Artist Erin Whitty paints Neale Whitaker's portrait for the Archibald

2012-03-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

Bio note on Erin Whitty:

Erin has painted on commission for more than 15 years and has worked part-time as an art tutor for the last seven years. Originally from Melbourne, Erin studied for a BA at RMIT. She is an expressionist painter who favours loose brushwork and lost edges. For Erin, portraiture is about capturing the subject's spirit.

Erin: 'I chose Neale for the portrait as he an interesting personality with two discernible sides. One as a discerning critic who can be tough on his disciples, and two, as a friendly, easily likeable person. I wanted to capture both facets in the portrait. The portrait pictures 'off-duty' Neale. In it he is relaxed, wearing his weekend clothing and his eyes emanate warmth. But he doesn't give anything away. I liken his expression to the Mona Lisa's smile. It implores the viewer to wonder about him as I do.'

Neale: 'I was incredibly flattered to be invited by Erin to sit for a portrait. It's an honour and I'm thrilled with the result. I was worried I might not be able to see me in the final portrait, but I'm very much there. I think she's captured much more than one dimension of me and I'm intrigued by it. And yes, she even got the raised eyebrow!'

Erin McNaught announced as part of the cast of 2012's Dancing!

2012-03-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCING THE 2012 DANCING WITH THE STARS CAST

Channel Seven today announced the glitzy series line-up for the 2012 series of DANCING WITH THE STARS.

This series promises glitter, glamour and as always a touch of unpredictability with a cast including a solo yachtswoman, rock legend, international DJ, AFL superstar and a television icon all hitting the dance floor.

The group will kick up their heels alongside host Daniel MacPherson and his new co-host, the sensational Mel B. Having made it to the Grand Final of the US Dancing With the Stars, Mel knows what it takes to rumba to the top.

Judges Helen Richey, Todd McKenney and Joshua Horner will return ready with a keen eye to watch our celebrities bedazzle them with their new moves.

Dancing for the coveted mirror ball trophy this year are:

Kerri-Anne Kennerley, TV icon

Brendan Fevola, AFL superstar

Johnny Ruffo, X Factor sensation

Danielle Spencer, Singer/Songwriter

Erin McNaught, Television presenter

Jessica Watson, Solo yachtswoman

Zoe Cramond, Actor, Packed to the Rafters

Vogue Williams, International DJ

Shannon Noll, Singer/Songwriter

Brian Mannix, 80s Rock legend

Caine Eckstein, Ironman

Each week during the live show scores will be combined from the judges plus the all important viewer vote to determine who will be at the top of the dancing leader board and who will be sent waltzing home.

Celebrities will be dancing to raise funds for their favourite charity.

Dancing duos for 2012 season are:

Kerri-Anne Kennerley – dancing with Carmelo Pizzino

Kerri-Anne has interviewed world leaders, sporting icons, leaders of business and superstars, and is a highly respected national television presenter, gracing our television screens for almost thirty years. Kerri-Anne has also written two books "People I've Met, Places I've Been" and "Kerri-Anne's Life Energy".

Brendan Fevola – dancing with Jessica Raffa

Brendan is regarded as one of the greatest full-forwards in the history of the AFL, finishing with 623 goals from 204 matches. ‘Fev’ twice won the Coleman Media for the AFL’s leading goal kicker in 2006 and 2009, and played for both Carlton and Brisbane.

Johnny Ruffo – dancing with Luda Kroitor

Johnny was thrust into the spotlight last year when he entered the hit show X Factor. Only a few months on after being a top 3 finalist, Johnny has ditched his job as a concreter and recently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.

Danielle Spencer – dancing with Damian Whitewood

Danielle Spencer’s musical career was undeniably destined from an early age. The daughter of Don Spencer – a respected musician and renowned TV presenter in Britain and Australia – Danielle first started to sing and learn the piano from her father at the age of four. Last year Danielle and her band joined Chris Isaak on his Australian tour in March, followed by the ‘Rock & Rebuild’ charity concert alongside Sir Bob Geldof in May.

Erin McNaught - dancing with Gleb Savchenko

Glamorous beauty Erin first hit the scene in 2006 when she represented Australia in the Miss Universe competition. Now an MTV VJ, Erin co-hosts the MTV Hits Weekly Hot 30 Countdown and is a widely sought after ambassador.

Jessica Watson - dancing with Damien Samuel

Just three days shy of her 17^th birthday, Jessica Watson shot to fame when she completed her dream of sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. Jessica later wrote a book about her epic voyage which went to number one in Australia and has been published in 11 countries. She was named Young Australian of the Year in 2011, and this year was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.

Zoe Cramond – dancing with Aric Yegudkin

Zoe Cramond burst onto the Australian television scene with her role on the hit Channel Seven show Packed To The Rafters. Zoe plays Emma, and has quickly settled into life with her Rafter family. Zoe tained at the Bachelor of Performing Arts in New Zealand.

Vogue Williams – dancing with Christopher Page

Vogue Williams has been a DJ in her homeland of Ireland for five years and most recently held a residency at the hip inner city club Andrews Lane Theatre in Dublin. Vogue, who has also modeled, is engaged to fellow Irish superstar and Australia’s Got Talent Brian McFadden.

Shannon Noll – dancing with Elena Samodanova

Shannon has become one of the most successful singers in Australia, and is the only man to have ten consecutive top 10 ARIA singles chart. After hitting the scene in 2004 with his emotional cover of the Moving Pictures classic What About Me his debut album went on to sell more than 350,000 copies and went five times platinum.

Brian Mannix – dancing with Melanie Hooper

Brian first came to national attention through his work as lead singer and songwriter of one of the most popular bands of the 1980s - The Uncanny X-Men. Hit singles “Everybody Wants to Work”, “Party”, “How Do You Get Your Kicks”, “Still Waiting” and “Fifty Years” saw the band achieve gold and platinum sales. In 1997 he released a novel about a new team in the AFL made up of disgraced international sporting stars.

Caine Eckstein – dancing with Jess Prince

At just 25, Caine is the best endurance ironman Australia has ever seen. The Coolangatta Gold Champion took his wins to a new record this year by becoming the only person in history to win the iconic event five times. Caine is also a fierce competitor in the Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Series and this year won the title overall in the 2011/12 competition.

DANCING WITH THE STARS returns soon to Channel Seven.

Dancing With the Stars is the smash-hit BBC format that has been seen in more than 75 countries around the world. It is a Freehand production for Channel 7 and BBC Worldwide The format has been licensed in over 35 territories and Dancing With The Stars is “The Most Successful Reality TV Format” – awarded by The Guinness Book of World Records 2010.

Chic Celebrity News

Artist Erin Whitty paints Neale Whitaker's portrait for the Archibald

Erin McNaught announced as part of the cast of 2012's Dancing!