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BuzzJack Music Forum _ 20th Century Retro _ Will confirmed for Strictly
Posted by: Sunday Aug 9 2016, 03:34 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37024094
The announcement was made this afternoon (Tuesday 9 August) on the official Strictly Come Dancing Twitter and Facebook accounts, where Will was confirmed as the second contestant taking part in the brand new series following a number of teasing tweets from him earlier in the day alluding to big news on the horizon.
“As a fan of Strictly for years, I have always imagined myself on the show, but the timing has not been right... until now! Music is my passion and the dancing I have done has always been with a microphone in hand. Now there will be no microphone or band, just me, my partner and the dance floor. Strictly is a show with fantastic live music and has an ethos of positivity and growth. I practice these two things every day, and I will try my hardest to be the best dancer possible,” said Will.
Award-winning singer songwriter Will Young was catapulted to fame after winning the inaugural UK Pop Idol contest in 2002 and since then has gone on to have not only a very successful music career but has also appeared in a number of film, stage and television productions. These include the BBC film Mrs Henderson Presents, on TV in the Marple drama The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side, and on stage as the MC in Rufus Norris’ production of Cabaret, for which he received an Oliver award nomination.
Will is looking forward to adding to his impressive CV by joining the cast of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The third confirmed contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2016 will be revealed live on The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw on Wednesday 10 August.
Will joins Ed Balls who was the first contestant announced for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing yesterday.
Produced by BBC Studios, Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One for its 14th series in September 2016
Posted by: munchkin Aug 9 2016, 10:07 PM
Thanks sunday - confirmed at last 
Posted by: truly talented Aug 10 2016, 11:22 AM
Thanks for starting the thread Sunday. 
Posted by: suggy Aug 10 2016, 01:50 PM
Thanks Sunday. 
Posted by: truly talented Aug 10 2016, 05:49 PM
The former Pop Idol winner performed on the show last year, and now he’s taking to the dancefloor.
After being heavily rumoured for a while now, it’s been announced that Will Young is heading to the ballroom.
The former Pop Idol winner has been confirmed for Strictly 2016, and ahead of the series this September, we bring you everything you need to know about Will Young…
Will Young
Age: 37
From: Wokingham, Berkshire
Occupation: Singer and actor most famous for winning Pop Idol in 2002. He was also nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical after starring in Cabaret in the West End.
Fun fact: He supports a wide range of charities including Women’s Aid, Mencap, the Prince’s Trust and the WWF.
What he says about taking part in Strictly: “As a fan of Strictly for years, I have always imagined myself on the show, but the timing has not been right... until now!
"Music is my passion and the dancing I have done has always been with a microphone in hand. Now there will be no microphone or band, just me, my partner and the dance floor. Strictly is a show with fantastic live music and has an ethos of positivity and growth. I practice these two things every day, and I will try my hardest to be the best dancer possible.”
http://tv.bt.com/tv/strictly-2016/who-is-will-young-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-strictly-2016-contestant-11364078648861
Posted by: ladypenelope Aug 11 2016, 08:44 AM
There's an article in the Huffington post about Will not dancing with a male partner, but I can't post the link because I haven't got enough posts on here yet, sorry.
Not much to it, but a nice pic.
Posted by: truly talented Aug 11 2016, 09:09 AM
Here you go Penny. Not sure why you can't post links.
Will Young will not be strutting his stuff with a male dance partner on the new series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, it has been confirmed.
The singer, who came out as gay in 2002, was the second celeb officially announced to be taking to the ‘Strictly’ dancefloor later this year.
But the BBC confirmed the 37-year-old would be paired with a female dancer during his time in the competition, as the debate about whether same-sex couples should feature on the show continues.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: “The show has chosen the traditional Latin and Ballroom format of mixed-sex couples.”
‘Strictly’ judge Craig Revel Horwood had previously said same-sex pairings were “on the cards”.
He told OK! magazine last year: “A same sex couple on Strictly – that is on the cards.
“It will either be this year, or next year, but most certainly it will happen.”
