BLACKPOOL IS NOW THE UK’S CAPITAL OF DANCE

Blackpool Tower Ballroom has always been a favourites destination of any professional or budding dancer, so it comes as no surprise to see that the British seaside town has now been titled the UK’s Capital of Dance!

 

Theshowbizlion.com has always championed the rock-ing resort and die to its unrivalled heritage in both social and competitive dance and reputation as the nation’s favourite place to trip the light fantastic, it made sense for it to gain the new title. 

Lytham based theatre producers and festival promoters Martin and Marina Blore from Fit The Bill Limited, are now hosting a pilot event this and next month to officially declare the town as the Dance Capital!

 

And Strictly star Karen Hauer has already pledged her support and will be in Blackpool for the event. Theshowbizlion.com briefly caught up with Karen during her last trip to Glasgow and she is committed to the cause. 

 

Taking place between June 14 and July 14, the month-long event will feature more than 100 different activations, from live performances, workshops with celebrity dancers, theatre shows, dance themed art exhibitions, community events and dancing in the streets!

 

Live dance performances will pop up in unusual spaces across the town, cafes will be offering ballerina cakes and there will even be themed cocktails in bars and festival themed window displays!

Karen will be delivering workshops herself on Saturday 29th June at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

 

To be a part of this you just need to visit: www.capitalofdance.com

 

Karen said: “There really is no-where quite like Blackpool when it comes to dancing.

 

“I have had the privilege of dancing on the famous Blackpool Tower ballroom floor for many years and every year it just gets better.

 

“This is an incredible initiative, and it is fantastic to see Blackpool finally getting the recognition it deserves – it is well and truly the UK’s – Capital of Dance!”

 

Marina also said today her ambition is to build on the success of this year and return in 2025 with what will be the UK’s first dance-based fringe festival.

 

The vision for the festival is to transform theatres, art venues and unusual spaces across the town, into dance hubs - filling them with dance workshops and shows – catering for all ages and abilities.

 

With 22M annual visitors, Blackpool remains the UK’s most popular seaside resort.

 

Marina added: “Capital of Dance will promote and build on the town’s fantastic dance heritage – there really is nowhere quite like Blackpool.”

 

The town already plays host to dozens of international dance competitions every year, the world’s longest running ice dance production at Pleasure Beach Resort, together with the famous names who grace The Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens throughout the year.

 

Marina said: “Since the Victorians arrived at the resort by train to dance on the piers, Blackpool has continued to welcome thousands of enthusiasts. This passion for dance has grown in the resort throughout the decades. During the war years, soldiers from both sides of the Atlantic met future spouses whilst dancing to the music of the big bands in the two most iconic dance venues in the world, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens.

 

 “There was swing dancing and jiving on the piers, and every summer season theatre shows until the late 1980s included a line-up of dancers as part of their twice nightly performances.

 

“Then came Northern Soul, the super-clubs and today, Blackpool Tower’s spectacular ballroom with its sprung dance floor, remains the aspiration for every Strictly Come Dancing professional and their celebrity partners.”

 

The Capital of Dance pilot project has been part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) and also by Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). 

 

TBID is made up of key businesses across the resort and takes a lead role on projects which are deemed to make a positive impact on the local economy and help to attract and retain staying visitors in Blackpool.

 

Kate Shane, chair of TBID Blackpool said: “Blackpool and dancing have been hand in hand for generations, providing magical experiences for everyone, whether they’re a competitor, spectator or just love to take to the floor.  The resort has the best array of venues and this, combined with our world class hospitality, makes Blackpool the perfect location to be the UK’s Capital of Dance.”

 

Dancers, dance creatives, producers and choreographers are being encouraged to pledge their support for both this year’s event and next year’s, which will take place from June 13 – July 13, 2025.

 

Anyone who is interested should visit: www.capitalofdance.com  Capital of Dance or email marina@fitthebill.com

LEWIS CAPALDI GETS HIS FOURTH NUMBER ONE SINGLE

LEWIS Capaldi has done it again as the Scots born global superstar  today scores his fourth UK number 1 single with ‘Pointless’, equalling the likes of Whitney Houston, Cher, Jay-Z, One Direction, Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Busted, B*Witched & Pet Shop Boys.

Theshowbizlion.com has followed Lewis since the early days of his singing life and ‘Pointless’ follows his previous three number 1’s inSomeone You Loved (2019), Before You Go (2020), and Forget Me (2022), and is the second single from his upcoming second studio album Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent - out May 19th on EMI Records.

