recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Janette Manrara

**Janette Manrara** is the co-presenter of *Strictly*’s sister show, *It Takes Two*, replacing Zoe Ball in 2021. Manrara was previously one of the *Strictly* professionals.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Janette returns to the Strictly Come Dancing team, this time presenting Strictly's BBC Two weekday sister show, It Takes Two.

First joining Strictly in 2013, Janette was paired with fashion designer Julien Macdonald, but the couple bowed out in Week Four. In 2014, she teamed up with EastEnders star Jake Wood and made it all the way to the Semi Final, thanks in part to a body-bending Salsa in Week Two.
2015 saw Janette partner with Peter Andre and make it all the way to Week 10 — they earned a respectable 31 points for their American Smooth, but an early exit during the Quickstep-a-thon sealed their fate. The following year didn’t fare as well for her though, as her pairing with Melvin Odoom in 2016 saw her cast out of the competition in Week One.

She lasted a little longer in 2017, finishing in tenth place with JLS member Aston Merrygold and returning in 2018 to lift the Christmas Glitterball trophy together. Her 2018 partner came in the form of doctor and presenter Dr Ranj Singh, and the duo made it to Week Seven of the competition.

Her time with 2019 partner Paralympic table tennis champ Will Bayley was cut short, as he sustained an injury in Week Six and was no longer able to perform. 2020 proved to be Jannette’s most successful year on the dancefloor as she reached the final with popstar HRVY.

2021 has seen a totally new side of the dancer, as Janette’s been busy presenting BBC daytime show ‘Morning Live’ and is now swapping the Strictly dancefloor for It Takes Two as Rylan’s new co-host.

### Strictly

In 2013, Manrara joined the Strictly professional lineup for Series 11.

Like many of her fellow professionals, she featured in a number of *Children in Need* and Christmas specials.

### Strictly: It Takes Two

In June 2021, the BBC announced that Janette was to leave the show as a professional, but shortly after, she was confirmed to replace Zoe Ball as co-presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two, alongside Rylan.

Since her joining the It Takes Two family, Janette presents the mid-week episodes (Wednesday and Thursday), where she talks to some of the couples, and meets with Vicky Gill to discuss the costumes for the weekend's live show.
Couple's Choice

The **Couple’s Choice** is a category of dance brought onto *Strictly* from Series 16.

In its origin, the couples on the show were given a choice between three styles of dance to perform for the routine; Contemporary, Theatre/Jazz and Street/Commercial.

The three styles were used until Series 19, where the Couple’s Choice became a freestyle dance, with couples no longer being restricted to a specific style of dance.

## Styles

### Contemporary

The Contemporary Couple’s Choice routine includes specific elements to be performed, such as those found in lyrical jazz and contemporary ballet. It is usually described as a lyrical dance, and ballet technique is often expected of the dancer. Good leg extension, turn out, upper body posture, and suppleness is expected as well.

#### Technique

Dance techniques and movement philosophies employed in contemporary dance may include Contemporary ballet, Dance improvisation, Modern dance styles from United States such as Graham technique, Humphrey-Weidman technique and Horton technique, Modern dance of Europe Bartenieff Fundamentals, and the dance technique of Mark Tompkins Sec.

Contemporary dancers train using contemporary dance techniques as well as non-dance related practices such as Pilates, Yoga, the acting practice of Corporeal mime - Étienne Decroux technique and somatic practices such as Alexander technique, Feldenkrais Method, Tompkins Technique and Franklin-Methode, American contemporary techniques such as José Limón technique and Hawkins technique and Postmodern dance techniques such as Contact improvisation and Cunningham technique, and Release technique.

Some well-known choreographers and creators of contemporary dance like Mark N Tompkins Sec created schools and techniques of their own. Paul Taylor developed a dance technique called Taylor technique, which is now taught at modern dance schools like The Ailey School in New York City.

### Theatre/Jazz

The Theatre/Jazz style combines elements from jazz dance, musical theatre and occasionally also burlesque.

Developed by Broadway choreographer, Jack Cole, known as the “Father of Theatrical Jazz”, the Theatre/Jazz routine is designed to share elements of storytelling within the dance, where unlike traditional dances where the technique should be prominent, the emphasis of this style is to convey the story through movement and acting.

#### Technique

Theatre/Jazz will generally begin as many other forms of jazz dance, across the floor, which often highlighting a phrase that will be used later in the combo, and a combination. For women, character heels may be preferred depending on the context of the combination.

### Street/Commercial

Street/Commercial covers a range of styles and could be inspired by hip-hop, funk, breakdance or even pop music videos.

Street dance itself originates from the 1970s when people would dance anywhere outside such as a a street, a park or a party. It was originally when people would improvise in an informal space and had a sense of freedom. As it has evolved over the years people have wanted to learn this style and Commercial Street has become a genre in it’s own right in dance studios.
Christmas Special 2021

## Series Chronology

Strictly’s 2021 **Christmas Special** broadcast on BBC One on the 25th December 2021.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned as presenters, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke returning to the judging panel.

The celebrities taking part in the Christmas special was announced on 26 November 2021, featuring six new celebrities for the first time since 2013.

It was won by singer-songwriter Anne-Marie and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima.

