Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas broke down in tears during a heartfelt interview about her life

 

Shirley Ballas broke down in tears during the show (Image: SPOTIFY )

Shirely Ballas took some time out of her hectic schedule to speak with Paul C Brunson about her humble roots, rise to ballroom stardom and the tragic losses in her life during a lengthy podcast interview with the Married at First Sight Expert. In one part of the conversation, the 54-year-old broke down in tears as she opened up about the devastating loss of her brother, David, who took his own life.

She was left heartbroken over his passing as the pair shared a close bond, having grown up as each other’s only sibling in Wallassey with their mother, Audrey Rich. Shirley shared: “My brother was either very up or very down. He was not often on the line. I’ve heard when we started off, before we moved on the housing estate, my brother was a very gentle soul, and I was the one always screaming and crying and wanting this and dancing round.

Shirley got emotional over her brother’s tragic death (Image: SPOTIFY )

“My mother used to put me in the pram, strap me in and put me at the bottom of the yard. Because she said I was upside down doing somersaults in the pram. And my brother was really quite a gentle soul.

“Then we moved to the housing estate. I can’t speak for him because he’s since passed, but certain things went on in his life, you know, that were not great, which were communicated many, many years later. And I think it just, he had to toughen up, you know, became the tough guy.”

The Latin dancing legend then revealed that David became unwell in his forties while she was navigating life in London, and he remained in the North of England. Audrey would visit David during this difficult time, but she lived many miles away from him.

She continued: “When he was 43, 44 he got poorly, lived in the north of England. I lived in the South and I remember my mum going to stay with him. She was with him for about six weeks. He seemed very low. He lost a lot of weight. We never really got to the root cause of – I think maybe, if I could just say his past was catching up with him maybe – And, I just think he just somehow went into a dark hole.”

Get the breaking showbiz news first, sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“The thing is, with depression and mental health, I knew nothing about that,” Shirley added. “I was busy, I had my son, I had my husband, my mother lived with me and somebody else’s two children that I raised. So life was busy, and I didn’t stop to go up there. My mother did.”

Shirley admitted David “faded fast”, adding: “And then there was just one time when my son was singing at Saint Paul’s Church, and I said to my mum and brother. Why don’t you come up for the week? And he goes, no, I’m feeling much better. Let mum go.

“And she went, and he took his own life that weekend in our home, in our north of England home. So it was just, it was tragic. It was sudden. It was – you can’t even explain it unless you lose somebody.”

David was 44 years old when he died in 2003, and he left behind his young daughter, Mary. Not long after his passing, Mary’s mother died of alcoholism, so Shirley raised Mary as her own.

The full podcast interview can be listened to on Spotify.

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

EXCLUSIVE: Emmerdale Star Beth Cordingly Drops THREE-WORD Bombshell Rumor About John Sugden’s MAJOR TWIST

Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly, who plays Ruby Fox-Milligan in the long running ITV soap, has admitted she had no idea her character’s murd3r of her abusive father Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day) would become an integral part of John Sugden’s (Oliver Farnsworth) recent rampage. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk at the Inside Soap Awards in London on Monday, September 29, the 48-year-old said: “I didn’t know. You never know that much in advance. But you always know they are storing stuff up and that it will be held over you by a certain character because the writers think much further ahead.”

John disposed of Anthony’s body,believing his then boyfriend Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) had k!lled him. However a guilty Aaron told his mother Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), and Ruby had involved her husband Caleb Miligan (Will Ash), meaning many of the Dingle clan were implicated in the crime. John used this to his advantage when Caleb and half-brother Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) discovered he was behind the murd3r of Cain’s son Nate Robinson (Jurrell Carter), threatening to tell the police where the body was, which would see them all jail3d.

To Cain’s fury, Caleb subsequently let John go in return for the location of the body, which Caleb has now moved to a location only known to him.

Asked if this was the last we would hear of the incriminating corpse, Beth laughed: “I very much hope so.” She also confessed the murd3r scene was “stressful” for her to play.

