Strictly’s Nadiya declares love for co-star as they share huge career news

Nadiya Bychkova, a professional dancer for Strictly Come Dancing, proudly supports co-star Janette Manrara to congratulate her on her significant new role.

Nadiya, 35, has been waltzing, skip, and cha cha cha her way across the ballroom since joining the show in 2017. Janette, 41, began her career on the show in 2013 before becoming the host of the companion program Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two in 2021.

Janette is transforming the It Takes Two sofa into the stage, which has just been revealed as she has secured a new giant job for 2025. In a new production of the beloved musical Chicago, Janette will play Roxie Hart in the role of the titular character.

She will be performing on stage until the end of August while the musical is scheduled to debut in March and travel throughout the UK and Ireland. Although it’s not clear whether the contract will have an impact on her BBC show appearance, the dancer has backed her co-star.

Nadiya is Janette’s biggest cheerleader (Instagram)
Nadiya Bychkova and Tom Dean behind the scenes at Strictly.
In 2024, Nadia and Tom Dean were the first to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Janette proudly revealed her new role, writing: “I have news… Extra extra! Big news for Foxy Roxie! From March 3rd, the stunning Janette Manrara will play Roxie Hart on the #ChicagoUKTour!

And Nadiya contributed to the publication by publishing an update with a statement of her own. She wrote: “Couldn’t be more proud and excited about my dear friend @jmanrara. Love you lots! Congratulations”.

Nadiya and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean were the first stars to be chosen for the Strictly 2024 season, and they suffered the humiliation of being the first to be chosen for the show. Nadiya said online after their elimination that she was sorry but was not ready to discuss what had happened tonight.

Fans speculated about her decision to leave the show last November, with one person predicting via Reddit that it was inevitable because she seemed upset about how she was handled this year and years before. I believe they will need to give her a surefire finalist like Sam Thompson (almost certain he’ll be on next year) to stay, but that seems unlikely.

Janette, who married Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec in 2017 and shares one-year-old daughter Lyra Rose with him, has been encouraged by fans over her new Chicago role. One wrote on Reddit: “She’ll be excellent, I’m sure”. And another typed: “Well done Janette for getting this gig”!

Janette previously mentioned that she was able to “take her foot off the gas” a little bit after landing her It Takes Two hosting role. Admitting she is a “workaholic”, she said: “I’m a dancer and my body is my tool, so the decision to have a child was a big one, as it meant putting me out of work for at least a year, maybe two, who knows?

I felt like a lot of weight had been lifted off my shoulders when I started hosting on It Takes Two. Yes, we can now start a family without feeling stressed because I no longer need my body to work.

Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

Holly Willoughby stark seven words about why she found it ‘easy’ to quit This Morning

Holly Willoughby once said it was “easy” for her to decide to leave This Morning two years ago.

The 43-year-old mother-of-three was a co-host on ITV’s long-running daytime TV show from 2009 until she abruptly quit in 2023 after it was discovered a man plotted to kidnap, rape and murder her.

Holly will host a new Netflix reality series called Celebrity Bear Hunt, in which actors will try to avoid being detected by adventurer Bear Grylls while they traverse the jungles of Costa Rica. Although she continues to host ITV’s winter sport reality competition Dancing On Ice, it has been billed as her blockbuster return to television since she left This Morning.

Holly has openly discussed the end of her time on This Morning over the weekend, which established her as a household name after working in children’s television and light entertainment. And in a concise seven words, she declared: “The choice was really simple and easy”.

Holly served as Phillip Schofield’s host on This Morning from 2009 to 2023 (ITV).

She discussed whether or not leaving the job, which had been her main source of income for more than ten years, was “terrifying.” She responded, “That question is ensnared in a lot of the things that were happening that day.” But no. That was the last thought that crossed my mind. The choice]to step away] was really simple and easy, actually”.

In October 2023, Holly announced that she would be leaving This Morning without further delay. She stated in a statement at the time, “I have informed ITV that I will not be returning to This Morning after 14 years.” Thank you so much to everyone who has participated in the show over the years.

” This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. Thank you to each and every visitor to our sofa.

“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. The viewers will always have ownership over this show, according to Richard and Judy.

It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the story, and I’m aware that there are still many chapters to go in it. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. “

In July last year, 37-year-old Gavin Plumb, a former security guard, was sentenced to life behind bars for his plan to kidnapp and murder Holly. Justice Justice Justice Edward Murray said in his sentencing statement in Chelmsford Crown Court, “I found you to be dangerous,” while also expressing concerns that the former security guard posed a risk to women in general.

When Holly’s Celebrity Bear Hunt premieres on Netflix on February 5th, fans can watch it there. The cast includes Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, TV host Steph McGovern, and Spice Girl Mel B.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.

