Strictly Come Dancing 2021 LIVE – Three pro-dancers AXED from final lineup after failing to land a celeb partner

GREG WISE’S DAUGHTER GAIA SAYS DAD ‘HAS SIX PACK AND WILL TAKE HIS TOP OFF’ IF NEEDED

Meanwhile, the couple’s daughter Gaia, 21, added that her dad would be prepared to perform shirtless because he has a six-pack.

At the Icon Ball for London Fashion Week on Friday night, she said: “He has a six-pack and will take his top off if he is needed to.”

Greg has asked for advice from last year’s winner, Bill Bailey, 56.

He said: “Bill was very useful. One of the things he told me is to get my patent leather ballroom shoes ready and wear them around the house.

“He had a problem with blisters on his heel over the run.”

BEN COHEN’S EX-WIFE ABBY PREDICTS STRICTLY CURSE WILL STRIKE AGAIN

The photographer and former rugby star Ben split in 2014 after 11 years of marriage – just months after he was partnered with professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff on the BBC One show.

They share twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle, 12, while Ben welcomed a third child, Mila, with Kristina in 2016.

Ex-England winger Ben has always insisted his relationship with Kristina started after their split.

And now as the new season of the BBC ballroom favourite begins, Abby has claimed that the Strictly curse will hit this series.

Speaking in new! magazine, she said: “While I won’t be watching Strictly, I have read about who’s taking part and quietly wonder who will suffer this years, when the so-called ‘curse’ strikes.

“I will understand their agony and I want to reassure them that it may be torture – but they are stronger than they think. I was.”

ROSE AYLIING-ELLIS STRICTLY INCLUSION PRAISED BY DEAF SOCIETY

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis was partnered with Giovanni Pernice and is the first deaf contestant to appear on Strictly.

She said: “When the Strictly news came out the response from the deaf community, saying how much it means to them, that was my proudest moment.”

Mark Bolton, the National Deaf Children’s Society’s deputy director of young people, said of her pairing: “It’s so important that deaf children and young people see fantastic deaf role models like Rose on TV, because it reminds them that they’re not alone.

“It also inspires them to believe that there’s no reason why they can’t make it to the very top.”

‘DON’T DATE THOSE DANCERS’

After Tilly’s place in the new series was confirmed last month, proud Gordon made one of his famously unfiltered outbursts.

Referencing the Strictly Curse that has seen the marriages of several celebrity contestants fall apart, Gordon warned his daughter off potential suitors, saying: “Don’t date those dancers.”

Tilly admits she is far from being a natural on the dancefloor, and faces stiff competition from the other contestants including swimmer Adam Peaty, Hollyoaks star Katie McGlynn, and Peep Show actor Robert Webb.

Despite showing off her moves on TikTok — and sometimes roping in her dad — she rates her dancing ability as a “two out of ten”.

Plus, when Tilly’s mum Tana, 47, enrolled her in ballet school as a nipper, she quit after one day to join her older brother Jack in football camp. She says she was also always “at the back” of school productions.

Pro jab

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has spoken openly about having her Covid vaccinations ahead of the current series.

The 31-year-old, who is paired with Tom Fletcher, suffers from Crohn’s Disease so is considered clinically vulnerable and was offered her jab early on.

The news comes after The Sun revealed that three of her fellow pros have refused to have the injection, sparking panic behind the scenes. 

Pro dancer Amy  had her first one back in February, but was unfortunately targeted by cruel trolls who demanded to know why she had it early despite her debilitating disease.

Speaking on Morning Live about the abuse she had received, Amy said:  “I guess if you are going to put a post like that out you are going to get some political views.

The odds

As supplied by Ladbrokes:

• Rose Ayling-Ellis 7/2
• Rhys Stephenson 4/1
• Tom Fletcher 6/1
• Adam Peaty 8/1
• John Whaite 8/1
• Robert Webb 9/1
• AJ Odudu 10/1
• Katie McGlynn 12/1
• Ugo Monye 14/1
• Tilly Ramsay 16/1
• Greg Wise 25/1
• Dan Walker 33/1
• Nina Wadia 33/1
• Judi Love 40/1
• Sara Davies 40/1

The wait is over

STRICTLY Come Dancing's 2021 series properly gets underway this TONIGHT with the first live show.

While fans had their appetites whet last weekend with the launch - which confirmed this year's pairings - Saturday night will see the celebrities perform live for the first time.

Katya’s real name

The Russian pro, 32, was putting the Olympic swimmer, 26, through his paces in the studio when she asked him: “What’s my name, Adam?”

Right on cue, he shouted: “Katushka”

Smiling at the camera, she then said: “That’s damn right.”

The 2017 Glitterball champ’s birth name is actually Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova.

She changed her surname after marrying fellow show professional Neil Jones in 2013. The couple split six years later.

Who will win?