Craig added: “There are competitions throughout the world that have same sex couples – you just have to decide who goes backwards darling.”
Craig Revel Horwood previously hinted that same-sex couples would soon be making an appearance on the show.
One of the show’s former professional dancers previously revealed he had spoken to Beeb bosses about the possibility of introducing same-sex dancers.
Robin Windsor suggested that an all-male or all-female couple could compete on a one-off special in an effort to “test the waters”.
“I spoke to producers about having a same-sex couple competing,” Robin told the Daily Star.
“I’m not sure if the British public are ready for it on the main show, but I think it would be a good idea to do it on a Children In Need special or the Christmas show.
“It would be a good way to test the waters. Then, if the public love it, why not go all out and do it for a full series? I’m up for anything.”
But James Jordan, another of the show’s former professional dancers, disagreed, saying the show would “lose so many viewers” if same-sex couples were introduced.
“I have nothing against same-sex couples, if they want to go and do their own competitions,” James said. “But ballroom and Latin dancing is about a man dancing with a woman – that’s fact”.
Despite never having a same-sex couple on the show, ‘Strictly has previously featured two men dancing together for a one-off routine when professionals Robin Windsor and Aljaž Skorjanec took to the floor together in 2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/will-young-gay-same-sex-couples-strictly-come-dancing_uk_57ab2219e4b0b3afa75cc60d?utm_hp_ref=strictly-come-dancing
Posted by: dizzydzin Aug 11 2016, 09:37 AM
All the tweets about Will not dancing with a male partner are getting on my nerves. The headlines imply that it's Will that wanted a same sex partner, which isn't the case at all.
It's Craig Revel Horwood who has put the 'cat amongst the pigeons'.
In my opinion, there are so many dances that need the sway and use of skirts in a dance, the Paso Doble, for example. Surely they wouldn't want the male partner to go in drag.
It will be hard enough for Will to learn all these new dances, never mind doing them in heels especially with his big feet... 
Luv.Diz.X.
Posted by: Roma Aug 11 2016, 10:02 AM
True Diz, but as Will has been involved with LBGT Politics, I imagine that campaigners found it an irresistible opportunity to make a point.
I am highly relieved that Will will be dancing with a female, as I want him to have as long a run as possible on the programme. The majority of the Strictly audience are probably on the conservative side, so I suspect that alternative arrangements would not have been too popular.
Posted by: dizzydzin Aug 11 2016, 02:58 PM
There are same sex ballroom dancing competitions. I've found a Youtube here.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoM0Hce8LxY
I think it's good to have these competitions, but 'Strictly' is for all contestants and I think this should remain.
We've had so many gay contestants on the programme already, who stick to the format, and this obviously includes the professional male dancers as well.
I enjoy the 'traditional' dancing and I agree, Roma, 'Strictly' would lose a majority of it's viewing public if it changed.
Luv.Diz.X.
Posted by: dizzydzin Aug 11 2016, 03:11 PM
I mean ... Look how good Will looks in this pose.... 
Luv.Diz.X.
Posted by: truly talented Aug 23 2016, 10:22 AM
Friday's Child is coming to Saturday night
Age
37
Profession
Singer and actor
As the first ever winner of Pop Idol, he’s already reality royalty. So we’re delighted to roll out the red carpet for singer-songwriter Will Young!
I haven’t done any preparation, apart from eating a large bar of chocolate every night. I am trying to store up my sugar supplies
Having won two Brits and two Ivor Novellos, he'll be hoping to clear some room on the mantelpiece for the Glitterball trophy. And he cites some fellow popstars as his Strictly inspiration…
“I really liked Emma Bunton, and enjoyed watching her excel on the show,” says Will. “I thought last year’s winner Jay was so beautiful to watch, and to see his confidence grow week in week out was brilliant.”
With six studio albums under his belt – all of which have reached the Top 2 – Will’s clearly got the music side of things down to a fine art. And while he’s not exactly known for pairing his hits with an energetic dance routine, Will does have a twinkle-toed side.
