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

Posted on 29/05/2022 by Boris Clair

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

“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

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.

Giovanni Pernice Unveils Tattoo To Mark Strictly Win With Rose Ayling-Ellis

Posted on 23/01/2022 by Boris Clair

The professional dancer unveiled a new tattoo in celebration of lifting the Glitterball trophy with the EastEnders star last month.

Giovanni shared picture of his latest inking on Instagram over the weekend, which revealed he has had a mirrorball and stars etched on the inside of his wrist.

It is accompanied by the letters ‘SCD’ and the date of last year’s final, which saw him and Rose triumph over John Whaite and Johannes Radebe.

Giovanni's Strictly tattoo — Giovanni’s Strictly tattoo

The pair are currently back dancing together on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing live tour, which is travelling to various cities across the UK.

Speaking to Birmingham Mail following the tour’s launch last week, Giovanni revealed how he hopes to keep dancing with Rose once it is over.

“I hope we can find time to dance together away from Strictly. I enjoy spending time with Rose. She is really special,” he said.

“I may be the dance teacher, but I have learnt so much from Rose. Meeting her has changed my life.

“We clicked from the very beginning. We understood each other perfectly. We have such as fantastic connection. She is amazing. So positive and energetic.”

The winning couple are currently taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour

Following their win in December, Giovanni revealed his Strictly victory had been every bit worth the wait, after seven years having not previously won the BBC show since joining in 2015.

A short clip on his Instagram story showed him lying in bed looking longingly while Christina Perri’s romantic ballad A Thousand Years played… only for it to be revealed he had the Glitterball trophy on the pillow next to him.

Giovanni Pernice Celebrates As His Strictly Victory Carries On Italy’s 2021 Winning Streak

Posted on 19/12/2021 by Boris Clair

It looks like Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis isn’t the only one celebrating after Saturday night’s result, with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice just as over the moon to have finally landed a win.

Giovanni has been with Strictly since 2015, and despite making it to the final on multiple occasions – including with Debbie McGee, Faye Tozer and Georgia May Foote (with whom he would later begin a romantic relationship that lasted over a year) – the Glitterball trophy has always eluded him.

That is, until now.

During this year’s final, he and Rose triumphed over John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, with the EastEnders star becoming the first ever Strictly winner with a physical disability.

The following morning, the Italian dancer revealed a Strictly victory had been every bit worth the wait, in a cheeky Instagram post.

A short clip on his Instagram story showed him lying in bed looking longingly while Christina Perri’s romantic ballad A Thousand Years plays… only for it to be revealed he has the Glitterball trophy on the pillow next to him.

Giovanni was over the moon to have finally bagged the Glitterball trophy

Meanwhile, Strictly fans on Twitter couldn’t help pointing out Giovanni’s win constitutes another 2021 victory for his home country of Italy, after Eurovision, the Euros and Giuseppe’s triumph in this year’s Great British Bake Off final…

What a fantastic year for Italy 🇮🇹 !
🏆Strictly Come Dancing
🏆The Great British Bake Off
🏆UEFA European Championship
🏆Eurovision Song Contest
▶️👏A-MA-ZING 🇮🇹 🇬🇧👏◀️ pic.twitter.com/XdCYVbogly

— @iiclondra (@iiclondra) December 18, 2021

Rose and Giovanni winning #Strictly means that Italy have won this, Bake Off, the 100 metres, Euro 2020, the high jump (with Qatar) and the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) December 18, 2021

After his and Rose’s win, Giovanni said: “I have to say thank you to this beautiful young lady who made all my dreams come true. It took me seven years to get that thing and you became the best dancer, the best teammate I could have asked for, you are a dream so thank you for everything.”

She added: “I just want to say you’re so amazing, you pushed me to believe in myself more than I believed in myself.

“You’re an incredible teacher and a wonderful friend and we have gone through a lot, and I just want you to know you’ve always got a piece of my heart.”

Rose Ayling-Ellis’ Strictly Come Dancing Win Hailed As ‘Victory For Deaf Community’ By Charities

Posted on 19/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis has been hailed as “a shining example to deaf and hearing people alike” by various charities, while her win has been celebrated as “a victory for the deaf community”.

The EastEnders star, who is deaf, has used an interpreter during the series and her Couple’s Choice dance, which she repeated during the final, shared her experiences of deafness and featured a long period of silence.

