The fourth Strictly Come Dancing star has been revealed as Nice British Bake Off winner John Whaite, who might be one-half of the present’s first all-male partnership.
After a lot controversy throughout the present’s 17 12 months run over the prospect of a same-sex pairing, Strictly is lastly addressing the decision for change with John delightedly praising the ‘nice step ahead in illustration and inclusion’.
He stated: ”What’s thrilling for me, is that I’ll be one half of the primary all-male partnership, which is a superb step ahead in illustration and inclusion…
‘Whoever it’s I am paired with, I hope they’re up for a problem as I would like our routines to incorporate plenty of spectacular lifts!’
Again: The fourth Strictly Come Dancing star has been revealed as chef John Whaite
John went on: ‘I am so grateful, excited, and nervous to be becoming a member of the Strictly household…
‘I have been sporting sequins and jazzy apparel since I used to be three years outdated and may’t wait to hurl myself, full throttle, round probably the most glamorous dance flooring on earth.
John gained the third sequence of The Nice British Bake Off, in 2012, on the age of 23. John has offered varied TV exhibits and presently has a weekly cooking phase on Steph’s Packed Lunch.
He has written for a wide range of newspaper and magazines on the subjects of meals and psychological well being, and has printed 5 cookery books. John additionally runs his personal cookery college, John Whaite’s Kitchen.
Again then: John gained the third sequence of The Nice British Bake Off, in 2012, on the age of 23 (pictured in 2016)
John used his GBBO fame for good, when he gained the present and started combating for LGBTQ rights. He appeared on the duvet of the UK homosexual tradition journal Perspective along with his now husband-to-be, Paul Atkins, to whom he grew to become engaged in 2017.
He spoke about his expertise of popping out, saying: ‘I did not actually know any homosexual individuals as a result of it was nonetheless a little bit of a sensitive topic, particularly being a working class northern lad – it wasn’t typically mentioned…
‘However I actually admired my mates at drama who had been all very ‘fabulous darling’ and so they actually helped me via it.
‘I undoubtedly need to marry Paul (my accomplice of 5 years – not Paul Hollywood!) as a result of I like him and respect him a lot…
‘I do know I do not need to be with anybody else and I’ve examined what else is on the market! On the subject of cake, I will be making plenty of our households’ favourites!’
John spoke of how post-GBBO fame impacted him after occurring a downward spiral and even talking of the behaviour of BBC in his woes.
Robust: John spoke of how post-GBBO fame impacted him after occurring a downward spiral and even talking of the behaviour of BBC in his woes
He stated: ‘Some days I might want I had by no means been on the present, as a result of in actuality, it completely derailed me from a gradual lifepath. I might blame the manufacturing firm or the BBC.
‘It might be easy to level the finger and say they gave me no recommendation on how one can handle the transience of the business, or how one can comprehend the temporariness of my attraction.
‘They did not, and maybe within the wake of actuality TV star meltdowns and suicides, there ought to be a severe reform of the best way contributors are ready for, and guided via, their post-show life.
‘However I do not suppose it will have made an oz. of distinction even when they’d. Dependancy to the razzle dazzle got here naturally to the youthful me…
‘What I failed to recollect although, was that age-old mantra: watch out what you want for. As a result of as the subsequent batch of Bake Off stars emerged, my attraction shrank. 12 months on 12 months, the working days grew to become fewer and monetary provides had been smaller.
‘The life to which I had turn out to be accustomed slowly dissolved. With extra days alone at house, ready by the telephone like an anxious Nineteen Eighties teenager urging their crush to name, my already depressed frame of mind worsened…
I drank greater than I ought to have and posted unwisely on Instagram and Twitter. If I knew then what I knew now, would I do all of it once more? Completely. However I might method it so otherwise.’
