The Rhythm of Life

National Television Awards: Observations

2012-01-26T21:42:00.000Z

Well, I was going to tweet my thoughts as we went along, but we'd moved on three categories before I'd finished the first tweet ... so I'm putting them here instead!

I hope Dermot's got plenty of throat lozenges back stage.

Sir Brucie with Ant and Dec: British Ratpack; #trulyjoyful.

Lady Ga Ga got caned for her meat dress but Tulisa gets away with wearing a dead flamingo.

I want one of those beaded curtains.

I didn't realise Karen Gillan was played by the original little Amelia Pond and is, in actual fact, only ten years old.

According to Dermot, the votes were independently adjudicated by independent adjudicators. #needstoworkondelivery

That's the nicest dress I've ever seen Fearne Cotton wear, even taking into account the lampshade fringing.

David Walliams: #totalhero

Please can Thierry Henry can do all the compering, announcing and voice overs for all future award shows?#vavavoom #forgiven

The Chatty Man clip of the Strictly judges was just as funny second time around.

I very much enjoyed Little Mix's version of En Vogue's Don't Let Go.

Matt Smith is a closet hippy.

Let's face it, Ant and Dec are the only real reason we watch I'm A Celeb #forgoneconclusion

Lara Pulver did actually do that Sherlock scene naked - and wouldn't cover up until Benedict had had an eyeful. #cumberbitchesunite

Wishful Thinking or Freudian Slip - will.i.am on X-Factor #Dermotchat

Those T.O.W.I.E girls have the fakest Essex accents I've ever heard in my life. #ex-essex-ishgirl

Fatima: White stilettos. No. #someonetelltheessexgirlaboutstereotyping

Hilary Devane #moneycan'tbuyyoutaste

Loving Holly and Philip's mirror image 'O' faces at their win.

The Military Wives made me cry. Again.

The Knights of Camelot, scrubbed up #unexpectedtreat

Best Talent Show: X-Factor? In the deafening silence that followed, only Little Mix and Tulisa's clodhoppers applaud the most unexpected victory of the night. #iblamedemographics #shouldvebeenstrictly

A proper boy's reaction of "Yes!" and a punch in the air #outnumbered. Get in!

Playing the signature tune to this blog, as Strictly Come Dancing's Sir Brucie enters for the Special Recognition Award to Jonathan Ross. Who started out in cereal adverts. Who knew? His wife, Jane Goldman, wrote the film Stardust, whose title track was sung by Take That, whose Gary Barlow won the Landmark Award for a mountain trek with, amongst others, Alesha Dixon, whose new boss, Simon Cowell, poached her from ... Strictly Come Dancing! #comingfullcircle.

For a full list of winners from the NTA's, see here.

Snippets: Strictly Russell the Wizard; Brucie at the NTA's;

2012-01-25T10:59:00.000Z

Flamboyant Strictly Come Dancing star, Russell Grant will be replacing Michael Crawford in The Wizard of Oz, after his run in the reality dance show brought him back to the attention of West End agents.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber production, choreographed by Arlene Phillips, will see Russell will take over the role of Professor Marvel/The Wizard from Phantom of the Opera star Michael.

Sophie Evans is now playing the lead role of Dorothy. She was runner up to winner Danielle Hope, in the search for Dorothy show, Over the Rainbow, who began the show's run at the London Palladium.

The National Television Awards is on ITV tonight at 7.30pm, with The Sun reporting that Sir Brucie is flying in specially from Puerto Rico to perform 'Let There Be Love' - with Ant and Dec!

Dancing on Ice Twist!

2012-01-24T14:57:00.001Z

The promised twist alluded to by Philip has been announced - a series of head to head performances will take place on Sunday, with the judges choosing which of each pairing will be safe from elimination!

The producers have matched the contestants with their nearest competitors from Movie Week's leaderboard - which means Jorgatt versus Mattina! I don't envy the judges on that one!

At the bottom end, it's Cookey versus Semmy, which, if they play to Chemmy's strengths this week, should see her through without much trouble. Elsewhere though, it's closer than close, with Romark versus Vindy, Dannifer against Sebianne and Andi taking on Mattene. Toughie.

In other news, Alesha is her normal down to earth self on the red carpet and Ola talks about life as she knows it.

Move It 2012

2012-01-23T20:02:00.002Z

The UK's biggest dance exhibition/festival, Move It, the show for dancers, teachers, students and enthusiasts, will be held at Olympia from March 9th to 11th.

With 20,000 dancers taking part over three days across three stages, this amazing spectacle has performances from Flawless and the English National Ballet - together, fusing streetdance and ballet; Got To Dance's Akai, Alleviate and Chris & Wes; Britain's Got Talent stars James Hobley and Twist & Pulse and many more, including performances from the best performing arts colleges and streetdance crews.

The Big Dance Interview Sofa returns, with ex-Strictly Come Dancing champions Darren Bennett (with Jill "The Halfpenny", Series 2) and Lilia Kopylova (Darren Gough, Series 3) guests at 12.30pm on the Sunday.

There's a Dance Teachers' Convention, as well as the chance to grab a bargain in the leg warmer department and take part in a variety of different classes, so check out the website today to book your tickets.

Dancing on Ice: Movie Week

2012-01-22T20:03:00.004Z

It was all so Hollywood until Matthew opened his mouth ...mind those steps in that dress, Christine *phew* she made it! Guess the movie - Vindy with Grease; Jorgatt Legally Blonde; Chiceyne Top Gun; Markie Blues Brothers; Andi Goldfinger; Mattene Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Mattina Saturday Night Fever?

Chiceyne are indeed Top Gun, not the song you'd expect but You've Lost That Loving Feeling and he's cool, fluid, smoooooth, very nice, strong partnering, confident, great movement over the ice. Score: 6.5/5.5/6 = 18. Chris says he wanted to turn him into a traditional pairs skater and he did; Kristina commended the really big crossovers, speed and control and Louie asked, Tom Cruise who? He certainly got that loving feeling, was pleased he captured the mood and interpreted the character well. Robin says he commands the ice with confidence but not arrogance.

Romark with the Beaches song, Wind Beneath My Wings - she'll get piles, sat on the ice too long, lovely lift off to begin though, elegant until the stumble out of the lift and ooh, badly into that one, some nice lines but not an awful lot going on to be honest - and she seemed petrified all through, a little bit stiff. Score: 3/3.5/4 = 10.5 Jayne says she did everything asked of her; Robin wants her to understand her talent and allow herself to skate and praised her perfect lines and glide. She breaks Katarina's heart to see her joy turn to fear and Louie could see the stress in her body and wants her to let rip!

Samandra with Kung Fu Fighting - loved the concept, the attack, the execution and attiude and especially his reaction to landing the big flip at the end! Great skating again, with personality. 4.5/5/6.5 = 16 Chris calls him his guilty pleasure this week; Katarina respected the backward step sequence and the flawless performance but said he reminded her more of a cuddly panda than a kung fu one! Robin liked his confidence on the skates but could see it in his eyes he was focused on the flip; Louie said his arms were a bit sloppy (and aimed it at everyone) and that Sam hasn't improved on last week.

Semmy skating to Rescue Me from Sister Act - that costume's awful. Another energetic start, tiny stumble - think they went a bit wrong and sadly, the big lift that was proving difficult beat them on the night. Having to stop after starting and remove a big costume can't help the concentration and I've said it before - bearing in mind especially it's only their second week - if they're struggling that much, simplify. This is what happened to Sinitta, lovely skater, a bad lift cost her her place. Score: 3/3/4.5 = 10.5 Jayne's going to make her try it again in a few weeks, if she gets through. Louie commends her for trying, tells her not to lose spirit; Kristina begs her not to do them, be the hurricane on the ice and Robin says she doesn't need the trickery, she can skate. Philip lets on that it went perfectly in rehearsal.

Cookey to Stand By Me and I did not like that start, he's not as good a mover as he thinks, timing's well off, it was a disjointed performance, Brooke may as well not have been there. Meh. Score: 2.5/2.5/3 = 8 Philip's Strand is more exciting. Chris says Corey turned a corner with his mental attitude this week but Robin is disappointed, Louie's points were for the facial performance and Katarina tells him to skate with less eggshells under his feet and he'll need the audience to stand by him.

Dannifer to Listen from Dream Girls - she's still in pain, you can see, almost in tears, so fantastic that she managed such gorgeous lifts, mega kudos on that performance. Score: 6.5/5/6.5 = 18 Jayne concurs with fantastic while Chris trots out No Pain No Gain. Louie loved the drama and emotion and her beautiful arched back; Robin tells her to allow the same confidence in the side by sides as she does in the lifts; Katarina said the pained expression worked well in the programme and she was drawn into the story.

Markie have the obligatory matching trousers suits for the Blues Brothers Everybody Needs Somebody. He's much improved, more confident, steadier on the ice, great timing and personality, the routine totally suited him. He can watch with pride this week! Score: 3.4/3/4 = 10.5 Chris says he has the desire to be better; Katarina praises the clever choreography and the performance skill but says he needs to cover the ice; Robin praises the huge improvement, says he's going in the right direction and it was fun to watch. Louie likes the connection and the improvement, called it a bit ploddy but he enjoyed it.

Jorgatt skate to Nine To Five and it's another wow performance, so fast and tricky, brilliantly acted, she really dances her way across the ice, lots of lifts and tricks. Score: 7.5/6.5/7.5 = 21.5 Jayne says she proved how talented she is, Louie called it fun, fast and fabulous, jam packed with choreography, so complete and asks where are they gonna go with her? Katarina thanks her for being a shining jewel; Robin says she absolutely on the button and praises her fantastic versatility.

Mattina follow that with Night Fever and it is excellent, completely Fever on Ice, musical, fluid, rhythmic, wonderful movement, another to capture the feel totally. Score: 6/8/7.5 = 21.5 Chris says he delivered; Robin wasn't expecting to give an 8, acted, danced, most importantly, if you cut the top of the picture, the bladework would'nt tell you who was the pro! Katarina calls him natural, strong effortless, relaxed and sexy. Louie says it was well executed but missing the spark.

Mattene skate to Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend and she's in full Marilyn Mode with a little bit of quickstep and a couple of nice lifts. Score: 5/4/6 = 15 Jayne said she made a great Marilyn; Katarina liked that she stayed in character and called it charming and pure enjoyment with nice lines in the lifts; Louie praised the fabulous characterisation and Robin says she's lovely over the ice and looked fabulous.

Sebianne to Mad World from Donnie Darko and I'm loving the sway start and the butterfly, haunting and atmospheric routine, a lovely arabesque, smooth across the ice. Score: 5/6.5/6.5 = 18 Chris he's a gentle spirit and they're together now; Louie thought he lacked emotion but called the arabesque beautiful; Robin said his lines are great, there's nothing contrived, the quirkyness of his style worked. Katarina didn't get to speak as Philip let Seb challenge Louie!

Vindy to Grease Is The Word and there's great skating again but I didn't feel the performance was a convincing as it could be - think the wig got in the way! Low key compared to last week - dare I say it, the title track was probably the least played? Score: 4.5/4.5/5 = 14 Jayne called it a great job, she's shocked how good his basic skating is; Katarina says he keeps surprising her with his constant skating but he needs rhythm. Robin said he entertained for the right reasons. Louie called it clean and tidy with good pace.

Andi skate to a jazzed up Goldfinger which added some attitude, lovely extension into the back roll up and reclining spy (check me out,Tony Gubba's daughter!) I really enjoyed that, much stronger with more energy. Score: 5/5/5.5 = 15.5 Chris says she's getting better all the time, specially now the partnership is gelling. Louie said it was softer and more confident, she eased across the ice; Robin liked the attack and Katarina praised the spectacular ending and steadier skating but asked her to spice it up more. There was an explosion of double entendre and innuendo, starting with Heidi saying it's hard to be sexy when Andrei's telling you to get on your knees ...

The leader board: Jorgatt & Mattina 21.5; Chiceyne, Sebianne & Dannifer 18; Samandra 16; Andi 15.5; Mattene 15; Vindy 14; Markie, Romark & Semmy 10.5; Cookey 8.

I fear for Semmy, and if pushed I'd have to say I hope it's Romark v Cookey in the skate off. Back at 9.30pm! Major recap, half of 'em in physio or having a cry somewhere before Philip's off ... Safe: Cookey!!!! Sebianne; Chiceyne; Mattina; Jorgatt; Samandra; Andi; Romark! *Shock Alert* Semmy *Phew* Dannifer; Vindy. It's Markie v Mattene and I think Charlene's basic skating skills will see her through (although I do like her, I do like Mark too and there was more improvement to come) I confess myself surprised that Corey is more popular than him. I'm officially out of touch this year! Bless, Mark made a mistake too, the pressure got to him so not as good as earlier. So unless Charlene falls flat on her face and refuses to get up again, I think she'll go safely through. Yep, utterly delightful and better than before. It's unanimous - Mattene skate next week! Aw, bless, Mark's a bit of a sweetie. I'll just have to make do with Copy Cats.

Dancing on Ice - Second Wave

2012-01-15T19:00:00.002Z

Pixie Lott opens the show, accompanied by Mark & Maria and Matt & Nina (I think) before the remaining eight competitors go head to head - saying hello to the ice panel and Louie tries to look all stern but he can't keep it up ...

Dannifer up first - Dan hopefully recovered from the hamstring - skating to ... I didn't catch the song but it was well characterised, a charleston feel although a little slow. She has fabulous leg extensions, and great musicality. Louie praised the beautiful choreography playing to her strengths; Katarina said her dance background showed, so professional looking if a little careful and Robin enjoyed the lovely naturalness of it, although they all agreed there's a bit of shoulder tension. Score: 15.5

Samandra next and he's already looking more adept than Mark. Skating to Fascination, with tricky footwork for week one, strong partnering, confident and cheeky and maintained the balance between personality and technique, excellent skate. Jayne said he's come a long way, Robin pointed out his comfortable natural stance over the blade, Louie praised the partnering and musicality, while Katarina was impressed with the step sequences. Score: 15.5

Romark follow with Fernando and an early stumble leaves her a tad jittery but still elegant, the double stag lift was lovely and her basic skating very smooth. Chris was impressed the speed over the ice, Louie could feel her fear but said she exuded elegance and grace. Robin called the quality of footwork exquisite and Katarina called her charming and inspirational. Score: 12.5

Lula skating to My Guy and I'm loving her grit and that she's singing along! Timing and character, elegant in the lifts and a simple routine nicely done considering the pain and lack of training. Jayne confirmed the determination to be there. Robin wouldn't have know she was injured going by performance, Katarina called her courageous but would like more skating and less singing! Louie said she was dancing by numbers at the start but he enjoyed it once they got going. Score: 9.5

Sebianne to Clocks and he's strong and exciting and therefore untidy in some places but I'm liking him A. Lot! Some terrific moves in there, really showed him off. Chris said he brings the passion, Katarina tells him to keep experimenting and taking risks, Louie liked the speed and aggression and enjoyed the contemporary feel but Robin pointed out that while great, he will have to pay attention to his partner too. Score: 17.5

Chiceyne to Wild Thing and he will not be denied! So groovy, fluid and the grin didn't leave his face, excellent speed and partnering, strong and confident - I could end up being a big fan! He's 40? I'm gobsmacked. Jodeyne says when they got together it wasn't pretty and Jayne says he's so bubbly but focused. Robin called him the Wild But in Control Thing; Katarina said he has the potential to be a thoroughbred and Louie declared the ice to be melting and that he's EXCITED! Score: 18.5, straight to the top of the leader board and well deserved!

Cookey skating to Summer of '69 and he's pretty scared but gave it a good go with attitude in the performance - and he didn't fall over or drop Brooke (which looked like could happen at any time!) Chris said he was on the edge of his seat and Robin pointed out the tension but liked the intensity; Louie gave 3 points for the interpretation and Katarina said it was hard to criticise - but she was worried for Brooke and so happy they finished in one piece! Score: 11

Mattina and they saved the best till last, in terms of skating and song - Give Me Everything and he did, great musical performance, loved the dancing section, strong and exciting gymnast, dancer, skater, controlled - his pleather trousers were trending apparently! Jayne called him a fantastic contender, for the life of me I didn't catch what either Matthew or Nina said but Katarina said her score of 7 was purely for the skating and nothing to do with their sexiness or looks and she'd prefer him in jeans and a white t-shirt (add a burgundy leather box jacket and a gold belcher chain and that was my preferred man's look in 1980.) Louie said the points were for the pleather but he was only joking, he loved the exciting and almost perfect execution. Robin said it was a fantastic end to the show and he can't wait for the rest of the series, there are some terrific competitors.

So the leader board: Mattina 20.5; Chiceyne 18.5; Sebianne 17; Dannifer 15.5; Samandra 15.5; Romark 12.5; Cookey 11; Lula 9.5 and I'm not even going there and putting the mockers on this week! Till after Sherlock then, see ya later :)

You didn't really think he was dead, did you? Tut tut ...

No surprises in the skate off: Cookey versus Lula, no shocks tonight as we've all learnt our lesson! Although you'd have thought the might of Eastenders may have seen her through, it didn't and we say farewell to Laila, as the judges vote unanimously for the steadier performance of Corey. I presume it'll be all remaining thirteen on the ice next week, so prepare for a mammoth episode!

Sad news for the Strictly family

2012-01-11T11:11:00.001Z

The close knit family that is Strictly Come Dancing is in mourning, with the loss of their founding producer, Richard Hopkins, who succumbed to cancer at just 47 years old this weekend.

Richard was responsible for reviving the show, which had ceased being produced as Come Dancing in 1998, with the new format featuring celebrities going live in 2004. He leaves a wife and three daughters.

On a happier note, Jason Donovan is back in the recording studio, while Robin Cousins will step into the dainty shoes of the Teen Angel in the touring stage production of Grease.

Snippets: Ladies Who Lunge

2012-01-10T20:56:00.000Z

Kirsty Swain, the partially deaf dancer who took part in Series 2 of So you Think You Can Dance, is one of the first people in the UK to use a newly designed water and shock proof hearing aid.

The Siemens Aquaris is the first instrument Kirsty has found that doesn't slip or move when she's dancing, meaning she can hear the music properly now, instead of relying on sound vibration or copying fellow dancers.

NO WAY! You have got to love those quotes ... Nancy, Nancy, who does your PR? They're brilliant! And little Chelsee, love her loads but really, no. Channelling positive thoughts to the BBC: *KarenHardy*KarenHardy*KarenHardy*KarenHardy* Seriously, an actual proper dance judge; a former professional winner on the show; the Queen of ITT Choreography; World Champion dancer; already in situ - why would they even begin to look elsewhere?

And depending on which paper you read, Christine Bleakley was a hit .. or a miss ... with Dancing on Ice fans! I just don't get the bitchiness towards presenters just doing a job, I really don't! Tess, and even Claudia, get stick too. Christine did as well as any other professional presenter would have done: she's warm, she didn't muck up - what is the problem with some people? There seems to be a section of our society that take to disliking people they don't even know with such venom, I find it so strange. There are those I don't admire, who I wouldn't switch the telly on to watch, but I don't feel the need to criticise every little thing about them in newspaper comment boxes or forums. Rant over. Off to get a life ...

Dancing on Ice 7 - Curtain Raiser

2012-01-08T18:52:00.002Z

The Ice is Back proclaims the headline and training snapshots follow: Cheggers OUT; Chesney OUT; Sylvain OUT - but! Robin IN; Katarina IN; Louie IN, out and no doubt shaking it all about!

T&D bring us mid air suspense, Viennese Waltz, all very dramatic and theatrical as they go Ga Ga to Edge of Glory with a show stopping, imaginative opening. Is that Philip and Christine spinning down to meet us? No, they're safely on their gantry.

Are you ready? Follow me along with the live blog - unless my connection goes, obviously!

Heidi and Andrei (Andi) out first to Exra-Terrestrial and she's neat and tidy, except for the leg in the big lift, nice swing lifts, a bit on the slow, staid side but she comes across really well and kudos for managing the partner change, potential with more confidence. Robin commended her too for coping with the change and called it very strong and solid although a little clinical. Katarina said she set a really good standard and to trust her partner - Russian men will always catch you! Louie like the musicality and fluidity but said it was safe. Score: 12.5.

Mark and Frankie (Markie) to I'm Still Standing - aw, bless he struggled through, very hesitant ad probably the easiest choreography they could produce. But he didn't drop her and he's improved, said Jayne. Although she also said that his legs aren't moving as fast as his face! Which sums it up! Louie said he has a winning smile but remedial dad dancing, no strength or power; Robin tells him to be careful with the mugging and Katarina got a kick out of his performance. Score: 8

Charlene and Matt (Mattene) to Guilty - with some lovely solo glides called Ina Bowers? I'll look it up later, it's a lady German skater *Later* It's Ina Bauer. Very nicely played, confident and loving every minute. She'd so bubbly, belies the sorrow in her life. Katarina was totally amazed at a 150 year old being so comfortable on the ice, while Robin noticed she was having a ball and reckons she'll be a guilty pleasure. Louie said she packed a punch with nice lines. Score: 13

Jorgie and Matt (Jorgatt) to Skinny Love. She has the most gorgeous arms, very balletic and elegant, pretty lifts, a very accomplished performance. Ah, she's been to ballet school. Well, she made good use of what she learned, it was lovely. Robin called it exquisite and one of the strongest openers ever; Louie agreed, saying it was a beautiful performance with stunning finishes but would have liked her to have eye contact with Matt. Katarina said it was the first spark of magic tonight. Score: 18.5

Meeting the rest of the contestants and Laila Morse, where did you get that laugh?! That's got to be worth a vote on its own!