Disability equality charity Scope has now has called on more broadcasters to feature disabled people’s talents, saying there is still a long way to go to improve representation of disabled people on TV.

Yes, it’s a TV show. But there are deaf and disabled children at home watching @bbcstrictly tonight saying to themselves “I can do it”. And that’s magical.

Congratulations from all of us at Scope, @RoseAylingEllis. You have done yourself proud 💜

— Scope (@scope) December 18, 2021

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at the charity, said: “For Rose Ayling-Ellis to have starred week after week on Saturday night prime time – and then lift the glitterball trophy – is a massive step forward.

“However, there is still a very long way to go until disabled people are featured fairly on screen. There are 14.1 million disabled people in the UK and their lives and stories are not being told.

“Seeing disabled people on TV will only help improve understanding and break down barriers.

“So, the fact that Rose’s journey has been beamed into living rooms week-in week-out is excellent progress and must be the start of real change.

“We have seen a victory for representation on our screens, challenging the stereotypes of what disabled people can do.

“We want more broadcasters to step up and feature the talents of disabled people.”

Rose also performed a number inspired by Frozen during the live final

Mark Atkinson, chief executive at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said Rose’s appearance on the show has given audiences “a beautiful insight into the deaf community and deaf culture”.

He added: “Her victory isn’t just a personal achievement, but also a victory for the deaf community.

“She has shown that deaf people can do anything, if society addresses those barriers and provides the right access and support.

“Giovanni has been a perfect example of this, working with Rose and adapting his teaching style to help her succeed.

“At RNID, we are all thrilled that Rose has won, and we are confident that her legacy will mean lasting change for the one in six people who are deaf or have hearing loss.

“We hope Rose’s success will open up employment opportunities for deaf people and reduce barriers, and we’re excited to see what she will undoubtedly go on to achieve in her future career.”

Rose Ayling-Ellis performing her Strictly show dance

Susan Daniels, chief executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said Rose’s victory will have a lasting effect.

She said: “It’s hard to overstate just what an impact Rose has made, not only on deaf children and young people, but also on the public’s understanding of deafness.

“Throughout her Strictly journey, she’s been a shining example to deaf and hearing people alike.

“This could be a new dawn for deaf children and young people everywhere because it’s clear for all to see that with the right support and the will to succeed, they can aim for the stars.

“Strictly may have come to an end, but we sincerely hope that this surge of interest in deafness and the desire to engage with deaf people continues long into the future.”

Rose and her partner Giovanni Pernice triumphed in Saturday night’s live show over John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, the first same-sex pairing to ever make the Strictly final.

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington had originally been due to compete in the final, but was forced to withdraw due to a serious injury, meaning the show went ahead with just two competitors.

Anton Du Beke Eyes Permanent Seat On Strictly Panel As First Year Of Judging Draws To An End

Posted on 18/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has said he hopes to retain his seat on the panel in the future as his first year as an official judge comes to an end.

Having made no secret of his hopes to become a Strictly judge in the past, the former long-serving professional finally got his wish this year, when he was recruited to fill in for Bruno Tonioli, who couldn’t take part in the show due to travel restrictions.

With the series almost over, viewers are now questioning whether Anton – who has been well-received by most Strictly fans – could be kept on as a full-time judge, which he seems quite in favour of.

Reflecting on how he’s found judging Strictly, he joked to Metro: “I’ve loved coming back every week. I’ll carry on judging, please.”

When asked whether he’d missed dancing, he added: “I have a bit, especially when I see a number that I wish I’d done. When Tom Fletcher danced a foxtrot to Fly Me To The Moon I wanted to nudge him out of the way and have a dance, although I don’t think he’d have appreciated that.

“But then I’m not missing the bit where they go, ‘And not dancing next week is…’.”

The Strictly Come Dancing judging panel pictured last week

Craig Revel Horwood recently said he’d be in favour of Anton becoming a permanent Strictly judge.

Earlier this week, the sharp-tongued star said Anton had been “a great addition” to the panel, explaining: “He knows the process of working with celebrities inside out, he’s been there.

“Particularly with celebs that haven’t been ‘gifted’, he’s had to manoeuvre them around that dance floor – and he’s been with great dancers, where he could show off his talents.

