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First look at Michaela Strachan in action on Dancing on Ice as TV star lands pro skater ahead of his final EVER series

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First look at Michaela Strachan in action on Dancing on Ice as TV star lands pro skater ahead of his final EVER series


MICHAELA Strachan has been spotted in action for the first time ahead of her upcoming Dancing on Ice stint.

The Springwatch star got her skates on ahead of taking to the rink on the ITV skating contest this January.

Michaela Strachan has been spotted practising her moved ahead of Dancing on Ice

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Michaela Strachan has been spotted practising her moved ahead of Dancing on IceCredit: Ice Rink Canary Wharf/Supplied
She was seen solo skating alongside former show champ Regan Gascoigne

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She was seen solo skating alongside former show champ Regan GascoigneCredit: Ice Rink Canary Wharf/Supplied
The pair headed to the VIP launch party of the Ice Rink Canary Wharf

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The pair headed to the VIP launch party of the Ice Rink Canary WharfCredit: Instagram / icerinkcanarywharf

Michaela has been partnered with long-running pro Mark Hanretty for the upcoming run and she will be his final ever celebrity star after he opted to quit the show after 14 years.

Before it was revealed that they would be paired up together, Mark admitted in an emotional statement that he would be hanging up his skates for pastures new.

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However, it seems that he is more determined to win than ever before with he and Michaela making sure to get their preparations in nice and early with their training kicking into full-speed this week.

The pair were seen enjoying an evening of skating as they attended the VIP launch party of the Canary Wharf Ice Rink.

Revellers at the celeb-packed bash watched on as the TV presenter was spotted practising her moves on the ice, in time for the first episode of the skating show next year.

As well as enjoying some time to rehearse on the ice, Michaela was on hand to support Mark as he presided over hosting duties at the extravagant launch event.

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Michaela even found herself gaining some extra help in the form of a former Dancing on Ice champion.

Performer Regan Gascoigne helped her out on the ice at one point as both he and Mark held onto each of Michaela’s hands for a spin around the rink.

It is likely to spark some debate among the current Dancing on Ice crop that Michaela has been able to benefit from the wise words and talent of a former show winner.

Other stars spotted attending the VIP party included reality TV superstar, and former DOI contestant, Ekin-Su as well as Loose Women star Linda Robson and Geordie Shore‘s Ricci Guaranccio.

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Lorraine Kelly reveals latest celebrity to sign up for new series of Dancing On Ice

Recent Big Brother evictee Izaaz Miah and star of last year’s show Hallie Clarke also flocked to the event and were spotted mingling with one another at the luxurious Oasis Bar & Terrace located next to the ice rink.

The launch night marked the brand new season of the festive favourite ice rink with members of the public encouraged to get their skates on for a whizz around the ice in the lead up to Christmas.

STAR DEPARTURE

Pro skater Mark Hanretty’s current partnership with the BBC nature presenter is all the more worthwhile after it was revealed that he had opted to leave the programme for good.

Writing on Instagram he said: “Hard to believe I’m embarking on my 12th series of Dancing on Ice.

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Michaela was revealed to have signed up for the contest earlier this year

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Michaela was revealed to have signed up for the contest earlier this yearCredit: ITV
It will be Mark's final ever series on the show

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It will be Mark’s final ever series on the showCredit: Instagram / icerinkcanarywharf

“I’m as excited as ever and so grateful for the chance to work on the greatest show on ice once again.

“This will be my last year as a pro skater and I’m eager to soak up every second of it!”

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Fans rushed to comment on the news, with one writing: “I’m sad it’s your last series your my favourite pro skater.”

And another said: “Omg Mark don’t do this to me, all my favourite skaters are leaving.”

Last year Mark was partnered with BBC Radio 1 presenter Adele Roberts and they came third.

