The first pictures of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special have been released by the BBC, featuring a selection of star names taking to the famous BBC dancefloor for the very first time. Ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba teams up with Aliona Vilani for a dance routine, while veteran actress Sheila Hancock is partnered by Ian Waite.
The festive edition of the BBC reality show also features Jls star Jb Gill taking a break from the X Factor boyband to show off his best moves with Ola Jordan. Katy Brand and Anton Du Beke are another couple who showcase their best Christmas spirit on the dancefloor.
Bobby Ball and Katya Virshilas and ex-Blue Peter host Helen Skelton, who partners Artem Chigvintsev, complete the (more)...
The festive edition of the BBC reality show also features Jls star Jb Gill taking a break from the X Factor boyband to show off his best moves with Ola Jordan. Katy Brand and Anton Du Beke are another couple who showcase their best Christmas spirit on the dancefloor.
Bobby Ball and Katya Virshilas and ex-Blue Peter host Helen Skelton, who partners Artem Chigvintsev, complete the (more)...
- 12/18/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Karen Hauer has been announced as the latest professional to join the ranks of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. The Venezuelan dancer has been brought in to replace Katya Virshilas, who was axed by the BBC last week. Rte reports that the 30-year-old is looking forward to being a part of the series, quoting her as saying: "If I could dance how I feel about joining Strictly then you'd be able to see how excited I am!" Hauer is a former World Mambo Champion and has previously worked alongside Jennifer Lopez. Three years ago, she auditioned for Us reality series (more)...
- 6/23/2012
- by By Paul Martinovic
- Digital Spy
Katya Virshilas has been axed from 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional dancer was sacked by new executive producers Glen Coomber and Andrea Hamilton because she doesn't have the same high profiles as some of the other dancers such as Kristina Rihanoff and Ola Jordan. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Glen and Andrea wanted to meet the dancers and hear why they wanted to do this year's show. ''They always knew they wanted to bring in fresh talent but it was about deciding who would have to make way and it was decided to give Katya the boot. ''She is not as...
- 6/20/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Katya Virshilas will not return for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has confirmed. The professional dancer, who partnered Phil Tufnell, Gavin Henson, Dan Lobb and Simon Webbe during her time on the show, has been axed to make way for a new face, according to The Sun. A BBC spokeswoman said: "We'd like to thank Katya for her wonderful contribution to the show. She will very much remain part of the Strictly family." A source told the paper that the show's new executive producers Glenn Coomber and Andrea Hamilton have decided to retain all the other professional dancers. "Glen and Andrea wanted to meet the dancers and hear why they wanted to do this year's show," the insider said. "They always knew they wanted to bring in fresh talent but it was about deciding who would have to make (more)...
- 6/20/2012
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
Three Strictly Come Dancing couples have reportedly been at war ahead of this weekend's final. Relations between Holly Valance, Lulu and Dan Lobb and their respective partners Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole and Katya Virshilas are apparently "extremely tense", causing chaos as the BBC prepares for tomorrow's (December 17) Blackpool Tower show. Lulu is believed to be "livid" with Cole over comments the professional made about her after Strictly, while Valance and Lobb have apparently been accused of lacking in dedication and ability while competing. "Lulu was livid," a source told The Sun. "I'm sure he didn't mean to upset her but she has been very sensitive about her time on the show and needed more support than he was prepared to give her. He is a very hard (more)...
- 12/16/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
'Strictly Come Dancing' bosses are having to deal with a number of spats between the show's stars. Lulu and her professional partner Brendan Cole - who departed the BBC One series during week six - are said to have fallen out after the 'Shout' hitmaker took offence at comments the dancer made after they were booted out of the competition, with their relationship now described as "extremely tense". Meanwhile, 'Daybreak' presenter Dan Lobb and his partner Katya Virshilas are thought to have a "frosty" friendship, making bringing all the stars together for tomorrow night's (17.12.11) 'Strictly Come Dancing' final a difficult job...
- 12/16/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Dan Lobb has become the second contestant to be voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 39-year-old 'Daybreak' presenter admitted he was confused by the scoring system, which saw him and his professional partner Katya Virshilas leave the BBC One competition last night (16.10.11) after receiving fewer votes than fellow bottom-ranked couple Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton Du Beke. He said: "The consensus each week from the pros is that the judges have been really harsh. "It's not natural for me to act something out but you do your best. But on the show there is theatre and pantomime and I don't think...
