Rose Ayling-Ellis Leaves EastEnders A Year After Beginning Her Strictly Come Dancing Journey

Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis has announced she is leaving EastEnders after two years with the BBC soap.

Rose began playing Frankie Lewis in 2020, becoming the first deaf actor to play a regular character on the soap.

On Thursday afternoon, the Bafta winner revealed she was stepping down from the role, just over a year after it was first announced she had signed up for last year’s series of Strictly.

Rose with her Strictly professional partner Giovanni Pernice
Rose with her Strictly professional partner Giovanni Pernice

Ray Burmiston/BBC

She explained: “It’s been incredibly special to be EastEnders’ first regular deaf actor. I have loved my time on the show and Frankie has been such an awesome character to play, however now feels like the right time for me to move on and I am excited and ready for new challenges.

“I will always treasure my time on the show and all the incredible people I have worked with, who have supported my growth as an actor these last two years and given me so many amazing memories.

“I am excited for viewers to see Frankie’s exit storyline; I think it’s a really important one that will hit home for lots of people.”

Frankie will leave Walford this autumn, with Rose’s final scenes in the role having already been filmed.

Rose is probably best known for her participation in the most recent series of Strictly, which she won alongside Giovanni Pernice.

As well as being the first deaf contestant to ever compete on the long-running reality show, Rose and Giovanni later bagged a TV Bafta for the Must-See TV Moment thanks to their stunning Couple’s Choice routine.

Earlier this week, Rose teamed up with Barbie to launch the brand’s first doll who has behind-the-ear hearing aids.

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Helen Skelton Completes The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Line-Up

Helen Skelton
Helen Skelton

Peter Byrne – PA Images via Getty Images

The former Blue Peter presenter is the final contestant to be confirmed for the new series of the BBC ballroom show, which returns next month.

The news was announced on Claudia Winkleman’s Radio 2 show on Saturday morning.

Helen said in a statement: “I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”

Helen began her broadcasting career hosting Blue Peter between 2008 and 2013, and is a regular face on Countryfile and BBC Sports coverage.

She was also recently confirmed as the new host of Radio 5 Live’s Sunday morning slot, after Laura Whitmore announced her departure.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One next month.

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Former Strictly Come Dancing Star Dan Walker Is Not Here For Anyone Slating This Year’s Line-Up

The former BBC Breakfast host was one of the stars of last year’s series, and made it through to the quarter-finals.

With the celebrity announcements for the upcoming 20th series now underway, Dan has shot down anyone criticising the show’s star bookings.

“Will never get my head around the ‘never heard of them’ crew when you see someone announced on Strictly who you don’t know much about,” he tweeted on Saturday.

“Get on Google, learn a bit about them. Looking forward to seeing the full set of this year’s bunch.”

He was met with more than his share of backlash during last year’s run when he and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova kept evading the dance-off, despite repeatedly coming in at the bottom of the leaderboard.

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John Whaite Shares Emotional Post As Strictly Come Dancing Announces Next Same-Sex Pairing

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

Guy Levy/BBC via PA Media

“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

Instagram/John Whaite

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.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2022 Line-Up: All The Celebrities Announced So Far

The Strictly Come Dancing celebrity reveals are now coming in thick and fast as we gear up for the show’s return to our screens next month.

If you’re struggling to keep up with all the individual announcements about who will be taking to the floor this year, we’ve got you covered.

Get to know all of the confirmed stars so far below…

Will Mellor
Will Mellor

Actor Will is known for starring roles in Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager And A Packet of Crisps, Line Of Duty and Broadchurch. Most recently he appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell.

He says: “I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about.

“This is also my mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!”

Kym Marsh

Kym is perhaps best known for her role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, which she appeared in from 2006 to 2019.

She shot to fame in the band Hear’Say, which was formed on the reality show Popstars in 2000, and is currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live.

She says: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I’m so delighted that this year they have!

“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”

Richie Anderson
Richie Anderson

Radio 2 listeners will recognise Richie for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, presenting the travel bulletins. He is also a regular on The One Show and hosted parts of the Platinum Jubilee coverage for the BBC.

He says: “This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.

“I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand.

