Strictly Come Dancing 2021: John Whaite and Johannes Radebe fight back tears after the show’s first EVER all-male performance while AJ Odudu tops the leaderboard with stellar jive – amid scrutiny around pros who ‘refused the Covid vaccine’
- All 15 couples took the dancefloor for the first live show on Saturday, with John and Johannes making history with the first ever all-male same-sex performance
- AJ Odudu also stunned viewers with a fast-paced jive, soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 34 points
- Rose Ayling-Ellis also impressive with an energetic jive, as she became the show’s first ever deaf contestant
- It comes amid claims there was ‘upset’ behind the scenes after it was reported three of the show’s professional dancers, one of which has been paired with a celebrity, had refused the Covid vaccine
- It’s alleged that BBC bosses did not make it a mandatory requirement for Strictly stars to be vaccinated
- PM Boris Johnson even weighed in on the scandal, stating: ‘Everyone should take their jabs… not in a bullying way but just because I think it’s a great thing to do’
- Three professional dancers on Strictly are reported to have refused the Covid jab, even though one such star has been paired with a celebrity
- The dancers do not have to disclose whether they’ve been vaccinated to BBC bosses, because it is a private medical matter
- Latest Strictly Come Dancing 2021 news on Series 30 judges, dancers and contestants here
Strictly Come Dancing 2021 kicked off its first live show on Saturday, with all 15 couples taking to the floor for the first time amid a flurry of scrutiny around the show’s unvaccinated pros.
The action-packed opener was tinged with emotion as John Whaite and Johannes Radebe made history with the show’s first ever all-male performance, fighting back tears as they earned a thunderous reception for the routine.
The show’s broadcast came amid claims of ‘upset’ behind the scenes after it was reported three of the show’s professional dancers, one of which has been paired with a celebrity, had refused the Covid vaccine, casting doubt on the show’s stringent safety measures.
Emotional: Strictly Come Dancing 2021: John Whaite and Johannes Radebe fought back tears after they topped the leaderboard with the show’s first EVER all-male performance
John and Johannes stormed the floor with an 80s-inspired Tango to Blue Monday by New Order, with the duo struggling to hide their emotions as they completed the routine.
Anton Du Beke, who made his debut as an official judge on the panel for the first time, said: ‘Last week you said you wanted to make it about the dancing and you made it about the dancing because that was a great dance, it was really strong it was really clean, it was strong it was powerful, just carry on like that please and I’ll be delighted!’
Shirley added: ‘I feel this is a testimony to the same sex couple, it was absolutely exquisite, to go from a leader to being lead, beautiful choreography, it was absolutely stunning well done.’
Stellar: John and Johannes stormed the floor with an 80s-inspired Tango to Blue Monday by New Order, with the duo struggling to hide their emotions as they completed the routine
Riding high! John and Johannes’ strong performance was reflected with a stellar score of 30 points out of 40, sending them straight to the top of the leaderboard
Strictly Come Dancing: Week One Leaderboard
AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington – Jive to Gold Dust by DJ Fresh – 34 points out of 40
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe – Tango to Blue Monday by New Order – 30 points out of 40
Adam Peaty and Katya Jones – Cha Cha to Beggin’ by Måneskin – 30 points out of 40
Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu – Viennese Waltz to End Of The Road by Boys II Men – 27 points out of 40
Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima – American Smooth to Chain Of Fools by Aretha Franklin – 24 points out of 40
Greg Wise and Karen Hauer – American Smooth to That’s Life by Frank Sinatra – 24 points out of 40
Nina Wadia and Neil Jones – Samba to Mi Gente by J Balvin, Willy William ft Beyoncé – 24 points out of 40
Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova – Quickstep to Everybody Needs Somebody To Love by the Blues Brothers – 17 points out of 40
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice – Jive to Shake It Off by Taylor Swift – 22 points out of 40
Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez – Tango to Black Hole by Griff – 22 points out of 40
Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden – Cha Cha to September by Earth, Wind & Fire – 21 points out of 40
Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin – Waltz to Consequences by Camila Cabello – 21 out of 40
Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell – Cha Cha to Rasputin by Boney M – 20 points out of 40
Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse – Samba to Iko Iko (My Bestie) by Justin Wellington ft Small Jam – 18 out of 40
Sara Davies and Alijaz Skorjanec – Cha Cha to The Boss by Diana Ross – 17 points out of 40
John and Johannes’ strong performance was reflected with a stellar score of 30 points out of 40, sending them straight into second place on the leaderboard.
