When Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli attended the film premiere of Mamma Mia! this week, he was asked by an inquisitive journalist in the video, 'What has he been upto lately?' Bruno replied: "I've just finished in America, I'm having a rest and starting again in Australia."

 

Last year Bruno was a guest judge for two episodes on the sixth series of the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing called Dancing With The Stars. The new series (Series Eight) of Dancing With The Stars is expected to start in August.

 

But it is highly unlikely that Bruno will judge the whole of their series because he has full time judging commitments on America's Dancing With The Stars and the UK's Strictly Come Dancing, with both of these shows expected to start in September.

 

 

Dance expert and lead judge on BBC Programme Strictly Come Dancing Len Goodman has entered the row over the future of Crayford Town Hall. The outspoken dance teacher from Dartford, Len Goodman, has written to Bexley Council urging it not to allow the town hall to become a restaurant with flats above, but to "restore it to its former glory".

The town hall, in Crayford Road, Crayford, is included in plans for a £30m redevelopment project for the town centre. The plans include a new library and health centre, 180 flats and a new central square, which it is hoped will become the focal point of the town.

But some residents are angry the town hall, which used to be a major entertainment venue and public hall, with council offices above, will not be retained for community use. Instead, developer HFHA Group intends to turn the ground floor into a 180-seat restaurant, with apartments on the upper floors.

Alan Thompson, chairman of the Crayford Forum, which has been leading the fight to keep the town hall in community use, says he has sought expert advice on the subsiding floor, the only remaining sprung dance floor in the borough. Mr Thompson claims it would cost less than £50,000 to resolve the subsidence and restore the dance floor to full use.

Len Goodman, now as famous for his television appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and its American counterpart as he is for dancing, has backed Crayford Forum's efforts to save Crayford Town Hall for public use.

In his letter to Bexley Council, he says: "With the advent of Strictly Come Dancing, our dance studio along with many others, has seen a huge resurgence in ballroom dancing." Mr Goodman adds: "One of the problems is finding a venue suitable for people to dance in. We find the need, more and more, to hire premises for our events and the only suitable place at the moment is Woodville Halls in Gravesend."

He said he would certainly be interested in holding events at a restored town hall "and possibly even moving the dance school there", which is currently based in Dartford.

Those people fighting to save Crayford Town Hall for public use point back to its heyday as a major entertainment venue. Dartford lad Keith Richards, now better known as one of the Rolling Stones, has recalled how he first saw veteran British rocker Joe Brown at the town hall in 1962.

It was famous for its cabaret and charity nights which attracted all the big entertainment names of the day and audiences included stars such as John Thaw and Dennis Waterman from the television series The Sweeney. It also hosted Sunday concerts with top names from Sadlers Wells and the English National Opera.

The public area of the town hall has its own stage, dressing rooms and a bar, and has also hosted large events such as dances held by local groups, children's entertainment and fashion shows. Len Goodman recalls first dancing in a competition in the town hall in 1968.

Alan Thompson, chairman of Crayford Forum, believes the building should be saved for similar uses in the future and says Mr Goodman's support has been a huge boost for the forum's campaign.

(Taken From http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.2374950.0.dance_judge_joins_town_hall_row.php)

 

 

Former Coronation Street actress Debra Stephenson is set to make her telly comeback - on Strictly Come Dancing. Debra, 36, was last seen as Frankie Baldwin in 2006 when her character fled in the wake of an affair with stepson Jamie. The blonde mum of two met BBC show bosses last week and is waiting to see if she has nabbed a spot on the BBC1 ballroom hit.

Also in to see producers about joining the show was EastEnder Emma Barton. Emma, 29, has been axed as battling mum Honey Mitchell in Eastenders. She will film her final scenes in the summer — giving her more than enough time to begin the pre-series rehearsals for the show, which returns in September.

(Taken From http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1367857.ece)

 

 

Spending time in Splitsville isn't quite a day in Disneyland. But Bruno Tonioli's quite philosophical about these things...

As Sky Showbiz found out at the Mamma Mia! world premiere in Leicester Square. Sadly, the Abba-loving quick-footed judge wasn't giving away any secrets about the next series of Strictly Come Dancing or Dancing With The Stars.

Something he did natter about, however, was former Strictly contestant Matt Di Angelo's recent split from girlfriend Flavia Cacace, who'd been his dance partner on the show. He said: "It's life, you know, they're young kids, they're attractive, it's sad they split up, it's life."

Erm, not quite Dr Love are ya, B?

