for everyone to find a partner these days! I would definitely go on Strictly, because I'm a massive fan of the show. It would have been more difficult for me to go on it when Arlene Phillips was there, because she's a really good friend of mine."

It's no worse a reason for signing up for the show than trying to give you career a boost or attempting to lose weight. In fact, it's quite a refreshing reason to give. But he'd be out of luck if he was paired with Ola, Erin or Lilia. I don't think we've yet had a participant dating a dancer who isn't their own partner. That would be interesting...

Ricky Intends To Keeeeeep Dancing

Ricky Whittle has claimed that he plans to continue dancing.

He told the Press Association: "I'm going to continue the dancing because it really was an inspiration, it changed my life. It's fantastic fitness and a great feeling to know if a song comes on I can grab someone and lead them through a dance, or pick a woman and foxtrot with her and do something quite beautiful. I really have a new-found respect for dancers. It's a gift to have, I was honoured to be on that show."

He's still in touch with Natalie, although he's not seen her for a while: "She's been very busy, so I've not. I kept in touch while she was on tour, but she shot off to Oz to be with her family so I've not seen her for a long time now."

Kristina Doesn't Think Derek Will Join Strictly

Kristina Rihanoff doesn't think Derek Hough will join Strictly Come Dancing this year.

DigitalSpy reports that Kristina told Angela Griffin on Angela & Friends: "Derek is a good friend of mine. We did a tour of Dancing With The Stars together. I don't think he's going to come over. As far as I know, he's in a very strong relationship in Los Angeles with a very lovely girl. And there's so much work for him there. But we don't know. I don't know. We probably won't find out until July."

The only people who know are Derek himself and thr producers. As Kristina says, the rest of us will just have to wait and see...

Pro Tour Is Breathtaking

Here is a fabulous new pro tour trailer, with footage from the show.



I saw the show in Brighton at the weekend. It was amazing.

There are stacks of brilliant group numbers, and each couple gets two solo routines. Look out for an insight into the Jordans' home life, some top tangos from Vincent & Flavia and the best group swing number ever. Look out for the fellas' shirts!

The pros have put a lot of effort into the show. They work hard and give everything. The dancing does not stop. It certainly gets the adrenaline pumping a lot harder than the winter tour with the celebrities. This show really showcases just how brilliant our pros are. It's like two hours of the sort of routines that usually only get about 6 minutes on a Saturday night.

If you think there isn't enough dancing on Strictly, this show will prove why there should be more dancing and less chat.

If you can get a ticket, go. You will not be let down.

Tess: "I'm Not Leaving Strictly"

Tess Daly has tried to quiet rumours that she is to be replaced by former participant Christine Bleakley.

The Mirror reported this week that BBC bosses wanted to give Christine the job in order to stop her following Adrian Chiles over to ITV1. A source told the paper: "Big changes are afoot. Tess and Bruce are at the heart of the Strictly family and are dearly loved by fans and staff alike. But they've fronted the show for over half a decade now and no one can go on forever. So plans are being drawn up for when that day comes. BBC bosses have told Christine they want her to be at the centre of the show's revamp, to give Strictly the same ratings boost Cheryl Cole brought to The X Factor."

But Tess has hit back, telling The Sun: "I'm not leaving Strictly. I love it too much. I'm just glad so many people enjoy the show. I'm staying put."

Why Won't The Madeley Rumour Die?

Probably because Richard doesn't want it to.

I have mentioned, once or twice, why I think Richard Madeley should not be considered for Strictly. This is mostly because he has been approached several times and turned it down because he was apparently too busy. Whatever.

Now it seems, being 'down the dumper' as Smash Hits used to say, he now has the time because he has nowt else better to do, and no-one else putting money in his bank account.

A source told The Mirror: "If he is ever going to do the show then it will be this year. He is still relatively fit so I think he will fancy his chances on the dance floor."

Please, please, please no. As I have said before, Madeley had his chance and turned it down. If GMTV, BBC Breakfast and One Show presenters and soap actors with key storylines can still find time for Strictly, why couldn't Madeley? He had his chance. He said no. Celebrities are queuing up to do it. And Richard just ain't all that.