Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) is sending out unsolicited applications for mail-in ballots to voters in his district, even after he supported a state law that banned local election officials from the same practice, The Texas Tribune reports.
Last September, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 1, which made it a felony for officials to send out ballot applications to voters who didn’t request them. Passed by Texas Republicans in a party-line vote after a delayed process that saw dozens of Democratic lawmakers leave the state in protest, the...
Last September, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 1, which made it a felony for officials to send out ballot applications to voters who didn’t request them. Passed by Texas Republicans in a party-line vote after a delayed process that saw dozens of Democratic lawmakers leave the state in protest, the...
- 1/27/2022
- by William Vaillancourt
- Rollingstone.com
Ola Jordan is quitting 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 33-year-old dancer is the longest-serving female professional on the prime-time show but has grown sick of tensions with bosses and will leave at the end of the current series. The blonde beauty has featured on the programme since 2006 and won the competition with broadcaster Chris Hollins in 2009 but has had a souring relationship with show bosses after her dancer husband James Jordan, 37, was axed last year. A source said: ''This has been on the cards a while. She's very loyal to James so when he was forced out it left a sour...
- 11/14/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Watchdog has announced its brand new presenting team after Anne Robinson announced her departure earlier this month.
Sophie Raworth and Michelle Ackerley will join Matt Allwright and Chris Hollins for the new run of the consumer show, which kicks off on Thursday, October 8 at 8pm on BBC One.
"Watchdog is the reason I got into television," said Raworth. "After doing two weeks work experience on the programme when I was 16, I was determined to become a journalist.
"I've presented Watchdog Daily and Test House for the past three years. I'm delighted to have been asked to join Matt, Chris and Michelle for the new series. It feels like I've come full circle."
Ackerley added: "I'm passionate about uncovering and investigating new stories and excited to work with Matt, Chris and Sophie. I'm genuinely excited to be part of such a fantastic team."
Head of Commissioning for factual formats at the...
Sophie Raworth and Michelle Ackerley will join Matt Allwright and Chris Hollins for the new run of the consumer show, which kicks off on Thursday, October 8 at 8pm on BBC One.
"Watchdog is the reason I got into television," said Raworth. "After doing two weeks work experience on the programme when I was 16, I was determined to become a journalist.
"I've presented Watchdog Daily and Test House for the past three years. I'm delighted to have been asked to join Matt, Chris and Michelle for the new series. It feels like I've come full circle."
Ackerley added: "I'm passionate about uncovering and investigating new stories and excited to work with Matt, Chris and Sophie. I'm genuinely excited to be part of such a fantastic team."
Head of Commissioning for factual formats at the...
- 9/25/2015
- Digital Spy
Anne Robinson, the long-serving presenter of BBC One's consumer show Watchdog, is leaving the programme after 15 years as its host.
Following the success of her primetime series Britain's Spending Secrets, which aired to strong ratings on BBC One this summer, Robinson is departing to make a brand new factual series for the channel to air in 2016.
"It's been an honour to be part of the most important consumer show in Britain," said the former Weakest Link host, who returned to Watchdog in 2009 after an eight-year break.
"Annie is a much-treasured part of the BBC One family and I'm grateful for everything she has done on Watchdog for nearly 15 years," added BBC One controller Charlotte Moore.
"I'm looking forward to her returning to the channel with a new factual series next year."
Matt Allwright and Chris Hollins will be staying with Watchdog, and the rest of the new presenting line-up will be announced soon.
Following the success of her primetime series Britain's Spending Secrets, which aired to strong ratings on BBC One this summer, Robinson is departing to make a brand new factual series for the channel to air in 2016.
"It's been an honour to be part of the most important consumer show in Britain," said the former Weakest Link host, who returned to Watchdog in 2009 after an eight-year break.
"Annie is a much-treasured part of the BBC One family and I'm grateful for everything she has done on Watchdog for nearly 15 years," added BBC One controller Charlotte Moore.
"I'm looking forward to her returning to the channel with a new factual series next year."
Matt Allwright and Chris Hollins will be staying with Watchdog, and the rest of the new presenting line-up will be announced soon.
- 9/10/2015
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing is still months away, but the rumours about which celebrities could be taking part this year are really starting to heat up now - and they've been going since January. So it felt like a good time to start to put together all the speculation we've heard to see if we can figure out who'll be hitting the ballroom in the new series.
Strictly Come Dancing: This is how they keep the celebrities taking part a secret
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' changes of topping BBC One's dance-off
With all the contestants now confirmed, check out the lineup below - and lament what could have been with the rumours that didn't become a reality. Oh well, there's always the Christmas special...
Confirmed
Rumoured
Confirmed contestants
Jeremy Vine
King of the swingometer Jeremy became the first celebrity confirmed for Strictly on August 10.
The...
Strictly Come Dancing: This is how they keep the celebrities taking part a secret
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' changes of topping BBC One's dance-off
With all the contestants now confirmed, check out the lineup below - and lament what could have been with the rumours that didn't become a reality. Oh well, there's always the Christmas special...
Confirmed
Rumoured
Confirmed contestants
Jeremy Vine
King of the swingometer Jeremy became the first celebrity confirmed for Strictly on August 10.
The...
- 8/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Louis Smith has won the all-star Strictly Come Dancing 2014 Christmas Special.
The 2012 champion and his partner Aliona Vilani earned a perfect score of 40 points from the judges for their quickstep to 'Jingle Bells'.
"It's a nice present, I am not going to lie!" said the gymnast. "We've had such a fun time, although the first week of rehearsals was hard.
