Strictly star Richie Anderson bravely came out to football teammates on national TV

Strictly Come Dancing has delivered in providing TV audiences with Saturday night entertainment and some truly unforgettable performances and moments.First airing in 2004, the epic BBC competition seemed like a show like no other, with its jaw-dropping spectacles, impeccable wardrobes and witnessing a whole host of celebs - good or bad - take to the dance floor.Viewers can sometimes even forget that the show is a competition, and outside of its glitz and glam, there's no doubt unexpected rivalries, behind-the-scenes chaos, and ongoing feuds have led to some very intense moments.READ MORE: Strictly curse babies – Rachel Riley's sweet arrival, health woes and pregnancy rumoursDaily Star digs deep and takes a look at some of Strictly's most notorious bust-ups and vendettas over the show's 20 series.Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas has hit back at allegations of sexism after saying she would have saved Richie Anderson over Fleur East in this years Strictly.The judge was hit with a wave of anger from fans over some of her comments about the female celebs, particularly of Ellie Taylor.Even pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin called out Shirley for her remarks, and some viewers even demanded Shirley be sacked.Taking to Twitter, She explained that while the nasty comments made her "resilient", a "wall goes up".Shirley insisted that she "doesn't have a mean bone in [her] body" and that her comments come from 45 years of experience in the tough dancing world." Gorka was fuming when he wasn’t given a celebrity partner in 2019 after winning with Katie Piper the year before.So, when footballer Alex Scott’s professional partner, Neil Jones, was injured in training, he was even madder when he wasn’t chosen to replace him.Instead, Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing star Simon Webbe revealed why he would never submit to the Strictly curse.The Blue singer opened up to the Daily Star during a Facebook Live earlier this week as the dancing show is in full swing.The 43-year-old star revealed that he purposely asked for a single dance partner to avoid all of the Strictly curse drama during his time on the show.READ MORE: Strictly's Giovanni Pernice hails Richie Anderson the 'perfect student' amid 'tension' He came first runner-up on the show back in 2014 when he was partnered with Kristina Rihanoff.Explaining his decision, Simon said: "That's very important for me because I didn't want my experience of the show to be overshadowed by the Strictly curse so to speak."I was single at the time and it was nice to be able to just dance and it not mean 'ooh you fancy each other or are you gonna get it on?'"And being honest that's the kinda thing that was going on behind the scenes, it was 'are you two gonna get together or what?' And I was like 'hmm, na, sorry to disappoint'."I didn't want to have any tension like when you're walking into the room the next day when you've gotta do your job."I'm gonna just say giving your body away to somebody isn't something which is just willy nilly to me, not to me anyway, so I'd rather use that energy and put it into the dancing."Simon is now married to his beautiful wife Ayshen, who he shares a one-year-old daughter Cyan Shenel with.He also went on to mention how he hasn't spoken to his dance partner Kristina in over six years.Talking about his partner, Simon said: "I haven't spoken to Kristina in at least six years.

Strictly Come Dancing professionals Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova have given fans an exciting relationship update after announcing the “latest edition” to their family. After they started dating earlier this year, the pair’s relationship appears to have gone from strength-to-strength, and Kai, 27, and 33 year old Nadiya often gush over each other on social media and share snaps from their romantic holidays abroad. And now it seems as though their relationship has entered a whole new stage after the pair took to social media to reveal that they’d welcomed a new family member that they’d been keeping a secret.

Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova's relationship is going from strength to strength, and the pair have now welcomed a new edition to their family.READ: Nadiya Bychkova reacts to boyfriend Kai Widdrington's Strictly exitTaking to his Instagram on Friday, Kai joked about having kept a secret from fans, as he and his girlfriend revealed that they had adopted a bulldog. The couple posed in a gorgeous garden with Kai protectively holding the adorable puppy in one hand, while cradling Nadiya with his other.

