Oh dear: there's trouble in Strictly Come Dancing paradise. Judge Craig Revel Horwood has been stirring the pot by suggesting that pro Kristina Rihanoff was "gutted" to be paired with Daniel O'Donnell, while another report suggested that Oti Mabuse thought her celeb Anthony Ogogo was an "arsehole" before they started working together (Anthony's insisted that's not true).
But both of those duos could have had it a lot worse, as these six disastrous partnerships from the past prove:
1. Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett (series seven, 2009)
How far did they get? Finished in 13th place
What's the problem? We didn't know it at the time, but Lynda's widower Michael Pattemore revealed in his book My Lynda that she didn't get on with her partner Darren - because he was a "miserable git" who wanted to dance solidly with No Fun Allowed. "Even when they went for a cup of coffee afterwards, she...
But both of those duos could have had it a lot worse, as these six disastrous partnerships from the past prove:
1. Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett (series seven, 2009)
How far did they get? Finished in 13th place
What's the problem? We didn't know it at the time, but Lynda's widower Michael Pattemore revealed in his book My Lynda that she didn't get on with her partner Darren - because he was a "miserable git" who wanted to dance solidly with No Fun Allowed. "Even when they went for a cup of coffee afterwards, she...
- 10/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Lynda Bellingham thought her Strictly Come Dancing partner Darren Bennett was "such a miserable git", according to her husband Michael Pattemore.
The late TV star, who died of cancer aged 66 last year, is said to have hated her 2009 stint on the BBC One ballroom competition due to the unflattering costumes and her professional dance partner.
In an extract from Pattemore's new book My Lynda, he writes: "There were two things about Strictly she didn't like. One was her body image. She always thought she looked fat. I kept saying she didn't.
"She picked this ruched gold dress and she said it made her look 20 times bigger than what she was."
He went on to claim that the actress and broadcaster had "no fun" with Bennett - who starred on Strictly for five years from 2004.
"And the other thing, she said her partner Darren Bennett was such a miserable git," he wrote.
The late TV star, who died of cancer aged 66 last year, is said to have hated her 2009 stint on the BBC One ballroom competition due to the unflattering costumes and her professional dance partner.
In an extract from Pattemore's new book My Lynda, he writes: "There were two things about Strictly she didn't like. One was her body image. She always thought she looked fat. I kept saying she didn't.
"She picked this ruched gold dress and she said it made her look 20 times bigger than what she was."
He went on to claim that the actress and broadcaster had "no fun" with Bennett - who starred on Strictly for five years from 2004.
"And the other thing, she said her partner Darren Bennett was such a miserable git," he wrote.
- 9/24/2015
- Digital Spy
After all the excitement about the Strictly Come Dancing launch last weekend, we've now got to wait a couple of weeks to discover who can dance and who can... waddle around a floor, badly (We're looking at you, Gregg Wallace).
In the meantime, we've had the ultimate Strictly pub debate - yes, we talk about Strictly in the pub - who is the greatest champion of all time. Here is the Definitive* ranking of the 11 Glitterball Champions from Worst to the Best.
*Actually just our opinion.
11. Chris Hollins
You can't win Strictly Come Dancing and be a bad dancer. However, Chris Hollins would have struggled to reach the final in any other series and it was only really his partnership with Ola 'Chops' Jordan and the dull competition that allowed him to stroll (or should that be Charleston?) to victory.
10. Tom Chambers
Were Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup the best dancers in 2008? Probably not.
In the meantime, we've had the ultimate Strictly pub debate - yes, we talk about Strictly in the pub - who is the greatest champion of all time. Here is the Definitive* ranking of the 11 Glitterball Champions from Worst to the Best.
*Actually just our opinion.
11. Chris Hollins
You can't win Strictly Come Dancing and be a bad dancer. However, Chris Hollins would have struggled to reach the final in any other series and it was only really his partnership with Ola 'Chops' Jordan and the dull competition that allowed him to stroll (or should that be Charleston?) to victory.
10. Tom Chambers
Were Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup the best dancers in 2008? Probably not.