## Couples

The six celebrities and their professional partners that took part were below

## Dances & Scores

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

*Individual judges scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke.*

## Gallery

Adrian & JowitaAdrian & Jowita - American SmoothAnne-Marie & GrazianoAnne-Marie & Graziano - Cha Cha ChaFred & DianneFred & Dianne - QuickstepJay & LubaJay & Luba - JiveMel & NeilMel & Neil - Couples ChoiceMoira & AljazMoira & Aljaz - SalsaChampionsCelebritiesClaudia & Tess
Motsi Mabuse

**Motsi Mabuse** is one of the judges on Strictly. She has been part of the judging panel since Series 17 in 2019, replacing Darcey Bussell.

### Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, Judge Motsi Mabuse has been dancing for most of her life. As a young adult, she studied law at the University of Pretoria, but couldn't keep away from her passion for too long and soon shifted her attention to Ballroom and Latin dancing.

Little did she know this decision would change her life, soon competing at championships around the world, including in the UK and Germany - a country she would later call home.
In 2007, Motsi joined the cast of the German version of Strictly called Let's Dance, finishing in fifth and sixth place with her celebrity partners across two series. In 2011 she was invited to become a Judge on the show and continues to sit on the panel to this very day.

It was there she caught the eyes of Strictly, becoming a Judge on our glittering panel in 2019 - and we're sure you'll agree, it wouldn't be the same without her!
Christmas Special 2016

## Series Chronology

Strictly's **Christmas Special 2016** was broadcast on BBC One on the 25th December 2016.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returned to host the show, as did Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli to the judging panel. This was Len's last appearance on the show, as he announced in July he was leaving.

The judges danced in a routine with the pro dancers and Christmas special celebrities inspired by It's A Wonderful Life, to the tune of Auld Lang Syne and Kelly Clarkson's Underneath The Tree.

The celebrity lineup of the 2016 Christmas special was announced on 7 November 2016, with the professional dancers taking part being revealed on 11 November 2016. Each routine had a Christmas movie theme.

It was won by Series 14 contestant Melvin Odoom and his professional partner Janette Manrara; making it the first time a contestant who wasn't one of the final three on *Strictly* win the Christmas special.

## Couples

The six celebrities and their professional partners that took part were below;

 Pamela Stephenson | Series 8 third place

.

## Dances & Scores

Couples are listed in the order they performed.

*Individual judges scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli.*

## Gallery

Ainsley & KarenAinsley & Karen - JiveDenise & AntonDenise & Anton - Viennese WaltzFrankie & GorkaFrankie & Gorka - American SmoothGethin & ChloeGethin & Chloe - QuickstepMelvin & JanetteMelvin & Janette - CharlestonPamela & PashaPamela & Pasha - Cha Cha ChaJudges
Lesley Garrett and Anton du Beke

**Lesley Garrett and Anton du Beke**are a dance partnership from Series 1 of Strictly Come Dancing, the dancing competition on BBC One.

Lesley Garrett is an English soprano singer, musician, broadcaster and media personality whilst Anton du Beke is an English ballroom dancer. They came in 3rd place in the competition.

## Strictly Come Dancing

### **Week 1**

In the first week of the competition the couple danced a Waltz to the song "He Was Beautiful" by Cleo Laine. They received 29 points from the judges.

### **Week 2**

In the second week of the competition the couple danced a Rumba to the song "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" by Lou Rawls. They received 27 points from the judges.

### **Week 3**

In the third week of the competition the couple danced a Tango to the song "Sensation" by The Who. They received 29 points from the judges.

### **Week 4**

In the fourth week of the competition the couple danced a Paso Doble to the song "La Cumparsita" by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez. They received 30 points from the judges.

The couple were in the bottom two along with Verona Joseph and Paul Killick but were saved by the judges.

### **Week 5**

In the fifth week of the competition the couple danced a Samba to the song "Mas que Nada" by Jorge Ben. They received 27 points from the judges.

The couple were in the bottom two along with Claire Sweeney and John Byrnes but were saved by the judges.

### **Week 6**

In the sixth week of the competition the couple danced their first dance, a Foxtrot to the song "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra to which they received a score of 34 points from the judges. For their second dance, they performed a Cha-cha-cha to the song "Spinning Around" by Kylie Minogue and received a score of 26 points from the judges.

The couple were in the bottom two along with Martin Offiah and Erin Boag but were saved by the judges.

### **Week 7**

In the seventh week of the competition the couple danced their first dance, a Quickstep to the song "That Old Black Magic" by Sammy Davis Jr to which they received a score of 33 points from the judges. For their second dance, they performed a Jive to the song "My Baby Just Cares for Me" by Nina Simone and received a score of 29 points from the judges.

The couple were in the bottom two along with Christopher Parker and Hanna Karttunen and were eliminated from the competition, coming in third place.
Luba Mushtuk

**Luba Mushtuk** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Luba officially joined the Strictly family in 2018, having served as an assistant choreographer on the show since 2016 and strutted her stuff on several of the Strictly live tours.

In 2019 she was paired up with her first celebrity student, hoping to take Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell OBE to victory. But they didn't make it past the first public vote, bowing out in Week Two.

Luba made it one week further with American football player Jason Bell in 2020, finishing their journey with a Star Wars themed Paso Doble in Movie Week.

