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      Inside Strictly Come Dancing’s boozy wrap party as Amy Dowden, Katya Jones and Dianne Buswell let loose

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      STRICTLY Come Dancing stars celebrated the series finale on Saturday night in style at a boozy wrap party.Finalist Dianne Buswell’s boyfriend Joe Sugg was on hand to capture all the fun on camera for a new vlog as the professionals and celebrities toasted a night of high drama.
      Jody Cundy and Dianne Buswell did the Macarena at the Strictly wrap partyCredit: JOE SUGG
      Katya Jones and Amy Dowden danced the night awayCredit: JOE SUGG
      While the moves in the Strictly ballroom are endlessly choreographed and judged to the nth degree, the party was a far more laid-back affair.
      Nineties classic the Macarena pumped out of the speakers and everyone duly performed its iconic dance routine.
      Contestant Jody Cundy gave it his best shot alongside Dianne, who still had boundless energy after three dances in the studio.
      Katya Jones took centre stage later in the evening showing off her snakelike hips, while fan favourite Amy Dowden also got in on the fun after a difficult year battling breast cancer.
      READ MORE ON STRICTLY
      Runner-up Dianne didn’t get too carried away though and was later seen sitting in front of the fire back home.
      The Aussie dancer has already flown back home to spend Christmas with her family.
      She shared a selfie with her proud dad this morning as they enjoyed a breakfast cuppa.
      Show winner Ellie Leach, 22, looked on cloud nine as she headed to bed following the emotional final night.
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      The Corrie star didn’t want to let her trophy out of her sight as she hugged it tightly in the car home.
      Layton Williams covered his face as he was snapped leaving the post show celebrations with his mum, while Bobby Brazier exited with his brother Freddie.
      Ellie Leach hasn’t let go of the Glitterball Trophy since her show winCredit: Rex
      The marquee was packed for the after partyCredit: JOE SUGG
      Dianne cosied up in front of the fire after a long dayCredit: JOE SUGG More

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      Strictly legend slams show for being ‘unfair’ as ‘best dancer’ Layton has no chance in the final

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      STRICTLY legend Vincent Simone has weighed on the debate about Layton Williams saying it’s “unfair” if he doesn’t win.The TV personality was one of the BBC show’s best known professional dancers over several years.
      West End superstar Layton Williams has received backlash due to his prior professional dance trainingCredit: PA
      Vincent Simone took part in seven series of the show with stars including Rachel StevensCredit: PA:Press Association
      Vincent, 44, competed in seven series of the primetime dancing competition with the likes of Louisa Lytton, Stephanie Beacham and politician Edwina Currie.
      He famouly just missed out on the glitterball trophy in 2008 with S Club singer Rachel Stevens where the pair were the runners-up in the final.
      Using his knowledge of the show, the dancer and choreographer admitted that he feels somewhat perturbed about the current instalment of Strictly Come Dancing.
      He weighed in on the progress of professional performer Layton Williams in the ballroom and latin competition.
      READ MORE ON STRICTLY
      Unfortunately, Vincent doesn’t think Layton will win the competition due to the public’s prior knowledge about his professional training.
      The Bad Education star has been one of the front-runners in the celebrity competition.
      He has even topped the leaderboard for seven Saturday nights, and even scored the coveted 40 points from the judges last weekend.
      Vincent thought the circumstances around the star are ‘unfair’, as despite his incredible performances, his chances of winning are slim.
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      He noted that other professional performers from the likes of music and the West End might be put off from competing in the show as their chances of winning might be slim.
      The dancer commented: “I’ve been wrestling with this for a few weeks now, but I actually think that it is unfair that Strictly has put an amazing dancer in the competition like Layton because they never get to win. It’s unfair (if Layton doesn’t win).
      “They could sign-up a talented dancer next year, something with a dancing background, who would have watched Layton and could think ‘what’s the point in taking part? I’m never going to win’.
      “It’s annoying that, historically, the best dancer doesn’t win the show.”
      The former pro-dancer continued: “Throughout the competition I’ve said that Ellie and Vito will win but that Layton is the best dancer, but now I really want him to win.

