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Star Warsis a franchise for all ages, more or less (shows like Andor blur the line a little) but The Phantom Menace has recently had its age rating changed in the UK. It was previously a U, the UK equivalent of a G rating, which stands for "universal". Now that's been updated to a PG.

The British Board of Film Classification released a report (via The Telegraph) that explained the decision. The reason for the change was mainly to do with the final lightsaber fight in the film, the three-way Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan/Darth Maul fight known as the Duel of the Fates. It ends with Darth Maul being sliced in two by Obi-Wan and there's a brief splatter of blood as he does so. It's not much, but it might concern some parents, and thus the film's rating went up.

The Phantom Menace isn't the only title that got its...

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has updated its classification guidelines, informed by its largest-ever public consultation, meaning its age ratings will change according to changing public opinion, including on the on-screen depiction of violence, sex and drug use.

Throughout 2023, the BBFC spoke to 12,000 people across the U.K. “to explore what matters most to audiences when it comes to classification,” finding that “people are now more concerned about depictions of violence on screen in content across all age ratings.” With audiences expressing concerns about how distressing or disturbing some forms of violence can be, the BBFC said that “a higher rating may be required for violence across all age-rating categories, especially when particularly intense or impactful scenes occur.”

Compared with its previous research study in 2019, the BBFC said on Tuesday, it found some concerns have remained the same, while others have risen in importance for audiences. “Then, as now,...

The BBFC have conducted their latest public consultation on their age-rating guidelines – and it’s bad news for violent 12As…

On-screen violence, suicide and self-harm and some sexual content are all of ‘increased concern’ amongst the general public, a BBFC consultation has found.

Throughout 2023, the organisation spoke with 12,000 people across the UK to determine what matters most to audiences when it comes to content classification in the BBFC’s first public consultation since 2019.

The results found that, despite broad support for the BBFC’s current categorisation of violence, audiences expressed concern about how distressing certain types of violence can be. “Going forward, a higher rating may be required for violence across all age-rating categories, especially when particularly intense or impactful scenes occur,” the organisation said in a press release.

Also on the agenda was cannabis and solvent misuse – which audiences seem to be much more relaxed about – and suicide and self-harm,...

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) will hand higher age ratings to films that depict violence and on-screen sex and nudity in line with its latest Classification Guidelines following a new survey of the British public.

The BBFC has said it spoke with 12,000 people across the UK throughout 2023 while compiling its latest guidelines “to explore what matters most to audiences when it comes to classification.”

Regarding sex scenes, the body said audiences were “concerned” by the level of sexual detail, nudity, and the duration of the sex scenes rated 12A/12 under their previous 2019 guidelines. Audiences now want “a more cautious approach to classifying sex scenes at the border of 12A/12 and 15,” BBFC said. As a result, “similar content is now more likely to be rated 15.”

However, the research also indicated that audiences are “happy” for classification to be more lenient towards some sex references at the 15/18 borderline, “especially in comic contexts.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has recruited IMDb founder and CEO Col Needham in the new role of global brand ambassador; as well as making two appointments to its board.

Needham will be responsible for representing the BBFC internationally with key stakeholders, contributing closely to the development of the international aspects of the BBFC’s strategy, including its work in the artificial intelligence space.

Former Warner Bros executive John Stanley and tech entrepreneur Darren Jobling have joined the BBFC board, and will work alongside BBFC chair Natasha Kaplinsky on the organisation’s strategic vision.

Four members are also...

Veteran BBC newsreader George Alagiah has died aged 67, his agent has said.

The Sri Lankan-born newsreader’s agent Mary Greenham told Pa: “I am so terribly sorry to inform you that George Alagiah died peacefully today, surrounded by his family and loved ones. George fought until the bitter end but sadly that battle ended earlier today. George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public. He simply was a wonderful human being.”

Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which had spread to his liver and lymph nodes, in April 2014. He endured two rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.

Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 and began as a foreign correspondent, interviewing major figures including Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe and covering civil wars in Somalia and Liberia,...

Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service has signed an agreement with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to produce age ratings for content.

The agreement will enable Prime Video to build on their existing trust and safety tools, in order to move towards the in-house production of BBFC age ratings that are in line with the BBFC’s classification guidelines.

