MY WIFE IS THRILLED I’M WITH KATYA...
STRICTLY HOPEFUL MIKE
NEWLYWED BBC Breakfast host Mike Bushell insists he and his wife are “delighted” he is paired with Strictly siren Katya Jones – despite her infamous kiss with SeannWalsh.
Mike married marketing executive Emily in May. But some viewers fear a repeat of what happened between Katya and Seann, who were caught kissing on a night out during last year’s show.
Seann was dumped by his girlfriend and Katya has now split from her husband, fellow Strictly dancer Neil.
After Saturday night’s BBC show which saw Katya paired with Mike, fans spoke of their fears – which did not go unnoticed by Mike’s wife.
One viewer posted a meme of Liverpool football manager Jurgen Klopp laughing before his face turned to one of horror. The caption read: “Mike Bushell’s wife when she sees he got paired with Katya Jones on Strictly.”
Smile
Emily then retweeted the message before posting a series of laughing emojis.
Mike then added: “We love Jurgen Klopp and his smile but in all honesty Emily and I are chuffed to bits I have been paired with the incredible Katya Jones, the fabulously creative and one of the best choreographers on earth. A proven winner and can’t wait.”
Mike, 53, has three daughters from his first marriage which ended in divorce in 2009 after 16 years.
Anton Du Beke joked that he might have a chance of lifting the glitterball trophy after discovering on the launch show that he will be partnered with EastEnders actress Emma Barton.
Veteran ballroom dancer Anton, 53,
has been on the show since its first series but has never won.
Reigning champion Kevin Clifton, who won last year with Stacey Dooley, was partnered with TV personality Anneka Rice.
Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley was paired with South African professional dancer Johannes Radebe, while Neil Jones secured his first celebrity partner in former England and Arsenal footballer Alex Scott.
Stacey returned to the show to dance a fiery paso doble with Clifton, who is now her boyfriend. Speaking after the performance, she said: “That was so exhausting. I’m no good now.”
Asked if she has any advice for the new contestants, Stacey said: “Just enjoy it, don’t take it too seriously, put the hours in, just do your best.”
Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing learned he was due to dance with Oti Mabuse. However, he has since had to pull out through injury and will be replaced by Emmerdale’s Kelvin Fletcher.
The new series of Strictly launched to an average of 7.8 million viewers compared with an average of 8.1 million last year.