Chemmy and Sean (Semmy) to Raise Your Glass - indeed, after all she's been through I'm so pleased for her - confident and full of attack, good clean skating, loved the execution of the side split drop flyaway! Katarina, as a fellow athlete is impressed with the speed and energy and calls her an explosion of excitement. Robin says she had power and speed with charisma and personality; Louie said she's a powerhouse that needs finesse, but when she gets it she'll be Shimmy Shaky Chemmy, one to watch out for! Score: 16

Andy and Maria (Mariandy) dancing to Move Like Jagger! Check out that groovy rhythm and that smashing exuberant smile (just don't get so excited you lose the timing!) Full of fun and joy, potential to be super! Louie pulls him up about the timing and sloppy limbs but Katarina loved it, said he's a natural and Robin praised his partnering, looking after Maria in the lifts. Scores reflected the differences in opinion, with a 3.5 from Louie, 5 from Robin and 5.5 from Katarina. He'll be safe though, made the biggest impression. Score: 14

Andy and Vicky (Vindy) to Walk This Way and it's fab, nailed a big lift, terrific timing - I don't watch Corrie, but who knew? Needs to work on basic skating but full of personality again and thoroughly enjoyable. Robin loved it, the skills are there, let the competitive skater out. Katarina said he was a surprise and he has so much more potential and Louie said he had strong arms, was entertaining and made him smile. Score: 12

So that's it - who'll get your vote? The scoreboard shows: Jorgatt 18.5; Semmy 16; Mariandy 14; Mattene 13; Andi 12.5; Vindy 12; Markie 8. Mine are going to Semmy, Vindy and Mariandy. I think Markie will be in trouble and that Sugababes fans need to get on it, because Andi could be in trouble, it was a very quiet routine. Lines close at the start of the results show - 9.30pm, see you then.

Results - and to say I'm gobsmacked and amazed would be an understatement. I'll never be predicting anything again, that's for sure. Ok, yes, I was right about Andi - but Mariandy? I totally take responsibility and will make sure I don't put the mockers on my favourite next week! Gutted for Maria and Andy and a teensy bit surprised they weren't saved over Andi, going by their scores. Ah well, it won't be the last shock of the series. The other eight skate next week, keep up with the news and gossip on the website.

Strictly Come Dancing Goes Virtual Reality!

2012-01-06T20:25:00.000Z

Strictly Come Dancing has signed a deal with the virtual reality website, Stardoll, aimed at its teenage girl market.

The site allows users to design their own 'medolls' which they can dress in the finest of sequinned and bejewelled frocks as they participate in their very own version of the show and engage with a like minded community.

Simon Hutson of BBC Worldwide said: "Attracting new audiences as well as building strong relationships with some of the show's most passionate young fans in new and engaging ways marks a very exciting move for the Strictly brand.

"This digital world allows fans to experience the glamour of the ballroom before, during and after the show's transmission, and ensures they have their own way of interacting with the show in an environment they already socialise in."

Do you remember those paper doll books you used to get, where you cut out the paper doll figure and the paper clothes, hooking them on with little paper tabs - I guess this is the version for the 21st century! Until I found they're still going strong, if you know where to look!

picture via I Love Mel

Snippets: Strictly Come Dancing on Ice!

2012-01-05T13:25:00.000Z

Nicole Scherzinger's name has been dropped into the mix for the vacant judge's spot on Strictly Come Dancing.

Reports are that the Beeb want to 'get their own back' on Simon Cowell for pinching Alesha, by enticing the ex-PussyCat Doll to Strictly from the US X-Factor. Seriously, do they really think the people at the Beeb have nothing better to do?

More likely is an approach because a) Nicole is a former winner of the US version Dancing With The Stars b) rumours are that her and Lewis Hamilton split up because of the Cowell X-Factor pressure but they're still good friends yada yada yada so maybe she'd welcome an excuse to come back to Blighty c) She was a good guest judge on X-Factor: Nurturing and supportive, generous with her praise and constructive in her criticism d) she's an industry professional dancer/performer and knows what it takes. So at least a serious contender - but it should still be Karen!

In Dancing on Ice, Chesney Hawkes has had to pull out due to injuries - sprained ankle, broken bone - and his place is being taken by Chico, previously of X-Factor 'fame' - which means Cheseyne become Chiceyne. And which also means endless cries of "It's Chico Time". *Sighs*

Dancing on Ice Line Up Revealed!

2012-01-04T13:09:00.000Z

We're all set for 6.30pm on ITV1 this coming Sunday! Philip is back and will be joined by Christine Bleakely; Head Judge is still Robin Cousins, this series joined by Louie Spence and Katarina Witt, in a more skating biased panel. As it should be!

Who will you be rooting for? My sporty leanings mean I'm hoping Chemmy Alcott, our top female skier, has a good run (that's a pun, btw, if you know nothing about skiing) - she's partnered by Sean Rice, which makes them Team Semmy. After a broken neck when she was 12, suffering bone spurs for years and a broken leg in 2010, her determination and dedication are not in doubt!

BBC presenters Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes (Copy Cats) should be fun. I don't watch Copy Cats, honestly, but my son does occasionally and it's hard not to shout at the idiotic families when they can't follow a simple tune on the toy bugle ... er, anyway. Sam is with Alexandra Schauman and therefore becomes Samandra; Mark is with Frankie Poultney, although she seems to have become a single name entity this time round; they'll be Mankie. No, maybe not. Let's go with Markie instead!

Another Blue Peter presenter doing their bit - Andy Akinwolere follows Gethin Jones and Zoe Salmon down the reality dancing route - I suspect that Helen feels it'd be a bit too easy for her! Although Andy's also following the route of quitting Blue Peter! He's with the lovely Maria Filippov - Team Andia or Mandy or Mariandy? Mariandy it is.

Soap Stars Section: Andy Whyment (Coronation Street) is paired with Hilda's daughter, Vicky, obviously. Vindy for them, I think; Laila Morse of Eastenders (not Rouass, as reported elsewhere *sniggers*) is with Lukasz and becomes Lula; Charlene Tilton (Dallas - I know, she's probably done other stuff since but I've not seen anything else) partners Matt Gonzalez to create Team Mattene; Jorgie Porter (Hollyoaks) has landed the delectable Matt Evers and therefore, Team Jorgatt will no doubt bring us the first headbanger of the series; she's totally up for it. The headbanger, that is. Hm, now, Matthew Wolfenden of Emmerdale - they're talking about him in the same hushed tones reserved for Ray Quinn and Chris Fountain. And he's good looking. Double Hm. Could be Nina Ulanova's year then, as part of Team Mattina!

And the rest of the cast: Chesney Hawkes, yes, that one, skates with Jodeyne Higgins as Cheseyne; American actor, Corey Feldman with Brooke Castile - Cookey; The Sugababe's Heidi Range, was with Sylvian Longchambon, now with Andrei Lipanov - would've been Syldi, now Andi; Actress Jennifer Ellison - she's lost a lot of weight, did you know? She's quite sparky and with The Man himself, Daniel Whiston, Dannifer will be popular; Fitness guru Rosemary Conley is probably still pretty bendy, she's partnering Mark Hanretty and therefore, Romark could surprise. Finally, I'm very much looking forward to seeing the founder of free running, Sebastien Foucan, doing a Todd Carty, only heading off up the side of the exit with a couple of back flips and landing on the side of the rink. But I'm not sure what Brianne Delcourt will make of it. Team Sebianne could be ones to watch. Now I've said that he'll turn out to be Bambi.

Visit the Dancing on Ice website here for all the up to date news and gossip, plus bios of the couples and - enjoy the show!

Alesha Leaves Strictly Come Dancing for Britain's Got Talent

2012-01-03T16:39:00.000Z

After three years judging on Strictly Come Dancing, former winner Alesha Dixon has left the show for ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

With Simon Cowell returning to the ITV production and the demographic being more in tune with her preferred audience - plus a reported £350,000 wage, music has won out over dancing as Alesha looks to focus on her singing career in 2012. David Walliams and Amanda Holden will complete the four judge panel. There were rumours last year that Alesha would replace Cheryl on the X-Factor - one year too soon and a different show but hey, they were almost there!

Alesha said: "Music is my great passion and the reason for the other incredible opportunities that have come my way and I am looking forward to getting back into the studio and focusing on making a new record in 2012.

"After three incredible years on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel I have decided that it is time to move on. Strictly Come Dancing will always hold a special place in my heart as it has been such an amazing experience, both as a winning competitor and as a judge. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in the show, the production team, my fellow judges, and a very special thank you to the fans for their support."

A spokeswoman for the BBC said: "Alesha has had three very successful series and we wish her well for the future. The BBC gave her a fantastic opportunity and she has really grown her career and she is now off for a different challenge. We are now looking forward to announcing our new panel in due course."

I hope that 'new' panel doesn't mean entirely new! I loved the dynamic between Alesha and Bruno and they'll be hard pressed to re-produce that with someone else. Series 8 winner Kara Tointon and Series 2 winner, Jill Halfpenny have been suggested, along with retired ballerina and former guest judge, Darcey Bussell, and Dirty Dancing's Jennifer Grey, also a guest judge. The favourite will undoubtedly be the fabulous Karen Hardy and don't discount a return for Arlene either. There's no new series of So You Think You Can Dance and I don't think either she or the Beeb have ever denied the door would always be open - as long as she can keep a lid on those awful alliterative appraisals and avoid calling anyone a dancing pig, she'll be welcomed back. I know Alesha wasn't universally liked (as a judge) but at least she was encouraging and positive. Of the 2 or 3 occasions when she wasn't, she was pretty much saying aloud what everyone else was thinking! My main hope is that the Beeb don't try to fix something that is so clearly NOT broken - that will be a huge mistake. One replacement we can cope with, wholesale changes for change's sake are very unpopular!

Photo: Virginmedia.com

Snippets: So You Think You Can Dance; National Television Awards

2012-01-02T10:44:00.001Z

Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed on Twitter that the new US series will not have a separate results show like before - let's hope this doesn't signal the beginning of the end of the series in the US. I still can't believe they axed it here, there's definitely an audience for it, even if not on prime time Beeb 1 on a Saturday.

The National Television Awards shortlist has been released and it's the usual suspects against each other for Best Talent Show: Strictly Come Dancing; X-Factor; Dancing on Ice; Britain's Got Talent. It's a no-brainer this year isn't it - got to be Strictly?

Snippets: SCD, SYTYCD, DOI, Cee Lo Green

2011-12-28T13:29:00.001Z

Firstly, especially for anyone in the North Kent area - Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas will be appearing at the Central Theatre, Chatham, on April 1st. No, I kid you not. I've got my tickets - funnily enough I checked out their itinerary before and there was no mention - I found it by accident from my job as local news hound! In Dancing on Ice, Heidi Range's partner, Sylvain Longchambon, has sadly been injured and will miss the first few weeks. Heidi will skate with a replacement - no news on who that might be yet.The incomparably fabulous choreography team of NappyTabs are now aptly expecting a little nappy wearer, Tweeting the news over Christmas that Tabitha is pregnant! Congratulations to them both - and now I've changed the template on this blog, expect to see more Showtime vids which I'm sure will be featuring plenty of their work.And judge from the American version of The Voice, Cee Lo Green, is apparently going to have a British based reality show, about his critically acclaimed band, Goodie Mob, recording their reunion album in London where they will "soak up the local customs" - will we see them as Pearly Kings, scoffing pie and mash? Might be worth a butchers ...

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

2011-12-25T22:25:00.000Z

The partaking pros jive us in and introduce us to their partners: Katya and Simon Webbe (Simya); Anton and Su Pollard(Suton); Erin and Barry McGuigan (Barrin); Ian and Debra (Debran); Vincent and Charlie (Chincie).Tess is channelling the turkey. Seriously, a feathery dress on Christmas Day, I bet I'm not the only one! Craig enters down the chimney, playing the Grinch and shows us the briefest charleston!Simya hit the floor with a cha cha cha to Merry Christmas Everybody and, well, cor - he's fit! Great hips, powerful, strong partnering, lots of rhythm, attitude and personality, massive energy, what a fabulous start! Len - crisp like fallen snow, sharp like Xmas morning air, hot like mulled wine. Tutti Frutti what a booty! Alesha - strong, animalistic, great movement, totally in control, owned it; Bruno - Ssssssssimon, it feels like midsummer, so much hot toddy I feel dizzy; Craig - a powerhouse of strength, sharp, Amazonian! Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36 Simon for the next series please Powers That Be! Debrian have the American Smooth to Baby, It's Cold Outside and it's lovely and schmaltzy, she's a little bit cheesy and *dons Craig hat* her hands need attention, but confident and sophisticated, enjoyable. Alesha - lovely lines, nice turns, good control, fantastic; Bruno - light and sparkly, elegant, full of flavour a taste to savour; Craig - nasty flat thumbs, gaping you could drive a sleigh through, loved the story, lines and fantastic lifts; Len - like a fairy on the top of the tree, light and fluffy, you warmed me up. Score: 8/9/10/10 = 37 Puzzled, much? Simon got much better comments?!Barrin quickstep to Jingle Bells with a fab charleston section and a stunning cartwheel lift, light and crisp - best boxer by a mile - great timing too and full of personality, really let himself go. Loved it. Bruno - the bells are ringing, more spirit than a well stocked drinks cabinet, fantastic; Craig - loss of balance, spatulistic hands need shaping but great posture, fantastic rhythm, loved the charleston section; Len - knockout but should've danced tomorrow *groans* snow snow thick thick snow, jingled my bells! Alesha - surprisingly good, full of content, great posture, timing, wonderful. Score: 8/9/10/9 = 36Suton with a foxtrot to White Christmas which is very sedate and they couldn't resist the slight comic end, not a lot of all you'd expect in terms of elegance and flow but pleasant enough to watch. Craig - did lack some fundamentals and essentials (elegance, grace etc) and Su's after him! Len - came out like the Snow Queen, white and gorgeous, turned into a Christmas Tree (ie wooden) a sheer delight; Alesha - an extra point for the attack on Craig, like a lovely Xmas tree (it's the green layered dress) Anton - "I love Alesha" Bruno - such a range, crackers in the sledge to smitten kitten on the dance floor. It's threatening to get out of hand - Bruce - "Just Take her up the stairs, Anton" Su - "Oh, hello ..." Score: 6/9/7/8 = 30. Chincie jive to Santa Claus is Coming To Town, she got a bit excited at the start and then flagged but lovely bright routine, full of content and joy, little untidy in places but really well done. Len - sharp and tasty like a pickled walnut and cheese; Alesha - fast paced, great energy, full of action, pure fun; Bruno - flickering like a flame, sexy santa; Craig - Fab-U-Lous. Score: 9/9/9/10 = 37.Scoreboard: Debrian/Chincie on 37 with 5 points; Simya/Barrin on 36 with 4 points, Suton with 30 on 3 points. My order; Simya; Barrin; Chincie; Debrian; Suton. Shakin' Stevens sings Merry Christmas Everyone and is joined by The Grant and Flavia, snowball throwing gives way to a bit of quickstep, promenade runs and even a fleckerl of sorts followed by jive! The Moment of Truth: It's ... Chincie! Yay for Vincent, a Glitterball at last!The stars of Strictly 2011 take to the floor for a gentle glide - not all though, there's no Edwina, Dan, Rory or Nancy - maybe because their pros were taking part - but no Lulu or Audley either! Maybe there is something in all the rumours? Or more likely because Brendan's on tour and Audley probably went back to America. Let's not start gossip where there isn't any! Another slice of glittery escapism all over for this year then, roll on SCD10!

Jastina's Salsa!

2011-12-21T14:32:00.002Z

Those kindly folk at the BBC have posted the dress rehearsal video of Jason and Kristina's salsa routine, which we were prevented from seeing in the final! There's some seriously rapid armography going on there and it's a great song - no atmosphere with no audience there which is a real shame, as it would have put everyone in the party mood! Next year, pretty please, let them do their showdance and the unseen dance first; makes much more sense!In other news, Dancing on Ice is scheduled to start on January 8th!

The Voice - how it works!

2011-12-20T20:16:00.016Z

The new BBC show, The Voice, will be aired in the new year and although, on the surface it seems to be just another X-Factor, the format is quite different.

The Voice UK will see four critically acclaimed recording artists seek out the nation's best vocal talent. With looks playing no role in the selection process, the coaches will be looking purely for contestants who boast genuinely amazing voices, even at the audition stage. There's no room for comedy performances, sob stories or people who rely on looks to get them through – this is the first talent show that focuses on what really matters when you're a singer; The Voice! The format features three key stages: the unique Blind Auditions, the Battle Rounds and the Live Performances.

The initial auditions have the four coaches (Tom Jones, Jessie J, Will.i.am and Danny O'Donoghue) sitting with their backs to the contestants. When they hear a voice they like, they'll swivel their chair to face them and take them through to the next round. If more than one coach swivels, the auditionee gets to choose who'd they'd prefer!

If no coach chooses that contestant, they're eliminated - but can be recalled if any of the coaches doesn't reach their allocation; each coach should end up with 8 contestants in their group.

The next phase sounds pretty brutal, for coaches and contestants: The 8 in each group are split into pairs, who sing off against each other - the same song in front of a studio audience. The coach then chooses who stays and who goes from each pair, ending up with a team of four to take through to the live rounds.

The audience will help choose who goes through in the live rounds until each coach has just one act left and then - it's time for the Big Final!

Excited much? There's a website and The Voice are also on Twitter and Facebook, so you can join in with all the gossip and #thevoice stuffage in the best tradition of reality shows!

Strictly Come Dancing: The Grand Final 2011

2011-12-17T22:32:00.014Z

Live from the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool and it's all up to us tonight! The judges scores are just for our guidance, their self importance and the contestants thrill of getting lots of tens! (We hope!)

Gladiators out first, as the pros take to the floor for a Livin' on a Prayer Paso; the finalists wheeled out in chariots pulled by Artem, Brendan and Vincent.

Bruce and Tess arrive, with Tess in a stunning sequin and chiffon confection, my favourite of hers all series!

Harriona is leading off with their quickstep and what a way to kick start the finale - better than first time around, maybe because the camera had more room, we see more, fantastic sway, so sublime, goosebump city. Len - you came out all guns blazing, loved it first time, that was brilliant; Alesha - stunning, maximised floor space brilliantly; Bruno - Harry in the Temple Ballroom, he came, he danced, he conquered, delivered with flash and dash; Craig - I only had one problem with it before, you've improved it thankfully. Score: 10/10/10/10 = 40 (I'd already written it down!)

Jastina's Priscilla tango is brilliant, I appreciated it much more this time around, loved the whole camp aggression thing, one to savour, so much drive and energy and fun. Alesha - excelled for me, clever choreography, showcased personality; Bruno - pushed to the limit, a tango with split personality, Wolverine versus disco diva, incredible, barking mad, loved it; Craig - your bottom was sticking out and chasses a bit skippy but fantastic routine; Len - You've survived 14 weeks of blood, sweat and tears, giving the others 20 years, fantastic. Score: 9/10/10/9 = 38. They won't be the first 9s booed tonight!

Pashee jive with controlled abandon, absolutely fab as before, the firecracker was all ablaze. Bruno - a premium grade jive of eyepopping vibrancy; Craig - bundle of joy to watch; Len - I've judged here many times and watching you gives me as much pleasure as judging world champions; Alesha - adorable, my fave jive of the series. Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39 And finally, Chelsee believes she can dance - but not without Pasha!

So at the moment they're all equal in my eyes! No votes yet! Or one each but not much point in that!

Showdances next, Harriona's Great Balls of Fire - I'm hoping it's not all lifts but sadly, it is - loved the song and the attitude, he performed brilliantly but I would have liked more actual kicking and flicking and swing - so I'm a little disappointed, I thought it was building up to a frenzy of dance but it never happened, we had the static posing again. :( Len - if you were a stick of rock you'd have talent written through your middle, one sticky lift but everyone impressed; Alesha - loved the concept, jiving fabulous(?) lifts dangerous; Bruno - it's great guns Harry, Rock God, loved the mix, performance magnificent; Craig - enormous amount of talent, transitions could've been smoother but an amazing routine. Score: 9/9/10/9 = 37. You see, more dancing, less lifting - would've got more tens I reckon.