Meanwhile AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington made history by earning the first ever nine from head judge Shirley for a debut dance, after wowing with their jaw-dropping jive to Gold Dust by DJ Fresh, soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 34 points out of 40.
A stunned Anton said: ‘About as good as we’ve ever seen! We’ve just dropped into week 9 or something, not much ot say except that was absolutley remarkable, completely brilliant.’
Jaw-dropping: Meanwhile AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington made history by earning the first ever nine from head judge Shirley for a debut dance, after wowing with their jaw-dropping jive to Gold Dust by DJ Fresh
Stunned: Both AJ and viewers alike were stunned to see the presenter earn 34 points, a huge feat for a celebrity in their first routine
Shirley added: ‘Absolutely no fear you took no prisoners I have never seen in any country a juve like that in week one, absolutely outstanding.’
As all 15 couples took to the floor for the first time, among the highlights were Rose Ayling- Ellis, who made history as the show’s first ever deaf contestant, when she took to the floor with a Jive to Taylor Swift’s Take It Off.
Despite admitting she disliked the energetic dance, which she learned with the help of an interpretor, Rose was praised for being ‘full of personality’ and having ‘very good’ feet, and they earned 22 points out of 40.
Anton said: ‘I find feet very difficult, I thought this was the most fun I’ve had watching a dance for a long time, you dance solo beautifully, you take that enthusiasam with that partner a full performance well done.’
Happy: Among the highlights were Rose Ayling- Ellis, who made history as the show’s first ever deaf contestant, when she took to the floor with a Jive to Taylor Swift’s Take It Off
‘Full of personality’: Despite admitting she disliked the energetic dance, which she learned with the help of an interpretor, Rose was praised for being ‘full of personality’ and having ‘very good’ feet
Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez delivered a fiery Tango to Black Hole by Griff, with the judges complimenting the actress for adding drama to the routine, earning 22 points out of 40.
Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell also brought entertainment to the show with their fun-filled Cha Cha to Rasputin by Boney M, with Shirley joking it was a ‘trip down memory lane’ with their 70s-inspired dance set at the Moscow Latina Dance Championship.
Noting it was akin to some of his most iconic moments, Anton said: ‘This whole thing feels very familiar to me, this sort of thing is right up my street so I really enjoyed it, Shirley is right there’s a few things that need a lot of work, but generally I rather enjoyed it.’
Shirley added: ‘You definitely have the gift of entertaining, the costuming did remind me of 1976, thank you for a trip down memory lane, entertaining but definitely needs a lot of work, the foot action needs a lot of work for me.’
Sizzling: Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez delivered a fiery Tango to Black Hole by Griff, with the judges complimenting the actress for adding drama to the routine, earning 22 points out of 40
‘Crowd-pleaser!’ Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell also brought entertainment to the show with their fun-filled Cha Cha to Rasputin by Boney M, with Shirley joking it was a ‘trip down memory lane’ with their 70s-inspired dance
Amusing: Noting it was akin to some of his most iconic moments, Anton said: ‘This whole thing feels very familiar to me, this sort of thing is right up my street so I really enjoyed it,’ and they earned 20 points out of 40
Showman: Greg Wise and Karen Hauer oozed Old Hollywood with an American Smooth to That’s Life by Frank Sinatra, scoring 24 points out of 40, though Shirley noted they need to work on ‘the fundamentals’
Proud: The actor’s wife Emma Thompson and their daughter Gaia proudly cheered him on from the audience
With his wife Emma Thompson cheering him on in the audience, Greg Wise and Karen Hauer oozed Old Hollywood with an American Smooth to That’s Life by Frank Sinatra.