“It was quite stressful and when I was k!lling him, I’ve never k!lled anyone before obviously, so the only thing I could process was to do what you do when you’re k!lling a spider and I had to channel that into my kind of [rage],” she explained.

For the time being Ruby can relax knowing that no one can currently hold the k!lling over the family. However, treacherous John is now at large, so he could still return at some point to put a spanner in the works.

During his reign of terror, which included k!lling Nate, he also orchestrated chilling attacks on Chas, drugging her, smashing a brick through the window of The Woolpack, and tormenting both her and Liam Cavanagh (Johnny McPherson).

But John managed to cover his tracks, framing Ella Forster (Paula Lane) for everything. He also deliberately caused Jacob Gallagher to go into anaphylactic shock by ensuring he drank a coffee containing almond milk.

Fully aware of Jacob’s nut allergy, John did this so he could step in and save his life. In yet another sinister twist, John attacked Liam, believing he was Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb). He also held Mackenzie hostage in a bunker for several weeks.

BREAKINGNEWSRod Stewart ISSUES Huge Announcement that leaves fans Extremely Grateful

Rod Stewart sent fans into a frenzy with a major announcement about new upcoming tour dates. The 80-year-old musician has been captivating audiences worldwide on his One Last Time tour which kicked off in March in Austin. He’s scheduled to perform across South America throughout October, before heading to Europe for shows in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Greece in November and December. Sir Rod has since expanded the tour by adding shows in Colombia and Uruguay, along with extra dates in Argentina.

Although One Last Time is intended to be one of his final large‑scale global tours, the Maggie May hitmaker is showing no signs of slowing down as he has just announced new performances in Florida in 2026. Sir Rod will perform some of his greatest hits at venues in Hollywood, Tampa, and St. Augustine in February and March. While many fans flooded the comments with messages of excitement, others were left in tears, pleading with Sir Rod to bring the tour to their country.

“Peruuuu please,” one wrote alongside a crying emoji as a second penned: “It’s so sad that we won’t see you in Brazil.” Other fans pleaded with the musician to add performances in Sweden and Vancouver.

The update follows Rod’s announcement that his Las Vegas residency has officially begun. Alongside a photo of himself on stage, Sir Rod penned: “My residency in Las Vegas kicks back off tonight! Can’t wait to be back at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.”

His Las Vegas residency marks a welcome return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, following the cancellation of two shows earlier this year due to the flu.

Issuing the devastating health update in June, Sir Rod left fans emotional as he shared: “I’m awfully sorry to have to cancel my show June 5th at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. My doctor ordered a bit more rest while I recover from the flu. Thanks for your love and understanding – Rod.”

He was later forced to cancel another six shows in the US across that month, telling fans: “I have to cancel and reschedule my next six concerts in June as I continue to recover from the flu. So sorry my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.”

The update left fans concerned that the singer would not be well enough to perform at Glastonbury. Rod’s wife of 18 years, Penny Lancaster, disclosed just how ill the singer was, telling Hello! magazine: “He had influenza A, which is the worst one you can get. It knocked him sideways, he’s never been so ill in his entire life.”

But after being placed on vocal rest, Rod miraculously recovered just forty-eight hours before the show. With his voice restored, Rod triumphantly delivered his performance at Glastonbury, joined by music legends such as Lulu, Mick Hucknall and his longtime Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood.

Loose Women was hit with an awkward blunder during Thursday’s (October 2) episode of the ITV hit chat show

 

Loose Women was hit with a sudden disruption as Denise Welsh’s phone went off live on air.

During Thursday’s (October 2) episode of the ITV hit chat show Kaye Adams was on hosting duties and was joined by fellow panellists Kelly Brook, Myleene Klass and Denise as they discussed the day’s top stories.

However, just moments into one emotional segment titled ‘what would you tell little you?’, a mobile could be heard going off in the background, which caused a moment of panic among the four women.

