Here’s how you can have dance classes with the Strictly Stars…
“This weekend sounds like so much Strictly fun” EMMY GRIFFITHS Hello Magazine – 11th Oct 2019
The stars of Strictly Come Dancing including Neil and Katya jones, Anton Du Beke and Amy Dowden have announced their upcoming plans to reunite in Spring 2020 for a series of special weekends – and you can be a part of it! The weekend will take place across the country, and Strictly fans will be able to stay in 4* and 5* hotels and have the chance to rub shoulders with the talented dancers, take part in Q&As and even have a go at learning some moves yourself.
The experiences will take place in spring 2020
This amazing events has been sold out every year since 2004, and have been described as “the highlight of the entertainment calendar for every Strictly fan”. Speaking about the exciting upcoming series of weekends, Anton said: “It’s the best weekend you’ll have, ever. You get all of the stars come along and the organisation is amazing.” Aljaz Skorjanec, who attended the 2018 events, added: “What an amazing weekend! Thank you so much for inviting us, we are so happy to be part of your beautiful event. A clear 10 from me!” Anton’s dance partner, Erin Boag, added: “Everything is amazing. The accommodation and the organisation. You get workshops every single day – everything you could think of. Everything you see on Strictly, you’ll probably learn here.”
The event organiser, Paul Donahey, added: “One of the things we love most about these weekends is that we see everyone from experienced dancers to beginners. No matter their skill level, they leave at the end of the weekend with a newfound confidence and plenty of fantastic memories of dancing with the Strictly stars.” Each weekend include range of showcase performances, Q&A sessions and all of the photo opportunities you need to meet your favourite performers!
Well, Strictly Movie Week definitely didn’t disappoint with an inspired opening number featuring Anton, Katya, Janette and AJ in red spandex as The Incredibles and a fab Group Dance celebrating iconic moments from our favourite movies. And not forgetting the amazing Pixar tribute and Nadiya and Anton’s stunning routine to Harry Connick Jr’s performance.
The ‘Glam Squad’ and Vicky Gill’s team certainly transported us to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with Red Carpet worthy outfits and exceptional hair and makeup. Plus the celebs and pro dancers really got into character and delivered some memorable routines.
And the Movie Week Award goes to… There were many contenders for performance of the night, from Katya’s amazing stunt falls and Anton’s marvellous portrayal of Austin Powers, to Craig’s hilarious false teeth faux pas – oops. But the worthy winners were Kelvin and Oti who racked up the first 10s of the series with their Broadway-esque Charleston to Trip A Little Light Fantastic. Their incredible score of 38 points rocketed them straight to the top of the leaderboard.
Despite a nasty bump to the head, Dianne and Dev’s Couples’ Choice routine to Friend Like Me secured second place with a hugely impressive 36 points. Hot on their dancing heels were Michelle and Giovanni with a show-stopping Quickstep to Cabaret and Catherine and Johannes with a beautiful Rumba to Shallow.
If there was ever a Strictly Lifetime Achievement Award we’re pretty sure Anton deserves it, not just for his dazzling smile, but for his brave wardrobe choices and participation in 17 series of the show.
Who ended up on the cutting room floor? She may have fallen in love with dancing, but Anneka’s lack-lustre Charleston only earned her and Kevin a score of 11 and a place in the dreaded dance-off. Unfortunately she went into battle with David and Nadiya and lost.
This weekend on Strictly So, what will Week 4 bring? Well, the pros and celebs will definitely be upping the ante in the hope of taking the top spot on the leaderboard. And despite there not being a theme to get our teeth stuck into (sorry, Anton), we’re hoping for more surprising dance routines to impress us. So, here are the songs and dances we can look forward to:
Alex and Neil: Tango to Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac Catherine and Johannes: Charleston to Single Ladies by Beyoncé Emma and Anton: Viennese Waltz to Send In The Clowns by Barbara Streisand Emma and Aljaz: Jive to Kids In America by Kim Wilde Michelle and Giovanni: Salsa to Quimbara by Johnny Pacheco & Celia Cruz Saffron and AJ: Couples’ Choice to Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
Chris and Karen: Jive to Saturday Night’s Alright by Elton John David and Nadiya: Quickstep to From Now On by Hugh Jackman Dev and Dianne: Cha Cha Cha to Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith feat. Normani Karim and Amy: Tango to Paradise by George Ezra Kelvin and Oti: Rumba to Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers Mike and Katya: Quickstep to Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners Will and Janette: Foxtrot to Señorita by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
Coming to a luxury venue near you! Did you know that every Donahey’s Dancing with the Stars Weekend is a star-studded affair? When you book your places at either our fantastic Weekend Breaks or Short Breaks in 2020 you’ll be rubbing shoulders and polishing your dance moves with the real stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing.
