Interview with Ali

Ali talks to the Bristol Evening Post about her role in Verdict - and life after Strictly.

Some reviews here: Wiltshire Gazette and Herald and Guide2Bath.

Ali is also modelling for Littlewoods' new Drama Queens collection and features in a video of the modelling shoot.

Break a leg, Ali!

Ali begins her role in Verdict tomorrow at the Theatre Royal in her home turf of Windsor. The play was written by Agatha Christie and is Ali's first stage role since Burn the Floor last summer.

The play will run in Windsor until Saturday 22nd January, after which it transfers to the Theatre Royal in Bath and then other venues. Ali appears in the show until 30th April at the Richmond Theatre in Richmond, west London.

Ali now has her own Appreciation Thread on Digital Spy where there will no doubt be reviews and reports from the show. Click on the right of the page.

11 - 22 Jan Theatre Royal, Windsor 01753 853 888
24 -29 Jan Theatre Royal, Bath 01225 448844
31 Jan - 5 Feb Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham 01242 572573
7 -12 Feb Theatre Royal, Plymouth 01752 230440
15 - 19 Feb New Theatre, Cardiff 029 2087 8889
21 - 26 Feb Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton 01902 429212
28 Feb - 5 Mar Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple 01272 324242
7 - 12 Mar Palace Theatre, Southend 01702 351135
14 - 19 Mar Swan Theatre, High Wycombe 01494 512 000
21 - 26 Mar Festival Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277
28 Mar - 2 Apr Churchill Theatre, Bromley 08448 717 620
4 - 9 Apr Derby Theatre, Derby 01332 255800
11 - 16 Apr Arts Theatre,Cambridge 01223 503333
18 - 23 Apr Connaught Theatre, Worthing
25 - 30 Apr Richmond Theatre, Richmond 0844 871 7651

Verdict will continue but please note that casting is not confirmed for the following venues so Ali may not be appearing. More information closer to the time.
16 - 21 May Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells 01892 530613
23 - 28 May Floral Pavilion, New Brighton 0151 666 0000
30 May - 4 Jun Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford 01483 44 00 00

Signed Strictly tour programme auction for charity

Ali and Brian are two of the performers from the 2010 Strictly celeb tour who signed a programme that is being sold to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The programme is being auctioned on Ebay this week. The package also includes a signed picture of Kristina Rihanoff.

The auction is being organised by Allison Kiln whose daughter has cystic fibrosis, a life-limiting genetic condition. More information from @AllisonLKiln on Twitter.

Brian's DVDs available today

Brian officially launched his first two Brian's Beginners DVDs today on Channel Five. They are part of a series of DVDs he plans to choreograph to help people learn to dance.

A limited number of the DVDs are available now from Amazon.

He wrote this message on his Facebook page:

ANNOUNCEMENT: BRIAN'S BEGINNERS by Brian Fortuna on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 6:21pm
It gives me great pleasure to officially announce my newest project: Brian's Beginners! This marks the start of a large project for me and I couldn't be more excited about it! As you know, I am very passionate about all aspects of dance and teaching is one of the best ways to share my passion with others. I have recorded two awesome new DVDs focusing on partner dancing. I've made sure that they are easy to learn, even for those feel that they have two left feet (a belief I never subscribe to). Anyone can dance and everyone should dance!

The ability to teach large groups of people at the same time is a long-held ambition of mine. I'll show you everything you need to know and help you every step of the way and, as an added bonus, you can learn in the comfort of your own home!
In my DVDs - one in Latin and one in Ballroom - you'll see me teach a class of complete beginners. These amazing people had very little or absolutely no dance experience prior to my classes and you will be learning right along with them. It is very important to me that the lessons are easy to follow and fun to learn, because that's what learning to dance is all about. Each DVD has two classes; Cha Cha and Swing in Latin, and Waltz and Foxtrot (my favorite Ballroom dance) in Ballroom. They officially launch worldwide in 2011.
While I was making these DVDs, my gorgeous TAFFs were always on my mind. I have had the opportunity to meet many of you through Strictly Come Dancing, Burn the Floor, cabaret shows, and lessons. I know there are still many of you I haven't met yet and I look forward to doing so in the future.One of the most amazing things about all of you is your unconditional support of everything I do. I feel truly honored by it and it makes an enormous difference in my life. It is very, very important to me to acknowledge this and to show my appreciation for each and every one of you.

I spoke at length with the production team behind Brian's Beginners and I have arranged for a LIMITED SUPPLY of both of my DVDs to be available for sale beginning TODAY, Thursday, December 9th! The DVDs are available DIRECTLY from the producers at Amazon Marketplace priced £9.99 each. This is the only place on the web that they can buy from the actual production company who worked with me on this project.

Go to this link to get your copies today: Brian's Beginners.

So, snap up your copy of my DVDs and start planning your Brian's Beginners Dance Party! I check my Facebook and Twitter regularly, so I'm looking forward to seeing your photos, hearing about your progress, and how you are enjoying the lessons.

Brian looks back at 2010

Brian has posted a new message on his website looking back at his achievements and successes this year. He also congratulates Ali and Jason Gilkison for both also being nominated along with Brian for their work in Burn the Floor.

Click here to read.

Brian on Channel 5 on Thursday evening

Brian will be appearing on Live from Studio Five on Thursday from 6.25pm to 7pm on Channel Five, not on The Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Brian will announce details of his new project on the show. Information will also be on Brian's Twitter, Facebook and website after the announcement.

Details of Brian's new project this week

Brian will announce details of his new project on Thursday - he says that the TAFFs will love it!

He tweeted yesterday: I have awesome news to share with you abt my new project.....BUT can't say anything until Thursday. Trust me, you'll love it. xx

He added: OK, the ONLY hint I can give about my news on Thurday is that I made sure to have something special for my TAFFs. xx

Sandra Fortuna has said this week that Brian will be in UK long-term - brilliant news for all fans of Mr F.

Brian will be appearing on Live from Studio Five on Thursday, Channel Five at 6.25pm.