Jastina could steal it for me here, because they actually danced the show dance instead of lifting their way through it - Dancing Fool, a brilliant choice for a quickstep come charleston come jazz hands medley, with fluid lifts and costume changes that didn't intrude, stunning musical routine, completely loved it! Alesha - razzmatazz, energy, the canes, the quickstep. That was a showDANCE! Bruno - a showbiz extravaganza, theatrical spectacular, break box office records, brilliant; Craig - ferocious and full on, get her a restraining order, A-MAZ-ING; Len - you're a showman, that was a showdance - a perfect combination. Score: 10/10/10/10 = 40

Pashee and their funky One Night Only with the dangerous lifts - see, they just don't work on me - and no recognisable Latin or Ballroom, after everything she's learned, it was like we were back in week one. Again, I'm disappointed, sadly. I don't want to be but ... Bruno - a vision of seductive beauty emerging from the mist; vibrant performance; Craig - loved the lifts, so dangerous, competition is so close; Len - liked the element of hustle, bright and shiny like Blackpool Tower; Alesha - loved that you were set free, totally natural, you dance with your heart. Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36.

The leaderboard: Jastina on 78; Harriona 77; Pashee 75 Jastina edge ahead with me with a vote for their show dance. And now, we wait. We watch Merlin. Arthur's back together with Guinevere, yay! They'll have a Moment of Truth next week, methinks - with the discovery of Excalibur, Merlin's secret will finally be out!

But now, it's The Moment of Truth #1 and it's Jastina who fall. Aw. I'd love to have seen their quickstep again but sadly it's not to be (I know, there's always Youtube). I have enjoyed so many of their dances this year and been so glad that Kristina's efforts over the past few series were finally rewarded with a final. It'still not fair that they train for a new dance and don't get to do it though, Powers That Be. It's cruel! Go back to two dances plus showdance, please, so they get to do all three!

On we go with Round Two: Harriona's American Smooth with a VW base. It's gorgeous, effortless, perfect musical phrasing, romantic, the lifts not intrusive, nice transitions, beautifully played. Len - the added elements to the VW made a great dance unbelievable; Alesha - so accomplished, the nation has fallen in love with you; Bruno - the perfect fit for your princely charms, irresistible, beautiful, salute you; Craig - quiet, gentle, romantic, contemporary, gorgeous (it it wasn't the final, would have said something about the hands!) Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39

Pashee rumba to Because of You is dramatic, passionate and emotive, she's finally got the Pashan, lovely split slides this time, she put everything into that, wonderful arm and leg lines as usual. Alesha - put your heart and soul into dancing, dramatically romantic; Bruno - you nailed that rumba, expressive, fluid, musical, acted like a movie star; Craig - magnificent; Len - Saw nothing I didn't like. Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39

Jessie J sings Price Tag while they change and catch their breath. She's been at the crystal cupboard too and how many metres in that skirt? Shame they ran out before they did the front; could've hidden the sparkly cod piece. Great vocal as ever though, I'll even forgive her bringing her own dancers.

Harriona's Agentine Tango and their timing is wonderful. Intricate and powerful - and he's more experienced, so what was missing before is there now! Excellent, all the intensity you could want. Bruno - so cool, so sharp, cutting like a steel blade, sensuality, repressed lust. I've been tangoed! Craig - I have fallen in love with you too; Len - last time I criticised, you listened- came out and it was, go on my son! Alesha - Loved it even more now, perfect final choice, exquisite. Score: 10/10/10/10 = 40

Who's that glum looking woman behind Brucie? Cheer up love, you're witnessing one of the best Strictly finals ever from one of the best seats in the house. Maybe she's one of those landladys Brucie alluded too earlier and someone did a runner, who knows? Pashee's quickstep is a joy, loved that routine, so musical and tight, what a note to finish on, wonderful. Craig - as before - first class; Len - it's your favourite, it could well be mine, fabulous; Alesha - perfect combination, the frock, the music, the routine; Bruno - Strictly stunning, musicality, precision. Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39.

Now this is tricky, I've loved all four of those last dances, so I've nothing between them. I sometimes miss being obsessive over one particular couple (Mark&Karen; Gethin&Camilla; Tom&Camilla) - being neutral does let you enjoy the show and still keep your finger nails, but it makes it exceedingly difficult to vote! The deciding factor? That I voted for Aliona and Matt last year and she missed out and that Harriona's quickstep was my most favourite dance overall! So there you have it - Harriona get my vote.

The People of Britain speak, sharing the Strictly love and their favourite moments, like Russell and FlaBia *loud guffaws* and then the whole cast are back for a final dance to I Wanna Dance With Somebody, all with their signature moves - a fine effort, all in time and having a ball out there.

The Final Moment of Truth: Strictly Come Dancing Champions 2011 are: Harriona!

And the McFloy boys invade the floor! "Get off!" orders Brucie!

"I've been on the best show on TV and I'm honoured" - Harry.

Congratulations to everyone involved for a fantastically awesome series! All they have to do now is top it! They'll start with the Christmas Special on Christmas Day - BBC One, 8pm, don't be late!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Friday Finale

2011-12-16T20:45:00.011Z

Ok, hands up who almost missed the earlier start ... Karen and Ian in the judges chairs, telling the finalists it's a simple matter of getting twelve million people on their feet!

Pashee's journey shows how much their relationship has grown, they're so together on and off the dance floor. I thought I was going to find her incredibly annoying, a mouthy air head, and how completely wrong I was, she's a total sweetie. On the sofa with them and Chelsee (she's Healey got us going) says rehearsals are going Ok, a little doubt in the show dance, which is to Beyonce's One Night Only. Before the elimination, it's the showdance and the judges favourite, which for them will be their jive. They've changed nothing, except Pasha (Pash for Gold) won't be sporting the full make up. His advice to Chelsee: "Look into my eyes and dance with me" Cue friends and family video, cue Glitter tissues, cue Chelsee as Scary Spice. Pasha givers her a hanky, what a gent. He'd better be back next year, he's been a brilliant addition to the show.

Zoe heads off to see Vicky, head designer, who shows us Chelsee's cracker of a showdance dress, bejewelled, golden, sparkly, fringy. Aliona's AS dress also incredible "no limit to the crystal cupboard" 8 metres of feather boa, godets. Harriona's showdance is to Great Balls of Fire, a swing jive, the guns will be coming out of the fiery red concoction. Kristina's teensy salsa costume, turquoise, sequins, fringing.

Past celebs and pros converge in the ballroom, with Russell telling us he coach got stuck in a snow drift, and how, the last time he was at the Tower Ballroom, he climbed up on a big organ. I'll stop there. Nancy confirms her stuckupedness by refusing to go on the coach with the rest. Just don't get it, do they, some people. The pros, specifically, Brendan, James (who else) Vincent and Erin, of all people, are mucking about behind Zoe and the celebs, diving into shot and gurning behind whoever is being interviewed. Natalie joins in, closely followed by Katya and Ola. Brendan falls over in the scrum to catch up with Zoe and Dan, who gets together with Audley to eject him - Vincent, I think it is, disappears down in between the seats in the rush to get away!

Harriona's journey and it's a great decision to have the jive based showdance, they were so fab in the swingathon and a top song to boot. Aliona says she's going to miss his adorable little face. They're on the sofa and Harry (Super McFly Guy) is consumed by anxiety. Aliona (The Vil to Win) says he has pushed himself even harder this week. The American Smooth looks quite fast, to The Buble's version of I Can't Help Falling in Love With You and he's got the dance down, just needs to polish and then enjoy. We'll see quickstep and showdance before elimination. Cue friends and family vid, cue Glitter tissues, cue best friend James, bringing fresh tears - he was very ill when they were young.

The Glitter Ball Awards - nominations for Most Expressive Verbalisation: Bruno was robbed, totally. Craig won it for "Lumpestuous" but Bruno is the highlight of the judges critique. When he loves something, he really loves it.

Ian and Karen on the sofa, complaining of the cold and looking for a big showdance, it's what we're all waiting for. Pashee's strengths - her confident solo work, the partnership. Ian reckons he took the balloons from their samba home with him! Harriona's strengths - came alive with the tango, not all of us can carry off the vampire thing! Jastina strengths, came out week 1, cha cha set the bar right back then. Great couple. "If you think you're doing your best, push it a bit more." Karens'a advice worthy of a Jason slogan!

Jastina's journey, a fantastic few weeks then, as per usual, the knockers start knocking you down, can't bear someone to be consistently good too soon - I think he's delivered every week, so many excellent routines, so much personality in them, brings the fun and the intensity when needed. They're on the sofa. What's it like to be in the final at the Tower Ballroom, Jason (The boy Don' good). "It's cold!" He's very impressed, the whole place is incredible, especially the springy floor. Kristina (Kris-mas cracker) is thrilled with her first final and thanks Jason for getting her there. Their salsa looks fast and rhythmic and they felt the love in rehearsal. There are goosebumps when the dances all come together. The showdance has jazz hands, quickstep, charleston, it's showbiz and fun! Cue friends and family vid, cue Glitter tissues and cue lovely, chubby, cuddly baby pic!

Zoe's becoming quite inconsolable now, she's setting me off. It is the last ITT of the year after all, and we've been with her (almost!) every day. Alesha, wearing a gorgeous salsa type, feathery effort, joins her on the sofa to advise there is the most enormous comedown when it's all finished and that the hardest thing is to stay focused through the fatigue. They beg Craig to get that 10 paddle out!

All the cast are out of the dance floor for a chorus of It Takes Two! The Big One all kicks off tonight, 7pm on BBC1, with the second half beginning at 9.05pm! Excited much?!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-12-14T10:21:00.011Z

Zoe all Christmassy in glittery red, running out of entrances! Harriona on the sofa, Harry admits it was quite terrifying to go first, everyone seem so quiet, so tense. Felt much better once the charleston was out of the way and settled into the VW. He was thinking of the song "What have I got to do to make you love me" after not getting a 10 from Craig. Again. And he could hear his heart thumping throughout the elimination. Their final dances: Judges favourite - the quickstep; their favourite - the Argentine Tango, with added intensity; the new dance - a VW based American Smooth; the showdance - 78 lifts and much danger for the front row! Looks to be jive based from the training! Zoe doesn't want him back behind the McFly drums, he should dance out front instead. Aliona says she'd pay to see that; he says the McFly boys will pay to put him back!

The Glitter Balls: The Naughty Step Award - nominations are: Aliona for not listening to the judges; Robbie, for being Robbie; Bruno for being naughty with Alesha; James for not being able to keep it zipped. And James is the clear winner!

Ian's Wednesday Warm Up: Two old, two new - Pashee rumba, very impressed, doing the sliding split again, amazing transitions, complicated, wonderful leg action (straightlegness!) Showdance - upbeat, synchronicity, compact, body action, looking goooood. Music needs lots of highs and lows, highlights and a BIG Finish! Jastina salsa - lovely hips, fab armography, hoping the lift will smooth out, it's very dangerous! Showdance - old school, putting on the ritz, canes, using the charleston and Smooth moves, lifting Kristina on cane, like with the umbrella. Zoe: Get the broom out Norm, we're trying that when I get home! Harriona American Smooth - natural turns, look at the lines; show dance - fantastic creative lifts into jive, lively, kickey, flicky and fast.

Strictly Final Party: A #Bobbywaiter is what everyone on Twitter seemed to want at theirs! That would be Robin. In an apron. Mm.

Back to Ian and Jastina: Judges' choice: Tango, the Priscilla one, a great audience pleaser; their favourite - the magical quickstep, brilliant! Pashee - Judges choice - the jive; theirs - the quickstep. And with Harriona's quickstep, Ian reckons if he doesn't get 10s across the board, he's streaking across the Tower Ballroom Floor, thereby leaving all his fans in an eternal quandry ...

This is going to be one serious final - we could easily see a three way tie, all on maximum points each! Fab-u-lous!

In other news - Harry in pants. That is all.

In depth interview with Kristina. The headline is a bit misleading until you read through and realise she's talking about when she was 14 years old!

Interview with Russell - he's playing the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin, a role just made for him, I can picture the turban, bolero and flimsy net curtain trousers already ...

Has James' mouth got him and Ola into trouble - they're not needed for the tour and were told this via email!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Mixed emotions.

2011-12-13T14:54:00.013Z

Pashee on the sofa and Chelsee (fan-tastic paso) is only just getting her head around being in the final, let alone win! Pasha (life begins at 40) told her to think about Craig's 8 for her smooth and put the aggression into the paso! The splits issue was down to nerves, even worse than normal, and the fan failed to open like they'd practised! Paso was also the hardest dance for her and at this moment in time she's feeling shock, surprise, overwhelmed and happy. They have rumba as their new dance - she reckons she's getting the sexiness out of Pasha, he reckons she's coping very well and is very sexy. She's picking the fluff off his chin - we could have a wedding yet, says Zoe. Showdance is funky and disco-ey, spiced up with tricks. Quote of the week: "Is the Blackpool one big?" - Chelsee. And we see Pasha fall over - but he calls it choreography!

The Glitter Ball Awards - Most Showstopping Costume. The nominations are: Chelsee's tango bra strap; Nancy's feather boa; Alex's rebellious hemline; Holly's misbehaving braces. And the winner is: Nancy's feather boa!

Karen Hardy's Choreography Corner: Harry's charleston lifted his character, he leaves us wanting more. Spellbinding VW, fleckerl to start, beautifully in harmony with Tommy's voice, incredible, CRAIG! Jason's samba full of content, one ace - party dance, pulled the audience in and delivered fantastic choreography. They set up the storyline on the steps in the AT, music so sensuous, only the two of them, story built up till Kristina's eating him alive. That's what the AT is all about! Passion and realness: "Dance like no-one is watching." Chelsee AS - arms, how she uses them, nailed. Paso - incredible - got to take the choreography and answer him back, snarled back at him, demanding the floor equally. Sent her out on her own again. Assertive energy, passionate. The Showdance advice: Music - has got to get you on your feet, live, pumping, buzzing. Lifts - couple of big ones we haven't seen before. Sell that number - connect, entertain, it's not aerobics!

Katya's Step by Step Guide to rumba: Slow -sweet - romantic - your chance to enjoy dancing, no rushing. Rumba walks - forward and back basics - New Yorkers - fan position - tricks - hip action - good lines - good chemistry; if he's not hot, forget it ;)

Top of the Frocks with Julian Macdonald, Holly's biggest fan, and Oonagh O'Hagan. Holly's charleston outfit his favourite from Saturday, modern and young; Holly's foxtrot Lady in Red his series favourite, ultra modern, refined, sophisticated; Holly's AT dress, a dangerous red devil, a Bond girl, electric bolt of crystal strips across, diamantes put on by hand, fantastic eye make up too. Chelsee's paso dress a complicated confection of pattern cutting, contrasts, stole the night, elongated her, crystals of all colours; Alex's salsa dress, red into pastel, six layers of ostrich feather boa, 6000 crystals.

In other news - Strictly have teamed up with on-line merchandiser, Spreadshirt, so you can design your own personalised gear featuring your favourite couple from this year's series. Now that's what I call Christmas for a Strictly addict!

Zoe says that landing the It Takes Two job felt like coming home - I'm amazed she had to audition, surely she was a shoe-in to replace Claudia?

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Au Revoir Aleames; Adios Artolly

2011-12-12T22:15:00.007Z

Backstage Pass -early a.m. and Harry is too tired to be nervous; Chelsee tripping down the stairs in rehearsal - injuries for her and Holly. The McFly boys - Harry has to do well, says Dougie, there's Royalty in the house!

Aleames on the sofa and Alex (not the won show) decide to get a grip and went to pot. It was never about the winning, it was always just the doing it. The three dancers through deserve to be there. James (see you Jimmy) says he's normally a grumpy bloke and said her easy going nature rubbed off on him. Lovely highlights - it was an honour and a privilege to work with Alex. The tissues are out, Zoe's off too. James loves all three finalist but rooting for Harry - reckons he's been undermarked!

Points of You - 50 year old ex-boxer Cliff, crying over Harriona's VW; James' face pulling, Chelsee's lift behind Tess.

Artolly on the sofa - Johnny Ball is furious that Holly (Kiss Kiss Bye Bye) didn't make it through and she wishes she'd gone out on the AT. Artem (DJ AC has left the building) admits that even he sometimes forgets which step is next. Holly may keep up with the AT and Paso and is taking away new buddies, health and fitness and strengthened character. Whoever is most committed deserves to win. Artem says that people don't realise how difficult it is to step into this show.

The Glitter Balls, hosted by Ian Waite and Karen Hardy.

The nominees for Biggest Entrance are: Craig - aka Brian May at Wembley and the broomstick entrance on Halloween; Lulu in her Paso and The Grant cannon shot - it's a no-brainer, of course it's The Grant!

Bruno's dance debrief - He's gone all Fosse - all three finalists are brillliant, all five were fabulous on Saturday. Chelsee's AS - her musical phrasing, natural feel for music, exciting, like an instrument played by a God. Paso totally focused, danced beautifully. Jason's samba, technically difficult but you have to have performance power - salsa in the final! The AT - so into it, going for an Oscar, ever step full of passion and intent - both really gelled, wanting the same thing at the same time, like watching a thriller. Harry's charleston lived up to expectation, incredible swivel and performance, he's going to go for it now. Come out and be spectacular. Created a mood of love in the VW, no-one watching wasn't moved. On Saturday, it's two new dances, including the show dance, and two they've done before. If they get it wrong, the judges can turn! Be very smart: Colin and Erin - Nah! Tom and Camilla - Yay!

Strictly Come Dancing Semi Final! High Fives!

2011-12-11T21:55:00.041Z

Harry in a sailor suit. Oh, Yes. But Chelsee and Aliona steal dresses of the night with their ballroom frocks.

Harriona's charleston first and as promised by the training snapshots, it's brilliant. Very crisp, clean and he didn't miss a beat. Fabulous swivel action, seamless and exciting lifts, musicality and rhythm fused with energy all through, a real WOW. Wild about Harry? Plenty will be after that! Len - two things were revealed: Aliona's midriff and your talent. If your VW is to the same standard you'll be at the Tower ballroom. No time for the other judges, we're already running late! Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39 So what did Craig drop a point for - sweat droplets not synchronised, maybe, who knows?

Aleames waltz is delightful, a beautiful emotive song, elegantly performed and quite lovely. Alesha - dancing like that is why you're in the semi final; Bruno - Belle of the Ball, elegant, poised, graceful and so in touch with James; Craig - lost your neck on occasion, some closes missed but you have come such a long, long way; Len - looked beautiful, danced beautiful, deserve your place here. Score: 7/9/9/9 = 34

Pashee American Smooth to Time After Time, which, sung by Hayley is gorgeous and so different for an AS; it worked beautifully. Pasha's choreography is stunning and Chelsee is so smooth and natural and just oozes her way through it. Gorgeous. You could tell she was completely in the moment. Bruno - a natural shine like a South Sea pearl, upper body fluidity is extraordinary, musical phrasing instinctive, excellent; Craig - your arms are absolutely exquisite, for a short person, you still create beautiful lines; Len - Chelsee Healey, like the Chelsee flower show, in full bloom, like daffodils blowing through the breeze; Alesha - a first class performance. Score: 8/9/10/9 = 36.

Artolly Argentine Tango to one of my favourite pieces of Tango music, from True Lies and they captured the feel so well. Brave use of the chair, that could've gone horribly wrong but didn't and was therefore fab. Studied and seductive, every move spot on. Well placed, suited her personality. Craig - quiet control, seductive chair rotation, reacting completely to Artem's lead. Absolutely gorgeous; Len - chair worked really well, clever and clean; Alesha - beautiful lines and leg extensions stunning, still a real contender; Bruno - beautiful, bad and dangerous, coiled in the chair, ready to strike ... watch the video in full for all Bruno's comments! Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36

Jastina samba and there's a near slip catastrophe at the top of the stairs but he's ok! Good start, plenty of bounce, could do without the skirt flounce bit, that just seems like filler to me - and really should have gone with acting the chorus lines, like we did back in the day - you wouldn't do YMCA without signing the letters, would you? Everyone watching could've joined in then! Full of fun and his usual zest though, good effort. Len - all the steps I like to see, your bum going to town, got over-excited and lost timing but full of energy, well done; Alesha - fun, wonderful atmosphere, captured the spirit; Bruno - got carried away by the moment, bouncing and wiggling, messy but fun; Craig - massive fusion of energy 100% fantastic, bounce, could've done without the awkward daddy dancing, liked the fusion of samba and disco. Score: 8/9/9/8 = 34

Look, I was the Famous Five's biggest fan - in fact, my English teacher said I needed to "stop living in the fantasy land of Enid Blyton" - so I've no problem with The Search for the Glitterball, ok?

