Former Strictly dancer Erin Boag reveals the real reason behind her departure from the show - she's preggers!

Fox tot: Former Strictly dancer Erin Boag reveals the real reason behind her departure from the show - she's preggers! 

By JUDY COGAN

PUBLISHED: 11:21, 20 October 2013 | UPDATED: 13:51, 20 October 2013

Erin Boag's departure from BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing at the height of it's success left her fans a little confused. 

She cited a need to focus on new challenges as her reasons for leaving, but today the truth behind her departure has been revealed – she is pregnant.

Erin, 38, is expecting her first child with business exec hubby Peter O’Dowd, 46 in the spring and told The Sunday Mirror: 'It’s such a relief to be able to tell all as it’s been strictly mum’s the word these past few months.' 

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I'm pregnant! Erin Boag (pictured above) attended the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2012 at BBC Television Centre, but turned down a place on this year's show to start a family

There’s been much speculation about Erin's absence from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. 

She was a favourite to return as a professional dancer on the show and can now reveal why she turned the coveted job down as she found it increasingly difficult to hide her blossoming bump.

She said another reason she has kept so quiet is that she has been suffering terrible morning sickness, 'morning, noon and night'. 

When Erin quit in the summer, she was one of only three dancers to have appeared in all 10 series of the BBC show since it started in 2002.

She and fellow Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke, 47, have been ­professional ­partners for more than 17 years, winning a string of awards. 

Erin dances the Cha Cha to Love Shack with Richard Arnold

New challenges: Erin left Strictly citing new challenges as her reasons for leaving, but has now revealed she is pregnant (pictured left with Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP)

She has danced with a variety of celebrities such as Julian Clary, hurdler Colin Jackson, ex-Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel and Lib Dem Vince Cable.

When Erin first announced she was leaving – at the same time as Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace – she gave no clue as to the real reason.

She said then: 'After 10 wonderful years, and with a truly heavy heart, I have decided to decline the BBC’s very kind offer to compete again in series 11, and have withdrawn from being a competitive dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. It’s been a very hard decision to make, but it’s time for a change and to focus my ­attention on new challenges.'

Fans will be pleased to hear she has vowed to honour commitments for a Christmas show with Anton 
at the Royal Albert Hall called; ‘Anton & Erin’s Christmas Cracker'.

Despite impending motherhood the star says her career will still be an important part of her life even if she will have to get her costumes taken out a little between now and next spring. 

Cha cha child: Erin, who coached Rory Bremner (pictured left) in 2011 is due in spring next year

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2468652/Fox-tot-Strictly-dancer-Erin-Boag-reveals-real-reason-departure--shes-preggers.html#ixzz2iGtSNYze
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The party's over for Daybreak's Richard Arnold after being voted out of Strictly Come Dancing

By HANNA FLINT

PUBLISHED: 20:12, 18 November 2012 | UPDATED: 07:47, 19 November 2012

.

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Richard Arnold said the amazing thing about the show is that the 'party is happening in millions of homes around the country'.

But sadly for Daybreak's showbusiness expert, the party was over on Sunday night as he became the latest contestant to leave the talent show.

Swapping the Strictly ballroom for Wembley Arena, the 42-year-old did not do enough to wow the viewers or the judges.

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Out: Richard Arnold and Erin Boag are the seventh couple to be cast out of the Strictly Come Dancing compeition

The bottom two: Erin Boag with Richard Arnold and Karen Hauer with Nicky Byrne, during tonight's Strictly Come Dancing results show

Scared: Karen Hauer and Nicky Clarke looked ready for the worse as they await the final verdict.

Richard and his partner Erin Boag faced former Westlife star Nicky Byrne and his partner Karen Hauer for a place in next week's show after they received the least amount of votes from the judges' scores and the viewers.

 

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With three quarters of the judges choosing to save Nicky, Richard performed his final dance with Erin on the BBC1 show.

Craig Revel Horwood said: 'Just for sheer exuberance and energy, I am going to save Nicky and Karen.'

Party's over: Richard and Erin congratulate Karen and Nicky for getting through to next week's show

Moral support: Erin receives heartfelt condolences from her fellow professional dancers at the end of the show

Bruno Tonioli said he had to go with the 'power and content' delivered by Nicky and Karen, although he thought both couples were 'highly entertaining.

Although disappointed to be leaving Richard said: 'I've loved it. The one thing I'll take from it is that now when I walk down the street people no longer cross the road to avoid me!

'Now they smile, they want to chat. It's been amazing. You guys here have been amazing.'