STRICTLY hasn't even aired it's first show yet, but the a winner is already being tipped.

There is one clear front-runner who the bookies' think will scoop the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

At the moment there is one name that is the big favourite to win Strictly.

EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis is being tipped to take home the Glitterball.

She is partnered up with Strictly veteran Giovanni Pernice.

Setting her sights on winning the series, Rose told the BBC: “To be the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is sooooo exciting.. and a little bit scary."

It's all too much

John Whaite says he has cried during training for Strictly Come Dancing.

The Great British Bake Off star, who will make history as part of the first all-male couple in the show’s history, said he is “living his best life” during training for the show but has found some moments challenging.

The chef will be paired with Johannes Radebe for the upcoming series, following in the footsteps of Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, who were the first same-sex couple to appear on the show last year.

He told Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch: “Sometimes the days are stressful and we have to take a few more breaks.

“Last week when we were learning the steps, I was getting really stressed… I glaze over.

“I reach mental saturation and he has to either feed me Haribo or send me home and I think it’s easier just to put me in cab and send me home.”

"The narrative they push is so dangerous"

Strictly’s anti-vax dancers told not having jab is ‘killing people’ after man loses parents and brother to Covid.

Francis Goncalves lost his brother, Shaul, 40, dad Basil, 70 and mum Charmagne, 65, within a week after they caught the virus at a family dinner.

Francis, 43, slammed the Strictly dancers’ decision.

He blasted: “It’s so damaging when you have people who can influence millions of people who are taking this stance.

“They’re making decisions without looking at the facts.

“It’s such a selfish attitude and it’s very irresponsible.

“These people think the world revolves around them.

“The narrative they push is so dangerous and it’s killing people.”

Craig's fear of being 'cancelled'

The acid-tongued judge is infamous for his scathing putdowns. But last year viewers noticed he had cut back on insults.

Craig, 56, said that since Strictly started 17 years ago, the world had become a duller place because everyone is scared of offending snowflakes.

He said: “There is not as much freedom of speech as we used to have, with the fear of offending certain groups.

“We live in a very homogenised world now — I think speeches in ten years won’t be allowed any opinion as you will be offending someone.

“I think you have just always got to be aware really. I never go on to speak ill of anyone.”

Craig returned as a judge on Saturday’s launch show alongside head judge Shirley Ballas, 61, Motsi Mabuse, 40, and Anton Du Beke, 55.

He admits he started to tone down his “Mr Nasty” persona last year, with no Strictly studio audience egging him on.

Recap: What happened on Saturday's launch show?

The 15 celebrities officially revealed their dance partners for this year’s show as part of a glittering launch show on Saturday.

Other key moments from the launch episode included:

• Anton Du Beke making his debut as a full-time judge and receive a standing ovation from the studio audience.
• Last year’s winners Bill Bailey and Mabuse revisited their routine to Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang
• Anne-Marie performed her single Kiss My (Uh-Oh)
• Celebs danced on the ballroom floor with their partners for the first time to perform a group number
• LIVE shows to begin from next Saturday, September 25.

'Those who refuse Covid jab should be sacked from main line up'

Curtis, 25, said celebrities paired with un-vaxxed dancers should be allowed to dance with one of the many reserve pros who are double-jabbed and waiting in the wings.

He said: "There’s always reserve professionals on there isn’t there.

"So if they’re thinking of pulling the show I don’t think that should happen. Maybe remove the pros that aren't getting the Jab. But not get rid of them or fire them. There’s always reserves on the show.

"So bring the ones in that have had the jab this year. Put the other ones on the reserve list.

"They’re still part of the programme, and the show can go on and move forward."

Sun Jabs Army supporter AJ added during an interview on Good Morning Britain today: "Listen, actions speak louder than words. We're both double jabbed, to get live theatre and shows going, it's the live feeling, the jab is helping.

"We believe it helps and it's safety first."

Read more here.

TV Mag Strictly special in Sun on Saturday

While fans had their appetites whet last weekend with the launch show – which confirmed this year’s pairings – Saturday night will see the celebrities perform live for the first time.

To get you up to speed on all the celebrities taking part this year, The Sun’s TV Mag is bringing you a free Strictly Special this Saturday, September 25.

As well as an exclusive shoot with this year’s batch of celebrities, the issue will feature exclusive chats with some of the stars taking part.

Strictly trio would rather quit than get jab

Insiders claimed the trio are steadfast in their decisions to not have a Covid vaccination.

A source 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.”

Read more here.

Dan's close bond with Shirley

Dan revealed their close bond at the launch of the new Strictly series this weekend as he “looked forward to seeing” Shirley again.

“We had some great conversations on that trip. I really got to know her well. I’m looking forward to seeing her,” he explained.

“We’ve had a few Kilimanjaro reunions. She’s great, talented and knows what she is talking about.”