THIS year's Strictly Come Dancing stars looked all partied out as they turned up at rehearsals in pyjamas after their late nights. The celebrities had all had pretty busy evenings, with some attending the National Television Awards at the OVO Arena in Wembley yesterday evening. Like true professionals, they didn't miss their early alarms this morning, which made sure they were up and ready for rehearsals for the BBC show today.

Giovanni Pernice looked proud as punch as he posed for an incredible photo with three of his former celebrity dance partners at the National Television Awards on Thursday.MORE: Strictly's Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice put on loving display at NTAsAfter Strictly Come Dancing won the award for best Talent Show, the professional dancer joined reigning champion Rose Ayling-Ellis, Debbie McGee, from series 15, and Michelle Visage, from series 17, for an epic photo.WATCH: King Charles makes surprise appearance at NTAs"With my girls," Giovanni gushed alongside the sweet picture, which Strictly fans will no doubt be delighted to see.MORE: Giovanni Pernice sets record straight on whether he will quit Strictly Come DancingREAD: Rose Ayling-Ellis holds 'deep affection' for Strictly's Giovanni Pernice - expert discusses relationshipGlitterball trophy holders Giovanni and Rose took to the NTA stage to accept the Best Talent Show gong. In a touching moment, the whole cast of Strictly thanked fans in sign language whilst on stage.Their reunion comes four days after Giovanni and his most recent dance partner Richie Anderson left the competition.

After being delayed for a month, the National Television Awards 2022 have finally begun. Stars including Holly Willoughby, the Loose Women ladies and our favourite soap actors have descended on London's Wembley Area for the swish event – but which of them is going home with a prize? Joel Dommett is hosting the ceremony which will see gongs including Best Presenter and Best Soap handed out, as well as Best TV Judge and Best Soap.

EastEnders was completely snubbed as the BBC One soap failed to win any awards while Coronation Street was named Best Serial Drama. Ant and Dec made history as they won the award for Best TV presenters for 20 years in a row.

Giovanni Pernice was reportedly telling his friends how "he wants to quit" Strictly Come Dancing after his early departure from the series alongside presenter Richie Anderson. The dancer was said to be "embarrassed" to be second out of the competition, according to the Sun, after winning the series with Rose Ayling-Ellis last year. But hitting back at the reports, Giovanni, 32, set the record straight as he shared on his Instagram Stories: "Lol," with three laughing face emojis.

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans are all saying the same thing about Hamza as the contestants get set to face the judges in week 4. Hamza Yassin was given arguably the hardest of dances in week three - the Rhumba - but he has managed to battle his way into week four of the BBC competition. The wildlife specialist has been labelled as the "world's sweetest man" following his appearance on Strictly's It Takes Two earlier this week.

Strictly Come Dancing has seen its fair share of new and fledgling romances – thanks, in part, to the so-called Strictly curse.From Seann Walsh’s snog with Katya Jones while both partners were still in relationships to rumours of romance between Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis after she split from her boyfriend, there’s very little the curse hasn’t touched.But some happy couples have even been lucky enough to welcome babies together after dancing with their partners on the BBC show.READ MORE: Strictly Matt Goss' life - saving fan's life, Hollywood sibling and 20k flight for dogFrom Stacey Dooley to Rachel Riley, we take a look at the Strictly curse babies so far…Countdown star Rachel Riley shares two children with her former dance partner Pasha Kovalev – a two year old daughter Maven, and one-year-old Noa.Sharing the happy news of her son’s arrival on social media, Rachel wrote: “We have some news…! Introducing Pasha's newest dance partner - baby Noa was finally born, 15 days after her due date, late on Friday night to the sound of fireworks!“She's totally adorable and her big sister Maven has already tried welcoming her to the world by offering Oatly and pickles, we think that’s a good sign."Rachel explained that they welcomed Noa after she suffered a miscarriage, labelling him a “rainbow baby” as she thanked her home birth midwife for helping during the delivery.Since then, Rachel has even introduced her daughter Maven to her Countdown pals.But she insists she doesn’t want her babies referred to as a “curse”, as it’s “not right”.If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity).

