Len Goodman has cast doubts on rumours that Arlene Phillips is all set to return to Strictly Come Dancing later this year.

The choreographer was axed from the BBC show three years ago, when bosses decided they wanted a younger star on the panel and replaced her with Alesha Dixon. However, Alesha jumped ship last month and moved to rival channel ITV and their show Britain’s Got Talent and ever since, numerous so called insiders have been suggesting that Phillips is gearing up for her big return.

However, head judge Len Goodman isn’t so sure this will ever happen and told The Sun:

“I’ve been involved with Arlene on a project and we’ve had a chat and I’m not sure that she would really like to come back.

“If she comes back, jolly good.”

It was reported that Arlene has held a series of meetings with BBC bosses about a comeback.

Do you think she should do it? If not, who would you like to see in Alesha’s seat? Leave your comments below.

View the original post Len Goodman doesn’t think Arlene Phillips wants to come back for Strictly Come Dancing 2012 on Unreality TV

Alesha Dixon has insisted that Simon Cowell didn’t steal her from BBC bosses but that she left Strictly Come Dancing of her own accord.

The former Strictly winner has hit the headlines recently, after leaving the BBC reality TV show, to join the panel of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Show boss Cowell admitted that he loved tempting her away from the non commercial channel, because he feels like they are ‘at war’ over their rival TV shows. However, she has claimed that in the end, the move was her choice alone.

Bruno Tonioli commented this week that her big move ‘probably had something to do with lots of money’ but Alesha hit back in an interview with Now magazine, saying:

‘A person can’t be stolen. At the end of the day I was on Strictly Come Dancing for three years and I think that’s a respectable length of time.

‘It was my choice to leave and I’m excited.’

Alesha will next take her judges’ seat when the BGT auditions hit London tomorrow. However Amanda Holden won’t yet be returning, after the traumatic birth of her new daughter last week. ITV bosses have sourced a stand in star and David Walliams today started a flurry of speculation on Twitter that Jedward may be joining the lineup, with an ambiguous tweet to his followers.

It is expected that Holden will be back next week, in time for the Edinburgh tryouts.

Do you think Alesha was right to leave Strictly? Leave your comments below.

View the original post Britain’s Got Talent 2012: Alesha Dixon insists Simon Cowell didn’t poach her! on Unreality TV

Helen Flanagan has admitted that now she has a bit of free time on her hands, she would quite like to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

The brunette beauty recently left ITV soap Coronation Street, where she has played the role of Rosie Webster since she was a child. The actress insisted that she isn’t really into reality TV shows and would never join Celebrity Big Brother, however she thinks she would be quite good on the BBC dance series.

She explained: “I couldn’t do a programme where you’re being watched 24/7, like ‘Big Brother’ or ‘I’m A Celebrity…’

“I would like to learn a new skill, so ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ would be good – but I can’t dance at all. Oh, and there’s no way I could be in ‘Dancing On Ice’. It would be far too terrifying.”

During her interview with Inside Soap, Helen admitted that she found finishing on Corrie very emotional and confessed that she will miss the rest of the Websters, as well as the crew from the show.

Flanagan added:

“Filming my final scenes was really emotional, and I’ll miss my on-screen family. Even though I’ll still seem them, it’ll be strange not having that day-to-day contact.

“It was a big decision for me to leave ‘Corrie’, but it was the right decision for me.”

Meanwhile, in other Strictly news, it has been reported that Arlene Phillips may be returning to the show, to replace Alesha Dixon, who left to judge on Britain’s Got Talent.

Do you think Helen would make a good contestant and would you like to see Arlene back on the panel? Leave your comments below.

View the original post Helen Flanagan leaves Coronation Street – heading to Strictly Come Dancing 2012? on Unreality TV

Bruno Tonioli has admitted that he has discussed the possibility of working with Simon Cowell with the X Factor boss.

The music mogul has already poached one judge from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing this year and after the departure of Alesha Dixon – who recently moved from Strictly to Britain’s Got Talent – Bruno confessed that he may go the same way eventually.