Ekin-Su was spotted at the launch party of the Canary Wharf Ice Rink

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Ekin-Su was spotted at the launch party of the Canary Wharf Ice RinkCredit: Splash
Linda Robson also enjoyed a night out at the event

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Linda Robson also enjoyed a night out at the eventCredit: Splash

Dancing On Ice 2025 pairings

Eric Radford and Charlie Brooks

Vanessa Bauer and Chris Taylor

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Brendyn Hatfield and Mollie Pearce

Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchanan

Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty

Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield

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Dan Edgar and Vanessa James

Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden

Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt

Dame Sarah Storey and Sylvain Longchambon

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Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan

TBC and Tippy Packard



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Charlamagne Tha God faces backlash for calling Caitlyn Jenner a ‘rich white man’

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Charlamagne Tha God faces backlash for calling Caitlyn Jenner a ‘rich white man’


Charlamagne Tha God has been hit with backlash after he repeatedly misgendered Caitlyn Jenner.

The 46-year-old radio host recalled how Jenner came out as a transgender woman in 2015 during a new episode of his show,The Breakfast Club. His remarks came as Jenner showed her support for U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election last week.

“If there’s one thing this election taught me it’s that people really do vote their interest, and their interest is not attached to their identity. And I must say, it’s fascinating to me,” Charlamagne said while pointing out that many people who voted for Trump were Latinos, despite the 47th president’s mass deportation plans.

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“I just find it fascinating,” he continued. “That is also how I feel about Caitlyn because Caitlyn is trans but she is a huge Donald Trump supporter.”

Charlamagne – real name Lenard Larry McKelvey – then claimed that Jenner offered to work alongside Trump after he won the election.

“These two men will single-handedly save Western civilization and that starts with a strong United States of America,” she wrote on X/Twitter on November 6, alongside a picture of herself with Trump and Elon Musk. “I am here and at your service and forever indebted to your sacrifice for this country. Let’s Make America Great Again!”

She later clarified that she didn’t necessarily want to work in Trump’s administration, calling the Daily Mail’s headline about her making an “offer to Donald Trump” after the election “a bit misleading.”

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Charlamagne tha God sparks backlash after repeatedly misgendering Caitlyn Jenner
Charlamagne tha God sparks backlash after repeatedly misgendering Caitlyn Jenner (Getty Images)

“My stance remains unchanged as entirely supportive of the President, since 2015, emphasizing a commitment to serve if called upon,” she explained in a follow-up post.

However, Charlamagne still hit back at Jenner by describing her using he/him pronouns. He once again criticized the former decathlete’s support for Trump, who has pledged to “stop” gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors.

“Caitlyn Jenner, as a transgender, you just look like a devil damn fool glazing Trump and Elon the way you are after hearing stuff like that,” he said, after playing recent remarks from Trump, in which he planned to revoke President Joe Biden’s policies for gender-affirming healthcare. “Now, I don’t have a problem choosing issues over identity, but not if one of the issues is somebody trying to erase the existence of my identity altogether.”

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He added: “What I don’t like is when someone can reap the benefits of a community, but not stand up for the rights of that community.”

Charlamagne also alleged that Jenner “doesn’t want to be an advocate for the trans community,” but she took “advantages of all the privileges” of being transgender. He then discussed how Jenner was named Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” in 2015, in which she was described as “a trans champion.”

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“If you’re going to be labeled a ‘trans champion,’ you have to be ready to go to the mat for them at all times,” he added, before calling Jenner “a rich white male.”

In the podcast’s YouTube comments section, many people criticized Charlamagne for misgendering Jenner during the episode.

“So y’all gonna let Charla get away with misgendering Caitlin like that? Where’s the outrage and the time to cancel him,” wrote one person.

“Charlie, you’re missing the mark on trans rights,” another user wrote. “Meanwhile you’re speaking ignorantly about a trans person, going against your party. Pick a lane bruh.”

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The Independent has contacted representatives for Charlamagne Tha God for comment. A representative for Jenner declined to comment.

Following Jenner’s viral X/Twitter post congratulating Musk and Trump after the election, the reality TV star clarified her stance on being a voice for the entire transgender community. “I am not a trans advocate. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. But, I am a trans person,” she posted on November 6.

Days later, she reflected on receiving Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” award in 2015 – a title that, according to Jenner, she didn’t want to hold anymore.

“While I never competed for one of the dozens of ‘Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year’ awards, awarded to me in 2016, I accepted the award,” Jenner wrote on X/Twitter on November 9. “It has become clear, in speaking with many families, men and women, the distraught nature this acceptance of the award still brings them today. Upon discussion, thought and reflection, I agree.”