“Armed with all that information, he’s showing great empathy for the celebs,” Craig added. “He’s more lenient than me. And he’s funny. Long may it continue, he’s a good egg, Anton.”

This year’s Strictly final airs on Saturday night at 7pm on BBC One.

Strictly Pro Karen Hauer Unable To Dance In Live Final Due To Injury

Posted on 17/12/2021 by Boris Clair

Long-serving Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer has announced she’ll not be able to perform during the live final this weekend due to an injury.

Karen was partnered with The Crown actor Greg Wise in this year’s series, and had been due to reunite with the rest of the cast for a group number in Saturday’s live show.

However, the Venezualen performer has told her Instagram followers that she will not be able to dance in the number, after hurting her knee.

She said earlier this week: “Currently, I have two things wrong with my knee. There’s a little bit of a tear on my meniscus and then there’s also a little cartilage flap behind my knee.

“But they’re very minor so instead of an op I got a knee injection so that’s good news.”

Karen Hauer dancing with Greg Wise earlier in the series

Karen later confirmed that while we would be able to see her during the group number, she won’t be able to dance as a result of her injury.

“I’m going to be making a little appearance on the dance floor but not dancing, probably waving,” she revealed. “But I’ll definitely be there.”

It was also confirmed on Friday that finalist AJ Odudu had been forced to withdraw from the competition at the eleventh hour due to a torn ligament.

Because of this, the final will be going ahead with just two contestants in the running, EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and former Bake Off winner John Whaite.

Kai Widdrington and AJ Odudu have withdrawn from the competition

Former contestant Tilly Ramsay will be completely absent from the group dance after testing positive for Covid, as will Robert Webb, who pulled out of the show for medical reasons back in October.

He explained: “My love for Strictly is a season that is forever summer. However, the producers understood that when I had to stop, I had to stop completely…

“If I gave out a few more details about what the show had been doing to me physically and mentally, you wouldn’t be surprised that the offer of one more dance was politely declined.”

Strictly returns on Saturday night at 7pm on BBC One.

Strictly Come Dancing Announces Week 10 Songs And Dances

Posted on 23/11/2021 by Boris Clair

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have announced the songs and dances that will be performed during Saturday night’s live show.

After surviving last week’s Musicals Week dance-off, it’s been revealed that CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson will be taking on the Waltz.

Elsewhere, we can look forward to Dan Walker tackling the Rumba, while AJ Odudu will dance what promises to be an unmissable Couple’s Choice routine.

Here’s the full rundown of what to expect from each of the remaining six couples:

He was replaced by two-time Oscar nominee and modern musical theatre legend Cynthia Erivo for the show’s annual Musicals Week special.

Find out how the celebrities and their partners get on when Strictly returns on Saturday night at 6.55pm on BBC One.

Strictly’s AJ Odudu Gives Cryptic Response When Grilled About Kai Widdrington Romance Rumours

Posted on 07/11/2021 by Boris Clair

BBC/Keiron McCarron

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington dancing a Tango earlier in the series

Those romance rumours surrounding Strictly Come Dancing favourites AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington definitely aren’t going anywhere – with the TV presenter giving a cryptic response when asked about the speculation once again.

AJ told PA Media: “I find it exciting that everyone’s interested in us enough to take note of all of these things.

“The way I see it is, everyone can see how well we’re getting on and how hard we’re working in order to try our best each and every week to put in a solid performance.”

After being asked outright whether there was any truth to the rumours, she responded: “Well, one thing that is definitely for sure is, we are doing a lot of dancing.”

Ray Burmiston/BBC

Kai Widdrington and AJ Odudu

With the single stars repeatedly being asked about reports they’re more than just dance partners in interviews, even Claudia Winkleman got in on the fun during last week’s Halloween special, urging them to kiss live on air.

“It’s all just a bit of fun, isn’t it?” AJ told PA of the continued rumours. “I mean, at the end of the day, me and Kai are just focused on the Strictly experience as a whole, and we’re just focused on dancing and putting our best performance forward each and every week.

“So none of that stuff bogs us down at all. We don’t have time to be pressed to be totally honest with you. And Claudia is so lovely, and is so kind to us each and every week, so it’s all fun and games.”

Saturday night’s live show saw AJ and Kai topping the leaderboard for the second time, with a near-perfect score of 39 points.

