Let’s all take a Tumble

Lancashire performer Holly Johnstone is training with Steps’ H for a new BBC show
Holly JohnstoneHolly Johnstone
Holly Johnstone

Lancashire circus and performing arts graduate Holly Johnstone has been handpicked to star on a new BBC1 Saturday show Tumble.

The new prime-time family show from the creators of Strictly Come Dancing will see 10 celebrities put through their paces as they learn how to vault, tumble, flip and fly in spectacular gymnastic performances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following a similar format to the popular dancing show, each celebrity will be paired with a professional gymnastic performer, like aerialist and dancer, Holly, 22.

Formerly of Ripley St Thomas Academy, Holly has been paired with Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins and they’re in great company.

Other celebrities signed up and already in intensive training include Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding, fitness legend Mr Motivator and Dynasty icon Emma Samms.

Holly attended performance school Turning Point Theatre Arts where she spent 13 years training between the ages of five -18, and continues to teach younger pupils today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Whilst attending the school, located at Lancaster Leisure Park, Holly gained Advanced levels in all dance genres and had many opportunities for performance, including Disneyland Paris, Opera House and other UK Theatres.

Holly was granted Associate Scholarships with the Hammond School, the British Ballet Organization, Cecchetti Ballet and SLP College, and went on to graduate from Circus Space (National Centre for Circus Arts) in 2012 with a BA Honours in Circus and Performing Arts.

Gail Johnstone, owner of Turning Point Theatre Arts, expressed her delight for former pupil Holly, saying: “We are all so proud of Holly and wish her the very best of luck on the show. She absolutely deserves this after all her hard work.

“We are always proud of our students and we’ll all routing for her and Ian ‘H’ Watkins – come on team ‘H’.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Holly specialises in dance and aerial hoop, but is also trained in stage combat, Spanish web, acrobatics, tumbling, hand balancing and silks.

Other celebrities signed up for the show are 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 and Dynasty icon Emma Samms.

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.

Related topics: