STRICTLY Come Dancing BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker as this year's eighth contestants.
His BBC co-host Louise Minchin left open-mouthed when Dan appeared via video link to share his secret having had no idea the announcement was happening, exclaiming: "There's nothing in the running order!"
She was confused as she watched a video teasing the new contestant, and when Dan appeared on screen she shrieked: "I don't believe it – Mr Walker! Oh wow, congratulations!"
Louise went on: "What I'm really annoyed about is nobody's told me anything, Dan – I should have guessed, I can't believe it!"
Dan was incredibly apologetic – insisting he'd only told "a small circle", and his kids only found out at the weekend. He added: "I'm very sorry, I was told it'd make good telly if we didn't tell you."
Read our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for the latest updates...
- Milica Cosic
STRICTLY’S TOM FLETCHER'S NERVES (CONTINUED…)
Meanwhile Tom revealed his initial nerves about joining the line up, but promised a few surprises.
He told the Sun: “I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Can I dance? Well if dad dancing counts then I can do that. I’ve got a few moves though so hopefully there will be a few surprises.
Harry and the rest of the McFly lads have been been really supportive.
And we’re back performing now so yes, it’s going to be a lot of fun."
Tom and Giovanna have spoken out about Strictly - Milica Cosic
STRICTLY’S TOM FLETCHER AND WIFE GIOVANNA REVEAL NERVES OVER JOINING THE LINE UP – AND DISCUSS THE INFAMOUS CURSE
The McFly singer was among the first contestants to be revealed for Strictly Come Dancing 2021, alongside actor Robert Webb and presenter AJ Odudu.
Tom's wife Giovanna, who was crowned the winner of this year's I'm A Celebrity, spoke to The Sun about the dreaded 'Strictly curse.'
She said: "Tom’s doing Strictly and we’re so excited for him.
"The Strictly curse? No, I’m not worried about that. We’ll be fine."
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
JOHN’S BATTLE
Strictly Come Dancing’s John Whaite was left feeling suicidal and quit fame to live on a farm after winning The Great British Bake Off.
The 32-year-old chef won the popular series in 2012, and was yesterday confirmed to be the first ever male celeb to be paired in a same-sex couple on Strictly.
Since finding fame, John has been open about his mental health battle and has discussed suffering from bulimia and suicidal thoughts as recently as 2019.
After Bake Off, he returned to university to do his barrister training but ended up getting pneumonia from stress – leading him to drop out of the law course.
John added: “I kind of felt like I’d failed. And I felt suicidal. I really really did think I was going to end it.”
He recalled sitting down with his partner Paul about needing to escape the UK and “be with nature”, so he relocated to Canada and volunteered on a farm he found through a worldwide programme.
- Milica Cosic
WATCH: STRICTLY SHOCK AS BBC BREAKFAST'S DAN WALKER AND CORRIE'S KATIE MCGLYNN ARE ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 SERIES
Strictly shock as BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker AND Corrie’s Katie McGlynn are announced for 2021 series
- Milica Cosic
PIERS MORGAN SAYS 'CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY' AS ARCH RIVAL DAN WALKER JOINS STRICTLY
Piers has playfully teased his old TV rival Dan Walker over his decision to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing.
He took to Twitter to comment on Dan’s decision to feature on the show, after Strictly's official Twitter account wrote: “Dan Walker? More like Dan Waltzer."
- Milica Cosic
STRICTLY BOSSES DESPERATE TO SIGN A GOLD MEDAL WINNING OLYMPIAN AND SET THEIR SIGHTS ON SAM QUEK
This is a Sun Exclusive.
The Sun can reveal that producers are keen to capitalise on the success of Team GB by landing a gold medal winning star and they've set their sights on presenter Samantha Quek.
A source revealed: “The country has fallen in love with Team GB and their heroics in Japan.
“That’s why getting an Olympic star has become a huge priority. Producers are locked in talks to try and pull off a big late signing. Sam would be a big win for the show. She’s glamorous, great fun and, as far as viewers are concerned, has been a standout star of the Olympics presenting team.”
Read more here.
Hockey star Sam one gold in the Rio Olympics - Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHO IS IN THE STRICTLY 2021 LINE-UP SO FAR?
Today it was announced that BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker AND Corrie’s Katie McGlynn joining the 2021 series.
So far we also have:
- Tom Fletcher – singer and band member of McFly
- AJ Odudu – TV presenter and host of Apocalypse Wow
- Rhys Stephenson – CBBC star and kids TV presenter
- John Whaite – Bake Off winner and TV chef
HOW BBC BREAKFAST’S DAN WALKER FEELS AFTER BEING ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 SERIES
BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker was announced earlier as this year's eighth contestant.
Dan appeared via video link to share his secret, with Louise open-mouthed by the revelation having had no idea a second announcement was happening, exclaiming: "There's nothing in the running order!"
Dan was incredibly apologetic – insisting he'd only told "a small circle", and his kids only found out at the weekend.
He added: "I'm very sorry, I was told it'd make good telly if we didn't tell you."
