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A handful of Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professionals are “at risk” of being axed from the show as the BBC looks towards “a fresh start”.

After a wave of allegations surfaced about the behaviour of the show’s professional dancers earlier this year, reports suggest that bosses intend to bring a new generation of younger ballroom dancers to freshen up its image – leaving five names at risk of being dropped.

According to The Sun, those at risk of being dropped are reportedly some of the show’s longest-standing pros, including Nadiya Bychkova, who joined the show in 2017, Neil Jones (2016), Karen Hauer (2012), Gorka Marquez (2016) and Katya Jones (2016).

Four of them have already been eliminated from this year’s competition, with Jones, who is competing with Wynne Evans, the only one remaining.

Younger professionals, such as Jowita Pryzstal, who is partnered with Pete Wicks, Vito Coppola, who is dancing with Sarah Hadland are continuing to dazzle viewers. Another professional said to be safe from the alleged shake-up is Nikita Kuzmin, who was eliminated with his celebrity partner Sam Quek at the weekend.

It is thought that the BBC is looking to the next generation of dancers to refresh Strictly’s image after a series of allegations that have continued to rock the show during its 20th anniversary series.

Earlier this year, Amanda Abbington made a series of allegations about the behaviour of pro Giovanni Pernice, who she danced with in last year’s series, forcing the BBC to drop him from the 2024 series and launch a formal investigation. Another long-standing professional, Graziano Di Prima, was also axed from the series over allegations regarding his treatment of his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

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Pernice has denied the allegations against him while Di Prima said he “deeply regrets” the events that led to his Strictly departure.

A source told The Sun: “The review of the line-up has always been about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be affected by which dancers performed well this series.

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“The feeling is that the Strictly troupe is made up of some fading stars, while others are rising stars.”

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“And in many cases there are certain characters whose shoes can easily be filled with younger, up-and-coming counterparts. It’s harsh but it’s just part of the traditional turnover of showbusiness.”

The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.

Professional dancer Johannes Radebe, who joined the show in 2018, is also thought to be exiting the series in 2025, as sources claim his schedule is too busy to fit in a return to the ballroom, with the dancer starring in Kinky Boots: The Musical for the first half of 2025, while he works on a film adaptation of his life story.

PETE Wicks has been seen cosying up to Strictly partner Jowita Przystal during very intense rehearsals for the next live show.

Strictly stars Pete, 36, and Jowita, 30, will take to the dancefloor again on Saturday night.

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And it looks like they’re working hard to avoid a repeat of last week, when the former Towie star’s performance was “filled with mistakes”.

A cosy-looking snap showed Pete with his hands around Jowita’s waist while she placed a hand on his shoulder.

Their foreheads were touching and Pete appeared to be lost in the moment with his eyes closed.

Last week fans slammed the Strictly judges for “overscoring” Pete, despite Shirley Ballas noting that it wasn’t his finest performance.

One penned on X: “WTF is this thing with overmarking him every single f***** week.

“Are they all f*****g drunk. #strictly.”

Another added: “I hate to say it but Pete was overmarked :/ #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”

Pete and Jowita’s close rehearsals come after he and Love Island star Maura Higgins confirmed their romance.

They were snapped kissing after enjoying a date night in London, putting to bed months of rumours.

No doubt Pete and Maura are making the most of any time they get together.

Not only is he busy with Strictly but The Sun revealed last month that she will take part in the upcoming series of I’m a Celebrity.

A Jungle insider said: “With Tommy Fury pulling out it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.

“She’ll bringing a bit of glamour to the jungle and make a brilliant campmate because she’s got a great sense of humour and is bound to get on with everyone.

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Celebrities are reacting to the news that Donald Trump will become the 47th US president.

On Wednesday (6 November), the Republican candidate swept to victory following a chaotic campaign dogged by anger, insults and division.

In the lead-up, some stars kept quiet about their voting choices, while others openly endorsed Kamala Harris. Celebrities like Harrison Ford, Jennifer Aniston, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were among those to voice their support for the Democratic candidate.

Meanwhile, Trump’s contingent of famous supporters included Kelsey Grammer, Hulk Hogan, Zachary Levi and the influential podcaster Joe Rogan, who endorsed him just hours before the election.

As Trump declared victory, Rogan wrote on X/Twitter: “WHOLE. LEE. S***.”

Piers Morgan sent Trump his “congratulations”, calling his triumph “the greatest comeback in political history”.

In a celebratory post, the former Good Morning Britain host said it was “a testament to your resilience, mental strength & never-give-up mentality as your enemies tried to kill you, jail you & brand you the new Hitler. Good luck in your second term.”

