Strictly Come Dancing Snippets

Shocking news in, that Ola Jordan was attacked in a bowling alley in South London. Ola was there with James, celebrating a friend's birthday, when a woman leapt across the lanes and punched her in a totally unprovoked attack. Crazy. All the best for a speedy recovery, Ola.

Brian Fortuna is a busy boy - he's starring in Over the Rainbow in Bromley, with Maureen Nolan (no relation!) and also playing the part of Aladdin in Northampton this year.

Claudia has had a little boy, called Arthur. Or possibly, Pumpkin or Rabbit! This is why we will miss her ...

Kara has confessed that she only did Strictly because she was desperate! The world of interior design's loss is the West End's gain, as she's received brilliant reviews for her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion.

And the latest rumours are ... Ricky Hatton and Russell Grant! Yes, we'd all rather Russell Crowe, but what can you do ... Russell G does love to dance though and has been hankering after an invite for some time!

Zoe Ball replaces Claudia on ITT

The BBC have unveiled radio host and former Strictly Come dancing contestant, Zoe Ball, as Claudia Winkleman's replacement for Strictly It Takes Two.


Zoe was third in Series 3, just losing out to athlete Colin Jackson and runaway winner cricketer Darren Gough - seriously, he was way the most popular, it was so obvious - although both Zoe and Colin were technically more gifted, Darren was the original 'journey' - and much lighter on his feet than you'd think. His and Lilia's Paso is still one of my all time favourites, as is Colin and Erin's quickstep ... and Zoe and Ian's Tango (whose showdance was my favourite of the three) but I digress ... Zoe's perfect to take over from Clauds, she's as mad about the show as the rest of us and been there, done that. Much as I like Denise Van Outen and former winner Natasha Kaplinsky, who were in the running, they're not quite as mad as Zoe and ITT needs that element.


Claudia meanwhile, pregnant with her third child I believe, felt that the six nights a week on Strictly would be a bit too much with a new baby and is focusing on Film2011 and a new show for Channel 4, King of - read all about it here. We're going to miss her ...

Strictly It Takes Two: Quip Central!

Tonight - we've recovered the sofas, Paulla and Widdyton will try them out. Behind the scenes and Scott's hairstylist would look right at home in Albert Square; Jared-teasing and Erin sabotaging Gavya!

Paul (A wand-ering star) says he pictured the judges as spitting image puppets and could barely contain himself; Ola (Strictly Dancing Queen) sticks up for her man, he didn't get anything wrong. They're adorable in training. Foxtot next week; it's going well, says Ola. "Who are you doing it with?" asks Paul!

Judges comments, condensed. Craig in the house (Handy-man: it's an armography thing) Overall, celebs are fantastic, loves the new pros, pairings are great. Matt and Pamela impress with the arms, desperate to see Widdyton's salsa!

Chris Hollins' take too (see what I did there?) Peter -good hands, agile, true gent; Gavin - great turn of speed, loves going forward, let's hope he loves going backwards and side to side too; Pamela - good with her head *ouch*; Felicity - oozes class; Matt - enthusiastic, can get down and dirty; Ann, tactical genius; Tina - small and nippy; Kara - loves the pressure of competition; Goldie - exuberant, disciplinary problem; Pasty - from absolute beginner to lethal weapon; Paul - veteran showing touches of magic. Don't mess with the boss! Michelle, big signing from the US; Jimi the bubbly boy and Scott - a players' player.

Widdyton! Ann (Right Foot Forward) has a fantastic attitude - and replies "no-one's ever seen Dumbo dance before" to Clauds assertion that the world was waiting. Anton (Beke in business) says they changed the beginning of the routine, taking out the splits and cartwheels! Re the standing ovation, Ann says: They hoped we'd finished, they'd had enough! Re next week, there'll be things in the salsa that don't belong there - like the waltz, lol!

Snippets: Strictly Come Dancing On Ice!

Ex - Destiny's Child singer Michele Williams is rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing; Peter Andre and Kerry Katona are rumoured for Dancing on Ice.

Poor Claudia needs some zzzzzzzzzzs.

Snippets: So You Think You Can Dance, Strictly Come Dancing, Popstar to Operastar

Claudia speaks out about her extremely bad eyesight - the report says that she is NOT doing the Sunday show now, I've not seen that confirmed anywhere else.

Trav's Thoughts on the So You Think You Can Dance finale are in - results yet to follow! Interview with Cat Deeley on the final dancers. And an interview with Stephen 'tWitch' Boss.

Lilia cried for forty minutes after being told she wouldn't be partnering a celebrity in Strictly Come Dancing this year - she say her and Darren have won more Strictly trophies (seven) than any other couple, which makes me think, well, maybe that's why they were asked to take on the Pro Troupe role?

The second series of Popstar to Operastar is apparently moving to Sundays! I hope it lives up to the first, very enjoyable series - and I hope the fantastic Rolando is back!