That’s right; the A-list Strictly pro dancers will be there in all their magnificent glory, from attending our Red Carpet Photo Calls, hosting dance workshops and Q&A sessions to performing sensational dance showcases, all for your enjoyment. But that’s not all, you’ll also be pampered in style as you enjoy all of the luxury facilities on offer at our 4* and 5* venues.
More exciting news! If a whole weekend is simply out of the question, why not treat yourself to one of our new Short Breaks with your favourite pro dancers instead?
Our new Short Breaks mean you can now spend ‘One Night with Aljaz and Jannette’ at the luxurious 5* Celtic Manor Resort on Sunday 26th April 2020 or ‘One Night with Anton and Erin’ at the swanky 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate on Sunday 29th March 2020. You’ll be able to enjoy fab up close and personal performances and learn to dance with them – all in one night!
Well, that was a phenomenal show for week one of Strictly!
We think Bruno summed it up perfectly when he said, ‘Tonight was one of the most exciting, surprising premieres of Strictly Come Dancing…everybody came out with something I wasn’t expecting!’ We couldn’t agree more. If the calibre of dancing on Saturday night’s show is anything to go by, we’re in for a fantastic season of entertainment.
Which couples look promising? Now that we’ve finally seen all of the couples dance, a few stood out for all the right reasons. Kelvin and Oti topped the leaderboard with an impressive score of 32 for their amazing Samba to La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz. Karim and Amy were just one point behind with their energetic Cha Cha Cha to If I Can’t Have You by Shawn Mendes. Hitting the highs with a score of 30, Michelle and Giovanni wowed us with their Cha Cha Cha to So Emotional by Whitney Houston and Dev and Dianne graced us with an elegant Foxtrot to Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations.
As if that wasn’t enough, there were plenty of firsts too. For starters, Craig got out his 8 paddle more times in one night than we usually see during the whole season. And Bruno not only used his to score, but also to swat a pesky fly! Plus Kelvin and Oti’s score of 32 was the highest for a Samba in any first week of the show in five years and Will and Janette’s score of 26 was the highest for a Quickstep in any first week of the show ever.
Even more surprisingly Anton managed to stay off the bottom of the leaderboard! Thanks to a slick Jive to Honey Honey by ABBA with partner Emma, they found themselves nestled amongst the high scorers. Neil’s four-year wait to dance with his own celeb partner on the show finally paid off with a pretty decent score of 21 for his Quickstep with Alex to I Get a Kick Out of You by Frank Sinatra. And new kids on the block, Catherine and Johannes, were close behind with a score of 20 for their Viennese Waltz to I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher. That’s pretty good going for their premiere performances with a celeb partner, don’t you think?
Which couples underwhelmed the judges? With the highs came the lows, but fortunately none of the couples felt the sharp edge of Craig’s tongue this week. However, Emma and Aljaz, David and Nadiya, Anneka and Kevin, Chris and Karen, and James and Luba all found themselves on the bottom half of the leaderboard. Still, at least they had plenty of encouragement and constructive criticism from Shirley and Motsi – wasn’t she great?
Week two’s songs and dances It’s a new week so that means there’s a new playlist and dances to master. So just what are the Strictly Celeb’s and their Professional partners dancing this week?