Robust: John spoke of how post-GBBO fame impacted him after occurring a downward spiral and even talking of the behaviour of BBC in his woes (pictured in 2019)
It comes after the primary three names have been introduced for Strictly Come Dancing 2021
John’s reveal comes after the primary three names had been introduced for this 12 months’s present.
McFly pop star Tom Fletcher, Peep Present actor Robert Webb and presenter AJ Odudu have been unveiled forward of the brand new sequence, which is about to kick off within the autumn on BBC One.
The celebs had been revealed on Wednesday’s version of The One Present, with the remainder of the names set to be drip-fed to followers over the subsequent couple of weeks.
Tom, 36, has large footwear to fill on Strictly. His McFly bandmate Harry Judd gained the present in 2011. And Tom’s spouse Giovanna Fletcher is the reigning champion of I am A Celeb… Get Me Out Of Right here!
Starring function: Peep Present actor Robert Webb can also be taking to the ground
Robert, 48, is certain to really feel the strain too, after he squeezed right into a shiny leotard to take the title of Let’s Dance For Comedian Aid in 2009, performing What A Feeling from ’80s movie Flashdance, beating the likes of Keith Lemon and Paddy McGuinness to the title.
2021 has been a busy 12 months for AJ, 33, who has featured on 14 TV exhibits, together with Cooking With The Stars and Celeb Karaoke Membership. She has appeared as a panelist on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two previously, too.
The three contestants had been unveiled one after the other with The One Present presenter Alex Jones revealing they got the code names of Buzz Lightyear (Tom), Spoongebob Squarepants (Robert) and Marge Simpson (AJ).
Large footwear to fill! Tom’s McFly bandmate Harry Judd gained Strictly n 2011 [L] whereas Robert is certain to really feel the strain too, after he squeezed right into a shiny leotard to take the title of Let’s Dance For Comedian Aid in 2009, performing What A Feeling from ’80s movie Flashdance [R]
Music and dancing: Tom is on quarter of boy band McFly [pictured last week with Dougie Poynter and Danny Jones]
‘The complete repair!’ Strictly will deliver again ALL themed weeks, a reside viewers and the same old 15 celeb contestants [pictured Oti Mabuse and Kelvin Fletcher during Halloween Week 2019]
Tom was the primary superstar introduced and stated: ‘I am so happy the information is out it has been so arduous holding it secret.’
Including he has identified he can be collaborating since final Christmas, he stated he’s: ‘Equal elements excited and terrified. I really feel bare with no guitar I am so used to having a guitar on stage.’
The pop star additionally revealed that McFly bandmate Harry has already been giving him loads of recommendation.
He stated: ‘I am unable to shut Harry up about Strictly. He is been giving me a great deal of recommendation already. I watched him each week. It was social gathering watching him doing that and seeing what a tremendous expertise he had. Since then I’ve had a secret want to do it.’
Excited: Tom was the primary superstar introduced and stated: ‘I am so happy the information is out it has been so arduous holding it secret’
In an announcement, Tom stated: ‘I believe the truth that I am really going to be dancing on Strictly this 12 months has solely simply began to sink in whereas I am scripting this! I am extremely excited, after all, but additionally completely terrified!
‘My youngsters had been excited too till I began exhibiting them my finest dad-dancing within the kitchen. I am undecided how far they will get me within the competitors however I am unable to wait so as to add some new strikes to my embarrassing dad-dancing repertoire.’
Throughout the present, Alex additionally learn out a playful message from Harry that stated: ‘I am so happy [Tom] is doing Strictly it is win win for me.
‘If he wins it is nice as a result of he is my mate and I will be pleased for him but when he would not, even higher cos I can remind him who did.’
Over the moon: In an announcement, Tom stated: ‘I believe the truth that I am really going to be dancing on Strictly this 12 months has solely simply began to sink in
Tom additionally shared his sister’s hilarious response to the information on Instagram.
Carrie Fletcher, 28, regarded beside herself with laughter within the publish, making his 2million followers giggle.