      He added: “It’s not Layton’s fault that he Strictly wanted him on the show.”
      This comes after Layton Williams revealed that emotions were running high ahead of the final.
      This was as the West End superstar continued to face backlash from fans of the long-running series.
      Read more on The Sun
      He previously faced a hard time from critics in the lead up to the grand finale of the competition due to his professional dance experience.
      Taking to social media Layton admitted: “There were lots of tears today ngl. Can’t believe it’s all gonna be over in 2 days.”
      Vincent thinks professional performers might not want to compete on the showCredit: BBC
      Layton has topped the leaderboard on seven occasions in the competitionCredit: PA
      The actor and singer admitted emotions were running high before the finalCredit: PA More

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      Who is Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams?

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      LAYTON Williams has become a familiar face both on stage and on screen thanks to his acting success.But who is he and what has he starred in? From his rise to prominence in the theatre scene to his time on television – here’s everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2023 star Layton Williams.
      Strictly Come Dancing 2023 star Layton Williams picturedCredit: Getty
      Who is Layton Williams?
      Layton Williams, born September 13, 1994, in Bury, Manchester, is an actor, singer and dancer.
      He is best known as a stage and screen actor and has saw his showbiz success take him all the way to London’s West End.
      After responding to a promising newspaper advert at the age of 11, Layton went on to train at the Billy Elliot Academy.
      Just six months into his training, the young promising star made his theatre debut as Billy in the West End production of the show.
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      Following success on stage, the actor made his television debut at the age of 14, when he starred in Beautiful People alongside Oscar winner Olivia Colman for two series.
      Layton then made the move to train in Theatre Arts at Italia Conti Academy – and it was during this time he featured in the CBBC documentary School for Stars, before landing his breakout role as Stephen Carmichael in the popular comedy series Bad Education in 2012.
      How long was Layton Williams starring in Billy Elliot for?
      Layton Williams debuted in Billy Elliot the Musical in February 2007.
      The star’s training regime was even documented on The Paul O’Grady Show and on several morning TV shows.
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      Sadly for fans of the West End, Layton gave his final performance in the musical on in November 2008 – marking the moment he became the second-longest serving actor to portray Billy Elliot.
      What else has Layton Williams starred in?
      Since finding success both on stage and on screen, Layton Williams has become a familiar face with both theatre and television fans.
      Aside from starring in the iconic West End production of Billy Elliot, Williams has also starred in The Car Man, Rent, Hairspray! and Kiss Me Kate, and in 2021 he took over the titular role of smash-hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, touring both the UK and leading the show in Los Angeles.
      During his seven-year triumphant theatre run, Williams won the LGBTQIA+ Champion Award at the Black British Theatre Awards in 2020, and in 2022 he won the Culture award at the Attitude Magazine Awards.
      As a television actor, Williams has featured in I Hate Suzie, The Cleaner, Queens for the Night and provided the voiceover for dating show I Kissed A Boy.
      Also on the list of television shows the actor has appeared in is BBC’s iconic celebrity competition Strictly Come Dancing – making it all the way to the 2023 grand finale alongside professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin.
      Is Layton Williams on social media?
      Like many famous faces, Layton Williams is an active user of social media.
      As of December 2023, the Strictly star boasts 215,000 fans and followers on Instagram – where he regularly shares smiling selfies and a glimpse of his acting achievements.
      Aside from sharing to the popular photo-sharing platform, Williams is also an active user of X, formerly known as Twitter, where he interacts with over 60,000 followers.
      What has Layton Williams said about Strictly Come Dancing?
      Prior to joining the latest Strictly series, Layton expressed his excitement after being chosen as one of the famous faces to take to the iconic dancefloor.
      He said: “Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in the most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom.
      “So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!”
      After weeks of hard work, only three stars landed a spot in the highly-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final – and Layton Williams was one of them.
      He will be competing with Bobby Brazier and his pro partner Dianne Buswell and Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola.
      Ahead of the glittering grand finale, Layton, who has experienced the show’s worst every battering by trolls due to his musical theatre background, shared an upbeat message to his haters.
      Layton laughed: “People are a little bit grumpy… I’m like, cheer up!
      “It’s just a cheeky high kick, a flip and a lip! So just get into it.”
      He added: “I was aware of the fact it might have some noise but we’ve been able to manage it and it’s not defining my journey.
      “What’s defining my journey is what we’ve been able to do and who we’ve been able to inspire, not people that are keyboard warriors. They’re just a percentage.
      “When I am out on the streets, it’s woah! I was shopping on Sunday in Selfridges doing my thing and the love, I tell you, is crazy.
      “I’m going to look back on my Strictly journey and smile. I’m not going to be thinking about no trolls, let’s just say that.” More