Harriona - Judges View: What a contender - the complete package - didn't realize how good he'd be - got the physique - great great rhythm - very rarely we see the sway. Their Viennese Waltz is simple, elegant, understated and emotive - why have I not noticed his beautiful hands so much before? Alesha - such a talented guy, exquisite, confident, effortless, beautifully played; Bruno - the Prince and the Showgirl, romance unfolding with every step, so perfectly placed, judged, driven, class, romance, style, dancing royalty; Craig - slightly odd, despondent and melancholy which was a very interesting take, just gorgeous to watch to the point of smouldering - move head to the left slightly; Len - beautifully executed, lovely natural turns, lovely sway, beautiful swing of the body throughout - take him to the Tower! Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39

Aleames - Judges View: Most improved - good on her - done really well - lacked confidence - a confident Alex could get to Blackpool - incredible personality and smile, you warm to her. Their salsa has the big Dirty Dancing lift - very impressive, lots of fun, good armography, salsa steps could've been smoother but totally sold it. Why with the broom and mac though, why? Bruno - can come and scrub my floor anytime, lovely to see you let your hair down, very good arm passes, some moments of uncertainty on your own; Craig - big challenge , beyond your skill set but what I love is that you throw yourself into it which is totally brilliant; Len - personality and gusto and hip hip hooray, came out full bore, lost finesse because of the attack; Alesha - full on and fun, little bit messy but be proud and smile, great job. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Pashee - Judges View: What a surprise - ballroom and Latin, everything - didn't expect the level of technique, the QS convinced Len - she attacks - sense of rhythm - the revelation. Their Paso Doble is danced with lots of confidence, terrific flamenco section, much solo work, another heel caught in another skirt so a little stutter, overall her intent and lines were fab as ever. Craig - Paso personified, A-Maz-Ing. You are the most incredible dancer. Gobsmackingly good; Len - full of mood and attitude, lovely focus between the two of you, the shaping, whip it and wait, Pasha Doble - fantastic! Alesha - performing like a true dancer, so interesting to watch, full of content, I'm a little bit speechless, dynamic, deserve to be in the final; Bruno - watch the vid, he's off on one again! His descriptions are as colourful and splendid as the dances ... Score: 10/10/10/10 = 40!! She's gone, so's Pasha. What's the background laughter for? Brucie in his 3D specs!

Artolly - Judges View: a worthy semi-finalist - finishing strongly - everything you want in a dancer, lines good, placement good - needs to keep the energy levels up - Swan Lake so risky, so special. A Charleston with a modern twist, another fab creation from Artem, loved the happy and rhythmic feel, but she was pretty knackered by the end! Len - I grew to enjoy the modern twist, lovely swivels, a tad slicker but overall very entertaining; Alesha - I loved it, cool, fought your way through, stepped out of your comfort zone; Bruno - praise for taking risks, loved the contemporary concept; Craig - thank you Artem for taking the risks or we'd all be living in the 50s, loved the idea, loved the routine. Scores: 8/8/9/9 = 34.

Jastina - Judges View: Can sell it - a showman - natural performer - good technique - too much pressure on himself so he loses it. Their Argentine Tango. Well. Oh, I say - very intense, powerful, dramatic, moody, totally in character, mesmerising, fantastic partnering, Jason so strong there - reminded me of the feeling we got when we saw Mark and Karen's all those years ago! Well done Jastina, fab ending to the show and puts them right back in it for sure. A standation from Alesha - clean, sharp, seductive and built and built and built, so aggresive, owned that dance; Bruno - death by Kristina, relentless attack to the senses, a fight to the death - you won! Craig - I'd put that woman on an assault charge darling, incredible; Len - if you're gonna do your best dance of the series, what better time than the semi-final. Score: 10/10/10/10 = 40. You wait all series for a top score and then two come along at once ...

To the Leaderboard:

Harriona: 39+39 = 78 = 5

Pashee: 36 + 40 = 76 = 4

Jastina: 34 + 40 = 74 = 3

Artolly: 36 + 34 = 70 = 2

Aleames: 34 + 31 = 65 = 1

I think we can assume that Harriona and Pashee will make it through - who'll be joining them? On to the results ... where Tess just apparated onto our screens! Ah, the Magic of Strictly ... *settles back*

Pro Dance opener to Paint it Black, a Paso, mainly, with Artem&Aliona; Robin&Kristina; James&Ola. Clever as ever.

Aloe Blacc is still in need of a dollar, fantastic vocal with Brendan and Natalie on major form with a cha cha inspired routine.

The Moment of Truth #1: Going to Blackpool Tower - Pashee and Harriona. No surprises there then. Alesha's advice to Chelsee - plenty of sleep and porridge; Bruno says Harry has everything it takes. Over to Claudia, where we learn it's a funky showdance for Pashee. "We'll go for that," says Clauds "nervously."

Craig Smith and Natalie someone, three times World Exhibition Champs. Boring. Get off. Bring on Tom and Camilla with a proper showdance. If Natalie had worn bacofoil we'd have had flashbacks to Lisa and Brendan *eek*. Please, Aliona, Pasha, AN Other - please do not attempt this! To be fair, it's more emotive than others we've seen, they are at least telling a story to the music instead of just chucking her around. "Len and I do that at the wrap party every year" - Claudia.

Len's Lens - Len's reaction to Harry, he had to relieve himself vocally; Craig - tens! Jason's party face; Alex's Dirty Dancing lift - trust; Bruno and Alesha dancing in their seats; Series highlights - Ola's swingathon exit reaction; Bruno whacking Alesha at Wembley; Craig - Brucie jumping onto the floor with Holly; Bruno - Craig aka Brian May; Lulu and Brendan's missed high five. The Grant - the Faces.

The Military Wives sing Wherever You Are, Vincent and Flavia accompany with a floaty and dreamy Argentine Tango flavoured beautiful ballroom routine. Stunning lifts, it's been emotional, particularly as we've arrived at the final Moment of Truth:

Eliminated: Aleames! Aw *wells up* Moving tributes to each other *wells up more* Also out: Artolly! Holly says Artem is the most incredible choreographer she's ever met. She may have used a different adjective, but someone phoned *grrrr* Insensitive jerk. Oh, she's setting us all off too. Tears are all around us.

So the Blackpool Tower Ballroom welcomes Harriona, Pashee and Jastina for the Grand Final next week, available in 3D/HD or just normal telly as usual.

The countdown starts here: Five judges (including us); Four wicked dances (each); Three nervous couples; Two dancing partners; One Glitter Ball! Bring it on!

Strictly Come Dancing Snippets

2011-12-08T10:20:00.003Z

I see some people getting their knickers in a twist over the judges salaries - even though the vast majority of their earnings comes from other stuff! *rolls eyes*

Glenn Hoddle's guilty pleasure is our favourite dance show! Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up ...

Robbie has been offered a part in a touring musical, Hooray for Hollywood - the promoter recognises a crowd puller!

Russell will be dancing in London's New Year's Day Parade with Flavia.

Let's Dance for Sport Relief will be back next year, with Alex Jones and Steve Jones presenting.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-12-06T14:28:00.009Z

Jastina on the sofa, trying to guess the reasons why the ended up in the bottom two: Middle of the board; fab performance = assumptions of safety by fans! Kristina so worried they were out. Zoe cheers them up with the reminder that Alesha was bottom two in the quarter final and went on to win! Kristina very proud of Jason. The Magic of Dance keeps him going as each week gets toughter. Argentine Tango this week, he's connected with it immediately, learnt it in one day and training looks exceptionally strong and macho. Also has samba but to counter the dread dance, they're using Blame it on The Bookie and there'll be a disco break in it. Something for the judges, something for the public :) Jason's Motivational Merchandise, as worn by The Grant: T-shirt; tote bag; apron; placemat: Not available in any store near you!

Ian Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up: Aleames salsa - a challenge, hips need more rhythm. Waltz looking really good though; Pashee American Smooth - lovely lift/hug, becoming at one with Pasha, arms all finished, character, very smooth. Paso Doble has a prop - a fan! Not one of the two legged variety ... needs to create arm shapes; Artolly charleston has been changed, no footage available. Argentine Tango looking fab, lovely long leg lines, as demo'd by Zoe and Ian who may do a fitness DVD together, going by the stretching; Jastina samba - will be a challenge although the bounce action is there, keep arms compact. AT fantastic lines, very intense, clean and precise. Passion! Another demo, leaving Zoe all hot and flustered! Harriona Viennese Waltz - great hold, lower the legs slightly "D'you get that, Judd?" shouts Zoe. He acknowledges, they're waiting for their turn on the sofa! Charleston looking fantastic, hopefully lots of humour and razzamatazz, brilliant swivels.

A one hour It Takes Two coming-atcha live from Blackpool next week!

Brendan takes the Pro Dance Challenge and has TEN botafogos disallowed but still scores 70 and scoots to the top of the board, displacing Flavia who briefly topped the board yesterday with 67!

Harriona on the sofa. Nice Christmas jumper. Every man should have one. Really. Harry (Hip Hip Harry) will keep us informed of his dream scores this week. Aliona (Maid Mari-ona) so glad Craig pointed out the improved hips! They were scared on Saturday, even with a fab score, they were 4th on the board. Dancing the charleston to Wild About Harry, he's embracing the dance and looks so cute. VW really good, very smooth, dancing to David Gray. Congrats to Dougie in the jungle, who's back and will be watching this week!

In other news, it seems like Alesha, Craig and Bruno's visit to Chatty Man was pretty hilarious! I may head over to i-Player and check it out! The brilliant @LaylaTango found a YouTube clip - be warned, it contains explicit footage and the odd expletive! But it is completely hilarious :-D Allow an uninterrupted 20 minutes to appreciate it in full!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Robbiola Relegated

2011-12-05T15:46:00.017Z

Robbiola on the sofa and Robbie (Mr. Blonde rockin' in a roll neck) knew it was their time to go, the others deserved to go through. Ola (It's Ola-over Robbiola) saw such a massive change, Robbie improved so much, he could never have done that quickstep in week one. Were Craig's final words "loved the concept, loved the performance" a consolation to leave with? "No!" says Robbie "Yes" says Ola, but Robbie's still bitter! Robbie takes his hat off to the older, less obviously fit contestants on how strenuous Strictly is - he lost 9lbs! I won't ask where, it might be rude, says Zoe. His mum's extremely proud (get well soon to his dad - she was with him at hospital today, he fell and broke a hip) his kids bawled their eyes out. Generous tributes from Holly and James, and Ola - and she's gone, says Zoe! Apart from the free spray tans, what will you miss? Everybody - from runners to judges (even Craig) make up and contestants. Harry to win. Or Alex. Or Chelsee. Or Jason. Or Holly!

Backstage Pass: Alex in agony; Harry, alternately feeling insignificant and then inspired, watching the pro dance; James, Vincent, Brendan and Erin picking on new boy Pasha, pinging his braces; Technically, Robin was never voted off - he's hooking up with Rent-a-Pro Brendan. It's fun tinged with panic tonight, says Len - it all comes down to this one performance!

Pasha in for the Pro Dance Challenge, not at all confident but he's very quick, nearly tripped himself up though and lost form, may be some disqualifications! Only three disallowed but some incomplete - he still scores 65 and edges into the lead! Only one above the girls, points out Zoe. Thanks, I didn't like to say so, he says! Not sure Flavia won't take him tomorrow "she's a fast cracker!"

Points of You: Julie from Didcot tells Len to Lighten Up! Face like a pickled walnut when Bruno's doing his thing. And Pork Pie hat bass man in the band is Trevor Barry!

Bruno on the sofa with the dance debrief - we have a montage of his colourful performance appraisals first, and Alesha being mauled on a regular basis! He and Len are zonked throughout the two months of Dancing With The Stars, but he feeds off the contestants energy, they provide his material. Even the bad performances have been good - those from the less technically adept, he means. Bigs up Robbie - he took it like a man, great posture! Harry's rumba was almost there, the basics just needed to be more slinky, figures were fantastic, simplest things are the hardest and it is a woman's dance, the man is just the frame, very difficult dance for the men. Alex so much more confident, movement and fluidity fantastic, at ease with herself; Holly's flamenco correct, the penny dropped, she had to ignite everything, good at Latin and ballroom, good arms and legs, needed the extra fire. Loved the concept of Jason's - did their own version, took inspiration rather than copy. Chelsee on fire, timing just brilliant, just performing, dancing and enjoying. Zoe's up with him now, dancing around. I love Claudia but I love Zoe's enthusiasm for all things dance, any excuse and she's up!

In other news: Emma Bunton and Jason Gardiner will not be returning as judges on Dancing on Ice - Pineapple Dance's Louie Spence and former Olympic champion skater, Katarina Witt, are replacing them. David Beckham is touted as a potential contestant!

Stevie Wonder may sign up for Dancing With The Stars - when he thinks he's lost enough weight!

Interview with Arlene Philips, which I think someone forgot to proof read, but still, it's an interview with Arlene.

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Quarter Final

2011-12-04T20:08:00.005Z

Kicking off with a Flaptabulous charleston featuring Robin & Kristina, James & Ola and Aliona & Artem then launching straight into ...

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - Aleames! Wow - ooh *prepares self for shock* Pashee, safe. Bottom Two - Jastina!!! There it is! After that performance, you thought he was safe, yes? Bruno very disappointed, Jason always gives everything he's got.

With Claudia, Alex wonders if they counted up properly!

Alfie Boe, James Bond medley. Surreal yet somehow so perfect. Not Strictly dancers though: Darren and Letitia's Paso I'd have preferred to see again.

Len's Lens: Bruno fantasizing over Kristina; Chelsee's kicks - Pow! Artem's knee spins, Holly's hands; Jastina's lift "flooping" is the word according to Clauds; Craig calls Kristina an immaculate choreographer; Alex's dress was caught for an hour, says Clauds; Len caught singing Saturday Night at the Movies - Claudia's taking that clip home to watch every morning.

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Harriona! Harry seemed to be a bit worried there! For dramatic effect they should have called Artolly and left us all thinking it might be Harry v Jason - producers, take note, that's no way to stage a cliffhanger. It's Robbiola in the Bottom Two and Len says he doesn't want him to go, he's enjoyed him so much - a revelation, he calls him.

The Glamour of Hollywood: Anton & Erin, Flavia & Vincent, Natalie & Brendan with Cheek to Cheek, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and The Way You Look Tonight. Gorgeous.

Jastina versus Robbiola. Kristina so upset - I would be too, after the stunning routines she's been putting together; Robbie setting everyone else off.

The Final Moment of Truth: It's Robbiola leaving tonight. Everyone on their feet. The boy played a blinder, sick as a parrot to go out but over the moon to get so far. There, that's my quota of footie cliches done and dusted. Keep up with all the news and gossip on the Strictly website until next week - when we say goodbye to two of our remaining five! Eek!

Strictly Come Dancing, Week 10: Movie Night!

2011-12-03T20:49:00.011Z

We've been keyed up all week and it's finally with us! Forget the BAFTA's, Emmys, Golden Globes and yes, even the Oscars - this is the movie event of the year!

Opening with the pro dancers and a gentle swing jive story to Saturday Night at the Movies, with Len and Bruno getting in on the act too! Tess is looking very Veronica Lake and Bruce has got Alison all excited. No, he doesn't know her either, she's a stalker. Kara and Brian Fortuna spotted in the audience, not canoodling together or anything, this isn't a tabloid. Subliminal advertising for Five Live from Brucie - was that to make up for Anitagate?

Not content with sticking a furry animal on Robin's head for his jive, they've now gone to town with Pasha and given him the full Shrek makeover - those ears are going to be seriously distracting when he's jumping around.

Robbiola out first and I've realised I do actually know this song. Good posture, clean and quick footwork, cool routine, proper dancing, his best yet I'd say, needed a little more polish and drive maybe but he really got the feel for the concept. Len - given me a lot of pleasure over the week and that didn't disappoint; Alesha - smooth operator, good posture, light footed, clean; Bruno - loved the combination of looks and attitude, cross between Kate Moss and Russell Brand; Craig - knee pulses out of time, lacked swing and sway but loved the concept and performance. Score: 7/7/8/8 = 30.

Harriona rumba, always difficult, always hard to please me cos I've yet to see one I feel the need to see again (except Colin's, and Zoe's Xmas one) but nice lines, intensity and purpose, scope for posing, nice basics. Alesha - best rumba from a male celeb, touching, sensitive, romantic, very natural and convincing; Bruno - a little bit of magic, pitched it right, great shapes, great job; Craig - obviously worked on hip action, loved it, simple, clean, basic, one wobbly moment; Len - a little bit spiky in the hands but your dreams won't be left on the cutting room floor. Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36.

Aleames American Smooth to Pretty Woman and Alex very much looking the part, lovely routine, tangoish foxtrot, elegant, classy and put a smile on my face. Bruno: gorgeous, great turns, fluid, tiny incident didn't spoil the gorgeousness; Craig - finally learned to put sexy into dance; Len - all going swimmingly until the moment, loved the dance, clean lifts, really sold it; Alesha - beautiful style, consistently improving (she and Bruno do their best to reassure Alex, who's upset over the slight incident - wardrobe malfunction?) Score: 8/8/9/9 = 34

Artolly Paso and I was willing them on to scale the heights of fiery passion! Arms and hands and Spanish lines terrific, wish I could have seen her feet stamping, the skirt a little too long, another great routine by Artem though, needs to score highly if they've any chance of staying. Craig - your personal best, shaping, skirtwork, bring the eye line up, darling! Len - you're finishing strongly; Alesha - rooting for you all the way, arms and hands superb, stepped it up; Bruno - finally, you Spanish sorceress, flamenco *he's up and demonstrating* brilliant! Score: 9/9/10/10 = 38 Oooh, top of the board!

Jastina American Smooth and I have been eagerly awaiting this! Fab opening solo, smooth, effortless, musical, full of character and fantastic seamless lifts - I thought Kristina was still in the air when she'd actually landed, magical. Len - I loved it, the entry, the actual foxtrot right on the money, filled Gene Kelly's shoes; Alesha - wonderful concept, fabulous beginning, elegantly played; Bruno - Jason goes to Hollywood, a huge risk as so iconic but made it your own, a very special performance; Craig - it's getting boring now, everyone's good! I really loved it, charisma, fantastic. Score: 9/9/9/10 = 37

Pashee jive to I'm a Believer - so glad no-one misheard and dressed Pasha up as Justin Bieber. How Chelsee kept up with that I've no idea, crisp, clean (mostly!) fast and furious, bags of personality, stunning routine full of action! Bruno - Oh my daring, the fairy tale has a happy ending - fast tracked to the semi! Craig - distracted by the ears, loved the routine, pick your knees up, incredible; Len - If you're not back next I'll pickle my walnuts; Alesha - cute, fun, punchy, playful, excellent turns, incredible. Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39

Over to the Scoreboard:

Pashee 39 = 6

Artolly 38 = 5

Jastina 37 = 4

Harriona 36 = 3

Aleames 34 = 2

Robbiola 30 = 1

That's going to mix things up a bit - unless Robbie is at least second with the public, Holly is safe. Alex could be the one losing out here - Harry is surely safe ... I think ... but exactly how popular is Jason? I think the only one I can be certain of being safe is Chelsee! Till the morrow!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two Double Bill!

2011-12-02T17:22:00.005Z

Firstly, Thursday's It Takes Two, as seen on MSN! 24 Things We Learned last night, featuring Harry NOT wearing tights!

And tonight, 28 things we learned on ITT, including Harry bumping into a radiator. My final guest blog of the week for MSN!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Chelsee Wears Shoes in Training Shock!

2011-11-30T10:52:00.008Z

I again blogged It Takes Two for MSN - view here for 26 Things We Learned on Wednesday's ITT!

In other news: Gary Barlow is well up for taking part in Strictly, according to best pal Jason Donovan! And having had a taster of the show in the last Christmas Special, Fern Britton wants to take part in the next series.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Hats off to Aleames

2011-11-29T23:02:00.002Z

I guest blogged again for MSN - see here for 27 Things We Learned On It Takes Two tonight!

The Voice Judging Panel Revealed!

2011-11-29T15:00:00.004Z

Jessie J will be joined on The Voice judging panel by the legendary Sir Tom Jones, the Black Eyed Peas front man and producer, Will.i.am and, subject to the contract being finalised, original Pop Idol, Will Young. If he doesn't sign up, rumours are his place will be taken by Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs (according to the Sun, so that could be complete nonsense!)

The news follows confirmation that Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yeates will be on presenting duties. I personally can't wait, I just hope it lives up to my expectations and the contestants truly are judged on their voices. And I can't imagine Sir Tom wanting any comparisons made with Louis so *lives in hope*

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Robinita's run ends

2011-11-28T22:28:00.005Z

But in a bit of a twist, tonight's ITT blog post is on the MSN Strictly Blog instead of here! So do please check it out - 19 things we learned tonight!

In other news: David Beckham has been touted for Dancing on Ice; Strictly's royal visit; Ex-Strictly Pros - where are they now?

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Week Nine

2011-11-27T21:08:00.007Z

Quarter Final next week - so will we lose 2 then or 2 in the semi? Pro dance -Katya & Pasha and Brendan & Natalie with a very stylish and modern ballroom medley to Rolling in the Deep - dresses of the night also!

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - Harriona; Pashee; Jastina - no particular order? That's left the highest tension there could possibly have been! Bottom Two: Artolly! Bruno bitterly disappointed to see Holly there again - she delivered everything they asked of her.

Over to Claudia, who asks if the Swingathon was fun, in the style of "Was it, really? Are you sure?" Movie Night theme next week, Pashee have Shrek "You do know about the green face and the ears, don't you" she asks Chelsee, who replies that as long as she's a princess, that's fine.