Anneka and Kevin: Waltz to Run to You by Whitney Houston Alex and Neil: Cha Cha to What I Did For Love by David Guetta feat. Emeli Sande Catherine and Johannes: Samba to Let the Groove Get In by Justin Timberlake Emma and Anton: Foxtrot to Sunshine of Your Love by Ella Fitzgerald, Ernie Heckscher Big Band and Tommy Flanagan Emma and Aljaz: Tango to Sucker by Jonas Brothers Michelle and Giovanni: Viennese Waltz to That’s Amore by Dean Martin Saffron and AJ: Cha Cha to One Touch by Jess Glynne and Jax Jones
Chris and Karen: Charleston to Out of Our Heads by Take That David and Nadiya: Paso Doble to Espana cani Dev and Dianne: Jive to Dance With Me Tonight by Olly Murs James and Luba: Jive to Tutti Frutti by Little Richard Karim and Amy: Foxtrot to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra Kelvin and Oti: Waltz to What the World Needs Now by Burt Bacharach Mike and Katya: American Smooth to Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell Will and Janette: Salsa to 1-2-3 by Gloria Estefan
Missing Gorka and Pasha? Of course we all missed Pasha and only got a fleeting glance of Gorka in the opening number and in the ‘Clauditorium’. But not to worry, if you book our Dancing with the Stars Weekend at 5* Celtic Manor Resort you can see them both up close and personal in April 2020. Gorka will be performing with Karen Hauer and hosting brilliant dance workshops, whilst Pasha will dazzle you with his talent and even teach you to dance.
If you book your places now you can benefit from our great Early Bird Discount safe in the knowledge that our Weekend Beak Transfer Flexibility allows you to switch weekends should another engagement pop up. How’s that for accommodating?!
100% peace of mind And just so you know, when you book one of our Dancing with the Stars Weekends we provide full financial protection for all your deposits and payments through the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT).
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You just have to look at the latest Strictly celebs to get your answer. Not only are we loving how much their dance ability has improved during their Strictly journey (sorry), but we’re also hugely impressed by their personal transformations.
And we’re not just talking the weekly skills applied by the costume, hair and makeup departments, no; we’re talking the vast benefits of dance revealing themselves in all their wonderful glory.
Incredible weight loss
With the celebs putting in so many hours in the training rooms, it’s no surprise that they’ve improved their general fitness levels, stamina and core strength. Whether they’re perfecting a low-impact Waltz or mastering a cardio-driven Samba, the rigorous training has led to substantial weight loss for many and they couldn’t be happier.
Graeme Swann recently revealed on ‘It Takes Two’ that he’s already lost 2.5 stones. He also told the Mirror that his wife was keen for him to lose weight before appearing on Strictly and even bought him a pair of running shoes. She said, “Right, you can get fit, you’re not going on telly all chubby.” He said, “I suppose she would be pleased, if I ever saw her!”
His Strictly partner, pro dancer Oti Mabuse, also confirmed on social media how dancing has got him into shape, “The body transformation that @bbcstrictly has had on @officialgraemeswann has just been incredible.”
But it’s not just the male celebs who are relishing the positive effects regular dancing can have on the body. Kate Silverton revealed on ‘Lorraine’ that she can now fit into her wedding dress, previously worn eight years ago when she got married in 2010. Which is no surprise considering the Strictly costume team have already had to take her dresses in twice. She also told the Mirror, “I think I’ve lost a stone already, it’s the Aljaz school of weight loss and my husband is very happy about that… nudge nudge. I feel liberated too! I was looking at my thighs today and I’m getting so much definition.”
Faye Tozer is also reaping the rewards of dancing. She told New! magazine, “I’ve definitely dropped a dress size. I was between a size 10 and a size 12 and now I’m a size 10. I thought I was fit before but you’re literally on your feet for at least six hours a day.”
Improved wellbeing
But it’s not just the body that benefits from dancing, the mind does too. Pretty obvious really when dancing is so much fun and boosts your happiness.
Dancing on Strictly helped Lee Ryan give up more than just a little weight. With the encouragement of his Strictly partner, pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova, he ditched the alcohol and shed weight during his Strictly training after she told him, “You should just knock it on the head.” He reportedly told the Press Association at the beginning of October, “If anything I’ve lost a lot of weight, I haven’t weighed myself but my clothes feel massively different and I just feel great. I’ve stopped drinking, I’m on the wagon. It’s good, though, because I have in the past dabbled and struggled and gone to rehab and stuff so I’ve just decided that drink is not good for me and it’s a really good thing (quitting). It’s really good for me, it feels like quite a turnaround for my own mentality, which is not just for the show but for me personally as well.”