- 9/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing has revealed its professional dancer lineup for the 2011 series. High School Musical star Jared Murillo, who danced with Tina O'Brien last year, has been axed from the show and replaced by Siberian Latin dancer Pasha Kovalev. Last year's Strictly Dance Troupe, which included former Strictly favourites Darren Bennett and Ian Waite, has also been dropped. 31-year-old Kovalev finished in the Top 6 on the third Us series of So You Think You Can Dance and has appeared in the Broadway production of Burn The Floor. He performs all styles of ballroom including international standard, American smooth and rhythm but his specialty is international Latin. Male pros Artem Chigvintsev, (more)...
- 6/15/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Four new dancers have joined to complete the new Strictly Come Dancing professional dance troupe, which will perform spectacular dance routines throughout series eight.
They are: Tanya Perera, who was a featured dancer in the West End production of Dirty Dancing; Shem Jacobs and Aneta Piotrowska, who have both performed in the Polish Dancing With The Stars; and Crystal Main, who has performed on Strictly Come Dancing in South Africa.
Crystal, Tanya, Aneta and Shem will join Darren Bennett and Ian Waite to make up the six-person group and together they will make their group debut performance in this year’s Strictly launch show, due to transmit on BBC One on 11 September.
Darren Bennett will dance with Crystal Main, Ian Waite will dance with Aneta Piotrowska and Shem Jacobs will dance with Tanya Perera.
As well as the troupe debut, the launch show will feature a red carpet event at BBC Television Centre,...
They are: Tanya Perera, who was a featured dancer in the West End production of Dirty Dancing; Shem Jacobs and Aneta Piotrowska, who have both performed in the Polish Dancing With The Stars; and Crystal Main, who has performed on Strictly Come Dancing in South Africa.
Crystal, Tanya, Aneta and Shem will join Darren Bennett and Ian Waite to make up the six-person group and together they will make their group debut performance in this year’s Strictly launch show, due to transmit on BBC One on 11 September.
Darren Bennett will dance with Crystal Main, Ian Waite will dance with Aneta Piotrowska and Shem Jacobs will dance with Tanya Perera.
As well as the troupe debut, the launch show will feature a red carpet event at BBC Television Centre,...
- 8/26/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Four new professional dancers have joined 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The upcoming series - which launches next month - will see West End star Tanya Perera, Shem Jacobs and Aneta Piotrowska, both from Poland's 'Dancing With The Stars' and Crystal Main from 'Strictly Come Dancing' in South Africa join the new-look BBC One show. The foursome will team up with the show's previous dancers Darren Bennett and Ian Waite to make up the six-member dance troupe which will perform extravagant routines for the audience throughout the series. Unlike previous episodes, their jobs will be solely to perform as a group and will be different to ..
- 8/26/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Lilia Kopylova has admitted that she was "inconsolable" after having her role reduced on Strictly Come Dancing. The 32-year-old Russian, who won the show in 2005 with Darren Gough, was one of the professional dancers offered a part in a new dance troupe rather than a celebrity partner. Kopylova turned down the dance troupe offer, announcing that she was leaving the BBC One reality series last month. Her husband Darren Bennett will remain on the programme. Speaking about her departure, she told The Mirror: "I was inconsolable. When I rang the BBC and told them I didn't want to take the new role on Strictly, I felt incredibly emotional. (more)...
- 8/11/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ian Waite and Darren Bennett will return to Strictly Come Dancing as part of this series’ new professional dance group, and will be joined by four new recruits – one male and three female – who will be confirmed as the series draws nearer.
Matthew Cutler won’t return as a permanent member of the dance group. Instead, he’s concentrating on a burgeoning choreographic and teaching career, plus managing his own dance school, which he opened last year. He will, however, return to choreograph some of the group numbers – and a few guest appearances aren’t ruled out.
Matt said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing new areas of my career. I’m excited about having more time to commit to new projects and, of course, still having a hand in Strictly without all the training!”
Lilia Kopylova will...
Matthew Cutler won’t return as a permanent member of the dance group. Instead, he’s concentrating on a burgeoning choreographic and teaching career, plus managing his own dance school, which he opened last year. He will, however, return to choreograph some of the group numbers – and a few guest appearances aren’t ruled out.
Matt said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing new areas of my career. I’m excited about having more time to commit to new projects and, of course, still having a hand in Strictly without all the training!”
Lilia Kopylova will...
