Ann Widdecombe: Last News

Shirley Ballas has witness all manner of celebrities perform all manner of dances since she joined Strictly Come Dancing as head judge back in 2017. In a wide-ranging exclusive chat with OK! during a break from filming this year's series, the head judge reveals which celebrity performance left her lost for words - for the first time in her life.

Strictly ’s head judge Shirley Ballas may be synonymous with glitz and glamour, but she isn’t scared to tackle more uncomfortable subjects. During a break from filming her eighth series of the BBC dance show, the Merseyside-born former Latin American champion chats to OK! about her top Strictly moments and providing much-needed cuddles backstage.

Affectionately dubbed the “King of Ballroom”, judge Anton Du Beke has become a veritable national treasure since first gliding onto the Strictly Come Dancing set two decades ago.The professional ballroom dancer, 58, has appeared in every series since 2004, and despite many changes during that time, his enthusiasm has never waned. “The show has evolved unrecognisably, but has remained true to itself,” he tells OK!. “I’m so proud that Craig, Tess and I are the ones left from the very beginning.That makes me enormously proud and I hope we all stay until the end of time.

Strictly Come Dancing is back for a 22nd series with the show set to welcome 15 new famous faces. The fresh batch of the celebs will be paired up with a professional dancer and will get to strut their stuff in front of a live studio audience in a bid to get their hands on the Glitterball Trophy.

Ann Widdecombe has come to the defence of Strictly Come Dancing amidst allegations of abuse.

The voting booths close at 10pm on Thursday 4 July, and the TV coverage of the General Election 2024 begins, with news presenters getting ready to announce the results as they come in. On Channel 4’s Britain Decides from 9.45pm, things will be a little different, much to the delight of Gogglebox fans.

Tess Daly was full of nostalgia which led to fans flooding her with messages as she reflected on Strictly Come Dancing's huge milestone. The hit BBC One dance contest first aired on May 15 2004 as a new incarnation of the professional dancing series Come Dancing.

Just days after Strictly Come Dancing won the BAFTA for Best Entertainment programme, the BBC have teased that there will be a special spin-off show as part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary celebrations.To mark the show’s birthday, and to celebrate the fact that it is the BBC’s most successful entertainment series, the special Strictly will look back on some of the best and most memorable moments from the series over the years. Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “Throughout its 20-year history, the show has launched careers, sparked trends, and touched the hearts of millions with its dazzling performances, emotional journeys, and unforgettable moments and we will be showcasing it all in this very special programme.” While more details of the anniversary special are currently under wraps, Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, BBC Studios Entertainment, added: “From glittering Ballroom numbers to high-energy Latin routines, the show continues to push the boundaries of dance and entertainment and we want viewers to join us in raising a toast to 20 years of sparkle and shine in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.” The show is likely to feature the many stand out moments from two decades of dance that began in 2004, when news presenter Natasha Kaplinsky took the first glitterball home with dance partner Brendan Cole.

The annual trip to Blackpool's Tower Ballroom is one of the most anticipated traditions for Strictly Come Dancing viewers. Blackpool Week usually takes place during the second half of the competition, showcasing the strongest contestants still left with a chance of lifting the Glitterball trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nancy Xu has been 'snubbed' by a former pro following Les Dennis' shock exit from the competition.

Lisa Snowdon found herself in a heated row with Ann Widdecombe over the menopause on Wednesday. The two ladies were guests on Channel 5's Jeremy Vine show, where discussion soon turned to the importance of opening more conversations about the menopause, which Lisa also speaks about in her book Just Getting Started.

Strictly Come Dancing official podcast with producer Kim Winston, Anton, 56, said that receiving the call offering him to become a judge permanently on the show was incredibly emotional. One of the reasons why the somewhat upgrade from dancer to judge meant so much to the star was because his ego was constantly bruised every time he was voted out of the competition with his celebrity partner.Joking around with Kim in their chat for this week's podcast, Anton said: “You know what it is.There are only so many times that you can get voted off without it starting to affect the ego.”Laughing as he spoke, Anton continued: “I have to be honest with you.“I thought I was the most popular person in the whole world.Turns out I’m not.”Known for his wicked sense of humour, Anton got serious for a moment saying how after being offered his “dream job” his wife Hannah Summers “burst into tears”, and he got emotional too.“I got a bit emotional too because I love the show so much and I love being a part of the show.“And having stepped into the role as judge, I just feel like I can contribute more to the show and I love that.”Anton has appeared in every series of the popular BBC dancing show since its inception.

Kaye Adams is looking to a fellow celebrity who has previously starred in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom as she dusts off her own dancing shoes. Ann Widdecombe partnered up with Anton Du Beke in 2010, lasting ten weeks on the series. The former conservative MP couldn’t quite make it to the semi-finals after scoring just 14 out of a possible 40 points during the live shows.

Strictly Come Dancing is in its 20th year since first hitting our screens in 2004. There have been stunning performances and out-of-this-world lifts and tricks, but equally, there's been stumbles, falls and some very odd moves ( Ed Balls we're looking at you!) over the years the BBC show has been on air. Nearly 200 celebrities have stepped out on the Strictly dance floor, and this year's contestants are set to see who can samba, salsa and waltz their way to earning the Glitterball trophy this year.

Courtney Act is busy signing copies of her memoir, Caught In The Act, when she picks up the phone to OK!. She tells us she has just personalised one to send to former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, who she famously clashed with on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

Strictly family since the very first series back in 2004, partnering an array of celebrities over the years. His most memorable partnership being with former MP Ann Widdecombe - a match made in comedic heaven. READ MORE: CBeebies hit Hey Duggee announces live tour: Dates, shows and pre-sale ticket information Having won the hearts of millions of dancing fans across the country, he took a step to the other side of the judging table for series 18 in 2021, taking up the role temporarily.

Anton Du Beke, 55, has been performing on Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing since the show's inception in 2004. However, during his tour, the star revealed his career struggles as he got older, after being pushed to the back to accommodate dancers wearing a vest with “tattoos”.He said: “In the early days I would be down the front.

Strictly fans are in for a treat this June as the show’s newest judge and reigning champion are bringing back their five-star rated show to Manchester. Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice’s Him & Me tour will take place at The Lowry in Salford Quays on Sunday, June 26.

Anton Du Beke has spoken about his hopes to return as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing - but is still waiting for news on whether he will be welcomed back to the BBC show this year.

Since the launch show on Saturday 18 September, Strictly fever has been sweeping across the nation. We now know who all the celebs are partnered with, but what do the judges think of this year's line up? In an interview with the BBC, veteran judge Craig Revel Horwood opened up about his predictions for the upcoming competition.

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