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She concluded: “It’s important to me that I walk the walk, like I have on so many of the issues (minors not being treated for transitioning, and sports – no men in women’s sports) I can no longer in good faith hold onto this award.”



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Oscar winning actor ‘set to play’ Dumbledore in new Harry Potter TV series

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Oscar winning actor ‘set to play’ Dumbledore in new Harry Potter TV series


AN OSCAR-winning actor has been scouted as the next Dumbledore in the brand new HBO Harry Potter TV series.

Mark Rylance currently stars as Thomas Cromwell, Henry VII’s advisor, in the BBC period drama Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light – based on Hilary Mantle’s Tudor trilogy.

Mark Rylance is being touted as the next Dumbledore

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Mark Rylance is being touted as the next DumbledoreCredit: Getty
Mark Rylance plays Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light based on Hilary Mantel’s final novel

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Mark Rylance plays Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light based on Hilary Mantel’s final novelCredit: PA
Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in the Movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in the Movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanCredit: Alamy

But, according to media sources, he is also being considered for the part of the mighty wizarding head of Hogwarts.

If the rumours are true, then he is set to soon follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Gambon and Richard Harris, according to Variety.

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They said: “Variety understands that Warner Bros. Television hasn’t yet entered into negotiations with the actor, but the studio has reached out to gauge interest and availability.”

A rep for HBO said: “We appreciate that such a high profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation.

“As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals.”

This speculation comes after Warner Bros. launched an open casting call earlier this autumn for kids aged 9 to 11 to find the latest talent.

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However, it is understood that they are seeking Hollywood heavyweights to play Hogwart’s professors and the other adults in the cast.

In the original films, Richard Harris was cast as Professor Dumbledore, the late Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape.

Mark is an ideal candidate as an acting legend who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 Stephen Speilberg’s Bridge of Spies.

Harry Potter fans spot glaring mistake in iconic movie scene 22 years after film came out

He also appeared in the 2016 animated film The BFG, based on the book by Roald Dahl, and in Dunkirk among others.

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HBO is looking to adapt all seven novels by J.K Rowling.

It will seek to explore different aspects of the characters and plot, probing much deeper than each two-hour film does.

The series will be out in 2026.

Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azberjan.

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Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azberjan.Credit: Alamy
Professor Snape played by Alan Rickman.

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Professor Snape played by Alan Rickman.Credit: Alamy



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BBC confirms exit of ‘world-class’ Gary Lineker from Match of the Day

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BBC confirms exit of ‘world-class’ Gary Lineker from Match of the Day


Gary Lineker will depart Match of the Day at the end of the season after more than 25 years fronting the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme.

Lineker succeeded Des Lynam as the primary host in 1999 having previously featured regularly as a pundit on the show.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the 63-year-old entered into negotiations over an extension, but BBC bosses have elected to move on.

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The former England striker will continue to present live football coverage through the 2026 Fifa World Cup, when he is set to step away from the broadcaster entirely. He will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.

“Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup,” Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said.

“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”

Lineker is one of the corporation’s best-known presenters, and the highest-paid of those whose salaries are declared, earning more than £1.3m a year.

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The former striker has worked for other networks during his time on Match of the Day, while also co-founding leading podcast production company Goalhanger.

Gary Lineker will continue to present the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season

Gary Lineker will continue to present the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season (REUTERS)

He was briefly suspended last year after a post on X, formerly Twitter, about the United Kingdom’s asylum policy, which prompted a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines for presenters.

Among the names in the frame to succeed Lineker are Mark Chapman, host of Match of the Day 2, experienced presenter Gabby Logan and former England international Alex Scott, who has presented BBC television magazine programme Football Focus since 2021.

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There have been just five lead hosts since the programme was first aired in 1964: Kenneth Wolstenholme (1964–1967), David Coleman (1967–1973), Jimmy Hill (1973–1988), Lynam (1988–1999) and Lineker (1999–2025).



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BBC bosses share big update on Race Across the World’s sixth series ahead of its return next year

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BBC bosses share big update on Race Across the World’s sixth series ahead of its return next year


BBC bosses have shared a huge update on the sixth series of Race Across the World.