Holly Willoughby’s five heartbreaking words speak volumes about horror 18 months

Holly Willoughby’s hellish 18 months have been revealed in a heartbreaking five-word verdict.

After police discovered a plot by Gavin Plumb to kidnap, rape, and murder her, the 43-year-old TV presenter decided to take a break from the public eye for a while. He was detained on October 4, 2023, for plot solicitation and incitement. Unknown to the fact that the man was an undercover police officer, Pluto had reached out to a man in America to help him with his plan.

Alison Hammond intervened to protect Holly on This Morning and she was immediately taken off air and rushed to safety a day later. For his vile crimes, Plumb was found guilty of soliciting murder, encouraging or assisting the commission of kidnapping, and encouraging or assisting the commission of rape on July 4. He was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years.

Holly bravely pleaded not to read her victim impact statement, which she had waived. However, the court heard that the details of Plumb’s plans were too disturbing to be reported. Holly opens up about the ordeal in a brave interview and admits she never once doubted leaving the spotlight.

Holly Willoughby has shared five heartbreaking words about the past 18 months (Holly Willoughby/Instagram)
Plumb was sentenced to 16 years behind bars
Plumb received a 16-year prison term (PA) sentence.

“No, it wasn’t an option”, she said. She went on to tell The Sunday Times Style Magazine: “For me, it’s just not an option. For all those reasons I’ve said. That all means too much to me, to let, you know, that be the other road I could have gone down. And look, there are so many people who go through difficult circumstances.

Holly was described as a “well-known and well-loved public figure” by Mr. Justice Edward Murray, who sentenced Plumb, before adding that she is “entitled to respect her private and family life.” He continued, saying that he had “carefully” read Ms. Willoughby’s victim statement, but that the information was meant to be “only available to those who needed to see” instead.

Before praising Holly for the “considerable courage” she showed when renounced her right to remain anonymous, he said, “I simply note I am satisfied these offences have had life-changing consequences for her both professionally and privately.” The security guard’s plans for Willoughby were “considerably more than a fantasy,” according to Mr. Justice Edward Murray, who also eluded Plumb. He told the court, “I have no doubt that this was all considerably more than a fantasy.”

Your plan was blatantly unrealistic for a number of reasons, including your poor physical condition, but you genuinely believed it was feasible. Although you mentioned having someone else execute the plan, I can assure you that this was pure bravado. You had always intended to carry out your kidnapping, rape, and murder of Ms. Willoughby, but only if the “team” you used to help you find the right person or men to do it.

He told the disgraced security guard that his plans were so “horrifying, shocking and graphic in detail”, that they couldn’t be heard in an open court. However, “the jury read every message throughout the trial,” he said before adding, “Your claim in your evidence that you had purchased the chloroform to remove a stubborn stain from your living room carpet was a particularly clumsy and obvious lie.”

Although Holly chose to keep her witness statement private, Alison Morgan KC told the court, “What I can say, and I make this submission from the prosecution… it is abundantly clear that the prosecution submits the impact of this offending has been life-changing for the victim of these offences, both in private as well as personally, and indeed professionally,”

The prosecution contends that it has been impossible to convey the extent of the shock and fear caused by this offending. She urged Plumb to receive a life sentence and said that the plans had a “catastrophic impact” on her life because there were no “significant mitigating factors.”

Follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeandThreads.

Katie Price reveals dramatic results of latest facelift as she’s covered in bandages

Katie Price laid in bed bandaged in her bed to reveal the results of her most recent operation.

The former glamour model, 46, had another facelift less than a year after having the £10, 000 procedure as she returned to a clinic in Istanbul. Among other alleged body changes, she has reportedly undergone 17 breast augmentations, six facelifts, and six other procedures. As she made it known to fans that she was planning a trip to Turkey on Friday, Katie made the announcement.

The mum-of-five revealed: “From my last surgery, there are just a few little bits that I want tweaking. Well, they need tweaking. So here I am getting ready. That’s the worst bit for me, the needle. The needle’s done so now I can relax”. In a selfie taken while snoring in bed, Katie depicted the brutal reality of the job.

Katie appeared to be unable to open her eyes, so her cheeks and forehead appeared to be covered in bandages. JJ Slater’s companion will help her recover from his visit to Katie on the hospital ward. Katie hasn’t yet revealed exactly what she did during the “tweaks,” but it’s reported that she wanted to fix her “pixie ears.”

Katie Price
Katie has been supported by boyfriend JJ (Instagram/ @katieprice)
Katie Price
She had yet another surgery on her face (Instagram/ @katieprice)

A source toldCloser Magazine: “Katie is heading to Turkey]this month] for her first New Year’s procedure: fixing her pixie ears. After her recent faciallift, she believes they need to be fixed. She’s having her ears removed, then re-stitched in place and pinned back so that they don’t stick out”.

