STREET DANCE
Gaz’s Batch of the Day Corrie Katie lined up for Strictly
GARY Lineker has taught himself how to bake cakes and make strawberry crumble during the lockdown.
The Match of the Day host admitted his talent for desserts was “a recipe for disaster with my weight”.
But the ex-england star still weighs the same as when he was a pro footballer – 12st 5lb – due to daily workouts at his home’s basement gym.
Dad-of-four Lineker said the highlight of his day in lockdown was “trundling to the shops to buy whatever I need to make dinner”.
He also told how he was excited by football’s return and said: “It’s not the same behind closed doors but it’s better than nothing.”
And on turning 60 in November, he said: “I’m well into the second half. Can’t say I’m thrilled.”
FORMER Coronation Street star Katie Mcglynn is hoping to put her dancing shoes back on in a bid for the Strictly Glitterball.
The award-winning actress, who took part in the BBC’S Greatest Dancer for Sport Relief earlier this year, is in talks with show bosses to join its autumn line-up.
She will follow in the footsteps of fellow Corrie stars Catherine Tyldesley and Georgia May Foote, who both took part in Strictly after leaving the Street.
An insider said: “Katie has been in talks with Strictly and it’s looking positive. She’s cleared her diary for the end of the year as she’d love to do it.
“She’s shown her talent on the BBC’S Greatest Dancer for Sport Relief and would love to improve even further.
“She’d be a great pull for the show as soap fans loved her on Corrie.”
Katie, 26, left the ITV soap last year when her character Sinead Tinker died of cervical cancer.
In January, she won a gong for Best Performance in a Serial Drama at the National Television Awards.
At the time, Katie said she hoped to pursue other opportunities – and would love to crack Hollywood.
But with filming on many shows drying up due to the coronavirus, those plans have been put on hold for now.
Katie said: “I’m definitely going to go to LA at some point and chase my dream.
“If it doesn’t happen, then it doesn’t happen – but I need to try.”
Talking to celebrity personal stylist Martine Alexander, she added: “I wouldn’t rule anything out.
“My plan after leaving Corrie for the first year, at least, was to focus on acting but right now, we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so I don’t know.
“I’ve already had so many wonderful auditions. One was for a big Netflix show, which would be an amazing opportunity, but I can’t say too much more.
“I think Strictly is cool, because you learn a skill – the Greatest Dancer gave me more confidence.”
Katie would fit right in on the BBC dance show – she already knows some of the crew, and was once linked to pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, who also dated Georgia May.
Strictly fans should expect to see a few changes next season in order for stars to adhere to social distancing rules.
Rows of seats will be scrapped, with the audience seated at tables instead. There will be fewer guests, and hair and makeup will be done before participants arrive at the studio.
During lockdown, Katie has been selling £100 messages in aid of Mummy’s Star – a charity that helps families deal with cancer during pregnancy.
She worked closely with the organisation on her final Corrie storyline.
Katie said: “It’s very close to my heart so whether it be a birthday message or a general shout-out, let’s raise some funds.”