The BBFC will support Prime Video as they adapt their rating methodologies in the U.K. to fully reflect the BBFC’s classification standards. This will extend the presence of the BBFC’s trusted guidance on the streaming service in the U.K,, the BBFC said. As part of the agreement, the BBFC will share additional expertise and insight into the standards they apply when classifying film, video and TV content.

The guidelines are updated every four to five years and the BBFC will consult on its guidelines this year,...

In 2004, one year before “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on ABC, the UK series “Strictly Come Dancing” initiated the ongoing celebrity dance competition craze. It derived from the BBC series “Come Dancing,” which featured non-famous performers and ran almost continuously for 49 years.

Over the course of 19 “Strictly” seasons, more than 250 performers, presenters, and athletes have worked with professional partners to hone their ballroom dancing skills. The first champion, newscaster Natasha Kaplinsky, defeated seven other dancers, with actor Christopher Parker coming in second. Scroll through our photo gallery to see the “Strictly Come Dancing” winners list, and find out which 11 men and seven other women had what it takes to clinch the mirror ball trophy.

Since its inception, “Strictly Come Dancing” has been co-hosted by Tess Daly and judged by Craig Revel Horwood. Co-host Claudia Winkleman began her tenure in 2010, replacing Bruce Forsyth. The other current judges — Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse,...

In 2004, one year before “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on ABC, the UK series “Strictly Come Dancing” initiated the ongoing celebrity dance competition craze. It derived from the BBC series “Come Dancing,” which featured non-famous performers and ran almost continuously for 49 years.

Over the course of 19 “Strictly” seasons, more than 250 performers, presenters, and athletes have worked with professional partners to hone their ballroom dancing skills. The first champion, newscaster Natasha Kaplinsky, defeated seven other dancers, with actor Christopher Parker coming in second. Scroll through our photo gallery to see the “Strictly Come Dancing” winners list, and find out which 11 men and seven other women had what it takes to clinch the mirror ball trophy.

The so-called “Strictly curse” has been a tabloid mainstay for at least a decade, founded on the idea that participating on Strictly Come Dancing (whether as a celebrity or a professional dancer) threatens the status of the relationship you’re in when you sign up.

Stories of its destructive power arrive like clockwork each winter. Along with forgotten B-listers and stars of Holby City and/or EastEnders hitting the dance floor, hysterical headlines will report on Strictly duos left so erotically charged in pasodoble rehearsals that they dump their spouses.

Presenter Claudia Winkleman has repeatedly shot down the curse, once saying that it’s less a supernatural occurrence as merely the Strictly experience being “intoxicating”. It is also true that dancing is an obvious aphrodisiac. Regardless whether you're rehearsing an intimate routine or not, dancing releases endorphins and makes you happy (it’s science!). Similarly, throwing yourself into a diligent...

The so-called “Strictly curse” has been a tabloid mainstay for at least a decade, founded on the idea that participating on Strictly Come Dancing (whether as a celebrity or a professional dancer) threatens the status of the relationship you’re in when you sign up.

Stories of its destructive power arrive like clockwork each winter. Along with forgotten B-listers and stars of Holby City and/or EastEnders hitting the dance floor, hysterical headlines will report on Strictly duos left so erotically charged in pasodoble rehearsals that they dump their spouses.

Presenter Claudia Winkleman has repeatedly shot down the curse, once saying that it’s less a supernatural occurrence as merely the Strictly experience being “intoxicating”. It is also true that dancing is an obvious aphrodisiac. Regardless whether you're rehearsing an intimate routine or not, dancing releases endorphins and makes you happy (it’s science!). Similarly, throwing yourself into a diligent...

Kaplinsky takes over from Patrick Swaffer, who ends a 10-year tenure.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has appointed newsreader, presenter and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky as its new president.

Kaplinsky will replace current president Patrick Swaffer, who steps down after a decade in the role, from October.

Through her president role, she will be a member of the BBFC Board of Directors, and will chair the Board of Classification, which meets monthly.

She will also chair the Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing, which meets three times a year to advise the BBFC on issues concerning children and young people.