As to why the show gets such sparks flying between dancing partners, Bruno kept us entertained as he dramatically said: "If you were touching somebody everyday for eight hours, groping them, stroking them, rubbing yourself up against each other..."

Well, we'd take a shower, Bruno, to rid ourselves of those bodily fluids.

(Taken From http://showbiz.sky.com/bruno-on-matts-split)

 

 

Royal Zara Phillips and rugby star boyfriend Mike Tindell are in talks to star in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. They are said to top the BBC’s wishlist for the ballroom dancing reality show.

Chiefs reckon horsewoman Zara, Princess Anne’s 27-year-old daughter, would add a dash of regal glamour to the series. She and Mike, 29, would be only the second couple to compete on the show.

A top telly source said: “The BBC are going all-out to get Zara and Mike to sign up. They could be real contenders.”

(Taken From http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1356071.ece)

 

 

New Zealander Hayley Holt's trip to Britain to see the producers of Strictly Come Dancing has paid off!

 

Our homegrown girl made the cut and is going to be on the show! Back before series four started earlier this year Hayley, fellow kiwi Stefano Olivieri and Stefano's Australian dance partner, Natalie Lowe, all took themselves over, under their own steam, to audition for the prestigious show.

Stefano and Hayley bombed but Natalie made it through. She has since dropped out though, as she had better opportunities come up in Oz. This left the way open for Hayley and when she got the call she was ecstatic.

She's currently with her All Black boyfriend Richie McCaw in Christchurch and flies out to London early August. There's no talk of them splitting. She's only gone for two months and he may go over to give her moral support as it's going to be grueling.

The standard is sky-high and Hayley is not a full-time professional like many of the other dancers will be. Plus those UK judges are brutal! Brendan Cole may be on the show but they need new faces as the people they have been using are all too famous now to be fresh and interesting.

(Taken From http://www.stuff.co.nz/sundaystartimes/4599449a6621.html)

 

Former boyband star Andy Scott Lee last night blamed Strictly Come Dancing's Matt Di Angelo for wrecking his marriage. Devastated Andy, 28, told how he dumped Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton after finding she had spent two nights in a hotel with the hunk. The former 3SL star - who had a hit with Touch Me, Tease Me - confronted Michelle after finding a Facebook message she'd sent to a friend on the internet. Furious, he told Michelle their 19-month marriage was over and asked her to leave their home in Windsor, Berks.

In an exclusive interview Andy, who is brother of former Steps singer Lisa Scott Lee, said: "I'm speaking out now because I'm sick of the lies. The truth is Matt Di Angelo killed my marriage. Michelle and I didn't split up because we drifted apart - I ended it because she cheated on me before. But Matt was the straw the broke the camel's back."

Andy married Michelle in 2006 but they had been together since 2001 and had been planning to start a family. But Andy told how the marriage crumbled when he discovered evidence of his wife's infidelity in April through a message she'd accidentally left on a laptop they shared. The message reveals how Michelle went back to Matt's hotel room after they were introduced by friends in Dublin on April 11.

Michelle - a judge on You're A Star, Ireland's X Factor - and Matt were both in the city to take part in a TV show. She wrote to her friend telling her how she'd been naughty. She went on to tell in detail how she'd met two stars from Hollyoaks, plus Ziggy from Big Brother and Matt Di Angelo. She said she thought Matt was gorgeous - and told how she and the young actor flirted all evening before she spent the night with him. They vowed not to kiss each other or go any further, she said, but when it got to the morning they had a fumble - although they never kissed.

Michelle's message goes on to reveal that two days later they spent a second night together after the prestigious TV WOW Awards. It was just a week before Matt made his first public appearance with co-star girlfriend Flavia Cacace at the BAFTA TV awards.

She said they spent the night together again and hugged and played with each other, but again resisted kissing - even though she desperately wanted to. Michelle told the friend that she and Matt were not having an affair and were being very careful because they didn't want to break up their relationships.

She said she was concerned that Andy was beginning to suspect something was up. She was also worried about photographers who kept following her. Recalling the moment he discovered the messages Andy said: "My heart was pounding as I read my wife telling her friend how sexy Matt was. The worst part was, I'd met Matt last year and we'd got on well."

Matt and Flavia, 28, split last week, blaming conflicting work schedules. They got together while filming the BBC ballroom series when Flavia dumped fellow Strictly dancer Vincent Simone - her boyfriend of 12 years - for Matt. Andy confronted his wife about her relationship with Di Angelo as soon as he found her emails.