Addressing their concerns about Katie’s “obsession” with surgery, the source continued: “Friends think Katie has gone too far. They believe she is obsessed with the attention and money the surgery brings in, both financially and physically. Katie previously mentioned how much she enjoys having surgery and shopping.

Katie was reportedly keen to fix her 'pixie ears'
Katie was reportedly keen to fix her ‘ pixie ears ‘ (Instagram/ @katieprice)
Those close to the star have voiced their concern for her
Those close to the star have voiced their concern for her (Instagram/ @katieprice)

She said on the How To Fail With Elizabeth Day podcast last year: “People don’t realise when you have surgery and stuff, you only see before and after, you don’t see in between – when you’ve had it, the pain and the cleaning, the stitches out and the bed rests. I would love to provide information on this. It’s damaging to your body. I’ve had so many anaesthetics. I know I still choose to do it, but I’m older now”. She went on to admit choosing her next procedure is “like going shopping, for me, which is so bad”.

Just a few months ago, Katie revealed her £10, 000 facelift after flying out to Turkey for the procedure. Katie hasn’t been put off the work despite seeing her weeks covered in bandages. According to reports, Kerry Katona, her pal, has been considering getting a nose job like the Atomic Kitten star, and has inspired her to work hard.

Katie previously made it clear that she was concerned for her safety when one of her operations went wrong. She said back in 2021: “I just thought, ‘ This is it, I’m going to die. I was terrified of appearing like a real-life freak, like a fake doll or Bride of Wildenstein.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.

Gladiators star Emily Steel’s glam life away from weightlifting and TV show

Emily Steel, better known as Dynamite on BBC One’s Gladiators, lives a vibrant and exciting life outside of the arena.

Emily, age 21, began her athletic career as a competitive swimmer before moving to the Altrincham and Hale area where she trained and competed at the national level. Later, she switched to weightlifting and broke a British under-23 record in the clean and jerk in 2023.

Away from sports and TV, Emily shares her glamorous lifestyle on Instagram, where she has over 56, 000 followers. Her posts cover everything from challenging workouts and fashionable outfits to wild travels and behind-the-scenes moments.

The actress recently attended the Pride of Britain Awards, and she donned a stylish blue sparkling gown with a thigh-high slit and off-the-shoulder style. She swapped out her regular gym trainers for a glamorous touch and finished the look with pink heels.

Emily Steel, known as ‘ Dynamite ‘ on BBC One’s Gladiators, leads an impressive life both on and off the screen (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
As seen on Instagram, the 21-year-old CrossFit athlete and weightlifting record holder juggles her athletic accomplishments with a glamorous lifestyle.
As seen on Instagram, the 21-year-old CrossFit athlete and weightlifting record holder juggles her athletic accomplishments with a glamorous lifestyle.

Emily was seen with fellow Gladiator Livi Sheldon in a different photo. Livi chose a black dress with a slit and black heels, while Emily wore a short cream dress with gold heels and a tiara.

Last year, Emily made history on the BBC show by becoming the youngest-ever Gladiator. Competents had better watch their backs because she can lift an impressive 160 kg and is 5 feet, 5 inches tall.

Although my parents liked the original Gladiators, Emily said, “I’m too young to remember them,” she added. “As a young athlete, I felt like it was an opportunity to inspire young girls and make them think: ‘ Oh, I can go to the gym, I can train and be just as strong’.

We want people to love us just as much as the original Gladiators, so I believe everyone feels some pressure. As the youngest, I think I put most of the pressure on myself. I have such high expectations and always aim to succeed.

Dynamite is still a young competitor, which is not to say she lacks. I’ve been a sportsperson my entire life, so Gladiators gave me the chance to showcase my skills and inspire others, she said.

Last year, Emily made history on the BBC show by becoming the youngest-ever Gladiator
Emily became the youngest-ever Gladiator (Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) last year, making history on the BBC.

The Manchester-born athlete’s first sport was swimming, competing at a national level until she was 15. She then switched to weightlifting, breaking the British age group weightlifting record set for under 23s last year and breaking the British age group record for under 20s 64kg snatch record.

Nowadays, Emily is a full-time elite CrossFit athlete, combining her fitness career with sport and exercise science studies at Loughborough University.

Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat.

Gladiators star Jet’s life now from TV reunion with ex Hunter to near fatal accident

Jet, a former Gladiator star, was incredibly well-known in the 1990s for her role on the well-known gameshow, but she eventually vanished from our screens.

However, Jet, who’s real name is Diane Youdale, made a recent TV comeback – and was even reunited with her former flame. In the nineties, Diane achieved fame for her role as Jet in ITV’s biggest gameshow. Despite continuing to make headlines for her two-year relationship with co-star Hunter (James Crossley), she admitted to never being able to move past their age difference.