“It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”

Kaye Adams
Kaye Adams

Kaye has been a regular anchor and panellist on ITV’s Loose Women on-and-off since its inception in 1999. She also hosts the morning show on BBC Radio Scotland.

She says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”

Jayde Adams
Jayde Adams

Best known as an award-winning stand-up comedian, Jayde also has acting credits in Good Omens, Alma’s Not Normal and the upcoming Take That film Greatest Days.

She’s also a self-professed Strictly superfan, admitting: “Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly.

“I’ve always watched it,” she adds. “Apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly).”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.

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Bruno Tonioli Speaks Out About His Decision To Leave Strictly: ‘The Schedule Was Insane’

Bruno Tonioli has spoken out about his decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing, admitting it was a “miracle” he lasted 18 years on the judging panel.

The 66-year-old Italian dancer and choreographer had been a judge since the BBC dance show launched in 2004.

In May he announced he was quitting the show for good to focus on his judging role on the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bruno spoke candidly about his decision to leave Strictly and focus on his working commitments in America.

Bruno Tonioli
Bruno Tonioli

Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

“There is no animosity, it was a mutual decision with both of us saying, ‘Listen, this is not going to work like it used to’,” he explained.

Bruno has held a spot on the Dancing With The Stars panel since its launch in 2005, resulting in frequent flying back and forth between the UK and the US while both shows were running.

“I just couldn’t do the flying any more,” he said.

“I don’t know how I survived that schedule. To be honest, it’s a miracle.”

He added: “I have no idea what it did to my health, don’t go there!”

Anton Du Beke was announced as Bruno’s replacement in May, following his success as a temporary replacement for him during the 2021 series as a result of Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

Former Strictly pro Anton Du Beke has replaced Bruno on the judging panel.
Former Strictly pro Anton Du Beke has replaced Bruno on the judging panel.

Ian West – PA Images via Getty Images

Bruno also faced difficulties while appearing on the show in 2020, after pandemic travel uncertainty meant he could appear only via video-link to give his verdict on the performances during the Sunday night results show.

To illustrate the toll the “insane” schedule took on him, Bruno reflected on a scary moment during a live Strictly show, saying: “There was a moment in the middle of a run when I blanked.

“I did not know where I was or what I was doing.

“It only lasted a second, then I saw the audience looking at me and it all came back to me.”

He went on to explain the added stress of maintaining his flamboyant character while on air: “I’m playing a character. My accent becomes stronger, the facial expressions and body movements become bigger.”

He added: “You have to pump yourself up and keep it up for two hours. That’s so hard when you have all the added stress of the travel.”

Despite the difficulties of balancing his judging commitments, Bruno was clear that above all else Strictly had been a life-changing, positive experience. He said: “Strictly changed my life, it was like being born again.

“I was a successful choreographer but this was like going back to the beginning as a performer. I loved it.”

Bruno also spoke warmly about his successor and, reflecting on Anton Du Beke’s judging role during 2021, said: “He did a very good job because he made it his own.”

When asked if he felt in any way jealous of Anton, Tonioli said: “You don’t think like that.

“It’s like James Bond, right? You have Sean Connery and Daniel Craig but they are both still Bond.”

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Strictly Come Dancing 2022: From Start Date To Line-Up, Here’s What To Expect

It might seem slightly unbelievable, but Strictly season is nearly upon us once again as a brand new set of set of celebrities get ready to sashay onto that famous dancefloor.

As such, various details about the forthcoming 20th series have already started trickling in, which is doing nothing to slow down our excitement for its return.

Here’s what we know so far about Strictly Come Dancing 2022…

When is Strictly likely to start then?

Going by last year’s series – which returned to its regular length after a shorter run in 2020 owing to Covid – the launch show looks likely to air on 17 September, with the live shows then beginning on 24 September. Of course, the BBC will confirm air dates in due course.

For the last two years, the show has broken with its previous tradition taking a two-week break in between the pre-recorded launch show and the main competition kicking off, instead showing it the week before.

However, last year the launch – which sees the stars find out who their celebrity partner is – was still recorded a few weeks prior to airing in order to allow the couples to begin training.

Who is taking part?

