Strictly Come Dancing lineup 2021 – EastEnders star Nina Wadia named 9th contestant as covid chaos stops filming
THE latest person to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 lineup was revealed as EastEnders star Nina Wadia this morning.
The actress, who played Zainab Masood on the BBC soap, was unveiled on ITV's Lorraine, and said: "I like dancing like no-one is watching so we just need to blindfold the judges."
The announcement comes as Strictly was hit by a Covid crisis – just days into filming of the new series.
Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova tested positive for the virus in the first week of filming preparations – meaning many of the cast and crew must isolate for 10 days.
Despite the majority of pros and celebs being double jabbed, there are now fears of further cases.
Read our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for the latest updates...
- Joseph Gamp
EMMA WILLIS WILL NOT BE JOINING STRICTLY THIS YEAR SAYS HUSBAND
Asked about rumours Emma Willis might be part of the cast this year, husband Matt replied: "It's a spoiler but she's not going on this year."
McFly star Fletcher, who is also an author, was the first star to be announced for the 2021 line-up and Willis said: "He's one of my best mates, he did tell me about it.
"I knew about it for a little while. I said go for it, it's one of those shows that comes around and if you get asked, before long you're not going to get asked."
Asked if he and Fletcher are good dancers, Willis said: "No, we're terrible!
"Me and Tom both went to theatre school together, we've known each other since we were kids, and we were both the terrible chubby kids at the back."
- Joseph Gamp
MATT WILLIS REVEALS WIFE EMMA'S STRICTLY COME DANCING AMBITIONS
Busted star Matt Willis has tipped McFly singer Tom Fletcher for success on Strictly Come Dancing as he revealed his wife Emma is keen to do the show.
The musician said TV presenter Emma dreams of the couple taking part in the BBC dancing series together.
Asked if he would like to join the line-up, he told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I don't know. You'd have to ask my wife.
"She wants to do it so bad. I think it's in the cards one day. She watches it and she can't stop her feet from moving.
"She wants us to go on it together and me and her be separate."
- Joseph Gamp
STRICTLY CONFIRM 11TH CONTESTANT FOR 2021 SERIES
STRICTLY Come Dancing have confirmed EastEnders star Nina Wadia as the latest contestant on the show.
The Zainab Masood actress was announced by Christine Lampard during this morning's Lorraine.
Nina danced from behind the screen in a gorgeous pink floral dress and told Christine: "I'm so scared."
She added: "I like dancing like no one is watching, so we just have to blindfold the judges and I can win. I think I should do this before I'm too old and can't walk anymore. I think this is the last year I am wearing heels.
"I think a lot of has happened in the last year and it's time to grab life by the balls and do it."
- Joseph Gamp
EASTENDERS' NINA WADIA BECOMES 11TH NAME TO JOIN STRICTLY LINE UP
EastEnders star Nina Wadia is the 11th star to join the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress was unveiled on ITV's Lorraine, and said: "I like dancing like no-one is watching so we just need to blindfold the judges."
- Joseph Gamp
EXPLAINED: WHY IS GREG WISE DOING STRICTLY?
Greg explained that he is honouring his late sister Claire, explaining: “My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her.
“My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this. I will channel her, as her bro can’t dance – but I’m thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh…”
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
EXPLAINED: WHAT IS THE STRICTLY CURSE?
The “curse” is a phenomenon that hits celebrities and their dance partners during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.
Due to the harsh schedules, sexy dance moves and close quarters with their partners, their off-screen romances sometimes suffer as a result.
Stars who are said to have fallen victim to the curse over the years include Katya and her husband Neil Jones, Jamie and Louise Redknapp, Karen and Kevin Clifton.
- Joseph Gamp
STRICTLY WAS ROCKED BY COVID CRISIS LAST YEAR
This is not the first time Strictly has faced a Covid crisis.
Despite all pros and celebs being made to isolate for a fortnight prior to filming, and being made to test twice weekly, boxer Nicola Adams and her partner Katya Jones were forced to leave in 2020 after the Russian pro dancer tested positive.
Singer HRVY also caught the virus days before the launch show aired last October. Judge Motsi Mabuse was forced to self-isolate for two weeks after making an emergency trip back to Germany.
Last night, a BBC spokesman declined to comment.
- Joseph Gamp
STRICTLY STAR AJ ODUDU REVEALS SHE NEARLY QUIT TV BECAUSE OF ABUSE OVER HER ‘DODGY ACCENT’
STRICTLY’s AJ Odudu has revealed how she nearly quit TV for good after being branded “the black girl with the dodgy accent” left her traumatised.
AJ, who endured constant racist slurs as a child growing up in Blackburn, was hit by a barrage of online hate following her TV debut on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side.
The abuse, which focused on her Northern accent, was so intense that Channel 4 staff advised her to get elocution lessons to help “soften” her voice.