This means the presenter won't be celebrating his birthday next weekend on the dance floor, but will watch is fellow contestants dance to stay in the competition.

Chin up: The Daybreak presenter consoles a glum looking Erin backstage

'I know where I'll be next week - it's my birthday, it's a Saturday, I'll be with my godchildren, with my family and friends who have been going through the whole thing, and I'll be popping a cork and seeing who is here next week.'

Even though Richard said he would miss costumes most, Erin's company would be the biggest lost.

"I always thought I'd miss the wardrobe most, but I don't think I will, I will miss Erin Boag, who - every Monday - it's like climbing a mountain, and every Monday she'd say 'welcome to another week'.

"I'll miss that on Monday," he said.

Tonight's results show featured performances by Girls Aloud and Kylie Minogue.

Shall we dance? Richard takes comfort with a new partner, fellow contestant Matthew Vaughn

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2234874/Strictly-Come-Dancing-The-partys-Daybreaks-Richard-Arnold-voted-off.html#ixzz2Cfme4SPs
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James Bond star Colin Salmon waltzes out of Strictly Come Dancing

Goldenbye: James Bond star Colin Salmon waltzes out of Strictly Come Dancing

By MARTIN HOWDEN

PUBLISHED: 20:03, 4 November 2012 | UPDATED: 10:16, 5 November 2012

Former James Bond actor Colin Salmon is the latest star to waltz out of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The 49-year-old and his partner Kristina Rihanoff were in the dreaded dance-off against Richard Arnold and Erin Boag after the judges' scores were combined with votes from the viewers. 

Colin, who starred in three James Bond films during Pierce Brosnan's 007 era, seemed neither shaken nor stirred before the dance - saying he was going to 'have lots of fun'.

One last lift: Former James Bond star Colin Salmon is the latest star to waltz out of Strictly Come Dancing

Richard went first, and put on a better performance than his much maligned dance on Saturday - which judge Craig Revel Horwood called a 'disaster'.

Salmon, who was in the bottom two last weekend, performed the foxtrot once more, but the dance didn't impress the judges.

Kicked out: Colin and his partner Kristina Rihanoff gave it their all  during their dance

The last fox-trot: Salmon was in the dance off the week before as well

Three of the four judges from the BBC1 show chose to save TV presenter Arnold.

Craig Revel Horwood noted: 'One couple was better in the dance off, one couple was worse.' - before plumping to save Richard.

Darcey Bussell said: 'I find this so hard, as i wouldn't have any of these couples in the dance off.'

She also voted to save Ricard, as did Bruno Tonioli.

Salmon accepted his exit with good grace.

Dreaded dance off: Colin Salmon was up against Richard Arnold on Sunday's results show

Final two: Craig Revel Horwood voted Richard into the next round - as did two other judges

Dignified exit: Colin Salmon called it 'one of the greatest shows I've ever been involved in'

He said: I've got to say without question, this is one of the greatest shows I've ever been involved in.

'The quality of the competitors this year is seminal. Judges - I respect everything that's been said, what you do is knowledge.

'Anybody who is out there who may have doubts, you have to understand that this is a discipline beyond anything we understand. So I accept with grace this decision.

'I'm going to miss Kristina, she is an amazing dancer, a pre-eminent dancer in her field, she's taught me many, many things. That's going to be the biggest thing.'

Comforting each other: Colin and Richard embrace each other as the 007 star was voted out

Much better: Richard Arnold and Erin Boag  gave an improved performance after Saturday's much maligned dance

Hard to watch: Darcey Bussell looked upset when Colin gave his interview after he was voted out of the show

Dancing through to the next round: Richard Arnold is back next week after an improved dance

Darcey seemed upset as Colin spoke - with the 007 star performing his final dance to One Republic's Aologize.

As the results were being read out by Tess Daley earlier, Dani Harmer jumped so hard at hearing that she was safely through she feared she had pulled a neck injury.

However, she insisted she was going to be alright. 

License to thrill no more: Colin receives a hug from his dancing partner

Lisa Riley looked visibly relieved after she was safely placed into the next round - insisting afterwards that she was convinced she was going into the deadlock. 

The show also featured a performance from boyband sensations The Wanted.

Singing I Found You, the band were almost drowned out a times by the screams from the crowd. 

Opera star Andrea Bocelli also performed - singing Nessun Dorma.

