Home News TV Listings Movies Music Video Photos Radio Extra Book Club RTÉ Guide

Media News

Britton tipped as Strictly contestant

Fern Britton is tipped to be gracing the dancefloor in the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing.'
1 of 1 Britton - To take to the dancefloor?
Britton - To take to the dancefloor?

Former 'EastEnder' Ricky Groves, known for playing car mechanic Garry Hobbs in the soap, has also reportedly agreed to take part, as well as 'Hollyoaks' star Ricky Whittle.

The Mirror said Britton, who previously impressed viewers with a 'Singing In The Rain' routine for Comic Relief, has been offered Kiwi hunk Brendan Cole as her dance partner.

Former 'This Morning' presenter Britton has undergone a dramatic weight loss and found herself in the middle of a storm when it was revealed she had had a gastric band fitted.

The well-loved star, 52, is said to be in talks to make her TV comeback on the Strictly dancefloor.

She would be a strong bet to pull in the viewers as the BBC battles it out for ratings with ITV.

'The X Factor' will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays on ITV during the live stages this year, while the BBC has dropped its Sunday show in favour of an extended Saturday night programme.

The BBC is not currently confirming or denying any names of contestants.

A spokeswoman said plenty of names are yet to be revealed.

Other celebrities thought to be lined up include Loose Women panellist Lynda Bellingham, 61 and Ronnie Wood's estranged wife Jo Wood, 53.

add your own comment
User contributions and/or comments do not, unless specifically stated, represent the views of RTÉ.ie or RTÉ.
Click here for Terms of use

Must Watch TV

  • - The Irish Film and Television Awards
    Simon Delaney: back again to host the IFTAs

    9.40pm RTÉ One

    Simon Delaney hosts as the biggest star-studded event in the Irish calendar gets held at the Convention Centre Dublin, with the likes of Glenn Close, Michael Fassbender and Maria Doyle Kennedy all nominated. The features nominated for Best Film at IFTA 2012 are the period drama Albert Nobbs; Irish psychological thriller Charlie Casanova; black comedy The Guard, and rural drama Stella Days. Even if you're watching at home, it's recommended that you dress accordingly and leave a red mat outside your front door.

  • - The Jonathan Ross Show
    Jonathan Ross: Denzel Washington is among this week's guests

    9.15pm UTV

    On the show this week, Jonathan welcomes a host of acting talent: double Oscar winner, Denzel Washington, Keira Knightley, and British hardman-turned-Hollywood hunk, Tom Hardy. To top it all he's got the legendary Dionne Warwick singing live in the studio.

  • - Take Me Out
    Paddy McGuinness: more date-dealing for 30 single girls

    8.00pm UTV

    What do you mean 'It's rubbish!'? Of course it's rubbish, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. The irrepressible Paddy McGuinness tries to arrange more dates for his line-up of 30 single girls. Descending from the love lift this time around are: a farmer from Devon, a management consultant from Hull, a young Conservative from Manchester and a London architecture student. You can also see how the couples from last week survived the Isle of Fernando's.

  • - All Star Family Fortunes
    Vernon Kay: back for more Family Fortunes

    6.00pm UTV

    The classic family game show that stretches all the way back to the '70s returns for another run, starting off with teams consisting of TV presenter Carol Vorderman and her family playing astrologer (and Strictly Come Dancing contestant) Russell Grant and his family. Hosted by Vernon Kay, both celebrities and their families go head to head for the big money, and the chance to win up to a five-figure sum for the charity of their choice.

  • - Casualty
    Casualty: another busy night at Holby General

    9.20pm, BBC ONE

    Plenty of high drama at Holby General's A&E department as Zoe tries to convince Sam to sit down and talk to Keith Parr before he brings an action against Sam and the hospital. A troubled woman is brought into the ED after being hit by a lorry and Lloyd is quick to jump to conclusions about the driver. Meanwhile Linda has a chance to examine her feelings when Lenny tackles her about putting her niece and nephew into care.