Bette Returns To “Strictly Come Dancing”

Unreality TV
Strictly Come Dancing welcomes Darcey Bussell and Bette Midler
December 4th, 2009

December 4th, 2009 by Lisa McGarry. Tags: bbc, Bette Midler, Darcey Bussell, Strictly Come Dancing, Strictly Come Dancing 2009

Exciting times for Strictly fans this weekend with the introduction of legendary ballerina, Darcey Bussell, as the fifth judge and Bette Midler as the musical guest.

Darcey Bussell, the Royal Ballet’s youngest ever principal ballerina, will have a critical say in the outcome of one of the closest contests in the show’s history and believes that the show has had a truly positive effect

“It’s brilliant,” she says. “It has got people who perhaps didn’t believe they had an interest in dance to go out and try it. They can appreciate that everybody can improve and when people see others having fun they want to get up and join in.”

American singer, actress and comedienne, Bette Midler, who will be returning to the show to sing ”˜The Rose’, says:

“I had such a great time last year, that I’m coming back to Strictly again this week. I was shocked that Bruce showed that clip [Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night where Bette performed ”˜Leader of the Pack’] of the two of us from 31 years ago–-shocked that neither of us has changed one bit!”

And as if that isn’t enough, the show will take on a new format for the quarter-finals with the main show at 6.40pm and a results show at 9.40pm.