He did a term at musical theatre college, which he put into practice when he took on the role of Emcee in the West End production of Cabaret in 2013, earning himself an Olivier nomination in the process. Will has also taken ballet lessons, so we might find he’s just as comfortable holding a dance partner as he is holding a microphone.
Previous jobs include waiting tables, which means Will should have a good sense of balance. And as a politics graduate, he knows a thing or two about spin. In fact, he’s ready to use those silver-tongued skills on the judges: “I have heard that they are open to bribery! I am a little nervous about what Craig will say and I have started to learn Italian, so I can talk to Bruno in his mother tongue!”
Mind you, this is the same man who famously out-sassed Simon Cowell. Is diplomacy really his strong point, or will he have to rely solely on his dancing skills? We’ll soon find out…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/2bLp6QgRxydxbWRqlH5qlHk/will-young
Posted by: truly talented Aug 23 2016, 01:15 PM
@Louise_R_SCD
@LouiseRedknapp, @Tameka_Empson, @daisylowe and @willyoung Strictly photo shoot Via @bbcstrictly
Posted by: truly talented Aug 26 2016, 05:26 PM
Training has started. 
Posted by: truly talented Aug 31 2016, 07:42 AM
Photos from the Strictly launch.
Posted by: truly talented Aug 31 2016, 07:53 AM
Great write up for Will in the Mail from which many of the above pics were taken.
By BECKY FREETH FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:35, 31 August 2016 | UPDATED: 01:54, 31 August 2016
Will Young may have had a glittering pop career in the early Noughties, but he was opting for a more mature look when he returned to the limelight as a Strictly star on Tuesday.
The handsome former Pop Idol winner shunned sequins and see-through dancewear, opting for a classic, 1920s-style suit.
Will, 37, walked in on the arm of two very lovely ladies - fellow contestants Louise Redknapp and Naga Munchetty - as he prepared to launch his bid for Strictly Come Dancing glory in 2016.
The trio walked in quick step, proving that their timing was on-point as they arrived with the other 2016 crop of contestants.
Will couldn't hide his delight and shot his toothy, cheeky chappy grin to the studio audience as glitter fell down at their feet.
Oozing an effortless air of cool, Will dressed in a double breasted jacket and a pair of retro shoes, worn without socks.
Cool as a cucumber: Will cuts a slick figure in charcoal, bringing the look right back up to date
All smiles: Will couldn't keep his cheeky grin off his chops as he waltzed down the red carpet
He made the smooth move to avoid excess glitter, instead plumping for a simple line of silver studs on his collar and along the button holes of his white shirt.
Will also capped off the image with a rugged, unshaven image, which was far from the look of a squeaky-clean twenty-something that first appeared on our screens in 2001.
As well as his impressive vocal talents, Will has previously admitted that his love of dancing keeps him in good shape.
All in quick step: The trio walked in sync with one another, flashing delighted smiles
On announcing his part in the competition earlier this month, he said: 'As a fan of Strictly for years, I have always imagined myself on the show, but the timing has not been right... until now!'
He continued: 'Music is my passion and the dancing I have done has always been with a microphone in hand. Now there will be no microphone or band, just me, my partner and the dance floor.
'Strictly is a show with fantastic live music and has an ethos of positivity and growth. I practice these two things every day, and I will try my hardest to be the best dancer possible.'
Razzle dazzle em: With enough sequins to light up a room, the trio were positively glowing
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3766078/Will-Young-shuns-sequins-dance-gear-sharp-1920s-inspired-suit-Strictly-red-carpet-launch.html
Posted by: munchkin Aug 31 2016, 12:13 PM
Thanks TT- can't wait 
Posted by: munchkin Sep 3 2016, 10:44 PM
Will is going to partner Karen Clifton.... 
https://twitter.com/karen_hauer/status/772154266924580868/photo/1
Posted by: munchkin Sep 3 2016, 11:42 PM
"She's a bit clingy but I think we'll work on that" 
Posted by: Roma Sep 4 2016, 09:42 AM
Who can blame her for clinging on to Will.