The panel took part in a recent trend, where they use AI to edit a pic of themselves to look like a polaroid against a white curtain where their current self is seen hugging their younger self.

People are using it for all kinds of different reasons, but a popular one is them hugging their younger selves. Opening up about her childhood, Myleene admitted: “I was not a cool kid, I was a really geeky kid and it’s so funny to see that because I spent so long trying to fit in…”

Denise Welsh appeared on Loose Women (Image: ITV)

As she attempted to finish her sentence a phone could be heard going off and she wasted no time turning to her co-star and pointing out: “Is your phone going off Den?”

Denise was left red-faced as she replied: “My God I’ll get into trouble!” Kaye asked: “Is it Lincoln [Denise’s husband]?” to which Myleene joked: “It’s her son ‘mum stop embarrassing yourself.’”

Everyone burst out laughing as Denise added: “It’s Louis [her son] going ‘don’t you dare mention me on that programme’”.

It comes as a recent episode of Loose Women got off to an unusual start as all four panellists were missing. Fans watching the ITV daytime show at home were left scratching their heads as they tuned into Tuesday’s (September 30) live show.

Kelly Brook, Myleene Klass, Kaye Adams and Denise Welsh on Loose Women (Image: ITV)

As the usual theme tune played out, viewers were greeted with just an empty desk instead of the usual four panelists. At the time, one fan penned on social media: “That was weird #loosewomen.” Another added: “wtf was that? #loosewomen.”

However, it wasn’t long before host Jane Moore walked out of the sliding doors alongside panelists Mariella Frostrup, Kelly Brook and Sunetra Sarker.

Jane quickly kicked off the programme by discussing the latest news headlines and confirmed that Kelsey Parker would be joining them in the studio.

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

All is not well in Reform HQ. On Tuesday, Nigel Farage broadcast a statement where he claimed that Sir Keir Starmer’s rhetoric – dubbing Reform’s plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain ‘racist’ – risked inciting violence against his party’s activists and candidates. This morning, the party’s head of policy Zia Yusuf took to the airwaves to fume:

By all means take issue with the policy… But using language like ‘battle’… ‘enemy’… ‘threat’… in a world of social media… we’re all for free speech but no matter how much you want to uphold free speech, incitement of violence… there is nothing to excuse that.

The party has used the recent ath of US activist Charlie Kirk to suggest that Farage and Reform activists could be in similar danger in the UK – with Yusuf insisting: ‘If anything was to happen to Nigel, we will hold Keir Starmer responsible’. His remarks have led commentators to suggest Reform UK is overreacting to Starmer’s attack lines – with former party man Rupert Lowe slamming the group for its hypocrisy after he was forced out earlier this year. Mr S has been rather interested in Yusuf’s comments this morning too – not least given that he has, alongside Farage and deputy leader Richard Tice, not been shy in the past about using words like ‘battle’, ‘enemy’ or ‘threat’ to take a pop at his political opponents. Talk about two-tier standards, eh?

Steerpike has compiled a non-exhaustive list of fifteen examples below…

Yusuf: ‘the British government is the enemy of the British people’

Yusuf hits out at Commons over Farage interruptions

Yusuf: Ed Miliband is ‘an active threat’ to security

Farage: the civil service ‘are the enemy within’

Farage: ‘I see [Emmanuel] Macron as the enemy’

 

Farage: ‘The battle against globalism is real’

Farage on NatCon and the ‘battle against cancel culture’

Farage on Brexit: ‘Let battle be joined.’

Farage: Starmer is ‘the biggest threat’ to free speech

Farage: Pubs under ‘threat’ from Starmer

Farage: Rural life ‘directly under threat’ from Labour

Farage: ‘Democracy is under threat’ – a month after Yusuf blasted Harriet Harman for saying the same about Reform

Farage: Rachel Reeves is a ‘threat’ to the British seaside

Tice: Labour is a ‘threat to the safety of women and girls’

Tice: Miliband is ‘Britain’s most dangerous man’ and a ‘threat’ to prosperity

And there’s more, with Farage even tweeting earlier this year that shadow home secretary Chris Philp should, er, be ‘in hiding’. Crikey!