Cee Lo Green and his new song. Oh. He's brought his own dancers too. They seem to be channelling Brian May. Nice pinky peachy satin shell suit, CL, really.

Len's Lens: Brendan singing along to Uptown Girl; Harry, full bore, hold throughout, the jumps, still body contact, look at the line, fast, full on, great control, deserved a 10, Craig! Artolly, fab kicks, modern twist, doesn't deserve bottom two; Pashee gorgeous ganchos, look at the height in that lift! Aleames good time, her Finding Nemo face! She let herself go, undermarked says Alesha. Bruno's up, demonstrating the swivel; Ola's reaction to being booted off the Swingathon first - hands on hips, major poutage, lol!

Movie Week trailer: Dance Club - first rule, we don't talk about Dance Club says Harry. Oops, sorry, pipes up Chelsee, I've already texted everybody; Indiana Jones, with Alex and Anita lifting the tiny glitter ball, only to be chased by the huge glitter ball; The Matrix, with Jason and Holly; Star Wars and Robbie's fighting Darth Vader, who reveals himself to be Craig!

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Aleames! Lol, loving the shock reaction! Bottom Two - Brenita. So Robbie's fan base still strong!

An Anton/Erin treat, with a gorgeous routine to Mr Bojangles, courtesy of Lance out from behind the bandstand. Erin's gone back to the original Come Dancing for dress inspiration. It wasn't long enough. The routine, not the dress!

Brenita v Artolly, both 2nd time, both sad but glad they did it.

The Final Moment of Truth: Leaving tonight - Brenita. Aw, checkout Bruno's face! He's worse than me! Robin on the phone, so sorry he couldn't be there "you are one of the most incredible, enthusiastic and hard working people I've ever met and I'm going to miss you dearly." She says he made this the most humorous, enjoyable, fun and wonderful learning experience - and also many thanks to Brendan. All credit to Claudia and Tess cos I'd be hopeless at this point, can you imagine a hostess who's too choked to speak?

Strictly Come Dancing, Week 9: The Fittest Swingers in Town!

2011-11-27T14:47:00.026Z

The Magnificent Se-Ven left and there's a rowdy lot in for them tonight! Tess looks nice but I dunno, sometimes it looks like they've taken bit of random scrap material, wrapped it round her and stapled it. I'm just sayin' - I know these high profile designers charge a lot for that: I'd do it for a backstage pass.

Brenita up first, their cha cha to Uptown Girl is perfect for them. Lady Anita quite sedate but her smile has lit up the room, a very creditable, confident performance with good timing, did very well with a lot of basic cha cha steps for a well placed routine. Len - commends Brendan, great routine, full of content, coped well, showed personality, straighten legs for more hip action; Alesha - a little messy in places, didn't embody the dance through your body, cute, pleasant, lot of basic steps; Bruno - the uptown girl doesn't mind a bit of grease, still plenty of fuel in the tank, bright, lively, great variety of steps, Brendan goes with everything, really enjoyed it; Craig - lacked pressure on the floor, lack of sharpness in finishes, no true dynamic but fantastic turns, absolutely brilliant. Score: 7/8/7/8 = 30 a good score. Message from Robin to say how overwhelmingly proud he is of her!

Artolly foxtrot with a big, lusty entrance, Mama Knows Best the song and it's a foxy, power driven, sexy foxtrot. Erm, I actually prefer a floaty romantic one to a song I know but still, she performed it very well. Alesha - seductive, demure, alluring, song worked, totally owned it; Bruno - sassy teaser, Gypsy Rose Lee let me entertain you, side by side breathtaking, sexy, hot; Craig - extremely concerned when the music cranked up but fantastic, well done; Len - I was a bit of a funkateer, the foxtrot you did was good, I did like it - but your eyes are looking at one thing and your ears are taking in something else (he's talking about the music's effect on him and that's how I felt with Pashee's foxtrot) I'm a Timex in a digital age! Score: 8/8/9/9 = 34

Aleames charleston was so completely them all over! Proper old time feel, cheeky and fun, could have been a little sharper, there was one little mistime but she did everything asked of her - and so much confidence! Charming routine! Bruno - the Funny Girl, good old days vaudeville feel, loved the goofyness, lost timing a couple of times, great to see the funny side of you; Craig - major step backwards this tonight, lack of swivel, precision and finishes, you didn't understand the nature of the dance, mediocre *boos* Len - fun and entertaining, enjoyable to watch, just lacking the detail; Alesha - quirky, sweet and funny, made for you, you've developed a great partnership, I look forward to you every week. Score: 6/7/8/8 = 29 seems a bit harsh.

Robbiola samba to You Sexy Thing and to be honest, we've seen the same grinding moves in every Latin dance he's done. The samba steps he did weren't bad, the bounce a bit exaggerated, but the stripping off gimmick I can do without now (down to footie shorts and socks); the others are giving me more with their clothes on. Craig - bounce way too exaggerated but was at least there, fingers belong in a ten pin bowling ball, mostly rectified, the gratuitous inane reveal to no avail, in-essential; Len - a shamba, there was a lot of good content, then you get possessed by Match of the Day - just dance! Alesha - love that you're relaxed and having fun, some nice moments, entertaining; Bruno - an interesting look, wasn't the lightest samba, a kangaroo with lead feet but you tried. You can always go stripping. Score: 5/7/7/6 =25

Pashee - Argentine Tango and another confident solo start, full of excellent, sharp and precise well performed content, great lifts, full of drama, maybe lacking the steaminess we expect but then, they set us up to look for the Pashan, didn't they! Len - good but act the dance more, no intensity, loved it though, best dance so far; Alesha - technically very strong, dynamic, sharp, executed very well, lose your inhibitions, excellent job; goody goody little girl, the footwork, the intricacy, well executed, great shapes, I loved it but be badder; Craig - The A frame was missing but coped well with a high level of difficulty - work on that frame if you do it again because it was fabulous! Score: 8/9/9/9 = 35

Jastina charleston is fabulous! There's the detail, crisp, great musicality, personality, sophisticated rather than goofy but great fun and very, very good technically - and only one teensy little bit of mis-timing, quickly caught up! Bruno - Ahhhhh! High energy, exuberance, slapstick, expression, no-one can accuse you of using Botox. Flying! Craig - willing it to be perfect but disastrous kick section. A Charleston! Len - truly fabulous, well done; Alesha - loved the character, the energy, the routine, it was fun. Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36

Harriona quickstep. One word: FINALLY! If ever there was a dance that would turn me on to someone after 9 weeks, this quickstep was it! Everything I love was here - timing, musicality, the sway, stunning routine making the most of every nuance in the music, brilliant non stop dancing all the way through - and possibly the quickest, trickiest footwork we've ever seen! Ali -luyah! Craig - you have a lazy left foot *Bruce: You'll have my lazy right foot in a minute* by that I mean it's oddly and strangely sickled and pigeon toed - but that's all I could find wrong with it; Len - posture, lovely movement, you've got the sway - highest I've given you is an 8, you might make it 9 tonight! Alesha - Outstanding; Bruno - tremendous assurance, quality of detail, elegant, moving beautifully, can sway away with anyone, superb! Score: 9/10/10/10 = 39 well deserved. And a bit cruel to have the Swingthon straight after, although at least he's well warmed up!

The Swingathon and I've no arguments with the judges order: Ps: 7 to Harriona, majorly on it, as Craig said, they had the stamina, athleticism, everything on time, great, which is what I saw, along with nifty footwork and terrific lifts; 6 to Pashee, again with plenty of exuberance although her footwork looked a little dodgy in places, beating Aleames to 5 who had a big lift and variation of steps; 4 to Jastina who tried manfully to recapture is jive but captured the mistakes and loss of timing again sadly, or they'd have got 6 for their content I'm sure; 3 to Artolly their good jive content but lacking in fluidity of movement (from the limited view I had of them all) 2 to Brenita for good content again but lacking the full-on-ness of the others and 1 to Robbiola because they didn't do enough to stand out from the rest, according to Alesha. To be fair, they didn't get much time!

The leaderboard:

Harriona 39 + 7 = 46 = 7

Pashee 35 + 6 = 41 = 6

Jastina 36 + 4 = 40 = 5

Artolly 34 +3 = 37 = 4

Aleames 29 + 5 = 34 = 3

Brenita 30 + 2 = 32 = 2

Robbiola 25 + 1 = 26 = 1

Aleames the winners from the Swingathon, moving up one place; Jastina drop down one - and with no draws on the board, that's bad news for Artolly, Brenita and possibly Robbiola! Aleames have been lower before and saved; I'm assuming their charleston will be enough to take them above Artolly.

My Ranking of Enjoyability: Harriona; Jastina; Pashee; Aleames; Brenita; Artolly; Robbiola.

Results tonight at 7.25pm, see the BBC Website to keep up with all the highlight, pictures and gossip!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Training Snapshots

2011-11-24T22:35:00.007Z

Training snapshots #1 Aleames charleston - the one she fancied; James has a totally different approach to this one and she's not vain, but she'd like some of her face left at the end of that lift!

Pashee AT - very nervous, giggling and snorting through their big lift - she's finding the passion too cheesy! Robbiola samba - he needed ballroom this week, calling it the samba of doom. Has realised you can't teach natural rhythm.

Harriona quickstep - this could be The One for me this week - charging around, he feels like a horse! They're on the sofa, watching their competitors with interest. Harry (getting shirty) says Wembley was petrifying but Aliona (salsa sauce) "laughs in his face at his fear". And had he had any more hips he'd have been dancing like a girl! He'd seen Bruno in the Elton vid - turns out it's before his time - and Harry would wear a mankini! Great choice of song or their quickstep, one of those non-traditional bouncy ones that work, a la A Town Called Malice - The Pretenders. Aliona's never seen someone do so well with different rhythm patterns; he tried to ban her giggling - he has a dark side, cue Strictly Star Wars montage, featuring Ali Yoda and Harry Judi. Using a miniature punch ball to head butt in frustration? Lightweight. All in hold this week, should please Len but lifts in the swingathon designed to take out anyone within 5 metres!

Widdy asks: Who would you like to be locked in a room with for 24 hours? (Strictly related)

Robin and Holly both choose Artem; he says "None of them, they're all crazy!"

Strictly box of frocks: Chelsee's AT - sophisticated and elegant, purple and turquoise head to toe, full length slit either side, dramatic; Anita cha cha - nude, full skirt, long sleeves, coloured hem ribbons, completely covered in crystals, it's taking weeks! Jason - The Great Gatsby for him, white suit, blue short, brown tie and spats, that spangly hat isn't for him - it goes with the sparkly tasselly effort under cover.

Training snapshots #2: Brenita cha cha - her arms looking great, working the attitude "feel me up," says Brendan "it's the only chance you get!" Artolly foxtrot - working hard, they don't want that red light again. She's too fast - going with chocolate-quickquick -chocolate timing!

Jastina charleston - very, very good, loving the look of this - they're on the sofa, with Jason (choose SCD) explaining what happened on Saturday. In short, he's not sure, just one of the moments, it's live TV, folks! Kristina (jives Jason up the wall) still so proud of him. Cruel to leave them till last again during the results! Dancing to Yessir, That's My Baby - fabulous! His toes are black and blue - they've never been pleasant but he thinks it's time for a pedicure now. And he needs to learn to breathe. The things we take for granted, eh? The sweatathon, as he calls it, is all about spatial awareness, like how to reach Harry and Robbie with a karate kick. Diamond move? Watch out for the Joe Calzaghe!

Something funny this way comes - animal magic end credits!

Snippets: Dance documentaries; Dancing on Ice; The Voice

2011-11-24T12:56:00.006Z

Radio 2 has lined up a series of dance documentaries, which will include Len Goodman presenting Swinging at the Savoy and The Gene Kelly Story, Arlene Philips giving us the lowdown on dance troupes and Stewart Lee exploring the world of Morris Dancing!

Dancing on Ice may see an overhaul of the judges, as neither Emma or Jason have yet to be offered a contract, according to reports, with Louie Spence lined up to take one spot. Ian Walker is being touted as a contestant.

And Reggie Yeates will be joining Holly Willoughby on The Voice.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-11-23T19:06:00.009Z

The final is only three weeks away!!!!

Brenita on the sofa and Anita (got a new model) was cooking when she found out about Robin, shocked but looking forward to dancing with Brendan - Superpro! Aliona: "What will you do if you drop me, who will you dance with?" Harry: "Brendan!" AKA Captain Big Boy. Moving swiftly on ... cha cha this week to Uptown Girl, character driven to suit her, Brendan loves her enthusiasm.

Dancer in disguise - another tough one, they've not danced like themselves since James and Vincent! No idea on this one - Kristina or Robin?!

Ian Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up and Zoe lets on it's her birthday, to show Ian the Lego Strictly set built by her son Woody. Harry looks suspiciously like Luke Skywalker. Robbiola samba - nice bounce, needs to strech back leg by bending into the front; Aleames charleston - looks like fun, great chemistry, individual uniqueness in the lift - aerial swimming! Harriona quickstep - smooth and speedy, great movement around the floor, loving the sway, like a pre champ amateur. If they get the song choice right and there's more than 8 bars; Jastina charleston - bit discombobulated and un-coordinated, but energetic, like to see them match up but then it isn't as regimented as other dances; Artolly foxtrot - fantastic poise, great posture and movement across the floor, release toes when going backwards; Brenita cha cha - out of her comfort zone, footwork sometimes a little muddled, needs to straighten her legs; Pashee Argentine Tango - needs to lean forward more - lovely demo from Ian and Zoe - they should let them do one on the Xmas Special! As for the swingathon - lots of energy right from the start, think floor craft and - you can nobble someone!

Pashee on the sofa and Chelsee (girl power) felt the audience love as soon as the music began on Saturday. The AT is sexy but comfortable, she's not thinking of Pasha, she's pretending he's someone else. Anyone else! Proper smouldering AT music, but she's not feeling it yet, more nervous about the swingathon. Pasha advises watching for the judges and then hitting the big moves.

Dancer in disguise is ... Zoe's dad, Johnny! Ian arrives with cake, Brendan with a Zoe Strictly Hunks calendar - they should so sell those!

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Line Up

2011-11-23T10:13:00.003Z

The stars of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special have been unveiled:

Alongside Charlie Brooks, who for some reason was leaked yesterday, we have Su Pollard, who played Hi De Hi's nutty chalet maid, Peggy - paired with Anton, obviously! Boxer Barry McGuigan, at the opposite end of the scale to Audley, Debra Stephenson, who so impressed in Let's Dance for Comic Relief, and Simon Webbe of boy band Blue.

The professional dancers pairing them will be Erin, Katya, Ian and Vincent. It doesn't say who with who so let's have a guess: Erin and Simon; Katya and Barry? Ian and Charlie; Vincent and Debra? What do you think?

No doubt more info will appear on the Strictly Come Dancing official website when all confirmed.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Choreography Centre Stage

2011-11-22T19:22:00.025Z

Aleames on the sofa and Alex (Alex says Relax) is still speechless and can't remember anything except that she did enjoy it! James (Top of the whirled) says that as a teacher, to take her from Bambi to Wembley has made him very proud, properly emotional - no, it's dust in the air. Yeah right! Seriously, he went home and cried after their first three days training because he just didn't know what to do! The self-deprecating talk from Alex was because she was absolutely shocking! With them, Robinita, Robbiola and Russia all accounted for first during the Moment of Truth, the Big4 Gladiators would have known how they all feel every week! Less golf, more dancing - he's on his phone and she's having to nag - Charleston this week, should suit her quirky and scatty nature. He hadn't actually told her about the swingathon until today!

Who is it? Passionate about skincare - a slave to fake tan - catchphrase "this is the best thing ever" - it's a tall she: Has to be Natalie, and it is.

Karen Hardy's Choreography Corner: Take a snapshot of the arena - lots of choice: top stage, centre stage, surrounding arena floor - who made the most of it? Pashee brave, she owned her solo section, confident, strong; Jastina lifting it higher every week, the spring in the kicks the swing, he's learning everything, taking it deeper, we love it because of those little extras; Harriona unravelling, risky, lots of what ifs, always bringing more; Robbiola, if ever you'd pay to see an opening, that would be it, performed to the crowd, incredibly difficult lifts, physically in overdrive; Robinita clever rolling in/off the arms, the huge space a struggle for Anita to keep up, may have been better to keep her centre stage; Artolly tricky, near on impossible - the pirouette on the steps. Shot of the night, them heading towards centre stage, a Hollywood entrance! Big floor, big moment, perfect for pro dancers - fantastic first class routine, maybe a step too far for Holly.

Pashee have Argentine Tango this week, roving reporter Vincent tells us step by step: It's all about the man chasing the woman to possess her! Signature move: Ganchos - those snappy leg hooks; sacada - the displacement of each others feet; calesita - man lifts the lady slightly, she's still while he moves around her; planeo - standing on one leg, the other pointed to side while the partner runs around, turning them. Let yourself go with the music, feel each others heart beat!

Top of the Frocks with Amanda Wakely and Oonagh: Top tip - make the woman wear the dress, not the other way around. Chelsee's really clever, flattering, elongated, stretch satin, well designed so Union Jack not distorted, slits, 4000 crystals, feathers emphasising hips, 2 metres of boas cut into strips; Holly's not strictly a dress *groan* 2 pieces, leotard base echo of twinset, 5 layers, georgette, satin, organza, green and blue; Alex's rather beautiful, clever illusion of bare back, elegant, 8 panels of white satin, slight flare, organza, 42 metres, crinoline, writing to keep away from legs!

In other news: The line up so far for the live shows is all revealed - Nancy&Artem; Jastina; Harriona; Mark Foster and Katya; Pashee; Robbie&Natalie; Robinita. Len, Bruno and Craig are judging, with Kate Thornton presenting.

Sir Brucie will be appearing at the Royal Albert Hall in his own headline show on May 3rd next year.

Interview with former Strictly champ, Tom Chambers, about Top Hat.

It's dancing musical chairs, as Christine Bleakley is to replace Holly Willoughby in Dancing on Ice, while Holly signs up to present The Voice.

Eastender's Charlie Brooks has apparently signed for the Strictly Christmas Special

And last I heard, Keith Chegwin was still thereabouts in the Dancing on Ice mix, irrespective of injury!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Russia Relinquished!

2011-11-21T20:40:00.018Z

BREAKING NEWS! Another male pro dancer is OUT on Saturday! On the Glitter Phone, it's ... Robin! Nooooooooo ... yes, an infection in his right foot, can't stand or walk, let alone dance. The pain began on Friday, adreanlin got him through Saturday - medical advice: no weight on it and keep raised. Very strong anti-biotics making him poorly *sends lots of hugs* Rent-A-Pro Brendan to the rescue again!

Russia on the sad sofa but Russell (Cannon Fodder) not devastated, left us wanting more, his time to go - had an inkling the day before. Thanks to Team Flavant for all the flowers! Simon Pegg tweeted he almost choked with joy at the 'rocketman', he's now an #scd fan! (We'll get everyone in the end!) Russell wasn't scared till he saw he was on a tea tray. Summing up The Grant on Strictly: Wow! Cue highlights, Flav's bawling, Zoe's welling up, so am I *wipes away a tear*

ErinCam - backstage snippets - lots of them!

Craig on the sofa surprised the audience didn't keep Russia, entertaining as well as dance talented. Larger dance floor did expose the less technical and the nerves. Harriona missing the hip action, adrenalin making his legs got too far back to achieve rotation, shame. Jastina he thought a ten but then disarrrster - tried to kick with the leg he was standing on. The judges are hoping and praying and willing the celebs to give them an excuse the pull out the tens! Robinita he was genuinely shocked, but gained a lot of support because of last week, can improve her footwork. Aleames - improved greatly since I told her off in that ghastly rumba, take the criticism, she's listening and putting in the work, extraordinary achievement; Pashee arms in the middle - up or out please! Robbiola missing the steps and as for that leap frog: preparation, elevation - up, prepare,up, open, land *demonstrates* He tells us there's a Swingathon this week - judges will deselect the couples one by one - score 7 to1, added to leaderboard points!

Artolly on the sofa and Holly (Valance-ing act) says it's good to shake things up, getting too comfortable. Artem (back for good) says the back is sore but not as painful as it was. They disagree with the judges re her timing, so do I! The thoroughbred not yet broken in - better that than a mule! Foxtrot next - they may be a lift! Naughty Artem!

*Via Twitter: Ola to Brendan: "Please come and dance with Robbie, he can be the girl" Brendan: "I'm saving the prettiest till last!"

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Week Eight!

2011-11-20T20:18:00.008Z

Strictly Beatlemania, with the celeb boys as the Fab4, the girls in minis - cars, not skirts, and the judges emerging from a telephone box; Craig appears to have had too many jelly babies during the intermission. Fab-u-lous opening!

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - I'm actually shaking - Robinita! Go, TeamDobbin/Windsorfans on Twitter, well done! Major campaignage, all paid off! Robbiola! Even Aleames feeling the pressure - not now, though, they're safe! Bottom Two: Russia!! Ooh, shock or not? Bruno says that for entertainment, he's the tops - but it is a dance comp and it's getting tougher. Anita in need of a foil blanket. Robbie welling up and setting everyone off, Alex never thought she'd score a nine, James never thought a seven ...