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      Jade Goody’s mum Jackiey Budden wipes away tears as she visits daughter’s grave ahead of Bobby Brazier’s Strictly final

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      JADE Goody’s mum made an emotional visit to her grave yesterday – ahead of son Bobby Brazier’s Strictly final.And a poignant message told how the pin-up dancer is ‘Doing Jade Proud’.
      Jade Goody’s devastated mum Jackiey Budden lays a heartbreaking tribute at her late daughter’s graveCredit: Click News and Media
      Jackiey laid down a picture of Bobby and dance partner Diane BuswellCredit: Click News and Media
      The caption was on a snap of Bobby and dance partner Diane Buswell, who are 14/1 outsiders to win tonight’s Glitterball Trophy.
      Jackiey Budden wiped away a tear as she left the snap, a miniature Christmas tree and cards at her reality TV star daughter’s final resting place.
      And among the poignant trinkets was another photo of young Bobby, who dances for Strictly immortality.
      Grandmother Jackiey rested a Christmas wreath against Jade’s gravestone while trees nearby were decorated with tinsel and festive elfs.
      READ MORE ON BOBBY BRAZIER
      She spent an hour in quiet solitude in the idyllic Essex churchyard, at times gently resting a hand on her daughter’s commemoration.
      Former Celebrity Big Brother candidate Jackiey, 66, has been banned from the BBC’s live shows following her long-running feud with Bobby’s father, sports presenter Jeff Brazier.
      She told The Sun: “Unfortunately I haven’t seen Bobby live.
      “I would have loved to, but it’s just one of those things. I’ve been supporting him from home, watching every moment.”
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      Jade, also mum to Freddie Brazier, 19, tragically died of cervical cancer in 2009.
      Her mother will cheer Bobby, 20, on from her sofa as he does battle on the dancefloor with Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, and favourites Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
      Jackiey’s daughter Jade died of cancer in 2009Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle spotted with rarely seen ex fiancé and Strictly star Jason Bell

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      GIRLS Aloud star Nadine Coyle has been spotted with her ex partner and Strictly star Jason Bell.The pair called it quits in 2019 after 11 years together and share daughter Anaíya who was born in 2014.
      Nadine Coyle has been spotted with her daughter Anaíya and ex partner Jason BellCredit: w8media
      Nadine and Jason are not romantically involved but are very close and share co-parenting dutiesCredit: w8media
      The couple were previously engaged
      The Irish beauty and Californian native took their nine-year-old to Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park when they were spotted among the crowds who were queuing for rides.
      The trio wrapped up in dark puffer coats, and Nadine mathched hers with a cream beret hat.
      Jason, 45, was almost unrecognisable from his Strictly days, wearing a pair of stylish thick frames.
      The pair have been sharing parenting duties as they raise their daughter Anaíya.
      READ MORE ON GIRLS ALOUD
      While Jason and Nadine aren’t together romantically, the pair are still very amicable and share parenting responsibilities.
      Former Strictly star Jason and singer Nadine – who is going on tour next yar – even lived together during the Covid pandemic.
      She previously told the Irish Sun: “I know people who are actual single mothers who have to do everything themselves so everything falls on them.
      “And that is not the situation that I’m in. I’ve been so lucky that since Anaiya was really young my mum’s just amazing with kids, and also I have a great relationship with Jason.”
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      Jaon previously told the Sunday World: “My daughter is Irish and whatever happens in her life, she will always have that privilege.
      “She spends most of her time in Ireland and that’s her identity. I’m so happy for that.”
      The NFL player added: “There is no better thing for a father than to have an Irish daughter and I look forward to spending a lot of time over there with her as she grows up.
      “He’s here now, he has Anaiya on the trampoline, it’s very nice, it works very well, so I feel, I can’t wear the crown of the single mother that’s doing everything and manages to pull off school and work and homework and baths and dinner and washing and keeping a household.
      “I’m not having to do all of that, whereas there are people I know who are doing that and they really deserve that crown, doing an amazing job.”
      Nadine has praised Jason for being there for themCredit: w8media
      Jason danced with Luba Mushtu on Strictly in 2020Credit: PA More