Some of Strictly's rumoured celebrities for 2022
Some of Strictly’s rumoured celebrities for 2022

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock/Anthony Harvey/David Fisher/BBC

Rumours about who will be taking to the floor have been coming in thick and fast in recent weeks, with many famous faces linked to a spot on the show.

These include former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, TV chef Gino D’Acampo, Olympic diver Tom Daley, Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, rugby star Mike Tindall, and Packed Lunch host Steph McGovern.

However, the BBC is yet to officially unveil any contestants – with announcements likely to start in early-to-mid August.

Who is on the judging panel?

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke

BBC/Guy Levy

After standing in for Bruno Tonioli last year, Anton Du Beke has been confirmed as his permanent replacement as a judge on Strictly, this year.

Bruno has been absent from the panel for the last two series owing to pandemic travel restrictions, and has since decided to leave Strictly in order to focus solely on his judging role on the US version of the show.

Once again, Anton will sit alongside returning panellists Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas.

​​What about the professional dancers?

Carlos Gu; Lauren Oakley; Michelle Tsiakkas; Vito Coppola
Carlos Gu; Lauren Oakley; Michelle Tsiakkas; Vito Coppola

The show will have the biggest line-up of professional dancers in its history when it returns, after welcoming four new pros into the fold.

European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas are all joining the line-up.

Their arrivals follow the exits of fan favourites Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec, who both announced they were standing down as pros earlier this year.

Vito recently competed in and won Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly, while Lauren recently appeared alongside Strictly regulars Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke in their national tours.

Michelle Tsiakkas has also starred alongside a number of Strictly pros in the stage show Burn The Floor.

Who is presenting?

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are expected to return as hosts
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are expected to return as hosts

Karwai Tang via Getty Images

While it has not yet been officially confirmed, it is widely expected that long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back at the helm of this year’s Strictly.

Will there be a live audience this year?

The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom
The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom

Guy Levy/BBC

Over the last two years, there has been a heavily reduced studio audience.

In 2020, this was due to social distancing restrictions and subsequent national lockdowns. While there were no Covid laws in place last year, bosses kept the reduced audience in a bid to protect the stars on the show from catching the virus and forcing them to miss a week of the competition.

However, it has been reported bosses are planning to welcome back a full studio audience for 2022.

Claudia Winkleman later said during an appearance on The One Show: “Hopefully, we’re really hoping that we’re allowed an audience.”

What about Blackpool?

There hasn't been a Blackpool special since 2019
There hasn’t been a Blackpool special since 2019

Likewise, it has been claimed the show is hoping to return to Blackpool for its annual special from the iconic Tower Ballroom after a two-year hiatus.

The BBC is yet to confirm plans, however.

And what’s this about a Buckingham Palace special?

There could be a special from inside Buckingham Palace
There could be a special from inside Buckingham Palace

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In June, The Sun claimed the BBC has been invited by the royal family to air a live show from the palace later this year.

Reports suggest either the semi or quarter-final of the series could be broadcast from the residence’s ballroom.

Neither the BBC or the Palace has commented on the reports, but Anton Du Beke recently welcomed the idea.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, he said: ”[The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall] have been great fans of the show over the years.

“I would love to say yes. I don’t know about the show, I hope so. I would like to go and have a dance with someone.”

What about It Takes Two?

Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark
Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark

Last year’s series saw former pro dancer Janette Manrara replace Zoe Ball as one of the hosts of the daily BBC Two spin-off It Takes Two.

While no details about the 2022 series have been announced so far, it is expected she will return alongside co-host Rylan Clark.

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Janette Manrara Accidentally Kicks Dog In The Head After It Tries To Get Involved In Strictly Routine

Dr James Greenwood was a guest on the BBC daytime show on Tuesday morning, where he was joined by his two labradors Dolly and Olly for a pet-themed segment.

However, Dolly appeared keen to get involved in another item later in the show, when former Strictly pro dancer Janette and her husband Aljaž Škorjanec led a Strictly Fitness feature.

Unfortunately for Dolly, she approached Janette and Aljaž just as they were performing a spin to see out the programme, with Janette’s foot making contact with the pooch’s head.

Audible sounds could be heard from others in the studio, before the show’s title card flashed up on screen.