- 7/23/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Matthew Cutler and Lilya Kopylova have quit BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, after a huge shake up of the reality TV show.
The pair had been dropped from the main line up and were told they would not be partnering celebrities this year. Instead they were offered a place on a dance troupe, who would undertake weekly performances and be paid only by the dance. They followed in the footsteps of Brian Fortuna who quit last month and turned the offer down.
Speaking about his departure, Cutler said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing new areas of my career. I’m excited about having more time to commit to new projects, and of course, still having a hand in Strictly without all the training!”
Kopylova added: “I will miss it, but I am looking forward to new opportunities ahead.
The pair had been dropped from the main line up and were told they would not be partnering celebrities this year. Instead they were offered a place on a dance troupe, who would undertake weekly performances and be paid only by the dance. They followed in the footsteps of Brian Fortuna who quit last month and turned the offer down.
Speaking about his departure, Cutler said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing new areas of my career. I’m excited about having more time to commit to new projects, and of course, still having a hand in Strictly without all the training!”
Kopylova added: “I will miss it, but I am looking forward to new opportunities ahead.
- 7/23/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Matthew Cutler and Lilya Kopylova will not take part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. The duo had been asked to perform in a new dance group on the BBC One show alongside Ian Waite, Darren Bennett and Brian Fortuna. However, both dancers have decided to pursue other opportunities instead. Fortuna pulled out of the reality show last month. The new dance group was introduced following the reduction in the number of celebrities taking part in this year's programme from 16 to 14, and the arrival of three new male dancers - Artem Chigvintsev, Jared Murillo and Robin Windsor. Waite and Bennett have agreed to take part in the new dance troupe and will be joined by four new recruits, three female and one male. Speaking about his exit, Cutler said: "I've absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing (more)...
- 7/23/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
It seems that the bosses of Strictly Come Dancing have decided to reduce the number of contestants to 14 this year, and instead of the usual run of 14 weeks, this year’s competition will run for 12 weeks.
Apparently the moves have been made to “hold viewers’ interest” since viewing figures dropped last year.
The Sun reports that although the changes to those parts of the show’s format are now set, none of the show’s hosts or professional dancers have yet received contracts for the upcoming series.
The paper adds, “Last year Brucie pocketed £500,000, the judges got £90,000 and the pro dancers around £30,000 each.”
It goes on to state that Ian Waite, Matthew Cutler, Lilia Kopylova and Darren Bennett have all “been invited to take part” in the show, but have so far refused to sign a contract.
Brian Fortuna was also offered a role in a new dance troupe planned for this year,...
Apparently the moves have been made to “hold viewers’ interest” since viewing figures dropped last year.
The Sun reports that although the changes to those parts of the show’s format are now set, none of the show’s hosts or professional dancers have yet received contracts for the upcoming series.
The paper adds, “Last year Brucie pocketed £500,000, the judges got £90,000 and the pro dancers around £30,000 each.”
It goes on to state that Ian Waite, Matthew Cutler, Lilia Kopylova and Darren Bennett have all “been invited to take part” in the show, but have so far refused to sign a contract.
Brian Fortuna was also offered a role in a new dance troupe planned for this year,...
- 7/7/2010
- by Sarah
- Unreality
Ali Bastian has predicted that Strictly Come Dancing will go "from strength to strength" this year, despite the departure of her boyfriend Brian Fortuna. Fortuna quit the BBC ballroom show earlier this month after discovering that producers planned to put him in a dance troupe rather than pair him up with a celebrity. Darren Bennett, Lilia Kopylova, Ian Waite and Matthew Cutler have also been dropped from Strictly's main lineup of stars but will feature in the new dance group. (more)...
- 6/28/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Fiona Phillips has claimed that BBC bosses should have consulted Strictly Come Dancing fans before going ahead with the show's latest revamp. The former GMTV host, who was a contestant on Strictly's 2005 series, spoke out following the news that Darren Bennett, Lilia Kopylova, Ian Waite and Matthew Cutler will not partner celebrities on the next series. The quartet will instead perform regularly as a dance group when Strictly returns in the autumn. The shake-up makes room for new faces who have been recruited for the lineup of professionals. Writing in her Mirror column, Phillips remarked: "At times, TV bosses are like politicians - they have no idea what real people want. Take Strictly (more)...
