Strictly Come Dancing 2021 LIVE – Three pro-dancers AXED from final lineup after failing to land a celeb partner
THREE Strictly pro dancers have been axed from the show after failing to secure celebrity partners it has been claimed.
Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Prytzal and Cameron Lombard were the only pros who weren't matched with a celeb star this year, the Mirror claims.
The three will now have to make do with being reserves on the BBC One entertainment show.
The news comes as The Sun revealed three pros had snubbed vaccinations - leaving some celeb contestants reluctant to be paired with them.
Follow our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for all the latest updates...
VIEWERS SHOCKED AS THEY REALISE TWO FEMALE PRO DANCERS HAVE BEEN DITCHED FROM THE LINE-UP
Luba Mushtuk and newcomer Jowita Prytzal will occupy the reserves bench this year.
Save for any unfortunate pro drop outs, the pair will be only appear in the group numbers.
In the opening routine to Donna Summer’s disco classic I Feel Love, Luba stunned in a golden outfit as she sashayed across the dance floor.
While The Greatest Dancer champion Jowita showed off her skills with Cameron Lombard as Anne-Marie performed her single Kiss My (Uh-Oh).
Viewers were disappointed to see the pair empty-handed for the series.
One wrote on Twitter: “#Strictly No Luba celeb partnership.”
Another posted: “Lovely Luba and Jowita benched then for this year #Strictly.”
GREG WISE’S DAUGHTER GAIA SAYS DAD ‘HAS SIX PACK AND WILL TAKE HIS TOP OFF’ IF NEEDED
Meanwhile, the couple’s daughter Gaia, 21, added that her dad would be prepared to perform shirtless because he has a six-pack.
At the Icon Ball for London Fashion Week on Friday night, she said: “He has a six-pack and will take his top off if he is needed to.”
Greg has asked for advice from last year’s winner, Bill Bailey, 56.
He said: “Bill was very useful. One of the things he told me is to get my patent leather ballroom shoes ready and wear them around the house.
“He had a problem with blisters on his heel over the run.”
LADBROKES LATEST ODDS FOR STRICTLY ELIMINATION
First Strictly Come Dancing elimination
Judi 7/2
Sara 4/1
Nina 5/1
Dan 6/1
Ugo 6/1
Greg 7/1
Tilly 8/1
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD ADMITS HE HAS TO WATCH WHAT HE SAYS FOR FEAR OF BEING ‘CANCELLED’
The acid-tongued judge is infamous for his scathing putdowns. But last year viewers noticed he had cut back on insults.
Craig, 56, said that since Strictly started 17 years ago, the world had become a duller place because everyone is scared of offending snowflakes.
He said: “There is not as much freedom of speech as we used to have, with the fear of offending certain groups.
“We live in a very homogenised world now — I think speeches in ten years won’t be allowed any opinion as you will be offending someone.
“I think you have just always got to be aware really. I never go on to speak ill of anyone.”
Craig returned as a judge on Saturday’s launch show alongside head judge Shirley Ballas, 61, Motsi Mabuse, 40, and Anton Du Beke, 55.
He admits he started to tone down his “Mr Nasty” persona last year, with no Strictly studio audience egging him on.
EX STRICTLY PRO AJ PRITCHARD SNUBBED LAST NIGHT’S NEW SERIES LAUNCH – TO GO TO THE RACING
The dancer and his Love Island star brother Curtis enjoyed a luxury weekend away at Goodwood races with Jaguar, and documented their VIP getaway on Instagram.
AJ, 26, looked dapper in a black tux and bow tie as he posed alongside a sportscar at Gooodwood races on Saturday night as BBC1’s hit show Strictly returned to the screens during a sensational launch show where celebrity contestants were paired up with their pro partners.
AJ captioned his shot: “Suited tonight.. Goodwood Revival Ball.”
His Instagram stories documented his spectacular night out with his brother Curtis as champagne flowed at the Goodwood Ball.
After staying overnight in a stunning mansion, the brothers drove off in a plush sports car to watch more racing on Sunday.
His girlfriend Abbie Quinnen told The Sun at the star-studded My Little Pony premiere at Cineworld, Leicester Square, on Sunday: “I watched the show and loved it.
“I wasn’t with AJ last night, he didn’t watch it with me, he was at Goodwood watching the cars. My favourite was Rhys. He was so entertaining. He will go all the way, I’m sure.”
WHEN IS STRICTLY COME DANCING ON TV NEXT?
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will present their first live show of the series on Saturday, September 25 from 7pm.
The 140-minutes episode will see 15 new celebrity contestants and their professional partners perform their first dancing routine.
They include Olympian , rugby star and TV presenter .
