Strictly Come Dancing
The always-opinionated Strictly judge has shared his thoughts on the new line-up.
The Strictly Come Dancing champions are set to become parents.
"Waltz to Button Moon or go home."
It's also been confirmed that a Strictly staple will return after a two-year absence.
"Now feels like the right time for me to move on and I am excited and ready for new challenges."
Two left feet, X-rated concerns and the infamous “curse” were among the reasons these stars said no to Strictly.
"It’s not for me for this compelling reason..."
All 15 contestants for the new series of the BBC ballroom show have now been confirmed.
"It’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud."
About Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing' is a celebrity-pro ballroom dance competition, which launched on BBC One in 2004. It's inspired by former BBC show 'Come Dancing', and shares its name with 1992 film 'Strictly Ballroom'. Being one of the most popular shows on TV, it goes head-to-head with ITV's 'The X Factor' from September to December every year on Saturday and Sunday nights. It was originally hosted by Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly, but Claudia Winkleman has taken over from the veteran entertainer since he stepped down in 2014. The current judges are Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas, who has replaced Len Goodman as Head Judge. Alesha Dixon and Arlene Phillips have both previously sat on the panel. The show is now its 15th series, with the 2017 line-up made up of Alexandra Burke, Aston Merrygold, Brian Conley, Charlotte Hawkins, Chizzy Akudolu, Davood Ghadami, Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson, Joe McFadden, Jonnie Peacock, Mollie King, Richard Coles, Ruth Langsford, Simon Rimmer and Susan Calman. Last year's competition won by BBC sports presenter Ore Oduba and his partner Joanne Clifton, who followed in the footsteps of previous winners like Jay McGuiness, Caroline Flack, Louis Smith, Alesha Dixon, Harry Judd and Abbey Clancy. The 2017 series saw the departure of professional dancers Natalie Lowe, Joanne Clifton and Oksana Platero who all quit the show. Among the current line-up are Brendan Cole, Anton DuBeke, Kevin and Karen Clifton and Pasha Kovalev and Oti Mabuse.