Natasha Kaplinsky will be the new president of the BBFC Photo: Ian Derry/Courtesy BBFC The British Board of Film Classification has announced journalist Natasha Kaplinsky OBE will be its new president. She will take will take up the new position next month and will replace Patrick Swaffer, who has held the post since 2012.

As president of the BBFC, Kaplinsky will be a member of the Board of Directors and will chair the Board of Classification, which meets monthly and is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to classification.

The president also chairs the BBFC’s Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing, which was established in 1999 and which meets three times a year. The Apcv advises the BBFC on issues concerning children and young people. Its members provide a wide range of skills and expertise connected with child welfare, and contribute to the development of BBFC policy.

Kaplinsky - who...

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has appointed journalist and TV presenter Natasha Kaplinsky OBE as its new president. She will replace long-time leader Patrick Swaffer, who steps down after 10 years.

Formed in 1912, the BBFC is an independent, non-governmental and not-for-profit organization that is tasked with classifying films, video tapes, discs and online content.

Kaplinsky — a former studio anchor for the BBC, Sky, ITV and Channel 5 — will take up the new position in October. As president, she will join the board and chair the Board of Classification, which is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to classification. The board meets on a monthly basis.

Kaplinsky will also chair the BBFC’s Advisory Council on Children’s Viewing (Apcv), which was established in 1999 and meets three times a year. The Apcv advises the BBFC on issues concerning children and young people.

The BBFC president brings independence to difficult cases and policy issues,...

The so-called “Strictly curse” has been a tabloid mainstay for at least a decade, founded on the idea that participating on Strictly Come Dancing (whether as a celebrity or a professional dancer) threatens the status of the relationship you’re in when you sign up.

Stories of its destructive power arrive like clockwork each winter. Along with forgotten B-listers and stars of Holby City and/or EastEnders hitting the dance floor, hysterical headlines will report on Strictly duos left so erotically charged in pasodoble rehearsals that they dump their spouses.

Presenter Claudia Winkleman has repeatedly shot down the curse, once saying that it’s less a supernatural occurrence as merely the Strictly experience being “intoxicating”. It is also true that dancing is an obvious aphrodisiac. Regardless whether you're rehearsing an intimate routine or not, dancing releases endorphins and makes you happy (it’s science!). Similarly, throwing yourself into a diligent...

Tributes are pouring in for Bill Turnbull after it was announced that the veteran broadcaster had died from prostate cancer on Wednesday (31 August).

The former BBC Breakfast presenter’s family confirmed on Thursday (1 September) that Turnbull had “passed away peacefully at his home” after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

Piers Morgan honoured Turnbull as “one of the best broadcasters in Britain” in a tribute posted on Twitter.

His tweet read: “Rip Bill Turnbull, 66. One of the best broadcasters in Britain, and such a smart, funny, warm & generous-spirited man.

“Fought his illness with typical stoicism, courage and humour. Bill made presenting live TV look so effortless, which was his great talent. Such sad news.”

Turnbull was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, and had taken a leave of absence from his radio show Classic FM to focus on his health in October last year. However, he returned to the show last month.

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid has honoured former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull after he died on Wednesday (31 August), aged 66.

The late journalist’s family confirmed that Turnbull had “passed away peacefully at his home” after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

Leading the tributes to Turnbull, Reid wrote on Twitter: “Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.

“But above all,” she continued, “He was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. Rip Bill.

“We will miss you so much.”

Bill was the kindest, funniest, most generous man in the business. I feel lucky to have worked with him and he taught me everything.

But above all, he was devoted to his family and I am heartbroken for them. Rip Bill. We will miss you so much. https://t.

The family of Bill Turnbull paid tribute to him as they announced his death yesterday, saying the BBC and Classic FM presenter made them laugh every day and that they were “immensely proud” of him.

The 66-year-old, who co-hosted Breakfast for 15 years, died at home in Suffolk almost five years after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

A special programme will be shown in his honour on Friday, the BBC said.

“The last week of his life was very special: the whole family was with him and we shared some wonderful moments,” wife Sarah McCombie said in a statement read out on air by Naga Munchetty.