"But since then we have just been chilling out, laughing and giggling, messing around on the dance floor, it's been really good fun."
Sophie Ellis Bextor, Lisa Riley, Rachel Stevens, Chris Hollins and Russell Grant completed the lineup of celebrity contestants from previous series.
Sir Bruce Forsyth also returned to the Strictly ballroom alongside Tess Daly to host this year's Christmas Special.
After watching all the dances, the studio audience cast their votes for their favourite couple.
The audience's vote was then combined with the judges scores to...
The 2012 champion and his partner Aliona Vilani earned a perfect score of 40 points from the judges for their quickstep to 'Jingle Bells'.
"It's a nice present, I am not going to lie!" said the gymnast. "We've had such a fun time, although the first week of rehearsals was hard.
"But since then we have just been chilling out, laughing and giggling, messing around on the dance floor, it's been really good fun."
Sophie Ellis Bextor, Lisa Riley, Rachel Stevens, Chris Hollins and Russell Grant completed the lineup of celebrity contestants from previous series.
Sir Bruce Forsyth also returned to the Strictly ballroom alongside Tess Daly to host this year's Christmas Special.
After watching all the dances, the studio audience cast their votes for their favourite couple.
The audience's vote was then combined with the judges scores to...
- 12/25/2014
- Digital Spy
It started at the end of the summer, and now we're just days (you could even count in hours if you're really keen) away from Christmas Day. And like the arrival of Santa down the chimney, we couldn't be much more excited about the Strictly Come Dancing 2014 finale.
Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe, Frankie Bridge and Mark Wright are this year's Final 4 preparing to duke it out on the dancefloor and shake their tailfeathers until they won't shake no more for our votes.
Why Mark Wright should win Strictly
Why Frankie Bridge should win Strictly
Why Simon Webbe should win Strictly
Why Caroline Flack should win Strictly
Only one person can win and although Caroline and Frankie are the clear bookies' favourites, they are by no means home and dry. It will probably come down to those dreaded showdances, which can make or break a celebrities whole Strictly journey.
Join us...
Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe, Frankie Bridge and Mark Wright are this year's Final 4 preparing to duke it out on the dancefloor and shake their tailfeathers until they won't shake no more for our votes.
Why Mark Wright should win Strictly
Why Frankie Bridge should win Strictly
Why Simon Webbe should win Strictly
Why Caroline Flack should win Strictly
Only one person can win and although Caroline and Frankie are the clear bookies' favourites, they are by no means home and dry. It will probably come down to those dreaded showdances, which can make or break a celebrities whole Strictly journey.
Join us...
- 12/20/2014
- Digital Spy
It started at the end of the summer, and now we're just days (you could even count in hours if you're really keen) away from Christmas Day. And like the arrival of Santa down the chimney, we couldn't be much more excited about the Strictly Come Dancing 2014 finale.
Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe, Frankie Bridge and Mark Wright are this year's Final 4 preparing to duke it out on the dancefloor and shake their tailfeathers until they won't shake no more for our votes.
Why Mark Wright should win Strictly
Why Frankie Bridge should win Strictly
Why Simon Webbe should win Strictly
Why Caroline Flack should win Strictly
Only one person can win and although Caroline and Frankie are the clear bookies' favourites, they are by no means home and dry. It will probably come down to those dreaded showdances, which can make or break a celebrities whole Strictly journey.
Join us...
Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe, Frankie Bridge and Mark Wright are this year's Final 4 preparing to duke it out on the dancefloor and shake their tailfeathers until they won't shake no more for our votes.
Why Mark Wright should win Strictly
Why Frankie Bridge should win Strictly
Why Simon Webbe should win Strictly
Why Caroline Flack should win Strictly
Only one person can win and although Caroline and Frankie are the clear bookies' favourites, they are by no means home and dry. It will probably come down to those dreaded showdances, which can make or break a celebrities whole Strictly journey.
Join us...
- 12/20/2014
- Digital Spy
The lineup for the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced.
The festive edition of the show will feature six returning celebrities from previous series performing a pantomime-inspired yuletide routine with professional dancers.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, while Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor will be dancing together.
Rachel Stevens has been coupled with Tristan MacManus. Meanwhile, Louis Smith is hitting the dance floor with Aliona Vilani.
Chris Hollins's partner will be Iveta Lukosiute, and Russell Grant is paired with Joanne Clifton.
The special will air on Christmas Day.
Rufus Hound and Flavia Cacace won the one-off show in 2013. Their waltz earned them 38 points from the judges.
The current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (November 15) at 7pm on BBC One.
The festive edition of the show will feature six returning celebrities from previous series performing a pantomime-inspired yuletide routine with professional dancers.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, while Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor will be dancing together.
Rachel Stevens has been coupled with Tristan MacManus. Meanwhile, Louis Smith is hitting the dance floor with Aliona Vilani.
Chris Hollins's partner will be Iveta Lukosiute, and Russell Grant is paired with Joanne Clifton.
The special will air on Christmas Day.
Rufus Hound and Flavia Cacace won the one-off show in 2013. Their waltz earned them 38 points from the judges.
The current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (November 15) at 7pm on BBC One.
- 11/13/2014
- Digital Spy
After all the excitement about the Strictly Come Dancing launch last weekend, we've now got to wait a couple of weeks to discover who can dance and who can... waddle around a floor, badly (We're looking at you, Gregg Wallace).
In the meantime, we've had the ultimate Strictly pub debate - yes, we talk about Strictly in the pub - who is the greatest champion of all time. Here is the Definitive* ranking of the 11 Glitterball Champions from Worst to the Best.