She's been back in the Ballroom ever since, showing off her incredible talents as part of our sensational Pro dancer line-up.

### Background

Russian native Luba has a whole wealth of dance experience, being a four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship and an Italian Open Latin Show Dance champion. She's also swiped second place in the European 10 Dance Championships and was a finalist at the Latin European Championships.

Competitions aside, Luba has worked extensively with the Broadway and West End versions of *Burn The Floor*, and has performed on both Giovanni Pernice's and Kevin Clifton & Karen Hauer's live tours.
Ashley Roberts

* Ashley
* with Pasha

**Ashley Roberts** is an American television presenter, singer and dancer. She is a former member of the pop group *The Pussycat Dolls*. In 2012 she was the runner up of Series 12 of *I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!* which helped her get the job as a presenter on *Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway* (2013–2016). Ashley also appeared as a judge on the ITV series *Dancing on Ice* for two series in 2013.

She was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Russian professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Ashley was a runner-up alongside YouTuber Joe Sugg and *Steps* singer Faye Tozer, after being beaten by Stacey Dooley in the grand final. She had unfortunately appeared in the previous three weeks dace offs, eliminating cricketer Graeme Swann, actor Charles Venn and Paralympian Lauren Steadman, respectively. Throughout the series Ashley scored five perfect scores for her Jive (Wk9), American Smooth (SF), Salsa (F), Showdance (F) and Charleston (F).
Max George

* Max
* with Dianne

**Max George** is an English singer and actor. He is best known for being one-fifth of the British boyband *The Wanted*, with Series 13 winner Jay McGuiness. With *The Wanted* they had two no1's and a further eight top 10 singles; as well as three top 10 albums. As an actor he appeared in Season Six of the musical comedy drama *Glee,* as Clint. Max has since appeared in reality shows *Bear Grylls: Mission Survive* (alongside Jamelia), *The Games* (alongside Kevin Clifton) and *Scared of the Dark* (alongside Nicola Adams).

He was a contestant in Series 18, partnering Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell and finished in 9th place after loosing to *EastEnders* actress Maisie Smith in an unexpected dance off. Max was the third celebrity eliminated in week four in a unanimous judges vote. Prior to his elimination week he had not appeared in the bottom two, so therefore avoided the dance off.

## Weekly Scores, Dances & Songs

 Week 2
 Week 3: Movie Week (*The Simpsons Movie)* | 24 (8, 8, 8)
Commercial
 Week 4
Louis Smith

* Louis
* Series 10
* CS2014

**Louis Smith** is a retired British Olympic gymnast, who won a bronze medal and two silver medals on the pommel horse at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, in Beijing, London and Rio.

Louis competed in Series 10, winning the series with his partner Flavia Cacace.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Swinging, flipping and lifting are things Louis Smith does every day, but now he’s going to have to trade his pommel horse for one of the Strictly Come Dancing pro-dancers.

"*I wear a leotard for my day job; lycra and sequins don’t faze me.*"
— Louis Smith
Louis is a talented British gymnast who won two medals at this year's Olympics. He received a silver medal in the men's pommel horse - he tied with the gold medallist, but was awarded silver based on his execution score. Louis also took bronze as part of Team GB in the men's artistic team all-around.

Louis was born in Eye, Peterborough. At the age of seven he made a choice to pursue a career in gymnastics after he turned down a choral scholarship; Louis went on to win multiple junior accolades. He excelled on the pommel horse, and perfected his technique by placing his feet into a bucket that was tied to a rope and hung from the ceiling.

In 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, Louis took bronze and silver, the first time a British athlete had been placed in an Olympic men’s gymnastic event since 1928.
Caroline Flack

* Caroline
* Series 12
* CS2018

### Highest Score

S12: Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha (Final), Showdance, Charleston (40)CS2018: Charleston (40)

### Lowest Score

Cha-Cha-Cha (27)

**Caroline Flack** was an English television presenter, best known for presenting ITV's reality show *Love Island* and *The X Factor*. She competed in Series 12, partnered with Pasha Kovalev. Unfortunately, Flack died in 2020.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

With presenter credits including *X Factor*, *Xtra Factor*, *I’m a Celebrity*, *Gladiators*, *Big Brother’s Big Mouth*, *The Whole 19 Yards* and *Viral Tap*, Caroline Flack has firmly established herself as one of the UK’s most sought after Entertainment Television presenters; but this Entertainment show won’t let her talk her way to the top, instead, she’ll have to prove her worth with her Waltz!

"*I’m ready to be thrown into the world of glitter and I’m ready to be Strictlyfied*"
— Caroline Flack
Linked romantically to Prince Harry and Harry Styles, and currently engaged to music manager, Jack Street, Caroline is no stranger to attractive men, so she shouldn’t be too daunted by our hunky pro-dancers. Though there is something she is scared of: sequins! As a self-confessed tomboy, swapping shorts for sequined skirts is a big deal for Caroline. Frightened of heights and flying, she mightn’t like the lifts too much either! But facing her fears is a small price to pay to live out her dream of starring on Strictly.