James Morrison and Jessie J with Up: I'm too busy thinking about the possible shock to come that I didn't pay much attention; sounded pretty good.

Len's Lens: Craig as Brian May in the opening number last night; Bohemian Rhapsody rehearsal, joined by the real Brian May, who takes the chance to give Craig a three for his fandango! Len and Craig dancing the night away; Robbie's leap frog, touch and go if Ola'd had her hair up in a croissant; Jason's timing; Harriona's cartwheel into splits; Bruno on the desk at the beginning of the medley - totally nuts, now he's clouted Alesha round the head! The Grant Peek A Boo, eyes wide; mouth open!

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Pashee; Harriona; Jastina - it's Artolly in the bottom two, which I kind of figured it might be but was hoping if I didn't say so it wouldn't be true :( Loved that quickstep tonight #kissofdeath Alesha says they deserve to be in the top 7.

Il Divo sing Time to Say Goodbye - but to whom? And is that Steve Coogan moonlighting there? Russell not shocked, his goal was Wembley and he made it; Holly foresaw it a little bit - asked Russell what he could see - if it ends on a night like this, it's not so bad.

The Final Moment of Truth: It's ... Russia! Is that a shock? On balance, no. Stalwart fans of the show tend to start voting later on and the less technically gifted rarely make it past the last six or so. Choreographers, take note - gimmicks will no longer be enough! The seven left will have to deliver recognisable ballroom dances with flair and personality! Russell, on his way for his farewell dance, quips to Tess "I hope it's a good number." It's Simple Minds Don't You Forget About Me - we won't, Russell, we won't! Thank you for the joyous weeks you were with us :)

Strictly Come Dancing, Week 8: Wem-ber-ley, Wem-ber-ley!

2011-11-20T15:21:00.035Z

It's live from Wembley Arena tonight, don'tcha know? The special about this special is that the paying audience have contributed a fantastic £102,000 to the Children in Need Appeal, so well done everybody!

Two more Brit songs I thought of, that could have been used for the Latin - Wham! Club Tropicana (yes, George and Andrew in skimpies, aren't I good to you?) and Culture Club I'll Tumble 4 Ya. Sorry, three - Jamiroquai Canned Heat or (4) Space Cowboy (there's probably loads more, very funky, that JK) How could you fail to bounce around in your seat, I'm doing it right now.

A pep talk from Graham Taylor and cue lots of footie related puns before the massive Queen number - listen to that crowd, you can hardly hear the theme! Costume of the night is Jason, just for the evocation of my youth!

Robbiola kicks us off *groan*, the song has worked better than I thought, mainly due to the lack of actual salsa - I think the cameraman focused on his top half right at the moment he did some - but full of energy and enthusiasm, great fun as ever. Glad to see they have a smaller stage to raise them up a bit. Not a bad effort and should be entertaining enough for Robbie's fans to see him through. Len - treated it like your cup final, all a bit wild and savage, but great entertainment and wonderful start to the show; Alesha - opened us like it was your own rock show, loved the energy and lifts, didn't have the salsa feel I'm used to; Bruno - Rrrrrrobbie, the dance of courtship, went at it like a primeval fertility rite, throwing Ola into unimaginable positions but lost slinkyness and timing; Craig - flat footed, hips wiggling side to side devoid of rotation, upper body and arms great, like the lift. Score: 5/7/7/7 = 26 Hm, pretty low score, could actually see him in trouble.

Aleames tango - she looks terrifed backstage but out front, there's another confident solo opening with drapes which I love, this partnership has also really grown on me and James delivers another traditional routine, good movement around the floor, a proper tango, seamless transitions, great posture, held the intent throughout, maybe could have been a little more aggressive, it seemed very smooth - but looking at it from far away sometimes, possibly up close in the studio would've shown it more. It won't be curtains for them tonight (I hope!). Alesha - transition from happy go lucky jive to seductive tango brilliant, atmospheric, dramatic, great use of steps, believable; Bruno - fascinating, alluring, poised, stylish "you can touch me but you can't afford me!" Craig - some improvement, point your foot in the drag but sharp, staccato, theatrical, intense, all of those wonderful things; Len - a proper tango, danced beautifully. Score: 8/9/9/9 = 35 their highest to date - and a lovely speech by James in praise of Alex, aw.

ARTolly - he's back for their quickstep, the costume really suits Holly, very her! Loving the dynamic between them and Brendan! Brilliant start to the routine, very smooth on and off the stage, fabulous mix of steps, - I'm partial to quickstep anyway, and this is one of my faves, full of rhythm and the creative choreography making full use of the set. My favourite routine of theirs so far - and I didn't notice her looking down so much! Bruno - at times thrilling, at times maddening, some splendid stuff; Craig - fantastic single pirouette, horribly wrong after that, loss of timing, gapping, keep your centre and straighten up but good job and fantastic routine; Len - what I like - terrific use of space, fast, intent, a little loss of control but full on, well done; Alesha - light and effortless, liked it. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Robinita dancing a samba and looking for inspiration in Albert Square. Come on Eileen has quite a bouncy nature to it actually and she's doing really well, the solo side by side on stage particularly good, looks stronger than in hold, far better than I was expecting, they left out most of the vocal and let the music work it. Well done! Craig - shoulders hunched, leaning too far forward, thumb sticking out, tuck it under, muddy murky footwork but timing very good, gorgeous rhythm; Len - you give it 100%, admirable, could've been sharper and crisper, thought your thumbs particularly attractive *thumbs up from everybody* Alesha - bundles of energy and full of personality, created a party atmosphere, lost some timing, spirit and enthusiasm; Bruno - always lookk it and play it, lots of fire above but forgot it down below, did well. Score: 6/7/7/7 = 27

Harriona salsa. Ok, the salsa steps he did were great, the overhead flip into the splits was incredible but it was still too much stop-start with posing - what do they have to do to win me over? Technically sound, but all my favourite SCD salsas have been those full of non stop rhythmic, flowing dancing - Mattesha, Mark & Karen; Tom & Camilla, Gethin & Camilla, Mavia, John & Nicole - and all to proper Latin music (Mattesha excepted - always very under-rated, had it had a Latin song I feel it would have scored more and been added to the annals - 'Alesha Unleashed' as it was) I think this is what I'm not getting from Harriona - Artolly's QS a good example tonight of what I'm mean in terms of fluid dancing without the stop-start posing. I love Aliona, I think Harry's a nice guy - why can't I love their dances? Len - a full on samba (Freudian slip?) went for it, performed with high energy, would like a little more hip in the back step, more compact, more clubby; Alesha - handled with ease, release, *that* lift brilliant; Bruno - overdressed, flirtatious, sexy, vibrant and playful, yes a little bit of work on your bum, but we can talk about it later! Craig - loved the routine, spectacular lift but it didn't have a groove, very placed, lack of hip action. (That's what I meant, only it took me a lot longer to think it!) Brendan and James rips off Harry's shirt on his return to Tess, to the grateful thanks of the nation's women. Score: 8/8/9/9 = 34

Russia - he's in the cannon, all ready to fly! Here he comes and to be fair, it was probably the best bit, since the jive was more of a can-can! He didn't really do much and without the intimacy of the studio audience it wasn't so much fun. But his joy is still there to see. Alesha - just when you think you've seen it all, definitely the best entrance ever. What you lack in technique you make up for in entertainment; Bruno - the incredible flying machine, a satellite circulating his own orbit of madness, nothing to do with jive but God, I loved it! Craig - Dumbo springs to mind *po faced* (not cruel, funny!) Revolutionary; "That covers everything," say Bruce, "anything to add, Len?" No, not really ... yes, no matter how many dances and series there are, people will always say "Did you remember when Russell Grant flew out of that cannon? Jive not great, but for entertainment you're the tops! Score: 5/6/6/7 = 24. We're having a lovely time - Russell give one of those drunken "I love everybody" speeches!

Pashee samba is a great effort, full of content, fabulous solo work to begin, shimmys need work, a little stuttery in places but great samba roll and walks and most importantly, it looked and felt like a samba! Bruno - ball of fire, so rhythmical, feeling for the music, near perfect; Craig - arms a little too high but your finishes are excellent, spins fantastic; Len - brave on your own, spiced up my life, full on, full of energy, proper samba; Alesha - brilliant turns, great arm placement captured the spirit. Score: 8/9/9/9 = 35

Jastina's jive to end - he got seduced by the moment and was like a little over-excited puppy, hence the loss of steps and timing at the end - but he had the presence of mind to wait and count himself back in, so kudos there. Plenty of bounce and rhythm, excellent kicks and flicks (when he remembered them!) Surely one to revisit in the later stages? Craig - would have been phenomenal had you not lost it or put two lifts in! Len - disappointed for you because you worked so hard on technique *agrees with Craig re lifts and warns the lot of them he'll be docking points after tonight*; Alesha - kicks and flicks, energy, side by sides were great and you picked yourself up so be proud, brilliant job; Bruno - energetic teenager going for it, the occasion overwhelmed you. A-maz-ing (up till that point!) Score: 8/8/9/9 = 34.

Let's take a look a the old scoreboard:

Aleames 35 = 8

Pashee 35 = 8

Harriona 34 = 7

Jastina 34 = 7

Artolly 31 = 6

Robinita 27 = 5

Robbiola 26 = 4

Russia 24 = 3

New! My ranking for overall enjoyability, first to last: Artolly; Pashee; Jastina; Aleames; Robinita; Harriona; Robbiola; Russia.

Those draws not good news for the middle/top of the board - we know Russia and Robbiola had enough support to overtake Robinita (as did Aleames) last week, so how galvanized are Team Windsor this week? And will it be enough to put one of the big five down in the bottom two? I was off shaking my booty at a wedding, so don't blame me! Shocks away, Ginger!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Samba de North Circular

2011-11-18T20:44:00.035Z

Transformers - from Studio One to Wembley, with 15 cameras and 20km of cables and major trussing.

Roving reporter Vincent with Aleames - James is eating an 'ambooger but even so, Vincent reckons they're looking amazing. Alex says "we slipped a bit" "who slipped?" says James "Ah, yes, it was just me!" Make sure you call Zoe, Vincent!

Pashee on the sofa - loving her hair like that! Chelsee (The perfect 10) says Wembley makes you feel so small and Pasha (Treading the keyboards) concurs and says they have to adjust. Both buzzin after the ten! How many boxes has Craig got? Possibly 27 but Chelsee's ticked 25. Pasha's 4 boxes are choreography, technique, performance, choice of music and their music for this weekend is about the only proper-ish one for the samba - Spice Up Your Life, looking groovy too, with her costume an homage to Ginger Spice; so cute, says Pasha, he's so smooth with his styling tips.

Wishful Wembley videos!

Back to Vincent, who shows us what is surely Russell's big entrance *coughs* a sparkly CANNON! A bit of a jive demo with Jason (looking terrific!) Artem there too, in good spirits! And a sneaky peak of the pro dance medley to Queen!

Friday panel with Westlife and let's not worry about choreography, training or costumes, let's turn our attention to quite possibly the worst selection of samba and salsa songs they could fit into one programme: Harriona are attempting to salsa to The Halfpenny's immortalised jive song I'm Still Standing and Robinita samba to ... Dexy's Midnight Runners? Come on Eileen is the archetypal let's-stand-in-a-drunken-half-circle-and-hokeycokey song. Are they nuts, they're on dodgy enough ground as it is!? And much as I like Robbie Williams, Let Me Entertain You is so far removed from a salsa that Goughie will be turning in his crease! Did Ola really agree to that? On a positive note, Relax for Aleames' Tango is an inspired choice, and the two jive songs are perfect, cheesy choices - for Jastina and Russia!

I know they like to have a theme, but seriously, there are plenty of rhythmic Brits whose stuff they could have used: Georgie Fame - New York Afternoon? Matt Bianco - Half a Minute? Even, dammit, Spandau Ballet could have gone in there - Chant No.1! Or - how about Emma Bunton, ex-Strictly Spice star, with Crickets Sing for Ana Maria (my personal salsa fave but by Marcos Valle.) They all say how difficult those dances are, surely the proper music would make it so much easier for them? I look forward to being proven completely wrong, in fact, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I am.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Thursday Training Snapshots

2011-11-17T23:42:00.004Z

Pashee samba - when she gets it, it'll be fab!

Aleames tango - great in hold, needs to keep sharp out of it.

Robinita samba - routine looks good, loosen up a bit.

Brend/Artolly quickstep - coping well, creative routine.

Harriona salsa - hips, fluid, if he lets go it'll be a treat.

Jastina jive - looking fabulous, quick quick, he can't stop smiling.

Russia jive - timing good, great flicks!

Robbiola salsa - working hard, hair looks lovely, enjoying himself.

Artem on the glitterphone from Wembley - Doc said he thinks Yes! BUT - depends on the pain levels. Has done a rehearsal, will see how it is tomorrow - final decision on Saturday.

Widdy's QT - which supermarket section would you be in? Brendan - shelfstacking; Anton - bakery boy; Artem - butcher's counter; Holly - the till. James hits on Ann.

Dress Alert - Chelsee, Union flag, hot and pale pinks, maximum plumage; Holly - emerald and turquoise, 5 layers, nude base, strictlyfied (covered in crystals); Anita - black base accented with hot pink feathers; Jason - 80s vibe, pale blue suit, rolled up sleeves; Russell - yellow and blue, very bright, lots of stars and - sparkly head detail?!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wembley Warm Up

2011-11-16T21:01:00.016Z

Brend/Artolly on the sofa and Artem (on the bench) was feeling the hurt, Holly (Match fit) felt she was cheating and Brendan (free transfer) was feeling the pressure! In training, Holly's the gooseberry and Brendan's the girl, there's a bromance going on, they speak the same language, Holly just nods - Brendan's dying of embarrassment. Artem's back is definitely better but no decision on him dancing yet. Quickstep to Valerie (Mattesha's) it's a Best of British theme to the music this week. Leaving straight for hospital, Brendan said he'll go with him, throw a few banana skins his way!

Dancer in disguise is a lady I think, quite tall - Natalie or Erin?

Ian Waite's Wembley Warm Up - Think big, don't forget face and technique! Robinita samba, walking through at the moment, needs more bounce. Ian and Zoe demonstrate with a quick chorus of Aquarius! Robbiola salsa looking fantastic, spectacular lift, needs to work on finesse, fluidity and rhythm; Aleames tango - looking extremely good, fast, compact, lower the knees a little more into the floor; Pashee samba having more practice than normal, impressed all the moves are finished, lot of content but she remembers; Harriona salsa and look at Harry's Hips, releasing, continue throughout and it should be spectacular; Jastina jive looks like it's on fast forward, very strong, very light - almost as good as The Halfpenny!! Shock; Gasp!! No pressure then, Jas ... They're matching very well at full speed, posture good, slightly stooped. Ian says: My teacher used to grab me by the breeches - Let's not talk about that, interjects Zoe! Brendolly quickstep, lots of different styles with charleston and lindy hop in there, lovely turn, coping well, looking good; Russia jive looking amazing, one of his best, lose the nodding dog head!

The Children in Need Strictly Special with the newsreaders - Susanna Reid and Robin; Sophie Raworth with Ian; Sian Williams with Vincent and Emily Maitlis with Pasha - and Angela Rippon in for good measure. Karen Bruce choreographed, it looks good fun!

Points of You: Phil asks "Where did Craig get those heels from? I want some!" "1982" replies Zoe!

Russia on the sofa and Russell thanks the wardrobe people, Ezra and Billy, for their help behind the screen - chocs on their way. Re his celebration, Flavia (American Smoothie) says she told him to slide down the banister! In the event, he rushed downstairs to tell someone and there was no-one there! Role reversal in training, Russell's becoming quite the expert! Loving the jive, dancing to Reach by S Club, knows he has the nodding dog problem. Also thanks Michael Ball for the loan of his hair?! Watch for massive, mammoth, huge entry on Saturday!

Dancer in disguise - was Erin!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - All kicking off!

2011-11-15T19:49:00.012Z

Robinita on the sofa and Anita (Show must go on) relieved for self but feeling dreadful for Audley, it's how they all feel. Not a good place on the leaderboard, many would have thought they were safe. Loved the AT, forgot everyone else, became so involved. They heard the collective gasp of everyone else when the bottom two place was revealed and they were very moved by that. Samba this week, needs bounce, timing variations and steps - they're all going in!

Who is it? Spanish mum - Hungarian dad - bakery boy - golf with Brucie - father (grand) figure - modern day Fred Astaire - it's Anton, the golf thing gave it away!

Karen's Choreography Corner - Choreography is the pencil outline then you add the content and colour: Harriona - fantastic, amazing performance, incredible BUT what Len was getting at was that it's very much 'Aliona's told me to do this/that/the other (specially that)' the technique and the moves are all there but character needs to be more real. I totally agree. Brendolly - Artem in the director's chair, will Holly connect with Brendan? Yes! Jastina - intricate, lots of detail, underarms turns, shadow positions, slightly overchoreographed - big points for the fleckerl! Pashee - handles whatever he throws at her, emotional dance, the foxtrot should be like a monkey swinging through the trees *demonstrates* so why with the push through the legs? Take care not to disrupt the performance; Robbiola - the Fred and Ginger Latin and Ballroom effect, look at that recovery after the lift into the ballroom hold, all round great performance, personality back!

Aleames on the sofa - the best form for dance is attack! Alex (jiving queen) going for it every week from now on in. James (Exjordanary) says Craig was incorrect re the kicks and flicks, Alex was doing them properly, would have concurred if he'd said the chasses were a little skippy but he'll happily have a kick off with him; her kicks and flicks were lovely! She finds it easier when there's a character to draw on, and this weeks costume was really comfy! Mini James got involved all night - although someone thought it was B**** J******. Sorry, he's a four-letter word if you live in North Kent ... onwards with Aleames and it's Tango this week - master the posture, the steps are the easiest (probably) of all the ballroom dances, tension, flexing and ooh, check them out, with their staccato heads in sync and lusty faces!

A very quick countdown of Top of the Frocks, with Oona and Melissa Odabash: Chelsee could've done with a little less fabric in the skirt - and only 800 crystals?! Metallic champagne, contoured, flowing and elegant, chiffon skirt attached to arms, wired hem, swirly swirly seven metres; Holly needed more bling, crepe skirt (I wasn't so keen either, if I'm honest ... ) cut on the bias, hand sewn; Russell 100% Blinging, the colour, the sequins all over, changed in 12 seconds, so very Him!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Au Revoir, Audalie

2011-11-14T20:13:00.011Z

Recap and then it's Audalie on the sad sofa and Audley (Out but not down) didn't want to knock out a competitor of Anita's calibre - and says he would've stepped down! He tells Anita to get on the Social Media campaign trail. He'll miss the opportunity to perform, the dressing up, the sequins - and he'll be using the Strictly theme to come out to at the start of his bouts! The public reaction warmed his heart, he'll take all the positives away with him - and says he'd like Chelsee to win!

Points of You: Have Len and Craig been taking grumpy pills?

Craig's dance debrief in man heels - glad Len's back? Rather ugly, much preferred being Head Judge! A lot of hard work went into achieving those scores on Saturday: Harriona - Passion, much, don't know what Len was not seeing, intent, purpose and passion! What did he need to do for a 10? Lead with his solar plexus and instigate every move and to loosen up kicks and flicks. Jastina - moves his arms like a wooden block, planking his arm up and down rather than lengthening through. Works hardest as he's the least naturally talented. But once he's got the arms, he'll never forget them. Robinita needs more cross and throwaway, how surprised to see them there - not, really, had to be someone, did belong there in a way - controversial? The Grant has entertainment - roller skates next week? *yes yes squeaks Zoe*. Aleames needs to point or flex, not dangle - in between a no no, not pretty. Precision and direction needed. Fantastic job but not precise! Pashee's loss of centre caused the hopping, Pasha should've kept her in check, a case of fabulous, fabulous, love it, love it - ugh! Russia - West Side Story in gold sequins, like him but can't bump up points just for the entertainment value. But he can actually dance!

Harriona on the sofa and Harry (Gaucho Marks) worried that he wouldn't perform and his mum, in the audience for the first time, would blame herself. How'd mum and girlfriend like the filth? You have to go for it, whoever's there. The Sloth Slot - they know, being from the South American jungle, what's hot and steamy and it was meaty and well done! Aliona (Don't McFly For Me Argentina - caption man loving this week) says the AT matched his personality but it's salsa this week: He needs to work on everything, he says. She agrees. He says: I was joking! Quote of the day: "She's so brave, she just chucks herself on me" - Harry about Aliona.

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Week Seven

2011-11-13T20:32:00.011Z

As ever on Remembrance Sunday, we begin with a terrific Pro jitterbug - James and Ola, Flavia and Vincent and Pasha and Katya, brilliant opening to the show. Tess appears to have cut herself on the sweet wrapper; she's now sporting a bandage.