Confidence boosting
Another positive effect of dancing was confirmed by Katie Piper in an exclusive interview with Hello! a week before she was eliminated from the show. She said, “I took part in Strictly as I knew I still had areas in my life where I don’t feel as free and confident and this is one of them. I wanted to use the show as a tool to learn how to let go and feel sexy. I used to feel like this some years ago and would like to get a small bit of it back. Dancing definitely doesn’t come naturally to me but it’s about letting go and enjoying yourself – and that’s what I did at my wedding and now on Strictly, but this time in front of millions.”
So there you have it, dancing is good for the mind, body and soul.
Learn to dance
If you want to become the best version of yourself (thanks, Stacey Dooley), have a go at dancing and improve your fitness levels, lose weight and have loads of fun along the way. As well as our fab 2020 Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly, where you can learn to dance with the shows incredible pro dancers, we also hold brilliant Ballroom Classes.
Our weekly Ballroom Classes are perfect for both beginners and improvers. You’ll learn to dance the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Jive, Argentine Tango and many more with our team of highly trained dance teachers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Too busy to commit to weekly lessons but really want to learn to dance? Then why not Learn to Dance in a Day with our fab 1-day Ballroom Dancing Lessons in Manchester, Solihull, Reading and Bristol? Our 4 hour daytime workshop will have you dancing your favourite Strictly dances in no time and loving it.
Why not make learning to dance your New Year resolution and set the wheels in motion by booking a class today?
Did you know you can grab yourself an official BBC Strictly Come Dancing Advent Calendar?
It realy is the ultimate Advent Calendar for every Strictly Come Dancing Fan!
Count down the day’s until Christmas with this unique Strictly Come Dancing trivia quiz calendar.
Test your Strictly knowledge every day as you answer each Strictly question, then enjoy the delicious Kinnerton nut safe chocolate – in fun Strictly themed shapes.
All new for 2018 , this is part of Kinnerton’s new range of Strictly inspired chocolates, check them out here
Strictly Come Dancing Winners: Who’s won Strictly?
With Strictly Come Dancing 17 well underway, we look back at all the celeb and pro partnerships that have lifted the famous Glitter Ball trophy over the years.
Cast your mind back to 2004 when Strictly first hit our screens and you’ll remember a slightly younger and different panel of judges. The line up included Head Judge, Len Goodman, with his proclivity for pickling his walnuts, Arlene Phillips with her vast knowledge of choreography, Craig Revel Horwood with his newly sharpened tongue, and Bruno Tolioni with his predilection for falling off chairs ‘Ab Fab’ style. No change there then. But amongst the mayhem, hosts Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly endeavoured to keep proceedings running smoothly.
Fast forward to 2009 and series 5 winner, Alesha Dixon, replaced Arlene Phillips on the judging panel only to make room for former guest judge, Darcey Bussell, in 2012. Tess Daly filled the very large shoes of Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2014 and former ‘It Takes Two’ presenter, Claudia Winkleman, became her partner in comedy. Len Goodman bowed out after series 14 in 2016 and Shirley Ballas slipped into his seat as Head Judge in 2017. In 2019 Dame Darcy Bussell bowed out and Motsi Mabuse stepped into her seat.
Strictly Come Dancing past winners
If you’re an avid Strictly fan you will probably be able to recite this list in your sleep, but for the rest of us, here’s a quick recap.
