“The showbiz correspondent, 63, made his BBC dance debut on Saturday night, performing the cha-cha-cha with professional partner Jowita to Katy Perry’s California Gurls.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
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By CAROLINE PEACOCK, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER
Published: 20:43 BST, 27 September 2025 | Updated: 20:50 BST, 27 September 2025
The showbiz correspondent, 63, made his BBC dance debut on Saturday night, performing the cha-cha-cha with professional partner Jowita to Katy Perry’s California Gurls.
While he didn’t top the leaderboard, Ross earned a total of 10 points out of 40.
After the performance, he gave a heartfelt shoutout to his girlfriend for flying over to watch him in the audience.
He said: ‘It’s so lovely that my girlfriend Bridget flew over 5,000 miles to come watch.
‘I said to her, ‘You have to come because there might not be many of these.”
The cameras then caught a glimpse of Bridget looking stunning in a strapless black dress next to his sister Elaine.
Fans were quick to react on X (formerly Twitter), sharing their surprise at his glam girlfriend.
They penned: ‘Did Ross King just say girlfriend ??? Ummm #strictly’,
‘I’m so glad other people had the same reaction I did to Ross having a girlfriend #strictly’,
‘Ross has a girlfriend !!! Secondly she looks like his grandaughter! #Strictly’,
‘Can we all just talk about Ross’s girlfriend ?! Does he have a lot of money? #Strictly’,
‘Ross King saying his girlfriend is in the audience #strictly’,
‘Ross King has a GIRLFRIEND ?! #Strictly.’
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex KingstonAge: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky PattisonAge: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan DennisAge: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis CopeAge: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
Amber Davies Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.’