Also competing is EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons’ Den investor , McFly star , Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, TV presenter , comedian CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.
EastEnders actress is also be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.
They’re being judged by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and former pro dancer Anton Du Beke, who replaces Bruno Tonioli on this year’s panel.
JUDI LOVE PARTNERS WITH GRAZIO DI PRIMA
Judi is best known for voicing her views on Loose Women, but now is going to let her feet do the talking.
The daytime TV star and comedian has teamed up with Graziano Di Prima for the show.
Judisaid she was overwhelmed when Strictly bosses reached out to her and she snapped up the chance.
She said: “I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show.”
‘DON’T DATE THOSE DANCERS’
After Tilly’s place in the new series was confirmed last month, proud Gordon made one of his famously unfiltered outbursts.
Referencing the Strictly Curse that has seen the marriages of several celebrity contestants fall apart, Gordon warned his daughter off potential suitors, saying: “Don’t date those dancers.”
Tilly admits she is far from being a natural on the dancefloor, and faces stiff competition from the other contestants including swimmer Adam Peaty, Hollyoaks star Katie McGlynn, and Peep Show actor Robert Webb.
Despite showing off her moves on TikTok — and sometimes roping in her dad — she rates her dancing ability as a “two out of ten”.
Plus, when Tilly’s mum Tana, 47, enrolled her in ballet school as a nipper, she quit after one day to join her older brother Jack in football camp. She says she was also always “at the back” of school productions.
CREW ‘FURIOUS’ AS DANCERS REFUSE TO GET JABBED AND SIGN UP FOR PANTO – PUTTING ENTIRE SHOW AT RISK
The Sun exclusively revealed last week how two pro-dancers have refused to be vaccinated.
Today we can reveal the issue has been a simmering row for weeks - and that backstage crew are particularly furious.
Our source said: “It’s not rocket science, if you are going to sign up to take part in a show like Strictly Come Dancing where you all on top of each other 24/7 then you need to do all you can to protect yourself and those in the programme.
“There’s a view among those taking part that the dancers refusing to do so are utterly selfish. The BBC are terrified of being seen as dictating to people over what they should do when in reality they needed to take a firmer view on it to protect the show.
“Those dancers who don’t want to get the jab should have been told to stand aside this year at least because the virus is still so prevalent.”
A Strictly spokesperson said: "We do not comment on speculation of somebody’s COVID vaccination status. Strictly Come Dancing production has, and will, continue to follow strict government guidelines to ensure the safety of all on the show."
The Sun understands the issue is a particular sore-point for crew working backstage on the show.
SHIRLEY BALLAS INSISTS SHE WILL NOT GO EASY ON DAN WALKER
With eyebrows raised as to whether or not San Walker would get special treatment from Shirley, she insisted she would NOT go easy on him.
He recalled of their time climbing the mountain: “On one particular occasion Shirley was feeling a bit down and a bit upset.
“I nicked one of the blankets we were using to keep warm at night and I did a bit of impromptu pasodoble. She laughed her head off.
“I questioned whether I would’ve got a 10 but she continued to laugh, so I’m not sure the technique was great.”
WHEN IS STRICTLY COME DANCING ON TV NEXT?
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will present their first live show of the series on Saturday, September 25 from 7pm.
The 140-minutes episode will see 15 new celebrity contestants and their professional partners perform their first dancing routine.
They include Olympian , rugby star and TV presenter .
Also competing is EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons’ Den investor , McFly star , Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, TV presenter , comedian CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.
EastEnders actress is also be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.
They’re being judged by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and former pro dancer Anton Du Beke, who replaces Bruno Tonioli on this year’s panel.
WHO ARE THE FOUR NEW STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL DANCERS?
There are four new dancers joining the line-up: Kai Widdrington, from the Irish version of Dancing With The Stars, former Let’s Dance Germany professional Nikita Kuzmin, reigning South African Latin champion Cameron Lombard, and The Greatest Dancer winner Jowita Przystal.
THIRD STRICTLY COME DANCING PROFESSIONAL REFUSES VACCINE AS SHOW CRISIS DEEPENS
The move has created even further resentment among stars and crew on the BBC One entertainment show.
On Saturday, The Sun revealed two pros had snubbed vaccinations — leaving some celeb contestants reluctant to be paired with them.
The news that another dancer is also unprotected will intensify the unease, particularly as a pro tested positive for Covid last week.
An insider said: “Producers are dreading an outbreak of Covid on the new series, which is a crucial part of the autumn schedule.
"The last series showed how disruptive the virus could be when Katya Jones tested positive and had to leave the competition with partner Nicola Adams. They are taking every possible precaution to make the set as safe as possible, particularly as the studio audience is returning.”