Caroline grew up in Norfolk as a twin and one of four children. As a girl she yearned to work in musical theatre, and she still dreams of playing Roxie Hart in Chicago. Her longing to dance the Cell Block Tango led her to leave home at 16 for a performing arts course, which she paid for by working in a pork-processing factory, as a magician’s assistant, and as a waitress. Not afraid of putting in the hours, her motto: ‘work hard, play hard and be kind’ soon paid off, and in 2002 she landed her first TV role, playing Bubbles on Channel 4’s *Bo Selecta*. A couple of years later, she was presenting alongside Justin Lee Collins on E4, and enjoyed a stint on Children’s TV, before racking up her extensive list of Entertainment TV credits.

When it comes to dancing, Caroline’s no stranger, having danced in performing arts school, and as winner of BBC Three’s *Dancing on Wheels* series with disabled partner, James O’Shea. The duo went on to represent Great Britain in the 2009 Wheelchair Dancing European Championships in Tel Aviv, where they finished 16th. Can Caroline climb high on the Strictly leaderboard or will Flack lack the moves to crack the competition? Only time will tell.
Jacqui Smith

* Jacqui
* with Anton

**Jacqui Smith** is a British broadcaster, political commentator and former Labour Party politician. She was Member of Parliament (MP) for Redditch from 1997 to 2010. Under Gordon Brown, she served as the Home Secretary from 2007 to 2009 and was the first woman to hold the position.

Jacqui was a contestant in Series 18, partnering British ballroom professional Anton du Beke and finished in last place after loosing to *Made in Chelsea* star Jamie Laing in the first dance off of the series. She was the first celebrity eliminated in week two in a unanimous judges vote. Unfortunately she had appeared at the bottom of the judges leader board in both week one and two, scoring no higher than a 5 from any of the judges.
Nigel Harman

* Nigel
* with Katya

**Nigel Harman** is a British stage and screen actor, best known for his appearances as Dennis Rickman in the BBC's soap opera *EastEnders*, Bradley Dawson in Sky One's *Mount Pleasant*, and currently as Max Cristie in BBC medical drama *Casualty*.

He has also played various musical theatre roles, including Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage's revival of *Guys and Dolls* and Lord Farquaad in the original London production of *Shrek the Musical*, for which he received an Olivier Award.
Dave Myers

* Dave
* with Karen

**Dave Myers** is a television presenter, best known for being one half of *The Hairy Bikers*, alongside Si King. He competed in Series 11, partnered with Karen Hauer.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

*Hairy Biker* Dave Myers is set to put down his spatula and put on his spats as he glams it up for this year’s *Strictly Come Dancing*.

I’m looking for someone that will be able to teach me to dance! I am going to give it 100%, but I’ll still need someone that is patient and that has feet of steel

Dave is a real renaissance man, a successful TV presenter, author, foodie and motorbike enthusiast. He has had a varied career, from operating a furnace in a steelworks when he was a student, to training as a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics, creating work for *The Life and Loves of a She Devil*, *Prime Suspect* and *Spooks*.

It was on the set of a Catherine Cookson adaptation that he first met his on-screen partner Si King. The pair bonded over their love of food and motorbikes and the *Hairy Bikers* were born.

Since their first series, *The Hairy Bikers Cookbook* in 2004, the pair have entertained the British public with their bubbly enthusiasm and witty banter as they travel to the four corners of the world in search of new food experiences on vintage bikes.

In 2012 Dave and Si lost a considerable amount of weight whilst making *The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight*, and the resulting book toppled best-seller *Fifty Shades of Grey* off the top spot and added to the duo’s list of 11 cookery titles. Dave hopes that his appearance on Strictly can help him keep trim whilst showing off his new physique.

Dave married his fiancé Liliana in his home town of Barrow, Cumbria in 2011. He owns a houseboat which he will moor closer to the Strictly studios during his time on the show.
Kai Widdrington

**Kai Widdrington** is a professional dancer on *Strictly*.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Say hello to dazzling dancer Kai Widdrington!

This 25-year-old is no stranger to the Ballroom, having competed as a Pro on *Dancing With the Stars Ireland* since its inception in 2017, and you may have even spotted him in several of our Pro performances over the years.

Kai started dancing aged nine and by the time he was 14, he'd bagged the World Junior Latin-American Champion title. He also made it to the *Britain's Got Talent* final in 2012 at the age of 16, and made it all the way to the Strictly 2021 Final in his first year, partnered with TV presenter AJ Odudu.

We're so glad to see him back in the Ballroom for 2022, this time performing with broadcaster Kaye Adams.
Jamie Laing

* Jamie
* with Karen

**Jamie Laing** is an English presenter, television personality and investor. He is best known for appearing on the reality television series *Made in Chelsea* since the second series in 2011. As an actor, he has appeared in shows such as *Hollyoaks*, *Murder In Successville* and *Drunk History*. Jamie is the founder of the confectionery company Candy Kittens and is the heir of McVitie's.

He was a contestant in Series 18, partnering Venezuelan-American World Mambo Champion Karen Hauer. Jamie was the runner-up alongside singer HRVY and *EastEnders* actress Maisie Smith, after being beaten by Bill Bailey in the grand final. Prior to reaching the final he had unfortunately appeared in the dance off in weeks 2, 6, 7 and 8, eliminating Politian Jacqui Smith, radio presenter Clara Amfo, Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers and *Good Morning Britain* presenter Ranvir Singh, respectively. He appeared at the top of the judges' leader board in week five for his Couples Choice routine and once at the bottom; which was during the final.

