Willie Thorne

[footygirl]

Been confirmed in the press today that Willie Thorne is to do Strictly Come Dancing.

He is the second snooker po;layer to do Strictly following Dennis Taylor who took psart in Series 3

His

[Ekphantos]

What do you think about the show? We had the same thing in Austria and I found it rather horrible, but then, this happens quite often when Austrian TV tries to copy shows from other countries...

[PaulTheSoave]

In a way its good entertainment and fun sometimes. Though, when Colin Jackson did not win it a couple of series ago, I thought it was all pre arranged and one big con!

Now Willie Thorne is in it, its really going downhill! Well, at least hes not commentating!

[ronnieisthebest]

Ah this is good news, its going to be sooo funny!
Wish i could be in it, but unfortunately i'm not a celeb!!

[snookersfun]

oh, of all the possibilities: Willie Thorne
love that show though, wish they would bring on season 4 here already...

[footygirl]

Wish it was Steve Davis doing Strictly

[imy147]

ohhhh myy dayss.. he probably took advice from dennis. its gonna be soo funny seeing the great WT strutt his stuff on the dancefloor!

[footygirl]

Willie's partner is Erin Boag-who has been nicknamed Miss Whiplash.

In his first week he'll attempt a waltz or a cha cha cha

[imy147]

check the gallery ive uploaded a pic of willie and his partner.. its gonna be classic seeing willie shake it like he means it... next year dominic dale maybe? he looks like the sort.. as long as we have some snooker representation its all good..

[missneworleans]

Haven't seen that show! What's it about and what Willie can do there??

[snooky147]

Unfortunately, it's another irrellevant piece that the BBC will make that will take the focus away from whatever tournament is on at the time. Look back at the World Championship Draw when 2 minutes was spent on the matches and the rest on Taylors dance experience.

[missneworleans]

Look what says article at worldsnooker.com:

The former Mercantile Classic champion, now one of BBC Sport’s top snooker commentators, will test his dancing talents on the popular show.

"I am so thrilled to have been asked on the show. It’s always been a dream of mine that one day I’d be able to do the Jive - so everyone must vote for me until I get the opportunity," said Thorne.

"I’m just so looking forward to it, it’s going to be hard work but lots and lots of fun."

Leicester’s 53-year-old Thorne, UK Championship finalist in 1985, has been matched with professional dancer Erin Boag. She has previously been third with Julian Clary and finished runner-up with former world hurdles champion Colin Jackson.

Fellow BBC commentator Dennis Taylor appeared in the show two years ago and survived the viewers’ votes for five weeks.

Other celebrities taking part are former EastEnders star Letitia Dean, Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham, TV host and actress Kelly Brook, model Penny Lancaster, GMTV’s Kate Garraway, Mis-Teeq singer Alesha Dixon, sports presenter Gabby Logan and husband Kenny, footballer John Barnes, EastEnders star Matt di Angelo (Deano Wicks), actor Brian Capron, who played serial killer Richard Hillman in Coronation Street, One Show reporter Dominic Littlewood and Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones.

The Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly-presented show begins on BBC One in October, with proceeds from phone voting going to Children in Need.

[MrRottweiler]

Its good exposure for Snooker. Apart from the small matter that its Willie

I shouldn't be too hard on him and hopes he has fun doing it. Will be interested to see his Cha Cha Cha

[footygirl]

Think Willie's first dance is the Waltz.

Wonder if any of the snooker players will be in the audience supporting him

[samasnookerfan]

Hope the spotlight doesn't burn his head too much.