"Thank you so much if you have streamed, downloaded or listened to ‘Pointless’ in any way, it really means a lot.” says Lewis. “This is my fourth UK Number 1, I now have the same amount of Number 1s as B*Witched, so pretty f*cking good if you ask me! I know there's a cost of living crisis, so thank you for spending your money on my music."

Lewis recently performed the new ballad at this year's Strictly Come Dancing semi-finals show HERE, and on The Graham Norton Show.

‘Pointless’ arrives as one of his earliest compositions for the new album, written on the first day with Steve Mac. With Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid also on the session, the trio were working on one song (“which hasn’t made the cut”) when Lewis’ collaborators mentioned a verse they’d previously begun writing with Ed Sheeran. 

Recently, Capaldi was announced as one of the headliners for Reading & Leeds Festival 2023, as well as unveiling his biggest outdoor headline summer shows to date in Manchester, Edinburgh & Belfast . The announcements came after he sold out his upcoming 2023 UK arena tour in seconds, which kicks off this Saturday in Leeds. The overwhelming demand for him doesn’t stop there, recently being crowned the ‘King Of Streaming’ with his global hit single ‘Someone You Loved’ becoming the UK’s most streamed song of ALL TIME.

If his first album made him an international star, with his second it’s nothing less than superstardom that beckons. His return has shown that the insatiable appetite for Capaldi burns as bright as ever.

JANUARY
Sat 14th                                     Leeds, First Direct ArenaSOLD OUT

Mon 16th                                  Sheffield, Utilita ArenaSOLD OUT

Wed 18th                                  Manchester, AO ArenaSOLD OUT

Thu 19th                                    Liverpool, M&S Bank ArenaSOLD OUT

Sat 21st                                      Newcastle, Utilita ArenaSOLD OUT

Mon 23                                       Aberdeen, P&J LiveSOLD OUT

Tue 24th                                    Glasgow, OVO HydroSOLD OUT

Thu 26th                                    Birmingham, Utilita ArenaSOLD OUT

Fri 27th                                       Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena                          SOLD OUT

Sun 29th                                    Belfast, SSE ArenaSOLD OUT

Mon 30th                                  Dublin, 3ArenaSOLD OUT

FEBRUARY 

Wed 1st                                     Cardiff, International ArenaSOLD OUT

Thu 2nd                                      Exeter, Westpoint ArenaSOLD OUT

AUGUST
Fri 25th                                       Manchester, Wythenshawe Park                        ON-SALE FRI 20^TH JAN

SEPTEMBER
Fri 1st                                          Edinburgh, Royal Highland Centre                      ON-SALE FRI 20^TH JAN

Sun 3rd                                       Belfast, Vital FestivalON-SALE FRI 20^TH JAN

Pre-Order Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent HERE. More info at https://shop.lewiscapaldi.com

x5 Top 10 Singles & x4 Number 1’s
‘Someone You Loved’ The UK’s Biggest Streamed Song Of ALL TIME

Biggest Selling UK Album Of Both 2019 & 2020
Longest Running Consecutive Weeks In Top 10 UK Album Chart For Solo Artist Album (77 Weeks)
‘Someone You Loved’ More Weeks In Top 10 Than Any Song EVER By British Act
Biggest Selling Single Of 2019 
Biggest Streamed Week 1 Debut Album Of All Time
x2 BRIT Award Winner & GRAMMY™️ Nominee
x5 UK Official Top 10 Singles including 2 x UK Official Number 1 Singles
x5 Billboard Top 10 Singles including Number 1 Single 'Someone You Loved'
x5 Consecutive No 1 US Radio Airplay Singles ('Someone You Loved' & 'Before You Go')
Over 25 Billion Worldwide Streams

LINE OF DUTY STARS TIPPED FOR STRICTLY

Vicky McClure 4/9 From 11/10 To Take Part In Strictly Come Dancing

The rumour mill is in full swing as to which famous faces will be signing up to take part in the 19^th series of Strictly Come Dancing and Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure is the latest name being well backed.

The actress could be swapping her police uniform for the sequins as she is being eyed up for the celebrity dance contest which will air later this year. McClure played Detective Inspector Kate Fleming in the hugely popular Line Of Duty and Strictly bosses are reportedly eager to snare one of the starring cast for the dancefloor to compete for the glitterball.