“Even though he was often in pain, Bill was dignified and brave throughout, and he was his usual determined self right to the very end.

“Billy made us laugh every day and we are immensely proud of him – he was the heart of our family.

The so-called “Strictly curse” has been a tabloid mainstay for at least a decade, founded on the idea that participating on Strictly Come Dancing (whether as a celebrity or a professional dancer) threatens the status of the relationship you’re in when you sign up.

Stories of its destructive power arrive like clockwork each winter. Along with forgotten B-listers and stars of Holby City and/or EastEnders hitting the dance floor, hysterical headlines will report on Strictly duos left so erotically charged in pasodoble rehearsals that they dump their spouses.

Presenter Claudia Winkleman has repeatedly shot down the curse, once saying that it’s less a supernatural occurrence as merely the Strictly experience being “intoxicating”. It is also true that dancing is an obvious aphrodisiac. Regardless whether you're rehearsing an intimate routine or not, dancing releases endorphins and makes you happy (it’s science!). Similarly, throwing yourself into a diligent...

Globalisation isn’t just about lax child labour laws lowering the price of t-shirts; it also has its downsides. Global markets have a tendency to replace local idiosyncrasy with the accessibly bland. Should, for instance, the makers of Sweden’s chocolate Plopp Bar ever branch out into English-speaking territories, they’d be forced to rename their product to something much less funny, and we’d all be the worse off for it.

Murderville, a US series based on BBC Three’s Murder in Successville, is worse off for just that reason. In the transatlantic translation of the semi-improvised detective comedy, a niche element has been dropped, and with it, much of the original’s charm. Here’s the premise: every episode, a celebrity guest is thrown amongst a regular cast of comedy actors to solve a murder alongside the lead detective. There’s a part-script for everybody but the celebrity,...

Strictly Come Dancing is still months away, but the rumours about which celebrities could be taking part this year are really starting to heat up now - and they've been going since January. So it felt like a good time to start to put together all the speculation we've heard to see if we can figure out who'll be hitting the ballroom in the new series.

Strictly Come Dancing: This is how they keep the celebrities taking part a secret

Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' changes of topping BBC One's dance-off

With all the contestants now confirmed, check out the lineup below - and lament what could have been with the rumours that didn't become a reality. Oh well, there's always the Christmas special...

Confirmed

Rumoured

Confirmed contestants

Jeremy Vine

King of the swingometer Jeremy became the first celebrity confirmed for Strictly on August 10.

The...

'Strictly Come Dancing's Camilla Dallerup's split from Brendan Cole was like a ''mini-death''. The dancing professional appeared alongside her then-fiancé in the first series of the dancing competition in 2004, where Brendan was partnered with newscaster, Natasha Kaplinsky. Speaking about her split, Camilla said: ''It was like a mini-death. You go through the arc of grief, anger, bitterness. ''My best friend and dancing professionally with Brendan had both gone. That felt pretty scary. It seemed like everything I'd ever wanted and worked for had been removed, just like that.'' The 40-year-old model - who is now married to actor Kevin Sacre - recalled how...

After all the excitement about the Strictly Come Dancing launch last weekend, we've now got to wait a couple of weeks to discover who can dance and who can... waddle around a floor, badly (We're looking at you, Gregg Wallace).

In the meantime, we've had the ultimate Strictly pub debate - yes, we talk about Strictly in the pub - who is the greatest champion of all time. Here is the Definitive* ranking of the 11 Glitterball Champions from Worst to the Best.

*Actually just our opinion.

11. Chris Hollins

You can't win Strictly Come Dancing and be a bad dancer. However, Chris Hollins would have struggled to reach the final in any other series and it was only really his partnership with Ola 'Chops' Jordan and the dull competition that allowed him to stroll (or should that be Charleston?) to victory.

10. Tom Chambers

Were Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup the best dancers in 2008? Probably not.

Brendan Cole has questioned how long it takes for Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers to find out if they will stay involved with the show.

Cole won the first series of Strictly when paired with Natasha Kaplinsky, and was most recently partnered with Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Cole told The Mirror: "We never know who is doing the next series until May or June. I think it's rude and horrible to us and you can't plot the end of the year.