.

## Strictly Journey

### Scores

1 Score given by guest judge Anton du Beke, covering for Mabuse.

2 Score given by guest judge Anton du Beke, covering for Mabuse.

## Trivia

* Laing was originally to appear in Series 17, partnered with Oti Mabuse, but had to withdraw from the show after sustaining an injury following the series launch show. As he could not be involved in the series, the producers allowed him to take part in Series 18 instead.
Donny Osmond

**Donald Clark "Donny" Osmond** is an actor and singer, who appeared on *Strictly* as a guest judge during Week 3 of Series 12.

## Early Life

Osmond was born in Ogden, Utah, the seventh son of Olive May Osmond (née Davis) and George Virl Osmond. He is the brother of Alan, Jay, Jimmy, Merrill, Wayne, Marie, Tom, and Virl Osmond. Alan, Jay, Merrill, Wayne, and Donny were members of the popular singing group *The Osmonds* (also known as The Osmond Brothers, which later included tracks with youngest brother Jimmy as well). Osmond was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah along with his siblings. Osmond has traced some of his family ancestry back to Merthyr Tydfil in Wales; his journey was documented in a BBC Wales program, Donny Osmond Coming Home. In the BBC's The One Show, a plaque was unveiled in the town to commemorate 'the ancestors of Donny Osmond'.

## *Strictly*

Osmond appeared as a guest judge on the Strictly judging panel alongside Goodman, Bussell, Horwood and Tonioli in Series 12, during Movie Week (Week 3). He was notable for giving a couple the first 10 of the series.

With his appearance as a guest judge, Osmond was also the show's musical guest for that week, performing a rendition of "Moon River".

## *Dancing With the Stars*

*See also: Donny Osmond (DWTS)*

Prior to joining Strictly's judging panel as a guest judge in 2014, Donny was on Strictly's American adaptation, *Dancing With the Stars* during Season 9 in 2009, which he won the series with his partner, Kym Johnson.

Osmond returned to DWTS for Season 18 (before his appearance on Strictly), as a guest judge during Week 5, which was also Disney Night.
Ellie Leach

* Ellie
* with Vito

**Ellie Leach** is an English actress, best known for playing best known for portraying Faye Windass on the ITV soap opera *Coronation Street* from 2011 to 2023.

She competed in Series 21, partnered with Vito Coppola. They went all the way to the final and were crowned the series champions.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

She’s here for all of the glitz and glam and now Ellie Leach aka Faye Windass has stepped off the Corrie cobbles and is getting ready to hop onto our famous dancefloor!

Ellie is best known for her role in ITV’s longest-running soap opera, *Coronation Street*, which saw her character dealing with being up for adoption, getting bullied at school, having a teen pregnancy and being falsely imprisoned after a case of mistaken identity.

Ellie’s acting career however, started way before she made her way to Weatherfield. As a child, she appeared in TV adverts and in 2009, she featured as Katie in the independent film, *A Boy Called Dad*, which premiered at Edinburgh Film Festival. In 2010, she made an appearance in an episode of anthology series *Moving On* as Stacy. At the age of nine, she was cast in ITV's iconic soap *Coronation Street*, playing Faye for 12 years before making the decision to leave the show.

Aside from being onscreen, Ellie has been actively involved with and is now an ambassador for the *When You Wish Upon A Star* charity, which grants wishes to children dealing with life-threatening illnesses.

Clearly performing is second nature to Ellie, but how will she deal with becoming a Ballroom dancer?

## Strictly Journey

Ellie was partnered with Vito Coppola. They made it to the series final and won the series.
Julien Macdonald

* Julien
* with Janette

**Julien Macdonald** OBE is a Welsh fashion designer, who was a judge on *Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model*. He competed in Series 11, partnered with Janette Manrara.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

The worlds of ballroom dancing and high fashion have plenty in common - glitz, glamour and mind-blowingly amazing outfits – and now Julien Macdonald, darling of British fashion is bringing his innate style to *Strictly Come Dancing*.

I’m loving the rhinestones and lace, and the crystals. I just want more and more. I’ll probably look like a Christmas tree by the end!

Julien has been a friend of the show for some time, having been our resident fashion expert on *It Takes Two* in 2012, so it was only a matter of time before made a leap onto the dance floor.

Growing up in the South Wales town of Merthyr Tydfil Julien’s passions as a youth were knitting and tap dancing, but a one-year foundation course at Cardiff Art College revealed his talent for fabric design, and spurred him into enrolling on a degree course in Fashion Textiles in Brighton. Following graduation, he went on to receive his MA at the Royal College of Art, London.

Soon after the success of his RCA graduation show in June 1996, his unique talent caught the attention of Karl Lagerfeld and he was appointed head designer of knitwear for Chanel.

In 2001, he was named British Fashion Designer of the Year and was appointed as successor to Alexander McQueen as creative director of the renowned French fashion house Givenchy.

The Welsh wonder branched out in 2004, launching a more affordable range with high-street chain Debenhams, while maintaining his designer-to-the-stars status. In June of the same year the designer was honored with an OBE for his services to the fashion industry.

