Strictly Come Dancing Bosses Confirm Giovanni Pernice Will Not Be Back For New Series

Posted on 10/06/2024 by Boris Clair

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have confirmed that Giovanni Pernice will not be returning to the show for this year’s landmark 20th series.

Giovanni’s future on the show has been in doubt for a number of weeks now, with the BBC currently investigating complaints made about him by a number of his former celebrity partners.

Prior to this, it was reported by The Sun that the Italian dancer had made the decision to bow out after 10 series, citing an undisclosed “source”, who claimed the former champion had chosen to leave Strictly as a result of the “scrutiny” he had found himself under.

On Monday afternoon, the BBC confirmed the line-up of this year’s Strictly professionals, with Giovanni’s name absent from the list.

Giovanni previously told his Instagram followers: “You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.”

Meanwhile, the BBC has also issued a rare statement alluding to the matter, which said: “It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals,” a BBC representative said. “Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.

“Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.

“If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.”

The statement – which did not mention Giovanni, any of his former partners or Strictly Come Dancing directly – continued: “This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.

“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.”

The cast of the Strictly professionals tour in 2022

The rest of last year’s Strictly dancers will all be back for the upcoming season, including reigning champion Vito Coppola and runner-up Nikita Kuzmin, whose future on the show was also previously in doubt following his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother back in March.

Also returning to the show will be Amy Dowden, who missed much of the 2023 run while she underwent cancer treatment.

Jamie Lynn Spears Leaves I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! On Medical Grounds

Posted on 29/11/2023 by Boris Clair

Jamie Lynn Spears has become the second of this year’s I’m A Celebrity contestants to leave the jungle on medical grounds.

On Wednesday afternoon, ITV confirmed that the singer, actor and younger sister of Britney Spears had left camp and not be returning.

A spokesperson said: “Jamie Lynn Spears has left I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds.

“She’s been a fantastic campmate who has triumphed at trials and bonded well with her fellow celebrities.”

Jamie Lynn Spears has left I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds. She’s been a fantastic campmate who has triumphed at trials and bonded well with her fellow celebrities. #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/3ZalOP7hYA

— I’m A Celebrity… (@imacelebrity) November 29, 2023

It’s been confirmed that Jamie Lynn’s final appearance on the show will air during Wednesday night’s episode.

The former Zoey 101 star’s exit follows that of Grace Dent earlier this week, who also left the show for medical reasons.

In a statement given to her fellow campmates, the journalist and MasterChef star said: “My dear campmates, I’m so sorry to let you down. I have left the camp for medical reasons,” the statement read.

“My heart is broken, I have loved and enjoyed getting to know you all. You’ve held me up and it’s been a pleasure being your friend through this experience.

“Leaving you all at this stage will be one of the saddest things in my life. I love you all.”

It was revealed during Tuesday’s instalment that YouTube personality Nella Rose had paid a visit to the show’s medical team, and was therefore absent from a live portion of the episode.

However, ITV has since confirmed to HuffPost UK that Nella is back in camp.

I’m A Celebrity continues on Wednesday night at 9pm on ITV1.

Here’s Everything Selling Sunset Fans Will Want To Know About The Drama Of Season 7

Posted on 28/10/2023 by Boris Clair

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Everyone’s favourite reality series about luxury real estate (and fashion) in Los Angeles, Selling Sunset is heading back to Netflix next week.

Season seven will dive straight back into the lives, careers and drama of the team at the Oppenheim Group – and it’s safe to say we’re hoping it will address some of the unanswered questions from the end of the last series.

What’s guaranteed, however, is another season of fallouts, new friendships, great fashion and you guessed it, some bell-ringing for those all-important house sales too.

Ahead of it’s release, here’s everything you need to know about season seven of Selling Sunset…

Mary Fitzgerald, Nicole Young, Chrishell Stause and Chelsea Lazkani in season seven of Selling Sunset

What happens in season 7 of Selling Sunset?

First of all, if you need a season six recap, we’ve got you covered.

But in the six months since it aired, a lot has happened. Heather welcomed her first child, Chrishell got married to G-Flip in Vegas, and there’s rumours of a surprising feud between Amanza and Chrishell (which the former teased season seven would touch on).

The explosive teaser for season seven sees threats of the gloves coming off at the OG, as bosses Jason and Brett warn the agents that they need to step up after becoming “complacent.”

The twins even compare them to their Selling the OC counterparts, who are seen at the table in a reality series crossover, as Gio tells them he doesn’t want their office to be paying for the new LA one. Ouch.