*Actually just our opinion.
11. Chris Hollins
You can't win Strictly Come Dancing and be a bad dancer. However, Chris Hollins would have struggled to reach the final in any other series and it was only really his partnership with Ola 'Chops' Jordan and the dull competition that allowed him to stroll (or should that be Charleston?) to victory.
10. Tom Chambers
Were Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup the best dancers in 2008? Probably not.
In the meantime, we've had the ultimate Strictly pub debate - yes, we talk about Strictly in the pub - who is the greatest champion of all time. Here is the Definitive* ranking of the 11 Glitterball Champions from Worst to the Best.
*Actually just our opinion.
11. Chris Hollins
You can't win Strictly Come Dancing and be a bad dancer. However, Chris Hollins would have struggled to reach the final in any other series and it was only really his partnership with Ola 'Chops' Jordan and the dull competition that allowed him to stroll (or should that be Charleston?) to victory.
10. Tom Chambers
Were Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup the best dancers in 2008? Probably not.
- 9/13/2014
- Digital Spy
The launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2014 is now only a week away and the lineup of celebrities has been revealed in full.
Among the 15 stars are a Radio 1 DJ, three popstars, a former Towie, an EastEnder and a rugby ace. The fake tan is being slapped on and the glittery costumes are being dusted off for another year, but are you excited about this new lineup of twinkled-toed celebs?
The Strictly lineup is never exactly a who's who of Hollywood stars - Chris Hollins won the thing one year, for Christ's sake - but is a bill featuring Mark 'ITV2' Wright and former Big Brother contestant Alison Hammond a step too far down the showbiz ladder for your tastes?
Or are you excited about the prospect of a glittery Latin head-to-head between Frankie Saturday, Pixie Lott and Caroline Flack, and a ballroom battle between Simon Webbe, Thom Evans and Jake Wood?...
Among the 15 stars are a Radio 1 DJ, three popstars, a former Towie, an EastEnder and a rugby ace. The fake tan is being slapped on and the glittery costumes are being dusted off for another year, but are you excited about this new lineup of twinkled-toed celebs?
The Strictly lineup is never exactly a who's who of Hollywood stars - Chris Hollins won the thing one year, for Christ's sake - but is a bill featuring Mark 'ITV2' Wright and former Big Brother contestant Alison Hammond a step too far down the showbiz ladder for your tastes?
Or are you excited about the prospect of a glittery Latin head-to-head between Frankie Saturday, Pixie Lott and Caroline Flack, and a ballroom battle between Simon Webbe, Thom Evans and Jake Wood?...
- 8/29/2014
- Digital Spy
Ashley Taylor Dawson picks... Ricky Whittle
"Obviously Ricky Whittle was fantastic when he did it. He has real rhythm, and that's something hopefully I can learn, because you're sort of born with it, aren't you? I think he's one to look up to for me. He is one who led the field."
Fiona Fullerton picks.... Kara Tointon
"I absolutely loved Kara Tointon. I thought she was wonderful. She had such grace and was really the epitome of Strictly. I think she was probably one of the loveliest contestants."
Natalie Gumede picks... Jill Halfpenny
"I think Jill Halfpenny from series two was the first time we really saw somebody who had that passion and style in them, and it was wonderful to see. It was joyous."
Patrick Robinson picks... Mark Ramprakash
"I just have to say Mark Ramprakash, because he was so fabulous, and I played football with him for the Arsenal ex-professional and celebrity team.
"Obviously Ricky Whittle was fantastic when he did it. He has real rhythm, and that's something hopefully I can learn, because you're sort of born with it, aren't you? I think he's one to look up to for me. He is one who led the field."
Fiona Fullerton picks.... Kara Tointon
"I absolutely loved Kara Tointon. I thought she was wonderful. She had such grace and was really the epitome of Strictly. I think she was probably one of the loveliest contestants."
Natalie Gumede picks... Jill Halfpenny
"I think Jill Halfpenny from series two was the first time we really saw somebody who had that passion and style in them, and it was wonderful to see. It was joyous."
Patrick Robinson picks... Mark Ramprakash
"I just have to say Mark Ramprakash, because he was so fabulous, and I played football with him for the Arsenal ex-professional and celebrity team.
- 9/3/2013
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 11th series in September and the show is amazingly still in brilliant health. It topped the ratings in 2012 and the nation appears to have fallen back in love with a programme that looked like it was on the way out only a few years ago (that Chris Hollins and Ricky Whittle final... oh dear).
Over the last decade, the BBC and rival channels have attempted time and time again to cash in on Strictly-mania. Strictly Dance Fever (argh). DanceX (ugh). So You Think You Can Dance (huge in America, humongous flop in the UK). That Don't Stop Believing nonsense on Channel 5 (our eyes! Our eyes!).
Not deterred by this long list of lame imitations, ITV is having another crack this autumn. Stepping Out is essentially just Strictly, but without the professional dancers.
Instead we get to see celebrities (Brian McFadden - whoo the glamour!
Over the last decade, the BBC and rival channels have attempted time and time again to cash in on Strictly-mania. Strictly Dance Fever (argh). DanceX (ugh). So You Think You Can Dance (huge in America, humongous flop in the UK). That Don't Stop Believing nonsense on Channel 5 (our eyes! Our eyes!).
Not deterred by this long list of lame imitations, ITV is having another crack this autumn. Stepping Out is essentially just Strictly, but without the professional dancers.
Instead we get to see celebrities (Brian McFadden - whoo the glamour!
- 8/16/2013
- Digital Spy
Madness will help close BBC Television Centre with a gig from the car park outside the iconic building.