- 10/17/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Dan Lobb has revealed that he struggled to understand what the judging panel wanted from him and professional partner Katya Virshilas on Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking after he left the BBC One show last night, the Daybreak host also claimed that some of the show's professionals think the judges have been harsh on this year's competitors. Lobb told The Sun: "I'm still trying to work out what the judges wanted from me and Katya and how we compared to other couples. I don't really know whether I was any better or worse than others who got higher marks. "The consensus each week from the pros is that the judges have been really harsh." James Jordan had previously been seen asking Craig Revel Horwood to "be a bit nicer" during the first weekend of the competition, claiming that some of the celebrities (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Dan Lobb has revealed that he struggled to understand what the judging panel wanted from him and professional partner Katya Virshilas on Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking after he left the BBC One show last night, the Daybreak host also claimed that some of the show's professionals think the judges have been harsh on this year's competitors. Lobb told The Sun: "I'm still trying to work out what the judges wanted from me and Katya and how we compared to other couples. I don't really know whether I was any better or worse than others who got higher marks. "The consensus each week from the pros is that the judges have been really harsh." James Jordan had previously been seen asking Craig Revel Horwood to "be a bit nicer" during the first weekend of the competition, claiming that some of the celebrities (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Dan Lobb has become the second celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The Daybreak presenter and professional partner Katya Virshilas were eliminated from the BBC competition following their Broadway-themed Viennese waltz. The pair were joined in the danger zone by Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton DuBeke, but it was Lobb who finished bottom when viewer votes and judges' scores were combined. Asked by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to pick the highlight of his Strictly experience, Lobb responded: "Oh, dancing with Katya - it's a wonderful opportunity to dance with somebody (more)...
- 10/16/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Dan Lobb has become the second celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The Daybreak presenter and professional partner Katya Virshilas were eliminated from the BBC competition following their Broadway-themed Viennese waltz. The pair were joined in the danger zone by Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton DuBeke, but it was Lobb who finished bottom when viewer votes and judges' scores were combined. Asked by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to pick the highlight of his Strictly experience, Lobb responded: "Oh, dancing with Katya - it's a wonderful opportunity to dance with somebody (more)...
- 10/16/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Daybreak's Dan Lobb is having issues with trust in his Strictly Come Dancing training. The TV presenter, who is partnered by Katya Virshilas, has confessed to early problems in rehearsals for his first waltz on the BBC One reality show. "Katya's crammed a lot into our first session," he said. "There has been a lot to take in and it's been tough. There have been moments where I felt a little bit overloaded. "I'm a hard taskmaster and I'm always my own worst critic." >'Strictly' Dan Lobb: 'I will embrace the fake tan'
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- 9/21/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The next series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' will include a new male professional dancer. Pasha Kovalev, who hails from Siberia and specialises in Latin, will join familiar faces Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, Anton Du Beke, James Jordan, Vincent Simone and Robin Windsor in the BBC One show while the professional female line-up consists of Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Ola Jordan, Natalie Lowe, Kristina Rihanoff, Aliona Vilani and Katya Virshilas. The show's executive producer, Moira Ross, said: "I'm delighted to welcome back our 'Strictly' professionals and really excited about introducing our new dancer Pasha to our audiences. We've some exciting treats in store...
- 6/15/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Strictly Come Dancing has announced the line-up of professional dancers for the next series, including a new male dancer.
Pasha Kovalev, who hails from Siberia and specialises in Latin, will take his place on the dance floor alongside a host of familiar faces.
The other male dancers are: reigning champion Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, Anton Du Beke, James Jordan, Vincent Simone and Robin Windsor. The female dancers waltzing back on to the show this year will once again be Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Ola Jordan, Natalie Lowe, Kristina Rihanoff, Aliona Vilani and Katya Virshilas.
The show’s executive producer, Moira Ross, says: “I’m delighted to welcome back our Strictly professionals and really excited about introducing our new dancer Pasha to our audiences. We’ve some exciting treats in store for series nine.”
Last series’ dance troupe will not be back when the show returns to BBC One this autumn.
Pasha Kovalev, who hails from Siberia and specialises in Latin, will take his place on the dance floor alongside a host of familiar faces.
The other male dancers are: reigning champion Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, Anton Du Beke, James Jordan, Vincent Simone and Robin Windsor. The female dancers waltzing back on to the show this year will once again be Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Ola Jordan, Natalie Lowe, Kristina Rihanoff, Aliona Vilani and Katya Virshilas.
The show’s executive producer, Moira Ross, says: “I’m delighted to welcome back our Strictly professionals and really excited about introducing our new dancer Pasha to our audiences. We’ve some exciting treats in store for series nine.”
Last series’ dance troupe will not be back when the show returns to BBC One this autumn.