After some time in Australia with her partner G-Flip, Chrishell attempts to find a balance between her professional life and personal one, though it seems she isn’t quite on board with Jason’s new girlfriend, Marie-Lou. As she tells her: “I’m losing braincells over this conversation.”

Bre and Chelsea still seem to be at odds, while it’s unclear if Nicole and Chrishell have resolved their legal drama from the previous season.

Chrishell also doesn’t turn up to a dinner and Amanza seems to document it and call it “ridiculous” that she doesn’t attend. Could this be the beginning of the feud that led to Amanza blocking her friend on Instagram? Guess we’ll have to tune in to find out.

Who is returning for Selling Sunset season 7?

From the trailer it seems to safe to say most of the show’s main cast will be returning this season including Chrishell, Jason, Brett, Mary and her husband Romaine, Amanza, Emma, Chelsea, Nicole and Bre. It’s unclear if Davina will appear again after she had less screen time in season six, and isn’t seen in the trailer either.

Many of the show's favourites are back for season seven — Many of the show’s favourites are back for season seven

Heather Rae El Moussa will also return, though it’s likely that she’ll pop up throughout the season as the star was heavily pregnant and went onto maternity with her baby boy during filming.

There’s no sign of Christine’s return, though, which isn’t surprising as she said she wouldn’t come back “in a million years.”

When will season 7 be released?

All 11 episodes of Selling Sunset season seven will be available to stream on Netflix on 3 November 2023.

21 Celebrities Who Turned Down Strictly Come Dancing (And Their Reasons Why)

Posted on 13/08/2023 by Boris Clair

For a host of celebrities, the idea of learning a new skill, boosting your public profile and stepping out of your comfort zone is a huge draw when Strictly Come Dancing come calling.

However, not everyone finds the idea of the Strictly ballroom so irresistible.

Indeed, every year big names from the worlds of music, TV, sport and politics turn the BBC down flat. Here are 21 of those stars who gave Strictly the thumbs down, and their reasons for saying no…

Gyles Brandreth

The Celebrity Gogglebox star and Countdown regular has spoken candidly about turning down Strictly down on multiple occasions, revealing there’s one major thing holding him back from saying yes.

“I ain’t got rhythm… I REALLY ain’t got rhythm,” he tweeted in August 2022.

Steph McGovern

The daytime favourite told HuffPost UK in 2022 that she’d been approached about signing up for Strictly Come Dancing several times, but had never been able to make it work with her schedule.

“I love the show and so many of my mates have been on it and they’ve all loved it,” the Steph’s Packed Lunch host said. “If I do it, I want to totally commit to it and as things stand, it would be near on impossible. I would worry about my little girl and not seeing her for so long.

“It’s interesting because the very first time I was asked to do it was probably when I should have done it, but then I had a baby. I’ll always say never say never but I’d just want to give it my all if I ever do it.”

Piers Morgan

The former Good Morning Britain host told The Sun in 2018 that he has no desire to “humiliate” himself on Strictly, despite the apparent vast amounts of money he claimed producers were willing to offer him.

“Dancing is not for me,” Piers explained. “They’ve offered me vast sums of money to go and humiliate myself on national TV.

“But I prefer to do it with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s in the privacy of my own home.”

Melanie C

However, Sporty Spice has a rather different experience of being offered a spot on the Strictly dance floor to Piers.

She claimed in 2016 that a major factor for her turning down Strictly “every year” was the fact that the money they offer is, in her words, “shit”.

“I have had a meeting with them – they ask me every year to do it,” she told the Daily Star. “The problem is if you do Strictly it’s so high profile and you’ll find yourself in the [Daily Mail’s] sidebar of shame every day. And the money’s shit!”

Melanie later followed in the footsteps of bandmate Mel B by appearing on the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, in 2021, where she and partner Gleb Savchenko (ahhh, remember him?) finished in 11th place.

Patrick Stewart

In 2017, the Star Trek legend was guest hosting Have I Got News For You when he let slip that he was a Strictly fan, and had even considered signing up for it when the BBC made him an offer.

“It’s a wonderful show, it’s delightful. I wanted to [do it] at the beginning,” he explained, before cryptically adding: “And then the tone, it changed somewhat, and I thought…. yeah, I’ll pass.”

Dawn French

On their podcast Titting Around, the Vicar Of Dibley star told comedy partner Jennifer Saunders she’d only be up for taking part on Strictly on one condition.