Tesla founder Elon Musk, another staunch defender of the Republican, praised the news and hailed his high hopes for the future.

But there was plenty of outcry over the result, with American late-nght hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, appearing despondent in their opening monologues hours after Trump won.

Hollywood star Jamie Lee Curtis wrote: “Many fear their rights will be impeded and denied. Many, minority groups and young people will be afraid. Gay and trans people will be more afraid. We know that many women will now find it difficult to get the reproductive healthcare that they need and deserve.”

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She urged people to “wake up and fight for women and our children and their futures”, adding: “Fight against tyranny, one day at a time. One fight at a time. One protest at a time. That’s what it means to be an American. That’s what it has always meant and will always mean regardless of the outcome.”

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As the result went Trump’s way, musician Billie Eilish said the president’s victory was “a war on women”, with rapper Cardi B posting a photograph on Instagram with the caption: “I hate y’all bad.” In a follow-up post, she thanked Harris for showing her “that anything is possible” by running for president as a woman of colour.

Ariana Grande, who will star in the film adaptation of Wicked later this month, wrote: “Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today.”

Director Adam McKay, whose credits include The Big Short and Don’t Look Up, wrote: “Who would have guessed lying about Biden’s cognitive health for two years, refusing to do an open convention for a new nominee, never mentioning public healthcare & embracing fracking, the Cheneys & a yr long slaughter of children in Gaza wouldn’t be a winning strategy?”

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The Wire actor Wendell Pierce warned of the “consequences” Trump’s victory could have.

He wrote: “The Supreme Court will be changed for a generation. I’ll never see a moderate court again in my lifetime. Alito and Thomas will step down and Trump will appoint 40 year old partisans to the bench. The damage he is about to inflict on our institutions in the next two years will be irreparable.”

Speaking at the start of Wednesday’s episode of The View, host Whoopi Goldberg refused to say Trump’s name, telling viewers: “He’s the president. I’m still not going to say his name. That’s not going to change.”

Goldberg’s co-host Sunny Hostin said she was “profoundly disturbed” by the result, while Joy Behar said that she “vehemently disagrees with the decision that Americans made”.

Behar continued: “We live in a democracy. People spoke. This is what people wanted. I feel very, very hopeful that we have a democratic system in this country. We should value it. We should love it. We should protest if the situation arises that we need to protest, which I’m sure it will. I’ve been there before with Nixon. We have a country and we can keep it.”

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Lili Reinhart, star of Riverdale, addressed the claims of sexual assault levied against the president: “I cannot fathom the feeling of the women who came forward about their sexual assault at the hands of Trump. Seeing millions of people vote for their abuser. My heart, absolutely, breaks for these women. I believe you, and I am so sorry.”

In May 2023, a jury in New York found Trump liable for the sexual abuse of writer E Jean Carroll.

Comedy star Christina Applegate urged people to “unfollow” her if they were supporting Trump, which she said was a “vote against” female and disability rights.

“Unfollow me because what you did is unreal,” Applegate wrote. “Don’t want followers like this. So yeah. Done. Also after today I will be shutting down this fan account that I have had for so many years because this is sick.”

She added in a follow-up post: “My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away,” and, later, apologised for her tirade, stating: “I’m still reeling and sobbing. But I’m not angry anymore. Just going to go back to my bubble and watch a s*** ton of Bravo shows So peace to all. I suggest you do the same. Very soothing.”

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Oscar-nominated actor Jeffrey Wright, whose credits include the Hunger Games franchise, The Batman and TV series Westworld, re-shared his earlier post, which read: “We’re crazy, America. But we’re not as crazy as Trump,” with the addendum: “Let me just say ‘I was wrong.’” He went on to delete his X/Twitter account, as did Bette Midler.

Horror author Stephen King, days after calling out Musk for his Trump support, shared his views in a post reading: “There’s a sign you can see in many shops that sell beautiful but fragile items: LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD, BUT ONCE YOU BREAK IT, THEN IT’S SOLD. You can say the same about democracy.”

Community star Yvette Nicole Brown said of the win: “For us this is an every day Wednesday. Black folks are used to this. The rest of you are about to be shocked by how America treats you when it doesn’t care about you.”

John Cusack, a noted Trump critic, ominously wrote: “Well, if you want to know what it really looks like – here it comes”, while Glee star Kevin McHale, who played Artie in the hit show, posted: “Supreme Court gone for the rest of my lifetime. Ultra-conservative evangelical bigotry, xenophobia, racism is the mandate.”