The makers of the hit series confirmed exactly when they will film the next instalment of the BAFTA winning show.

Producers are looking for the next round of contestants for Race Across The World

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Producers are looking for the next round of contestants for Race Across The WorldCredit: PA
The makers of the show have opened casting as they search the country for prospective pairings

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The makers of the show have opened casting as they search the country for prospective pairingsCredit: PA
The BBC wants to find out why people need the jackpot prize money

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The BBC wants to find out why people need the jackpot prize moneyCredit: PA

Producers of Race Across The World have started casting for the next series of the show.

They gave a detailed description of exactly what they are looking for from prospective duos.

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The BBC started up a new dedicated website so potential pairings can apply to take part on the hit programme.

A statement on the page read: “The world is vast, and it’s waiting to be explored…Race Across the World, BBC One’s BAFTA winning hit series, is back and searching for intrepid duos, of all ages, ready to take a step into the unknown and embark on an epic race across land and sea.

“On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those selected will experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.

“Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they will travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured tradition.

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“But the physical journey is only half of the story, as they take on the challenge of travelling across the world, perhaps the greatest thing they’ll discover is about themselves and one another.”

The company has revealed that they are now accepting applications.

It is also keen to hear from people who have a personal story to tell or a strong need for the jackpot prize money.

The site continued: “This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.

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Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts flies 5,700 miles to FINALLY pay for Kobe beef meal

“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, to what lengths you would go to win.”

“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with.

“You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or want to explore a particular part of the world.”

In order to take part in the show, potential pairings have to be 18-years-old or over and legally reside in the UK.

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The production company has also confirmed that filming is due to take place over an eight week period from September until November 2025.

Race Across The World – Winners so far

Since launching in 2019, BBC travel competition series Race Across The World has had four series to date. Let’s take a look at back at the winners so far…

  • Series one: Elaine and Tony Teasdale: This married couple, who are retired PE teachers, won the very first series of Race Across The World.
  • Series two: Emon and Jamiul Choudhury: The uncle and nephew duo emerged victorious in the show’s second outing.
  • Series three: Tricia Sail and Cathie Rowe: These lifelong friends became the first non-familial pair to win a series.
  • Series four: Alfie Watts and Owen Wood: Both aged 20, these friends bested four other pairs to win series four.
Producers are looking for contestants who have a real story to tell

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Producers are looking for contestants who have a real story to tellCredit: BBC
Filming will take place over eight weeks next year

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Filming will take place over eight weeks next yearCredit: BBC
Contestants will need to be available for three months from September until November 2025

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Contestants will need to be available for three months from September until November 2025Credit: BBC

Previous series of Race Across The World are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.



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Wheel of Fortune contestant goes viral with hilariously wrong ‘sausage’ answer

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Wheel of Fortune contestant goes viral with hilariously wrong ‘sausage’ answer


A Wheel of Fortune contestant has gone viral after giving a wildly incorrect answer that saw him get teased by the hosts.

Considering how much pressure it can be appearing on a game show, there have been many times over the years where people have been left red-faced with their delivery of wrong answers, including the time British actor Amanda Henderson thought Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg was called Sharon.

A new hilariously wrong answer has rolled in – this time onWheel of Fortune.

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While the classic show is set to be rebooted in the UK in 2025, with Graham Norton hosting, it remains appointment viewing for many in the US, where it is presented by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.

In the latest episode, which aired on Monday (11 November), policeman Will Jordan from Wethersfield, Connecticut was introduced as a player alongside a fellow contestant called Kitina.

Will had a very strong start to his round that saw him tasked with guessing a popular six-word phrase and, after discovering more and more letters, the board read: “_ _ _E _OURSEL_F A ROUN_ OF _A___AUSE.”

He decided to have a go at solving but, instead of saying the correct answer, “Give yourself a round of applause,” he went ahead and bizarrely exclaimed: “Treat yourself a round of sausage.”

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When Kitina swooped in to say the correct answer, Seacrest couldn’t help but tease Will over the error, which appeared to stun the audience into silence.

“Will, I kind of liked yours better,” he said. “That sounds better than just clapping right now.”

