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Stacey Solomon SHOCKS ‘Strictly’ Fans! Is She Replacing Giovanni?

BBG News

It appears that BBC executives have apparently reached out to Stacey Solomon about participating in this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing, following her earlier confession about being deeply fond of the program.

The presenter, aged 35, has drawn the attention of the producers following her win of a National Television Award for her BBC One show Sort Your Life Out back in September.

According to a source, The Sun reports that Stacey is winning over viewers due to her charming character. The BBC values its own talents on Strictly Come Dancing and the success of Stacey’s program has already earned them a National Television Award.

This mother of five maintains a significant presence on social media, as her followers eagerly keep up-to-date with the day-to-day happenings of her family life, which includes her husband Joe Swash and their children: Zachary (17 years old), Leighton (12), Rex (5), Rose (3), and Belle (2).

Additionally, fans can anticipate enjoying weekly support from Joe Swash, her partner, as he cheers her on from the audience.

TopMob have contacted both the BBC and Stacey’s representatives for comment.  

Previously, Stacey hinted at her interest in participating on Strictly Come Dancing, following her 2022 statement: “I wouldn’t rule it out entirely, but I’m a terrible dancer – really terrible. Somehow, I have no sense of rhythm when it comes to moving. It’s a mystery!

‘While I can groove to the beat when it comes to singing or enjoying tunes, coordinating my footsteps is a challenge for me, as if I was born with two left feet!’

Stacey went on to say: “I can’t help but be captivated by it! What has me hooked are the costumes. Plus, the idea of acquiring a new talent like that really appeals to me. Truthfully, I enjoy learning anything and everything.

She quipped, “I’d likely be among those individuals who, after just a week, would say, ‘That was a complete waste!’

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that our leaders have brought on board a talented Italian dancer as Giovanni Pernice‘s replacement for the upcoming season of the series. This change comes following his departure from the show in the wake of last year’s Strictly scandal.

33-year-old Simone Arena, who currently has a girlfriend, Michelle Tsiakkas (age 29), in the spotlight, could potentially be joining the show’s cast following reports that two fresh professionals will be added to the roster this fall, according to BBC producers.

Last summer, Giovanni, aged 34, left the controversial television program “Strictly” following a stretch of nine years, due to accusations of bullying from his ex-dance partner Amanda Abbington that had surfaced.

According to a source, Simone impressed the executives significantly during his audition, and given his past experience as a professional dancer on various international adaptations of Strictly Come Dancing (such as the Belgian, Italian, and Irish versions), he is well-acclimated to this particular show setup.

They mentioned that ‘Simone is widely recognized by professionals, and his girlfriend Michelle had an enjoyable experience during the show last year.’

‘Fans will be delighted with Simone because he is very easy on the eye and certainly charming.’ 

TopMob have contacted the BBC for comment.  

Prior to Covid-19, Simone was scheduled to go on a tour with Giovanni. In 2022, she danced her way to victory on the Belgian version of “Dancing With The Stars” alongside Olympic gymnast Nina Derwael.

In the previous year, Simone’s companion, Michelle, whom he encountered during the Burn The Floor tour, danced alongside Jamie Borthwick, a well-known actor from EastEnders, marking her first appearance with a celeb partner in a dance competition.

This month, the management of Strictly unveiled the roster of professional dancers for this year’s series, revealing that two fresh faces will be making their debut.

Dianne Buswell, who won the glitter ball back in December with partner Chris McCausland, will rejoin Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal for a return to the dance floor this September.

Additional dancers joining the lineup include Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola. Two new performers yet to be disclosed will also join them later on in the competition.

For 2025, Amy Dowden, who had to withdraw from the previous year’s show due to a foot injury, as well as Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, who danced without a celebrity partner in the last season, are set to return on Strictly Come Dancing.

Contrary to speculation suggesting his comeback following his absence from last season, Giovanni Pernice won’t be dancing in the ballroom this time.

Sarah James, the Executive Producer at BBC Studios, expressed: “Anticipation is growing for the upcoming series, and we’re thrilled to have our exceptional returning Pros back. Moreover, we can’t wait to introduce two fresh Professional Dancers to the team, who will contribute to another stunning season filled with captivating dance performances and many more surprises for the audience in late 2025.

Additionally, besides performing individually during the competition, they will also dance together in weekly group performances on stage.

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2025-04-20 03:04

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