Series 1 – July 2004
Winners: BBC newsreader, Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole Most memorable dance: Samba to ‘Love Is In The Air’ in week 5 scoring a perfect 10 from judge Arlene Phillips Runners up: Actor, Christopher Parker and opera singer, Lesley Garrett
Series 2 – Dec 2004
Winners: Actress, Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett Most memorable dance: Jive to ‘I’m Still Standing’ in week 3 scoring 35 points and a perfect 40 in the final Runners up: Comedian and writer, Julian Clary and sportswoman, Denise Lewis
Series 3 – 2005
Winners: England cricketer, Darren Gogh and Lilia Kopylova Most memorable dance: Foxtrot to ‘Big Spender’ in the final earning their first 10 from Head Judge Len Goodman Runners up: ‘It Takes Two’ presenter, Zoe Ball and sportsman, Colin Jackson
Series 4 – 2006
Winners: England cricketer, Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy Most memorable dance: The infamous Salsa to ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’ in week 5 where their microphones became entangled and they were allowed to have another go. The dance later earned them a perfect 40 in the final Runners up: England rugby player, Matt Dawson and Spice Girl, Emma Bunton
Series 5 – 2007
Winners: Singer, Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler Most memorable dance: Cha Cha Cha to ‘Crazy In Love’ in week 8 scoring an impressive 39 points Runners up: Actor, Matt Di Angelo and TV presenter, Gethin Jones
Series 6 – 2008
Winners: Actor, Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup Most memorable dance: Foxtrot to ‘Here You Come Again’ scoring 39 points Runners up: Singer, Rachel Stevens and TV and radio presenter, Lisa Snowdon
Series 7 – 2009
Winners: BBC Breakfast presenter, Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan Most memorable dance: Charleston to ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ Runners up: Actor, Ricky Whittle and actress, Ali Bastian
Series 8 – 2010
Winners: Actress, Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev Most memorable dance: Tango to ‘El Tango de Roxanne’ in week 10 scoring 38 points Runners up: TV presenter, Matt Baker and psychologist, Pamela Stephenson
Series 9 – 2011
Winners: McFly’s Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani Most memorable dance: Argentine Tango to ‘Asi se Baila el Tango’ scoring a perfect 40 in the final Runners up: Actress, Chelsee Healey and actor and singer, Jason Donovan
Series 10 -2012
Winners: Olympian, Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace Most memorable dance: Salsa to ‘I’ve Had The Time Of My Life’ in week 3 and in the final, scoring 39 points and nailing the iconic Dirty Dancing lift Runners up: TV presenter, Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh
Series 11 – 2013
Winners: Model, Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec Most memorable dance: Samba to ‘Faith’ in week 12 scoring 39 points Runners up: Actress, Natalie Gumede and journalist and TV presenter, Susanna Reid
Series 12 – 2014
Winners: TV presenter, Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev Most memorable dance: Salsa to ‘Maria’ in week 12 scoring the first perfect 40 of the series. The couple also hold the record for the most top scores of 40 and were the first to receive a perfect score for all three of their dances in the final Runners up: The Saturdays’ Frankie Bridge and Blue’s Simon Webbe
Series 13 – 2015
Winners: The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani Most memorable dance: Jive in week 3/Movie Week to ‘Misirlou’ scoring 37 points Runners up: Actresses, Kellie Bright and Georgia May Foote
Series 14 – 2016
Winners: TV presenter, Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton Most memorable dance: American Smooth to ‘Singin’ In the Rain’ in week 3 and the final, scoring 39 points and the Jive to ‘Runaway Baby’ in week 4 and the final, scoring the perfect 40 Runners up: Actor, Danny Mac and Eternal’s Louise Redknapp
Series 15 – 2017
Winners: Joe McFadden and Katya Jones Most memorable dance: Argentine Tango to ‘Human’ in week 12 scoring 35 points Runners up: Singer, Alexandra Burke, performer, Debbie McGee and actress, Gemma Atkinson
Series 16 – 2018
Winners: Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton Most memorable dance: Paso Doble in the final scoring 39 points Runners up: Ashley Roberts & Pasha Kovalev, Faye Tozer & Giovanni Pernice, Joe Sugg & Dianne Buswell
Who will win Strictly 2019?
It’s definitely too soon to call, but there are some great contenders for the title. Whilst you’re rooting for your favourites to win, why not book your places at one of our brilliant Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly in 2020?
Not only is the previous champion of Strictly, Katya Jones, performing and teaching workshops at our Weekend Breaks, but we also have 2013 winner, Aljaž Skorjanec, too. And who knows, Strictly’s 2019 winner might also be amongst our fabulous line up which includes Giovanni Pernice, Karen Hauer, Janette Manrara, Gorka Marquez, Neil Jones, Pasha Kovalov, Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag.
Can you really bear to miss out on meeting and learning to dance with these amazing pro dancers?
Strictly is the gift that just keeps on giving. As if the excitement of Movie Week & Halloween wasn’t enough, there’s also the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special to look forward to.