Suggs's '80s pop collective will perform a concert that will act as a warm-up for a final two-hour pre-recorded show about the broadcaster's studios, Goodbye TV Centre.
Airing in March, the show will celebrate the BBC's flagship studios, looking back at events such as the power cut on the launch night of BBC Two, and visiting the studios used for Monty Python's parrot sketch, Del Boy's living room, Miranda's shop and the corridors that Alan Partridge ran down with his stolen Stilton.
Guests who joined former BBC chairman Michael Grade on the sofa include Penelope Keith, Ronnie Corbett, David Mitchell, Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Mark Lawson, David Jason and Zoe Ball.
Completing the lineup are Phillip Schofield, Gary Lineker, Chris Hollins, Bob Harris and Fiona Bruce.
BBC Television Centre opened on...
Suggs's '80s pop collective will perform a concert that will act as a warm-up for a final two-hour pre-recorded show about the broadcaster's studios, Goodbye TV Centre.
Airing in March, the show will celebrate the BBC's flagship studios, looking back at events such as the power cut on the launch night of BBC Two, and visiting the studios used for Monty Python's parrot sketch, Del Boy's living room, Miranda's shop and the corridors that Alan Partridge ran down with his stolen Stilton.
Guests who joined former BBC chairman Michael Grade on the sofa include Penelope Keith, Ronnie Corbett, David Mitchell, Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Mark Lawson, David Jason and Zoe Ball.
Completing the lineup are Phillip Schofield, Gary Lineker, Chris Hollins, Bob Harris and Fiona Bruce.
BBC Television Centre opened on...
- 2/27/2013
- Digital Spy
BBC Four has confirmed the details of Goodbye Television Centre, a final 120-minute show bidding farewell to the broadcaster's iconic building.
David Attenborough, Jeremy Paxman and Noel Edmonds are among the talent who will join former BBC chairman Michael Grade at BBC's Studio One to talk about their favourite memories of TV Centre.
Airing in March, the show will celebrate the BBC's flagship studios, looking back at events such as the power cut on the launch night of BBC Two, and visiting the studios used for Monty Python's parrot sketch, Del Boy's living room, Miranda's shop and the corridors that Alan Partridge ran down with his stolen Stilton.
Other guests confirmed to join Grade on the sofa include Penelope Keith, Ronnie Corbett, David Mitchell, Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Mark Lawson, Richard Briers, David Jason and Zoe Ball.
Completing the lineup are Phillip Schofield, Gary Lineker, Chris Hollins, Bob Harris and Fiona Bruce.
David Attenborough, Jeremy Paxman and Noel Edmonds are among the talent who will join former BBC chairman Michael Grade at BBC's Studio One to talk about their favourite memories of TV Centre.
Airing in March, the show will celebrate the BBC's flagship studios, looking back at events such as the power cut on the launch night of BBC Two, and visiting the studios used for Monty Python's parrot sketch, Del Boy's living room, Miranda's shop and the corridors that Alan Partridge ran down with his stolen Stilton.
Other guests confirmed to join Grade on the sofa include Penelope Keith, Ronnie Corbett, David Mitchell, Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Mark Lawson, Richard Briers, David Jason and Zoe Ball.
Completing the lineup are Phillip Schofield, Gary Lineker, Chris Hollins, Bob Harris and Fiona Bruce.
- 2/13/2013
- Digital Spy
Lorraine Kelly has landed the job of hosting ITV1's flagship breakfast show Daybreak, say reports. Kelly has been linked to the series for a number of months following the departures of original hosts Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley. According to The Mirror, Kelly now has the job and there are four men in line to join her on the breakfast sofa. Former Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins, Katherine Jenkins's ex-lover Gethin Jones, Five News's Matt Barbet and ITV correspondent Keir Simmons are apparently the final four contenders for the gig. A source told the tabloid: "Lorraine is a tried-and-tested favourite with viewers. Some will say that we're playing it rather safe (more)...
- 3/27/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Chris Hollins has made his final appearance on BBC Breakfast. The morning programme's sports correspondent appeared on the show for the last time, having originally joined in 2005. He told fellow hosts Bill Turnbull and Louise Minchin: "I'm actually very touched, my first Ob (outside broadcast) was in the Isle of Wight. It all went wrong, I should have known then what was going to happen in the next seven years." He joked: "I've gained a couple of chins over the past seven years." Talking about his favourite moments on the show, he said: "I've covered two fantastic (more)...
- 3/21/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Sian Williams has made her final appearance on the BBC Breakfast sofa. The broadcaster - who vowed not to cry on the show earlier this week - welled up as her co-presenters Bill Turnbull, Chris Hollins and Carol Kirkwood said their goodbyes. "Thank you, you have been brilliant for 11 years," she told her co-hosts and production team. She told Turnbull: "We've been friends for 20 years, and you're still my best friend. "Thank you to the viewers for being loyal and passionate and caring about the programme. I've had two children on this sofa, not literally. "You've been such a wonderful audience, (more)...
- 3/15/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Chris Hollins has revealed that he would love to take over from Bruce Forsyth on Strictly Come Dancing. Forsyth's future on the BBC One reality show has been the source of much tabloid speculation over recent years, but following his knighthood in June, rumours that he may be considering leaving the show have become more rampant. Ex-Strictly champion and TV presenter Hollins has thrown his hat into the ring as a possible replacement for the Generation Game TV legend. "Do you know what, I would love to do that. That would be a dream come true," Hollins told Digital Spy. "Not only to follow in Sir Brucie's footsteps - he's a big hero of mine - but just to host one of the best shows on telly. Of course, I'd love it." Hollins, who will return to BBC One next month in daytime TV series Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen,...