Of course, Mr S doesn’t believe that any of this language is necessarily wrong or should be banned – but perhaps Reform politicians should be a little more careful about their counter-attacks when they have clearly demonstrated they are no stranger to this rhetoric either. Rules for thee but not for me!

Prince William says ‘I don’t want to make same mistakes as my parents’ in honest TV chat

Prince William has said he doesn’t want to repeat the same mistakes as my parents (Image: AppleTV)

The Prince of Wales has declared: “The most important thing in my life is my family” – and vowed to learn from the mistakes his own parents made. IIn an honest and frank TV chat, William stressed how important he feels it is to raise his three children in a “happy, healthy, stable home”.

And while he said he had that for “part” of his childhood, he admitted the divorce of his parents – King Charles and Princess Diana – meant his stable home life only “lasted a short period of time”. One veteran royal commentator has said William’s comments are likely to upset his father.

Charles and Diana divorced in 1996, when William was 14. Four years earlier, they announced their separation and both gave TV interviews where they admitted adultery and spoke about their marriage difficulties.

William was speaking to Eugene Levy while filming an episode of the Hollywood star’s hit travel show, The Reluctant Traveller, at Windsor Castle.

The future king manages his royal duties around the school run and is determined to provide a sense of normality at home.

And he told Eugene: “I think it’s really important that that atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love. That all has to be there, and that was certainly part of my childhood.”

Speaking about his parents’ break-up he added: “You take that and you learn from it and you try and make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parents. I think we all try and do that and I just want to do what’s best for my children, but I know that the drama and the stress when you’re small really affects you when you’re older.”

Former royal journalist Phil Dampier told the Daily Express: “The King may be slightly taken aback by the frankness with which William has spoken. He may be slightly upset that William has said that he made mistakes.

Prince William sat down with Eugene Levy in a Windsor pub (Image: AppleTV)

“But they are undeniable. We all know that his first marriage didn’t work and, sadly, there are always consequences from that. Clearly, William and Harry suffered as a result of their parents’ divorce and their mother’s early death.”

Mr Dampier also said eyebrows might be raised at some of William’s plans for the future.

In the episode out tomorrow, the Prince talks of his wishes to modernise the monarchy. William says: “I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.”

He also talks about royal traditions, questioning if they are “fit for purpose today” and “still the right thing to do”.

The Prince adds: “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good. And I embrace that and I enjoy that change – I don’t fear it. That’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical change, but changes that I think that need to happen.”

It is understood William is keen to ensure the monarchy is value for money and wants royal events, such as his coronation, to feel more relevant and less extravagant.

Prince William talks about his football team as he goes on a dog walk with Eugene Levy (Image: The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy)

Mr Dampier said: “It’s quite likely and reasonable that William will want to do things his own way.

“But indicating that he’s going to do that while the King is still on the throne, and especially with his illness, I’m slightly surprised that he has done that. And I think the king might feel a bit uncomfortable with it.”

In the episode, Prince William arrives at Windsor Castle on an electric scooter and shakes hands with American Pie star Eugene before giving him a guided tour of the royal residence and its 13-acre estate. The pair are also seen chatting over a pint at a local pub.

The Prince speaks affectionately about his late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, recalling their sense of humour and the warmth and laughter that they brought. “My grandfather was incredibly amusing,” William said. “Sometimes not deliberately, sometimes by accident.”

The episode will air on AppleTV from Friday (Image: PA)

He adds: “My grandparents lived until they were in their high 90s. So they were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience.”

The prince emphasises the importance of family life throughout the episode, revealing that he and wife try to prioritise the school run and they sit down for family meals each night where they talk about their day.

Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, have a “strict rule” of no mobile phones, but they have no shortage of fun as they each enjoy their own hobbies. Louis loves trampolining, Charlotte adores ballet and netball, and George is into football and hockey.

William says he and Kate, who champions the importance of a child’s first five years, have fostered an “open family” approach where “we talk about things that bother us, and things that trouble us”.

The heir suggests this parenting method helped the siblings get through their mother’s cancer battle last year.

He appeared to touch on how difficult it was when there was rampant speculation about his wife’s health in the months between her major abdominal surgery and her cancer diagnosis.

Prince William arrives at Windsor Castle on an electric scooter (Image: AppleTV)

“I enjoy my job, but sometimes there are aspects of it such as the media, the speculation, you know the scrutiny, that make it a little bit harder than other jobs,” he said. “It’s just making sure that doesn’t overtake and intrude into areas at times when you just want a bit of space, and a bit of peace and quiet.”

As William condemned the “insatiable media’s” pursuit of his parents when he was growing up, he said that’s something “I vowed would never happen to my family”.

“I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past, that Harry and I had to grow up in – and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation,” he said.

Last year the family was hit by a string of ill-health, with the King and the Princess of Wales diagnosed with cancer in quick succession, a horse accident that put Princess Anne in intensive care and the Queen diagnosed with pneumonia and other infections.

William explained how this affected him and the family, and said: “When you suddenly realise that the rug, if you were the metaphorical rug, can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point. You maybe think to yourself ‘it won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay’ – because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive

The episode was filmed in February (Image: PA)

“But when it does happen to you, then yeah, it takes you into some pretty, you know, not great places.”

He said things are better now, but admitted “life is sent to test us as well and it definitely can be challenging at times, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”

In the episode, William makes self-deprecating comments about his history knowledge, claiming his eldest son, George, is “way better than I am”, and reveals that he sat watching the devastating fire of November 1992 at Windsor Castle unfold on the TV with his mum.

“It’s the most authentic I’ve seen him on screen,” says a source close to the future king. They added that the conversations were entirely unscripted and described it as “a free-flowing conversation, which was completely natural throughout”.

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

William is determined to keep his family safe and ensure that his children have the stable childhood he never had.

At the end of the show, Mr Levy reflects on his time with the future King and simply describes him as “nice, open and human”.

“I don’t know what I expected, you know, from a royal” he said. “The monarchy has always been so very formal, but with William, you didn’t get that at all.

“He’s a dad who goes to work and then comes home and you know has dinner with his kids. “There’s a normalcy to it that just surprised me, it took me aback actually a little bit. He was so down to earth, very funny, very bright.”

The prince also enjoyed filming the show, with a source saying: “He loved it, he genuinely enjoyed it.”

The full episode of The Reluctant Traveller airs on Apple TV+ on Friday.

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden struggling with illness ahead of Saturday’s live show

Amy and partner Thomas Skinner are dancing a salsa this weekend

Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden has revealed she is unwell, days before the second live show.

Amy and celebrity partner Thomas Skinner appeared on It Takes Two tonight (October 2), where host Janette Manrara addressed Amy’s very croaky voice.

Of course, Amy left the show early last year after sustaining an injury…
 
Amy Dowden spoke about how Thomas Skinner was helping her through her illness (Credit: BBC)

Amy Dowden unwell ahead of Strictly week 2

Introducing the couple, Janette said: “It’s Tom and Amy!”

She then spoke to the former Apprentice star, asking him if he enjoyed his first live show.

Talk then turned to Amy. Janette said: “Now Amy, I know you’re a little bit under the weather, so excuse Amy today, but he made you a beautiful drink to help you out, didn’t he?”

“He did,” said a very hoarse Amy. “With tumeric, ginger, pepper.” “With everything in there, everything you need,” said Janette. “So I won’t make you talk too too much,” she said, before asking what Amy made of Thomas’ first dance.

