Archives for July 2011

Strictly 2011 is set to be the best yet with a spectacular live programme from Wembley Arena in aid of Children in Need and a return to Blackpool for the grand final, broadcast in dazzling 3D.

Raising the stakes for the celebrity dancers and their professional partners, the pressure will be turned up for the Wembley extravaganza, as the couples waltz their way across the biggest ever dance floor in the programme's history, while trying to impress the biggest ever audience of around 6,500 Strictly fans - the largest in the programme's nine series - and the many millions more at home.

The Wembley extravaganza takes place midway through the series on Saturday 19th November. Tickets will be sold to the public with all proceeds going to the BBC Charity, Children In Need.

And in another Strictly first the final will be foxtrotting into front rooms across the country in 3D, via the BBC's HD Channel, bringing the magic of Blackpool's ballroom to life for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.

Viewers will see the finalists battle it out live from the Tower Ballroom, as they compete for this year's prestigious glitterball trophy and the chance to be crowned winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2011. The free-to-air broadcast of the final in 3D will be available to anyone who has access to a 3D TV set and to HD channels.

Host, Sir Bruce Forsyth, said: "I'm delighted that we will be going to Wembley for this year's Strictly. When I first got the call I thought it was to play football! I've always said our live audiences should be bigger and you can't get bigger than Wembley".

"I'm a bit doubtful of being in 3D because I've never been in 3D before. I hope my chin doesn't knock people off their sofas at home."

Moira Ross, Executive Producer, Strictly Come Dancing, said: "While many of our celebrities will be used to performing in front of big crowds as part of their day jobs, who knows how they will fare when they have to foxtrot in front of Strictly's biggest ever live audience"

Danny Cohen, Controller, BBC One, said: These two special moments will see the drama, excitement and tension both for our celebrities and our audience go up another level. I'm sure this year's celebrities and their partners will rise to the challenge and put on the show of their lives."

We at SCD HQ can't wait for these exciting events! Roll on autumn 2011!

It's official. The new presenter for BBC Two's Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two show is... *drum roll*

That's right, the 2005 Strictly contestant and self confessed dancing fanatic is said to be "literally beyond elation! .... I'm giddy with glee and I may even have slipped momentarily into a celebratory Cha Cha Cha, although technically not a very good one!"

Zoe added that "physically and metaphorically I may have trouble fitting my huge feet into Claudia's tiny wee shoes, she is one fabulous lady but I will do my best to bring all the ups and downs and laughter and tears behind the nation's favourite show to the fans."

Executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, Moira Ross, said "Zoe is a fantastic presenter and I'm delighted that she is joining It Takes Two. With her first-hand experience of the series, she's the perfect person to give viewers all the insider knowledge, gossip and news from this year's show."

It Takes Two returns in the Autumn, weekdays on BBC Two, for viewers eager to get their Strictly fix.