"If they don't use you, you'd think, 'How am I going to pay my mortgage?' So that is something you go through."

However, a BBC spokesperson has since played down Cole's comments, saying: "Brendan was making a light-hearted comment.

"The professional dancers on Strictly are aware at the end of each series when they can expect discussions to begin regarding the next."

Cole, who has been has been a...

Natasha Kaplinsky has given Susanna Reid her stamp of approval. The 41-year-old newsreader, who is friends with the 'Good Morning Britain' host, says the new ITV breakfast show ''looks great'' and she is pleased with her pal's work so far. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It looks great so far. Although I was getting two children dressed, and washing my hair, and feeding the dogs and cats at the time!'' Like Susanna, Natasha is a former 'BBC Breakfast' host and won the very first series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2004. She added: ''I know Susanna and went to see her in...

Strictly Come Dancing is set to start next Friday (September 27), with stars such as Abbey Clancy, Julien Macdonald and Vanessa Feltz competing for the ballroom dancing crown.

In anticipation to the start of the series, which runs up to Christmas, the first previews of the contestants rehearsing ahead of the live shows have already been released online.

But along with the conscientious training, tough competition - and, at times, chemistry - comes salacious speculation about romance between the celebrities and their dance partners.

Cast your beady eye back over the real (and reported) romances - from Joe and Kristina to Natasha and Brendan - throughout the series below.

Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev

Kara and former dance partner Artem became an item when they teamed up together to win the series in 2010. The pair have since moved in together, although the former EastEnders star has previously said that the pair...

Ashley Taylor Dawson picks... Ricky Whittle

"Obviously Ricky Whittle was fantastic when he did it. He has real rhythm, and that's something hopefully I can learn, because you're sort of born with it, aren't you? I think he's one to look up to for me. He is one who led the field."

Fiona Fullerton picks.... Kara Tointon

"I absolutely loved Kara Tointon. I thought she was wonderful. She had such grace and was really the epitome of Strictly. I think she was probably one of the loveliest contestants."

Natalie Gumede picks... Jill Halfpenny

"I think Jill Halfpenny from series two was the first time we really saw somebody who had that passion and style in them, and it was wonderful to see. It was joyous."

Patrick Robinson picks... Mark Ramprakash

"I just have to say Mark Ramprakash, because he was so fabulous, and I played football with him for the Arsenal ex-professional and celebrity team.

The Big Brother 2013 final brought almost 2 million viewers to Channel 5 on Monday (August 19), overnight data reveals.

Emma Willis announced the runners-up to 1.99 million (9.1%) at 9pm, with a further 109,000 (0.7%) watching on Channel 5 +1. Sam Evans's triumph brought in 1.67m (15.2%) at 11pm (67k/1.2% on +1).

This is up from last year's final, which was seen by 1.5m (6.9%).

Under the Dome premiered to a decent score of 1.84m (10.7%) at 10pm (189k/2.0%).

On BBC One, a repeat of Death in Paradise interested 3.08m (14.1%) at 9pm.

BBC Two's University Challenge quizzed 2.52m (11.7%) at 8pm, followed by new cooking series The Incredible Spice Men with 1.47m (6.5%) at 8.30pm.

On ITV, You've Been Framed tickled 2.25m (10.4%) at 8pm (193k/0.9%), while Natasha Kaplinsky's The People's Medal appealed to 1.52m (6.9%) at 9pm.

Channel 4's Benefits Britain 1949 gathered 1.56m (7.1%) at 9pm (171k/1.0%). Gordon Ramsay's Hotel Hell was seen by 1.11m (6.7%) at 10pm.

BBC Three topped the multichannels with Stacey Dooley Investigates,...

Natasha Kaplinsky insists she was ''completely forced'' into appearing on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 40-year-old broadcaster - who won the first series of the BBC One show in 2004 - initially turned down the chance to appear on the competition for fear of it ruining her career as a newsreader, but after politely declining the offer bosses kept pestering her to take part. Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, she said: ''I got completely forced and put into a corner at the BBC. ''I'd just started at 'BBC Breakfast' and obviously the bosses at 'Strictly' had a shopping list and a newsreader was...