“If I did it, I’d want to properly dance. I’d want to be taken seriously and you can’t. At this age, you’re not taken seriously,” she claimed.

“I want the nicest dresses, the most elegant other dancer and to take it seriously, and nobody would want that.”

Jennifer agreed: “We’re up for making people laugh. We’re not up to be laughed at, that’s the big difference.”

Dawn reiterated this point in 2022, telling Graham Norton on his talk show: “I might have been asked to do Strictly, but I fear I would be regarded as the funny one and made to do silly things.

“I take dancing seriously and I would like to do proper dancing.”

Alan Carr

Meanwhile, fellow comic Alan Carr had a rather x-rated concern that led to him saying no to Strictly.

He revealed on his podcast Life’s A Beach: “I get asked about what I think about same-sex dancing and I say no… I say no because I’d get a lob on if I dance with Aljaž [Škorjanec] or Gorka [Marquez].

“If I get on a bus, the vibrations make me hard. So doing the Argentine tango, forget it – that’s a sexy dance.”

He did agree with Dawn in a previous interview with Radio Times, though, insisting: “They always ask me to do Strictly and I say no because I want to be sexy doing the Argentine tango; I don’t want to be a joke.”

Nadiya Hussain

Unlike fellow Bake Off winner John Whaite, Nadiya declined Strictly’s offer to learn to dance, as she simply loves the show too much.

“I got asked to do Strictly, but I said no,” she told The Guardian. “I love the idea, but have no rhythm and I enjoy watching it too much; once you see how a programme works from the inside, it changes how you see it. That’s why I can’t watch Bake Off like I used to.”

Mary Berry

Nadiya’s pal, former Bake Off judge Mary, has also turned down multiple offers from Strictly.

“My husband and children would kill me!” she told Radio Times in 2016. “I have two left feet and would make a terrible fool of myself.”

Alan Titchmarsh

Gardening expert Alan said he prefers a cosy night in front of the box to being on it these days.

“I’ve been asked to go on both Strictly and I’m A Celebrity and you won’t see me on either,” he insisted in 2021.

“I’m very flattered to have been asked, but all things considered, I’d rather sit down and watch Doc Martin, which my children call ‘old fogey television’. I’m happy to be an old fogey.”

Maya Jama

Back in 2018, the Love Island host revealed she declined the opportunity to appear on Strictly as she felt she’d be one of the lesser-known contestants.

“I don’t think now is the right time, maybe later in life,” she told Good Morning Britain.

Two years later, she told Hello! magazine: “I love a dance, so I wouldn’t say no forever.”

Greg James

During 2020’s “pandemic” series, several celebs who’d previously turned Strictly down because they were too busy found themselves with a freer schedule, and therefore signed up.

However, Greg was not one of them.

Although Strictly did make him an offer, the Radio 1 host said the previous 12 months had left him “too tired” to say yes.

Kate Humble

Unlike many of the stars on this list, the Springwatch host got pretty far through the process of trying out for Strictly, only to change her mind when things started getting a little bit too real.

“My agent phoned me up to tell me Strictly wanted me to do the show,” she told The Mirror in 2017. “I hooted with laughter at the thought and then went back in to tell the Springwatch team what I had been asked to do. They looked at me and said ‘you have to do Strictly’. It started to make me wonder if I was being really stupid as it is such a great show.”

Kate continued: “When we got to the meeting, the more talk there was of sequins, make-up and It Takes Two, the more I could feel myself pouring with sweat… I was literally about to have a panic attack at the thought of wearing make-up and dresses! My agent realised and gently put her hand on my knee as if to say ‘it’s OK, don’t worry’.”

Matt Willis

The Busted star told OK! magazine in 2021 that he’d rebuffed Strictly every time they came knocking due to the “pressure” of being on live TV.

“The idea of Strictly terrifies me,” he admitted. “I’ve been asked a few times and always said no. Can you imagine standing there and suddenly you hear: ‘Tonight, dancing the cha-cha-cha, it’s Matt Willis!’

“You know something like 12 million people are watching – no thanks.”

However, it doesn’t sound like Matt had much choice in the matter.

His wife Emma Willis claimed in 2016: “He’s an amazing dancer… but I don’t want him grinding against hot women. I do get jealous, but I think that’s normal.”

Noel Edmonds

Meanwhile, it seems Noel also couldn’t shake the infamous Strictly “curse” from his mind when the BBC came knocking.

He previously claimed: “I have been asked to do Strictly. [Noel’s wife] is a fully-trained singer and dancer and a couple of years ago she said, ‘Why don’t we cheat? Why don’t we say you’re a novice and I’ll teach you before’.