- 6/15/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Virshilas has announced her engagement to boyfriend of 14 months Klaus Kongsdal. The 27-year-old, who survived to the semi-finals with rugby star Gavin Henson in the latest series of the ballroom competition, recalled to Hello how her Dutch dance coach partner popped the question after she returned home ahead of the programme's December finale. She explained: "I opened the door and there were hundreds of rose petals and candles. My first thought was, 'Oh my God, I forgot our anniversary or something’, because for the past three months I had been so absorbed with Strictly." (more)...
- 1/3/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Gavin Henson and Scott Maslen have just missed out on a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final after falling victim to a double elimination. After Pamela Stephenson and Kara Tointon were first declared safe, this week's eliminees waited with Countryfile host Matt Baker to discover which of them would join the girls in the final. Finally, host Tess Daly confirmed that Henson and his partner Katya Virshilas had finished last in the public vote, to which the Welsh rugby star smiled knowingly. When quizzed about his Strictly experience by Bruce Forysth, Henson spoke of his delight at having overcome his initial struggles from the beginning of the competition. "Katya's been amazing, she's been perfect for me... I've come in here with two left feet, it's been so stressful for me," he said. Virshilas also teased (more)...
- 12/12/2010
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
In tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing Semi Final results show Gavin Henson and Scott Maslen were voted off, becoming the tenth and eleventh celebrities to leave the competition, narrowly missing out on the chance to compete in next weekend’s Grand Final.
Our couples performed three dances over the bonanza Semi Final weekend, including Strictly’s first competitive group dance – the Swingathon – where all five couples took to the floor at the same time.
The combination of the judges’ scores and viewer votes meant that Gavin Henson and dance partner Katya Virshilas and Scott Maslen and dance partner Natalie Lowe were in the bottom two and both were eliminated.
Of Gavin and Katya’s dance, the judges said:
Alesha Dixon
: “I’m much more at ease watching you in Ballroom – this is definitely your thing. I do think sometimes you have timing issues, but actually I thought you did really well.
Our couples performed three dances over the bonanza Semi Final weekend, including Strictly’s first competitive group dance – the Swingathon – where all five couples took to the floor at the same time.
The combination of the judges’ scores and viewer votes meant that Gavin Henson and dance partner Katya Virshilas and Scott Maslen and dance partner Natalie Lowe were in the bottom two and both were eliminated.
Of Gavin and Katya’s dance, the judges said:
Alesha Dixon
: “I’m much more at ease watching you in Ballroom – this is definitely your thing. I do think sometimes you have timing issues, but actually I thought you did really well.
- 12/12/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Gavin Henson is apparently preparing for the battle ahead this weekend on Strictly by plotting “team tactics”, just as he would for a rugby match.
According to the Pa, Gavin and his pro-dance partner Katya Virshilas have been using a flip-chart to plot their strategy, and have had “team talk” meetings.
The couple will be dancing the samba, the Viennese waltz and the swing this weekend.
Gavin said of learning his moves, “It’s been tough but we’ve got the hang of them now.
“This weekend is going to be insane, but I’m looking forward to it.
“I suppose I’m underdog for the semi-final but I’d love to lose that tag this weekend, hopefully I can change people’s idea of me this weekend.”
The swing-a-thon this weekend will see all the contestants taking to the dance floor simultaneously as judges look for the best performances.
According to the Pa, Gavin and his pro-dance partner Katya Virshilas have been using a flip-chart to plot their strategy, and have had “team talk” meetings.
The couple will be dancing the samba, the Viennese waltz and the swing this weekend.
Gavin said of learning his moves, “It’s been tough but we’ve got the hang of them now.
“This weekend is going to be insane, but I’m looking forward to it.
“I suppose I’m underdog for the semi-final but I’d love to lose that tag this weekend, hopefully I can change people’s idea of me this weekend.”
The swing-a-thon this weekend will see all the contestants taking to the dance floor simultaneously as judges look for the best performances.
- 12/10/2010
- by Sarah
- Unreality
Gavin Henson believes ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has helped him get over his recent break up.
The Welsh rugby star – who separated from singer Charlotte Church, the mum of his two children, in May after six years together – signed up for the BBC One show in the hope of escaping the pain of his break-up.
Dancing the blues away with his partner Katya Virshilas seems to have worked, as the 28-year-old hunk says he even feels ready to start dating again.
Gavin explained: “I’d hoped ‘Strictly’ would distract me from the personal stuff going on – and it did. Time heals and it’s taken my mind off Charlotte. ‘Strictly’ was great for me. Now it’s a whole new chapter in my life.