Struggling to get her words out, she revealed that she found it “so rewarding” to see Thomas on the Strictly dance floor. “Seeing him transform, and to have the confidence that Tom had, you name it, you did such a great job,” she said as her voice broke again.

Viewers on the hashtag soon wished Amy better. However, one touched on her slightly controversial pairing with Thomas as they said: “And now poor Amy has the lurgy – girl can’t catch a break!”
 
Janette promised she wouldn’t make Amy talk too much on the show tonight (Credit: BBC)

Thomas Skinner reveals weight loss

Thomas has also been concentrating on his health. He’s switched his fry ups for healthier breakfasts of fruit and yogurt, and he’s lost a stone since starting out on the show.

“I’ve noticed my trousers are getting a little bit bigger,” he said.

Good job Strictly costume designer Vicky Gill was also on It Takes Two tonight then, in case of any last-minute wardrobe alterations ahead of Saturday night!

Prince William has said “change is on my agenda” when he becomes king, in his most open and personal explanation to date about how he sees his future role and the future of the monarchy.

The revelations come during a discussion with Hollywood actor Eugene Levy as they were filming at Windsor Castle for Levy’s travel series The Reluctant Traveller.

When asked if the monarchy will be shifting in a slightly different direction when he becomes king, William says: “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda.

“Change for good, and I embrace that and I enjoy that change. I don’t fear it, that’s the bit that excites me – the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical change, but changes that I think need to happen.”

What could be described as William’s manifesto for the monarchy comes out in an unexpectedly candid interview with the Schitt’s Creek star.

The Prince of Wales also opens up about being “overwhelmed” by family problems last year – as both Kate and the King were diagnosed with cancer – and his desire to try to “make sure you don’t do the same mistakes as your parents”.

Describing how he is driven by both his passion to protect his family and his desire to ensure everything is in place when Prince George one day becomes king, he says: “I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, in a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.

“That is caveated with, I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past that Harry and I grew up in. And I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation.”

On being monarch one day, he says: “It’s not something I wake up in the morning and think about.”

But in an earlier part of the programme, he does talk more about his desire to potentially shake things up, albeit with a caveat.

He says: “I think it’s very important that tradition stays, and tradition has a huge part in all of this, but there’s also points where you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today?”

In an incredibly open admission about sometimes feeling overwhelmed, especially last year – “the hardest year” – he also appears to reveal a man now more at peace with the role that lies ahead for him.

Image:Eugene Levy and Prince William. Pic: Apple TV+

Speaking in St George’s Hall inside the castle, he says: “Stuff to do with family overwhelms me, quite a bit.

“You know, worry or stress around the family side of things, that does overwhelm me quite a bit. But in terms of doing the job and things like that, I don’t feel too overwhelmed by that. Not now anyway.”

His own childhood, and how that has impacted his thoughts on the media, also come across clearly, at times appearing to echo his brother Prince Harry’s thoughts on the press and drive to protect his own family from what they went through as children.

As he talks to Levy in a pub in Windsor, William says: “Growing up, I saw that with my parents … the media were so insatiable back then.

“And if you let that creep in, the damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family.”

Those close to the prince believe the interview is the most publicly vulnerable they’ve ever seen him on camera.

Strictly star Vicky Pattison chokes back tears as she makes emotional family confession

They’ll dance the foxtrot to Sam Fender this weekend

Strictly  star Vicky Pattison appeared visibly choked on spin-off show It Takes Two tonight as she revealed that her life has “turned the corner” thanks to the BBC dance show.

Vicky rose to fame as a debauched party girl on MTV series Geordie Shore, appearing from 2011 to 2014. Since then, she’s won I’m A Celebrity…, turned her back on her partying days and married hunky husband Ercan.

However, appearing on tonight’s BBC Two show (October 2), Strictly star Vicky made an emotional confession to host Janette Manrara.
 