"Our sex life had always been good but now I can't bear to touch her because of what's happened. Michelle cheated on me before but always denied it, so I expected she would lie again. But I wanted to give her one last chance to save our marriage. I told her I knew she'd spent the night in bed with Matt and at first she denied it outright. I told I had evidence to prove it, then she admitted she had stayed there, but that other people were there too, and insisted nothing happened. But I had evidence. I'd had enough of her lies so I told her the marriage was over."

Michelle - who was pictured cuddling Lee Sharpe after her split with Andy - says no other men were involved in their break-up. She called the split "inevitable" and added: "All that stuff about me... getting together with other blokes is ridiculous."

But Andy says Michelle has treated him like a mug. "She used to be a nice, down-to-earth girl. But she's changed. I just hope she reads this as a wake-up call or she will be left with nothing."

(Taken From http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/sunday/2008/06/29/andy-scott-lee-says-matt-di-angelo-wrecked-his-marriage-to-michelle-heaton-98487-20625489/)

 

 

Strictly Come Dancing hunk Matt Di'Angelo has split from dance partner Flavia Cacace. The 21-year-old former EastEnders star had been tangoing with Flavia, 28, since they met on the set of the BBC1 hit last autumn.

But he has now been spotted comforting singer Michelle Heaton, 27, who recently separated from her hubby of 19 months, Andy Scott-Lee, 28. Pals Matt and Michelle have been seen together at trendy London cocktail bar Mahiki.

Matt and Flavia’s romance caused ructions on the Strictly set as Flavia had been dating professional dance partner and Strictly star Vincent Simone, 29, for 11 years. Devastated Vincent said: “He has her now — and my life is in ruins.”

Matt and Flavia’s chemistry took them all the way to the show finals, although they eventually lost to Alesha Dixon, 29, and her partner Matthew Cutler, 34.

A source said last night: “It’s a huge shock to everyone and they are both devastated it’s over. Because they met on the set of Strictly their relationship got very intense very quickly. They were spending every day together and living in each other’s pockets. They became incredibly close.”

The magic continued for the pair while they competed together in the Strictly Come Dancing tour in January and February this year. But since the show ended Flavia has been back dancing in the arms of Vincent, straining her relationship with Matt.

The insider added: “Everything was OK while they were dancing together but after Flavia started working with Vincent again things got a bit awkward.” Aides of Matt and Michelle refused to comment last night.

(Taken From http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1346107.ece)

 

Sharon Osbourne has turned down a big money offer from Strictly Come Dancing - to hot-foot it to the States. The feisty former X Factor judge, 55, is off across the pond after landing her own variety show. She had been in talks with Strictly bosses to compete on the BBC1 show.

Her spokesman Gary Farrow told TV Biz: “Sharon was honoured to be offered Strictly Come Dancing, it’s her favourite show. But the timings didn’t work out, she could not commit herself to such a long run.” He added: “She would love to do the show in the future.”

Sharon quit ITV1’s X Factor over a massive cash row. She demanded a £500,000 pay hike to £2million for the new series of the telly talent show — but ended up leaving. She has since been replaced by Girls Aloud beauty Cheryl Cole, 24.

Sharon — who has recently been filming America’s Got Talent in the US — now plans a holiday with rocker hubby Ozzy, 59, before launching her new show. 

(Taken From http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1346499.ece)

 

 

 

Speaking in a newspaper interview today, Garth Ancier who is the president of BBC Worldwide America, explains why it would be difficult for his channel (BBC America) to show the UK's Strictly Come Dancing show on American screens. The article reads:

 

A growing challenge BBC America faces, Ancier said, is that as British programming becomes more and more popular in the United States, American networks acquire "change format" rights to more and more British shows. (American Idol is a change format of Britain's Pop Idol.) BBC America is blocked from acquiring the original shows if an American version has already been produced.

 

"We can't play the U.K. version of Dancing with the Stars [known as Strictly Come Dancing]," Ancier sighs. "If you want a format you have to buy it before a U.S. network gets its hands on it and hold back the rights to British episodes."

 

(Taken From http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-martin/lunch-at-michaels-with-bb_b_109347.html)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals have ended their pay row-and bagged a bumper increase. It was revealed how the 14 pros were furious after they were offered only an extra £3,000 for the next series.

But the gang — now 13 after Nicole Cutler was axed — have got their hands on lots more. The group have wangled more than double to take their pay from £23,500 to £30,000.

But there is a downside — they’ll have to work longer. Bosses have extended the show’s run from 12 to 14 weeks as they try to squeeze out more ratings. An insider on the BBC1 hit said last night: “It’s a bit of a double-edged sword for the dancers."