“It’s all go with rugby and ‘Strictly’. But when the show’s over it’ll be good to start anew in 2011. I think I’ll carry...
The Welsh rugby star – who separated from singer Charlotte Church, the mum of his two children, in May after six years together – signed up for the BBC One show in the hope of escaping the pain of his break-up.
Dancing the blues away with his partner Katya Virshilas seems to have worked, as the 28-year-old hunk says he even feels ready to start dating again.
Gavin explained: “I’d hoped ‘Strictly’ would distract me from the personal stuff going on – and it did. Time heals and it’s taken my mind off Charlotte. ‘Strictly’ was great for me. Now it’s a whole new chapter in my life.
“It’s all go with rugby and ‘Strictly’. But when the show’s over it’ll be good to start anew in 2011. I think I’ll carry...
- 12/8/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Pamela Stephenson wowed the judges and received her first perfect score on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last night.
The TV psychologist – who has been married to comedian Billy Connolly for 21 years – and her dance partner James Jordan also received a standing ovation for their Viennese Waltz.
Craig Revel Horwood said: “Elegant, stylish, tasteful, full of emotion… gorgeous!” while Alesha Dixon added “Perfect song, perfect dress… perfectly danced.”
Len Goodman revealed he would be shocked if the pair did not make it through to the semi-final saying: “Tonight’s all about who’ll get through to the semi-final and on that performance I’ll see you next week.”
However it was more bad news for former MP Ann Widdecombe and her dance partner Anton Du Beke as they received the lowest scores of the night, 14 out of a possible 40.
Their American Smooth was criticised by all four judges with Bruno Tonioni labelling...
The TV psychologist – who has been married to comedian Billy Connolly for 21 years – and her dance partner James Jordan also received a standing ovation for their Viennese Waltz.
Craig Revel Horwood said: “Elegant, stylish, tasteful, full of emotion… gorgeous!” while Alesha Dixon added “Perfect song, perfect dress… perfectly danced.”
Len Goodman revealed he would be shocked if the pair did not make it through to the semi-final saying: “Tonight’s all about who’ll get through to the semi-final and on that performance I’ll see you next week.”
However it was more bad news for former MP Ann Widdecombe and her dance partner Anton Du Beke as they received the lowest scores of the night, 14 out of a possible 40.
Their American Smooth was criticised by all four judges with Bruno Tonioni labelling...
- 12/5/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Patsy Kensit has become the eighth celebrity to be voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The former 'Holby City' star and partner Robin Windsor were eliminated from the BBC One show last night (28.11.10) after finding themselves in the bottom two with Gavin Henson and Katya Virshilas and ultimately receiving the fewest number of viewer votes for their tango the previous evening. Patsy - who earlier in the week had admitted she felt her ''time was up'' on the celebrity talent show - said: ''You know what, I've had the most incredible time. It's been the most beautiful experience.'' The actress had earlier been ..
- 11/29/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Gavin Henson set hearts racing on Saturday night’s live show, when he lunged at judge Bruno Tonioli and planted a smacker on him.
The rugby star was dancing the quickstep with his partner Katya Virshilas, when he took a second to jump on the desk and show some love to the Italian expert.
It worked – Bruno gave him a gushing review of the dance and a mark of nine for his efforts! Check out the video clip below.
The rugby star was dancing the quickstep with his partner Katya Virshilas, when he took a second to jump on the desk and show some love to the Italian expert.
It worked – Bruno gave him a gushing review of the dance and a mark of nine for his efforts! Check out the video clip below.
- 11/15/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Gavin Henson and Scott Maslen have suffered Strictly Come Dancing setbacks with injury and illness. The Welsh rugby star has been struggling to get in any rehearsal time due to a sickness bug, claims The Sun. Henson, 28, has apparently spent more time in his hotel room than on the dancefloor with his pro partner Katya Virshilas. "Gavin is really worried that he will have to sit out of Strictly for (more)...
- 11/5/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Gavin Henson wants his 'Strictly Come Dancing' partner Katya Virshilas to succumb to him in their paso doble. The rugby ace has revealed he is hoping to seduce his beautiful dance partner during the show tomorrow night (30.10.10) as they perform the traditional Spanish dance. He said: ''The dance is all about arrogance and seduction - and I have to wield my power over Katya until she eventually succumbs. ''At first it was hard to let go, but now I feel relaxed. I hope the judges can see the difference.'' The hunky star - who is rumoured to be flirting with fellow Strictly contestant Tina ..