The dance expert, who has been close friends with the SYCO boss for a number of years, told the Daily Mail:

“Simon likes Strictly so much he’d buy it if he could and his mum loves it too, which doesn’t help. He’s asked me about things. I can’t exclude the possibility. It would be great to do something with him, but it has to be the right thing.”

On Simon’s move to steal Alesha away from the BBC series, Tonioli confessed that he was shocked and slightly upset that his friend didn’t tell him what he was planning.

He added:

“Oh, that was sneaky. I should have known because I know Simon very well. He should have told me. It wasn’t a shock. I had a laugh with Alesha so I have no problems. It’s her decision and nothing to do with me.”

When asked what tempted Dixon to leave the BBC for it’s rival channel, Bruno added:

“Only she knows but it’s probably something to do with lots and lots of money. I do Strictly for love, not money. You can’t compare our salaries to The X Factor judges’ because the BBC would never pay that.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing: Bruno Tonioli may go work for X Factor’s Simon Cowell on Unreality TV

Kelly Brook has hinted that Alesha Dixon may end up regretting her decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing, so she can take up a judges’ role on Britain’s Got Talent.

Brook was hired for the show back in 2009 but fired after only a few days of auditions, reportedly at the request of show hosts Ant and Dec.

The actress and model also took part in Strictly Come Dancing and was partnered by Brendan Cole and told Fabulous magazine that she much preferred the BBC show to it’s ITV rival.

Brook said:

“I’ve been on both sides, and for me there’s a warmth and a niceness to Strictly that BGT simply doesn’t have.

“The whole thing is a circus and I don’t want my life to be like that. I’m quite straightforward. I’ve got enough drama in my life without having to deal with Simon Cowell’s as well! I don’t want it. I’ve got no interest in it.”

On Alesha’s move to BGT, Kelly added:

“I don’t doubt for a second that Simon deliberately stole her from Strictly. I wish Alesha all the best – it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Kelly also hit the headlines this week, after she tweeted out quite a suggestive picture of herself, holding some coconuts. Warning….there will be boobs if you click through on this link!

View the original post Kelly Brook thinks Alesha Dixon was wrong to leave Strictly Come Dancing for Britain’s Got Talent on Unreality TV

Len Goodman has hit out at Simon Cowell, for poaching Alesha Dixon from Strictly Come Dancing.

The dance expert is furious that the music mogul intentionally tried to de-stabilise his show by taking one one of his judges, and later openly admit his reasons for doing so.

The Britain’s Got Talent boss confessed recently that when he asked Alesha to be on his new panel, it was 70% because it would upset the BBC and 30% because he liked her.

Speaking to the Mirror a furious Goodman blasted his rival, saying:

“I would never knock the opposition and I think it is spiteful and mean if that is the case that Simon said ‘I just want to be spiteful towards Strictly’.

“Because why would you want to do that? Why would you want to spoil millions of people’s pleasures? It’s not the right way to behave, so if that is the case – shame on you, Simon.”

However, low though Simon’s actions were, the move seems to have paid off with most audience members at recent BGT auditions agreeing that this year’s panel could be the best yet.

The chemistry between Simon and David Walliams is said to be infectious and so far, people seem to have taken to Alesha as well.

Do you think Cowell was right to steal Dixon from Strictly? Leave your comments below….

View the original post Britain’s Got Talent 2012: Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman hits out at ‘spiteful’ Simon Cowell on Unreality TV

Arlene Phillips is reportedly in talks with BBC, about returning to Strictly Come Dancing.

The accomplished choreographer was axed from the show back in 2009 and subsequently replaced by former winner Alesha Dixon. She went on to join Nigel Lythgoe as a judge on his dance series ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (which we sincerely miss by the way!).

However Alesha has recently announced her decision to leave the BBC and join ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, where she will judge hopefuls alongside Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Amanda Holden. This of course leaves a spot free on Strictly.

Insiders say Arlene has talked to channel bosses about the possibility of a comeback, though nothing is as yet set in stone.

“There is no offer on the table but Mark [the BBC entertainment controller] wanted to know where Arlene’s head was on the whole thing,” a source told The Sun.

“Her departure was not without bad feeling and controversy so you can understand her being cautious.

“Likewise, the BBC axed her for a reason so it could be that that chapter should remain closed.”