“They’ll get more cash, but will have to work longer to get it.” The source added: “It’s still a good deal and they’re happy as it means more TV exposure for them, that’s assuming their partners don’t get the chop!”

Meanwhile, bosses are in the process of inviting celebs to take part. Sharon Osbourne is in the frame along with telly host Richard Madeley.

(Taken From http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1341033.ece)

 

Soccer legend Teddy Sheringham is set to star in the next series of telly's Strictly Come Dancing. The former England, Manchester United and West Ham star has been in talks with BBC1 bosses. They reckon the 42-year-old, who used to date Celebrity Big Brother babe Danielle Lloyd, 24, will be a big hit with viewers.

An insider revealed: "Strictly Come Dancing is one of the BBC's biggest shows and a lot of work goes into getting the right line-up. Teddy has everything. He has sex appeal, he's got a huge following thanks to football and he's used to tackling a challenge. The producers are trying to remain tight-lipped but if they get Teddy on board it will be a real coup."

Teddy would not be the first sportsman to feature on the ballroom dancing show. Cricketers Darren Gough, 37, and Mark Ramprakash, 38, are both past champions. 

(Taken From http://www.people.co.uk/news/tm_headline=soccer-ace-teddy-for-tv-strictly&method=full&objectid=20616767&siteid=93463-name_page.html)

 

 

 

 

 

Host Paul, 53, asked if she enjoys X Factor. Sexy Cheryl confessed: “I’d rather watch Strictly Come Dancing.” A source said: “Cheryl’s words have come back to haunt her. But she’s a good sport and she will no doubt send herself up about it.”

 

A spokesman for Cheryl, 24, declined to comment. But one fan said last night: “At the time she probably never thought she would sit on the X Factor panel.”

 

(Taken From http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/40982/Cheryl-I-m-Strictly-no-X-Factor-fan/)

 

Sir Alan Sugar’s Apprentice TV sidekicks are set to be thrust into the limelight – on Strictly Come Dancing. Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford have been approached to appear in the sixth series, to be aired on the BBC in the autumn.

Mr Hewer, an ex-PR advisor for the Amstrad businessman, is believed to be more enthusiastic to take part than Ms Mountford. Appearing on the show as celebrities would net them £25,000 each for the 12-week series.

A source said: "They are the unacknowledged stars of The Apprentice and more and more people have been watching it because of them. They have really interesting, understated personalities and some of their reactions to what the candidates do in Sir Alan’s tasks are wickedly funny."

Mr Hewer, 64, sold his PR firm several years ago and lives in France with his partner Catherine. Divorcee Ms Mountford, 56, is a City lawyer who advises Sir Alan on the legal side of his business deals.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Nothing is confirmed yet." A spokesman for Mr Hewer and Ms Mountford declined to comment.

(Taken From http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1026530/Sir-Alans-sidekicks-hired-Strictly-Come-Dancing.html)

 

 

 

Sharon Osbourne is set to step over to BBC1 as a Strictly Come Dancing contestant. The feisty telly favourite, who quit ITV1’s X Factor in a pay row, is poised to star on its reality rival. A pal revealed last night: “It would make one hell of a TV battle, so don’t be surprised to see her hitting the dancefloor.”

Sharon, 55, was due to join X Factor creator Simon Cowell and fellow judges Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue at auditions this Thursday — but stunned bosses last week by quitting the massive hit. Sharon — who had numerous rows with Dannii in the last series — pulled out after contract negotiations broke down.

The pal said: “Sharon has not fallen out with Cowell, not in the slightest. It all comes down to two things — money and Dannii. At the moment she’s filming America’s Got Talent for Cowell and she’s concentrating on her US TV projects. Early last year Sharon was meant to appear in Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly, but she had to pull out to have an operation. She’s always wanted to do it, so what better time to put on her dancing shoes and go up against the X Factor than when the shows start again in September?”

(Taken From http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1263005.ece)

 

 

 

 

According to amazon.co.uk, there will be a DVD coming out entitled 'Strictly Come Dancing - The Best Of Series Five'. This DVD is due to be released on 29th September 2008. No other details have been announced.

 

You can pre-order the Strictly Come Dancing - The Best Of Series Five DVD by clicking this link- http://astore.amazon.co.uk/stridancblog-21/detail/B001ARYYWC/202-5271022-2864666

 

 

USA professional dancer Brian Fortuna will be appearing in the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing which starts in September. Brian who currently lives in Collingswood, New Jersey, was the 2004 and 2005 Imperial Dancesport Champion and in 2004 and 2005 he won the North American Top Teacher award.