Posted by: truly talented Sep 5 2016, 03:14 PM
Posted by: suggy Sep 5 2016, 07:24 PM
Thanks for all the latest on SCD, I've updated the forum heading to include his new adventure.
Posted by: truly talented Sep 6 2016, 11:11 AM
Thanks Suggy.
Rehearsals begin today 
Posted by: truly talented Sep 8 2016, 07:02 AM
@willyoung
Will Young Retweeted Karen Clifton
😧 🚑 🚑 🚑 🚨 🚨 🚨 @bbcstrictly #strictly
@karen_hauer
Bam!! Team #willpower finished for the day.. @willyoung I'll bring the coffee tomorrow X #helpwill #igotu
@willyoung
Day 1 😴😴😴
https://twitter.com/willyoung/status/773562101713530881
Posted by: truly talented Sep 8 2016, 07:02 AM
Day 2 and I am awake going through dance steps @bbcstrictly @karen_hauer what have I become???!!
@willyoung @bbcstrictly oh boy! I've created a dance monster!! See you in a bit X pic.twitter.com/BxW6xDfGrS
https://twitter.com/karen_hauer/status/773800891338063872
Posted by: truly talented Sep 19 2016, 01:27 PM
@bbcstrictly
Hard work! See the #Strictly class of 2016 in training with our @BBCiPlayer exclusive! 👉 http://bbc.in/2cWRDAZ ✨💃
Posted by: truly talented Sep 20 2016, 03:42 PM
Eek! 3 days to go #HelpWill #Strictly @bbcstrictly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkAfk64QRNU …
Posted by: truly talented Sep 20 2016, 03:45 PM
Getting in to it.
@bbcstrictly ok NOW I'm excited about this week AND next week if i am still in!!! Not sure if my shoulders agree with me
Posted by: truly talented Sep 20 2016, 07:32 PM
Thanks to Abbie.
Looks like Will is dancing on Friday night He's put an 'event' on Facebook -
Posted by: truly talented Sep 21 2016, 03:12 PM
Posted by: truly talented Sep 21 2016, 03:15 PM
TellyMix Updates
@TellyMixNews
Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Watch Will Young get worked hard by Karen Clifton http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/strictly
Posted by: truly talented Sep 21 2016, 03:18 PM
BBC Strictly✨
✔ @bbcstrictly
So, @WillYoung, is @karen_hauer a good teacher? Let's see for ourselves in their #Strictly First Steps:
2:00 PM - 21 Sep 2016
https://twitter.com/bbcstrictly/status/778579700251631616
Posted by: ros Sep 21 2016, 04:25 PM
That's rather a lovely big pic TT!
Posted by: truly talented Sep 21 2016, 06:49 PM
Oops the bigger the better Ros.
The @bbcstrictly songs and dances for this weekend's LIVE shows are being revealed tonight!! Head to bbc.co.uk/strictly at 9pm 💃🏻💃💃🏾
Posted by: truly talented Sep 21 2016, 08:11 PM
Will must have chosen what he's dancing too. 
Anastacia and Brendan will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Lady Marmalade' by Christina Aguilera, Mya, Lil' Kim and Pink
Claudia and AJ will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction
Daisy and Aljaz will be dancing the Waltz to 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole
Danny and Oti will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Cake by the Ocean' by DNCE
Ed and Katya will be dancing the Waltz to 'Are You Lonesome Tonight' by Elvis Presley
Greg and Natalie will be dancing the Jive to 'Get Ready' by The Temptations
Judge Rinder and Oksana will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Mercy' by Duffy
Laura and Giovanni will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Venus' by Shocking Blue
Lesley and Anton will be dancing the Waltz to 'What'll I Do' by Alison Krauss
Louise and Kevin will be dancing the Jive to 'Jump, Jive and Wail' by the Brian Setzer Orchestra
Melvin and Janette will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Loco In Acapulco' by the Four Tops
Naga and Pasha will be dancing the Waltz to 'Run To You' by Whitney Houston
Ore and Joanne will be dancing the Tango to 'Geronimo' by Sheppard
Tameka and Gorka will be dancing the Paso Doble to 'El Gato Montes' by Ramon Cortez and 'Y Viva Espana' by Sylvia
Will and Karen will be dancing the Tango to 'Let's Dance' by David Bowie
Posted by: munchkin Sep 22 2016, 03:36 PM
Thanks TT - just heard this on Steve Wright's show.