Will ended in third place, winning $8,000, and after the show, he broke down his blunder with the show’s special correspondent, Maggie Sajak.

‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant got this phrase extremely wrong

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‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant got this phrase extremely wrong (ABC)

He told Sajak, who is the daughter of Ex-Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, that he “blanked”, adding:

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“Yeah, I’ll tell you, when the lights are on and you know the stars, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, it’s… I just went blank.”

He said he knew he would get teased by his friends and colleagues back home, stating: “I’m sure I’m gonna have sausages in my locker and police car when I get back, so we’ll try to have some fun with it.”

However, Will admitted it would all have been worth it if Maggie’s father was entertained by the incorrect answer.

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‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant Will took game show error in his stride

‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant Will took game show error in his stride (ABC)

“If your dad, in retirement, is watching the show, maybe cracks a beer and has a laugh, it’ll be worth it,” he said.



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Strictly pro slams Shirley Ballas’ decision to send Shayne Ward home as he reveals Wynne Evans made major error

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Strictly pro slams Shirley Ballas’ decision to send Shayne Ward home as he reveals Wynne Evans made major error


STRICYLY Come Dancing legend Brendan Cole has blasted head judge Shirley Ballas’ decision to save Wynne Evans over Shayne Ward on Sunday night.

In his view, the Coronation Street actor‘s exit was undeserved.

Shayne Ward was sent home on Sunday - much to the surprse of viewers and his dance-off rival Wynne Evans

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Shayne Ward was sent home on Sunday – much to the surprse of viewers and his dance-off rival Wynne EvansCredit: PA
Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Balllas came under fire from viewers on Sunday night

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Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Balllas came under fire from viewers on Sunday nightCredit: BBC
Shayne and Nancy Xu have become the seventh couple to be eliminated

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Shayne and Nancy Xu have become the seventh couple to be eliminatedCredit: PA

Brendan told The Sun that Wynne’s noticeable missteps were also overlooked, especially with the Blackpool show approaching where only the most refined dancers get to shine.

He pointed to a major error he believes should have factored into the head judge’s decision, saying Wynne’s dance wasn’t as polished as she suggested.

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Brendan tore into Shirley’s reasoning for saving the opera singer, after viewers called it a fix.

He said: “Shirley saying Wynne Evans’ number was a bubblier performance — well of course it was. That goes with the dance.

“The dances were fairly close, but the only thing that stood out is that Wynne went off time a lot.

“That is supposed to be the first fundamental.

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“The first thing I learnt as a 7-year-old is you’ve got to be in time and on the right rhythm.”

He also spotted over-scoring from the judging panel, which includes Motsi Mabuse, Anton DuBeke and Craig Revel Horwood.

Recalling Motsi and Shirley’s raising their paddles for Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec’s Quickstep, he told The Sun on behalf of SkyVegas: “Two 10s was too much for that Quickstep.”

Brendan continued: “JB was overmarked — it was a really good number, but it wasn’t a 10.

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Furious Strictly fans brand show a fix as seventh star is sent home amid favouritism row

“It was a very good Samba.”

Some fans agreed with Shirley’s decision and one pointed out: “Had everyone forgot he has been in the bottom 2-3 times. It was time to go.”

But former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips took to social media to complain that the judges were wrong.

Viewers were shocked when Shirley explained one couple showed more energy and then went on to pick Wynne and Katya to stay.

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Arlene posted on social media and slammed Shirley and Anton Du Beke’s decision to save Wynne and Katya.

Posting a photo of Shayne and Nancy, Arlene said in a rare statement: “I disagreed with the @bbcstrictly judges last night on which couple stayed.

“Watching @shaynetward at the start of the competition I didn’t think he would get this far.

“From being a clumsy dancer last night turned into an actor and a dancer, portraying a beautiful partnership with @nancy_xuxi

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“The dance felt romantic and true and I was sorry to see this couple go.”

Catherine was quick to support Arlene’s post and make her thoughts clear: “Thankyou for standing up for him!

“Like you did for me all those years ago. I know how upset he will be and your words will lift him as they did for me.”

Strictly 2024 pairings

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Here’s who is matched with who this series…



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