Natasha Kaplinsky has claimed that she was "forced" to take part in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

The newsreader - who was working on BBC Breakfast at the time - has said that she desperately tried to get out of appearing on the programme, but was pushed into taking part by the channel.

Kaplinsky is quoted as telling The Mirror: "I got completely forced and put into a corner at the BBC.

"I'd just started at BBC Breakfast, and obviously the bosses at Strictly had a shopping list and a newsreader was on it and I was their easiest target.

"I honestly tried every single excuse not to do it, but I was cajoled and in the end I ran out of excuses. I was absolutely petrified."

The star - who won the series with professional dancer Brendan Cole - admitted she was worried that taking part...

Natasha Kaplinsky has ruled out an appearance on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

The former Strictly champion confirmed that she has been invited to join the show but chose to decline the offer, Pa reports.

She said: "The Bank of England does not have enough money to get me in there.

"I've been invited and I said a very firm but polite 'no'."

The ITV reality show will return for a 13th series later this year, following EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks's victory last year.

Other stars rumoured for the upcoming series include former Apprentice winner Stella English and The Only Way is Essex star Joey Essex.

Kaplinsky returns to screens later this month as the face of new ITV series The People's Medal, which celebrates the work of local heroes.

The People's Medal airs on August 19 at 9pm on ITV.

Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews furthered the mystery over his relationship with co-star Lucy Watson by confirming that the pair are finally a couple - as he turned up alone at an event they were supposed to attend together.

Many viewers of the E4 show have suspected that Spencer's impromptu romance may be a hollow attempt to get revenge on former girlfriend Louise Thompson, who is now dating his nemesis and Lucy's ex Andy Jordan.

But Spencer stressed to Digital Spy and other journalists at the FiFi UK Fragrance Awards in London last night (May 16) that he and Lucy are the real thing, saying: "We are official, yeah. We are dating, it's looking good... we're very happy at the moment."

He continued: "I have a very different kind of relationship with Lucy. It's kind of like going out with a very close friend. She's very similar to me,...

Camilla Dallerup has revealed that she needed therapy after her split from ex-fiancé and Strictly co-star Brendan Cole.

The couple dated for eight years before parting ways in 2004 amid rumours that Cole was having an affair with his celebrity dance partner Natasha Kaplinsky.

In an interview with The Mirror, Dallerup admitted that she was so devastated by the alleged betrayal that she underwent three years of life coaching and even tried hypnosis to help her deal with the break-up.

"I ­honestly wouldn't wish that time on my worst enemy. I was in such turmoil," she said.

"We were lovers and we worked together. It had been us against the world."

The professional dancer - who quit the show in 2008 - also revealed that the sound of the Strictly Come Dancing theme made her feel sick.

She said: "I remember one show when Brendan kissed Natasha good luck behind the curtain as the opening credits played.

Len Goodman isn't surprised couples fall in love on 'Strictly Come Dancing' - because they spend so much time training together. The BBC One show has seen many celebrities fall for their professional partner in the past - including Kara Tointon, Natasha Kaplinsky and Matt Di Angelo - and head judge Len admits it's a very intense and ''sensual'' experience. He told Yahoo! Lifestyle: ''The thing is you are together as a couple for a long time, aren't you? Hours upon hours, days after days. I think if the professional is single and the celebrity is single, what does it matter?...

Len Goodman isn't surprised couples fall in love on 'Strictly Come Dancing' - because they spend so much time training together. The BBC One show has seen many celebrities fall for their professional partner in the past - including Kara Tointon, Natasha Kaplinsky and Matt Di Angelo - and head judge Len admits it's a very intense and ''sensual'' experience. He told Yahoo! Lifestyle: ''The thing is you are together as a couple for a long time, aren't you? Hours upon hours, days after days. I think if the professional is single and the celebrity is single, what does it matter?...

Fabrice Muamba has told Digital Spy that he wants everyone to see a "different side" to him as he performs on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The 24-year-old former footballer will compete alongside stars including Katy Brand, Jls's Jb Gill, Natasha Kaplinsky and Chelsee Healey on the show, which will be broadcast on BBC One on Christmas Day. He told us: "I want to show everyone a different side of Fabrice the footballer. This is a whole different experience to football - but it's been fun and exciting. "The boys will be very surprised when they see me dancing on the TV on Christmas Day. (more)...