- 6/14/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Brendan Cole has claimed that Strictly Come Dancing's latest revamp could be "great" for the show. Last week, it was announced that Darren Bennett, Lilia Kopylova, Ian Waite and Matthew Cutler will have reduced roles on the next series, appearing in a special dance group rather than being partnered with celebrities. Brian Fortuna was also offered a place in the troupe but instead chose to quit the programme. The shake-up comes as Us So You Think You Can Dance star Artem Chigvintsev, High School Musical dancer Jared Murillo and Burn The Floor's (more)...
- 6/14/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Julian Clary has admitted that he is unimpressed by the latest changes to hit the show. Earlier this week, producers announced that Darren Bennett, Lilia Kopylova, Ian Waite and Matthew Cutler will not have celebrity partners on the next series. They will instead have reduced roles in a new dance group which will perform regularly. Speaking on The 5 O'Clock Show about the shake-up, Clary commented: "I can't believe it. They keep getting it slightly wrong, don't they? (more)...
- 6/10/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The lineup changes for the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing have divided opinion on the Digital Spy forums. It was confirmed yesterday that three new male dancers - Artem Chigvintsev, Jared Murillo and Robin Windsor - will be joining the professionals on the ballroom dance contest. Former stars Darren Bennett, Lilia Kopylova, Ian Waite and Matthew Cutler have had their roles reduced on the show. They will now perform in a dance troupe, but will not take part in the main competition. Us dancer Brian Fortuna announced last night that he is quitting the programme after he was initially confirmed as part of the new dance group. Fans of Fortuna, Bennett, Kopylova, Waite and Cutler have protested at the move. "I think Strictly has just signed its own death warrant and lost the battle with X Factor, not to mention the plot," said forum member SilverBird. "Ian (more)...
- 6/9/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
After last year’s introduction of three new female dancers, this year sees three new males taking to the dance floor on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. There will also be a new group of professional dancers, who will not partner celebrities but instead concentrate on group routines for the live shows.
This year Strictly will welcome new dancers:
Artem Chigvintsev, a Latin champion who is a graduate of So You Think You Can Dance? in the Us and has unique experience of very different dancing genres in addition to his ballroom champion-level skill.
Jared Murillo who, at 21, was a Us open swing youth champion. Trained in America, Jared was a principal dancer in the movies High School Musical 1 & 2.
Robin Windsor has completed five world tours of the worldwide ballroom dancing phenomena Burn The Floor, in which he has starred and choreographed routines.
The new professional group will comprise...
This year Strictly will welcome new dancers:
Artem Chigvintsev, a Latin champion who is a graduate of So You Think You Can Dance? in the Us and has unique experience of very different dancing genres in addition to his ballroom champion-level skill.
Jared Murillo who, at 21, was a Us open swing youth champion. Trained in America, Jared was a principal dancer in the movies High School Musical 1 & 2.
Robin Windsor has completed five world tours of the worldwide ballroom dancing phenomena Burn The Floor, in which he has starred and choreographed routines.
The new professional group will comprise...
- 6/8/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Three new males have joined the professional dancers lineup for the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Latin champion and Us So You Think You Can Dance graduate Artem Chigvintsev, 21-year-old High School Musical dancer and Swing Youth winner Jared Murillo, and Burn The Floor star Robin Windsor will all join the Strictly family for the eighth series. There will be 14 celebrities in this year's ballroom competition, but the professionals without a partner will still be part of the show in a new 'dance group'. Featuring Brian Fortuna, Darren Bennett, Lilia Kopylova, Ian Waite and Matthew Cutler, the troupe are to be joined by fellow professionals each week, depending on the style of dance that they perform. Competing alongside the celebrities this (more)...
- 6/8/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing pros Darren Bennett and Lillia Kopylova have claimed that James Corden and Kylie Minogue would be their ideal dancing partners on the show. The duo, who have been part of the BBC One ballroom contest since 2004, also admitted that they were still in the dark as to whether they would be involved in series eight later this year. "No-one knows. We don't know who the celebs will be, who the professionals are, the format or timing of the show. We normally find out in June," they said. When asked for his dream celebrity partner on the show, Bennett said: "Kylie Minogue! And it's not just (more)...