Strictly Christmas Special 2018 line-up
Once this year’s Strictly winners have nabbed the Glitter Ball, it’s time for the Strictly Christmas Special. Eager to know who’s taking part? The Christmas line up includes past winner, Caroline Flack, who lifted the trophy along with Pasha Kovalev back in 2014.
We’re thrilled for Neil Joneswho finally get’s his very own celebrity partner, plus Luba Mushtuk who’ll get her second celebrity partner of the year.
Aston Merrygold, who partnered Janette Manrara last year and left the competition far too early, also has another shot at the title. Also competing this year is 2014 semi-finalist Jake wood who also danced with Janette but lost out to Caroline. Plus 2015 semi-finalist Anita Rani who partnered Gleb Savchenko, Michael Vaughn who danced with Natalie Lowe and finally, Ann Widdecombe who took Anton Du Beke to task week after week in 2010.
Who are the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas pairings?
Ann Widdecombe and Aston Merrygold are reunited with their original Strictly dance partners – Anton Du Beke and Janette Manrara.
New partnerships include; TV presenter Anita Rani teams up with Neil Jones — Katya Jones’ husband; Caroline Flack will be paired with Gorka Marquez; Jake Wood is paired with Luba Mushtuk; while Michael Vaughan will dance with Nadiya Bychkova in her Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special debut.
When is the 2018 Strictly Christmas Special on TV?
Christmas Day of course. The time has yet to be confirmed but keep your TV tuned to BBC1 and you’ll be in for a treat. As usual, the show will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with expert feedback provided by judges, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli.
The six couples will each perform a Christmas inspired dance routine in line with this year’s theme – fairy tales and making dreams come true – as they compete for the Christmas accolade. It’s then up to the studio audience to decide who deserves the crowning glory.
Who won the 2018 Strictly Christmas Special?
The programme will be pre-recorded at the beginning of December.
As the show is pre-recorded there is no viewer votes, the studio audience alone decides by voting once all the contestants have danced.
Occasionally the winners can be leaked onto social media, so avoid the spoilers and tune in on Christmas Day to find out which one of the past celebrities will be crowned 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Champion..
All I want for Christmas…is an experience like no other
We know the world of Strictly Come Dancing is all consuming, but it can’t have escaped your notice that Christmas is fast approaching. Not only do we celebrate the ‘crowning’ of the new Strictly champions at this time of year, but friends and family also expect a present or two.
So, with that in mind, we’ve got a great gift idea for addicts of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing – Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars Weekends. Not only will this Christmas present score you an amazing amount of brownie points with loved ones, but it will also catapult you to the top of the leader board. And that’s without throwing a single shape on the dance floor, which is very handy for the ‘Dad Dancers’ amongst you.
Dancing With The Stars Weekend
What does this perfect Strictly Christmas present include? Well, a whole weekend of dancing in the company of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in Newport. See hot couple Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara, Ballroom favourites Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, and the amazing Giovanni Pernice & Oti Mabuse perform dazzling showdances in our stunning Ballrooms. Grill them in the fun Q&A session and take photos in the ‘Red Carpet Strictly Photo Call’s.
All wrapped up for Christmas
Want to find out more? Feast your eyes on this lot then;
Strictly is the gift that just keeps on giving. As if the excitement of Movie Week, Halloween and the anticipation of Blackpool wasn’t enough, there’s also the Strictly Come Dancing Boyzone Children in Need Special and the Christmas Special to look forward to.
Strictly Children in Need 2018 line up…
So who’s taking part? Well, we’ll finally get to see new pro dancer and four-time Italian Dance Championship Winner and Italian Open Latin Show Dance Champion, Luba Mushtuk, take to the Strictly floor with a celebrity partner. Hooray. She’ll be dancing with Boyzone’s Shane Lynch as they compete against the rest of his bandmates.
Ronan Keating will be paired with Gordana Grandosek, and Keith Duffy with Nadiya Bychkova, who made it to week 2 this series with Blue’s Lee Ryan. And Mikey Graham will be partnered with Katya Jones who was eliminated in week 6 along with celebrity partner, Seann Walsh. Let’s hope Boyzone’s dance moves have improved significantly since their awkward appearance on Ireland’s The Late Late Show back in 1993. They’ve got to have, surely?
