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  • Strictly star Tom Dean admits he was ‘very apologetic’ over accident towards partner Nadiya in rehearsals

    Strictly star Tom Dean admits he was ‘very apologetic’ over accident towards partner Nadiya in rehearsals

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    Strictly star Tom Dean has said he was left “very apologetic” after an accident with Nadiya Bychkova during rehearsals.

    The pair appeared on Wednesday evening’s It Takes Two to talk with host Janette Manrara about their first live performance as well as their upcoming routine.

    But Olympic swimmer Tom, 24, said they have suffered an accident in training.

    Tom said he was “very apologetic” after accidentally stepping on Nadiya’s toes (Credit: BBC)

    Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova on Strictly It Takes Two

    Janette discussed Tom, who is 6 foot 5, having size 13 feet. She said: “Very good in the pool, maybe not so good in terms of making sure you’re not stepping on Nadiya’s toes…”

    Tom replied: “Yeah… I’d be lying if I said that hasn’t happened once or twice.

    “I went full in with the heel at one point by accident.”

    Nadiya cut in: “On the broken toe!”

    Tom added: “So all size 13 of them went down. I was very, very apologetic.”

    Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova on Strictly It Takes Two
    Nadiya ensured that her toe is fine! (Credit: BBC)

    Janette then asked Nadiya how her toe is, and the dancer replied: “These Ukrainian toes are very strong and they’re all fine. We’re making sure that’s not happening.”

    Meanwhile, this weekend on Strictly Come Dancing, Tom and Nadiya will perform the Cha Cha Cha.

    Tom said: “We spent about half an hour trying to learn how to walk and I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. But we’re working on it and we’re getting there.”

    This week, Tom offered an update on their week two dance on Instagram.

    Tom and Nadiya dance

    He said: “This week it’s all hips and chest, standing up tall.”

    Nadiya captioned the post: “Tuesday Tom Update: ‘What do I do with my face?’

    “‘Your face is great! Let’s work on everything else.’”

    Read more: Nick Knowles ‘desperate to dance’ on Strictly amid injury but BBC bosses ‘putting his health first’

    For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.

    Strictly continues this Saturday (September 28) from 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It Takes Two airs weeknights from 6.30pm on BBC Two. 

    So what do you think? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.

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    Rebecca Carter

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  • Strictly 2024 pairings revealed in full as three fan-favourite pros left without a celebrity partner

    Strictly 2024 pairings revealed in full as three fan-favourite pros left without a celebrity partner

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    Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.

    Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.

    Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.

    That said, Lauren still admitted it feels really special to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing, she said.

    Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell

    Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.

    For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.

    Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”

    Jamie Borthwick with Strictly partner Michelle Tsiakkas
    Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)

    Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

    After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.

    After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.

    During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.

    Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”

    JB Gill with Amy Dowden in their Strictly portrait
    Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)

    JB Gill and Amy Dowden

    Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.

    The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.

    Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.

    Johannes Radebe with Montell Douglas in their Strictly portrait
    Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)

    Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

    Gladiators star Montell Douglas has been paired with Johannes Radebe, who made it to last year’s semi-finals with former tennis player Annabel Croft.

    For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.

    It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.

    Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”

    They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!

    Luba Mushtuk with Nick Knowles in their Strictly portrait
    Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)

    Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk

    After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.

    Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”

    Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.

    Paul Merson and Karen Hauer wearing yellow dancing
    Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer

    Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”

    Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.

    Jowita Przystal wearing orange posing with Pete Wicks
    Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)

    Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal

    After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!

    Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”

    However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”

    Gorka Marquez wearing yellow with Dr Punam
    Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)

    Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez

    Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.

    As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.

    It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.

    Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”

    Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.

    Tasha Ghouri with Aljaz Skorjanec wearing blue
    Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)

    Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec

    Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.

    The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.

    Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”

    Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova wearing bright pink on Strictly
    Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)

    Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova

    Olympian swimmer Tom Dean has been partnered with Ukrainian professional Nadiya Bychkova.

    I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.

    For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.

    Neil Jones with Toyah Willcox in their Strictly portrait
    Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)

    Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones

    1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.

    I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”

    Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.

    Sam Quek dancing with Nikita Kuzmin wearing blue
    Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)

    Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin

    Former hockey player and I’m A Celeb star Sam Quek is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.

    The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?

    Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.

    Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”

    Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola wearing purple
    Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

    After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.

    Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!” 

    For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.

    Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu against a blue background on Strictly
    Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)

    Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu

    After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.

    “I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.

    Nancy and former Corrie star Shayne will perform a Samba to Stevie Wonder’s I Do next week.

    Katya Jones with Wynne Evans in their Strictly portrait
    Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones

    Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.

    “I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”

    Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”

    For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.

    Read more: Strictly 2024 star Nick Knowles explains why he won’t fall victim to show curse

    The Strictly 2024 live shows start next Saturday night (September 21) on BBC One.

    So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.

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    Fabio Magnocavallo

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  • Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start date ‘revealed’ – and it’s just weeks away

    Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start date ‘revealed’ – and it’s just weeks away

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    Strictly 2024 is just around the corner with the line-up fully announced and a start date rumoured.

    The likes of Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek are among those taking part this year. Meanwhile, actor Shayne Ward, actress Sarah Hadland and Gladiator Montell Douglas were confirmed as contestants recently.

    Strictly will reportedly begin in September (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024 start date

    But when does Strictly begin? According to reports, the launch show could begin on September 14 while the first live show begins on September 21.

    Fans of Strictly are already able to apply for tickets, reports claim. It’s reported that they can buy tickets for show dates at Elstree Studios including September 21 and 28 and other dates in October, November and December.

    ED! has contacted the BBC for comment.

    With a rumoured start date, who’s taking part in the series?

    Read the full line-up below…

    Chris McCausland smiling
    Comedian and actor Chris McCausland announced as first Strictly 2024 contestant (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly 2024 contestants: Chris McCausland

    After much speculation on who has signed up this year, This Morning hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle revealed on August 5 that actor and comedian Chris would the first celeb hitting the dancefloor next month.

    He joked that his reveal was the “worst kept secret in British TV”.

    The 47-year-old is most known for his role as Rudi in the CBeebies show Me Too! and regularly tours the UK with his comedy career. He also currently hosts his own Saturday morning ITV chat show, The Chris McCausland Show.

    Chris is blind due to a genetic disorder of the eyes called retinitis pigmentosa.

    “If anybody out there is thinking – how the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Okay don’t answer that…!” he shared in a statement.

    JB Gill smiling
    JLS star JB is the second contestant announced (Credit: BBC)

    JB Gill

    After competing and winning the Strictly Christmas special in 2012, JLS star JB Gill has signed up to become one of the contestants for Strictly 2024.

    The music chart-topper also presents Songs of Praise.

    “I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me,” the Beat Again hitmaker shared in a statement.

    “I’m raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!”

    Former X Factor star JB being announced as the second contestant for Strictly 2024 has gone a treat with fans.

    WOW! That one caught me off guard. The 2nd member of JLS to take part in the show following Aston Merrygold in 2017. He’ll do really well!” one user wrote.

    Wynne Evans smiles in Strictly 2024 promo pic
    Wynne will get his dancing shoes on! (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly line-up: Wynne Evans

    The third star taking part in Strictly 2024 is Wynne Evans. The star is best known for his operatic skills and his appearance in the Go.compare insurance adverts.

    He said: “I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!”

    Toyah Willcox in Strictly 2024 promo photo
    Toyah will take part in Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)

    Toyah Willcox

    Singer and actress Toyah Willcox will get her dancing shoes on. She has been performing across stage and screen for over 50 years.

    In a statement Toyah said: “Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”

    Dr Punam Krishan smiling in Strictly 2024 photo
    Dr Punam Krishan will join the BBC show: ‘This is so out of my comfort zone’ (Credit: BBC)

    Dr Punam Krishan

    Meanwhile, Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan became the fifth Strictly 2024 star.

    She appears on Morning Live as its resident GP. In a statement, Dr Punam said: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.

    “I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now,” she then said.

    “This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”

    Tasha Ghouri against the Strictly background
    Tasha is reported to have dated Giovanni Pernice (Credit: BBC)

    Strictly contestants 2024: Tasha Ghouri

    Rumoured to have enjoyed a fling with Giovanni Pernice, Tasha became the sixth celeb to join the line-up on August 7.

    Tasha, who was born deaf, appeared on ITV’s Love Island in 2022. Since then has amassed a following of over 2.2 million across her social media network.

    Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and also MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is also a published author with her debut novel Hits Different and has her own podcast, Superpowers with Tasha.

    She said: “Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite. So this is a total dream come true.

    “I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor,” she then added.

    Pete Wicks in front of the Strictly logo
    Pete Wicks was announced as one of the contestants for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)

    Pete Wicks

    After much speculation, Pete Wicks became the seventh person to sign up. A controversial signing given that he’s best friends with Zara McDermott’s boyfriend Sam Thompson.

    Pete’s best known for his appearances on TOWIE, and has a podcast with Sam.

    He said: “Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.”

    Zara McDermott speaks out on Pete Wicks doing Strictly
    Zara gushed over Pete doing Strictly (Credit: Instagram)

    Pete then added: “But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”

    Zara spoke out on her Instagram, writing: “I’ve never been so excited. Love you.”

    Shayne Ward smiling in Strictly promo pic
    Shayne will get his dancing shoes on! (Credit: BBC)

    Shayne Ward

    On August 8, during ITV’s Lorraine, Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland were announced as the latest stars.

    Former Coronation Street star Shayne said in a statement: “I’m buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!”

    Sarah Hadland in Strictly promo pic
    Sarah will swap acting for dancing! (Credit: BBC)

    Sarah Hadland

    Miranda favourite Sarah also said: “I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I’m so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!”

    Jamie Borthwick in Strictly promo pic
    Jamie is swapping Albert Square for the Strictly ballroom (Credit: BBC)

    Jamie Borthwick

    EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has said in a statement: “I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I’m hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I’ll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!”

    He’s known for playing Jay Brown/Mitchell in the BBC soap.

    Tom Dean smiling in Strictly 2024 promo pic
    Swimmer Tom Dean is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)

    Tom Dean 

    Olympian Tom Dean MBE will also join the line-up. Swimmer Tom is a three-time Olympic champion.

    He said in a statement: “I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!”

    Montell Douglas smiles in Strictly promo pic
    Montell Douglas is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)

    Montell Douglas

    On August 9, ‘Fire’ from Gladiators and Olympian Montell Douglas was announced for Strictly 2024.

    Montell said in a statement: “Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!”

    Nick Knowles smiling in Strictly promo pic
    DIY SOS fave Nick is doing Strictly! (Credit: BBC)

    Nick Knowles

    DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has been announced as the next Strictly star on The One Show on August 12.

    He said in a statement: “I’m so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I’ve spent my whole life learning new skills and I’ve never been afraid of a challenge – there’s life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I’ll give it my everything …. and try not to embarrass my kids of course!”

    Paul Merson in Strictly 2024 promo pic
    Paul Merson has joined the line-up! (Credit: BBC)

    Paul Merson

    Former football star Paul Merson will get his dancing shoes on. The news was announced on The One Show on August 12.

    He said in a statement: “Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I’m going to tackle this challenge head on. I’m ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here’s hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I’ll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!”

    Sam Quek in Strictly promo pic
    Sam Quek will take to the dance floor (Credit: BBC)

    Sam Quek

    TV star Sam Quek is the final 2024 contestant. She’s known for being a hockey player and a TV star, having a hosting role on BBC’s Morning Live. She also appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2016.

    She said in a statement: “As a former hockey player I’m used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! I’m chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I’m ready for every bit of the adventure.”

    Read more: Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey makes McDonald & Dodds debut as series comes to an end

    So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.

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    Fabio Magnocavallo

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  • Kris Mayes coming for your smoke shop vapes, gas station gummies

    Kris Mayes coming for your smoke shop vapes, gas station gummies

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    Arizona law bars the sale of “diet weed” products like delta-8 THC in smoke shops and convenience stores, Attorney General Kris Mayes said.

    But proponents of the hemp industry say the effect of a formal legal opinion that Mayes issued Monday goes far beyond the hemp-based intoxicants and will likely also sweep up the entirety of the CBD marketplace in Arizona, barring sales of products used to improve sleep and reduce body aches and pains.

    And it may prompt litigation aimed at having the courts determine exactly how Arizona’s hemp and marijuana laws ought to be enforced.

    Mayes, a Democrat, concluded in her opinion that, while federal law may allow for intoxicating substances to be made from hemp derivatives, Arizona law expressly regulates how such products are sold.

    And that means they must be regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services and only sold in dispensaries that are licensed to sell medical and recreational cannabis products.