Not fancying his odds, Dan went on: "I'll be honest with you, I'm not making any room on any shelves in my house for the Glitterball."
STRICTLY SHOCK AS BBC BREAKFAST’S DAN WALKER AND CORRIE’S KATIE MCGLYNN ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 SERIES
The 28-year-old actress was confirmed to be taking part live on the morning show today.
Dan appeared via video link to share his secret, with Louise open-mouthed by the revelation having had no idea a second announcement was happening, exclaiming: "There's nothing in the running order!"
Not fancying his odds, Dan has said: "I'll be honest with you, I'm not making any room on any shelves in my house for the Glitterball."
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
MAYA JAMA TO COMPETE FOR THE GLITTERBALL?
Maya Jama could also be in the cards as she rose to fame in 2015 on 4Music.
The TV presenter was rumoured to be taking part in Strictly 2020, and is now tipped for the 2021 line-up.
Speaking to Hello about the possibility of joining Strictly in the future, Maya said: “I always say, ‘I don’t know’.
“I’d never say never to all of these things but I’ve got a lot going on at the moment.”
- Milica Cosic
MAURA HIGGINS ADMITS SHE’S ‘DREADING’ SEEING WHO STRICTLY BOYFRIEND GIOVANNI PERNICE IS PAIRED WITH
The Love Island star, 30, has been dating the Italian lothario, also 30, for weeks and the pair are set to enjoy their first holiday together next month.
But Maura also has half an eye on when Strictly Come Dancing returns in the autumn.
A pal said: “Maura hasn't had to deal with the whole Strictly unveiling and all the whispering and talk about the Strictly curse.
"She's dreading it a little bit but, at the same time, her and Gio are rock solid and they are really, really happy.
"Maura knows dating a sexy male Strictly dancer comes with one down-side – and that is having to see him perform with another woman but it will take a bit of getting used to.
"One thing is for sure though Maura plans to be there supporting Gio when the shows kick off."
- Milica Cosic
WHO IS STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021 CONTESTANT AJ ODUDU?
AJ Odudu was born Onatejiro Odudu on February 12, 1988, making her 33-years-old.
She was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, to Nigerian parents and is one of eight children.
After graduating from Keele University with a degree in English and Politics she started her career as a reporter for BBC Blast at Radio Lancashire.
- Milica Cosic
STRICTLY BLACKPOOL WEEK AXED FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
A full-length series will return this Autumn after it was pushed back to October last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mirror reports movie week, musicals week and Halloween week will all make a comeback – as well as a Christmas special.
There will also be a full line-up of 15 celebrities, with bosses hopeful that a live audience will be there at Elstree Studios to cheer them on.
Executive producer Sarah James told the paper: “We’re so thrilled that Strictly will be returning for a full-length series this year, and know how much viewers are looking forward to getting their full Strictly fix and seeing the return of much-loved specials.”
She added: “We are all so sad that we won’t be able to get to Blackpool this year but can’t wait to be back dancing at the one and only Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the future.”
- Milica Cosic
RECAP: WHO WON STRICTLY COME DANCING LAST YEAR?
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse won Strictly Come Dancing 2020 beating HRVY, Maisie Smith and Jamie Laing in the grand final.
The 55-year-old comedian made history as he became the oldest contestant to take home the Glitterball trophy.
And Oti became the first-ever professional dancer to win the show two years in a row.
On winning, Bill Bailey said: “It feels surreal, extraordinary and wonderful.
“I never thought we would get this far. I never thought we’d get to the final.”
Read more here.
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse embrace each other after winning the Glitterball trophyCredit: BBC - Milica Cosic
JANETTE MANRARA TO REPLACE ZOE BALL ON IT TAKES TWO
Janette Manrara is stepping down as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, to replace Zoe Ball as host of its spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two,
The US dancer and choreographer will co-present the show, which goes behind the scenes of the celebrity dance competition, with Rylan Clark-Neal.
Manrara told BBC One’s The One Show the “hardest part of accepting this amazing honour” was “I will not be dancing”.
“I don’t want to well up because I have been welling up a lot today,” she said.
“It’s the realisation that I will not be on that legendary Strictly dancefloor any more. But I feel that this is most beautiful and natural progression.”
- Milica Cosic
TOM FLETCHER SAYS HE IS 'NERVOUS AND EXCITED' AT THE SAME TIME
He told the Sun: “I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Can I dance? Well if dad dancing counts then I can do that. I’ve got a few moves though so hopefully there will be a few surprises."
Harry and the rest of the McFly lads have been really supportive.
And we’re back performing now so yes, it’s going to be a lot of fun." - Milica Cosic
STRICTLY BOSSES DESPERATE TO SIGN A GOLD MEDAL WINNING OLYMPIAN AND SET THEIR SIGHTS ON SAM QUEK
This is a Sun Exclusive.
The Sun can reveal that producers are keen to capitalise on the success of Team GB by landing a gold medal winning star and they've set their sights on presenter Samantha Quek.
A source revealed: “The country has fallen in love with Team GB and their heroics in Japan.