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - Robbiola; Pashee; Jastina; Brendolly

Bottom Two: Audalie. Alesha says he's been a star and he can hold his head high. Len says so many are outstanding, he can't wait for the show to go on.

Clauds is calling Robbie Mr Arm Placement; he says Craig's been playing hard to get with him. Chelsee still doesn't think she's a dancer, despite the 10. Clauds buries her head. Jason says even in Australia as a kid he'd heard of Wembley, so very excited.

Christina Perri and Jar of Hearts, accompanied by Robin and Kristina with the most amazing contemporary rumba. I said "Wow" twice - did you see that lift/drop?! Wow!

Len's Lens: Audley's microphone, who let the dogs out, bless, loving the whoos; Jastina fleckerl, too high on his balls, but at least he did it; Chelsee makes it look effortless, how amazing will she be when not working on Waterloo Road; Alex needs to either flex or point her feet, not in between; Bruno fanning himself and loosening his collar over Anita; Harriona like a rampant stallion; The Grant - he's off, and again, like a Golden Glitterball.

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Harriona; Russia; Aleames - it's Robinita in the Bottom Two - Alex in shock. My vote for them paid off then! But I had a feeling it'd be Robinita, or possibly Brendolly, with Audalie. Bruni is stunned, shocked and appalled, performance so focused, so professional, a pleasure to watch.

Vincent and Flavia snippet from Silence in the Square, leading an emotional day, which is continued now with We'll Meet Again, performed by the Johann Strauss Orchestra led by Andre Rieu - accompanied by Anton and Erin, with a beautiful and classy American Smooth. Oh those pivots! Wonderful.

Audalie versus Robinita and Audley says Anita deserves to go through, what a gent. Anita's almost in tears: "Hug her" Clauds instructs Robin.

The Final Moment of Truth: It's Audalie. He's so gracious to Anita, nice one Audley. They are seriously not playing the Rocky theme? They are ... but since it's called Gonna Fly Now, it's actually pretty apt!

Strictly Come Dancing, Week 7: Jangles and Bling

2011-11-12T22:08:00.017Z

And Tess is wearing a dress by Noisette de Quality Street tonight ... proper dress of the night goes to Flavia.

Aleames jive to River Deep Mountain High and what she lacked in technique she made up for in energy, enthusiasm and joy in the dance. Fab song to get everyone going, I'm overlooking the missed pass and wrong step. Len - you've blossomed, busted out all over, so full of verve and gusto, terrific; Alesha - energy fantastic, just refine, a joy to watch; Bruno - Oh, yes, bring on the fun, enthusiasm, bright, lively, missed pass, wrong foot but so much fun with you; Craig - the effigy a remarkable likeness of James, extremely confident performance but point your toes. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Robbiola American Smooth to Sway is lovely, romantic, charming and musical but his spinning feet did make me laugh, they were so quick! Alesha - great use of steps, great lifts; Bruno - smooth operator, variety, you can sway both ways, elements of Latin, isn't that true Ola? *Er, yes, eyes to camera* says Ola, bemused. Craig - beautiful arm placement, mix of styles fantastic, whole routine rather good. Len - great once you got cracking, getting better and better. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Audalie cha cha to Uptight, great rhythm as ever but really needed to drive and attack it this week, just too casual and quiet, he got the routine but needed to sell it. Bruno - no timing or precision, great personality, needed to be sharper and cleaner; Craig - leaden, heavy, not your finest; Len - only way you;re going to Wembley is on the Jubilee line (didn't mean it cruelly) timing and rhythm good, did your best; Alesha - exposed you, working hard but didn't suit. Score: 3/6/6/5 = 20 sadly, I don't think it'll be 4th time lucky.

Harriona Argentine Tango and going by the training vid, the other McFlys are so up for doing this next year. Serious, intense Harry was made for this - will be in trouble with the missus again, I think. Strong and manly, felt a little rushed in places and not particularly intimate, AT normally makes you feel like a voyeur, but, very well done. Craig - authority, dominance, command and filth, I loved it; Len - very clever routine, no intensity or mood, neat and placed *cue argument culminating in Len calling Craig and silly little sod* that's another 300 complaints this week, we like to keep the complaints department busy! Alesha - intense, strong, passionate, strength, you delivered it, great job; Bruno - moodier than a thunderstorm in the pampas, strong and manly with a mean streak. Score: 9/8/10/10 = 37

Jastina Viennesse Waltz to Iris - gorgeous choreography, stunning routine, beautifully performed, lyrical with lots of drive. Len - lovely footwork, lyrical movement, fleckerl - liked it a lot; Alesha - dramatic, great movement, connection; Bruno - such drive, back in the zone, intricate, everything had meaning; Craig - could be a ten, arms let you down, hands flat, arms wooden *cue another argument with Len* Jason diffuses! Score: 8/9/9/9 = 35 James is gagging Brendan behind them!

Pashee foxtrot and Pasha mimes the piano brilliantly, like the song but not for a foxtrot, couldn't connect it to the routine at all, which is a real shame, as they were elegant, floaty and classy. Alesha - elegant and graceful, wonderful placement, truly a lady; Bruno - my fair Chelsee, sophisticated, arms like soft wings of a dove; Craig - hopping, lost centre but starting to tick all my boxes; Len - work on footwork a little, love watching your ease and elegance. Score: 9/8/10/9 = 36.

Robinita Argentine Tango and this has the mood Len was alluding to, the sleazy club, great connection, much stronger in the body now, excellent effort! Bruno - Anita unleashes her basic instinct, sexy mama queen of drama; Craig - not responding to Robin but loved the amazing spinning, stunning routine; Len - it smouldered, those little touches, loved the feeling, that's what it's about, creating the mood and atmosphere; Alesha - drew me in, loved the drama, intensity and mood, wonderful. Score: 7/9/8/9 = 33

Brendolly rumba nice lines in places, some others not so elegant but great routine and good partnership considering how long they've had - infuriatingly she's still looking downwards! Craig - loving the new partnership; Len - nice and precise, get a little more emotionally involved and Look Up! Alesha - did exceptionally well, all the basics and more to come; Bruno - moved beautifully, very very good. Score: 8/8/9/9 = 34

Russia all blinged up for the American Smooth to I Am What I Am - I wondered what they'd do about lifts, instead he skipped and gambolled and brought out more bling! Len - like a giant Ferrero Rocher, well done; Alesha - first half a good mix of steps, second half a snapshot of your mind; Bruno - exploded like the star turn of La Cage Au Follies; Craig - immortal, darling. Score: 5/7/7/7 = 26.

The Scoreboard:

Harriona - 37 = 9

Pashee - 36 = 8

Jastina - 35 = 7

Brendolly - 34 = 6

Robinita - 33 = 5

Aleames - 31 = 4

Robbiola - 31 = 4

Russia - 26 = 3

Audalie -20 =2

The shock won't be at Audalie in the bottom two - it'll be at who's there with him, because I don't think it'll be Russia this week! Till the morrow, young padawans ...

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - June is busting out all over!

2011-11-11T21:52:00.012Z

Robinita on the sofa and Robin (Dobson's Choice) admits to rewinding and rewatching their charleston over and over, he was so taken with how much she loved it, he wanted to see her smile again. Anita (A-neat-a mover) just wanted to do it all again! Argentine Tango this week, very different feel, no jazz hands but magic shoes - half an inch makes all the difference apparently *straight face* The atmosphere is changing but it's all about the taking part, not the winning, though they'd all love to - and getting to play Wembley is the big goal, says Anita, scary but exciting - Brian May, eat your heart out!

Points of You - Strictly lookalikes: Audalie - Disney's Beauty and the Beast; Anton - Toy Story's Woody; Natalie with dark hair - Kate Middleton!

Friday Panel: June Brown (East End Girl) Tamzin Outhwaite (No end to her talent) and Michael Ball (West End Boy) and I am a little wistful for the panels of old, when one concentrated on the costume, one the music and one the technique - because these panels are just way out of hand! Who cares what they're dancing too, wearing or doing, June Brown needs to reminisce! About Robinita's charleston and the twenties in general, mainly, when we're supposed to be watching Aleames jive ...

Robbiola American Smooth - good lines, Sway the song, top line and footwork but broken wrists detracting; Audalie cha cha to Uptight - they're loving their Stevie Wonder, aren't they? So who's got Overjoyed for a waltz and Do I Do for a samba? Needs some swagger, moves well, just needs techy skill; Aleames jive to River Deep Mountain High, most improved, developing well; Jastina Viennnese Waltz, didn't catch what the song was, far too distracted by June now and suffering complete loss of concentration - but it sounded like they said the Goo Goo Dolls?? Oh, they do exist! Keep the face working then no-one looks at the feet! Brendolly rumba to Leave Right Now, Antipodean rapport and solidarity, we hope, she'll be stronger.

Gatecrashing jitterbug rehearsal in the studio - Ola, Flavia and Katya, with salsa queen Jaci, joined by James, Vincent and Pasha. Pashee on the steps, everything went according to plan last week, foxtrot this week, bit worried but it's sophisticated, smooth, extended, elegant, passionate and romantic. It's all good!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-11-09T20:16:00.008Z

I don't like the sound of breaking news - Artem the casualty probably but Russell also on the at risk register ... no, it's definitely Artem out, they're on the sofa. It happened on Friday, at the point in the original jive where Artem (back soon) dives and rolls. First Holly (live and let jive) knew of it was during dress rehearsal when she was on her own - apart from Brucie! Under careful questioning from Zoe "did it snap, crackle, pop etc" Artem says it was a gradual build up of pain until he couldn't move! Fractured spine, soft tissue damage - don't dance you could be paralysed, says the doctor, so he goes ahead and dances anyway *tuts* Any turn, rotation, bending - all painful, so, Brendan is stepping in for the rumba with Holly - it'll be Brendolly then, for (hopefully) one week only; Artem wants to be back for Wembley. And he won't lie, he's grumpy and jealous that another man is dancing with his woman! Leave Right Now is the song, we hope it isn't an omen *eek*!

Dancer is disguise - I have absolutely no idea since they're not dancing like they normally would!

Ian Waite's Wednesday Warm-up: Brendolly rumba - an advantage, 2 pros to help, she's long legged, will suit her; Robinita Argentine Tango - little worried but wonderful legawraparound, pleasantly surprised, looking strong; Robbiola American Smooth - looks good, upright, straight, pulled up, needs to dance through to the end of his arms, bring expression to avoid looking mechanical and clinical; Aleames jive -looking really good, bouncy, great kicks, maintaining the energy from the quickstep; Pashee foxtrot - great things but practice wearing your shoes! Intricate, coping brilliantly; Audalie cha cha - knee in a brace, got to straighten, he's musical and doesn't go wrong; Russia American Smooth quickstep, drop shoulders, lift arms, check out the little pinky, mannerisms add personality; Harriona Argentine Tango - he's leading, could be his week; Jastina Viennese Waltz - looking really good, natural, a fleckerl, arms in right place, sway, correct footwork - Len will love!

Points of You: Alesha matches her dress to her pen; Russell's reaction to going through making Robbie laugh.

Jastina on the sofa and they were happy with the rumba, Jason (rum-ba punch) enjoyed it very much, disappointed the judges couldn't say anything positive. Kristina (Kris' cross) was annoyed, all the basics in there, they never gave credit - yet the pro boys all told her - best male celeb rumba they've seen! Thank you! *self satisfied smirk/told you so/glad I'm not mental/* Lots of layers in the VW, song from Meg Ryan film, City of Angels - that's their theme!

Dance in disguise was ... Ola!? Looked a lot bigger than Ola! She's enjoying that chicken suit a little too much ...

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Introducing Janet Jordan!

2011-11-08T20:41:00.011Z

But first ...

Audalie on the sofa, cha cha coming up but Audley (boxing clever) raises his game under pressure; Nat (swing lowe sweet chariot) says they haven't played it safe but they're working on him taking charge this week.

Who is it? Fashion - drawing - pussycat - camping - hiking - white water rafting - custard = Aliona! Not even going to revisit that one!

Karen's choreography corner - Saturday was like Irish stew, it's all in the preparation, lots of content! Robinita - interesting solo work makers her stronger, timing slightly off but coming together as a team as she speeds up; Jastina - clever Kristina put the basic steps in for the judges, rumba notorious for catching out even the best male celebs; Russia - comedy and content, shocked by how good his arms were, which he maintained, power, all the basic lines, strong marching, great big shapes; Artolly - very special, flicking, rotating, turning underarm, alternative swing style jive; Harriona - choreography brilliant, missing the party element: Layer 1 choreography, layer 2 timing, layer 3 technique, layer 4 body action - would've traded that for a big smile; Robbiola - everything stripped away, pure dancing, look at my celeb, the rise and fall, beautiful walk across the floor - best top line in the competition! Pashee - tricky, side by side, arms and legs doing different things, incredible number, great finale, technique getting stronger, so exciting!

Aleames on the sofa and Alex (the one on show) is thrilled at the 'thank you' from Craig and that he'd noticed the caught heel and made everyone aware of it. Cut to shot of Bruno, Alesha and Jen cracking up when they fell at the end, with Craig looking on sternly and making a note! Jive this week and finding the basics difficult, learning the routine comes easier now though and pushing the nerves aside to make the most of their time left. James (quickstep to success) says her lindy kicks are ok but syncopated ones an issue. James does a damn fine impression of a female dancer, so fine in fact, that Alex is now calling him Janet. And I think it's going to stick ... thinking back, didn't he stand in for Kara with Artem last year, in training?

Top of the Frocks with Sadie Frost and Jemima French: Chelsee - cute, cheeky, very Betty Boop, untypical; Anita - classic drop waist, art deco, beautiful detail, very Gatsby, 8000 stones; Alex - quite mermaidy, great colours, lighter material but 35 metres of it, 16 godets, 10,000 stones; Holly - androgynous, boyfriend jacket, gangster with a twist, splash of red, funnest outfit. Given the choice, they're going out tonight in Anita's and Holly's!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Bye Bye, Brendulu

2011-11-07T19:35:00.004Z

Brendulu on the sofa and Lulu (Tangoing, going, gone) figured they'd be in the bottom two, but she still cried all day yesterday, specially following texts from the others. Brendan (It started with a lift) was pleased with how it went, by and large, did the best they could. Lulu still sad but loved the whole experience and her fave part was the lift in the rumba! They all know gossip about Robbie but won't reveal! So unfair!

Craig's (Deputy Dawg) dancing debrief, once he's settled into his chair following the hiptastic entrance, and Bruno turned horribly ugly, lots of tension at the head judge business but he is bizarre. Lulu should have stayed, she was very dance talented and Brendan taught her a lot.

Artolly devised an immaculate jive we never got to see due to Artem's injury, she did brilliantly - Brendan is going to practice this week with her while Artem rests up. Aleames routine gorgeous, Alex a pro to keep going and not be put off by the caught heel, would've liked them to maintain their dignity instead of falling at the end; Robinita and swivel loss, everyone has a lazy leg, Craig's is his left, she needs to master a little more technique, it got a little lazy towards the end. Bill Deamer choreographed the charlestons! Harriona - he should have taken the top off completely, needs to involve himself emotionally in the dance, all place, no improvisation, less exciting than Chelsee who lives dance life on the edge; Audalie's tongue a grotesque cow lick, ha ha, he's in the studio, he's taking Craig for a walk ...

Robbiola on the sofa - he's proud of the waltz and we did all notice the tear in his eye, it's back again now. Disappointed that he can't please Craig but he'll carry on dancing after the series. Ola proud of him, clean, better posture and more to come. American Smooth this week, with an upside down shoulder spin, scary!

End credits - keeeeeeeep clapping!

Strictly Come Dancing: Week Six - Bonfire of the Eventualities

2011-11-07T13:40:00.033Z

Because eventually, all of them bar three are going before the final! Love Tess' hair and Alex's dress!

Brendulu tango to Kiss, nice opening on the balcony, a funky tango, couple of mistakes but she stayed on it, good timing, got the spirit of the dance although still needs core strength, good effort. Jen - how gorgeous are you? Was looking forward to your dance and not disappointed; Alesha - always little slips ups but commend you for carrying on, character of the dance present; Bruno - you drive me crazy, started so well. queen of mean, heart of stone then frame went; Craig - head and neck placement poor, shoulders loose, lovely moment on the bridge, beautiful ronde, loved the routine. Score: 5/8/7/7 = 27 Love that Brendan and Bruno were going to leave in a huff at Craig being made Head Judge!

Audalie VW to I'm With You, a lovely choice for a totally charming routine, delicate and gentle - who'd a thought that'd be a description of Audley? Light, pretty and lyrical, well choreographed routine by Natalie, they've really warmed up as a partnership now. Alesha - everything well placed, endearing and charming, be more confident; Bruno - so delicate*, treated her like a princess, drive through the dance, overall very good effort; Craig - head, feet, hands, tongue need work; Jen - oddly endearing, mix of masculinity and elegance. *I'm glad I didn't imagine it! Score: 5/8/7/7 = 27 two good scores to begin!

Harriona samba to I Wish and the shirt is a goodly start, nice samba walks, not as fluid and bouncy, he's back to placing everything just so, sometimes too static with poses again, a good effort but not enough bounce and partyness. Bruno - samba full of pecs appeal, intriguing hint of hips, has to be full of abandon, all there but slightly forced, let it flow; Craig - the shirt a slight distraction, bounce action almost non existent on the voltas, everything else fantastic; Jennifer *flirts* exciting, let go a little more; Alesha - the samba steps you were given you did very well, kick it up a notch. Score: 8/9/8/8 = 33

Robinita charleston to I Got Rhythm and she's totally at home with that, really suited her, could have been a little sharper in places but in others, spot on, overall a great routine, maintained the rhythm and character throughout. Craig - lost a little bit of swivel, a little behind but brought the dance to life; Jen - can see why you're a national treasure, great spirit, point toes a little more; Alesha - totally captured the dance, you're transforming into a dancer; Bruno - characterisation, jazz, booze and fun, loved it! Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Jastina rumba to Killing Me Softly and for a male celeb, I thought this was probably the best we've seen since Colin Jackson - plenty of fluid movement, great partnering, beautiful shapes, an interesting routine packed full of content for Jason, rather than the bloke just standing there for the pro to drape herself around - loved it. And I dislike the rumba as you know, if you're a returning reader! So I am completely mystified by the judges comments! Jen - love that song, love what you did with it, connect more to your partner, more lust; Alesha - got a little bored, felt contrived, lacking chemistry; Buno - didn't feel anything tonight, too much placement, didn't gel; Craig - too serious and earnest, did expose you. Score: 6/8/7/7 = 28 No way was that worth just 1pt more than Brendulu and Audalie and 4 pts less than Harriona. I reckon Len would've loved it. Well said, Kristina, they can't be full on every week - and the rumba doesn't call for that, by definition it's more understated. What do they want? Bored, Alesha, seriously?

Aleames quickstep to It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing there's gapping but I don't care, there's a footwork issue (turns out to be a caught heel) but it's bright. breezy, fun , they're clearly enjoying themselves, so am I, even the fall over at the end was in spirit! Alesha - few mistakes, classy, sophisticated, in full flow now; Bruno - in sparkling form, frisson of excitement, elegant, dynamic, messed up but overall great; Craig - some small timing issues due to the hell being caught, coped amazingly well with that, packed a punch, full of personality; Jennifer - bubbly, effervescent, made me giddy. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Robbiola waltz to Love Ain't Here Anymore - Ola's dress is gorgeous - musicality, nice hand shaping, aw, he's broken hearted, well acted, but one little sad smile would be nice, lovely routine, terrific rise and fall. Bruno - controlled, polished, heartbroken, needs more sweep and musical phrasing; Craig - fantastic rise and fall, tense, devoid of any emotion; Jen - athleticism and grace, loosen up, connect; Alesha - danced very well, a little tension, great partnership. Score: 6/8/8/7 = 29

Russia paso to The Toreador Song from Carmen and they couldn't have had any other song, could they? Good arm shaping and timing, intent and purpose, if camp, too much faffing around at the start because he's doing a good paso, he could perform the whole piece, lots of character. Craig - astonishing; Jen - looking at your stars, you'll be here for a while; Alesha - I always love your version and interpretation; Bruno - once you started it was a proper paso - a Benny Hill Paso, but the lines, the promenades and hands that do dishes *demonstrates* hands that do dishes, demented but fabulous, loved it! Score: 4/7/6/7 = 24 deserved 28!

Pashee charleston to Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue with the wax on, wax off method - Pasha needs to remember she isn't a pro and slow down a bit though, keep to her pace, it's fast and intricate and losing her jacket lost her momentum, technically she was fab, energy and fun - had they been together all through it would've been a ten dance. Jen - keep dancing like that and nobody is gonna put you in the corner; Alesha - really suits you, musicality, natural dancer, leg kicks brilliant, incredible stamina, stunning; Bruno - fabulous flapper, dancing to the limit; Craig - synchronicity brilliant apart from where costume came off, fabulous. Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36.