When is BBC Children in Need Special on TV?
Fortunately we don’t have to wait too long. Children in Need will air on Friday 16th November on BBC1 from 7.30pm to 10pm. It then switches over to BBC2 for 40 minutes of Junior Mastermind for BBC Children in Need, before returning to BBC1 until 12.30am. At some point early in the evening you’ll be able to enjoy the Strictly Children in Need Special hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Who won the 2018 BBC Children in Need Strictly Special?
The programme was pre-recorded two weeks ago, do you remember seeing Boyzone on the main Strictly show reading out the T&C’s with the lovely Claudia?
As the show was pre-recorded there is no viewer votes, the studio audience alone decides by voting after all the contestants have danced.
Unfortunately the winners have already been leaked on social media, so avoid the spoilers and tune in this Friday evening to find out which one of Boyzone will be crowned Strictly Come Dancing Children In Need champion 2018..
Do Your Thing for Children In Need
For more information on how you can raise vital funds for Children In Need and support this wonderful charity, please visit the BBC Children In Need website here
Spend the weekend with Children In Need Strictly Stars Katya & Luba
If this glimpse of Luba and Katya performing in the Strictly Children in Need Special isn’t enough to keep your Strictly pangs at bay (how could it be?), then you should do yourself a favour and book one of our Weekend Breaks with them in 2019.
Luba will be performing and teaching in our dance workshops with Giovanni at two of our Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly next year. And Katya will be also be performing and taking dance workshops with her husband, Neil Jones, at four of our Weekend Breaks.
In fact, you can see both Luba and Katya at our Weekend Break at Celtic Manor in April 2019. As well as learning to dance with them, you can also quiz them in our Q&A sessions and grab a photo of them at our Red Carpet Photo Calls throughout the weekend. Now, doesn’t that sound like the ultimate Christmas present for a Strictly fan? You do know that includes you as well?
Did you know there’s a kid’s version of Dancing with the Stars, which is aptly named Dancing with the Stars Juniors? We know, who’d have thought?
How does it differ from Strictly Come Dancing?
Not only are the celebrities children, but also the pro dancers. Plus they have an adult mentor who just so happens to be a Dancing with the Stars pro dancer. So if you ever wondered what happened to former Strictly pro dancers Artem Chigvintsev and Gleb Savchenko, then you’ll find them here coaching the juniors.
Following in the footsteps of Strictly, the couples take to the dance floor each week to perform either a Ballroom or Latin routine. But unlike the UK version, the audience vote which counts for 50% of their score is from the studio audience and not the viewing public at home.
Also unlike Strictly’s live Saturday night show, Dancing with the Stars Juniors is pre-recorded. Well, celebrity kids have busy schedules too you know and the mentoring pro dancers are also competing in their very own grown up version of the show.
Who are the hosts and who’s on the judging panel?
Frankie Muniz and Jordan Fisher are our Tess and Claudia.
Both the actors competed in season 25 of Dancing with the Stars and Jordan even won the glitter ball. As for the judging panel, Olympic figure skater, Adam Rippon, La La Land choreographer, Mandy Moore and Dancing with the Stars pro dancer, Val Chmerkovsky (who’s also won the glitter ball twice), are the show’s version of our very own Shirley, Bruno, Craig and Darcey. Except we’ve got four judges and they only have three, obviously.
Who are the celebrity kids?
• Mandla Morris – fashion designer and son of Stevie wonder • Alana Thompson – reality TV star Honey Boo Boo • Tripp Johnston Palin – Sarah Palin’s grandson (the clue’s in the surname) • Ariana Greenblatt – actress who’s starred in Avengers • Hudson West – actor who’s starred in General Hospital • Sky Brown – professional skateboarder • Mackenzie Ziegler – actress, singer and dancer • Addison Osta Smith – winner of Junior MasterChef • Miles Brown – actor who’s starred in Black-ish • Akash Vukoti – spelling bee contestant and all round child genius • Jason Maybaum – actor who’s starred in Freaky Friday • Sophia Pippen – former basketball player, Scottie Pippen’s daughter
Just think how popular a junior version of Strictly Come Dancing would be given the growing popularity of the show among the younger audience – do you think the BBC should create Strictly Come Dancing Juniors?