Kelly Brook, Natasha Kaplinsky, Jls's Jb Gill and Fabrice Muamba have been revealed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing's one-off Christmas show. It will be Brook's third Strictly appearance, after she danced in the 2007 series and the 2008 Christmas special. The 33-year-old tweeted: "Excited to get back in the rehearsal Studio this week for @bbcstrictly Christmas Special! #Glitterballs." Brook finished her stint in the burlesque show Crazy Horse on Friday (November 23), just in time to celebrate her 33rd birthday. (more)...

Brendan Cole insists he's happy to work with anyone on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional dancer - who has previously been paired with Kelly Brook, Fiona Phillips, Lisa Snowdon and Natasha Kaplinsky - says it doesn't bother him who he's partnered with because he loves doing the BBC One show so much. He said: ''I honestly don't know, it's a closely guarded secret but I'm always happy to work with anyone. It's part of the show's challenge.'' Brendan - who is expecting his first child with wife Zoe - has been on the show since it started in 2004 but he says he...

Brendan Cole insists he's happy to work with anyone on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional dancer - who has previously been paired with Kelly Brook, Fiona Phillips, Lisa Snowdon and Natasha Kaplinsky - says it doesn't bother him who he's partnered with because he loves doing the BBC One show so much. He said: ''I honestly don't know, it's a closely guarded secret but I'm always happy to work with anyone. It's part of the show's challenge.'' Brendan - who is expecting his first child with wife Zoe - has been on the show since it started in 2004 but he says he...

Brendan Cole wants to dance with Natalie Portman on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional dancer - who has only won once before with Natasha Kaplinsky - admits the Oscar-winning actress would be the top of his list of dream partners, although he thinks any such union is very unlikely. He said: ''I would love to work with Natalie Portman. But I don't think she is at the end of the phone waiting for the BBC to call! Still, a man can dream.'' Brendan has been partnered with a wide variety of stars during his time on the BBC show, and he admits...

London, Dec 26: Myleene Klass has turned down a coveted spot on 'Daybreak' so that she can be with her kids in the morning.

The 33-year-old singer was offered the chance to join the ITV breakfast show to replace Christine Bleakley, who was dropped along with Adrian Chiles last month as producers attempt to overhaul the series.

Eamonn Holmes and Natasha Kaplinsky have ruled themselves out of the running, and Klass admits that she doesn't want the job either because she's too busy being a mum.

"I have had offers, but have had to turn them down because it doesn't work for my family," the Daily Express quoted her.

Natasha Kaplinsky appears to have ruled out suggestions that she could join Daybreak. Kaplinsky was named as a frontrunner for a job on the breakfast show after it emerged that current hosts Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley will be axed from the programme. However, The Guardian reports that Kaplinsky's spokesperson has scotched the rumours. "Natasha has already done her fair share of early starts on BBC Breakfast, so I can't imagine (more)...

Brendan Cole would be happy to partner Edwina Currie on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional dancer - who previously won the show with Natasha Kaplinsky in 2004 - is set to find out who his partner will be tomorrow (07.09.11), but admits he doesn't care who he gets, despite predictions the 64-year-old ex-politician will struggle with the routines because of her age. When asked if he'd like to dance with Edwina at the launch for the Jeans for Genes campaign at Kettners in London last night (06.09.11), Brendan exclusively told Bang Showbiz: "I don't mind who I'm partnered with, to be...

Can't wait to get your hands on Gap's navy cable jumper? Join the queue. Plus Willie Moon and Ryan Golsing are also rocking our world this week. Unlike arthouse cinemas and ITV's Born To Shine

Going up

Jelly In your dreams: Bombas & Parr. In reality: Pret A Manger

Mr Hare for Topman Super-exciting collaboration lands this month. We want the monochrome jazz shoes. Very Smooth Criminal

Gap's navy cable jumper The whole of the Measure is officially in its thrall. The fact that we have to wait until October to buy it is not helping

Ryan Gosling In Drive, this man looks hot in a satin bomber jacket

The redhead backlash The Rihanna moment has well and truly timed-out

Willy Moon He can sing. He can dance. He's a teddy boy. And his first single clocks in at just one minute 50 seconds. What's not to love?