- 10/29/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Strictly Come Dancing's Gavin Henson has signed a deal with rugby team Saracens The Welsh sports star, who is currently dancing with Katya Virshilas, will have restricted training time with the team until Christmas because of his dancing commitments. Speaking about the move, he told Pa: "I am still committed to Strictly Come Dancing because I am contracted to that, which is fine. I am enjoying it. "I still need a few (more)...
- 10/29/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson has started taking acting lessons to improve his chances on Strictly Come Dancing. The sports star, who has struggled in recent weeks on the ballroom dance show, is working with casting director and acting coach Neil Rutherford. Speaking about his latest tactic, he said: "Craig [Revel Horwood] suggested I get acting lessons and the judges always seem to be spot on with their advice. Doing something like this is a world away from what I'm used to, but I really want to stay in the competition and I'm loving all the cape action with this dance, so I'm willing to do whatever it takes to be the best I can be on the dance floor." Henson's pro partner Katya Virshilas said: "Over the last few weeks, when Gavin hits the dance floor, his nerves begin (more)...
- 10/27/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Katya Virshilas has claimed that the Strictly Come Dancing judges were too harsh on Gavin Henson last week. The pro dancer claimed that the panel, and in particular Craig Revel Horwood, were off the mark with their comments about his rumba. "I thought the judges were very harsh," she told It Takes Two. "I mean Craig's comments were ridiculous... He is going to get better. He is a tango man." Henson, who scored 22 points last weekend, admitted that the judges' remarks (more)...
- 10/21/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has been raving about the chemistry between rugby star Gavin Henson and his professional partner Katya Virshilas.
The pair split the panel with their sexy rumba on last week’s show and afterwards Craig remarked:
‘My floorboards at home have more movement than that! It was emotionless, cold, at times vacuous. You have to get your mind, body and soul into the dance because you are capable of doing it.”
Speaking to New! magazine Craig admitted that the pair have a spark and thinks that they should sleep together to improve Gavin’s hip action.
He said:
“It might improve his hip action. I think they’ve got great chemistry between them – they’re wonderful.”
On Henson’s recent split from his long term girlfriend Charlotte Church, Horwood added:
“Strictly is a brilliant way to get over someone because it occupies a lot...
The pair split the panel with their sexy rumba on last week’s show and afterwards Craig remarked:
‘My floorboards at home have more movement than that! It was emotionless, cold, at times vacuous. You have to get your mind, body and soul into the dance because you are capable of doing it.”
Speaking to New! magazine Craig admitted that the pair have a spark and thinks that they should sleep together to improve Gavin’s hip action.
He said:
“It might improve his hip action. I think they’ve got great chemistry between them – they’re wonderful.”
On Henson’s recent split from his long term girlfriend Charlotte Church, Horwood added:
“Strictly is a brilliant way to get over someone because it occupies a lot...
- 10/19/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Craig Revel Horwood has advised Gavin Henson to start dating his Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Katya Virshilas. The judge made the suggestion because he believes that a romance between the pair would give Henson's Strictly performances a boost. Horwood told New magazine: "It might improve his hip action. I think they've got great chemistry between them - they're wonderful." Horwood also said that the show has helped Henson deal with (more)...
- 10/19/2010
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
Gavin Henson is worried his head and body are not in sync. The Welsh rugby ace - who is preparing to perform a Latin routine on tonight's 'Strictly Come Dancing' with professional partner Katya Virshilas - has admitted he is struggling to get to grips with the saucy dance. He told BBC One's spin-off show 'It Takes Two': ''If my body can get in sync with my mind, I'll dance it great.'' However, Katya has assured viewers that while Gavin may be unsure about his capabilities, she thinks it will be the ''sexiest salsa'' ever seen on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The sportsman's lack of confidence ..
- 10/9/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Katya Virshilas has claimed that her salsa with Gavin Henson will be the "sexiest" in Strictly Come Dancing history. Henson and Virshilas impressed the judges in week one, scoring 28 points for their waltz and winning huge praise from head judge Len Goodman. Offering a teaser of this weekend's Latin routine on spinoff show It Takes Two, Virshilas said: "I am going to try make this the sexiest salsa Strictly has ever seen. I really want to show the fun and crazy side to Gavin and Katya. "I (more)...
- 10/8/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Gavin Henson has claimed that he is aiming to dance like Patrick Swayze on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. The Welsh rugby star, who is partnered by Katya Virshilas, said that he is more nervous about this weekend's salsa than his first ballroom performance. "The waltz was good, but we've got the salsa this week and I'm not confident about that," he told It Takes Two. "It could be embarrassing. "Saturday was a big night and I was taken back a bit. I really enjoyed it and I wasn't that nervous when I got into it. That was pretty cool. That's (more)...