JAMES JORDAN CALLS FOR STRICTLY PROS WHO REFUSED COVID JAB TO BE SACKED FROM SHOW
Today, The Sun revealed that a third dancer on the BBC show has decided against having the jab - creating further resentment amongst the crew and this year’s celebrities.
Appearing on today’s Good Morning Britain, James was left fuming as he rowed with fellow former pro Kristina Rihanoff about the topic.
Making his position very clear, James said: "I would normally protect the professional dancers until the cows come home but on this particular occasion I can’t unfortunately.
"I definitely believe they don’t deserve their right on the show and the celebrities have every right to refuse to dance with them."
He went on to explain how people's immune systems are often weakened doing the show, during normal years.
GREG WISE REVEALS ‘INJURY’ – BUT IS SHUT DOWN BY DANCING PARTNER
STRICTLY star Greg Wise was tonight slapped down as “dramatic” by his professional dance partner on live TV.
The actor revealed he’d had an injury in rehearsal – but was quickly put in his place by Karen Hauer.
He then went on to tell BBC viewers about sustaining an injury as he prepared for his debut dance.
“I popped my calf this morning,” said Greg before he was shut down by Karen.
She said: “Oh, dramatic.”
Greg laughed, admitting: “I am so dramatic.”
FANS CLAIM TILLY RAMSAY HAS A CRUSH ON HUNKY DANCE PARTNER NIKITA AS ‘SPARKS FLY’ ON LAUNCH SHOW
The TikTok star, 19, was delighted to land new pro Nikita, 23, and immediately viewers picked up on the chemistry between them.
One wrote on Twitter: “Tilly and Nikita really do look like boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Another posted: “Surely Tilly Ramsay and her partner will end up a couple! They even look like each other.”
The pair will kick off their debut show with a waltz, which was the dance Tilly was most excited to perform.
Ahead of the pairing, Tilly said: “I’m going to need them to be relatively patient. Someone that’s going to have fun and enjoy it with me.”
Her celebrity chef dad Gordon Ramsay berated Nikita over FaceTime in an awkward introduction.
Gordon, who is famed for his cutting insults in the kitchen, said over the video call: “Congratulations – and good luck to you both.
He then added: “Nikita, can you do your shirt up? It’s a bit low.”
WHO IS IN THE STRICTLY 2021 LINE UP?
What a lively, sorry, lovely bunch.
Ladies and gents – your Strictly 2021 line-up:
- Robert Webb
- AJ Odudu
- Tom Fletcher
- Nina Wadia
- Greg Wise
- Tilly Ramsay
- Judi Love
- Adam Peaty
- Dan Walker
- Katie McGlynn
- John Whaite
- Rose Ayling-Ellis
- Rhys Stephenson
- Sara Davies
- Ugo Monye
FANS HEAP PRAISE ON GORKA MARQUEZ AFTER SPOTTING SWEET GESTURE TO ROSE AYLING-ELLIS
The 26-year-old EastEnders actress made history in last night’s launch as the first ever deaf star to take to the ballroom.
Rose has an interpreter, who will remain off-camera while translating what is being said throughout the show into British Sign Language for her.
However, professional dancer Gorka decided to learn some BSL himself so that he can appropriately communicate with the actress – and eagle-eyed viewers noticed his efforts.
As Rose spoke to host Tess Daly about how honoured she is to be representing the deaf community on the hit show, the studio audience – including the pro dancers and their partners – erupted into applause.
But while everyone else clapped and whooped in the traditional sense, Gorka gestured with his hands and arms from his spot in the audience – the official sign language for applause.
JUDI AND SARA BACKED FOR FIRST STRICTLY ELIMINATION
JUDI LOVE AND SARA DAVIES are the front runners to be axed first from Strictly Come Dancing with Ladbrokes.
Comedian Judi leads the betting as the 7/2 favourite to face the first chop of the series, followed closely behind by Dragons Den star Sara.
Nina is rated as a 5/1 chance, along with Ugo (6/1), Greg (7/1) and Tilly (8/1) next in line.
Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “Since Judi and Sara were announced as Strictly contestants they’ve received the least amount of bets to win, and now have the largest number of wagers to leave first unfortunately.”
SHIRLEY BALLAS INSISTS SHE WILL NOT GO EASY ON DAN WALKER
With eyebrows raised as to whether or not San Walker would get special treatment from Shirley, she insisted she would NOT go easy on him.
He recalled of their time climbing the mountain: “On one particular occasion Shirley was feeling a bit down and a bit upset.
“I nicked one of the blankets we were using to keep warm at night and I did a bit of impromptu pasodoble. She laughed her head off.
“I questioned whether I would’ve got a 10 but she continued to laugh, so I’m not sure the technique was great.”