BBC/Guy Levy

AJ and Kai’s Charleston stole the show on Saturday night

Shirley Ballas Thanks Strictly Viewers Who Spotted Lump Under Her Arm, As Docs Discover ‘Concerning’ Symptoms

Posted on 27/10/2021 by Boris Clair

Shirley Ballas has thanked Strictly Come Dancing viewers after they spotted a lump under her arm, which led to her speaking to a doctor.

The 61-year-old head judge said viewers had helped her discover “concerning” symptoms in her body.

After seeking medical advice, Shirley said that doctors had discovered her hormone levels are “not right” and she needs some scans.

“All in all a little concerning for my doctor,” she said, adding that she had made a hospital appointment.

She wrote on Instagram that her doctor was “making an appointment to check certain odd things happening in my body”.

“To each and every one of you who started me on this road thank you so much,” she began. “I’ll keep you all updated. Remember health is wealth so I’ll be on top of these issues for the time being. With gratitude to you all.”

In an accompanying video message, the former ballroom champion – who had surgery to have breast implants removed in 2019 – said tests had shown her testosterone levels to be “ultra-high”, her oestrogen levels “extremely low”, and that she needs scans on her adrenal glands and ovaries.

Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse was among those to send messages of support, writing, “take care of yourself”, while Tess Daly said she was “sending love”.

Olympian Adam Peaty, who is competing in the current series, added: “Sending all my love and positive energy.”

JoJo Siwa’s Disturbing Dancing With The Stars Routine As Pennywise Is The Actual Stuff Of Nightmares

Posted on 27/10/2021 by Boris Clair

Eric McCandless via Getty Images

JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson perform a jazz routine on Dancing with the Stars

On nearly every level, a dance performance featuring the evil clown from Stephen King’s It and one of his child victims set to the tune of a Broadway score shouldn’t work.

And yet, here’s JoJo Siwa in full Pennywise drag delivering an absolutely deranged and downright genius performance to the tune of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on the US version of Strictly Come Dancing on Monday night.

Fully understanding the assignment of Horror Night for Dancing With The Stars’ series’ Halloween episode, the Dance Moms alum performed a jazz routine alongside pro Jenna Johnson – dressed in a children’s rain costume with a big red balloon, naturally – to a creepy remix of the song by District 78 featuring Patrice Covington.

Despite her relentlessly positive demeanour off the dance floor, JoJo managed to capture exactly what makes Stephen King’s creation so menacing. Keeping low to the ground and bouncing on one leg at a time, she tapped into her inner Pennywise, all while showcasing her well-established killer dance skills.

The performance ended with JoJo grabbing Jenna by the throat, ripping off her fake hand and then chomping on it, as the song came to a close with a blood-curdling scream.

The judges uniformly lavished praise upon the star, who for the second week in a row earned a perfect score.

“It. Is. Terrifying. And absolutely brilliant. You turned a nightmare into a work of art,“ remarked Bruno Tonioli. “The quality of your dances — the thing you did in there, combining jazz, ballet, contemporary, acrobatics. I’m telling you, you are a terrific talent.”

Carrie Ann Inaba said: “What I loved about this performance is you pushed yourself further,” while Len Goodman added:“If ever a dance captured the flavour of a book, that was it.”

JoJo, who’s made history on the series as the first contestant to be paired with a same-sex partner, is now the clear front-runner to win the Mirrorball Trophy.

Her performance also stirred up plenty of reactions on social media, with fans watching along and celebrating the delightfully unhinged dance.

JoJo Siwa is currently dancing to ‘Anything Goes’ while dressed as Pennywise from ‘It’ … THIS IS CAMP!! #DWTS

— Charles O’Keefe (@CharlesAOKeefe) October 26, 2021

Jojo Siwa is finally giving the gay and clown communities the mainstream representation they deserve, which is very exciting for me, because I am both gay and a clown. https://t.co/s6xIhyKBSt

— Sarah McGonagall (@gothspiderbitch) October 26, 2021

Jojo Siwa is taking advantage of the #DWTS platform to change her public image and broaden her appeal better than anyone has in a long time. She is a Performer with a capital P. https://t.co/sMgiXf8ZqF

— Gibson Johns (@gibsonoma) October 26, 2021

Watch JoJo Siwa’s performance above.

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