“That’s why getting an Olympic star has become a huge priority. Producers are locked in talks to try and pull off a big late signing. Sam would be a big win for the show. She’s glamorous, great fun and, as far as viewers are concerned, has been a standout star of the Olympics presenting team.”
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
WATCH: SARA DAVIES EXPRESSES JOY AFTER BEING REVEALED AS STRICTLY COME DANCING CONTESTANT FOR 2021
Sara Davies revealed as Strictly Come Dancing contestant for 2021
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHO ARE THE STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL DANCERS?
Gorka Marquez – Gorka joined Strictly back in 2016. A year later, the pro dancer made it to the final with partner Alexandra Burke.
Graziano Di Prima – Graziano joined the Strictly crew in 2018. He made his debut with DJ Vick Hope, but left the competition in the fifth week.
Janette Manrara – Janette first joined Strictly in 2013. She has been paired with the likes of Jake Wood, Peter Andre and Aston Merrygold over the years.
Johannes Radebe – Johannes got his first celebrity pairing in 2019 with Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley.
Karen Hauer – Karen is Strictly’s longest-serving female pro dancer, first hitting the dance floor in 2012.
- Milica Cosic
INSIDE DRAGON’S DEN MILLIONAIRE SARA DAVIES’S DURHAM MANSION AS SHE SIGNS UP TO STRICTLY
DRAGONS' Den star Sara Davies is getting ready to swap the boardroom for the dancefloor.
But when the businesswoman, 37, isn't busy being a money-making entrepreneur, she enjoys a life of luxury at home with her husband Simon Davies and their children. Sara is a businesswoman who founded her craft supplier company, Crafter's Companion, in 2005 while studying for a business degree at York University.
It was her ground-breaking product called The Enveloper that she designed and marketed that put her on the map – selling over 8,000 in the first 24 hours of being debuted on shopping channel Ideal World.
By the time she had graduated with her degree – with first-class honours no less – she had a business with a turn over of over half a million pounds.
Sara is now worth a staggering £37M, and has the lifestyle and mansion to prove it.
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
PERFECT PAIR?
Strictly stallion Giovanni Pernice has sparked rumours he’ll partner John Whaite in the show’s first all-male pairing.
Celebrity chef John is the latest star to be announced for this year’s series, and he broke down in tears on Instagram today after being overwhelmed by the support he’s received.
Pro dancer Giovanni, who is dating Love Island’s Maura Higgins, began following John on the social media site within hours of his announcement.
Perhaps tellingly, Gio is yet to have started following the three other confirmed contestants Tom Fletcher, Robert Webb or AJ Odudu.
The three time runner-up has starred in six series and has partnered with the likes of Laura Whitmore, Debbie McGee and most recently Ranvir Singh.
- Milica Cosic
WATCH: STRICTLY SHOCK AS BBC BREAKFAST'S DAN WALKER AND CORRIE'S KATIE MCGLYNN ARE ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 SERIES
Strictly shock as BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker AND Corrie’s Katie McGlynn are announced for 2021 series
- Milica Cosic
ROBERT WEBB SUBJECT OF 72% OF ALL STRICTLY BETS SO FAR, BOOKIES SAY
A huge 72% of Strictly bets so far have been in favour of Robert Webb, Ladbrokes can reveal.
After the first batch of celebs were announced last week, the bookies have reported almost three in four bets have been struck on the Peep Show star, whose odds have been slashed from 20/1 to just 16/1 as a result.
Elsewhere, Tom Fletcher continues to head the betting at 5/1 and is the second-most popular pick with punters, while AJ Odudu and Rhys Stephenson are 8/1 apiece.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Robert Webb could well be this year’s Strictly dark horse if the latest betting figures are anything to go by, with punters confident the 16/1 shot can cause an upset.”
- Milica Cosic
STRICTLY STAR AJ ODUDU REVEALS SHE NEARLY QUIT TV BECAUSE OF ABUSE OVER HER ‘DODGY ACCENT’
STRICTLY’s AJ Odudu has revealed how she nearly quit TV for good after being branded “the black girl with the dodgy accent” left her traumatised.
AJ, who endured constant racist slurs as a child growing up in Blackburn, was hit by a barrage of online hate following her TV debut on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side.
The abuse, which focused on her Northern accent, was so intense that Channel 4 staff advised her to get elocution lessons to help “soften” her voice.
AJ recalled: “It was brilliant but with that exposure comes a lot of pressure and a lot of criticism. I remember people tweeting, ‘Who is that black girl with that dodgy accent’ and, ‘Why does she sound like that?’ That made me feel so insecure (because) people were commenting on things I had no real control over.
“And it didn’t help that someone internally said, ‘AJ, we think you should get some help with your voice. Maybe you can speak clearer and we could soften your accent’.”
- Milica Cosic
HOW WILL YOU BE ABLE TO WATCH STRICTLY?
Strictly Come Dancing 2021will of course be showing on BBC1 as usual.
It is expected to assume its usual 6pm slot.
It’s likely that the show will also be put on BBC iPlayer as each episode airs.
Source: Read Full Article