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      BBC Breakfast star finally returns to the show after co-host took swipe at her absence

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      BBC Breakfast finally welcomed longtime host Sally Nugent back onto the red sofa.The journalist and presenter previously took a break from presenting the show for another work commitment.
      Sally Nugent returned to BBC Breakfast following a scheduled absenceCredit: BBC
      The anchor appeared in the Manchester studio after taking time away from the showCredit: BBC
      Sally, 52, had a scheduled leave of absence after she was asked to take part in the Christmas Special of Strictly Come Dancing.
      She was forced to temporarily leave the programme as she made her way to filming of the primetime show at Elstree Studios.
      The star was also busy in training for the programme as BBC Breakfast is filmed up in Media City near Manchester.
      But the anchor made her triumphant return to the flagship breakfast show for Monday’s edition at the start of the week.
      READ MORE ON BBC BREAKFAST
      Some viewers took to X – formerly known as Twitter – as they praised her return to the airwaves.
      One fan posted: “It’s good to see Sally Nugent back on the BBC Breakfast sofa where she belongs. Yes for the girls Sal! #BBCBreakfast
      A second exclaimed: “I cannot wait for the #Strictly Christmas special. Seeing Sally back on #BBCBreakfast has made me excited for it. It’s must watch TV every year.”
      They added: “Also glad to see Sally back where she belongs on the sofa.”
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      This comes after her co-host Jon Kay, 54, took a veiled swipe at her absence as he gushed about his co-stars.
      He took to social media as he penned a heartfelt tribute to the stand-in anchors as she temporarily departed the show.
      The presenter appeared on the airwaves alongside the likes of Sarah Campbell, Tina Daheley and Rachel Burden.
      Jon posted a beaming collage of images with the trio on Instagram as he praised their hosting skills.
      He wrote: “Big thanks to my three brilliant #bbcbreakfast co-hosts this week while the wonderful @sallynugenttv is tripping the light fantastic on #strictlycomedancing 💃✨.
      “Sarah Campbell, Tina Daheley and Rachel Burden are all great journalists, great presenters and great fun.
      “We’re lucky to have them as friends – and as part of the Breakfast family.
      Sally enjoyed the company of Jon Kay who previously took a veilied swipe at her absenceCredit: BBC
      He posted a gushing tribute to her stand in presenters on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @jonkay01
      Sally was one of the star names announced to take part in the Christmas special of Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA More

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      ‘Annabel is GONE’ rant furious Strictly fans as they spot ‘clue’ ahead of Saturday’s semi-final