- 9/30/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Cash In The Attic has been dropped by the BBC after nine years. The daytime series sees antiques experts examining viewers' belongings to see what could make money at an auction. A rotating group of stars including Jennie Bond, Angela Rippon, Gloria Hunniford and Chris Hollins present the show. Ben Fogle also used to host the series. However, the programme has now been cancelled, The Mirror reports. "Cash In The Attic has had a tremendous run, but the show has been taken as far as it can and (more)...
- 7/11/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Cash In The Attic has been dropped by the BBC after nine years. The daytime series sees antiques experts examining viewers' belongings to see what could make money at an auction. A rotating group of stars including Jennie Bond, Angela Rippon, Gloria Hunniford and Chris Hollins present the show. Ben Fogle also used to host the series. However, the programme has now been cancelled, The Mirror reports. "Cash In The Attic has had a tremendous run, but the show has been taken as far as it can (more)...
- 7/11/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Daybreak bosses are reportedly planning to hire BBC Breakfast's Chris Hollins for a "significant role" on the breakfast programme. Hollins has announced that he will not be part of the BBC show when it moves to Manchester next year. The Sun claims that he could now be brought in to Daybreak, working alongside Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles. "The feeling is that Adrian is the main issue as audience research keeps showing him up as being grumpy," a source told the paper. "Hollins is the complete opposite - perky, engaging and a big hit among the breakfast audience, which (more)...
- 6/16/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
BBC One controller Danny Cohen has said that he is not worried about the effect losing presenter Sian Williams will have on BBC Breakfast. Williams, who co-hosts the show with Bill Turnbull, confirmed earlier this month that she is quitting the programme ahead of its move north to Manchester. The BBC revealed that the host and sports presenter Chris Hollins are among 54% of the morning show's team who have declined to relocate to Salford next year. However, according (more)...
- 4/28/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Sian Williams and Chris Hollins will leave BBC Breakfast when the show moves to Salford in 2012, reports have confirmed. Following recent reports speculating that neither Williams nor Hollins would relocate to Salford, the BBC has revealed that 54% of staff working on the BBC One morning show will not take part in the move to MediaCity UK. Williams said in a statement: "Sadly, family reasons mean I can't move to Salford with the programme next year. "My son will be in the middle of A-level exams, another will have just started school and our family also needs to be close to elderly parents in the south-east." Sports presenter Chris Hollins has also declined to make the move north for family reasons. However, the BBC confirmed (more)...
- 4/1/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Sian Williams is one of a host of 'BBC Breakfast' presenters prepared to quit rather than move to Manchester. The popular mother-of-four has decided not to move her family to the city when the morning show relocates to Salford Quays later this year, while sports presenter Chris Hollins has also refused to leave London. However Sian's co-host Bill Turnbull will relocate. While Sian's agent admitted she will not be taking part in the show once it moves to Salford Quays, he insisted she has simply grown tired of early starts. He explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "This is not about going...
- 3/29/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Sian Williams is one of a host of 'BBC Breakfast' presenters prepared to quit rather than move to Manchester. The popular mother-of-four has decided not to move her family to the city when the morning show relocates to Salford Quays later this year, while sports presenter Chris Hollins has also refused to leave London. However Sian's co-host Bill Turnbull will relocate. While Sian's agent admitted she will not be taking part in the show once it moves to Salford Quays, he insisted she has simply grown tired of early starts. He explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "This is not about going...
- 3/27/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Ricky Whittle has claimed that Strictly Come Dancing is fixed and that the contestants are manipulated by the show. The ex-Hollyoaks actor competed in the show last year and came second to eventual winner Chris Hollins. However, according to the Daily Star, Whittle has hit out at the BBC show for making it appear that he was having an affair with his dance partner Natalie Lowe. "They didn't intend for me to get past the opening stages," he said. "We were there to be 'the affair' and leave pretty quickly, but our routines were too good. They never expected me to reach the final. "You get there and they tell you not to worry about a thing, not to worry about reports in the press, but then they manipulate it all themselves." He continued: "There is going to be obvious chemistry when you dance. You have to touch one...
- 12/9/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing pro Ola Jordan has admitted that she is insecure about her body and weight. The pro dancer, who won the BBC reality show last year with Chris Hollins, claimed that she has the same body hang-ups about cellulite and stretch marks as every other woman. "I've never been overweight and I feel comfortable at the weight I am, but I always think I can be more toned. Don't we all?" she told Closer magazine. "I can't eat whatever I want just because of all the exercise I do. I have a big appetite and can eat for England. I don't want to be the person who goes for dinner (more)...
- 10/13/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ola Jordan has claimed that the Strictly Come Dancing judges were "harsh" on Paul Daniels at the weekend. Pro dancer Jordan, who won the series last year with Chris Hollins, claimed that the TV magician's 16 point total was unfair for a first dance of the series. "The judges were harsh," she told spinoff show It Takes Two. It went better than I thought it would. Paul was on time throughout, even in the bits where he was not in hold. 16 points (more)...
- 10/5/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris Hollins has claimed that the show will challenge The X Factor this year. Hollins, who triumphed with Ola Jordan in 2009, said that this year's lineup of celebrities is good enough to boost the BBC One programme's ratings. "I think this is going to be the hottest one yet. It has the best lineup ever and will give The X Factor a run for its money," he told the News of the World. "There's some real characters and genuine star quality, not to mention some amazing new dancers." Hollins said that he expects (more)...