Anton praised: ‘This was a dance that made me miss going on the floor, I’d give you 45 points on my own if you could,’ while Shirley noted that he needed to work on ‘the fundamentals.’
Craig also complemented: ‘The Viennese waltz section left a lot to be desired but out of hold thoroughly thoroughly engaging,’ and the duo earned 24 points out of 40.
Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden were the first to take the dancefloor with an energetic Cha Cha to September by Earth, Wind & Fire, after squeezing rehearsals and training around the singer’s nationwide tour with McFly.
Setting the bar high, he was praised by the panel, who said he was ‘going to go far’ if he could improve his leg and foot action, and earned a score of 21 out of 40.
Making his debut as an official judge on the panel for the first time, Anton said: ‘All I can say is if touring isn’t enough, why don’t you come along and do strictly in the evenings, I thought it was a fabulous performance.
‘They say dancing starts from the ground up and your leg action was good, strengthn up your foot and leg action and I think that will see you all the way through.’
So many moves! Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden were the first to take the dancefloor with an energetic Cha Cha to September by Earth, Wind & Fire, after squeezing rehearsals and training around the singer’s nationwide tour with McFly
Up next was Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin, making his debut on the show, and they performed an elegant waltz to Consequences by Camila Cabello that left her proud mum Tana in tears.
While the budding chef got off to a ‘good start’ with her dance, the judges noted she needed to work on her frame, earning a score of 21 out of 40.
Shirley noted: ‘I also enjoyed the beginning, I enjoyed the very small details, it was poised it was extremely mature, as with the footwork I don’t know if you’re looking at the same thing as I’m looking at and I thought you did a majority of the heel correctly. A job well done!’
Gorgeous: Up next was Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin, making his debut on the show, and they performed an elegant waltz to Consequences by Camila Cabello that left her proud mum Tana in tears
Progress: While the budding chef got off to a ‘good start’ with her dance, the judges noted she needed to work on her frame, earning a score of 21 out of 40
Sensational: Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse were tasked with one of the show’s trickier dances, delivering a Samba to Iko Iko (My Bestie) by Justin Wellington ft Small Jam, which earned them a respectable score of 18 points
Touching: The former rugby star also revealed he’d taken to the floor just hours after attending his father’s funeral after he passed away following a battle with prostate cancer
Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse were tasked with one of the show’s trickier dances, delivering a Samba to Iko Iko (My Bestie) by Justin Wellington ft Small Jam, which earned them a respectable score of 18 points.
Motsi said: ‘Ugo I was watching your face and I was confused because you went from looking afraidd of missing the steps to being so enthusiastic about getting it right but all these african samba parts they were really really well done.’
The former rugby star also revealed he’d taken to the floor just hours after attending his father’s funeral after he passed away following a battle with prostate cancer, telling host Claudia Winkleman he wanted it to be a ‘day of celebration’ with his fast-paced performance.
Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu brought a touch of elegance by dancing a Viennese Waltz to End Of The Road by Boys II Men, and the pair couldn’t contain their excitement after they completed the dance unhinged.
Craig praised: ‘It was a bit frantic for me but I have to say your frame was completelylovely throughout,’ while Shirley branded him a ‘talent to watch,’ earning them 27 points out of 40.
On the up: Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu brought a touch of elegance by dancing a Viennese Waltz to End Of The Road by Boys II Men, and the pair couldn’t contain their excitement after they completed the dance unhinged
Up next were Sara Davies and Alijaz Skorjanec with a fun-filled Cha Cha to the aptly-named The Boss by Diana Ross.
The pair earned a mixed reaction, with Anton noting: ‘What I did love is that you came out with a huge personality, when you started from that seat you started alone and were absolutely on time, you’ve got a good ear for timing.’
Craig added: ‘You need to double your energy, the time step was out of time as well. I would just suggest throw caution to the wing darling and let it go next time,’ with the pair earning 17 points out of 40.
Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova took to the floor with a Quickstep to one of the Breakfast host’s favourite songs, Everybody Needs Somebody To Love by the Blues Brothers.
Despite the judges’ open admittance they did not have high hopes, Dan was praised for giving the dance his absolute best, and he later revealed he’d dedicated the routine to his former co-host Louise Minchin, after she departed Breakfast last week.
Progress: Up next were Sara Davies and Alijaz Skorjanec with a fun-filled Cha Cha to the aptly-named The Boss by Diana Ross, which earned them a solid score of 17 points out of 40
Fast-paced: Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova took to the floor with a Quickstep to one of the Breakfast host’s favourite songs, Everybody Needs Somebody To Love by the Blues Brothers
Sweet: Despite the judges’ open admittance they did not have high hopes, Dan was praised for giving the dance his absolute best, and he later revealed he’d dedicated the routine to his former co-host Louise Minchin
Stellar: Nina Wadia and Neil Jones also impressive with challenging Samba to Mi Gente by J Balvin, Willy William ft Beyoncé, scoring 24 points out of 40
Anton said: ‘I have to be honest I was a bit nervous about this I thought you were going to be awful but you were terrific.
‘I love your energy you covered the floor brilliantly, I just want you to work on your arms, your arm line has got to be carried a bit more forward, just hold her a bit further away, but otherwise tremendous.’
Dan was then treated to a video message from his former co-host Louise, who said: ‘Hi Dan I canot believe you dedicated your first dance on Strictly to me, I really miss you on the breakfast show, but I’m so excited to watch you every saturday night, thank you good luck and have fun.’
Nina Wadia and Neil Jones also impressive with challenging Samba to Mi Gente by J Balvin, Willy William ft Beyoncé, scoring 24 points out of 40.
Motsi said: ‘I really enjoyed that I thought that was a difficult routine but that was really really full of energy, you need to be careful of the transitions the trnasitions were a little bit harsh but you have the groove in your body, I loved it!’
Naughty! Crowned a ‘diva’ following her first dance, Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima delivered an impressive American Smooth to Chain Of Fools by Aretha Franklin, which earned a score of 24 points out of 40
Good start! Craig praised: ‘You’re certainly a woman who knows what she wants and I had to say if I was dancing in drag I’d have done what you did, frame needs a bit of work but I thought you did really really well’
Crowned a ‘diva’ following her first dance, Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima delivered an impressive American Smooth to Chain Of Fools by Aretha Franklin, which earned a score of 24 points out of 40.
Craig praised: ‘You’re certainly a woman who knows what she wants and I had to say if I was dancing in drag I’d have done what you did, frame needs a bit of work but I thought you did really really well.’
This comes after a representative for the show denied reports that Strictly’s unvaccinated pros are so opposed to receiving the Covid jab, they are willing to quit the show.
Sources claimed that despite others pleading for them to reconsider, the dancers, who have not been named, are steadfast in their decision not to have the jab.
A source told The Sun that BBC bosses did not make it a mandatory requirement for this year’s Strictly stars to be vaccinated, despite similar policies being in place on other channels.
It’s thought that while none of the dancers are being forced to get the jab, their decision has sparked ‘upset’ behind the scenes.
The insider said: ‘The three dancers have made their positions crystal clear — they’d rather quit than have the jab. There is mounting pressure upon them to be vaccinated but they are refusing to budge.
‘Obviously no one could have foreseen the upset it has caused.
‘No one can make the dancers have the jab but some people have asked them to reconsider for the sake of the show. At Strictly they treat each other as a big family. They are normally a unified team and when a few of the team aren’t singing off the same hymn sheet it causes issues.’
Hitting back: This comes after a representative for the show denied reports that Strictly’s unvaccinated pros are so opposed to receiving the Covid jab, they are willing to quit the show (the male dancers are pictured)
It’s thought that the revelation three of the dancers are unvaccinated has sparked concern among the show’s crew, especially those who are required to work in close contact with the couples.