Julien is famed for his high-glamour dresses and boasts a star-studded international client list including Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cheryl Cole.
Faye Tozer

* Faye
* with Giovanni

**Faye Tozer** is an English singer. She is best known for being one-fifth of the British 90s/00s pop group *Steps*. After their breakup in 2001, they re-joined for a reunion tour in 2011. They have since reformed in 2017 and released new music. With *Steps* she had 14 top 5 singles in the UK.

Faye was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Italian Open Latin Dance Champion Giovanni Pernice. She was a runner-up alongside YouTuber Joe Sugg and *The Pussycat Dolls* member Ashley Roberts, after being beaten by Stacey Dooley in the grand final. Faye never appeared in the bottom 2, so therefore never had to compete in the dance off. Throughout the series she scored four perfect scores; for her Charleston (QF), Viennese Waltz (F), Showdance (F) and Couples Choice (F).
Paso Doble

The **Paso Doble** is a dance performed on *Strictly*.

It is a Latin dance, originated in Spain and related to bullfighting. The leader of the dance is the male and he represents the bullfighter, also known as the *matador*, while the woman represents the bullfighter's cape.

It is a fast-paced dance, with strong upper body movements done in hold.

It is one of the five International Latin dances competed by professional dancers, along with the Jive, Rumba, Samba, and Cha-Cha-Cha.

The Paso Doble has been part of *Strictly* since Series 1.

## Traditional Paso Doble

Paso Doble is based on music played at bullfights during the bullfighters' entrance (paseo) or during the passes (faena) just before the kill. The leader of this dance plays the part of the matador. The follower generally plays the part of the matador's cape, but can also represent the shadow of the matador, as well as the bull or a flamenco dancer in some figures. Its origin dates back to a French military march with the name “Paso Redoble.” This was a fast paced march, which is why this is a fast-paced Latin American dance modeled after the Spanish bullfight. Bullfighting was well-known around this time.

## Ballroom Paso Doble

A significant number of Paso Doble songs are variants of España Cañi. The song has breaks in fixed positions in the song (two breaks at syllabus levels, three breaks and a longer song at Open levels). Traditionally Paso Doble routines are choreographed to match these breaks, as well as the musical phrases. Accordingly, most other ballroom Paso Doble tunes are written with similar breaks (those without are simply avoided in most competitions).

Because of its inherently choreographed tradition, ballroom Paso Doble for the most part is danced only competitively, almost never socially — or at least not without sticking to some sort of previously learned routine. This said, in Spain, France, Vietnam, Colombia, Costa Rica and some parts of Germany it is danced socially as a lead (not choreographed) dance. In Venezuela, Paso Doble is almost a must in weddings and big parties, being especially famous by the song "Guitarra Española" by Los Melódicos.

In competitive dance, modern Paso Doble is combined with other four dances (Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba and Jive) under the banner International Latin. Modern Paso Doble dance consists of two dancing parts and one break in between for dancers of class D and of three parts and two breaks in between for dancers of class C, B, A, according to the IDSF classification. Dancers of lower than D-class usually perform only four official dances of Latin-American Program.
Jason Bell

* Jason
* with Luba

**Jason Bell** is an American former professional football player, who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Dallas Cowboys (2001), Houston Texans (2002-2005) and New York Giants (2006-2007); playing a total of 82 games throughout the league. Jason retired in 2008, after having career-ending back surgery the previous year. Since his retirement he has been a NFL pundit for the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports.

He was a contestant in Series 18, partnering four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship Luba Mushtuk and finished in 11th place after loosing to boxer Nicola Adams in the dance off. Jason was the second celebrity eliminated during Movie Week in week three in a unanimous judges vote. Unfortunately for Jason the following week Nicola had to withdraw from the competition due to her partner testing positive for COVID-19.

## Weekly Scores, Dances & Songs

 Week 2
 Week 3: Movie Week (*Star Wars)* | 12 (3, 4, 5)
American Smooth

The **American Smooth** is a category of dances in American Style ballroom competitions.

It joined the dance repertoire on the show from Series 3, alongside the Viennese Waltz.

On *Strictly*, the American Smooth can be best described as a form of ballroom dancing with an enhanced repertoire of easy to perform, yet exciting steps. It incorporates steps from three ballroom disciplines - the Waltz, Viennese Waltz and Foxtrot.

American Smooth loosely corresponds to the Standard category of International Style Ballroom Dance, just like Rhythm loosely corresponds to Latin. However, Smooth differs from Standard in its inclusion of open and separated figures, whereas Standardmakes exclusive use of closed positions.

The Smooth dances themselves are significantly different than the Standard dances as a result of influence by dancers like Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray in the years following World War II. While elegance and flow remain the goal, as in International Standard, dancers do not remain in closed positions exclusively, instead of breaking away from each other periodically and experimenting with open footwork.

American Smooth, just like American Rhythm, is mostly danced in the United States and Canada, while International Style Latin and International Style Standard are danced internationally, all around the world.

