Month: April 2023

Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer confirmed for next Strictly Come Dancing series as professionals line-up revealed Entertainment

Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer confirmed for next Strictly Come Dancing series as professionals line-up revealed

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We know who is heading back into the ballroom! (Picture: PA)

Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer will definitely be returning to the ballroom for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, amid rumours of who has quit the BBC One programme.

The last series saw Hamza Yassin and Jowita Pryzstal hold the glitterball trophy, up against the likes of Helen Skelton and Gorka in the final.

Giovanni was crowned winner back in 2021, with Rose Ayling-Ellis, with the pair going on to win a Bafta for must-see moment after their incredible silent dance.

The 32-year-old will be returning to Strictly alongside Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin.

Gorka, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola complete the line-up.

Giovanni and Rose won in 2021 (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

Hamza and Jowita were our Strictly 2022 winners (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

Meanwhile, all four judges will also be returning: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas.

This comes after rumours Shirley was offered a ‘take it or leave it’ deal, having revealed the toll trolling had taken on her.

She revealed that negative remarks received from people watching along at home had left her at an ‘all-time low’ after she was sent thousands of ‘truly awful’ messages about decisions she made when sending contestants home.

After she hinted that her return is ‘in the process,’ reports claimed that Shirley had been offered a raise and stressed that the team care deeply about her ‘wellbeing.’

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The four judges will be returning! (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Giovanni previously spoke about fearing burnout, admitting he knows he ‘can’t dance forever’.

He said to Spencer Matthews on his Big Fish podcast: ‘Money, is not a big deal, because unless you’re poor or you can’t eat, what changes if you’ve got £1 or £100? Yes, it makes life better but that’s not what life is about.

‘For me, life is about achievement, goals, you want to be the best. You want to be different to anyone else, you don’t want to be a number, you want to be somebody people remember for what you do.’

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However, despite being so career-driven, Giovanni is worried about burn-out.

Spencer asked: ‘You say that you work so much that you have a three-day holiday every year and on that holiday you get bored. Are you ever worried about burnout?’

Giovanni replied: ‘Physically yes, because obviously I can’t dance forever.’

He continued: ‘Dancing is like being a footballer, you don’t play football forever or dance forever.

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‘But I know that have to ride the wave.

‘My legs are still going, my body is still going, so go for it Giovanni, you will rest when all of these things don’t work anymore.’

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.