A Strictly spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘This is simply untrue’.
Following reports that one celebrity was furious to learn their professional partner hadn’t been jabbed, former Strictly stars have led calls for the unvaccinated dancers to be dropped from the show.
Even PM Boris has waded in as he said on Wednesday: ‘Everyone should take their jabs and I’m saying that not in a bullying way but just because I think it’s a great thing to do.’
James Jordan, who was a professional on Strictly from 2006 to 2013, slammed the ‘selfish’ dancers who are putting the ‘entire show at risk’ and called on BBC bosses to publicly name them.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: ‘If someone on this show gets this virus and their immune system is really low and they die, it could have been prevented.
Rules: A source said that BBC bosses did not make it a mandatory requirement for this year’s Strictly stars to be vaccinated (the celebrity lineup is pictured)
‘The BBC is publicly funded by taxpayers. There’s over 44million people that are double vaccinated in this country so the BBC has a moral obligation to the country to say to these dancers, ”I’m really sorry, unless you’re going to be double vaccinated you can’t have your position on Strictly”.
‘I don’t believe they should be dancing and putting the whole cast of Strictly in jeopardy.’
James added that BBC bosses should have asked this year’s dancers whether they’d been vaccinated against Covid, and if not they should not be allowed to take part on the show.
It comes following reports that BBC bosses were battling to save Strictly and a furious star told pals: ‘We should have been protected,’ after learning their professional partner hasn’t received the jab.
Comments: Even PM Boris has waded in as he said on Wednesday: ‘Everyone should take their jabs and I’m saying that not in a bullying way but just because I think it’s a great thing to do’
Drama: It comes amid reports that bosses are battling to save the 2021 series after celebrities were furious to learn that three pros had refused the coronavirus vaccine
A source told The Sun the celebrity was previously unaware their professional partner hadn’t been jabbed, and has been stunned by BBC bosses’ failure to secure their safety despite stringent Covid measures.
They said: ‘They just couldn’t believe that their partner would not have had a jab.
‘They thought they’d be protected so to discover their partner hasn’t even had a single jab is very worrying.
‘The couple have already spent tens of hours practising together. Clearly, there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions to be asked.’
Drama: Sources claim one star has told pals: ‘We should have been protected,’ after learning their professional partner hasn’t received the jab
Scary: It comes following reports that it had become well-known among the cast that a third professional dancer had refuse the Covid vaccine (Giovanni Pernice and Oti Mabuse pictured)
It was reported that the revelation a third professional dancer had refused the Covid, had become well-knowI among the Strictly cast, sparking resentment behind the scenes.
The pro, who was not named, does not have to disclose whether they’ve been vaccinated to BBC bosses, because it is a private medical matter.
A source told The Sun: ‘Producers are dreading an outbreak of Covid on the new series, which is a crucial part of the autumn schedule.
‘They are taking every possible precaution to make the set as safe as possible, particularly as the studio audience is returning.’
Scare: The pro does not have to disclose whether they’ve been vaccinated to BBC bosses, because it is a private medical matter (Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez pictured)
A Strictly spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We do not comment on speculation of somebody’s COVID vaccination status.
‘Strictly Come Dancing production has, and will, continue to follow strict government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show.’
This year’s Strictly has once again seen stars and their professional dancers required to adhere to strict Covid safety measures, including being tested multiple times a week, and forming bubbles to perform and train safely.
Saturday’s launch show, which was recorded earlier this month, saw this year’s celebrity contestants discover their professional partners, with the 15 couples set to perform in the first live show this weekend.
Worries: On Saturday it was reported that two of the show’s professional dancers had refused to get Covid jabs (Giovanni is pictured getting a Covid test)
On Saturday it was reported that two of the show’s professional dancers had refused to get Covid jabs, ahead of the launch show being broadcast.
The identity of the dancers was not revealed and BBC bosses were said to be fearful that there could be a larger outbreak among those participating in the show.
