Claudia Winkleman Dismisses Claims ‘One Scandal Too Many’ Prompted Strictly Exit

Posted on 27/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Claudia Winkleman has insisted that the various controversies surrounding Strictly Come Dancing were not behind her decision to leave the show.

In October 2025, Claudia and her co-host Tess Daly shocked Strictly fans when, in the middle of the most recent series, they announced they would be stepping down as its presenters at the end of the year.

During a new interview with the Daily Mail, the Traitors host was asked if the pair’s decision to leave came after “one scandal too many” for the long-running BBC dance show, to which she responded: “Absolutely not.”

“It is a genuinely beautiful show to be part of. Almost every single person who’s taken part is happy they did,” she responded. “So no, it wasn’t that.”

Claudia also claimed that she and Tess had decided the most recent season of Strictly would be their last “about a year before” they made their official announcement.

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly in the Strictly Come Dancing studio last year

She said at the time: “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing.

“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.

“As for Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”

Following her Strictly exit, Claudia is currently gearing up for the debut of her new BBC talk show, made by the same team as The Graham Norton Show.

The launch date for the seven-part series was confirmed earlier this week, as well as the line-up of celebrity guests who’ll be joining Claudia in her first episode.

Meanwhile, a host of celebrities have been rumoured to be in the running to replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly, ahead of the show’s return in the autumn.

Strictly Come Dancing Announces Soap Star Nicholas Bailey For Christmas Special Line-Up

Posted on 25/11/2025 by Boris Clair

EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey has become the fourth celebrity confirmed for this year’s Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing.

Nicholas is best known for his performance as Albert Square’s resident doctor Anthony Trueman, a role he’s played on and off for the last 25 years.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced he’d be performing alongside Strictly pro Luba Mushtuk – who was not given a celebrity partner on this year’s season – on the upcoming festive episode, which will air on Christmas Day.

He enthused: “I’m really excited to be doing this, almost as excited as my wife and daughters are! Hopefully I’ll do them, Albert Square and Luba proud.”

“Bring on the dance floor!” Nicholas added.

Nicholas joins a trio of celebrities already confirmed for the festive extravaganza, with the line-up currently made up of former I’m A Celebrity winner Scarlett Moffatt, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt and Gladiators fave Jodie Ounsley, better known to most of us under her alias Fury.

Outside of EastEnders, Nicholas has also appeared in shows like Coronation Street and the radio soap The Archers. He also competed on the talent show Soapstar Superstar back in 2006, finishing in eighth place overall.

This year’s Christmas Day episode of Strictly is a significant one, as it will mark Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final time presenting the show, after announcing last month that they were both stepping down as hosts at the end of the current series.

Before all that, though, there’s the ongoing regular series of Strictly, with six couples still left in the competition.

On Saturday night, the remaining pairs will be taking part in a unique challenge during Saturday’s live show that has the potential to turn the leaderboard on its head.

The remaining two celebrities left to be unveiled for this year’s Strictly Christmas special will be announced in the coming days.

Strictly Star Lewis Cope Has His Say On His ‘Muted’ Reaction To Getting First 10 Of The Series

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Boris Clair

Lewis Cope is speaking out about becoming the first contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up to get a perfect score from one of the judges.

The former Emmerdale star and his professional partner Katya Jones received the highest score of the series for their Paso Doble routine inspired by The Mask Of Zorro during Saturday night’s Movies Week live show.

While Craig Revel-Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke each gave the duo nine points, Motsi Mabuse was the first member of the panel to reach for her “10” paddle this year.

However, during an appearance on spin-off show It Takes Two, host Janette Manrara pointed out that Lewis’ reaction to this score “almost seemed a little bit muted”.

“I think I was probably just a bit in shock,” he responded. “I couldn’t kind of believe my own eyes. I wasn’t expecting it that early on.”

Lewis Cope his official Strictly Come Dancing press portrait

Lewis was a late addition to this year’s Strictly cast, replacing Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn when he was forced to pull out on medical grounds.

While he quickly emerged as a favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy during his first performance of the series, he has also been at the centre of some discussion due to his dance background.

This has included performing as the lead in Billy Elliott on the West End and making it through to the finals of the TV talent search Got To Dance.

