The X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger reveals she nearly ‘turned down’ Dirty Dancing role because Penny has an abortion
Singer says her family are 'against' abortions, which made it difficult for her to accept the role
BAGGING a part in the remake of Dirty Dancing should have been a huge deal for NICOLE SCHERZINGER.
But unlike the 1987 film’s trademark song, she wasn’t having the time of her life when the job offer came in.
Nicole has revealed she almost turned down her role in the film because her character Penny has an abortion — something the star’s real-life family are strongly against.
The X Factor judge explained: “I was like a crazy thing because my papa’s a bishop and my family is really hardcore against abortion.
“I got the role and I almost didn’t take it because I didn’t want to promote abortion, because my character has an abortion.
“But I was like, ‘Hopefully they can learn from her ways and I can be a positive influence.’
“My mum got pregnant with me when she was 17 and had me when she was 18. She chose.
“Her parents were never going to let her have an abortion so I came out. I just want to encourage everybody to keep your babies.”
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Nicole was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1978 but her parents Rosemary Elikolani and Alfonso Valiente separated when she was still a baby.
A few years later she was adopted by her stepfather Gary Scherzinger when the family, along with Nicole’s younger sister Keala, moved to Louisville, Kentucky.
The former PUSSYCAT DOLL was brought up as a Catholic, which explains her family’s strong anti-abortion views.
In ABC’s TV adaptation of Dirty Dancing, Nicole plays Penny, who almost dies after a botched abortion.
She stars alongside ABIGAIL BRESLIN, in the lead role of Baby, originally played by JENNIFER GRAY, while COLT PRATTES takes on the late PATRICK SWAYZE’s iconic character, Johnny Castle.
The flick will air on US channel ABC in 2017 as part of the film’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Nicole explained: “It’s already been shot on (production company) Lionsgate.
“The 30th anniversary is next year, so that’s when it’s coming out.”
Whether her family will be watching however, is another matter.
It's Alesha's Der-eam duet
ALESHA DIXON has performed duets with everyone from BRUCE FORSYTH to JAY SEAN.
Now the former MIS-TEEQ star is lining up US singer JASON DERULO after holidaying with him in Cape Verde.
The pair even got some early practice in on their flight home after performing at the Llana Beach Resort’s opening party.
An insider revealed: “Alesha has always loved Jason’s music.
“She spent a lot of the trip partying with Jason and getting to know him, so now her dream seems pretty realistic.
“Passengers on their trip home even got to see them performing together as they belted out MISSY ELLIOTT’s Work It.”
They would make a great duo.
Knead show for Paul
CHANNEL 4 bosses want to have their cake and eat it.
After stealing PAUL HOLLYWOOD and Bake Off from the BBC, C4 has asked six production firms to come up with ideas for more shows he can front.
A source said: “It’s going to be a baking show.
"Paul already does City Bakes, so it’s more likely to be a show in a kitchen where he gives baking tips.
"But all offers are open.”
Jam not kidding
JAMELIA won’t be giving her eldest daughter Teja a CRUZ BECKHAM-style leg-up into pop music.
The singer revealed she has turned down offers from ITV bosses to sign up her daughter for The Voice Kids – despite Teja’s interest.
In an exclusive chat, Jamelia said: “They asked me to be a part of The Voice Kids, then I must have posted a video on Instagram of my 15-year-old and they were like, ‘Can one of your children be on it?’
“Both of my girls can sing but I was like, ‘No way’.”
If she sings like her mum, Teja would have been great.
GEORGIA MAY FOOTE has hot-footed it straight from her Strictly ex-boyfriend GIOVANNI PERNICE into the arms of a hunky male model.
The former Corrie star confirmed her relationship with George Alsford in a series of cosy bedroom snaps shared on social media.
She was seen frolicking in bed with George on Snapchat after posting a toothpaste-smeared selfie of the pair on Instagram.
They won’t have bad breath under the mistletoe, at least.
Name the last dance
STRICTLY’s finalists have chosen their dances for Saturday night’s climax. Each pair will do a showdance, their favourite – and one selected by the judges. The judges’ choices are secret.
ORE ODUBA and JOANNE CLIFTON will perform to I Got Rhythm by JODI BENSON, plus the jive that made them the first couple to score a “ten” in week four.
DANNY MAC and OTI MABUSE have chosen ADELE’s Set Fire To The Rain, then the samba that scored four tens.
LOUISE REDKNAPP and KEVIN CLIFTON will dance to WHITNEY HOUSTON’s One Moment In Time and the Argentine tango that scored them 39 in week seven.
Looks good for a Clifton winner.
HERE is an exclusive peek at Over The Rainbow winner DANIELLE HOPE, The Wanted’s TOM PARKER, former EastEnder LOUISA LYTTON and DARREN DAY as the cast of stage show Grease, which is touring the UK next year.
Soapbox
PHELAN reveals to Eileen that Anna is the one behind those vicious letters on CORONATION STREET.
A shocked Eileen wants to call the cops but Phelan admits that he feels sorry for Anna and persuades Eileen to let him handle it.
Anna finally shows Kevin her scarred body and he reassures her that he still thinks she is beautiful.
In EMMERDALE, Liv steals vodka from the shop and tries to break into the mill.
However, Rebecca spots her and tells Aaron what is going on.
When he finds her drinking, they make up and he feels bad for not believing her about Gabby being bullied.
Meanwhile, Moira takes drastic action after an accusation from Adam.