- 5/24/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing pros Darren Bennett and Lillia Kopylova have claimed that James Corden and Kylie Minogue would be their ideal dancing partners on the show. The duo, who have been part of the BBC One ballroom contest since 2004, also admitted that they were still in the dark as to whether they would be involved in series eight later this year. "No-one knows. We don't know who the celebs will be, who the professionals are, the format or timing of the show. We normally find out in June," they said. When asked for his dream celebrity partner on the show, Bennett said: "Kylie Minogue! And it's not just (more)...
- 5/24/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly trying to get rid of professional dancer Anton Du Beke before the 2010 series kicks off.
Planning a huge revamp for the autumn dance show, producers are said to be planning to replace many of the current pros with American dancers, however sources claim that they would prefer Du Beke to quit of his own accord.
“Our preference is that Anton decides he’s had a few good years on Strictly and wants to try something new,” a source told The News Of The World.
“We’d rather not get into another messy situation like we did with Arlene. But if he makes it clear he wants to come back then we’ll have to have some tough conversations.
“All the old guard of professional dancers need to be aware this show is changing for the better.”
Bosses are also said to be planning to oust Darren Bennett,...
Planning a huge revamp for the autumn dance show, producers are said to be planning to replace many of the current pros with American dancers, however sources claim that they would prefer Du Beke to quit of his own accord.
“Our preference is that Anton decides he’s had a few good years on Strictly and wants to try something new,” a source told The News Of The World.
“We’d rather not get into another messy situation like we did with Arlene. But if he makes it clear he wants to come back then we’ll have to have some tough conversations.
“All the old guard of professional dancers need to be aware this show is changing for the better.”
Bosses are also said to be planning to oust Darren Bennett,...
- 4/17/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Strictly Come Dancing duo Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will travel around the UK this summer on a 'Latin Fever' tour. Bennett and Kopylova, who have appeared on the BBC One dance programme since the second series in 2005, will perform a 14-date Latin American-inspired show in June and July. The show has been described as a "breathtaking voyage, which takes them from the streets of Brazil (more)...
- 3/8/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Producers of Strictly Come Dancing have confirmed details of the show's forthcoming 2010 UK arena tour. Former EastEnders actor Ricky Groves and BBC Breakfast's Chris Hollins are due to perform alongside fellow dancers from the current series Ali Bastian, Natalie Cassidy and Zöe Lucker, as well as previously announced stars Kelly Brook, Austin Healey and Mark Ramprakash. The eight celebrities are to appear with professionals Darren Bennett, Matthew Cutler, Brian Fortuna, James Jordan, Ola Jordan, Lilia Kopylova, Natalie Lowe, Kristina Rihanoff, Aliona Vilani and Ian Waite. The original lineup of judges - Len Goodman, Bruno Tolioni, Arlene Philips and Craig Revel-Horwood - will also be on hand, commenting on and scoring the performances. 'Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour!' will appear at the following venues: Friday, January 15 Manchester (more)...
- 11/27/2009
- by By Oli Simpson
- Digital Spy
Len Goodman has insisted that he made the right decision in voting Lynda Bellingham off Strictly Come Dancing. The head judge on the BBC One show was responding to professional dancer Darren Bennett's remarks that he was "gobsmacked" about the dance-off result on Saturday. "[Darren] dances with Lynda and of course he wants to go back and he wants to defend his position," Goodman told It Take Two. "Lynda is a lovely person, she's got a great personality, I loved her attitude on Strictly, whereas Craig is maybe not such a smiley character - so I can understand people's attitude, 'Oh, why didn't Lynda win?' "I'll tell you why. Because the key to the foxtrot is the slow. You have to drive off it and without (more)...
- 10/14/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Professional dancer Darren Bennett has revealed that he was "gobsmacked" when Lynda Bellingham was voted off Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday. Bennett, who performed a foxtrot with the veteran actress, claimed that he was shocked when they lost out in the dance-off to Coronation Street star Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace. "As a professional you watch the dance-offs backstage or where ever you might be, but in all the history of dance-offs I don't think I've ever got one wrong," he told It Takes Two. "I was absolutely gobsmacked. Lynda (more)...