Luckily, Dolly was okay with owner Dr James replying to concerned viewers on Twitter after the episode aired.

“She is totally fine! Getting stuck into a chew stick on the way home,” he tweeted.

He added: “I can confirm she is 100% all good. No harm done.”

Morning Live airs weekdays at 9.15am on BBC One.

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Strictly Professional Karen Hauer Marries Partner Jordan Wyn-Jones In Intimate ‘Fairytale’ Wedding

Karen and Jordan tied the knot on Tuesday in an intimate “fairytale” ceremony attended by many of her fellow Strictly co-stars, including Janette Manrara and Luba Mushtuk.

Speaking to Hello! magazine about their big day, the Venezuelan-American dancer said: “It feels like a fairytale day. It felt so special to bring our families and friends together.

“I haven’t seen my family for the last two years so it’s really touching to bring them here and be able to share this amazing moment with them.”

The couple held their wedding at Chewton Glen in Hampshire.

Karen went public with her relationship with the Australian fitness expert in the summer of 2021.

She was previously married to fellow performer and her former dance partner Matthew Hauer, as well as Strictly Come Dancing champion Kevin Clifton.

Following her split from Kevin in 2018, Karen began dating opera singer David Webb, though they went their separate ways in 2020.

Karen is now Strictly’s longest-serving female professional, after joining the show in 2012.

In that time, she’s been partnered with celebrities including Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, reality stars Mark Wright and Jamie Laing, comedian Chris Ramsey and The Crown actor Greg Wise.

She was also paired with pop star Will Young, who stepped down from the show in 2016 as the BBC series was taking its toll on his mental health.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that Karen would be back on Strictly for her 11th series when the show returns to our screens in the autumn.

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Strictly Come Dancing Star AJ Odudu Admits She Was Previously Rejected By The Show

Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu has revealed she was previously turned down by the show a year before signing up for her series.

AJ was one of the first celebs to be announced for Strictly in 2021, and was a frontrunner throughout the show thanks to her impressive moves.

However, the Big Breakfast host has admitted that her journey to the Strictly dance floor wasn’t exactly a smooth one.

“I asked them in 2020 if I could do it and they said no,” she told The Sun.

“There are always those people that get asked every year and say: ‘I just haven’t found the time.’ That was not me – I had not been asked every year!”

AJ went on to say that she believes she manifested her involvement in last year’s run.

AJ posing with her Strictly partner Kai Widdrington
AJ posing with her Strictly partner Kai Widdrington

Ray Burmiston/BBC via PA Media

“I really do manifest hard,” she explained. “I spoke it into existence to the point that it actually happened.

“At the beginning of 2021, I sat down with my agent and said: ‘I want to do Strictly Come Dancing. I have to do it.’ And I could see myself doing it.”

Throughout the series, AJ received high scores from the judges and praise from viewers, making it all the way to the final alongside Rose Ayling-Ellis and John Whaite.

Unfortunately, she was forced to pull out at the eleventh hour due to an injury.

Admitting she felt “really angry at my ankle” at first, AJ told The Sun she coped by trying to focus on the positives.

“I was disappointed. And then I did a U-turn and thought: ‘You did what you needed to do. You got me as far as I needed to get’,” she said.

“I was literally living the dream. Strictly was an overwhelmingly positive experience. It was the first time that I was introduced to a whole new audience of people who were accepting me for me — flaws and all. That felt really special.

“Ultimately, I was part of Strictly in the most inclusive year that has ever been. I feel really honoured to get to know Rose and John and the whole cast. I feel like I’ve got a wider family now. And I feel really lucky, even though it didn’t end the way that I wanted it to, that I was able to learn to dance and be myself.”

Kai and AJ performing one of their show-stopping routines
Kai and AJ performing one of their show-stopping routines

Guy Levy/BBC via PA Media

After serving as the UK’s points announcer during the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month, AJ will now be seen in action as the new host of Channel 4’s The Bridge.

It was also confirmed this week that she and comedian Mo Gilligan will front a new incarnation of The Big Breakfast, having previously won praise when they presented a one-off reboot as part of Channel 4’s Black To Front initiaitve last year.

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