Last week, Lewis hit back at the suggestion that he has “professional” dance training, insisting: “I don’t really know where all that came from, to be honest. I trained as an actor, I danced a bit when I was a teen, but haven’t since.”

Amber Davies, a fellow replacement for another star, has faced similar scrutiny since joining the show last month.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday night at 6.30pm on BBC One.

Strictly Come Dancing Bosses Blast ‘Nonsense’ Feud Rumours

Posted on 15/10/2025 by Boris Clair

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are hitting back at claims that a “feud” has broken out among the judging panel this year.

Earlier this week, The Sun published an article alleging that an on-screen disagreement between Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas during last week’s live show was actually a symptom of “behind-the-scene[s] tension between the pair”.

Citing an undisclosed “source”, the tabloid alleged that the recent decision for alternating judges to have the deciding vote in dance-offs each week, rather than the responsibility falling solely to Shirley, had led to a “change in the power dynamic” and made things “awkward” between the Head Judge and long-serving panellist Craig.

However, the BBC has dismissed this outright as “absolute nonsense”.

“This story is absolute nonsense and it’s clear that the anonymous ‘source’ quoted in it has no inside knowledge of Strictly,” a spokesperson insisted in a statement issued to Metro.

“Our judges are all on great terms and, while the casting vote is now shared between them, Shirley remains Strictly Come Dancing’s Head Judge.”

The Strictly Come Dancing judges pictured together ahead of this year's series — The Strictly Come Dancing judges pictured together ahead of this year’s series

Shirley replaced Len Goodman as Strictly’s Head Judge in 2017, and in that time, has spoken openly about some of the abuse she’s faced on social media, particularly relating to decisions she’s made in the dance-off.

The Sun previously claimed that Strictly’s new tweak, allowing a different member of the panel to have the final say over which celebrity goes home in a tie-break situation, was to “protect” Shirley.

So far, two celebrities have been sent home from Strictly, with 13 pairs still in the competition ahead of Saturday night’s live show.

This week will see both Ellie Goldstein and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink performing Couple’s Choice routines, while Amber Davies is set to deliver the first Argentine Tango of the series.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday night at 6.30pm on BBC One.

Here’s The Full Line-Up For This Year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

Posted on 21/11/2024 by Boris Clair

All six stars competing in this year’s Christmas Day special of Strictly Come Dancing have been confirmed.

Over the past two weeks, Strictly bosses have been slowly teasing the festive line-up, which includes celebrity contestants from across the world of comedy, sport, TV and beyond.

These celebs will each be paired with a dancer from Strictly’s resident troupe of professional dancers, in the hope of securing the Silver Star trophy in the show’s annual festive episode.

Here’s the full list of stars taking part…

Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe is a stand-up comedian known for his appearances on shows like Taskmaster, Have I Got News For You and Live At The Apollo.

He and fellow comic Rob Beckett also present the hit podcast Parenting Hell.

“I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation,” he joked, questioning: “Why have I done this?”

He has been paired with Karen Hauer on the Christmas special.

Tayce

Tayce is best known for her appearance on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, where she made it all the way to the final.

She’s making history as the first drag performer to compete in the Strictly ballroom, where she’ll be dancing alongside Kai Widdrington.

“I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly ballroom floor,” Tayce said. “My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!”

The Welsh performer added: “In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

“I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and disco balls.”

Vogue Williams

As well as co-hosting the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me and the documentary series On The Edge, Vogue Williams has also appeared on the reality shows Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump.

She’s no stranger to the dance floor, either, competing on the short-lived ITV show Stepping Out with then-husband Brian McFadden, as well as the Australian version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars.

Despite this, Vogue said that her professional partner Carlos Gu has “more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best!”.

“I’m loving it so far, bring on the ballroom floor,” she added.

Harry ‘Nitro’ Aikines-Aryeetey

After initially being rumoured for the main series, Harry – known to Gladiators fans as Nitro – is actually one of this year’s Christmas contestants.

Before joining the Gladiators squad, he was an Olympic sprinter, representing Team GB in Rio back in 2016.

“Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas!” he declared. “I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves!

“This December I’m gonna light up that dance floor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way up. Let’s do this!”

He’ll be paired with Nancy Xu in the Christmas Day broadcast.