‘That is the second I advised my sister @carriehopefletcher that I used to be doing @bbcstrictly and he or she simply burst out laughing in my face,’ he penned.
Cackling: Tom additionally shared his sister’s hilarious response to the information on Instagram, the place it appeared she was beside herself with laughter
Robert was the subsequent star introduced, together with a hilarious clip of his 2009 Comedian Aid efficiency.
The actor echoed what Tom stated, admitting: ‘It’s extremely thrilling however with a slight undertone of quivering terror.’
Robert had life-saving coronary heart surgical procedure final 12 months after it was found he was affected by a coronary heart murmur brought on by a mitral valve prolapse.
Host Alex famous throughout his final One Present look, he stated the well being scare made him need to tackle extra challenges.
Robert stated: ‘You get to a degree in life the place you suppose it is not a time to be cool. These experiences do not come alongside typically in life. If you are able to do sequence 19 of Strictly, do!’
In an announcement, he added: ‘My purpose is to try to survive from week to week with out inflicting severe damage to myself or harmless bystanders. I do know it is going to be a problem. To do effectively on this competitors is a check of character, though primarily it is a check of dancing.’
‘Undertone of terror’: Robert was the subsequent star introduced, together with a hilarious clip of his 2009 Comedian Aid efficiency
AJ was the third contestant introduced and advised how she stored her participation within the sequence a secret from her mom Florence, who was watching at house.
AJ stated: ‘The key’s out ultimately, shock mum! She did not know, she’s at house at mine fuming I’ve dragged her all the best way to London and he or she was like, ‘You stated we had been hanging out and now you are going out.’
‘She’s going to be watching now, completely beside herself. I am unable to let you know how a lot we love the present. I’ve received seven siblings and you understand how mother and father say they do not have a favorite baby, that is favorite baby vibes proper right here. I am not extremely aggressive, I simply need to do my absolute best.
The presenter has beforehand confronted her fears on SAS: Who Dares Wins and reckons the Strictly dancefloor will current its personal distinctive set of challenges.
She stated: ‘It is not climbing a literal mountain however I believe it is going to be actually difficult. I am unable to look forward to the sequins, the wigs, the glitz and the glamour.’
Overjoyed: AJ was the third contestant introduced and advised how she stored her participation within the sequence a secret from her mom Florence, who was watching at house
The veteran dance present was famously disrupted in 2020 due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless it appears issues are again to regular in 2021 – other than one or two components nonetheless deemed too tough to navigate amid the worldwide well being disaster.
Present boss Sarah James advised The Mirror: ‘We’re so thrilled that Strictly might be returning for a full-length sequence this 12 months, and know the way a lot viewers are trying ahead to getting their full Strictly repair and seeing the return of much-loved specials.
‘We’re all so unhappy that we cannot be capable to get to Blackpool this 12 months however cannot wait to be again dancing on the one and solely Blackpool Tower Ballroom sooner or later.’
The Blackpool episode ordinarily takes place close to the top of the sequence, however was axed final 12 months with restrictions throwing up logistical difficulties on the manufacturing.
Nonetheless a no-go: Blackpool has been axed AGAIN because of the ongoing pandemic
However 2021 will embody the present’s themed weeks – resembling film week, musicals week and Halloween week.
Final 12 months, these had been scrapped, proving too sophisticated to handle amid the pandemic. The present’s Christmas particular may also be again, with the present set to start out in its typical early-autumn time slot, relatively than in October, like final 12 months.
It is stated relatively than a fewer variety of celebs, the total 15 might be collaborating once more, having reduce this to 12 final sequence.
There are additionally plans to reinstate the reside viewers too – one other side disallowed final season.
Isolation will stay in place for the skilled dancers. This can see them despatched to a lodge close to the Strictly studios in Hertfordshire a number of weeks forward of the present’s return.