BoyleSports chalked up potential contenders this week with Vicky McClure introduced as a 11/10shot, but those odds were quickly snapped up as the 37-year-old is now just 4/9 to take part, with colleague Gregory Piper, who played villain PC Ryan Pilkington, at 3/1. 

 

Other names in the mix include Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford who is one of the favourites to be involved at 1/5, and ex-House of Commons Speaker John Bercow who is rated a 2/1 shot. 

 

Sarah Kinsella, Spokesperson for BoyleSports commented: “The build-up to the next series of Strictly Come Dancing is already starting to gather pace and following the success of Line Of Duty, it would be no surprise to see its stars approached. Vicky McClure is a likely candidate now 4/9 from 11/10 to compete for the glitterball while Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford is one of the firm early favourites to be hitting the dancefloor.”

END

Strictly Come Dancing ~ To Be A Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2021

1-5                               Alex Beresford

1-3                               Mark Feehily

1-3                               Tomasz Scafernaker

4-9                               Vicky McClure

1-2                               Stacey Solomon

4-6                               Joe Wicks

11-8                             Laura Tobin

2                                  Ralf Little

9-4                               Shalom Brune-Franklin

3                                  Gregory Piper

3                                  Tom Malone Jr

10                                Peter Ebdon 

10                                Carrie Symonds

STRICTLY STAR SUSAN CALMAN TRIES TO FIND HAPPINESS IN NEW SHOW

 

STRICTLY star and Scots comedian Susan Calman is searching for happiness on her new show - and she’ll be doing her utmost to chat to those who are bringing some cheers through difficult times. 

The chatty presenter is on a quest to investigate the weird and wonderful ways we are discovering unexpected hits of happiness in these uncertain times, in a brand new four part series for BBC Scotland.

 

Each week Susan Calman’s Happy Space will seek out and celebrate the many ways, however odd,  we are all seeking out the lighter side of life.   From her studio-based Happiness HQ Susan will be speaking to people around the country and joined by famous faces who will share some of the ways they’ve discovered happiness and, never one to shy away from embracing the more eccentric parts of life, Susan will be road testing a few herself.

 

Commenting on the series, Susan said:  “I'm so looking forward to spending time in my Happy Space, and finding out what's bringing people cheer in difficult times.  No matter how unusual or incredible it's a quest to find the joy in life.  And I'll be sharing some of the strange things that make me happy, like my Smurf Collection.  I can't wait to get started!”

 

Gavin Smith commissioning executive, BBC Scotland adds:  “It’s never felt more relevant to highlight all the fantastic and varied ways the Scottish public are making themselves and others happy. We’re delighted Susan will showcase and celebrate some of these joyful activities with the BBC Scotland audience. Hopefully the series will inspire viewers to take up something new!”

 

Susan’s new show is part of BBC Scotland’s continued effort to commission programming in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Across the year it has worked closely with the independent production sector and collaborated with creative partners to bring a variety of content, across all genres, to help entertain and engage audiences.  Titles include the recently recommissioned Shelf Isolation, Socially Distant with Susan Calman,  Scenes for Survival, in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland and Reflections at the Quay.   This is in addition to its comprehensive education service Bitesize which is available across television, iPlayer and online.

 

Susan Calman’s Happy Space is due to broadcast in March on the BBC Scotland channel and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.  It is produced by Red Sky Productions for BBC Scotland.

STRICTLY AJ PRITCHARD REMINISCES ABOUT GLASGOW ON AJ LIVE TOUR

STRICTLY dancer AJ Pritchard cant wait to visit Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo again for his headline AJ Live show - and revealed he used to come here for dance competitions. 
In an exclusive interview with new Scots podcast Vip Trip: “I remember performing at the Marriott hotel in Glasgow for  BATD dance association. I also went to Lossiemouth to teach to dance schools. I never came here on holiday as a child but I was always competing from the age of twelve.”
AJ promises a real spectacle with big dance numbers, pyrotechnics, and even a bit of drumming he’s picked up recently. 
He told Scottish podcast Vip Trip  “It’s fast paced. You won’t smell the sweat but you could get a whiff of Spicebomb by Victor Ralph or a bit of Chanel Allure on the night.”
AJ who drove a McLaren on the streets of Glasgow when he was here for Strictly is bringing his girlfriend Abbie Quinnen with him tonight (Saturday March 7) to the SEC Armadillo. 
He said: “We actually met on my dance tour last year, a whole year ago. 
“We travel a lot so its good to have someone who understands the scenario you’re in. She is so nice 
She said ‘I dont know who you are. I said I’m just a dancer on your tour. Her mum knew but it shows what a genuine and nice person she is. I’d go to the stage door after every show she’d  make sure everyone gets a photo.”
He can’t wait to show off all the hard work he’s been doing with his twenty strong crew and cast consisting of thirteen dancers. 
He said: “In Strictly you don’t always have enough time. This show has all my notes from the years. Its more of a dance show, with the feeling of a concert.”