Posted by: truly talented Sep 22 2016, 06:33 PM
Tweet from Will
Posted by: munchkin Sep 24 2016, 09:10 PM
Enjoyed that. He did really well for a first dance.
"Full of drama, full of intent, full of purpose" - Craig @WillYoung & @karen_hauer #Strictly 💃
7:55 PM - 24 Sep 2016
Posted by: truly talented Sep 25 2016, 07:41 AM
Thought he mastered the technique brilliantly for what must be a difficult first dance. His acting certainly came to the fore too.
Posted by: truly talented Sep 25 2016, 08:00 AM
Posted by: truly talented Sep 26 2016, 06:20 PM
Will and Karen on IT Takes Two tomorrow night. 
Posted by: truly talented Sep 27 2016, 03:40 PM
Posted by: truly talented Sep 28 2016, 03:32 PM
Training outfits Week1 
Posted by: truly talented Sep 28 2016, 03:35 PM
Week One went by in a blur of sequins, sass and super high scores! This week, all 15 couples will be taking to the dancefloor on Saturday night for what promises to be another epic night of dance.
Anastacia and Brendan will be dancing the Salsa to 'Sax' by Fleur East
Claudia and AJ will be dancing the Waltz to 'You Light Up My Life' by Whitney Houston
Daisy and Aljaz will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Forget You' by Cee-Lo Green
Danny and Oti will be dancing the Viennese Waltz to 'Never Tear Us Apart' by INXS
Ed and Katya will be dancing the Charleston to 'The Banjo's Back in Town' by Alma Cogan
Greg and Natalie will be dancing the Tango to 'Jump' by Van Halen
Judge Rinder and Oksana will be dancing the American Smooth to 'Marvin Gaye' by Charlie Puth ft. Meghan Trainor
Laura and Giovanni will be dancing the Waltz to 'If I Ain't Got You' by Alicia Keys
Lesley and Anton will be dancing the Cha Cha to the Pussycat Dolls' version of 'Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps'
Louise and Kevin will be dancing the Viennese Waltz to the kd lang version of 'Hallelujah'
Melvin and Janette will be dancing the Tango to 'Moving On Up' by M People
Naga and Pasha will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Fool In Love' by Tina Turner
Ore and Joanne will be dancing the Cha Cha to 'Hot Stuff' by Donna Summer
Tameka and Gorka will be dancing the Charleston to 'Yes Sir, That's My Baby' to Firehouse Five Plus Two
Will and Karen will be dancing the Jive to 'Rock Around The Clock' by Bill Haley & His Comets
Posted by: truly talented Sep 28 2016, 06:13 PM
Looking good at the Jive in training
Posted by: ros Sep 28 2016, 08:45 PM
Will stamping his personally on the show already!
I think he's gonna do a good jive despite him not being keen before the show started.
Posted by: truly talented Oct 2 2016, 06:16 PM
Week2 The Jive
Mixed scores and comments from the judges with a respectable 27 on the night. Combining both scores Will totalled 57 and finished 4th on the leaderboard.
Posted by: truly talented Oct 2 2016, 06:22 PM
Some pics from last night.
Looks as if he's preparing for the gallows in this one. 
Posted by: truly talented Oct 2 2016, 06:23 PM
Kristina Rihanoff's verdict
Posted by: truly talented Oct 2 2016, 06:26 PM
Will definitely wasn't joking about pulling a muscle.
Blimey what a night last night - I almost crushed Karen, pulled my left bum cheek,
5 from Craig and 10 from Len! Roller coaster!@bbcstrictly
I meant 8 from Len! 10? If only....!!!!
Still he soldierded on and gave a good performance.