Present boss Sarah James stated: ‘We’re all so unhappy that we cannot be capable to get to Blackpool this 12 months however cannot wait to be again dancing on the one and solely Blackpool Tower Ballroom sooner or later’
The celebs may also not have the same old three-week hole between being paired up with their execs and dancing for the primary time on reside TV. This has been diminished to at least one week due to logistical components.
In fact one factor sure to not change is the annual hypothesis across the so-called Strictly Curse.
And the curse has already hit, as new skilled Kai Widdrington has break up from his long-term girlfriend.
The previous Britain’s Acquired Expertise star, 25, is considered one of 4 new dancers that can dazzle within the ballroom this autumn and had been in a relationship with fellow dancer Giulia Dotta, 29, for 5 years.
Unhappy: Strictly Come Dancing has been hit by the notorious ‘curse’ already as new skilled Kai Widdrington has break up from his long-term girlfriend (pictured in 2019)
A spokesperson for Giulia – who’s Italian – confirmed to The Mirror that they had been not collectively. They went their separate methods 9 months in the past.
The pair labored on Eire’s Dancing With The Stars collectively which has run for 4 sequence. A supply advised the publication: ‘Signing as much as Strictly is sort of a dying sentence for nearly any relationship.’
Mates added that they thought Kai and Giulia would ultimately get married and have kids. The alleged Strictly curse sees {couples} break up and fall for his or her skilled dance companions.
It is over: The previous BGT star, 25, is considered one of 4 new dancers that can dazzle within the ballroom this autumn and had been in a relationship with fellow dancer Giulia Dotta, 29, for 5 years
Final 12 months Kai joked about proposing on reside TV, saying: ‘If I proposed on this setting she would completely kill me.’
Kai is now residing with fellow Strictly dancing hunk Giovanni Pernice, 30, who just lately began relationship Love Island ‘s Maura Higgins.
Kai appeared on Britain’s Acquired Expertise in 2012 aged 16 and made it to the ultimate.
He has beforehand labored as an expert dancer on Dancing With The Stars Eire, since its first sequence in 2017. He completed twice as Runner-up on the present in 2018 and 2020.
Upset: A spokesperson for Giulia – who’s Italian – confirmed to The Mirror that they had been not collectively
Kai was all set to comply with in his dads footsteps by changing into an expert footballer, however aged 9 determined to take up dancing as an alternative and by the point he was 14, he grew to become the 2010 World Junior Latin-American champion.
Talking about being forged within the upcoming sequence, Kai stated: ‘That is my childhood dream come true.
‘Watching Strictly from the very first sequence as a younger boy from Southampton and now 18 years later, to be an expert dancer on the present is probably the most superb feeling and the largest accomplishment of my profession.
‘I am unable to wait to step onto the Strictly flooring and expertise the thrilling occasions that lie forward.’
Lengthy-term: Final 12 months Kai (pictured) joked about proposing on reside TV, saying: ‘If I proposed on this setting she would completely kill me’
Work: The pair labored on Eire’s Dancing With The Stars collectively which has run for 4 sequence (Giulia is pictured on the present with accomplice Father Ray Kelly)
Simply final week Strictly Come Dancing unveiled their 4 new skilled dancers.
Jowita Przystal, 26, Nikita Kuzmin, 23, Kai, and Cameron Lombard, 20, have been confirmed as the brand new additions forward of the 2021 sequence of the favored BBC competitors.
The road-up of Strictly skilled was left thinner for this 12 months after Anton Du Beke, 54, stepped right into a judging function and Janette Manrara, 37, determined to depart with a view to host the spin-off present.
BBC bosses have confirmed the identities of the 4 new scorching scorching dancers stepping as much as fill of their dancing footwear.
The 4 new dancers be part of the present line-up of pros which incorporates: Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, and Oti Mabuse.
Leisure: Kai appeared on Britain’s Acquired Expertise in 2012 aged 16 and made it to the ultimate (pictured with Natalia Jeved)
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