- 9/13/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The pairings for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing have been announced as the show burst back on to the nation’s screens this weekend. With the show’s newly introduced format, the fourteen celebrities were partnered up with professionals in front of the cameras – allowing viewers to witness their reactions as they discovered their pairings for the first time.
The reveal saw The Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe partnering up with Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke, whilst Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson will be
dancing with Katya Virshilas. Tina O’Brien will take to the floor alongside Strictly newcomer and former High School Musical star Jared Murillo, and Paul Daniels will be working his magic with last year’s winner Ola Jordan. Felicity Kendal has been partnered with Vincent Simone, while Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff and Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan are also couples for the series. Scott Maslen...
The reveal saw The Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe partnering up with Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke, whilst Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson will be
dancing with Katya Virshilas. Tina O’Brien will take to the floor alongside Strictly newcomer and former High School Musical star Jared Murillo, and Paul Daniels will be working his magic with last year’s winner Ola Jordan. Felicity Kendal has been partnered with Vincent Simone, while Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff and Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan are also couples for the series. Scott Maslen...
- 9/11/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Chris Hollins has reportedly suggested that he is planning to leave BBC Breakfast. The sports presenter is unhappy about the show's upcoming move to Salford, The Sun claims. Hollins, who recently bought a new home in London, allegedly said: "No man in their right mind is going to buy a house 18 months before they are due to move to Manchester." The Strictly Come Dancing winner is reportedly also concerned that (more)...
- 8/2/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Jason Manford has been confirmed as the new host of 'The One Show'. The British comedian has beaten off competition from a range of presenters - including Chris Hollins, Richard Hammond, Andrew Castle, Matt Baker and Richard Madeley - to replace Adrian Chiles on the BBC's flagship early evening show alongside Christine Bleakley. Jason said: ''I am thrilled to be part of 'The One Show' team. My Dad put £10 at 500/1 that I'd get the job so it just made sense.'' The comic is said to be receiving a ''fraction'' of the departing host's rumoured £1 million salary, with insiders saying it was ..
- 5/26/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Paul Merton and Watchdog’s Matt Allwright have been confirmed as temporary hosts for The One Show after Adrian Chiles leaves on Friday. Matt will take over the BBC magazine show for two weeks starting on Monday, with Have I Got News For You team captain Paul filling in on the Thursday while Matt hosts Watchdog. The search for a permanent replacement is still in progress, with new names Rav Wilding and Jamie Theakston being thrown into the hat alongside Chris Hollins and Dermot O’Leary.
- 4/28/2010
- Sky TV
Louise Minchin was reportedly told to cover up by BBC bosses after showing too much cleavage on The One Show. The 42-year-old and Chris Hollins were standing in for regular presenters Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley when her £1,000 dress was deemed to be too revealing. A source told The Mail on Sunday: "Louise had bought this Alexander McQueen dress because she is a huge fan. She and Chris sat together to do a trail for The One Show. "It was only a couple of minutes before the show began, but there was a party political broadcast at 7pm and the producers and controllers didn't (more)...
- 4/18/2010
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris Hollins is to front The One Show next week, fuelling rumours that he is being lined up as a replacement for Adrian Chiles. According to The Mirror, Chiles has still not renewed his contract with the evening programme amid a row over plans to replace him with Chris Evans in Friday's episodes. In February, it was reported that Hollins is likely to take over from Chiles if the 43-year-old (more)...
- 4/9/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
It's a well known fact that the American's do reality TV waaay better than us. Where we get Chris Hollins doing a foxtrot, the Us gets Pamela Anderson and Nicole Scherzinger cha cha cha-ing. While we are wasting our time with the likes of Popstar To Operastar and Celeb Air, our friends on the other side of the Atlantic are chilling with sunshine-soaked scripted fluffiness like The Hills. The latest big thing in Us reality TV is MTV series Jersey Shore, which follows the lives of eight Italian-American dudes and dudettes during one summer in New Jersey. The stars use nicknames such as The Situation, Snooki and (more)...
- 3/18/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins has been tipped to take over as host of The One Show. According to the Daily Star, Hollins, 38, is already being lined up as a replacement for Adrian Chiles, who is reportedly unhappy with alterations to the BBC One magazine show. Tabloid reports this week have claimed that Chiles is contemplating leaving the programme, which he has anchored since 2006. The Match (more)...
- 2/26/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ricky Whittle was ''gutted'' to not win 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 'Hollyoaks' actor, who lost out in the final to BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins, admitted he set out to win the show. He said: ''I was gutted. I was honest from the start and said I wanted to win. But it was a perfect result. ''The people's champion won and I walked away with the top score. It's just that Chris has the title and the trophy. ''It was well deserved. He is a great dancer and performer.'' Ricky, 29, also mentioned his plans to head to Hollywood, and said he ..
- 2/5/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Brendan Cole has defended new Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon, saying that she coped well on her first series of the show.
Cole told Wales Online: “The BBC make their decision and we participate. Whatever decisions they make, they are doing it for the best interests of the viewers. Whether it’s good or bad, it’s not for us to get involved.
“From the start, Alesha was in a no-win situation. For the most part, she handled herself well and fitted in as if she had been there for years.”
On Chris Hollins winning the series, Cole said: “The final was phenomenal. Chris deserved to win. He worked hard to get there.”
Related posts:Strictly Come Dancing: Alesha Dixon Just Wants To Have Fun!Alesha Dixon Turns Down Gladiators On Sky OneStrictly Come Dancing: Alesha Dixon Favourite To WinMatt Di’Angelo Denies Alesha Dixon RomanceAlesha Dixon to quit Strictly Come Dancing?...
