Matt Lapinskas
Best known for playing Anthony Moon in Eastenders, actor Matt describes himself as a 'cheeky chappy' with a secret passion for dance. He hopes to add to his performance skills and bring some fun to the show. He also hopes he can add in a body pop or two!
Matt is part Canadian, so was over the moon to get partnered with Canadian International Brianne Delcourt. They're always having fun together; as Brianne says, "Sometimes we laugh so much we can’t skate."
Matt really is a ladies man, but not the one you’d expect. "My mum and Nan are religiously fans of the show so I’ll be doing it for them – they’ll be so excited once it starts." And that’s not the only secret side he’ll be revealing: "My friends and my family think I’m very laddish, but on the inside I love a bit of sparkle, me! The brighter the better!"
There might even be fireworks on the ice... "I’d be upset if I worked really hard on something and gave it my best and was then criticised, I’d find that hard. I’ll definitely hold my own with the judges, but will take it on the chin."
Brianne Delcourt
Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1981, Brianne first put on a pair of skates at the tender age of two, skating on the homemade rink that her father made every winter by flooding their back yard!
Delcourt began skating competitively at the age of 11, and between 1993 and 1996 she won various regional and sectional titles, working her way up to national competitions. In 1996 and 1997
Brianne achieved her proudest competitive moment, representing her country in competitions in Ottawa and Vancouver.
Towards the end of the decade, Brianne turned professional and has since skated in shows including Hot Ice in Blackpool as half of the Principal Adagio Pair.
Brianne’s 11 years as a professional have so far seen her perform in shows all over the USA, on Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, in Hong Kong, and in Mexico to name but a few.
The showstopping skater says that showbusiness runs in the family’s blood, as she's descended from the legendary Barnum, of The Barnum and Bailey Circus.