Unrecognisable Strictly star

The former Strictly star, 38, wowed wearing a long wig, cowboy hat and lashing of eyeliner as he rocked out at Trafalgar Square for part of West End Live over the weekend.

The dancing champ is currently touring the UK playing Stacee Jaxx in a part that sees him show off his singing skills as well as his moves.

Kevin previously sported a similar look in real life and one revealed the BBC were not too keen on his goth look when he first auditioned for the show.

Kevin also admitted it took him three tries to be hired by Strictly bosses — while his then wife and dance partner Karen Hauer was signed up at her first attempt in 2012.

He said: “I had long black hair, eyeliner, black fingernails — ‘Don’t think I’m your average ballroom dancer, guys!’

Katya's real name

The Russian pro, 32, was putting the Olympic swimmer, 26, through his paces in the studio when she asked him: "What's my name, Adam?"

Right on cue, he shouted: "Katushka"

Smiling at the camera, she then said: "That's damn right."

The 2017 Glitterball champ's birth name is actually Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova.

She changed her surname after marrying fellow show professional Neil Jones in 2013. The couple split six years later.

Strictly regret

Strictly star ben cohen’s ex wife abby says she regrets calling kristina rihanoff ‘a f**king russian dancer’.

The mother-of-two’s life came crashing down when former rugby player Ben left her for his dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff.

Abby, 42, and Ben were still very much a married couple when he was paired up with Russian dancer Kristina on the BBC show back in 2013.

But the former rugby pro left her for the professional ballroom star – with their divorce finalised in 2016.

At the time, Abby lashed out at Strictly favourite Kristina, 43, calling her a “f**king Russian dancer” as she battled her heartbreak.

But now the mother-of-two, who shares daughter Harriette with Ben, has revealed she regrets losing her temper at the time of the break-up.

Abby told : “At the time of the break-up, when hugely stressed, I once angrily referred to Ben’s partner as a ‘f***ing Russian dancer’ to a journalist hassling me. I regret that now.”

She went on: “I’m happier in my own skin and I’m not that broken girl who used to be married to a famous rugby player.”

Amy 'vulnerable to covid'

Amy, who is Welsh, was diagnosed with Crohn’s at the age of 19.

Despite her formal diagnosis in her late teens, Amy had suffered from the disease since the age of 11, being admitted to the hospital on hundreds of occasions in her youth.

People with the disease can experience abdominal pain, vomiting, exhaustion and bloody diarrhoea, among other symptoms.

When is Strictly Come Dancing on TV next?

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will present their first live show of the series on Saturday, September 25 from 7pm.

The 140-minutes episode will see 15 new celebrity contestants and their professional partners perform their first dancing routine.

They include Olympian , rugby star  and TV presenter .

Also competing is EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons’ Den investor , McFly star , Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, TV presenter , comedian  CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.

EastEnders actress is also be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.

They’re being judged by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and former pro dancer Anton Du Beke, who replaces Bruno Tonioli on this year’s panel.

Inclusion praised by deaf society

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis was partnered with Giovanni Pernice and is the first deaf contestant to appear on Strictly.

She said: “When the Strictly news came out the response from the deaf community, saying how much it means to them, that was my proudest moment.”

Mark Bolton, the National Deaf Children’s Society’s deputy director of young people, said of her pairing: “It’s so important that deaf children and young people see fantastic deaf role models like Rose on TV, because it reminds them that they’re not alone.

“It also inspires them to believe that there’s no reason why they can’t make it to the very top.”

Pro jab

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has spoken openly about having her Covid vaccinations ahead of the current series.

The 31-year-old, who is paired with Tom Fletcher, suffers from Crohn’s Disease so is considered clinically vulnerable and was offered her jab early on.

The news comes after The Sun revealed that three of her fellow pros have refused to have the injection, sparking panic behind the scenes. 

Pro dancer Amy  had her first one back in February, but was unfortunately targeted by cruel trolls who demanded to know why she had it early despite her debilitating disease.

Speaking on Morning Live about the abuse she had received, Amy said:  “I guess if you are going to put a post like that out you are going to get some political views.

Have the sack

JAMES JORDAN CALLS FOR STRICTLY PROS WHO REFUSED COVID JAB TO BE SACKED FROM SHOW

Today, The Sun revealed that a third dancer on the BBC show has decided against having the jab – creating further resentment amongst the crew and this year’s celebrities. 

Appearing on today’s Good Morning Britain, James was left fuming as he rowed with fellow former pro Kristina Rihanoff about the topic.

Making his position very clear, James said: “I would normally protect the professional dancers until the cows come home but on this particular occasion I can’t unfortunately.

“I definitely believe they don’t deserve their right on the show and the celebrities have every right to refuse to dance with them.”

He went on to explain how people’s immune systems are often weakened doing the show, during normal years.