A source told The Sun that if a ‘proper outbreak’ led to ‘half the cast’ contracting Covid-19, it would be ‘curtains’ for the show.
They added: ‘Strictly already has to jump through hoops just to be able to broadcast. The dancers who won’t get vaccinated have been a topic of conversation among cast and crew for weeks — even before the positive test.
‘There were vocal protests from celebrities that they didn’t want to be paired with them. It’s a headache for bosses but employers cannot force workers to get jabbed.’
Reacting, ex-Strictly contestant Dr Ranj Singh said: ‘I think, you know vaccination is not mandatory, it’s an offer, and I think we should all be playing our part and doing whatever we can to try and keep everybody safe. Not just ourselves but those around us.
‘There may be legitimate reasons for those people to not be able to have the jab and we’ve got to understand that, but I think we’ve all got a part to play to be as safe as possible.
‘And that’s not just about vaccination, that’s about being careful around hand hygiene, trying to distance, wear a mask in enclosed spaces, and all those other things that we should be doing well.’
Worries: The identity of the dancers was not revealed and BBC bosses were said to be fearful that there could be a larger outbreak among those participating in the show
It came just three days after it emerged that one professional dancer has tested positive for Covid-19. The unidentified dancer was forced to isolate for ten days, but their celebrity partner tested negative.
Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse told Good Morning Britain in response to the news of the positive test that ‘it is still a pandemic, we cannot ignore the fact as much as we want our lives back.’
She added: ‘We will all be there and we will all be healthy and all keep on dancing – that’s what I can say.’
Speaking of the two dancers’ refusal to get vaccinated, the source added to The Sun: ‘There were vocal protests from celebrities that they didn’t want to be paired with them.’
Show bosses are reportedly still enforcing Covid-19 bubbles for its professional dancers, despite lockdown restrictions easing.
Wanting to minimise all potential risks, Strictly bosses have requested the show’s dancers all stay at a London hotel in ‘bubbles’, according to The Sun.
Such bubbles were put into practice for last year’s Strictly series amid lockdown, while the show’s professionals have been busy pre-recording group dances ahead of this year’s launch.
As well as forming bubbles ahead of the series, the professional dancers filmed most of their group routines in advance and only a limited number of guests will be allowed in the studio audience.
Last year, Strictly bosses brought bubbles and close contact cohorts into play in order to ensure the safety of the contestants, dancers and crew during filming.
Each dancing couple formed an exclusive support bubble – meaning one half of the bubble was a single adult household living alone and the other could remain with their household, allowing them to have close contact with one another.
Close contact cohorts were also introduced and work similarly to support bubbles, but included regular and routine testing for coronavirus. Each couple was put into a close contact cohort and could not form a cohort with anyone else during the competition.
Despite the measures in place, Covid still wreaked havoc with the series, as same-sex couple Katya Jones and Nicola Adams were forced to leave the competition, after Katya tested positive for the virus.
Concerns: It came just three days after it emerged that one professional dancer has tested positive for Covid-19 (Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are pictured)
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021: WHO ARE THE COUPLES?
TOM FLETCHER & AMY DOWDEN
Celebrity’s Age: 36
Profession: McFly musician
Tom says: ‘I’m so pleased the news is out it’s been so hard keeping it secret. Equal parts excited and terrified.’
Fun fact: Tom’s McFly bandmate Harry Judd won Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. Tom’s wife Giovanna Fletcher is the reigning champion of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Celebrity’s Age: 48
Profession: Actor and comedian
Robert says: ‘It’s very exciting but with a slight undertone of quivering terror.’
Fun Fact: Robert squeezed into a shiny leotard to take the title of Let’s Dance For Comic Relief in 2009, performing What A Feeling from ’80s film Flashdance, beating the likes of Keith Lemon and Paddy McGuinness to the title.
RHYS STEPHENSON & NANCY XU
Celebrity’s Age: 27
Profession: CBBC presenter
Rhys says: ‘I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation’
Fun fact: Rhys has been an actor since the age of ten, performing alongside Matt Smith and Hugh Bonneville.