Who are the Strictly Come Dancing professionals? Amy Dowden
Amy began dancing at the age of eight, is a four-time British National Finalist and went on to become British National Champion, making her one of the highest-ranking Ballroom and Latin dancers in the UK. Amy grew up watching Strictly Come Dancing from her hometown of Caerphilly, South Wales and in 2017 joined the series as a professional dancer. In 2019 she danced all the way to the final with CBBC’s Karim Zeroual and most recently she partnered EastEnders star James Bye.
Carlos Gu
Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu is a multiple world semi-finalist, placed 3rd at the German Open Championship and was Amateur Latin Rising Star Runner Up at the 2017 UK Open. He joined the Strictly Come Dancing pro line up in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. Together they reached the final and were runners up alongside Fleur East and Helen Skelton.
Dianne Buswell
Dianne Buswell is an Australian Open Champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open Finalist. She was a professional dancer on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before joining the UK series in 2017. Dianne reached the Strictly final with her dance partner Joe Sugg in 2018. Since then, she has danced with Radio DJ Dev Griffin, Max George from the Wanted and last series made it all the way to Blackpool with DJ Tyler West. 
Giovanni Pernice
Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional amongst the current line-up of Strictly dancers, having joined the show in 2015. His celebrity partners have included Georgia May Foote, Debbie McGee, Faye Tozer and Michelle Visage. In 2021, he was partnered with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and together they lifted the Strictly Glitterball trophy giving Giovanni his first Strictly win. His most recent partner was Radio 2’s Richie Anderson.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka Marquez began dancing at the age of 12. He represented Spain in the World Latin Championships in 2010 and reached the semi-finals of the 2012 WDSF World Cup. After touring the world with dance show Burn the Floor, Gorka joined Strictly in 2016 and has danced in three finals, with Alexandra Burke in 2017, Maisie Smith in 2020 and most recently with Helen Skelton in 2022.
Graziano Di Prima
Italian Latin champion Graziano Di Prima joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. His celebrity partners have included Vick Hope and Judi Love and in 2021, Graziano was crowned Strictly Christmas Champion with celebrity partner Anne-Marie. Most recently, Graziano made it all to way to the Quarter Finals with his partner Kym Marsh. Before Strictly, as well as competing for his home country, Graziano also represented Belgium at the World Championships and made the top 24 at the Under 21 Latin World Championships.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes Radebe is a two-time Professional South African Latin Champion and a three-time South African Amateur Latin Champion. He competed on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa twice, reaching the final both times. He joined the UK show in 2018 and in 2021 was partnered with celebrity baker John Whaite in the show’s first all-male partnership. Together they reached the final and became the series’ runners-up. His most recent partner was actress and comedian Ellie Taylor.
Jowita Przystal
Polish Open Latin Champion Jowita Przystal ended her competitive career in 2015 to join the cast of touring dance company, ‘Burn the Floor’ where she stayed for four years before moving to the UK in 2019 to pursue her dancing dreams. Jowita won the BBC’s ‘The Greatest Dancer’ in 2020, which gave her the prize of performing in the Strictly ballroom, and in 2021 she officially joined the Strictly professional line-up. Last series, she was given her first celebrity partner Hamza Yassin and they both went on to lift the trophy, making Jowita the current reigning Strictly champion.
Kai Widdrington
Southampton born Kai Widdrington was set to follow in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a professional footballer but aged 9 he decided to take up dancing instead. By the age of 14, he became World Junior Latin champion. Kai joined the professional dancer line-up of Strictly in 2021 and his first celebrity partner was TV presenter AJ Odudu. The pair danced all the way to the Strictly final, but sadly had to pull out due to an injury. Last series, Kai was partnered with Kaye Adams and also went on to be crowned Strictly Christmas champion alongside his Christmas partner actress Alexandra Mardell.
Karen Hauer
Originally from Venezuela, Karen moved to the US when she was eight years old and there became American Rhythm Rising Star Champion, Professional World Mambo Champion and appeared in the television series So You Think You Can Dance. Karen is the longest serving Strictly dancer of the current pro line up, returning for her twelfth series. Over the years she has enjoyed many memorable partnerships including with Jeremy Vine, Mark Wright, Chris Ramsey, Jamie Laing, Greg Wise and most recently comedian Jayde Adams.
Katya Jones
World Champion Latin dancer Katya Jones was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Competing for England, she became World Professional Latin Showdance Champion, three-time World Amateur Latin Champion, and four-time undefeated British National Professional Champion. Katya is also a Strictly Come Dancing champion, having won the series with Joe McFadden in her second year on the show. Some of her other Strictly students include Ed Balls, Nicola Adams, Adam Peaty and most recently footballing legend Tony Adams.
Lauren Oakley
Birmingham-born Lauren Oakley started dancing at just 2 years old and began competing soon after. Early successes include becoming Juvenile Champion at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both Ballroom and Latin disciplines. Lauren was also crowned Under 21 British National Champion before exploring a career on stage. She has toured all over the world and joined the Strictly Come Dancing family in 2022.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba Mushtuk, originally from Russia, is a four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship and is also an Italian Open Latin Show Dance champion and Latin European Championship finalist. Luba was part of the Strictly Come Dancing family for several years as an assistant choreographer, before becoming a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. She has danced with two celebrity partners in the main series: James Cracknell in 2019 and Jason Bell in 2020.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas first started dancing at the age of 6 in her home country of Cyprus.  There she became an undefeated champion, winning national titles consecutively from 2001-2011 before moving to London to study. Whilst in the UK she continued to compete, representing England at major international championships. Michelle joined the pro line up of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 dancing in the show’s group numbers and music acts.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya Bychkova is a highly decorated dancer originally from Ukraine. She is a two-time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin ‘10’ Dance. Nadiya joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and has danced with celebrity partners including Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David James and Dan Walker. Last series, she danced with Matt Goss.
Nancy Xu
Nancy Xu is a world-class Latin dancer who was a finalist in the Under 21 World Championships in 2010. She was also a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in her home country of China. Nancy joined Strictly in 2019, performing in the show’s group routines and music acts. Nancy has reached the semi-final of the competition with both of her celebrity partners, CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson in 2021 and actor Will Mellor in 2022.
Neil Jones
Neil Jones is a four-time undefeated British National Professional Champion and three-time winner of the World Amateur Latin Championships. In 2015, he was crowned World Professional Latin Showdance Champion and has won over 45 titles around the world during his competitive career. Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016 and his celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita moved to Italy aged 9 from his home country of Ukraine and there became a six-time Italian Champion. In 2020 he competed on Let’s Dance, Germany’s version of Strictly Come Dancing before joining the UK series in 2021. His first celebrity partner in the UK was Tilly Ramsay and they made it to week 10 of the competition. His most recent partner was Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds.
Vito Coppola
11-time Italian Latin American Champion Vito Coppola began dancing at the age of 6 and by the age of 10 was winning national championships. His career highlights include being a 3-time World Championship finalist and European Cup Winner. In 2021 he left the competition world and joined the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, where he won in his very first year. He came to Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with Fleur East making it all the way to the Strictly final. Vito and Fleur were runners up alongside Helen Skelton and Molly Rainford.