AJ recalled: “It was brilliant but with that exposure comes a lot of pressure and a lot of criticism. I remember people tweeting, ‘Who is that black girl with that dodgy accent’ and, ‘Why does she sound like that?’ That made me feel so insecure (because) people were commenting on things I had no real control over.
“And it didn’t help that someone internally said, ‘AJ, we think you should get some help with your voice. Maybe you can speak clearer and we could soften your accent’.”
- Joseph Gamp
BRADLEY WALSH TURNED DOWN STRICTLY COME DANCING
Bradley Walsh drew the line at dancing – even though he was invited to take part in Strictly.
He said: “Here’s the trick of doing stuff you can get away with, you’ve got to be brutally honest with yourself. If you don’t get it you can’t sell it.
“If you can’t dance, you can’t sell it, no matter how big a showman you are. Stick to what you know best. I’ve been asked a couple of times to go on Strictly.
“But I’m not a dancer. I don’t even think I’m a good dad dancer. I’m a bad dad dancer, which makes things even worse.”
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
TILLY RAMSAY AT TOP END OF BETTING TO WIN STRICTLY 2021
Tilly Ramsay has been installed as the 6-1 second-favourite with leading bookmaker Coral to win Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, after she was announced as the ninth contestant on the upcoming series.
"Going off her TikTok videos with her father Gordon, it’s unlikely that Tilly will get any tips from the TV chef ahead of the series. However, she is though one of the early favourites to lift the Glitterball Trophy,” said Coral’s John Hill.
“Tom Fletcher remains the early favourite but expect Tilly to advance through to the business end of the competition at the very least,” added Hill.
Tom Fletcher is the 4-1 favourite with the firm to win the series, while Dan Walker is 6-1.
- Joseph Gamp
STRICTLY COME DANCING IN CHAOS AS SHOW IS SHUT DOWN AFTER DANCER NADIYA BYCHKOVA CATCHES COVID
Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova tested positive for the virus in the first week of filming preparations – meaning many of the cast and crew must isolate for 10 days.
Despite the majority of pros and celebs being double jabbed, there are now fears of further cases – meaning the transmission date for the first show could be delayed.
Tonight a source said: “This isn’t exactly the dream start. Obviously BBC bosses are panicking.
“They are taking every caution to be Covid secure, and keep everyone safe, but can’t control everything. Nadiya tested positive during one of the first meet-ups, during the studio rig.
“Thankfully none of the celebs have started training yet, but it still means anyone who came into contact with her has been told they must isolate.”
- Joseph Gamp
ACTOR JOINS STRICTLY COME DANCING LINE-UP IN TRIBUTE TO LATE SISTER
Greg Wise has joined the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing in tribute to his late sister.
The actor is best known for roles in Sense And Sensibility, in which he starred opposite his wife Dame Emma Thompson, Johnny English, Cranford and The Crown.
Wise, 55, said he will take part in the show in tribute to his sister Clare, who died five years ago.
He said: "My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her. My gorgeous diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this.
"I will channel her, as her bro can't dance – but I'm thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh."
- Joseph Gamp
WHO ARE THE STRICTLY JUDGES?
Shirley Ballas will return as head judge for the 2021 series
Craig Revel Horwood will also take up his role as judge – which he has been doing since the show’s inception in 2004.
Motsi Mabuse is also returning for a third series.
They are joined by Anton Du Beke who replaces long running judge Bruno Tonioli.
- Milica Cosic
WATCH: TILLY RAMSAY DANCING ON TIK TOK VIDEOS WITH HER DAD GORDON AFTER SIGNING UP TO STRICTLY COME DANCING
Tilly Ramsay dancing on Tik Tok videos with her dad Gordon after signing up to Strictly come dancing
- Milica Cosic
MAURA HIGGINS ADMITS SHE’S ‘DREADING’ SEEING WHO STRICTLY BOYFRIEND GIOVANNI PERNICE IS PAIRED WITH
The Love Island star, 30, has been dating the Italian lothario, also 30, for weeks and the pair are set to enjoy their first holiday together next month.
But Maura also has half an eye on when Strictly Come Dancing returns in the autumn.
A pal said: “Maura hasn’t had to deal with the whole Strictly unveiling and all the whispering and talk about the Strictly curse.
“She’s dreading it a little bit but, at the same time, her and Gio are rock solid and they are really, really happy.
“Maura knows dating a sexy male Strictly dancer comes with one down-side – and that is having to see him perform with another woman but it will take a bit of getting used to.
“One thing is for sure though Maura plans to be there supporting Gio when the shows kick off.”
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHAT IS THE STRICTLY CURSE?
The "curse" is a phenomenon that hits celebrities and their dance partners during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.
Due to the harsh schedules, sexy dance moves and close quarters with their partners, their off-screen romances sometimes suffer as a result.
Stars who are said to have fallen victim to the curse over the years include Katya and her husband Neil Jones, Jamie and Louise Redknapp, Karen and Kevin Clifton.
