BBC Strictly risks 'fix' row after 80s popstar with dance experience 'signs up' for 2024 series
Toyah is rumoured to be joining the show
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Strictly Come Dancing bosses could find themselves embroiled in a "fix" row early on as punk legend and movie star Toyah Willcox could be joining the cast.
Over the years, the BBC dance show has had to contend with viewers complaining that some stars have prior dance experience, including Angela Rippon last year.
With the excitement building for the new series, many have begun to guess who could have signed up to take on the Strictly ballroom this year and lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.
However, it seems there may be some fury from loyal fans early on as Willcox - who appeared in 1979 hit mod film Quadrophenia alongside Phil Daniels, Sting, Ray Winstone and Leslie Ash - could be taking part.
Her career spans more than 40 years, with eight top 40 singles, over 20 albums, two books, appearing in over 40 stage plays and 10 feature films, whilst also voicing and presenting numerous television shows.
Willcox has some prior experience in performing with her signature dance moves on stage, and when previously asked if she would sign up for the show, told The Mirror: "Oh, God yeah. Well, I’d have to do it sooner rather than later.
Toyah's entertainment career spans more than 40 years
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"I’m not going to be able to move like that in two years’ time. I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary.
"But they’re rehearsing 10 hours a day every day. And then on Saturday, they do two shows. As I went there, they invited me to watch them do the live show. Then at nine o’clock, they film the Sunday show, and I’m thinking, ‘Could I do this?’.
"But, you know, the whole world wants to do Strictly, I wouldn’t say no."
Her rumoured appearance comes as the Sun on Sunday revealed that blind comedian Chris McCausland had signed up to star in this year’s series in a new first for the BBC1 competition TV show.
Helen is also rumoured to be joining the show after announcing her departure from Coronation Street
ITV
Coronation Street legend Helen Worth - who played the iconic Gail Platt for 50 years - is also rumoured to be joining the show after she announced she was leaving the ITV soap last week.
A TV insider told The Sun: "This really would be a disaster for the show because they want the focus to be on Gail’s big exit, the details of which are being kept under wraps.
"But it raises the prospect of her potentially featuring in a storyline where she is seen dying of a terminal illness during the week, then popping up on a Saturday night, potentially dancing as a zombie on Strictly’s Halloween special. Not a good look."
Whilst some major stars are rumoured to be appearing on the show, it was revealed by the BBC today that Giovanni Pernice would not be returning this year following the ongoing feud and legal battle with Amanda Abbington.
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It was announced today that Giovanni would not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing
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The broadcaster didn't include Pernice as part of its Strictly line-up of professional dancers for 2024.
Abbington made claims about the choreographer being "nasty" and "militant" after pulling out of the series early, leaving Pernice to deny the accusations made against him.
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