KATIE MCGLYNN & GORKA MARQUEZ
Celebrity’s Age: 28
Profession: Actress
Katie says: ‘I’m really not a dancer, but I’m so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way.’
Fun fact: Katie, who played Sinead Tinker in Corrie, won a NTA for Best Serial Drama Performance in 2020.
TILLY RAMSAY & NIKITA KUZMIN
Celebrity’s Age: 19
Profession: CBBC presenter
Tilly says: ’I’m going to put my heart and soul into this and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on!’
Fun fact: Tilly’s father is celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and the pair often star in dancing TikTok videos.
NINA WADIA & NEIL JONES
Celebrity’s Age: 52
Profession: Actress
Nina says: ‘I think I should do this before I’m too old and can’t walk anymore. I just want to grab life by the horns and just enjoy it.’
Fun fact: Nina is a JDRF Ambassador and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.
ADAM PEATY & KATYA JONES
Celebrity’s Age: 26
Profession: Athlete
Adam says: ‘I’m really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool.’
Fun fact: Adam becoming the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title at Tokyo 2020.
UGO MONYE & OTI MABUSE
Celebrity’s Age: 38
Profession: Rugby player and sports pundit
Ugo says: ‘What a dream come true! Strictly is the biggest entertainment show on TV and I can’t wait to show everyone I’ve got more than just dad dancing moves.
Fun fact: Beginning his rugby career at Harlequins in 2002, Ugo went on to make 241 appearances for the club where he scored 89 tries, won a Premiership and made his England debut in 2008.
AJ ODUDU & KAI WIDDRINGTON
Celebrity’s Age: 33
Profession: TV presenter
AJ says: ‘I think it’s going to be really challenging. I can’t wait for the sequins, the wigs, the glitz and the glamour.’
Fun Fact: Apocalypse Wow hosts AJ has featured on a whopping 14 TV shows this year, competing in the likes oF Cooking With The Stars and Celebrity Karaoke Club. She has appeared as a panelist on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two in the past, too.
JOHN WHAITE & JOHANNES RADEBE
Celebrity’s Age: 33
Profession: Great British Bake Off Winner and TV chef
John says: ‘I’m so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family… I’ve been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can’t wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth’
Fun Fact: The duo are the first ever all-male partnering – the first in 17 years of the show.
SARA DAVIES & ALJAZ SKORJANEC
Celebrity’s Age: 37
Profession: Businesswoman
Sara says: ‘I’m really nervous because so far the producers keep asking me if I can dance… Truth be told – I haven’t got a clue! I’ve not danced since I did ballet lessons when I was little.’
Fun fact: Sara was the youngest ever dragon on BBC show Dragons’ Den.
DAN WALKER & NADIYA BYCHKOVA
Celebrity’s Age: 44
Profession: Journalist
Dan says: ‘I’m enjoying the experience when it starts of learning to dance. I’ll be honest I’m not making room on any shelves in my house for the glitterball.’
Fun fact: Dan recently quit Football Focus after 12 years at the helm and has been covering Tokyo Olympics.
GREG WISE & KAREN HAUER
Celebrity’s Age: 55
Profession: Actor
Greg says: ‘It’s about being out there and exposing yourself as someone who can’t dance, and learning.’
Fun fact: Greg is married to the actress Emma Thompson who he met while filming Sense and Sensibility.
ROSE AYLING-ELLIS & GIOVANNI PERNICE
Celebrity’s Age: 30
Profession: Actress
Rose says: ‘I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers. I am also very excited to learn an incredible new skill.’
Fun fact: Rose will make history as Strictly’s first deaf contestant.
JUDI LOVE & GRAZIANO DI PRIMA
Celebrity’s Age: 41
Profession: Comedienne
Judi says: ‘I’m truly looking forward to pushing myself in something that I could have only dreamed of doing and now it’s actually coming true!’
Fun fact: Judi began comedy when she performed a set in front of her class for a degree module.
Source: Read Full Article