If you’re a Disney fan, you’ll absolutely adore this weeks programme – a Disney speical, so cute…
Weekend Break with the Stars of Strictly
Fancy learning a new skill like these youngsters? Then why not come along to one of our Weekend Breaks featuring the fantastic pro dancers from Strictly Come Dancing? They’ll be holding brilliant dance workshops featuring many of the dances you see on Strictly. Plus they’ll also perform amazing dance showcases which you can enjoy from your very own designated front row seats. And as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be able to quiz the pro dancers in our fun Q&A sessions and take loads of photos in our Red Carpet Photo Calls.
As if things couldn’t get any more exciting in Strictly land, the TV show is rolling out its first new dance category in nine years. Say hello to the Couples’ Choice. Not since the introduction of the Charleston – or Sharl-e-ston as Giovanni likes to call it – back in series seven, has the show given the pro dancers another category to showcase their skills. Oh, and the celebs of course.
What’s the lowdown on the Couples’ Choice?
Well, the new category includes three dance styles that couples can choose from; Contemporary, Street/Commercial, and Theatre/Jazz.
With the Contemporary style we’re likely to see a nod towards Ballet, Modern and even Lyrical dance. Whereas with the Street/Commercial style we’re likely to see references to all kinds of Urban and Modern dance, including Pop and Hip Hop. The Theatre/Jazz style is pretty self explanatory and may even include Burlesque, Tap and Soft Shoe. Here’s hoping…
Which of the three dance styles will suit the couples best?
Call us sceptical but we very much doubt that the couples actually get to choose their preferred dance style. Let’s face it, that’s just not how TV works. However, if there’s the slightest chance that they do, then surely they’ll opt for a style that plays to their strengths.
With that in mind, Janette’s background in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop could see her take on all three dance styles with ease, but is Dr Ranj more suited to Musical Theatre and Jazz hands? And surely Pasha will embrace Ashley Roberts’ need to booty pop by opting for a Street/Commercial routine? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Who’s up first?
Lauren Steadman and AJ, and Charles Venn and Karen are the first two couples to take on the Couples’ Choice in week 5. Lauren and AJ will be showcasing a Contemporary routine to ‘Runnin’ by Naughty Boy featuring Beyoncé. Whilst Charles and Karen will be taking to the dance floor with a Street/Commercial routine to ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ by James Brown. It’s going to be interesting to see where they end up on the leaderboard and if the viewing public like the new dance category.
What’s your Couples’ Choice?
Interested to see how the couples do in the new dance category, but still a dedicated follower of Ballroom and Latin? Then why not get to grips with Latin, Ballroom & Argentine Tango under the expert tuition of the pro dancers at our Weekend Breaks with the stars of Strictly in 2019? Once you’ve mastered the art of dance, you can sit back and enjoy multiple dance showcases from the expert pro dancers and get snap happy at our Red Carpet Photo Calls. Plus you can even quiz them in our fun Q&A sessions. What’s not to like?
Check out our exceptionally talented line up for 2020…
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March 2020 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel Staffordshire
Spend the weekend with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing at the fabulous Alton Towers Resort Hotel.
Join; Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara, Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, Katya & Neil Jones, British National & World Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce.
Friday 27th – Sunday 29th March 2020 4* Beaumont Estate Hotel Windsor, Berkshire
Spend the weekend with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing at the impressive 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor.
Join; Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, Katya & Neil Jones, Giovanni Pernice & Pro Dance Partner to be announced, British National & World Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce plus Argentine Tango Instructors Filippo Monici & Laura Lorenzo.
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th April 2020 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel Newport, South Wales
Spend the weekend with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort.
Join Gorka Marquez & Karen Clifton, Pasha Kovalev, Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, Amy Dowden & Ben Jones, British National & World Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce, plus Argentine Tango stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani.
By the way, you’ve only got until 31st October 2019 to take advantage of our Early Bird Booking Prices.
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Did you know there’s a kid’s version of Dancing with the Stars, which is aptly named Dancing with the Stars Juniors? We know, who’d have thought?