Cole told Wales Online: “The BBC make their decision and we participate. Whatever decisions they make, they are doing it for the best interests of the viewers. Whether it’s good or bad, it’s not for us to get involved.
“From the start, Alesha was in a no-win situation. For the most part, she handled herself well and fitted in as if she had been there for years.”
On Chris Hollins winning the series, Cole said: “The final was phenomenal. Chris deserved to win. He worked hard to get there.”
Related posts:Strictly Come Dancing: Alesha Dixon Just Wants To Have Fun!Alesha Dixon Turns Down Gladiators On Sky OneStrictly Come Dancing: Alesha Dixon Favourite To WinMatt Di’Angelo Denies Alesha Dixon RomanceAlesha Dixon to quit Strictly Come Dancing?...
- 1/13/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Anabel Kutay and Chris Piper have become the first contestants to leave BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance.
After performing a Samba and a Jive routine in the first live show, viewer votes left couples Hayley & Chris and Anabel & Drew having to ‘dance for their lives’ in solos in front of the judges. The four gave their all in the final thirty seconds to save their place in the competition, and judges chose to eliminate Anabel and Chris, saving Hayley and Drew.
Of the final performances from Hayley and Anabel, Nigel said:
“Hayley, you are a wonderful technician and you seem to pick up any genre you are given. If you are to stay in this competition though you are to add more Hayley into the performances.”
“Anabel you’re so beautiful you remind us all of Penelope Cruz, and we’ve always had so many high expectations for you.
After performing a Samba and a Jive routine in the first live show, viewer votes left couples Hayley & Chris and Anabel & Drew having to ‘dance for their lives’ in solos in front of the judges. The four gave their all in the final thirty seconds to save their place in the competition, and judges chose to eliminate Anabel and Chris, saving Hayley and Drew.
Of the final performances from Hayley and Anabel, Nigel said:
“Hayley, you are a wonderful technician and you seem to pick up any genre you are given. If you are to stay in this competition though you are to add more Hayley into the performances.”
“Anabel you’re so beautiful you remind us all of Penelope Cruz, and we’ve always had so many high expectations for you.
- 1/9/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Ali Bastian won the "Strictly Come Dancing" Christmas Special with her professional dancing partner Brian Fortuna. The couple scored a perfect 40 from the judges for their Viennese Waltz. The runner up was Ricky Whittle.
In the Christmas edition of the show, "The Bill" actress was voted the winner by the audience. Bastian and Fortuna danced their Viennese Waltz to The Eagles' "Please Come Home for Christmas." Former Strictly contestants took part including Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones.
The judges praised Bastian for her dance with Craig Revel Horwood calling it "stunning, gorgeous and an absolute classic." Bruno Tonioli added: "That was an impeccable Viennese Waltz of supreme beauty. You're superb; you're a fantastic dancer, technique and artistry all there to be seen." Bastian said "I can't believe it, thank you very much - this is fantastic," after being crowned the 2009 Christmas Winner.
Bastian came in third in this year's competition,...
In the Christmas edition of the show, "The Bill" actress was voted the winner by the audience. Bastian and Fortuna danced their Viennese Waltz to The Eagles' "Please Come Home for Christmas." Former Strictly contestants took part including Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones.
The judges praised Bastian for her dance with Craig Revel Horwood calling it "stunning, gorgeous and an absolute classic." Bruno Tonioli added: "That was an impeccable Viennese Waltz of supreme beauty. You're superb; you're a fantastic dancer, technique and artistry all there to be seen." Bastian said "I can't believe it, thank you very much - this is fantastic," after being crowned the 2009 Christmas Winner.
Bastian came in third in this year's competition,...
- 12/28/2009
- icelebz.com
BBC chiefs have promised to include a host of A-list names on next year's 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Producers admits that the stars of this year's series - which saw newsreader Chris Hollins and his professional dance partner Ola Jordan triumph last Saturday (19.12.09)- weren't high enough profile names and have promised to plough more cash to attract more famous celebrities. An insider told The Sun newspaper: ''It didn't take a genius to see the show had a rather C-list line-up this year. We wanted bigger names but our hands were tied because of the cash. ''At the start of the process, there is ..
- 12/23/2009
- Virgin Media - TV
Strictly Come Dancing bowed out with a series high on Saturday night, early figures suggest. The final results show - screened on BBC One between 8.40pm and 9.40pm - averaged 10.42m (42.3%). A peak audience of 11.41m (46.2%) were watching at 9.40pm when it was announced that Chris Hollins had triumphed over Ricky Whittle. Earlier, the final performances show brought in 10.05m (41.5%) between 6.35pm and 7.40pm. It followed on from the second series finale of Merlin, seen by 5.88m (27.9%). Also on BBC One on Saturday night, Casualty picked up 6.5m (27.8%) at 7.40pm, then the latest Lottery draw was seen by 6.28m (27.1%). After the Strictly result, an episode of Live At The Apollo appealed to 6.13m (28.5%). ITV1's reairing of Take That: The Circus Live managed 3.21m (13.4%) between 6.30pm and 8pm, then Stars on the Street, (more)...
- 12/22/2009
- by By Neil Wilkes
- Digital Spy
Ricky Whittle has revealed that he is hurt not to be involved in the Strictly Come Dancing tour. The Hollyoaks star, who was runner-up to presenter Chris Hollins on Saturday night's final of the dancing show, said that he is upset that fellow contestants Ricky Groves and Natalie Cassidy have been asked instead of him. Whittle told The Sun: "I wasn't asked. I would have snapped someone's arm off to go on tour. I asked someone about it but they never got back to me. It is a shame because I think we came up with routines to really entertain the audiences. "They talked about Chris being an entertainer, (more)...