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Selma Blair tried to take her own life while struggling with illness before MS diagnosis Celebrities

Selma Blair tried to take her own life while struggling with illness before MS diagnosis

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Selma Blair has opened up about her mental health struggles (Picture: John Shearer/Getty Images)

Selma Blair tried to take her life ‘a few times’ while battling symptomsof her then-undiagnosed multiple sclerosis.

The Cruel Intentions actress, 50, spent years living with the physical and mental impact of the incurable disease before she finally received her diagnosis in August 2018.

Selma admitted she got so desperate before doctors worked out she was dealing with that she ‘attempted suicide’.

The mum-of-one, who has son Arthur, 11, with her fashion designer ex Jason Bleick, 49, revealed in a cover interview for May’s British Vogue magazine: ‘As an adult, the lassitude and anxiety (from her MS) became terrifying, actually.

‘I made mistakes. Wished myself dead. Attempted suicide. A few times. Out of desperation.’

Selma also opened up about how life on film sets was so painful while living with her undiagnosed illness – which attacks the immune system and causes nerve damage to the brain and spine – she would numb her pain and anxiety with tranquilisers and alcohol.

Selma has been open about her physical and mental health battle (Picture: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

She said: ‘Sets were excruciating sometimes with the exhaustion and the tics. I took benzos and Klonopin (used to prevent seizures and anxiety disorders.)

‘I didn’t abuse those things, just alcohol. But I was lost and sad and could hardly ever smile. Hence my roles, I imagine.’

Selma previously opened up about one of her suicide attempts in her 2022 autobiography Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up.

She said it came after a painful break up from her physical education horse trainer, Todd.

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Selma sneaked into his closet as he slept and swallowed a bottle of Tylenol with tequila, but changed her mind about wanting to die and woke up Todd and told him what she’d taken.

Her recovery was brutal as her mum told her she was dead to her due to her suicide attempt.

Selma told Elle magazine about her late mother’s reaction: ‘It’s the worst thing she did to me. I know I broke her trust.

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‘I had tried to kill myself – even if it was only for 10 minutes. As outlandish and critical as she was, she would never get over one of us dying, especially by our own hand.

‘I was dead to her for two years – either as punishment or perhaps she was bracing herself for the next time.’

Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.

Breastfeeding mum’s ‘mastitis-like symptoms’ turned out to be breast cancer Health & Wellness

Breastfeeding mum’s ‘mastitis-like symptoms’ turned out to be breast cancer

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When Helen was diagnosed, her first thoughts were concerns for her family (Picture: Helen Stuart-Jones)

‘My world stopped,’ says Helen Stuart-Jones, of the moment she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The mum-of-three had found a lump while breastfeeding her son, Finlay, then seven months old, but had simply been given a course of antibiotics.

When breastfeeding mums find lumps and bumps in their breasts, it is often assumed that they have mistitis – a condition where the breast becomes swollen, hot and painful.

But determined to get a second – and third – opinion, Helen, 38, was eventually referred for a biopsy, which confirmed that she had triple-negative breast cancer.

‘I immediately thought I was going to die, and my boys were so young I feared they wouldn’t even remember me,’ adds Helen.

Helen, a lawyer from Tadcaster, who is also mum to Jesse, five, initially found the lump in August 2021.

Helen and Finlay (Picture: Helen Stuart-Jones)

She says: ‘It wasn’t a small pea-sized lump like the ones I had read about before. It was large and I felt like it had just come on overnight.’

‘I called the national breastfeeding helpline, who told me that, as I hadn’t had mastitis before when breastfeeding my older son, I would be unlikely to get it now.

‘They said I needed to go to the GP and ask for a referral to the breast clinic.’