    Delta-8 is an intoxicating cannabinoid with a chemical profile and psychoactive effect materially similar to that of marijuana, but that is synthesized from the hemp plant. It is a chemical analog of delta-9, the primary psychoactive element that occurs naturally in marijuana.

    Products made with delta-8 THC, including vape cartridges and gummies, are currently on sale in smoke shops across Arizona. 

    They have largely existed in a legal gray area in Arizona, with the hemp industry relying on congressional action in 2018, when that year’s annual Farm Bill expanded the definition of hemp to include “all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, (and) isomers” of the hemp plant. That paved the way for making delta-8, which is chemically synthesized from the naturally occurring cannabidiol into an intoxicating concentration.

    Arizona voters have approved both medical and recreational marijuana in the state, but the industries are highly regulated, and licenses to operate are expensive. Arizona lawmakers this year are considering legislation backed by the hemp industry that would add more regulations to the sales of delta-8 THC products.

    After the 2018 Farm Bill, production and sales of delta-8 THC products proliferated in Arizona, as they were seen as outside the scope of the state’s cannabis laws.

    But Mayes said that simply isn’t the case. Arizona allows for “industrial hemp” production, but state law strictly defines those products to excluded derivatives and extracts — basically all delta-8 THC products — and explicitly says hemp products “made to be ingested” except those made of the hemp seed are not legal. And since the state’s hemp law doesn’t list inhalable products, like vape cartridges, those are also illegal to sell outside of dispensaries.

    click to enlarge

    A legal opinion on Monday from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes threatens to quash the sale of delta-8 THC products in smoke shops and gas stations.

    Matt Hennie

    ‘It’s a wrongheaded approach to marijuana policy’

    Mayes has effectively handed the existing marijuana industry a monopoly, said Jon Udell, the communications director for Arizona’s NORML chapter. NORML has backed legislation seeking to regulate the sale of delta-8 THC and similar projects in Arizona.

    “This is Attorney General Mayes giving the marijuana industry something that the legislature would not,” he said. “It’s a disappointing outcome.”

    Udell noted that legislation backed by the Arizona Dispensaries Association, which represents licensed cannabis retailers in the state, has been introduced in recent years that would do everything from outright ban hemp-derived THC products to making them legal to sell only at dispensaries.

    Mayes’ legal opinion effectively does the latter, Udell said.

    He noted that, in 2022, the Arizona Dispensaries Association chipped in $40,000 to a political committee that went on to spend more than $367,000 to help Mayes get elected. Mayes won the attorney general’s race over Republican Abe Hamadeh by just 280 votes.

    Ann Torrez, the executive director of the Arizona Dispensaries Association, said her organization was pleased with Mayes’ findings.

    “We believe it reflects the intent of Arizona’s voters and most importantly is in the best interest of public health and safety,” she said in an email to the Arizona Mirror.

    Tom Dean, a Phoenix attorney who specializes in cannabis law, said Mayes’ opinion reads like a point-by-point rebuttal of a legal analysis he provided to her office in late 2023. Dean’s analysis concluded that hemp-based THC products were legal under Arizona and federal law.

    Dean said he was disappointed in Mayes’ findings, which aren’t legally binding, and said the legal dispute over delta-8 THC and similar products warrants litigation. He said he is interested in building a coalition to seek a declaratory judgment from the courts to settle the matter once and for all. 

    “It’s just yet another example of what I think is a wrongheaded approach to marijuana policy in general,” he said.

    Of particular concern for both Dean and Udell is how the opinion will affect CBD sales in Arizona. CBD products generally do not contain THC, the psychoactive element in marijuana, because they are made from hemp plants, which contain scant amounts of THC. 

    Mayes wrote in a footnote in her opinion that her conclusions only apply to “intoxicating” hemp-based products, and CBD production and sales are exempted from her findings. But both Dean and Udell said they don’t see how she can interpret the state’s hemp laws one way for delta-8 THC and another for CBD, given that they’re both made from the same plant.

    “There’s absolutely no legal distinction between CBD and delta-8,” Dean said. “They want to treat CBD differently, but they can’t.”

    This story was first published by Arizona Mirror, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Follow Arizona Mirror on Facebook and Twitter.

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    Jim Small | Arizona Mirror

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