- 10/7/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Pro dancer Katya Virshilas has claimed that Gavin Henson will surprise people on Strictly Come Dancing. Virshilas and Henson impressed the judges on Saturday's live show, scoring 28 points for their first waltz on the dancefloor. Judge Alesha Dixon described the rugby star as a "diamond in the rough", while Craig Revel Horwood claimed that his first dance was a "brave attempt". Speaking about the duo's chances of success, Virshilas told the News of the World: "Gavin is an incredible athlete, so his commitment to the show is amazing and the hours he puts in are a professional dream. "I think he'll surprise a few. He is not a natural dancer but he's (more)...
- 10/4/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Katya Virshilas has revealed that she has banned dance partner Gavin Henson from dating while they compete together on Strictly Come Dancing. Professional dancer Virshilas has confirmed that she wants Henson to be fully focused on the BBC talent contest so that they stand the best chance at winning. "Gavin is not allowed to date while he is in the competition," Virshilas told the News of the World. "I told him I would prefer it for him (more)...
- 10/3/2010
- by By Tom Ayres
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing competitor Gavin Henson has admitted that he is starting to panic about the onset of the live shows and is becoming frustrated with himself for constantly making mistakes in rehearsal.
The 28 year old rugby star, is due to give his first dance performance in just over two weeks time and he admitted:
“I keep making a lot of mistakes and the same mistakes and it’s driving me nuts! Time is flying, this is like the fourth session and I thought I’d pick things up a lot quicker than what I am. If this was the show, if the show was going on you’d only get four sessions and I’d be a joke if the dance was tomorrow.”
Gavin’s professional partner, Katya Virshilas added:
“Gavin gets frustrated and he worries too much about the little things. He’s too hard on himself sometimes...
The 28 year old rugby star, is due to give his first dance performance in just over two weeks time and he admitted:
“I keep making a lot of mistakes and the same mistakes and it’s driving me nuts! Time is flying, this is like the fourth session and I thought I’d pick things up a lot quicker than what I am. If this was the show, if the show was going on you’d only get four sessions and I’d be a joke if the dance was tomorrow.”
Gavin’s professional partner, Katya Virshilas added:
“Gavin gets frustrated and he worries too much about the little things. He’s too hard on himself sometimes...
- 9/21/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
The pairings for this year's Strictly Come Dancing have been revealed on the BBC One launch show. All 14 celebrities found out who they would be dancing with during the series in front of a live studio audience at Television Centre. Hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly announced one by one who would be partnered with which professional dancer. Actress Felicity Kendall was matched with Vincent Simone, DJ Goldie will team up with Kristina Rihanoff, Gavin Henson will perform with Katya Virshilas, while Kara Tointon was handed new pro Artem Chigvintsev. Former footballer Peter Shilton will be trained by Erin Boag, Patsy Kensit partners Robin Windsor and (more)...
- 9/11/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The pairings for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing have been announced as the show burst back on to the nation’s screens this weekend. With the show’s newly introduced format, the fourteen celebrities were partnered up with professionals in front of the cameras – allowing viewers to witness their reactions as they discovered their pairings for the first time.
The reveal saw The Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe partnering up with Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke, whilst Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson will be
dancing with Katya Virshilas. Tina O’Brien will take to the floor alongside Strictly newcomer and former High School Musical star Jared Murillo, and Paul Daniels will be working his magic with last year’s winner Ola Jordan. Felicity Kendal has been partnered with Vincent Simone, while Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff and Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan are also couples for the series. Scott Maslen...
The reveal saw The Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe partnering up with Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke, whilst Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson will be
dancing with Katya Virshilas. Tina O’Brien will take to the floor alongside Strictly newcomer and former High School Musical star Jared Murillo, and Paul Daniels will be working his magic with last year’s winner Ola Jordan. Felicity Kendal has been partnered with Vincent Simone, while Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff and Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan are also couples for the series. Scott Maslen...
- 9/11/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Rugby star Gavin Henson is said to be delighted, after learning that he has been paired with the beautiful Katya Virshilas for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The newly single 28 year old had previously admitted that he is nervous about “getting aroused,” while dancing with his partner and we are sure his fears weren’t assuaged when he met Katya for the first time.
The blonde beauty is a Canadian dance champion, who has also appeared in hit TV shows Smallville and Supernatural.
Insiders say that sparks are already flying between the pair and The Sun reports that sources predict it will be a case of “when, not if” they end up in bed.
Tune in to see Gavin and Katya perform on tonight’s Strictly launch show at 6.25pm.