Going down

Puppies...

Natasha Kaplinsky is joining ITV News in September. The former BBC and Channel 5 anchor - who became the highest-paid newsreader in the UK when she was paid £1 million to leve the BBC for Five News in February 2003 - will front ITV's 'London Tonight' show in place of current star Nina Hossain while she is on maternity leave. However, the role will also see her present a whole host of other programme's for the network. She said: "I am very much enjoying being part of ITV's line-up, and thrilled to be returning to my first love, news. This is an exciting...

Emmerdale actors Tony Audenshaw and Lesley Dunlop found themselves winning the public vote on tonight’s Born To Shine.

The pair performed a jive to Christina Aguilera’s ‘Candy Man’ just minutes before the voting lines were opened and at the end of the ITV entertainment show, presenter Natasha Kaplinsky revealed that they were the public’s favourites and would be joining Nick Moran in the final next month.

Tony and Lesley triumphed over TV presenter Dawn Porter, who sang Etta James’ ‘At Last’ earlier in the evening and This Morning star Ruth Langsford, who tried her hand at drumming.

They were mentored by Junior British and European Champions of Ballroom, 13 year old Hannah Cresswell and 15 year old Luke Miller for the month leading up to their performance and after they showcased their moves, normally nasty Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner raved:

I have to say, the jive is...

The Sun today reports that TV personality Denise Van Outen is to head the judging panel on new ITV1 celebrity talent series entitled, ‘Born to Shine’.

The paper adds, “The 37-year-old will be joined by Dancing On Ice’s Mr Nasty Jason Gardiner and a guest judge who will change each week.”

Born to Shine will see talented youngsters teaching celebrities various skills ranging from tap dancing to beat-boxing.

The star line-up, which includes Jason Manford, Joe Swash, Ruth Langsford and Nick Moran, will then perform the new skill in front of the judges.

Former newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky will host the series, which starts on Sunday July 17.

View the original post Denise Van Outen to lead judging panel for new ITV talent show on Unreality TV...

35-year-old dancer Brendan Cole, who’s previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing with Natasha Kaplinsky, Lisa Snowdon and former Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams, has revealed he would love to get the Duchess of Cambridge’s sister on the programme so he could “teach her” about movement.

He said, “I would love to have Pippa on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Obviously I would have to snap her up first. There are a few moves I could definitely teach her.”

Despite Pippa being one of the world’s most sought after women, Brendan’s wife Zoe Hobbs insists she wouldn’t mind him dancing with her.

She added to the Daily Star, “I would be fine with Brendan dancing with Pippa. She seems like a lovely girl and she is very popular at the moment.”

BBC bosses have reportedly offered Pippa a “five-figure sum” to appear on the talent show, with...

Brendan Cole wants to partner with Pippa Middleton on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 35-year-old dancer - who has previously competed on the show with Natasha Kaplinsky, Lisa Snowdon and former Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams- would love to get the Duchess of Cambridge's sister on the programme so he could "teach her" about movement. He said: "I would love to have Pippa on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Obviously I would have to snap her up first. There are a few moves I could definitely teach her." Despite being one of the world's most sought after women, Brendan's wife Zoe Hobbs insists she...

40-year-old TV presenter Zoe Ball has been announced as the new host of Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two.

Zoe, who finished third in the dance contest when partnered with Ian Waite in 2005, will take over from Claudia Winkleman, who is of course due to give birth to her third child just weeks before the BBC show is due to return for a new series.

Zoe said, “I am quite literally beyond elated. There has been quite a hullabaloo at home with the news.

“I’m giddy with glee and I may even have slipped into a celebratory cha-cha-cha, although technically not a very good one.

“Having been a contestant myself and hosted the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ tour, it would be fair to say I’m obsessed.

“I love everything ‘Strictly’ – from watching the partnerships blossom and bloom to the tricky footwork, the frocks, the shock exits and, of course,...