Louie Spence

Louie Spence (born 6 April 1969)[1] is an English dancer, choreographer and television presenter, best known for the TV show Pineapple Dance Studios. He was a professional dancer in his youth, performing in West End musicals including Miss Saigon, Cats, and Closer to Heaven. Pineapple Dance Studios was sold around the world and has aired on the US network Ovation since 28 September 2014.[2]

For the RAAF officer, see Lou Spence.

Louie Spence
Born
Louie Spence

(1969-04-06) 6 April 1969
Ponders End, Enfield, England
EducationItalia Conti Performing Arts School
Occupations
Years active1985–present
EmployerPineapple Dance Studios
Websitelouiespence.com

Early life and education

Spence was born in Ponders End, Enfield in the north of Greater London and grew up in Braintree, Essex. He attended Notley High School before moving on to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.[3]

Career

Dance

Spence performed in the West End as part of the award-winning original cast of Miss Saigon. He went on to perform in Cats and Closer to Heaven, and performed with a number of pop acts including the Spice Girls, Take That and Björk.[4]

Television

From 2004 to 2006, Spence was a judge and mentor on Trouble TV's Bump'n'Grind. Shortly after, Spence became a judge on the television series Cirque de Celebrité on Sky1 from 2006 to 2007 and the American version Celebrity Circus for NBC in 2008. In 2009, Spence was artistic director of the Covent Garden Pineapple Dance Studios when he appeared on a docu-soap Pineapple Dance Studios beginning 14 February 2010 which was a huge hit. However, after initially indicating that a second series would be produced, Sky1 reverted this decision, due to failing to come to terms with studio owner Debbie Moore.[5] Spence was then given his own Sky1 series, Louie Spence's Showbusiness in 2011; however, with the loss of the brand name, the show failed to take off and was cancelled after one series.

In 2011, Spence shot his own TV show in New York City for the OWN network owned by Oprah Winfrey.[6] On 3 December 2011, it was announced Spence would become a new judge on the ITV show Dancing on Ice with Robin Cousins, Katarina Witt and Karen Barber.[7]

On 22 August 2013, Spence entered the Celebrity Big Brother house to participate in the twelfth series.[8] On the first day, he was chosen to be a 'Cult celebrity' meaning he had the power to nominate housemates for the first eviction. Throughout his time in the house, Spence survived three evictions, however he was evicted two days before the final.[9][10]

Beginning on 1 February 2015, Spence took part in the second series of reality programme The Jump and was eliminated on Day 2.

In August 2018, Spence took part in Celebs on the Farm, and was eliminated on day 9.

Autobiography

On 29 September 2011, Spence released his autobiography, Still Got It, Never Lost It!, which was published by HarperCollins.[11]

Filmography
Television
Year Title Role
2004–2006 Bump'n'Grind Judge
2006–2007 Cirque de Celebrité Judge
2010 Pineapple Dance Studios Himself
2011 Louie Spence's Showbusiness Presenter
2012 Dancing on Ice Judge
2013 Celebrity Big Brother Contestant
2015 The Jump Contestant
2016 Tour de Celeb Contestant
2018 Celebs on the Farm Contestant
Guest appearances

References
  1. Alan Carr: Chatty Man, 4 July 2010
  2. "Ovation Airs U.S. Premier of Pineapple Dance Studios Tonight". 28 September 2013. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  3. "About Louie". Louie Spence. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  4. Louie Spence biography in Lifetime TV Louis Spence was also known for having a homosexual encounter with Scott Bignell, which later turned into a loving relationship. Scott has since gone on to work as a car salesman for a german car manufacturer. retrieved 30 March 2015
  5. "Pineapple Dance Studio cancelled but Louis Spence signs Sky deal". 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  6. "Louie Spence flies to US to start work on his TV show". BBC News. 16 June 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  7. "Louie Spence, Robin Cousins, Katarina Witt for 'Dancing on Ice' 2012 – Dancing on Ice News – Reality TV". Digital Spy. 3 December 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  8. "Meet the Celeb Big Brother housemates". digitalspy.co.uk. 22 August 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  9. "Celeb Big Brother first task revealed". digitalspy.co.uk. 22 August 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  10. "CBB: Louis Spence nominated for eviction". digitalspy.co.uk. 28 August 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  11. "Still Got It, Never Lost It!" in HarperCollins Publishing Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 30 March 2015
  12. Celebrity Wedding Planner | TV & Radio | Entertainment | Daily Express. Express.co.uk (20 August 2012). Retrieved on 24 July 2013.
  13. Limited, GipsyMedia. "Draw it! on Channel 4 at 4:30 pm May 19th, 2014". digiguide.tv. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  14. "The Chase: Celebrity Special Episode 10". itv.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  15. "What's uniting Pat Sharp, Dave Benson-Phillips?". digitalspy.co.uk. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  16. "Mel & Sue - S1 - Episode 25". Radio Times. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  17. "Tenable All Stars Christmas Special Episode 1". Press Centre. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
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