JOE SUGGS AND DIANNE BUSWELL MOVE IN TOGETHER AHEAD OF STRICTLY

Beverley Lyons
JOE Suggs and his Strictly dance partner Dianne Buswell have announced they have officially moved in together.
The loved up pair who began dating after falling for one another on last years Strictly show where they teamed up as dance partners, shared the news on Joe’s YouTube channel today.
Joe surprised Diane with a wrapped gift and a note which she read out To his followers.
She read: “I have officially invited you to live in my humble abode with me. What does that mean?”
After Joe admitted he knew she wouldn’t understand the wording she read out the next line ... which said: “Do you want to move in with me? Yes or No. circle your choice. All my love Joseph.”
A thrilled Diane announced: “Oh well that’s very cute. Can I phone a friend?”before Joe told her: “No you can’t.”

When she decided to circle no initially, Joe suggested jokingly she. Goth like to sling her hook.
The pair then were seen snuggling together as Diane opened his gift with Joe saying: “It’s a little moving in gift. We’re officially roommates.”
Joe presented Dianne with a 3D picture of them both dressed in cartoon style versions of their outfits in Blackpool.
Diane enthused: “That’s so cute. I’m going to keep this for the rest of my life.”
A thrilled Joe said: “Welcome to my house officially. That means now you’ve got to cook me dinner for least a month. Chapter 14 has begun. We’re off to consummate the moving in.”

The loved up duo will be touring next year following Dianne’s  appearances on the new series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
From Scotland with Love 

STRICTLY STARS CELEBRATE KATYA JONES BIRTHDAY IN EDINBURGH

Beverley Lyons
STRICTLY star Katya Jones was on a high as she celebrated her thirtieth birthday with dancer husband Neil Jones, Karen Clifton and her boyfriend David Webb, and fellow pro dancers  Diane Buswell, and Oti Mabuse  on the tour bus as they travelled from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Katya who earlier performed at the Playhouse in Edinburgh with the Strictly Professional Tour joked ‘I expected a proper singer to sing for me’ and was then serenaded by opera singer David as she and the rest of the performers drank and played games on their private bus.
Beer and fizzy drinks were aplenty and the poker chips were out as the dancers laughed while David, who cosied up at the back of the coach alongside Karen, sang an operatic version of Happy Birthday to a delighted Katya who stood up to hear him.
Neil told Katya that thirty was the new twenty as he and the team sat around the bus amidst whistles and cheers.
Oti commented online: “And the bus explodes in joy”
Gorka Marquez who had earlier posted a picture of himself on social media exploring Edinburgh’s sites enjoyed the evening while AJ Pritchard opted to try and get some sleep by wearing an eye mask.
When the crew reached Aberdeen they even had a laugh by trying out a new Snapchat filter which transforms your face into the opposite sex - and Katya and Karen Clifton both looked amused as they checked themselves out as men.
Diane Buswell had celebrated her thirtieth birthday with boyfriend Joe Sugg, 27, just last week on May 6 a day ahead of the Nottingham leg of the tour.
The two even put up a YouTube video of themselves in bed as they joked that Diane, who taught Joe to dance on the telly show before they fell for one another, was a cougar.
Joe didn’t manage to catch up with Diane while she was in Scotland because he was so busy attending the BAFTA TV awards last night.
Strictly’s Shirley Ballas causes blushes all round as she flirted with the blogger.
Joe did however visit Scotland earlier in the week as a guest at Dumfries House where he met up with Prince Charles. Looking smooth in his suit, Joe mingled with the Prince and guests as he learned all about the craft courses on offer with the Prince's Foundation  - and as Joe used to be a thatcher himself, he also went back to his roots by taking part in a thatching workshop.
As he posed with some pipers, he said of his experience: “Pleased to announce that I’ve joined a new band. I’m at Dumfries House finding out about the traditional craft skills run by the  Princes  Foundation.