Katya Virshilas
Related posts:Gavin Henson signs up for 71 Degrees NorthStrictly Come Dancing: Phil Tufnell needs to commit moreStrictly...
The newly single 28 year old had previously admitted that he is nervous about “getting aroused,” while dancing with his partner and we are sure his fears weren’t assuaged when he met Katya for the first time.
The blonde beauty is a Canadian dance champion, who has also appeared in hit TV shows Smallville and Supernatural.
Insiders say that sparks are already flying between the pair and The Sun reports that sources predict it will be a case of “when, not if” they end up in bed.
Tune in to see Gavin and Katya perform on tonight’s Strictly launch show at 6.25pm.
Katya Virshilas
Related posts:Gavin Henson signs up for 71 Degrees NorthStrictly Come Dancing: Phil Tufnell needs to commit moreStrictly...
- 9/11/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
After last year’s introduction of three new female dancers, this year sees three new males taking to the dance floor on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. There will also be a new group of professional dancers, who will not partner celebrities but instead concentrate on group routines for the live shows.
This year Strictly will welcome new dancers:
Artem Chigvintsev, a Latin champion who is a graduate of So You Think You Can Dance? in the Us and has unique experience of very different dancing genres in addition to his ballroom champion-level skill.
Jared Murillo who, at 21, was a Us open swing youth champion. Trained in America, Jared was a principal dancer in the movies High School Musical 1 & 2.
Robin Windsor has completed five world tours of the worldwide ballroom dancing phenomena Burn The Floor, in which he has starred and choreographed routines.
The new professional group will comprise...
This year Strictly will welcome new dancers:
Artem Chigvintsev, a Latin champion who is a graduate of So You Think You Can Dance? in the Us and has unique experience of very different dancing genres in addition to his ballroom champion-level skill.
Jared Murillo who, at 21, was a Us open swing youth champion. Trained in America, Jared was a principal dancer in the movies High School Musical 1 & 2.
Robin Windsor has completed five world tours of the worldwide ballroom dancing phenomena Burn The Floor, in which he has starred and choreographed routines.
The new professional group will comprise...
- 6/8/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
So You Think You Can Dance star Mark Calape has praised Katya Virshilas's choreography skills. Calape, who exited the BBC One dance show last weekend, said that working with the Strictly Come Dancing professional on a Vienesse waltz was the highlight of his time on the show. "Our choreographer Katia [Virshilas] was so much fun. That's how experiencing this show should be," he told Digital Spy. "All (more)...
- 1/29/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Howdy, Unreality TV readers! We’re planning a night of Sytycd fun and games to celebrate it’s second live show on BBC tonight.
Having lost one boy and one girl in the judges’ vote-off last week, we are down to twelve dancers, 6 pairs. The dances on tonight’s show will be choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing professionals Katya Virshilas and Klaus Kongsdal and we will be treated to a performance by former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
So, without further ado, welcome to our live blog and thanks for joining us. Please do feel free to leave your comments for us, or if you’re feeling frisky, maybe we can have A Heated Debate… I love those!
So click the link below to read tonight’s blog and to have your say, and infinitely more importantly, you’ll get to read what I think. Dang, we’re good to you!
Having lost one boy and one girl in the judges’ vote-off last week, we are down to twelve dancers, 6 pairs. The dances on tonight’s show will be choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing professionals Katya Virshilas and Klaus Kongsdal and we will be treated to a performance by former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
So, without further ado, welcome to our live blog and thanks for joining us. Please do feel free to leave your comments for us, or if you’re feeling frisky, maybe we can have A Heated Debate… I love those!
So click the link below to read tonight’s blog and to have your say, and infinitely more importantly, you’ll get to read what I think. Dang, we’re good to you!
- 1/16/2010
- by Lynn
- Unreality
Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Virshilas will choreograph a routine on this week's So You Think You Can Dance. The professional dancer, who partnered Phil Tufnell on last year's Strictly, revealed the news on her official Twitter page. Virshilas will team up with her new dance partner Klaus Kongsdal on the BBC One show. "What a great Sytycd first show! Way to (more)...
- 1/13/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Laila Rouass has revealed that she feels "guilty" about Phil Tufnell's exit from Strictly last Saturday. The Footballers' Wives star, who performed with an injured ankle last weekend, avoided the dance-off even though she finished bottom of the leaderboard. Rouass and her professional partner Anton Du Beke only scored 22 from the judges, while Tufnell and Katya Virshilas got 31, their highest marks of the series, for their American smooth. "I felt absolutely awful. Phil has been with me all day, looking after me. He is such a gentleman - I just felt so guilty about it," she told It Takes Two. Speaking about her injury last week, she said: "I was told by doctors that I could dance and there wasn't going to be any long term damage, but they said it would be (more)...