Giovanni Pernice has responded to claims he's thinking of quitting Strictly Come Dancing after he made an early exit from the competition last weekend. The Italian dancer and his celebrity partner Richie Anderson found themselves in a shock bottom two during Sunday's results show.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has denied claims he is set to quit the show, saying he plans to remain on the show "for many more years" The reigning champion, 32, was said to be feeling "embarrassed" about being booted off second following last year's win, and felt "wasted" on the show when he suffered his earliest exit in eight years.Reports since suggested Giovanni, a fan favourite, had threatened to walk away from the series for good.READ MORE: Craig Charles' biggest scandals – drugs binge, Corrie suspension and co-star feudGiovanni's rep has since released a statement insisting the dancer hopes for "many more years on the show".A source told The Mirror: "This is the show which made Gio's dreams come true. "Gio loves Strictly and looks forward to many more years on the show dancing and entertaining."Giovanni has also taken to social media to insist he "isn't going anywhere." It follows reports from The Sun that the star has "felt wasted" so far this series.

The One Show host Alex Jones raised laughs with an unexpected jibe at co-presenter Ronan Keating as they chatted to singer Fleur East about landing in the dreaded dance-off on Strictly Come Dancing. Last weekend Manchester's Hits Radio presenter Fleur was in the bottom two with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola.

The One Show's Ronan Keating has been left red-faced after his co-star Alex Jones exposed him on air. The presenting pair chatted to Strictly Come Dancing 2022 star Fleur East about her time on the BBC show.

Shirley Ballas has responded to the massive amount of criticism she has received recently over her comments on Strictly Come Dancing.The head judge was slammed this week after she made comments about female celebrities – particularly Olympian Ellie Simmonds.Then during movie week, Shirley was berated online after saying she would’ve saved Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice over the couple that was ultimately saved, Fleur East and Vito Coppola. Some fans called for the Latin dance champ to be sacked, while others demanded an apology. Shirley, 62, has now responded to the criticism while talking to the panellists on Loose Women via video call on Wednesday 12 October.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have already said this weekend's show has been 'spoiled' as they discovered the song and dance choices for week four. Following Movie Week special last week, this Saturday will see the remaining 13 couples take to the ballroom with a brand new routine.

Strictly star Giovanni Pernice, 32, was eliminated from the show last weekend after his Movie Week routine with Richie Anderson, in which the pair dressed up as a meerkat and a warthog, failed to impress. However, Giovanni, who won the Glitterball Trophy with Rose back in 2021, has described teaching her as the most "therapeutic" experience he's had.Rose, who became the first deaf contestant ever to participate in Strictly, clinched victory after working closely with her Sicilian dance partner.However, Giovanni hinted that it meant more to him than the public might have imagined."Music and painting during my downtime is therapeutic to me," Rose told her 543,000 followers, before inviting the public to join in and reveal their own hobbies.Giovanni responded to her Instagram Poll question by saying: "Teaching Rose."A stunned Rose blushingly replied: "Aww @giovannipernice.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas struggled to hold back the tears as she addressed the "sexism" backlash against her. Shirley appeared on Loose Women on Wednesday (October 12) to speak out about the hate she has received from trolls online and stressed her position as a judge on the hit BBC dance competition.Taking the opportunity to explain why it was she picked Richie Anderson and not Fleur East in the dance off on Sunday she admitted she had based her decision solely on "his footwork," adding "I love Fleur, she had this beautiful frame, and it was soft and it was elegant but in the end I went with the footwork."READ MORE: Gemma Atkinson in wardrobe malfunction as she spills out of towel with Strictly fiancéThe star was left visibly emotional while discussing the impact the hurtful messages she has been bombarded with since have had on her as she admitted: "I don't have a mean bone in my body."She said: "It's a beautiful show, it's there to entertain, I'm there to do a job.