The TeamGB cyclist and partner Brendan Cole lost out to fellow sports star Michael Vaughan in a dance-off

Two stars of the literary world – JK Rowling and Hilary Mantel – have signed up to attend The Independent Bath Literature Festival in March.

With dazzling effects, the show goes on without Polunin the wonder boy

The name of Philippe Braunschweig may be less familiar than the name of his creation, but that is a measure of its success. The Prix de Lausanne, which he founded in 1973, has been a major signpost in the career of many great ballet dancers; past winners who have gone on to become international stars include Carlos Acosta, Darcey Bussell and Diana Vishneva.

The chance to step into Carlos Acosta's shoes last week was a dream come true, Rupert Pennefather tells Susie Mesure

Actress Laila Rouass has left Strictly Come Dancing after stinging criticism of her performances.

From prima ballerina to judging salsa on prime-time TV. It's all within the repertoire of a star who is also writing books and designing dancewear

Pandora very much hopes we won't have to wait too much longer to get our hands on Conrad Black's next volume of memoirs.

The boys are back and looking to the future

When Bryn Terfel pulled out of Wagner's Ring cycle last year, the Royal Opera House issued an unusually terse statement, expressing "shock and surprise" at his decision.

The best of the best our critics' choices

The Royal Variety Performance, ITV1; Russell Brand On The Road, BBC4; Kizzy: Mum at 14, BBC3