## Style and Music

Smooth and Standard dances are normally danced to Western music (often from the mid-twentieth century), and couples dance counter-clockwise around a rectangular floor following the line of dance.
Jennifer Gibney

* Jennifer
* with Tristan

**Jennifer Gibney** is an Irish actress, best known for playing Cathy Brown in the BBC television sitcom, *Mrs. Brown's Boys*. She competed in Series 12, partnered with Tristan MacManus.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Jennifer is best known for her role as Cathy, the lovelorn eldest daughter of Mrs Brown, in BAFTA-winning BBC Comedy *Mrs Brown’s Boys*. In reality, Jennifer is married to Brendan O’Carroll, the creator of the series and main character: Agnes Brown or ‘Mammy’.

"*I've had to take my shoes off because my feet were moving – that’s how excited I am!*"
— Jennifer Gibney
With 23 episodes across three series, theatre and arena tours, and a recent feature film, there’s seemingly no stopping the Mrs Brown’s brand. The original incarnation of the show began as a series of books written by Jennifer’s husband, Brendan, which were then adapted to radio, theatre, and an 'original' DVD series which Jennifer directed and produced. Then came the TV series we're most familiar with today before the feature film, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’ Movie, which also earned Jennifer an Executive Producer credit.

Before the Mrs Brown empire began, Jennifer hadn’t been an actor for long. She initially worked as a civil servant in the Irish tax office for seven years, before joining the Bank of Ireland. It was here that she decided she wanted to act, studying for a drama degree alongside her job. After joining the company’s amateur dramatics group she soon landed her first professional role in 1996 in the feature film Some Mother’s Son, starring Helen Mirren. We wonder if her colleagues banked on her becoming so famous?

When it comes to dancing, however, Jennifer isn’t quite so renowned. Despite her experience limited to bopping with her sisters in their bedroom as a teenager, competitive Jennifer won’t let this hold her back, admitting she’s "in it to win it"! Citing golf as her hobby, lets putt her skills to the test, and see if her swing is good enough to take her all the way to the glitterball trophy.
Claudia Winkleman

Claudia Winkleman is the co-presenter of *Strictly*, alongside Tess Daly.

Between 2004 and 2010, she presented Strictly's sister show, *It Takes Two*, on weeknights on BBC Two. Since 2010, she has co-presented *Strictly*'s main results show on Sunday nights with Tess Daly and since 2014, she has been a main co-host on the Saturday night live shows, following the departure of Bruce Forsyth.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

"*The judges are divine. That's my favourite thing about Strictly. I want to live with them all.*"
— Claudia Winkleman
Bringing her fun-loving nature to the show, Claudia has co-hosted *Strictly Come Dancing* with Tess Daly since 2014.
Claudia was born and raised in London, going on to attend Cambridge University and graduate with an MA Honours in History of Art.

She then moved into TV presenting, and hasn't looked back since. Across her glittering career, Claudia has fronted a range of BBC TV shows, including *Let’s Dance for Sport Relief*, *The Eurovision Song Contest*, *Comic Relief* and *The Great British Sewing Bee*. She's also a familiar voice on the radio, hosting her own BBC Radio 2 show every Sunday.

In 2004 she landed the lead presenting role on Strictly's weekday companion show *It Takes Two*, eventually handing the baton over to Zoe Ball in 2012. Claudia then began co-hosting the Sunday night results show alongside Tess Daly, before joining her on the main show every Saturday in 2014.

Our weekends wouldn't be the same without her trademark mix of sassiness and smarts, as she sees our couples through their Strictly journeys.

## Awards

Winkleman has been nominated twice for the British Academy Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance for her work on *Strictly*.
Carlos Gu

**Carlos Gu** is a professional on *Strictly*, joining the lineup ahead of Series 20.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Strictly 2022 just got another shining star in the form of Pro dancer Carlos Gu!

This Chinese National Champion has a wealth of dance accolades under his belt, being a multiple world semi-finalist, and third place competitor at the German Open Championships. He also became the Amateur Latin Rising Star Runner Up at the 2017 UK Open, and has incredible experience in ballroom, ballet and contemporary dance.

Carlos is bringing all of that and more to Strictly, saying: “I’m thrilled to join Strictly and very excited to get started. It’s a new chapter of my life and a new challenge as well. I’m absolutely ready to take on this journey and to shine.”

That journey starts right now with his first ever celebrity partner, singer and CBBC star Molly Rainford!

### Series 20

In Series 20, his debut series, Carlos partnered CBBC star Molly Rainford. They made it to the final and placed second, alongside Fleur and Vito, and Helen and Gorka.
Pasha Kovalev

**Pavel "Pasha" Kovalev** (born 19 January 1980) is a Russian professional Latin and Ballroom dancer.

Kovalev started dancing at the age of eight. In 2001, he moved to the United States with his professional dance partner Anya Garnis. In 2007, the couple competed on the third season of the American version of *So You Think You Can Dance*, and have since participated in all subsequent seasons as either choreographers or All-Star partners to the contestants.

In 2011, Kovalev moved to the United Kingdom to take part in *Strictly Come Dancing* as a professional dancer.

## *Strictly Come Dancing 9*

In the ninth series, his first, Kovalev was partnered with *Waterloo Road* actress, Chelsee Healey. The two made it all the way to the finals, finishing as the runners-up to Harry Judd and his partner Aliona Vilani.