Opera star Andrea Bocelli also performed - singing Nessun Dorma

Show stopping: Wanted wowed the crowd with a performance of their new song I Found You

Comfort: Salmon and Kristina Rihanoff hug it out following Saturday's dance

Dancing with joy: Kimberley Walsh seems happy with her Saturday dance - posting this picture on Twitter

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2227800/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-James-Bond-star-Colin-Salmon-Kristina-Rihanoff-waltz-show.html#ixzz2BLwIPKoO
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Johnny Ball makes emotional farewell as he becomes first celebrity voted off Strictly Come Dancing

'I did pretty well for my age': Johnny Ball makes emotional farewell as he becomes first celebrity voted off Strictly Come Dancing

By J J ANISIOBI

PUBLISHED: 19:31, 14 October 2012 | UPDATED: 20:40, 14 October 2012

After finishing Saturday night's show just below the midway point on the leader board, Johnny Ball was the surprise evictee from Strictly Come Dancing.

The former television presenter found himself and partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance off against Daybreak's Richard Arnold and Erin Boag.

After giving his all in his final waltz, Johnny was applauded and given a standing ovation as he emotionally said: 'I did pretty well for my age'.

Over and out: Johnny Ball became the latest celebrity to be sent home on Strictly Come Dancing

Swan song: The other Strictly contestants joined Johnny and Iveta on the dance floor to say goodbye

Face off: Richard Arnold was saved by the judges as they unanimously sent Johnny Ball home

On hearing the news that Johnny was in the bottom two, Bruno said: 'It's very very hard, he produced a really good moment. Then he got better.

'Johnny do your best go out there and give us a great dance.'

Judge Darcey Bussell also showed some shock at the news that Arnold and Ball were going to compete in the dance off.

First out: Johnny was gutted to be the very first celebrity to be voted off this year's show

Very colourful: Richard Arnold and partner Erin Boag did their best to avoid elimination in the dance off

The last waltz: Johnny and Iveta performed a simple dance but were well received by the crowd

Darcey said: 'I think it's really very hard. I think he definitely improved on last week. The technique wasn't brilliant so maybe that was it.'

Both men were full of fighting talk ahead of the dance off with Richard saying: 'We are gonna put our hearts and souls into it. We'll do that.'

Johnny was less aggressive and seemed very emotional as he said: 'I think we've been the funniest. It's sad that one of us will go. 

'I'm gonna go and enjoy it. We are gonna give it our best shot.'

News just in: Daybreak's Richard did not put in a strong performance but it was just good enough

See you soon: Rivals Richard and Johnny hugged it out after the result was announced

Game over: Johnny and Iveta took in the applause after he announced that he did pretty well for his age

Richard and Erin were the first pair to hit the floor as they performed a colorful routine to the song Love Shack by The B52's.

Next up Johnny and Erin waltzed elegantly to rapturous applause having done all they could to impress the judges.

Each judge was asked the name of the couple they wanted to save with Craig Revel Horwood being asked first.

Farewell old friend: Johnny was given a standing ovation by the audience and judges

Bouncing with joy: Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor were over the moon to be put through to next week's show

Olympic effort: Louis Smith and professional dancer Flavia Cacace showed relief as they survived

Soap star: Sid Owen and Ola Jordan punched the air with joy as they went through to next week's show

Craig said: 'Based on content alone I would like to save Richard and Erin,' and Darcey agreed with him and also saved the pair.

Bruno gave his support to the younger couple and said: 'I thought both of them were a bit shaky but I understand. Content alone for that reason I would go for Richard and Erin.'

Although his decision was not needed to seal Johnny's fate, Len also agreed and added: 'I did agree with my colleagues, yes.'

Jive talking: Show favourite Denise Van Outen sailed through to the next show

The good life: Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer will salsa after being voted through

A clearly emotional Ball struggled to speak and said: 'I think for my age I did quite, quite well. I'm so disappointed I'm leaving, I really, really am.'

As Tess Daly closed the show, Johnny and Erin had one last dance together as the other contestants joined them on the floor.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2217659/Johnny-Ball-makes-emotional-farewell-voted-Strictly-Come-Dancing.html#ixzz29K1Avbh9
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Natalie, Kristina, Flavia, Ola and the rest of the Strictly's dancers sport most revealing outfits yet

That's what you call a short back and sides! Natalie Lowe leaves NOTHING to the imagination as Strictly's dancers sport most revealing outfits yet

By SARAH BULL and LOUISE SAUNDERS

PUBLISHED: 23:53, 11 September 2012 | UPDATED: 01:10, 13 September 2012

They have faced criticism in the past that the outfits they wear on Strictly Come Dancing are too revealing.