Actor and director Ben Stiller simply quoted playwright David Adjmi, writing: “ … is the coast ever clear?”

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Meanwhile, over in the Trump camp, boxer and internet personality Jake Paul called the Republican party’s triumph “a massive step in the right direction to heal the major issues going on in the world currently”, while Shazam! actor Zachary Levi shared a post pushing an unfounded conspiracy theory claiming Joe Biden’s 2020 victory was rigged.

But in the world of celebrity, the upset was louder.

Erin Moriarty, who plays Starlight in Prime Video series The Boys, wrote on Instagram: “We reclaimed an insult, we’ll reclaim autonomy. xo, a (hopeful) nasty woman.”

“Heartbroken” One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush posted: “Great job giving the MAGA gang more power, America. Wonder how many folks are seeing this and STILL saying ‘But but but at least he’s not a Black woman!’ in the privacy of their homes tonight.”

Succession actor Dagmara Dominczyk agreed, writing: “Trump won because the majority of Americans are ignorant enough to choose a corrupt, unhinged felon born with a silver spoon in his nasty mouth over a woman of colour. That’s it. Nothing else mattered to them. It’s disgusting, shameful, and clear as day.”

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American singer-songwriter Ethel Cain, as part of a lengthier statement, said that Trump’s win “is part of a deeper problem” and called it “the ugly consequence of the already present reality in this country that we all just despise each other in.”

In Britain, His Dark Materials author Philip Pullman was less than enthused about Trump winning the election, and responded by saying “goodbye” to America, adding: “It was nice knowing you.”

Susie Dent subtly shared her views on the fact that Trump had won a second term in the White House. The Countdown star said: “Word of the day is ‘recrudescence’ (17th century): the return of something terrible after a time of reprieve.”

Her post was reshared by broadcaster Carol Vorderman, who had earlier written: “Looks like Trump will win. God help America.” Comedian Jenny Eclair branded the result “unbelievable”, while Armando Iannucci, creator of The Thick of It and Veep, hinted at his negativity over the result by posting: “And it’s only Wednesday.”

Model and activist Munroe Bergdorf shared a strong message to her followers. It read: “NOW is the time to get politically engaged and stay politically engaged. Not when it’s time to vote again in four years… NOW.

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“Your voice, your rights, your life matters. The West isn’t ‘descending into fascism’, it is here and it’s going to require ALL of us showing up for ALL of us. No matter how bleak this may feel… Do not disengage.”

Moon director Duncan Jones, who is the son of David Bowie, had a shorter statement: “I think we may have overestimated the goodness in people,” while broadcaster Simon Mayo noted that, in the immediate aftermath of Trumo’s win, X/Twitter, which is owned by Musk felt “already nastier”.

Elsewhere, in the wake of the announcement, Guardians of the Galaxy actor Chris Pratt’s criticised open letter, posted on the eve of the election, is being widely shared online.

Without endorsing anyone in particular, he told his fans he is “trying to make sense of the election through the eyes of Americans on both sides”, urging people to unite as “fellow countrymen” regardless of who wins.

He then mused about the impending result, stating: “It’s OK to take a moment to lick your wounds when you lose. Heck, go ahead and cry in the mirror.”

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Pratt’s statement was criticised for being too “banal” on what was considered one of the most pivotal elections in US history,

EASTENDERS

Bradley/Stacey/Max: Stacey Slater began an affair with boyfriend Bradley Branning’s dad Max in 2007.

Despite their romps, Stacey still married Bradley, but their deceit came out in an iconic Christmas Day episode that year.

Grant/Sharon/Phil: Heading even further back in Walford history, EastEnders fans were gripped in the 90s as Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell.

Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler – not realising it was caught on tape – and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic.

Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realising he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on his wedding day.

A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and went ahead and married Amira anyway, but when they returned, the two men started an affair before being caught in the act by Amira.

CORONATION STREET

Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of a love triangle and ran with it in Coronation Street – extending it to bigamy.

He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards, and quickly married her after she fell pregnant with his son, Simon.

But it didn’t stop him also marrying Shelley, but he was eventually caught when Lucy turned up in Weatherfield and the two women confronted him.

Ken/Deidre/Mike: Back in 1982, Deirdre Barlow started sleeping with her husband’s nemesis Mike Baldwin in secret, before confessing all a year later.

When Mike turned up at the marital home, Deirdre was being throttled by her husband who then kicked her out, but years later they reconciled.

Maria/Aidan/Eva: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with girlfriend Eva Price’s best friend, Maria Connor.