- 10/13/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Lynda Bellingham has become the fourth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing. The television presenter and her professional dance partner Darren Bennett found themselves in the bottom two with Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace. After the dance-off, judges Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli had to decide which couple to eliminate. Horwood and Dixon decided to save Lynda and Darren, (more)...
- 10/10/2009
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
TV presenter Rav Wilding tonight became the third celebrity to be voted off the seventh series of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
This weekend, all 14 of the remaining celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners took to the floor to dance either a quickstep or a paso doble.
After tonight’s performance, the combination of the judges’ scores and viewer votes left Rav Wilding and his professional partner Aliona Vilani in the bottom two and facing the dance off with actress and TV presenter Lynda Bellingham and her professional partner Darren Bennett.
Rav and Aliona then performed their quickstep and Lynda and Darren their paso doble for a second time for the judges’ deciding vote.
Making their decision on who to save the judges said:
Craig Revel Horwood: “The couple for me that danced the best in the dance off, personally was Lynda and Darren”
Alesha Dixon:...
This weekend, all 14 of the remaining celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners took to the floor to dance either a quickstep or a paso doble.
After tonight’s performance, the combination of the judges’ scores and viewer votes left Rav Wilding and his professional partner Aliona Vilani in the bottom two and facing the dance off with actress and TV presenter Lynda Bellingham and her professional partner Darren Bennett.
Rav and Aliona then performed their quickstep and Lynda and Darren their paso doble for a second time for the judges’ deciding vote.
Making their decision on who to save the judges said:
Craig Revel Horwood: “The couple for me that danced the best in the dance off, personally was Lynda and Darren”
Alesha Dixon:...
- 10/5/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Strictly Come Dancing’s Ian Waite and Darren Bennett have reportedly complained about the BBC’s crappy food. The Mirror reports that the dancers have “threatened to quit the show” over the food issue. The report claims that the celebrities and dancers were given “lukewarm chicken strips, dried-up pasta, limp salads and fruit that looked out of date”. “Dancers Ian [...]...
- 9/23/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Strictly Come Dancing's Ian Waite and Darren Bennett are unhappy with the BBC's food standards, claim tabloid reports. According to The Mirror, the professionals have "threatened to quit the show" over the poor meals they are given before the live shows air. The report claims that the celebrities and dancers were given "lukewarm chicken strips, dried-up pasta, limp salads and fruit that looked out of date". "Dancers Ian Waite and Darren Bennett were particularly annoyed about the food and told backstage staff," said a source. "They, along with many of the other dancers and (more)...
- 9/23/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Jill Halfpenny has claimed that her success on Strictly Come Dancing overshadowed her role in EastEnders. The 34-year-old actress competed on the BBC One ballroom competition shortly after her Walford character Kate Mitchell was axed in 2004. She went on to win the contest with her professional partner Darren Bennett. Reflecting on her achievement, Halfpenny told the Daily Record: "When you leave a show like EastEnders, the one thing you never expect is to do something so quickly that almost eclipses that. "Although people totally remember me as from EastEnders and still refer to it, of course, (more)...
- 9/8/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Arlene Phillips has been appointed as the government's Dance Champion by the Department of Health. Health secretary Andy Burnham wants the 66-year-old to encourage people to take up dance classes and improve the nation's health in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics. The former Strictly Come Dancing judge will lead a national campaign promoting dance classes to people who would normally avoid sports or the gym. Newsreader Angela Rippon, Strictly dancer Darren Bennett and TV presenter (more)...
- 8/13/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Jessie Wallace has become the fourth contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing. The former EastEnders actress and her dance partner Darren Bennett were in the bottom two alongside Heather Small and Brian Fortuna following another all-female round of the competition. Wallace and Small, who had both danced the Quickstep in last night's show, were asked to perform again in the dance-off. As usual, their fates then lay in the hands of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli. (more)...
- 10/12/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Brendan Cole clashed with his Strictly Come Dancing co-star Darren Bennett in a rehearsal for the show, according to a report. The show's professional dancers allegedly fell out after Bennett shouted at Camilla Dallerup, Cole's former fiancée, for arriving five minutes late to a final training session. An insider told the Sunday Mirror: "Camilla was only a tiny bit late because she'd popped to the loo. (more)...
- 9/21/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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