Posted by: ros Oct 2 2016, 09:48 PM
Great summary of week 2 of the competition and some lovely pics there!
Posted by: munchkin Oct 3 2016, 04:48 PM
Phew -
Posted by: truly talented Oct 3 2016, 07:16 PM
So according to a coreographer working on the show. Will and Karen are doing the Salsa this week.
Fantastic day choreographing @willyoung @karen_hauer salsa routine. Can't wait to see it how it comes out on Saturday.
Wonder which movie theme they are dancing to.
Posted by: munchkin Oct 4 2016, 10:34 AM
Thanks TT. I did spot that the info on one of the clips of Will and Karen training for the jive said "Will & Karen - Salsa". Someone obviously put up the wrong info. Hope his bum-cheek muscle is healed now.
Posted by: munchkin Oct 9 2016, 11:33 PM
Week 3 -Bollywood Salsa:
http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/strictly-come-dancing/281749-pictures-strictly-come-dancing-2016-movie-week-performances.html/32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o56A8O5dwIc&app=desktop
Will and Karen through to Week 4 - Viennese Waltz.
Posted by: truly talented Oct 11 2016, 08:40 AM
Thanks munchkin. Wasn't he brilliant. I was so impressed with those lifts. 
Posted by: munchkin Oct 11 2016, 12:57 PM
Yep - I thought they looked and danced great. There's a criticism on DS about the combination of salsa and Bollywood - but they can hardly be blamed for that - they don't pick them. I suspect the best dance/song are kept for the favourites. 
Score this weekend: 31
Current odds: 12/1
We love feistiness, and Will Young has form. But perhaps biting back when Len Goodman gives you a critique isn't the best way forward - we can't imagine many viewers taking too kindly to Will's snap back. Strictly celebs are supposed to smile and nod at every savaging, after all. Add to that the fact that Will and Karen attempted a Bollywood-esque salsa this week - two dances that don't necessarily go together like cheese and biscuits but more like steak and custard - and it just wasn't his best night in the competition so far. (But we are being picky - it is so blooming tight).
Imo Tamika went out for the same reason. Also she didn't cope that well with the dance. It transpired that she not only had her knee strapped up but had hurt her back too!
I don't think the combination of modern songs and Latin really go. A few years ago, sorry can't recall who,a couple had a paso doble with a traditional Spanish music theme and it went down a storm.
Edit...Just found it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ONCE5aGfaQ
It's a no brainer really. Keep it traditional for the Latin and really anything goes in ballroom.
Karen Hardy did say the because he had to concentrate on the Bollywood upper body movements his lower half suffered and his technique wasn't too good.
Everything crossed for this week's Viennese waltz.
Posted by: truly talented Oct 11 2016, 02:07 PM
I agree munchkin they can only work with what they are given.
Here's the embedded video from Saturday.
Posted by: truly talented Oct 11 2016, 02:12 PM
meditating before the results. 
Posted by: truly talented Oct 11 2016, 02:21 PM
Couple of lovely screencaps from this weeks shows. Thanks to Jeanette.
Posted by: Scene Oct 11 2016, 06:45 PM
He's quit Strictly.
Posted by: munchkin Oct 11 2016, 07:31 PM
Yes - just reading this over on Devoted.
Will's message:
Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons. I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television. I am so grateful to everyone who works on Strictly from the lighting designer to catering to the production team. Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And finally thank you to the BBC for supporting me throughout my journey. I wish my compatriots so much luck, and although I am back to being a viewer again, I’m certainly going to ‘keeeep dancing b
Couldn't personally read it as there is an internal server error on his official website.
Do hope it's nothing really serious.
Maybe he'll let us know in time if he so wishes.
Posted by: truly talented Oct 11 2016, 07:44 PM
Worrying, really don't know what to think. 
Posted by: ros Oct 11 2016, 10:13 PM
He did so well, he's a lovely mover.
He wouldn't leave the show without very good reason.
Posted by: suggy Oct 12 2016, 07:02 PM
I hope Will s ok, very sad news I know but I'm sure he has valid reasons for his sudden departure.
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