JOE MCFADDEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE MUM ON MOTHERS DAY

Beverley Lyons
STRICTLY and Holby City star Joe McFadden said it was ‘emotional’ as he  paid tribute to his late mum Frances and celebrated Mother’s Day with 400 women at a charity lunch.
Govanhill lad Joe was guest of honour alongside Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and John Amabile at the Beatson Cancer Charity ladies lunch in Glasgow’s Doubletree Hilton when he spoke about his late mother.
He said: “Hearing everyone’s stories really brought home what an amazing hospital The Beatson is. I’ve had family members here before so I know how brilliant they are.”
Joe revealed that his late mother Frances spent time at the Beatson before she passed away in November 2008.
He said: “My mum was here and sadly we lost her ten years ago now. When you are in a situation like that it’s really nice to know that the doctors really know what they are doing. At that place there is such an air of professionalism  and confidence and they didn’t just look after her really well, they also took care of us, the family. It’s a brilliant place and a little bit of an emotional time because it’s Mother’s Day and everyone is out with their mums. It’s a day of celebration and everyone is celebrating mums and it’s such a brilliant hospital.
He added: “I like to think my mums here today anyway.”
The former Holby City actor who won this years Strictly said he’s been trying to retain his physical fitness since ending the live shows. He added: “I’ve just sort of being enjoying not aching, having legs that don’t hurt and enjoying doing things like this.
I’ve got a little bit of physical fitness I don’t want to disappear. It was quite hard to come by. Katya did her best to make sure I was fit so I’m keen to keep that going.”
Speaking of future work he added: “I’ve got some very exciting things in the pipeline.”
The luncheon was hoping to beat last year’s total of £14,000.

STRICTLY’S JOE MCFADDEN IN TAGGART BID

Beverley Lyons 
STRICTLY winner Joe McFadden has thought of the perfect follow up to Holby City - playing legendary Scots detective Taggart in a remake of the series. 
Joe, who recently left the hospital soap was a guest on STV2s Late Show with Ewen Cameron when he told the presenter he’d be right up for the famous crime role. 
The 42 year old who is currently in Scotland to star in the live Strictly shows at the SSE Hydro revealed: “There are rumours of a remake of Taggart actually. That would be amazing. I’d do love to play Taggart. I’d do it in a heartbeat totally. It would be amazing. Should we start a campaign? It makes total sense. They are bringing all those shows back from eighties and it would totally work and you’d have to go different with him .  You couldn’t be all gruff. Mark McManus was amazing but you  couldn’t go similar to what he was. You’d have to shake it up a bit.  From your mouth to God’s ears. If Taggart comes back I’m absolutely interested.”
After Ewen suggested they have a meeting with the execs in the STV building after the show Joe roped in his dancing partner Katya and said: “We could have a glam Russian dancer killer in the first episode.”
The role would take Joe back to his first telly appearance when aged 12 he played a schoolboy on an episode entitled ‘The Root of Evil’ in 1988. 
He said: ”My first acting role was thirty years ago in a Taggart episode called the Root of Evil.  Every time I appeared on screen they played angelic choir music. I went to a really posh school in Edinburgh for it - George Elliot’s and being a little scrunter from the the south side of Glasgow I was like ‘oh god what am I doing in uniform?’ I had never worn a uniform before in my life .”
It was the test of the Glasgow Garden Festival and we had the wrap party on a boat.  It’s been enough time now that I can go thats a different person  now and not me anymore. I was a kid and didn’t know any better. Hopefully I got a bit better over the years.”
Joe has been enjoying his time back in Glasgow and as well as seeing friends and family went on a night out on Friday to the Polo Lounge with judge Craig Revel Horwood. 
An onlooker said: “Both men looked relaxed as they mingled with punters and were happy to away from the rigorous rules of the dance floor.”
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Sun 
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

JUDGE RINDER ON NEW STRICTLY HOPES DURING EDINBURGH VISIT

FORMER Strictly contestant and qualified barrister Judge Rinder says he hopes Debbie McGee wins this year's competition. He said: "I had a ball on Strictly and we all got on so well. I like Debbie and she's a person who is over fifty who has a really good chance of winning and I think that's great. Of course I won't be watching because I'll be too depressed."
The ITV Judge who rules in real life cases has a real admiration for articulate and authentic women.
The judge who is used to ruling the courtroom in his own hit series has recently recorded Crime Stories which takes a closer look at a variety of major offences.
He was recently at the Edinburgh TV Festival at the EICC to chat about his projects and also told theshowbizlion.com he is working on a chat show concept which will allow people to see his hate of intellectual snobbery and love of the quirky.