Tamzin Outhwaite

EastEnders favourite Tamzin Outhwaite will be performing with Nikita Kuzmin on the Christmas Day special.

As well as originating the role of Mel Owen in EastEnders, Tamzin has appeared in Doctor Who, New Tricks, The Fixer and Red Cap.

She said: “I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly ballroom this Christmas. I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience.

“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!”

Billy Monger

Completing Strictly’s Christmas line-up for 2024 is Formula 3 racing driver Billy Monger.

As well as his racing career, Billy is also a sports commentator and disability activist, having had both his legs amputated after an accident during a race in 2017.

“I’ve spent the last 12 months training 20 hours a week for an Ironman world record attempt, but the thought of donning sequins in front of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with a fear I’ve never experienced before,” he admitted.

“This is about as far from my comfort zone as it can get! My family are big Strictly fans, so I’m doing it for them and to raise awareness for what I’m doing for Comic Relief next year. I’m just hoping my leg doesn’t fall off mid-dance!”

Billy – who will be performing with Nadiya Bychkova in the Christmas special – previously competed on the first celebrity special of Race Across The World alongside his sister Bonny.

Tamzin Outhwaite Confirmed For Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Line-Up

Posted on 20/11/2024 by Boris Clair

EastEnders favourite Tamzin Outhwaite has become the fifth celebrity confirmed to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

Tamzin is best known for her performance as Mel Owen in the long-running BBC soap, for which she earned two wins at the National Television Awards.

Her other credits include Doctor Who, the police drama New Tricks, The Fixer and Red Cap.

On Wednesday evening, it was revealed that Tamzin is one of the stars who’ll be performing in Strictly’s Christmas Day special, where she’ll perform with Nikita Kuzmin.

Nikita had been paired with Olympian Sam Quek on this year’s regular series of Strictly, until she was eliminated earlier this month.

Tamzin Outhwaite is competing on this year's Strictly Christmas special — Tamzin Outhwaite is competing on this year’s Strictly Christmas special

Tamzin said: “I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly ballroom this Christmas. I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience.

“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!”

Strictly bosses began revealing the line-up for this year’s festive special last week, beginning with comedian Josh Widdicombe.

Although Strictly’s annual Christmas episode typically features six new celebs competing in a one-off special for the Silver Star trophy, two of the contestants on the regular series of Strictly this year are former festive winners.

JLS singer JB Gill triumphed on Christmas Day back in 2012, while Jamie Borthwick’s own festive win came just last year.

Strictly Come Dancing Confirms Fourth Celebrity For This Year’s Christmas Special

Posted on 18/11/2024 by Boris Clair

The line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is starting to take shape.

On Monday evening, it was revealed that athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – better known to Gladiators fans as “Nitro” – will be the fourth celebrity being put through their paces this festive season.

Interestingly, Harry was previously widely rumoured for the main series of Strictly earlier this year, but it turned out to be his Gladiators colleague Montell Douglas who had signed up instead.

Harry "Nitro" Aikines-Aryeetey — Harry “Nitro” Aikines-Aryeetey

He enthused: “Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas! I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves!

“This December I’m gonna light up that dancefloor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way up. Let’s do this!”

Harry will be partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu on the Christmas special. Nancy was previously paired with Shayne Ward on the current series of Strictly, until he left the competition earlier this month.

Harry as his "Nitro" alter-ego in Gladiators — Harry as his “Nitro” alter-ego in Gladiators

The first three celebrities taking part in Strictly’s Christmas Day episode were revealed last week.

The rest of the line-up is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Strictly’s annual Christmas episode typically features six new celebs competing in a one-off special for the Silver Star trophy.

However, two of the contestants on the regular series of Strictly this year are former Christmas champions.

JLS singer JB Gill triumphed on Christmas Day back in 2012, while Jamie Borthwick’s festive win came just last year..

The EastEnders star came out on top during the 2023 Christmas special, during which he and Nancy Xu landed a perfect score for their Quickstep routine.

Hit Podcast Host Becomes Third Celebrity Confirmed For Strictly’s Christmas Special

Posted on 15/11/2024 by Boris Clair

Vogue Williams has become the third celebrity confirmed for this year’s Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing.