- 11/19/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Len Goodman has confessed that he is "depressed" about Phil Tufnell's exit from Strictly Come Dancing. The head judge claimed that he found it tough being the one who had to vote the ex-cricketer off the show at the weekend. Tufnell and professional partner Katya Virshilas lost out in the dance-off to ex-EastEnders star Ricky Groves and Erin Boag. Goodman claimed that actress Laila Roass, who danced with an injured ankle and finished bottom of the leaderboard, should have been in the bottom two instead. "I'm very depressed over Saturday night and being the one who decided that Phil had to leave," he told It Takes Two. "Had it not been (more)...
- 11/17/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Seven Strictly Come Dancing celebrities performed a range of dances when they went before the panel tonight. Keep reading to find out what Alesha, Bruno, Craig and Len thought of their performances. Here's what the judges had to say:
Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas: American Smooth Len: (8) I wasn't disappointed at all. I see a change in attitude. No more, the cheeky charmer. You realise that to get anywhere in this competition, you have to got to up your performance. I thought it was much more determined and there was a will to win. Bruno: (8) Captain Phil, you had the blissful look of someone who had just joined the mile-high club. There was a smooth take-off, a smooth landing, a bit of turbulence in the middle where you lost timing, but you handled it very, very well. Craig: (7) I was a little bit, marginally, disappointed, because it wasn't showy enough.
Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas: American Smooth Len: (8) I wasn't disappointed at all. I see a change in attitude. No more, the cheeky charmer. You realise that to get anywhere in this competition, you have to got to up your performance. I thought it was much more determined and there was a will to win. Bruno: (8) Captain Phil, you had the blissful look of someone who had just joined the mile-high club. There was a smooth take-off, a smooth landing, a bit of turbulence in the middle where you lost timing, but you handled it very, very well. Craig: (7) I was a little bit, marginally, disappointed, because it wasn't showy enough.
- 11/14/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas have become the latest couple to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing. The ex-cricketer scored 31 points for his American smooth, finishing fourth on the leaderboard. He was joined in the bottom two by former EastEnders star Ricky Groves, who danced a Viennese waltz with Erin Boag. Laila Rouass and Anton Du Beke only scored 22 from the judges, but the public voted to save the Footballers' Wives actress, who performed with a leg injury. Earlier in the show, Alesha Dixon praised Tufnell for getting his "swagger back", (more)...
- 11/14/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Professional dancer Katya Virshilas has said that she feels more competitive now she has reached the final nine on Strictly Come Dancing. The Lithuanian-born star, who partners former cricketer Phil Tufnell, said that she wants to prove herself to viewers as it is her first year on the BBC One show. "I didn't think that we would get this far, but the fans are keeping us in, and now it's down to the top nine I'm starting to get a little bit more competitive," she told It Takes Two. "I want to prove to everybody that I can do a really good job." Tufnell joked: "You deserve to stay in because anyone who can look after me for two and a half months deserves (more)...
- 11/6/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Richard Gere is being lined up to make a guest appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, a report has claimed. Producers have reportedly approached the Pretty Woman actor to take part in a one-off performance with the show's professional dancer Katya Virshilas. The pair previously worked together on 2004 film Shall We Dance. The rumours follow claims that BBC bosses are worried about Strictly losing out to its ITV (more)...
- 10/28/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly trying to land Richard Gere for a guest appearance on the BBC show.
The Pretty Woman actor, has previously worked with Phil Tufnell’s partner Katya Virshilas and bosses now want him to dance with her on the show.
A source told The Sun: “The BBC is desperate to woo back viewers who have switched to the X Factor.
“ITV is hammering the show in the ratings so bosses think getting some high-profile names on will do the trick. Mariah Carey and...
The Pretty Woman actor, has previously worked with Phil Tufnell’s partner Katya Virshilas and bosses now want him to dance with her on the show.
A source told The Sun: “The BBC is desperate to woo back viewers who have switched to the X Factor.
“ITV is hammering the show in the ratings so bosses think getting some high-profile names on will do the trick. Mariah Carey and...
- 10/28/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas have revealed that they had their first fight during training for Strictly Come Dancing this week. The duo, who will perform a Viennese Waltz on Saturday, admitted that they had clashed on Tuesday. "Well we had a tough day today," the ex-cricketer told It Takes Two. "She threw a pen at me today, from about 20 yards." "We had our first fight," said Virshilas. "It's tough those first two days (more)...
- 10/14/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
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