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      STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have issued predictions for Saturday night’s semi final, and it isn’t looking good for Annabel Croft. The former tennis star has some stiff competition against EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, West End Superstar Layton Williams and Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach.
      Strictly Come Dancing fans are worried about former tennis star Annabel CroftCredit: BBC
      She will take to the floor with both the Salsa and the Viennese Waltz for the semi-finalCredit: PA
      This week each couple will take to the BBC dancefloor multiple times as they show off their skills in two seperate dancers.
      Annabel, 57, and her partner Johannes Radebe, 36, will first dance the Salsa to Gloria Estefan’s hit song, ‘You’ll Be Mine (Party Time)’, their latin number.
      She will then flaunt how far she has come with her ballroom skills with a Viennese Waltz to ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want’ by Amelia Warner.
      After her choices were revealed, Strictly Come Dancing fans took to social media in their droves as they are worried for the star.
      READ MORE ON STRICTLY
      Some of her followers are worried in particular that her Viennese Waltz will not live up to the show-stopping elements of some of her competitors.
      One fan wrote on X – formerly known as Twitter: “Praying for Annabel, I might need to create burners to vote for her on Saturday.”
      A second user stated: “Sadly, Annabelle is doomed.”
      “Annabel… she’ll be great at the VW. tho I feel like since her couple’s choice, all her ballroom has been samey. I’m worried for her with the salsa,” wrote a third fan.
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      A fourth proclaimed: “Ellie and Annabel has been screwed over!”
      And a fifth user said: “Annabel’s going to have a rough time with the Salsa, I predict.”
      The fan added: “And the Viennese Waltz will have to be killer to compete against some of the probable showstoppers other couples have.”
      Ellie Leach, 22, and her partner Vito Coppola will take to the floor with a Cha-cha-cha, and then they will show off their Couple’s Choice to a Dua Lipa medley.
      Layton Williams, 29, will take to the floor with a fast-paced Charleston, and will then slow down the pace with Rumba.
      Finally, Bobby Brazier, 20, will attempt to impress the judges with his Quickstep, followed by a strong Paso doble.
      Annabel has made it to the semi-finals of Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA
      Layton Williams will try to impress with a Charleston and a RumbaCredit: PA
      Current front-runner Ellie Leach will be competing for a space in the highly-anticipates Strictly finalCredit: PA More

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      Oti Mabuse shows off her incredible curves as she strips down to her underwear

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      OTI Mabuse has wowed fans by stripping down to her underwear for a series of sizzling snaps.The former Strictly star, 33, who is currently pregnant, has shared a pre-pregnancy shoot for lingerie brand Bravissimo and looks amazing.
      Oti Mabuse looks incredible in the Bravissimo collectionCredit: Instagram
      The curvy star shot the campaign prior to announcing her pregnancyCredit: Instagram
      Oti strikes a pose in this emerald green numberCredit: Instagram
      Oti poses up a storm in her skimpies, confidently sporting a variety of bras and knickers for the campaign.
      The Dancing On Ice judge models a dusky pink lingerie set, with cut-out straps around her cleavage and wrapping around her belly button.
      She wears an oversized white ‘boyfriend’s shirt open over the top, handing off her shoulders.
      The busty star also sports a purple set, which features embroidered detail, a matching green two-piece, and a racy red bra with pink shorts.
      read more on Oti Mabuse
      Oti said of the campaign: “I love Bravissimo. I’ve always found something that fits me, that’s comfortable and gives me confidence.
      ‘My whole collection has been designed to empower women and I’m so proud of it. I feel like there’s something for everybody, whether you have fair or dark skin there is something for you.’
      The presenter added: ‘Working with a brand whose focus is on women feeling strong, beautiful, and empowered is something I’m hugely proud of.”
      Oti revealed she is pregnant with her first child back in August.
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      The former Strictly professional made the surprise announcement live on air on her ITV weekend breakfast show.
      Oti has been married to husband and fellow professional dancer Marius Lepure since 2014 and he appeared on the show too.
      The couple were discussing their life together off camera when they dropped the surprise news.
      Oti cuddled up to Marius and said: “Speaking of things that you didn’t know at home, we have a little something for all of you, we’ve been holding some good news.
      “We’re having a baby!”
      The couple then shared a big hug as her guests and the show’s crew cheered.
      The former Strictly pro looks happy and confident in the shotsCredit: Instagram
      She announced her pregnancy back in AugustCredit: Instagram More