- 12/21/2009
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins, has admitted that he is ready to quit BBC breakfast and move on to more lucrative TV roles.
BBC bosses are said to be so impressed with Chris’ popularity that they are thinking of offering him a job on The One Show, but Chris also has his sights set on Bruce Forsyth’s job..
A source told The Sun: “Winning the show has shown BBC executives just how popular Chris is.
“They know he is after a prime time gig and they are looking at what they can offer him. The One Show would be perfect.”
Chris added:
“I would love to do prime time telly. I have grown up in sport, but I have presented other things and I want to spread my wings and do other stuff.”
Chris said: “Brucie is one of my all-time heroes and you know, Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right,...
BBC bosses are said to be so impressed with Chris’ popularity that they are thinking of offering him a job on The One Show, but Chris also has his sights set on Bruce Forsyth’s job..
A source told The Sun: “Winning the show has shown BBC executives just how popular Chris is.
“They know he is after a prime time gig and they are looking at what they can offer him. The One Show would be perfect.”
Chris added:
“I would love to do prime time telly. I have grown up in sport, but I have presented other things and I want to spread my wings and do other stuff.”
Chris said: “Brucie is one of my all-time heroes and you know, Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right,...
- 12/21/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins has revealed that he plans to spend Christmas spoiling his girlfriend Sarah and making up for all the time he spent rehearsing for the show.
Speaking to The Mirror Chris said: “I owe all my success to Ola but now it’s over I owe a bit of quality time to Sarah.
“It has been tough on Sarah. We were on holiday when I heard I was going to be on the show and I went home, leaving her alone.
“For four months I’ve been working then training for five or six hours a day.
“We’ve moved house in the middle of all this. And I’ve not helped out with Christmas either. I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
Related posts:Strictly Come Dancing 2009: Chris Hollins wins!Chris Hollins to win Strictly Come Dancing 2009?Chris Hollins to...
Speaking to The Mirror Chris said: “I owe all my success to Ola but now it’s over I owe a bit of quality time to Sarah.
“It has been tough on Sarah. We were on holiday when I heard I was going to be on the show and I went home, leaving her alone.
“For four months I’ve been working then training for five or six hours a day.
“We’ve moved house in the middle of all this. And I’ve not helped out with Christmas either. I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
Related posts:Strictly Come Dancing 2009: Chris Hollins wins!Chris Hollins to win Strictly Come Dancing 2009?Chris Hollins to...
- 12/21/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Sports Presenter Chris Hollins won the "Strictly Come Dancing" Final on BBC One. More than 11 million people tuned in to the Saturday night celebrity dance show to see the two finalists battle it out to win the Glitter ball trophy.
More than 11 million people watched actor and bookies favorite Ricky Whitell lose out at the final hurdle to sports presents Chris Hollins. Performing four dances during the night with his professional dance partner Ola Jordan, the underdog of the competition told his partner; "Little Ola-chops, thank you so much for believing in me all the way along" when he was given the trophy.
The winner told BBC Radio 5 Live that he could not stop staring at the trophy when he got home and that he had a "a few drinks and loads of cuddles with various people" before spending an hour "just trying to calm down". Hollins will take part...
More than 11 million people watched actor and bookies favorite Ricky Whitell lose out at the final hurdle to sports presents Chris Hollins. Performing four dances during the night with his professional dance partner Ola Jordan, the underdog of the competition told his partner; "Little Ola-chops, thank you so much for believing in me all the way along" when he was given the trophy.
The winner told BBC Radio 5 Live that he could not stop staring at the trophy when he got home and that he had a "a few drinks and loads of cuddles with various people" before spending an hour "just trying to calm down". Hollins will take part...
- 12/21/2009
- icelebz.com
Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle is reportedly devastated, after finding out that BBC bosses did not want him on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
Ricky made it to the show’s final last weekend, losing out at the final hurdle to TV presenter Chris Hollins.
Inferior dancers like Natalie Cassidy, Ricky Groves and Chris Hollins have already been signed for the tour but poor old Ricky has been left out in the cold.
He told The Sun:
“I wasn’t asked. I would have snapped someone’s arm off to go on tour.”
“I asked someone about it but they never got back to me. It is a shame because I think we came up with routines to really entertain the audiences.”
He added: “They talked about Chris being an entertainer but surely if you’re spinning a girl above your head, would you not find that entertaining?
“Why are we not entertaining?...
Ricky made it to the show’s final last weekend, losing out at the final hurdle to TV presenter Chris Hollins.
Inferior dancers like Natalie Cassidy, Ricky Groves and Chris Hollins have already been signed for the tour but poor old Ricky has been left out in the cold.
He told The Sun:
“I wasn’t asked. I would have snapped someone’s arm off to go on tour.”
“I asked someone about it but they never got back to me. It is a shame because I think we came up with routines to really entertain the audiences.”
He added: “They talked about Chris being an entertainer but surely if you’re spinning a girl above your head, would you not find that entertaining?
“Why are we not entertaining?...
- 12/21/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Chris Hollins has revealed that he is "sticking to the day job" after his Strictly Come Dancing victory. The BBC Breakfast presenter celebrated with "a few drinks and loads of cuddles" after scooping first place in last night's finale of the BBC One show. Hollins, who was partnered with professional Ola Jordan, said that he was still trying to come to terms with his win over runner-up Ricky Whittle. "You're just sat there (more)...
- 12/20/2009
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
imdb.1eye.us, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.