The Irish presenter is perhaps best known as one of the co-hosts of the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me, and previously fronted her own documentary series On The Edge.

She’s also competed on reality shows like Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump and Stepping Out (the short-lived ITV dance series, on which she competed with then-husband Brian McFadden).

She also competed on the Australian version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, back in 2012, and was the third person to be eliminated.

Vogue will compete with Carlos Gu in the festive special, which will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.

“I’m so excited to join the Strictly family! Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best!” she joked. “I’m loving it so far, bring on the ballroom floor.”

Earlier this week, comedian Josh Widdicombe became the first celebrity confirmed for the special, followed by Drag Race UK finalist Tayce.

Tayce will make history as the first drag artist to compete on the Strictly floor, where she’ll be paired with Kai Widdrington.

Next week, the remaining three celebrities who’ll be put through their paces on the Strictly Christmas special will be unveiled.

Before that, though, the regular series will be taking its annual trip to Blackpool, with a special episode broadcast live from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Take a peek at what to expect below:

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Favourite Tayce Joins Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

Posted on 12/11/2024 by Boris Clair

Tayce is set to make history as the first drag performer to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.

On Tuesday evening, it was revealed that the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist will be one of six celebrities taking part in Strictly’s annual Christmas special next month.

She’ll be performing in the one-off special alongside professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

“I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly ballroom floor,” she enthused. “My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!”

Tayce added: “In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

“I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and disco balls.”

Tayce will be competing on Strictly's Christmas special next month — Tayce will be competing on Strictly’s Christmas special next month

The Welsh queen first rose to prominence on the second season of Drag Race UK back in 2021.

After winning fans’ hearts with her brilliant one-liners, amazing looks and iconic lip syncs to the likes of Memory, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me and Last Thing On My Mind, Tayce wound up finishing as runner-up behind eventual winner Lawrence Chaney.

She and Lawrence also formed half of the girl group the United Kingdolls, alongside Bimini and A’Whora, who even managed to crack the UK singles chart with their musical offering UK Hun.

Tayce is the second star to be announced for this year’s Strictly Christmas special, following on from comedian Josh Widdicombe on Monday.

The other four celebrities on the line-up will be announced later this week.

Josh Widdicombe is taking part in this year's Strictly Christmas special — Josh Widdicombe is taking part in this year’s Strictly Christmas special

Traditionally, the Strictly Christmas episode features six new celebs competing in a one-off special for the Silver Star trophy.

However, two of the contestants on this year’s regular series of Strictly are former Christmas champions.

JLS singer JB Gill triumphed on Christmas Day back in 2012, while Jamie Borthwick’s festive win was a little more recent.

The EastEnders star came out on top during the 2023 Christmas special, during which he and Nancy Xu landed a perfect score for their Quickstep routine.

Strictly Announces First Star On Christmas Special Line-Up – And We’re Off To A Strong Start

Posted on 11/11/2024 by Boris Clair

As if the promise of Blackpool in a few days wasn’t an exciting enough prospect for Strictly Come Dancing, the first celebrity taking part in this year’s Christmas special has now been unveiled.

And folks, we’re off to a good start.

On Monday evening, it was revealed that comedian Josh Widdicombe would be getting his dancing shoes on this festive season, with an appearance in Strictly’s annual Christmas Day special.

“I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation,” he admitted, questioning: “Why have I done this?”

Josh will be paired with Kauren Hauer in the Christmas special, competing alongside five more famous contestants to be revealed in the coming days.

The stand-up comedian is known for his appearances on shows like Taskmaster, Have I Got News For You and Live At The Apollo, as well as co-hosting the podcast Parenting Hell with fellow comic Rob Beckett.

Traditionally, the Strictly Christmas episode will see six brand new celebrities competing in a one-off special for the Silver Star trophy.

However, two of the contestants on this year’s regular series of Strictly are former Christmas winners.

JLS singer JB Gill triumphed on Christmas Day back in 2012, while Jamie Borthwick’s festive victory was much more recent.

The EastEnders star came out on top during last year’s Christmas special, where he and Nancy Xu landed a perfect score for their Quickstep routine.

Strictly will continue to announce the Christmas line-up for 2024 over the next week on spin-off show It Takes Two.

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