- Milica Cosic
STRICTLY’S TOM FLETCHER AND WIFE GIOVANNA REVEAL NERVES OVER JOINING THE LINE UP – AND DISCUSS THE INFAMOUS CURSE
The McFly singer was among the first contestants to be revealed for Strictly Come Dancing 2021, alongside actor Robert Webb and presenter AJ Odudu.
Tom’s wife Giovanna, who was crowned the winner of this year’s I’m A Celebrity, spoke to The Sun about the dreaded ‘Strictly curse.’
She said: “Tom’s doing Strictly and we’re so excited for him.
“The Strictly curse? No, I’m not worried about that. We’ll be fine.”
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
STRICTLY STAR AJ ODUDU REVEALS SHE NEARLY QUIT TV BECAUSE OF ABUSE OVER HER ‘DODGY ACCENT’
STRICTLY’s AJ Odudu has revealed how she nearly quit TV for good after being branded “the black girl with the dodgy accent” left her traumatised.
AJ, who endured constant racist slurs as a child growing up in Blackburn, was hit by a barrage of online hate following her TV debut on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side.
The abuse, which focused on her Northern accent, was so intense that Channel 4 staff advised her to get elocution lessons to help “soften” her voice.
AJ recalled: “It was brilliant but with that exposure comes a lot of pressure and a lot of criticism. I remember people tweeting, ‘Who is that black girl with that dodgy accent’ and, ‘Why does she sound like that?’ That made me feel so insecure (because) people were commenting on things I had no real control over.
“And it didn’t help that someone internally said, ‘AJ, we think you should get some help with your voice. Maybe you can speak clearer and we could soften your accent’.”
- Milica Cosic
BRADLEY WALSH REVEALS HE’S TURNED DOWN STRICTLY COME DANCING – AND THE REASON HE’LL NEVER DO IT
Bradley Walsh drew the line at dancing – even though he was invited to take part in Strictly. He said: “Here’s the trick of doing stuff you can get away with, you’ve got to be brutally honest with yourself. If you don’t get it you can’t sell it.
“If you can’t dance, you can’t sell it, no matter how big a showman you are. Stick to what you know best. I’ve been asked a couple of times to go on Strictly.
“But I’m not a dancer. I don’t even think I’m a good dad dancer. I’m a bad dad dancer, which makes things even worse.”
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHO IS STRICTLY COME DANCING 2021 STAR TILLY RAMSAY?
Nineteen-year-old Tilly was born on November 8, 2001.
Like her dad she is a TV chef best known for presenting the BBC cooking show Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch on CBBC alongside her family.
She has made numerous television appearances including This Morning, Blue Peter, Master Chef Junior Friday Night Jazz and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Her parents are Gordon and Tana Ramsay, a cookery book author, and Gordon Ramsay, a celebrity chef.
Tilly Ramsay is on Strictly 2021 - Milica Cosic
RECAP: WHO WON STRICTLY COME DANCING LAST YEAR?
Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse won Strictly Come Dancing 2020 beating HRVY, Maisie Smith and Jamie Laing in the grand final.
The 55-year-old comedian made history as he became the oldest contestant to take home the Glitterball trophy.
And Oti became the first-ever professional dancer to win the show two years in a row.
On winning, Bill Bailey said: “It feels surreal, extraordinary and wonderful.
“I never thought we would get this far. I never thought we’d get to the final.”
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
WATCH: GORDON RAMSAY WARNS DAUGHTER TILLY 'DON'T DATE THE DANCERS' AS SHE'S CONFIRMED FOR STRICTLY
Gordon Ramsay warns daughter Tilly ‘don’t date the dancers’ as she’s confirmed for Strictly
- Milica Cosic
WHO ARE THE STRICTLY JUDGES?
Shirley Ballas will return as head judge for the 2021 series
Craig Revel Horwood will also take up his role as judge – which he has been doing since the show’s inception in 2004.
Motsi Mabuse is also returning for a third series.
They are joined by Anton Du Beke who replaces long running judge Bruno Tonioli.
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHY IS GREG WISE DOING STRICTLY?
Greg explained that he is honouring his late sister Claire, explaining: "My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly five years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her.
"My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this. I will channel her, as her bro can’t dance – but I’m thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh…”
Read more here.
Greg has signed up to Strictly Come Dancing - Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: WHO IS IN THE STRICTLY 2021 LINE-UP SO FAR?
Today two starts have been announced, ready to show their moves on the dance floor. The latest stars to join – with their eyes on the glitterball – are Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Tilly, and The Crown star Grey Wise.
So far we also have:
- Katie McGlynn – Corrie star
- Dan Walker – BBC Breakfast star
- Tom Fletcher – singer and band member of McFly
- AJ Odudu – TV presenter and host of Apocalypse Wow
- Rhys Stephenson – CBBC star and kids TV presenter
- John Whaite – Bake Off winner and TV chef
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