Kimberly Wyatt returns to CBBC’s Taking The Next Step judging panel
The ultimate talent show for The Next Step fans is back with a brand new panel. More than 2,250 dancers uploaded audition videos for the chance to perform with the cast of the hugely popular CBBC series.
Published: 21 April 2017
I’m so excited to be back on Taking The Next Step. Our expectations are very high, so I can’t wait to be seriously impressed by all our new dance stars
Viewers will be able to follow every step of the journey as cameras cover the audition process.
The series will be presented by Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell and CBBC presenters Sam and Mark, and the dancers will audition in front of three industry experts: dancer and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt; Jonny Labey, former EastEnders actor and recently crowned Dance Dance Dance champion; and Marlon ‘Swoosh’ Wallen. Swoosh is CEO and Head Choreographer of dance troup Flawless, who found fame on Britain’s Got Talent, and has appeared in smash hit movies Street Dance 3D 1 & 2 and performed for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics.
Speaking about the series, Kimberly Wyatt says: "I’m so excited to be back on Taking The Next Step. I absolutely loved being part of last year’s series and was so proud of our winner. Our expectations are very high, so I can’t wait to be seriously impressed by all our new dance stars."
Jonny Labey says: "Having just been through my own dance competition, I completely understand what all our contestants are going through. However, that doesn't mean I will go easy on them! I am looking for someone with that star quality who makes me say ‘'wow!’'
Marlon ‘Swoosh’ Wallen says: "It’s such an honour to join Kimberly and Jonny on the Taking The Next Step judging panel. I am passionate about inspiring young people to dance and I can’t wait to meet amazing new dancers and watch them soar."
Hugely popular CBBC series The Next Step is a reality-style drama that focuses on a group of dancers who attend The Next Step Dance Studio. Dance is at the heart of everything these talented teens do, and so is the drama!
The series follows the highs and lows as they strive to win a series of dance competitions. The Next Step is produced by Radical Sheep, a division of Boat Rocker Media, and filmed on location in Toronto, Canada. The Next Step is one of the most well- loved series on CBBC and has proved popular on BBC iPlayer with audiences of all ages.
Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC, says: "Taking The Next Step was wildly popular with our audience and CBBC is proud to be giving more young and passionate dancers a platform to showcase their talents and shoot for the stars in this inspiring series."
Taking The Next Step has been commissioned by Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC, and the Executive Producer is Yvonne Jennings. It is being made by CBBC Productions in-house team in Scotland. The new series will be on screens in the autumn.
BC2