Vicky Pattison spoke to Janette on It Takes Two tonight (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Vicky Pattison emotional

Vicky and pro partner Kai Widdrington were the second pair to speak to host Janette on It Takes Two – which returned with a brand-new set earlier this week.

This week on the second Strictly Come Dancing live show, Vicky and Kai will be dancing a Foxtrot to Rein Me In by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean.

Asked by Janette if it was an honour to dance to a song by a Geordie artist, Vicky confirmed: “Obviously, it’s a great honour. I’m from Newcastle and I’m dead proud to be from the North East.”

She appeared to get a little emotional, though, as she continued. Vicky said: “All my family still live up there, all my friends do. And, you know, when I first started my career, I didn’t do an awful lot to make my family or my friends very proud.

“So doing Strictly, which is a huge, like, family show that everybody loves, and to be dancing to a Geordie legend, with my little half-Geordie here [pointing to Kai], I feel like I’ve proper turned the corner. So I’m thrilled to bits. I’m doing it for everybody!”
 
Kai will lead Vicky in a foxtrot this weekend (Credit: BBC)

‘I really love this pairing’

Viewers watching at home have certainly taken Vicky and Kai to their hearts.

One commented: “I really love this pairing.” A second added: “I love Vicki and Kai.” A third appeared to be touched by Vicky’s words and said: “So sweet that Vicky wants to do family proud with her foxtrot.”

Strictly returns on Saturday night (October 4), with all Week 2 songs and dances now confirmed.

Deal or No Deal fans divided as more celeb spin-offs announced for Stephen Mulhern’s ITV reboot

Some more famous faces will be appearing…

Fans of Deal or No Deal have been left unimpressed after it was announced that there are going to be more celebrity spin-offs.

The iconic game show was brought back to screens in 2023 for a brand-new rebooted series. The OG show was hosted by Noel Edmonds and ran from 2005 to 2016 on Channel 4.

For the ITV reboot, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in to host the show – with its third series set to air later this year. There have also been several celebrity editions over the years too.

And now, it’s been announced that more celebrity spin-offs are to come later this year – but it seems some people are not too keen…

0:00/0:00

Boyzone reunion: This show is ‘on our terms’

Stephen Mulhern is returning for a new series (Credit: ITV)

Deal or No Deal confirms new celeb specials

Since Deal or No Deal was brought back a few years ago, there have been several celeb spin-offs, featuring famous faces such as footballer-turned-pundit Michael Owen and Coronation Street‘s Simon Gregson.

And it has now been confirmed that three more celeb specials are to come as well.

The series and star-studded specials will see host Stephen Mulhern back at the helm as a fresh batch of contestants prepare to go head-to-head with the notorious Banker.

More celeb spin-offs are coming (Credit: ITV)

Fans livid over show announcement

However, following the news of the new celeb editions, complaints poured in online.

On Facebook, one disgruntled viewer said: “More ‘has been celebrity’ drivel.”Another agreed: “My thoughts exactly.”

Someone else demanded that bosses bring back former host Noel. They penned: “Get Edmonds back.” A fourth also said: “Bring back Noel Edmonds.”

Nonetheless, other people were more than excited for the show to be back on screens, with one fan gushing: “Love DOND it’s my best game show ever on telly love Stephen Mulhern he is so funny he makes the show great.”

Another penned: “Greatest news.”

Stephen confirms season 3

Posting to Instagram in March, host Stephen shared a video of himself revealing series 3 is coming.

“Hello all, how are you doing? Just a quick one… I’ve seen a lot of you mentioning that Deal or No Deal isn’t on the telly. Do not fear. The last series ended and the new series is on its way. And that is… a deal!” he said.

He then captioned the video: “Don’t worry: Deal or No Deal is coming back! The Banker’s just gone off on holiday. Again. One of his cruises, I’d imagine, tormenting strangers over the buffet. I’ll let you know when the new series is about to start so you don’t miss a single dramatic moment.”