“Then I think there was one of those curse moments and I said to her, ‘Are you comfortable with me spending five or six days a week with a half-naked woman draped all over me?’ And it’s funny how the conversation just changed.”

He added: “I would be a cross between Ann Widdecombe and John Sergeant. But in my head I’m Fred Astaire. I don’t know why, nothing works — it’s hopeless, so I’d never do it.”

Diane Abbott

When fellow MP Jacqui Smith signed up for the show in 2020, Diane Abbott admitted she’d also been approached in the past, but wasn’t interested.

“You’ll be surprised to know I’m not someone with natural rhythm and I didn’t want it exposed to millions of television viewers,” the Labour MP commented at the time.

Louis Walsh

Back in the days when X Factor and Strictly were still considered TV rivals, long-serving judge Louis admitted that there was a time he came close to jumping ship, during one of his and Simon Cowell’s numerous spats.

He told Heat magazine in 2007: “The funny thing was, the day before the call from The X Factor [asking him to return], I got a call to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing! I thought: ‘I’d love to do it, just to annoy Simon!’.”

Michelle Keegan

Undoubtedly one of the most-rumoured celebs in Strictly history, Michelle is named in the press as a potential contestant pretty much every single year, but has never actually made it into the ballroom yet.

“I have [been asked] a few times,” she told Jonathan Ross in 2021. “But for me, it’s the live audience… it’s a skill. It takes a lot of dedication and skill.

“[Mark Wright, Michelle’s husband] did it, like, five years ago. It’s the music before it happens and the audience is really quiet and the lights come on. My heart was in my mouth for him. I couldn’t be on the dance floor, I’d be too scared, too nervous.”

Gordon Ramsay

Although the TV chef’s daughter Tilly Ramsay made a big impression on Strictly in 2021, the man himself is less keen to take part, even refusing a one-off appearance in the Christmas special.

“I would love to do it, though,” he admitted. “Secretly, I’d love to do it. I’ve always wanted to dance.”

Noel Gallagher

This is a tough one to imagine, but the former Oasis star was contacted about taking part during what he described as his period of “not doing anything”.

“It was just when Oasis split up and I didn’t do anything for like a couple of years,” he recalled to BBC Radio 6. “There’s obviously someone there going ‘You know what. He’ll be up for it now. He’ll be desperate now’.

“My manager called me up, saying I don’t really want to, legally, I have to inform you of this. Are you aware of Strictly Come Dancing?’. ‘Eeeeeeee, the phone goes’.”

Meghan Markle

OK, we’d probably take this one with a pinch of salt, but it was too good not to include anyway.

In Tom Bower’s book Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors, the author claimed that the future Duchess of Sussex first travelled to the UK in 2013, where she apparently set up an audition for Strictly.

Unfortunately, she was still acting in Suits at the time, and her schedule – which required her to be in the US for nine months out of the year – meant she had to “reluctantly” decline.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its landmark 20th series in September.

43 Memorable Love Island Moments That Got Everyone Talking

Posted on 03/06/2023 by Boris Clair

Since its debut in 2015, Love Island has delivered as many (if not more) nuggets of telly gold than shows that have been knocking about for twice as long.

With a new series upon us, here’s a look back at just some of those moments that had everyone talking…

**1. That Brexit discussion – series 4**

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The worlds of politics and reality TV had a rare collision when the female Islanders attempted to discuss the UK’s exit from the EU back in 2018.

Hayley didn’t really seem to understand what everyone was on about, though, asking of Brexit: “What’s that?”

After someone tried to explain, she then questioned: “So does that mean we won’t have any trees?”

Priceless.

2. Camilla schools Jonny on feminism – series 3

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John Whaite has shown his support for Richie Anderson following the news that Strictly Come Dancing will include a third same-sex partnership in this year’s series.

After Nicola Adams and Katya Jones competed together in 2020, John was part of Strictly’s first ever pairing made up of two men during last year’s run, alongside Johannes Radebe.

The Great British Bake Off winner proved popular with viewers, making it all the way to the final where he and Johannes finished in second place behind champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.

After the announcement that Radio 2 presenter Richie will also dance with a male professional on this year’s series, John shared a poignant statement on his Instagram story on Saturday morning.

John and Johannes dancing during last year's Strictly final — John and Johannes dancing during last year’s Strictly final

“I’m so bloody pleased that Strictly are doing a male-male couple again this year and hope it is the case every year from now on,” John wrote.