We would love to see Arlene back in her rightful place, however we can see that she might be too busy to do so. Arlene is choreographer for the West End production of The Wizard of Oz, she is the author of a set of children’s books titled ‘Alana Dancing Star’ and later this year she is expected to expand her jewellery range which is sold on QVC.

Would you like to see Phillips back on Strictly? Leave your comments below.

View the original post Arlene Phillips to return for Strictly Come Dancing 2012? on Unreality TV

They may have been beaten in the ratings war last year but tonight, The X Factor won over Strictly Come Dancing at The National Television Awards.

The ITV singing show picked up the gong for ‘Best Talent Show,’ having faced stiff competition from rivals Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing on Ice and Britain’s Got Talent in their category at tonight’s ceremony in the O2 arena.

Australian model and TV star Elle Macpherson presented the trophy and announced the success of Simon Cowell’s baby, much to the delight of judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and winning act Little Mix who were all in the audience.

The stars traipsed onto the stage to accept their gong and Tulisa confessed:

I feel like I should do my classic scream but oh my God this is amazing. I definitely wasn’t expecting this, so many people to thank….Richard Holloway, Simon Cowell, oh my God everyone.

Gary added:

The team of the X Factor becomes like a family. We are on the show for so long, it feels like a family so thanks to all the X Factor family. Well done to all the contestants and well done to us guys eh?

Earlier in the evening Little Mix gave a live performance of En Vogue’s ‘Don’t Let Go’ and you can watch the video and see pictures of them on the red carpet here.

You can also get loads more details on Tulisa’s pink feathery dress here.

Do you think The X Factor deserved to win tonight? Leave your comments below.

View the original post National Television Awards 2012: X Factor beats Strictly Come Dancing to ‘Best Talent Show’ gong on Unreality TV

Russell Grant has received yet another career boost, after his stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

The chubby astrologer returned to the spotlight, as he amused and entertained the British public on Strictly last year. He may not have been the best dancer, but he certainly put on a good show and his flamboyant ways have brought him to the attention of some West End casting agents.

The Sun has reported that Russell will now take over from acclaimed singer and actor Michael Crawford in the Andrew Lloyd Webber version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, playing the role of Professor Marvel.

The lead role of Dorothy was previously cast during BBC talent show ‘Over The Rainbow’, which was won by Danielle Hope. Runner up Sophie Evans is now starring as Dorothy and the whole stage show has been choreographed by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

Grant said:

“I am thrilled to be back where I’m at my happiest — in showbiz.

“I want to thank the great British public for supporting me in Strictly — without them I wouldn’t be back in the West End.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing’s Russell Grant to take over from Michael Crawford in Wizard Of Oz on Unreality TV

Mark Wright left for I’m A Celebrity, while Kirk Norcross and Amy Childs departed for Celebrity Big Brother and it seems like The Only Way Is Essex bosses could be set to lose yet another of their stars this year.

Blonde beauty Lydia Bright has admitted that she would love to star in Strictly Come Dancing later this year and would jump at the chance if she was offered a spot by the BBC.

The fashion worker and bakery owner told Bang Showbiz:

‘I’d love to do Strictly, I think it sounds really fun. I like trying new things.

‘You never know, if it came around and it was the right opportunity for me then I would definitely consider it.’

However that doesn’t mean that she’s done with TOWIE just yet. After the sacking of Maria Fowler and her pal Harry, Lydia is lucky to still be in the cast of the ITV2 reality TV show and she admitted that she’s still loving the experience. Bright added:

At the moment I’m really enjoying filming TOWIE and being involved with that.’

‘You never know and if the right opportunity came my way then there could be the chance I’d leave. But right now I’m staying in TOWIE and enjoying my time on the show. I’m in no rush to leave anytime soon.’

Meanwhile it was reported yesterday that another familiar face returning for TOWIE’s fourth series will be Sam Faiers. It is thought that producers were considering axing the boutique owner from their lineup, but changed their mind when she persuaded her hunky new boyfriend TJ to join up.

View the original post The Only Way is Essex: Lydia Bright for Strictly Come Dancing 2012? on Unreality TV