ZapGossip

Rihanna’s backing dancer part of new Channel 4 street dance documentary series

Rihanna’s backing dancer and Dua Lipa’s choreographer have joined forces for a new Channel 4 documentary series about street dance.
The new three-part show, ‘Dance Around The World’, will see Kym Jay and Suzette Brissett respectively head to New York, Brazil and South Africa to discover the history and culture behind the dance style.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "Dance shows are big business, with thousands upon thousands tuning into ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘Dancing On Ice’.
"Everyone loves watching their favourite dance style come to life, but very little is revealed about the dances they perform.
"This new show brings viewers a fun and interesting look at the history, culture and people behind these traditional dances from far-flung destinations across the world, which these glossy talent shows have made famous."
The channel certainly seems to be keen to rival shows like ‘Strictly’ and ‘Dancing on Ice’, as it was recently confirmed that ‘Flirty Dancing’ has been recommissioned.
Ashley Banjo will return to host the hit show, which sees two disillusioned daters taught two halves of the same bespoke dance before being brought together to perform the routine and see whether they have chemistry.
The programme will air at an earlier time slot of 8pm for six hour-long episodes as well as a one-hour Stand Up To Cancer celebrity special, and the 30-year-old dancer can’t wait to "help create some romance" for all the new contestants.
He said in a statement: "I loved working with our singles last year, creating something special for each of them and watching the sparks fly.
"For me the show provides an incredibly unique experience for people to meet through dance, and it is so rewarding (as well as nerve-racking!) to watch it all play out. I can’t wait to help create some romance for all our new hopeful daters."
Sarah Lazenby, head of features and formats at Channel 4, said: "We’re delighted to be bringing the joy of ‘Flirty Dancing’ back to Channel 4, at an earlier time slot so that all the family can enjoy the timeless romance it evokes.
"Curated, once again, by the warm-hearted giant Ashley Banjo, we hope this series will create some more rom-com magic for the small screen."
Second Star’s chief creative officer Deborah Sargeant added: "We are incredibly proud of this format – and of the production team who work so passionately to produce it – so we were thrilled that the first series was so warmly received. We can’t wait to get more couples dancing in the street this summer. "