When Hunter was 19 when they were dating, Diane had previously described how she felt like a “cougar at 21.”

Diane joined the Gladiators as Jet in 1992 aged 22 (LWT)
Jet and Hunter in the 90's
She frequently appeared in the media about her romantic connection with her younger co-star Hunter (Daily Mirror).

The pair, who were split up, have since reconnected on television, which is a far cry from the entertaining and sporty TV show based on ancient Rome’s colosseums. Celebrity Antiques Road Trip’s Jet and Hunter traveled to Lancashire in search of unique antique bargains on their first episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, where they joined hosts Margie Cooper and Ishy Khan.

Jet and Hunter in car on Antique Road Trip
Jet and Hunter make a comeback to television, but Jet and Hunter don’t dress like the notorious Gladiators on ITV’s Gladiators. They instead dress casually for the Antiques Road Trip (BBC) ride.

The hour-long wholesome and fun episode saw the exes travel to Eccleston, St Helens, where Diane discovered a rare sculptural piece. Later, the group traveled to Longridge, a suburb of Preston, where James purchased a piece of furniture that recalled his beloved dog. The four also traveled to Blackburn and Darwen to learn more about a local legend strongman, something the former Gladiators could not resist doing.

Career

The cast of 90's Gladiators
When Jet suffered a significant neck injury on the television series in 1996, her career abruptly stopped, leaving the audience shocked as she was taken to the hospital.

Diane’s meteoric success came to an abrupt halt in 1996 when she cracked her neck in a nearly fatal accident involving a pyramid formation, which was immediately banned. Diane has spoken about the shocked-silent audience, how she knew what “that snap” meant and thinking “have I broken my neck”? after landing “pencil-point down”.

The actress claimed to recall pushing off the pyramid “with her” in un-aired scenes and that the competitor involved “was a little bigger, stronger, and faster than me.” She remarked, “They [the producers] enjoy these aerial tackles because it’s good car crash TV, and I just remember landing here and having my bottom there and being almost on top of her.” Later, doctors discovered that she had been fortunate to have survived and that her spinal cord had been compressed.

Falcon and Jet pose for 90's show
Falcon (left) joined the show a year later, becoming a new favorite, with fans calling her the show’s (LWT) nicest gladiator.

The ex-fighter thought the accident was “too close for comfort,” so she chose to leave the show. Additionally, Diane had previously said that the ex-James only “got together with Ulrika” after leaving the show. Jet and Hunter are in good terms, and she supported her ex on social media when James made an appearance on The Circle on Netflix in 2021.

She claimed that if the accident had caused a significant career change to her in the year 2023, she had “compressed my cervical vertebrae” while recovering at home. “If it had been worse, it would have caused a neck break.” I thought ‘ I’ve had a warning’, the pyramid is a tough, tough game – it’s basically vertical rugby at speed! It’s going to be good tough. It plays well with the camera.

I just realized that now that I’ve spent the first four and a half years studying, I can save some money, enroll in college, and pursue what I’ve always wanted to do because it has worked out for me.

Diane, a psychotherapist and counselor, has a special interest in helping young people who have eating disorders because of her own bulimia, which she has experienced between the ages of 14 and 19 when she was diagnosed with the disorder. The now-therapist admitted to the Daily Post that she was aware of the difficult body-related feelings she had experienced when she left her home at the age of 16 in order to pursue choreography and dance in London.

Jet with Trumpet
In a supermarket parking lot (SWNS), Diane met the woman of her life.
Diane and Zoe on Chillin' with Ice podcast
After Diane’s Pilates class, Jet’s wife Zoe bravely approached her in a parking lot, and the pair have since fallen in love (see Chillin’ with Ice podcast).

I developed body image disorder, I thought. I would stop eating for a few days and would then go on a food binge. Then, you take a laxative or force yourself to vomit.

She continued, “Thankfully, I overcame bulimia when I learned about nutrition, the science behind it, and what happens to your body when you begin to eat good, healthy food.”

Marriage

After her now-wife approached her and declared her to be “the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen,” Diane discovered love in a supermarket in 2021. And in 2023 she declared she could” finally be herself “as she announced she had wed the love of her live, Zoe Gilbert. The couple held a private wedding of only six members, where she and wife Zoe opted for an unconventional, relaxed style, a” boho top and trousers “for herself and” brogues and chinos “for Zoe.

Only nine people on earth knew about their marriage plans, according to the couple, who even chose Northumbria as their honeymoon location. The Jet star said in 2023:” We’re married! We kept it very, very quiet. Literally, nine people knew.

“When you’re in the public eye.. things just run away with you. I’m in my 50s now and we’re both very private people, so we thought ‘ You know, let’s just keep this really quiet. ‘ Because we wanted to keep it so tiny, nobody even knew.