“It has to be. Because queer-inclusion isn’t a box-ticking exercise for one series, it’s a fundamental shift in the narrative for life.”

John went on thank Strictly’s behind-the-scenes team for “continuing to include the outcasts” before wishing “all the love and luck” to Richie who he said was “going to love every second”.

A screenshot of John's Instagram post — A screenshot of John’s Instagram post

Apparently, John’s former professional partner Johannes was also feeling nostalgic at the weekend, writing on his own Instagram: “Now that Strictly rehearsals have started, I’ve been thinking back to last year when I had the pleasure of meeting [John].

“I can’t believe it’s been a year since John came into my life and what a fabulous and truly special Strictly journey we had. There were moments during the show which took my breath away, including the overwhelming support we received. I can’t thank everybody enough for the kind comments and for taking the time to vote. It means so so much.

“Not only is John an amazing dancer, he is an incredible friend and I can’t imagine a life without him in it.”

He added: “Although my strictly journey with John has come to a close, I’m feeling the energy and magic of the show again and I am looking forward to the next Strictly chapter and the excitement and challenges this will bring. I cannot wait, let the adventure begin!”

John then commented: “You bugger – you’ve made me cry into my avocado on toast… love you.”

Richie also wrote under the post: “Icons.”

Strictly will return to our screens next month, with bosses already unveiling five of the celebrities who’ll be taking part.

What happens in season 7 of Selling Sunset?

Who is returning for Selling Sunset season 7?

When will season 7 be released?

Gyles Brandreth

Steph McGovern

Piers Morgan

Melanie C

Patrick Stewart

Dawn French

Alan Carr

Nadiya Hussain

Mary Berry

Alan Titchmarsh

Maya Jama

Greg James

Kate Humble

Matt Willis

Noel Edmonds

Diane Abbott

Louis Walsh

Michelle Keegan

Gordon Ramsay

Noel Gallagher

Meghan Markle

1. *That* Brexit discussion – series 4

2. Camilla schools Jonny on feminism – series 3

3. Malia is thrown out after a physical fight – series 2

4. Jon proposes to Hannah – series 1

5. When Davide uttered this immortal line – series 8

6. Josh returns from Casa Amor with Kaz – series 4

7. Anna explodes at Jordan – series 5

8. Rosie gives Adam a dressing down… TWICE – series 4

9. Luke T asks Siannise to be his girlfriend – series 6

10. Faye’s outburst at Teddy – series 7

11. Zara gets stripped of her Miss GB title – series 2

12. When Andrew had a confession for Tasha – series 8

13. Stormzy makes a cameo appearance – series 3

14. Jonny vs Theo – series 3

15. Malin returns to confront Terry – series 2

16. Megan makes her move on Wes – series 4

17. Megan vs Laura – series 4

18. Amber discovers Michael has re-coupled with Joanna – series 5

19. ‘Congrats, hun’ – series 6

20. Ekin-Su’s antics on the terrace – series 8

21. Hugo ignites drama around the firepit – series 7

22. Rykard leaves to be with Rachel – series 2

23. Camilla gets her heart broken – series 3

24. Amy and Curtis end their relationship – series 5

25. Love Island producers get caught staging a kiss – series 4

26. Tom absolutely blows it with Maura – series 5

27. Adam Collard returns – series 8

28. Liberty and Jake leave the villa – series 7

29. Jason Staythumb – series 3

30. Danny Dyer pops up in the villa – series 4

31. Amy leaves the villa – series 5

32. Demi takes a tumble – series 6

33. Jacques leaves the villa – series 8

34. Bethany causes mayhem within minutes of arriving – series 1

35. Millie and her keyboard – series 7

36. And Indiyah and her recorder – series 8

37. Marcel kisses Shannen and realises he’s technically cheated on Gabby – series 3

38. Joanna pies ‘snake’ Michael after shock dumping – series 5

39. Terry and Emma’s X-rated display – series 2

40. Georgia steals Kem from Amber – series 3

41. Alexandra puts Dr Alex in his place – series 4

42. Lillie blows Liam and Millie apart – series 7

43. Dani finds out Jack’s ex is in Casa Amor – series 4

44. Calum Best pays a visit – series 1

45. Yewande lets Danny have it as she leaves villa – series 5

46. Cash Hughes – series 3

47. Jess’ Skittle fail – series 6

48. Everything Olivia Attwood did and said – series 3

49. See also: Ovie – series 5

**1. That Brexit discussion – series 4**