These celebrities are embarking on a gruelling training regime combining aerial and gymnastic skills. They’ll use them all to deliver breath-taking performances that you’d expect from the department that also produces Strictly Come Dancing.Rachel Ashdown, Commissioning Executive, BBC
Date: 13.06.2014 Last updated: 13.06.2014 at 16.24
Category: BBC One; Entertainment
Today the BBC announces the 10 celebrities who will take part in BBC One’s new Saturday night entertainment show, Tumble.
The celebrities vaulting, tumbling and flipping head-over-heels in a bid to win the public’s votes are current world boxing champion Carl Froch, Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, fitness legend Mr Motivator, EastEnders actor John Partridge and Loose Women host Andrea McLean.
Also joining the celebrity line-up are TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, BAFTA Award-winning Wolfblood actor Bobby Lockwood, Sugababe Amelle Berrabah, Dynasty icon Emma Samms and Ian ‘H’ Watkins from Steps.
BBC Commissioning Executive, Rachel Ashdown, says: “These celebrities are embarking on a gruelling training regime combining aerial and gymnastic skills. They’ll use them all to deliver breath-taking performances that you’d expect from the department that also produces Strictly Come Dancing.”
Jane Allen, British Gymnastics Chief Executive Officer, says: “This is an exciting opportunity for our sport that will enable people to view gymnastics in a whole new entertainment light. It’s been rewarding for British Gymnastics to work with the BBC in providing technical support and we’re all looking forward to seeing the star cast enjoy the challenges of our sport.”
Kate White and Jane Rice-Bowen, Joint CEOs - National Centre for Circus Arts, say: “We’re delighted to be supporting the BBC in the development of this new show. The most exciting thing for us is that Saturday night audiences are about to be treated to some really special circus performances from some of the leading circus artists in the UK today.”
Master of ceremonies Alex Jones will preside over each show, and judging the celebrities’ performances will be world-renowned Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci, Strictly Come Dancing champion and London 2012 medallist Louis Smith, MBE, Commonwealth Games gymnastics champion turned sports broadcaster Craig Heap and world-renowned cirque artist/aerial performer Sebastien Stella.
The famous faces will be put through their paces by high-flying, gravity defying gymnasts from across the globe, whom they’ll be partnered with throughout the series.
All 10 celebrities will start training with professional partners and coaches in the coming weeks before the show kicks off this summer.
Tumble will be made by BBC Productions for BBC One and exact scheduling will be confirmed in due course.
Notes to Editors
Quotes from the celebrities:
Amelle Berrabah says: “I've been asked to do other shows before but this is something I genuinely wanted to do, especially because I'm so into my health and fitness. I've always loved gymnastics, I used to watch it as a kid. I'm really looking forward to the physical challenge, pushing myself and learning new skills!”
Andrea McLean says: “I’m so excited about taking part in the show! I’ve never tried gymnastics before but I love fitness so hopefully I can hold my own with the others and stay the distance. I'm also thrilled to be part of the first ever series of this new brand-new show.... I’m definitely ready to Tumble!”
Bobby Lockwood says: “This is the first time I have ever been involved in such a huge competition. I am very excited (and scared!) by this amazing opportunity to learn new skills. Bring on the handstands and backflips!”
Carl Froch says: “After a fight of such magnitude it will be great for me to get my body and mind stuck straight into a new discipline. I am excited to learn these new skills as gymnastics, backflips and somersaults are something that have always impressed me and I have wanted to be able to do."
Emma Samms says: “Well who hasn't watched Cirque Du Soleil and not wanted to join in?! I am very excited to be part of this despite the fact I have never done gymnastics before!”
Ian 'H' Watkins says: “I don't know what I'm more nervous for - the training or having to wear the lycra! Whatever happens, I'm up for the challenge and actually can't wait to get going…"
John Partridge says: “I can't wait to get started on Tumble. I'm always up for a new physical challenge and, as I've had no former gymnastics experience, this will definitely be one. Plus what better way to get killer abs in time for the summer!”
Lucy Mecklenburgh says: “I'm scared, nervous and more excited than I can describe about Tumble! To have the opportunity to learn a new skill is a dream come true for me. Although I'm sure I'll be falling over a lot before then!"
Mr Motivator says: “As I rise to this new challenge I am going to stretch, ache, smile and have a great time. I will gravitate to my dominant thought which is right now, I am fabulous, fit, and soon to be an accomplished gymnast.”
Sarah Harding says: “I'm really excited but a bit nervous about what it is going to be like doing Tumble! I'm really looking forward, but also a little bit scared, about all the training I'll be doing ... but at least it beats going to the gym!"
About British Gymnastics
British Gymnastics is proud to be the UK Governing Body for the sport of gymnastics. It exists to support, lead and inspire all those involved or interested in gymnastics. British Gymnastics provides the national direction and structure for the sport; from grass roots to delivering international success on the world stage.
British Gymnastics has worked with the BBC in providing technical support to see the star cast enjoy the challenges of the sport. You can take part in gymnastics at any age or ability and to find out more go to www.british-gymnastics.org
About National Centre of Circus Arts
Founded in 1989 as 'Circus Space', the National Centre for Circus Arts is one of the best circus schools in the world and it is at the heart of a network of circus organisations that are leading the renaissance of circus in the UK. The organisation champions and supports excellence in circus arts in the UK and around the world.
It is helping to change the perception of circus in the UK by providing an unparalleled launch-pad for present and future performers, with over 40 circus companies accessing studio time and funding through the National Centre for Circus Arts. For more information go to www.nationalcircus.org.uk
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