But it seems as though the show's professional dancers are refusing to heed any such warning, judging by the outfits the women wore to the official launch of the new series in London on Tuesday night.

Stunning blonde Natalie Lowe led the way in a plunging pink tasselled number, which featured tiny silver sequinned straps on each side to hold it together.

Short back and sides: Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Natalie Lowe wore an incredibly revealing dress to the launch of the BBC One show in London on Tuesday night

Leaving nothing to the imagination: Natalie's outfit was virtually entirely frontless and backless, with only a few straps protecting her modesty

The ensemble was virtually entirely backless, and frontless, with only a few strategically placed sequins protecting the 32-year-old's modesty. 

However, Natalie looked more than happy with her outfit as she posed up on the red carpet, teaming the 'dress' with a pair of silver heels and huge backcombed hair.

But Natalie wasn't the only Strictly professional female dancer who opted for the less is more approach with her outfit last night.

Glamourpuss: Natalie teamed her outfit with huge backcombed blonde hair as she posed for photographers

Here come the pros: Natalie also posed up with fellow professional dancer Brendan Cole at the event

Clearly continuing with the pink theme for the evening, Kristina Rihanoff showed off her incredibly toned physique in an outfit which consisted of a sequinned bra and knickers, with a few tassels thrown in for good measure.

Once again, the outfit was nearly entirely backless, with just a couple of thin straps ensuring the top didn't slip.

But while the ensembles caused a stir on the red carpet, it remains to be seen whether similarly revealing outfits will be worn when the new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on BBC1 on Saturday night. 

Less is more: Kristina Rihanoff opted for an equally revealing pink dress which highlighted her tanned and toned figure for the event

Buff and bronzed: Kristina is sure to be hoping for a victory on the new series, having never won the show 

Aliona Vilani wore a lilac gown with criss-cross detailing on the waist as she posed up outside the BBC Television Centre, while Ola Jordan opted for a plunging, side-less gown.

Flavia Cacace opted for a tasselled top and matching micro mini-skirt for the launch, while New Zealand-born Erin Boag went for a similar style in a matching pink top and skirt.

Newcomer Karen Haeur completed the professional female line-up, wowing in a mullet-style asymmetric pink dress. 

The skimpier, the better: Aliona Vilani, Ola Jordan and Flavia Cacace showed off their figures in revealing outfits

Pretty in pink: Erin Boag and newcomer Karen Hauer dressed to impress in sparkly pink outfits

Group shot: The professional dancers are no doubt wondering who they are going to be paired with

Ready to dance: This year's contestants pose up for a group shot

But the professional dancers weren't the only ones causing a stir with their outfits, as host Tess Daly and new judge Darcey Bussell battled it out in the glamour stakes.

Tess, 43, showed off her stunning figure in a daring monochrome silhouette dress with sexy cutaway detail.

A gold belt clinched the blonde beauty in at the waist, while a slight train on back of her gown added a touch of glamour to the occasion. 

Showstopping: Tess Daly and Darcey Bussell went head to head in the glamour stakes at the event

Brucie's back! Tess posed alongside her Strictly Come Dancing co-host Sir Bruce Forsyth

Stunning: The 43-year-old star showed off her fabulous figure in a daring monochrome cutaway dress 

And it would seem the mother-of-two is as close to her co-presenter, Sir Bruce Forsyth, as ever, as they cuddled up together on the red carpet.

Meanwhile, Darcey - who is set to enjoy her first season on the Strictly Come Dancing panel - showed off her dancer's physique in a floor-length indigo-coloured lace dress. 

Similarly to Tess, the former ballet dancer clinched her gown in at the waist with a black bow belt, and kept her brunette locks casually flowing around her shoulders. 

The 43-year-old star seems to have already formed a close bond with her co-judge Len Goodman, with the duo appearing to cosy up to one another for an impromptu dance in front of the cameras. 

Dancing duo: Strictly judges Darcey Bussell and Len Goodman cuddled up for a seemingly impromptu boogie on the red carpet

VIDEO: Stars dazzle for launch of new Strictly series...

But it would appear the friendly rivalry between panellists Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli is as present as ever, with the pair jokingly pretending to punch each other as they posed for photographs together. 

Strictly makes its long-anticipated return to BBC One this Saturday.

Among those competing in the show this time around are Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, former model Jerry Hall, Westlife hunk Nicky Byrne and cricketer Michael Vaughan.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2201836/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-Natalie-Lowe-leaves-NOTHING-imagination.html#ixzz26KH1ippR