## *Strictly Come Dancing 10*

For the tenth series it was revealed that he would be dancing with Girls Aloud singer, Kimberley Walsh. The two made it all the way to the finals, finishing as the runners-up to Olympic gymnast Louis Smith and his partner Flavia Cacace. By coming second, Kovalev became the first male professional dancer to reach two consecutive finals, and the third professional dancer to do so overall after Lilia Kopylova and Aliona Vilani.

## *Strictly Come Dancing 11*

In 2013, Kovalev was partnered with *Countdown* & *The Gadget Show* co-presenter, Rachel Riley, for the show's eleventh series. The couple was eliminated during the fifth week of competition, despite receiving their highest score yet; they lost out in the dance-off against Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec, who went on to win the show.

## *Strictly Come Dancing 12*

 File:Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev Charleston to 'Istanbul' - Strictly Come Dancing 2014 - BBC One
For the twelfth series of the show in 2014, it was announced that Kovalev would partner television presenter, Caroline Flack. The couple earned the first perfect 40 of the series for their salsa in the semi-finals, followed by an additional 3 in the finals giving them a perfect total of 120 points, a feat unmatched in the history of the competition. On 20 December, 2014, the couple was crowned the champions of the series.

## *Strictly Come Dancing 13*

For Series 13 in 2015, Kovalev was paired up with *BBC Breakfast* weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood. They were later eliminated in week 7 after losing out to Kellie & Kevin in the dance-off, leaving in ninth place.

## Gallery

Pasha and ChelseePasha and Kimberley's publicity photoPasha and Kimberley dance the Cha-Cha-ChaPasha and Rachel's publicity photoPasha and Caroline's publicity photoPasha and Caroline are crowned the winners of Series 12Pasha and Carol's publicity photo
Gregg Wallace

* Greg
* with Aliona

**Greg Wallace** is a BBC presenter and writer, best known for presenting and judging celebrities on the BBC's culinary show, *MasterChef*. He competed in Series 12, partnered with Aliona Vilani.

## Biography

*Retrieved from bbc.co.uk*

Food expert Gregg Wallace is used to putting celebrities through their paces as a judge in the MasterChef kitchen, but now it’s his turn under the spotlight as he swaps the frying pan for a spray tan and takes to the Strictly dance floor!

"*The things I'm going to have to sacrifice for Strictly: no trifles, no custards, no swiss rolls... It will be worth it though!*"
— Greg Wallace
Gregg is a successful food entrepreneur, having begun his career on a vegetable stall at Covent Garden market. From humble roots Gregg eventually grew a number of his own food businesses, including restaurants and greengrocers, and he's also penned several books on the subject.

Following TV and radio appearances as a food business expert, Gregg went on to co-present Radio 4’s *Veg Talk*. Then after stints on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen and The Food Network’s Follow that Tomato, Gregg was invited to judge BBC competitive cooking show *MasterChef*, alongside chef John Torode. Together, their friendly, forthright and uncompromising approach to all things food has made them two of TV’s best-known gastronomers – and the good ship MasterChef continues to go from strength to strength with Gregg and John at the helm.

Gregg was born in Peckham, South East London. A big rugby fan he used to play competitively for London Welsh Vets and he now coaches Rugby Union in his spare time. Gregg currently splits his time between London and the family home in Whitstable, Kent, where he lives with his two children.

Known for being a big guy with a taste for treats and plenty to say, Gregg’s love of desserts especially is legendary - as are his forthright opinions on the dishes he tastes on *MasterChef*. He knows a buttery biscuit base can be a dangerous thing, and he has been known to refer to himself jokingly as “the fat, bald bloke on MasterChef who likes pudding". Daily gym sessions have seen Gregg lose over two stone ahead of his foray into the glittery world of competitive dance.

He’s used to dishing out verdicts on the culinary creations of the MasterChef hopefuls; so fingers crossed this year’s Strictly will prove a cakewalk for our sweet-toothed TV foodie.
Danny John-Jules

* Danny
* with Amy

**Danny John-Jules** is a British actor, singer and dancer. He is best known for playing Cat in the sci-fi comedy series *Red Dwarf*, Barrington in the comic children's series *Maid Marian and Her Merry Men*, and policeman Dwayne Myers in the crime drama *Death in Paradise*.

Danny was a contestant in Series 16, partnering Welsh British Open Latin Dance Champion Amy Dowden and finished in 9th place after loosing to cricketer Graeme Swann in the dance off. He was the seventh celebrity eliminated in week eight, in a 3:1 judges vote with only Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save him. Danny had not appeared in the bottom 2 prior to the week of his elimination.
Big makes you bad

*"I've heard of **Big Bad**, but this is ridiculous"*

That night, the squid kids of Inkopolis finally realized what "Stay Fresh" actually meant.

When you think of giants in cities, you usually think of destruction and death on the best ways possible. Macrophiles certainly agree with this notion. There's just one problem: Many macro targets are typically too nice or heroic to intentionally cause this.

So what's a macrophile to do? Simple: make these characters evil for some unexplained reason. Either it's some weird dream they always wanted to live out or they're just jerks for the heck of it, this is bound to happen a lot. What were once lovable goofs are now cruel masters to tiny folk at their feet, humble characters pig out on tinies.

NOT to be confused for the character being hypnotized, as that's against their will. These Giants are in complete control of them selves and tinies. This also doesn't count if the character in question was evil to begin with.

It's worth noting that this also applies to normal people with shrunken victims.