But when Helen visited her doctor, she was frustrated with the care they offered.

‘They said they had a policy that a breastfeeding woman with a lump in her breast had to take a course of antibiotics for ten days before they could be referred to the breast clinic,’ she explained.

‘I wasn’t happy with this. I queried after how many days it would take the lump to shrink with the antibiotics and I was told four days.

‘I went back on the fourth day to say the lump had gotten no smaller, and a different GP said that they would refer me to the breast clinic.

‘But both GPs told me it would not be cancer.’

Thankfully, Helen was in the fortunate position of having private healthcare through her position as a partner at a law firm. She was able to get an appointment at the breast clinic within three days.’

At the appointment, when the lump wouldn’t drain – indicating it wasn’t a cyst or an abscess – Helen had a biopsy. Helen had gone to the appointment alone, without husband Kamran, as doctors had been confident the lump was nothing sinister.

‘During the appointment I could hear the nurses discussing me and I became worried,’ Helen says.

‘The nurses asked if anyone could could accompany me to see the doctor to discuss the biopsy, as he had a lot of information to give me.

‘It was then obvious it was not going to be good news.

Helen with sons Finlay and Jesse, and husband Kamran (Picture: Helen Stuart-Jones)

‘When we went back in to see the doctor, he explained that while we couldn’t be 100% until we got the results of the biopsy, he was 99% sure that it was cancer based on the size and shape of the tumour.

‘I immediately thought I was going to die, and my boys were so young I feared they wouldn’t even remember me.

‘It was the worst day of my life. I knew I probably had cancer but not how bad it was or what treatment I was going to have to endure.’

A few days later, the biopsy confirmed Helen’s worst fears. She did indeed have triple-negative breast cancer – considered to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer – and an MRI showed that the tumour was more than 5cm in size.

Helen then embarked on gruelling treatment. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 11 months of immunotherapy, and a lumpectomy, as well as 10 sessions of radiotherapy.

Thankfully, the care she received work, and Helen is now cancer free. However, there is still a chance it could return.

‘I finished immunotherapy in October and had my port removed,’ Helen said.

‘As my breast cancer is triple-negative and not hormone receptive, there is no further treatment I can have now to try and prevent reoccurrence.

‘The first few years are the highest risk of reoccurrence, so I try and mitigate the risk with diet, exercise, stress management and reducing alcohol intake.

‘The fact that the chemotherapy and immunotherapy worked so well on the tumour, also gives me a much better prognosis in terms of reoccurrence.’

Helen also still experiences the after effects of her treatment.

‘I still have side effects,’ she says. ‘Mainly fatigue and brain fog, which has made going back to work difficult.

‘I also don’t know whether the treatment has sent me into early menopause. Only time will tell.’

Now, Helen is passionate about raising awareness for pregnancy-related breast cancer and encouraging other women to advocate for themselves. Two people every day are diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy.

Helen says: ‘Breast cancer occurs in 1 in 3000 pregnancies. It is rare but it does happen. Research also suggests that, temporarily, your risk of breast cancer slightly increases after you give birth, regardless of age.

‘Mums-to-be need to recognise any symptoms, get them checked out, and advocate for yourself.

‘Coppafeel is a great resource for information on how to check your breasts, and symptoms to be aware of, and has tools like a reminder service, and Mummy’s Star is a charity that specialises in helping women diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy, and does a lot to raise awareness generally.’

Helen has also feed back to her GP that they should change their policy in regards to breastfeeding women.

Helen’s treatment included a lumpectomy (Picture: Helen Stuart-Jones)

‘Breastfeeding women are unfairly penalised by delaying their referral. Also, my treatment ended up including immunotherapy and the advice is to avoid any antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary.’

Now, Helen is also looking to the future.

‘I’m most looking forward to a day when I don’t have to worry about the side effects of treatment or reoccurrence, and I can just live life to the fullest,’ she says.

‘Mainly I worry for my boys. I want them to have a healthy worry-free mum growing up.

‘I truly believe you can take positives from every situation life throws at you.

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‘I got to spend more time with my kids, friends I hadn’t seen for years got back in touch, and I made new friends too. It was the toughest time of my life, but I learnt so much from it.

‘Cancer is such a scary word. I hope that by talking about it more and more we take some of the fear away. It may not be a death sentence. It may just be a blip in the story that is your life.

‘You don’t need to lose your sense of humour or zest for life once diagnosed. If I can get through all this, you can too.’

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Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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