Eva eventually found out and she decided to take revenge by faking a pregnancy, spending his money and planned to confront him on their wedding day.

But she had a change of heart when a remorseful Aidan confessed, and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to arrive and expose her fake pregnancy.

EMMERDALE

Ross/Debbie/Pete: Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton in 2015 in Emmerdale.

She eventually decided to marry Pete but yet again, a soap wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of his bride’s betrayal via a recording played at the wedding.

Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all seemed well – until he began a steamy affair with Aaron Dingle.

Robert’s ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair – but fell to her death before she had the chance.

However, a guilty Aaron eventually cracked and told Chrissie about the affair – after which she announced it to the whole pub.

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This Morning favourite Trevor Sorbie has revealed he may not make it to Christmas, after declining further treatment for cancer.

The celebrity hairdresser, 76, has groomed stars including Dame Helen Mirren, Kylie Minogue, The Beatles’ stars George Harrison and Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, and Lorraine Kelly.

Last month, Sorbie revealed that he had been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, which has spread to his liver.

Despite being told that chemotherapy could give him an extra month of life, the hairdresser declined saying “I can’t face any more of that poison” in an interview with The Times.

He said he was told that he may have only weeks left to live.

“When I asked a nurse if I’d still be here at Christmas, she said, ‘We don’t know, Trevor’. And that annoyed me. I’ve got cancer in my body, but not in here,” he said. “My brain is my engine and I’ll go when I’m ready.”

However, despite not taking any further chemo treatment, he is still taking steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation, which has given him “mad insomnia”.

“I’m a nervous person and quite sensitive and I worry,” he said, saying he is used to the lack of sleep. “I can’t do anything by halves. It’s 100 per cent or nothing.”

He also shared his experience of styling Naomi Campbell for Elle magazine.

“They wanted it pulled back in a ponytail,” he said. “When I moved on to the next model, she pulled the elastic band out and threw it on the floor.”

Describing the moment he got his diagnosis last month, Sorbie explained, “I lost a lot of blood one night and was unusually disturbed so went to hospital.

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“They told me I had bowel cancer and I had a little panic attack. I looked at Carole [his wife] and she looked at me, we were both speechless and didn’t know what to say. So I went and had a big gin and tonic.”

Explaining the motivation behind his work, he said “I’ve cut wigs for women so far gone they can’t lift their heads. You have to radiate empathy … ‘I’m going to help you. I’m going to make you look good.’ I’ve tried my best all my life to make women feel good about themselves.”

MARRIED At First Sight’s Holly launches an attack on Hannah again as as their feud erupts on a night out.

During this evening’s instalment of the E4 show, they teased what viewers can expect during Thursday’s episode.

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The remaining brides Polly, Sacha, Lacey and Amy can be seen popping open a bottle of bubbly together.

The gang are in high spirits as the voice over says: “The wives and husbands go on a big night out…

“With some familiar faces making a return.”

As Ross, Adam, Luke and Nathan enjoy a beer, Orson walks in.

Then it pans back at the girls as Holly shouts: “Did someone call for some assistance?”

The girls are over the moon that their friend is back.

The voice over then says: “But not everyone is welcomed with open arms” as Hannah walks in.

Holly says: “Oh, look what the cat has dragged in.”

Later on Holly asks her: “How many husbands have you run off with since you’ve left the experiment?”

Sionainn then says in the edit: “You’re meeting up with Ryan…”

Holly adds: “You have got zero girl code.”

Hannah and Holly haven’t seen eye to eye during their time on the show together.

It became apparent when Holly and Polly made it clear that they didn’t agree with how Hannah was acting with the other guys, despite being married to Stephen.

Hannah and Stephen hit the rocks during their honeymoon and failed to get it back on track weeks after.

During the couples retreat, Holly and Polly went in on Hannah and how she had been treating Stephen.

Holly described Hannah as a “beg” during one conversation.

Hannah and Orson have since appeared to make their romance official on social media.

The beauty shared a sweet video of Orson picking her up.

She captioned it: “Always sweeping me off my feet,” with an orange love heart and also shared the hashtag “no regrets”.

Elsewhere in the spoiler Polly told the girls the awkward conversation that she had with her husband Adam.

“Adam’s said that he doesn’t know if he sees a future with me,” Polly says.

Meanwhile Kieran tells Luke: “Amy is an amazing girl, but I don’t think you make her happy.”

Kristina tells Polly: “You know Poll, you are worth more than Adam can give you.

While Adam tells the boys: “She’s trying to craft me into her perfect man.”

Polly tells the camera: “It’s a real battle at the moment, between my head and my heart.”

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