Artolly jive to Runaway Baby and the routine is excellent, enjoyed it much more than I was expecting to, very cool and technically Holly was great - I do wish she'd look up though, it still makes her look like she's not letting go enough - but how about Artem, you could see the pain he was in, respect! Alesha - full of energy, cool and sophisticated; Bruno - a twist and swagger, rock and swing, creative; Craig - loved that concept, brilliant, finally some energy from you; Jen - not traditional, took chances, paid off; Score: 8/9/8/9 = 34

The Scoreboard:

Pashee - 36 = 10

Artolly - 34 = 9

Harriona - 33 = 8

Robinita - 31 = 7

Aleames - 31 = 7

Robbiola - 29 = 6

Jastina - 28 = 5

Brendulu - 27 = 4

Audalie - 27 = 4

Russia - 24 = 3

I think, sadly, following good routines, it will be Audalie and Brendulu in the bottom two - Russia, Jastina and Robbiola will rise away from it. So straight on with the results:

The Pro challenge, ladies first, doing their best Beyonce impressions, Tess looking fab too, before the recap and ...

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - Robinita; Artolly; Russia; Harriona

Bottom Two: Audalie. Craig says the competition is stiff and although he has done amazingly well, it is time to go.

Question of the night - Claudia to Anita: Are you secretly 14?

Westlife, Flying Without Wings, a great opportunity for an airborne James and Ola rumba but sadly, they don't take it. There are candles instead. And they're splitting up, did you know? Westlife, not James and Ola. No staying power these modern bands; it's not like they have to cart their gear around in a mini-bus, is it?

Jen's Lens: Brendulu making Craig smile; Harry's deltoids; Anita's passion-for-dance-face; Pashee's detail, on the offbeat; Aleames caught heel, fall and content delivery; Brucie joining Holly in her solo rehearsal; The Grant - look at his face!

Sir Brucie song and dance, bet Dermot can't do that. Erin and Katya join him, Erin's gone back to the 80s ... though a hedge.

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Aleames; Pashee; Robbiola; Jastina

Bottom Two: Brendulu - Brendan nodding, he knew. None of us saw it coming, Tess? Really? It wasn't going to be Jastina or Robbiola. Bruno blames Lulu's lack of consistency.

The Pro boys challenge to Feeling Good and it's a welcome return to my TV screen for So You Think You Can Dance runaway winner, Matt Flint, assistant choreographer, standing in for Artem. It's all very macho and sexy and gets my vote!

Lulu surprised she made it so far, Audley hoping to survive. The Final Moment of Truth: It's Brendulu! Aw. Yes, Tess, we really did see it coming! It's next week there'll be a shock, if Audalie puts in another strong performance and moves up the board! Keep up to date with all the gossip on the BBC Strictly website until 6.55pm next Saturday!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Daly Dance Views

2011-11-04T21:56:00.007Z

This week is the halfway point! Pashee on the sofa and Chelsey (Healey Toe Lead) watched it back and realised things weren't as bad as she thought and she feels a bit daft now for crying. Pasha (Tango and Pash) said he had checked everything, he's a pro ;) They've had a bit more time for polishing this week and they're enjoying the charleston, it's fast and bouncy - just like you, Pasha says to Chelsey and she thinks he's referencing her *ahem* malfunctioning parts again, but he's not. Dancing to Has Anybody Seen My Gal, he's the mechanic in a car breakdown story who fixes her car for a wiggle - rhinestone overalls? He calls her Textzilla because she's still spending too long on the phone!

Points of You -Anyone notice a) Robin kick Pasha in the head during the pro dance or b) Anton's amazing resemblance to Wallace (of W and Gromit!)

The Panel: Mr Tess Daly, Vernon Kaye, who, along with their two girls dances around the living room on a Saturday night - Tess is dripfed news throughout the week; Jungle King/Queen Christopher Biggins, in the blingiest of blingy jackets this side of Russell's wardrobe; Spice Girl, Melanie C, who would love to do the show, although Emma and Mel B are tough acts to follow.

Biggins says Jason was never a dancer, a disaster in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Aleames quickstep to It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, brilliant, play the character of the dance - Vern's go the techy terms down, they didn't need Jennifer, they could've had him - much cheaper! Harriona, they say the final 3 is calling, he needs to relax and smile more. Vern says Harry's better at golf than drumming. Robinita goes for it 100%, she just wanted to learn to dance, says Mel, who met her before the start of the series. They tout the idea of a Xmas special where Anita dances while Brian May plays and Mel sings ... Audalie VW to Avril Lavigne, beautiful emotive ballad - could be a big surprise, still smiling, band and vocalists amazing. Artolly jive in matching outfits, no idea what this song is, don't like it, not relating it to their jive at all. Russia paso to the Toreador music, I think, the Da Da Dada Da Dumdi Dumdi Da - you know the one - fantastic! Mel and Biggins reckon a Jason win, Vern thinks Chelsee! Shocking panel in terms of dancing critique but brilliant for entertainment value!

The celeb/pro relationship buzz words: Delightful - good feeling - adore - good mates - special - perfect balance - respect, bond - brother/sister - make her proud - understanding - being themselves.

Robbiola in the studio - the leap from dance floor to judges desk was over four feet! And he didn't nail it in rehearsal! They were worried during the Moment of Truth, they were left so late. Robbie's wife cried when she saw their waltz in training, it's a Take That Gary Barlow song, we get a little snippet, looking good ... No No No - tell me they're joking with the stairs - thank you Zoe *phew* the credits roll and he's still spinning her around the dance floor ...

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Training snapshots

2011-11-03T22:07:00.005Z

Training snapshot #1: Audalie VW - nice hands, fluid; Artolly jive - groovy, keeping up; Robbiola waltz - nice frame, good movement; Brendulu tango - no tricks, pure content, a little stuttery; Jastina rumba - hip action, momentum - they're on the sofa:

Jason (the Wizard of Oz) liked their charming, bright fun routine against the backdrop of the darkness. Kristina (Sheila's heels) so happy to get a 10! The rumba is simpler, not so showbiz, Jason chose the music, it's his dad's fave - Roberta Flack and Killing Me Softly. There will be lots of shapes, love, divorce, passion, desire ...

Top of the frocks - Anita's charleston dress chic, classic, elegant, pewter, crystals; Holly's in a pinstripe suit with spats! Russell traditional matador silhoutte with cape - in spots! Sneak preview of a gorgeous turquoise quickstep dress - it's Alex!

Jennifer Grey on the sofa, this week's stand in judge for Len, original Dirty Dancing star and last year's Dancing With The Stars champion - she's likely going to be more like Alesha. She says taking part in the show is like childbirth: at times you think you're going to die but it's all worth it in the end. It's very intense, you want to quit, your body gives up due to the pressure being so great. Our current crop have all impressed with their charm and charisma. Yes, of course she had a crush on Patrick Swayze, along with the rest of us!

Training snapshot #2: Aleames quickstep - nice charleston rhythm, got to keep up; Robinita charleston - full of character, little tentative; Harriona samba - samba walks, he's worried re campness; Pashee charleston - suits her, bubbly, ball of energy; Russia paso - strong stamp, nice footwork, mucho character, they're on the sofa.

Russell (Russo Doble) says Kylie's been in touch on Twitter, and the knee is fine, he's not leaving till we vote them off. Flavia (taking nothing for Grant-ed) says there'll be comedy, drama and high camp, they've introduced a character called Sergei who is slick and cool, bringing drama and attack. And Benny Hill.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-11-02T21:17:00.011Z

Harriona on the sofa and Aliona (Duchess of Dance) explains that it was because it was Halloween with the costumes and make up etc, that theatrical production was the way to go. Harry (Judd-ges love him) praises her for bringing out his latent dance talent. They train the most hours and yet ... he's nicknamed sloth. They have samba - and it's back to Stevie Wonder again, this time with I Wish. My wish is that they stick to a decent samba and let me enjoy the dance all the way through ... you see, I can strike poses but I cannot do a samba roll - I want to see Harry do all the stuff I can't do, not a bunch of Vogue moves I can. And if they go any where near those bloody stairs I'm switching off. His mum's on the phone and tells him to do as he's told for once.

Who Am I? Highest heels - chocoholic - quicket, sharpest AT - Flavia then!

Ian Waite's Wednesday Warm Up: Saturday was Fang-dabeedozi *groan* Moving on ... Brendulu tango doing very well, upright but as she does her Viennese crosses she gets into the banana position, needs to balance head with hips (having read that back I'm wondering if I should rephrase?) Russia Paso Doble another characterful dance, look at his arms, fantastic arms and fingers, clutching castanets, curved shape of the bull fighter and flamenco dance, worry he'll forget the steps; Robbiola waltz suits him, hold improved, quality of movement, clonking great big heel leads, needs to do heel-toe-toe, the basic technique for rise and fall - Len might pick up on it - but he won't be there! Jastina rumba with amazing rumba walks, he has the dance in him, look at that leg, straight, turned out, lovely arms creating space, has to sustain the movement; Aleames quickstep needs more balls, slightly flat footed, struggling to keep up. But he said that last week; Pashee Charleston, so in sync, every arm and leg, special bond, really encouraging; Audalie Viennese Waltz, his musicality is extremely good, exceptional, great quality of movement, attention to arms needed.

Robinita on the sofa and Anita (good girl gone bad) has to unlearn standing straight and tall to rectify top line. Doodleflap? Doodleflip? If it works for her ... Charleston to I Got Rhythm, fabulous! Challenging but looking good in training. Will she be lifting Robin? (Windsor takes it all) The face says 'No'! Len or Jennifer Grey? She'll be great, says Robin, as long as nobody puts her in the corner *double groan*.

Points of You: Did anyone else think that Brendan with make up looked like Aled Jones? Or that Craig resembles Tin Tin?

Artolly on the sofa and Holly (not so ugly duckling) was really flattered by Alesha's comments. Artem (wish he'd worn tights) says the song was a big challenge. Jive this week to Bruno Mars, loving it, they're exhausted, Artem looks like he's about to nod off. They're at the polishing stage. Is she allowed input into the choreography? *Tumbleweed moment* She faxes suggestions to him overnight, that's safest.

Who was it? Flavia, of course - even Vincent couldn't carry off three and a half inch heels.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - 17 Seconds of Stuuuufffff!

2011-11-01T23:26:00.014Z

You'll only get that title if you listen to KissFM's brekkie show ...

Audalie on the sofa and their expectations have been exceeded that they're still here, yet more to learn. Nat (Lowe Point) is glad to see the back of the jive, they only had 11 hours to train, due to Audley (Tickles our ivories) having a trip back home to the US of A. Back in ballroom with Viennese Waltz, already an improvement and looking to create swing and sway, says Nat, with a very husky voice - a lot of shouting in training?!

Karen's Choreography Corner: Jastina so risky, like magic, perfect partnership, chemistry and timing, so powerful, two people dancing together in ballroom, brilliant; Artolly so great, original, unique, beautiful top line, balletic, so different you love or hate, huge gamble, fresh and new, Tchaikovsky, who'd a thought? Standing ovation from Princess Bea (a personal friend of Holly!); Harriona really powerful, strong, tango but only 17 seconds worth, we don't want a show dance every week, we want to see it for at least a minute - first class show dance, not a tango; Brendulu had everything, strong big shapes, brilliant, use the energy in the next dance; Pashee so clever, strong head flicks, choosing the elements that will please the judges and then adding the performance; Robbiola put everything in, big shapes, tricks, very clever, not the strongest but flash and razzmatazz, character excellent; Robinita on the edge, lots of content, gives the judges a chance to critically appraise the dance, we can see improvement.

Widdy's Question Time: What animal do you most resemble when dancing? Vincent - chipanzee, light and hairy; Aliona - cheetah or panther, powerful and graceful; Robin - bulldog, self explanatory; Katya - cat, ditto!

Aleames on the sofa and Alex (in James fang club) found the paso character much easier to get into, she loved the narrative and James (bites back) was properly scary which helped! And who knew skirt wafting could be so difficult! Quickstep next!

Ben de Lisi and Oona on the sofa for the frock spot. Ben's fave was Alex's white paramesh confection, fluid fabric, 16 metres worth, 8 godets, 8 flared panels, plunges, on the right side of being dangerous; Anita pulled it off - I must have missed that bit - oh, the volume, McQueen influence, flamed beading, 5000 crystals just on the top, the hem took half a day for the pleated, wired crinoline, horns would have been too much, the cornetto fascinator perfect; Chelsee's barely there number could have perhaps had a corset with boning underneath, graphic, fun, bubbly, asymetric, kooky with ion oxide crystals. That's all folks!

Strictly Come Dancing, Week 5: Halloween Special

2011-11-01T20:28:00.042Z

We're in the Monsters' Ballroom and the class of 2011 are the Addams Family! And there's a stately home in West London missing their chandeliers, Tess! Fab dress though. Wicked Queen Craig makes a flying entrance on a glittery broomstick. And oooh *heartfluttermoment* - tap dancing legend, Adam Garcia, is on the red button. If only I'd been in to see it ...

Russia samba to Kylie's Better The Devil You Know - how can you not smile, couple of mistakes but at least we have rhythm, bounce and fun - and what a shimmmyyy! Len - you caught your bum alight, feel good factor; Alesha - Kylie and Russell, what more do we want, great bounce action; Bruno - Camp Heaven, couldn't have squeezed more fun out if you tried; Craig - One wig away from Mystic Meg, so much slap, timing out, great double bounce action. Score: 4/6/6/6 = 22 spooky score, eh, if you ignore Craig!

Pashee tango to Love Potion No.9 is a fab routine, great technique, musical and stylish, full of attack until the end, such a shame she had to compromise cos of the wardrobe malfunction - admit it, girls, isn't that our worst nightmare? It's polo necks all the way from here ... although she was conscious of it she needn't have worried, all remained decorous. Aw, bless, she's so upset. Alesha - nothing to cry about, raised your game, clean, sharp, full of attack; Bruno - wicked little dancer, great musicality and feel for performance; Craig - could be a little more grounded with flexed knees, feisty and fiery, coped well; Len - a Lancashire hot pot, satisfying and delicious, fabulous, well done. Robin - what a gent, he's draped a scarf over her, Tess reassures too. Score: 7/8/9/8 = 32.

Audalie jive to Little Shop of Horrors. Clearly not as light and crisp as it should be but he's having a great time, good effort, timing and rhythm and at least he lets himself go! Bruno - big smile, great personality, terrible footwork; Craig - gallant effort, physically unsuited, heavy, flat footed, cumbersome, lovely smile; Len - rhythm, good timing, kept on the dance, well done; Alesha - loved the concept, needed to be more bouncy and light, out of comfort zone. Score: 3/6/6/5 = 20

Aleames Paso Doble to Bring Me to Life, it's ethereal, brave on her own, attitude this time, nice shaping, full of drama and loving the hair, I completely forgot it wasn't her own! Craig - I quite liked the idea of Dracula chasing the blood of an innocent virgin, played extremely well, complete antithesis of last week, almost erotic; Len - expecting Hammer House of Horror but ... confident, intense, drama, attack, bit too much frock wafting but terrific; Alesha - back on form, loved the risky beginning, atmospheric, a breakthrough; Bruno - haunting, voluptuous, a hint of madness, linking the lines, assertive, in character. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Artolly American Smooth to Swan Lake - amazing concept, so unusual to see in Strictly, so fluid, gorgeous lines, captivating foxtrot to begin - who doesn't know the story (it's the only ballet I've ever been to). A bit of a Strictly Wow moment. Beautiful finish and that extended knee slide backwards, lovely choreography. Artem is truly a genius. Len - would like the clocks to go back right now so we can see it all again, terrific, a little more in hold, but I loved it; Alesha - look incredible, favourite concept, so far, nothing conventional, beautiful lines and shapes, you were magnificent Holly; Bruno - style and artistry, top lines, exquisite; Craig - high risk, perilous concept but you made it work! Kudos to the band. Score: 8/9/9/9 = 35.

Antonollio rumba to Spooky - a waste of a fab rumba song, sadly, there's no Blackbyrds hit from her. But, she didn't stumble so much, an improvement. Alesha - a sexy woman who knows how to work it but a walking disaster, should've stayed in the coffin; Bruno - look like a queen, dance like the walking dead, hear the music, feel it; Craig - dance horribilis, all went horribly wrong when you stepped out the coffin; Len - the dance of love, moments of Mills and Boon and moments of meals on wheels, it wasn't all bad. Score: 2/5/3/4 = 14 Anton got the giggles over meals on wheels!

Harriona tango to Psychokiller, stylish start on the chairs, fantastic hands, terrific technique when they got going - but again, not enough of it?! Brilliantly acted, great intensity but nowhere near enough actual tango! Harry's such a good dancer it's becoming incredibly frustrating, it's so unsatisfying and just when I'm thinking they might get my vote**, they blow it. Bruno - intense, hypnotic, erotic, can feel your power getting stronger and stronger; Craig - intent, purpose, aggression, loved the storytelling, however, would like to see more in hold, tango you did done very well; Len - I wanna see more than 8 bars in hold, sharp, crisp and enjoyable, when you're in hold you're fantastic; Alesha - do agree with Len a little bit, too cool for school, art is subjective and you created a beautiful dance. Score: 8/7/10/9 = 34 Please Aliona, be as creative but within the parameters of an actual dance, before you cost Harry his place. **would've considered had I been in!

Robbiola Paso Doble to Bad and again, he sells it so brilliantly, even a bit of MJ crutch grabbing - and that was before he jumped upon the judges table. Could've been a bit more attack but some good lines and timing, neat trick with the throwy, swingy, swirly Ola around the floor! Craig - could've done without the lascivious hip thrusts, particularly the one in my face, needed more drive, soup ladle hands, apart from that, amazing! Len - a bit disconcerting, the thrusting of the wobbly bits, would've liked a bit more savage Alesha - keep thrusting, out it in every dance, purpose and intent, cape work excellent; Bruno - go for it, you got it. Score: 4/7/8/7 = 26

Robinita tango to Devil Woman - loved the characterisation but felt it needed to be a bit sharper, it was a melodic but proper tango routine; Len - liked it, lots of content, lost timing a bit, posture weak but enjoyed - proper tango (I'm morphing into Len) far more gruelling than standing side by side mincing around; Alesha - fantastic actress, drama, scary, master the hold; Bruno - portayed very aspect of the character but work on frame; Craig - acting 10, top line 3 - meet the two. Loved the routine. Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31.

Brendulu Paso Doble to Highway to Hell, terrific entrance, working those batwings, needs to look up and present more, thoroughly enjoyable, great job. Bruno - handled the tricks with great panache, strong and powerful; Craig - concept great, fantastic work, a battle for supremacy in hold, I loved it; Len - Lots of tricks and quite a few treats, little bit soft in the body but what entertainment; Alesha - an amazing entrance, loved your determination. Score: 6/7/8/8 = 29

Jastina - quickstep to Bewitched and what an utterly brilliant beginning - now that's proper faffing about, telling the story musically, their timing is fantastic, sheer joy, he hasn't got the best top line but his feet are working it and he draws you in with it. Wonderful stuff. Craig - absolutely fab-u-lous; Len - you were fantastic, you're back! Alesha - so cute, charming, interesting, brilliant routine; Bruno - bewitchingly brilliant and slightly barmy, great concept, great choreography. Score: 9/9/10/9 = 37 Sooooooo happy for Kristina, we're finally seeing what a fab choreographer she is.

Scoreboard:

Jastina 37 = 11

Artolly 35 = 10

Harriona 34 = 9

Pashee 32 = 8

Aleames 31 = 7

Robinita 31 = 7

Brendulu 29 = 6

Robbiola 26 = 5

Russia 22 = 4

Audalie 20 = 3

Antonollio 14 = 2

Only one draw on the board means less protection for Antonollio, it will be between them and Audalie as I'm sure Russia and Robbiola will be safe. And after her comment about it not being her idea to do the lift, even Anton's fans may desert Nancy tonight.

And since I've been watching on i-player I'm straight into results! Nerdy guys and vampy girls - Someone's watching them. The pro boys are unrecognisable. Creative and quirky, the girls and judges magically swap places at the end!

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - Brendulu; Aleames; Jastina; Artolly; Pashee.

Bottom Two: Audalie

The Wanted, accompanied by the vampy ladies - but not our ones so *loses interest* seriously, how bad were they compared to the standard we're used to, from the pro's accompanying the musical guests?

Len's Lens - Len, trying to twitch his nose; Alex's confidence; Alesha's trick or treat face; Artolly unconventional, original; Craig and Len's faces when Robbie jumped up on their desk; the musical interlude, Audley's piano, Russell's bongos, everybody had wonderful concepts and embraced the spirit. The Grant, the devil's tail, hellboy meets hellgirl!

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Robinita; Russia; Harriona; Robbiola.

Bottom Two - Antonollio

It's all as predicted - by pretty much everyone I imagine - Audalie v Antonollio.

Pro American Smooth with Vincent and Flavia, Erin and Anton and Natalie and Brendan to Witchcraft. Gorgeous routine to a gorgeous song, beautiful by the band.

The Final Moment of Truth: It's Arrivederci Antonollio!

6.25pm next week, Jennifer Grey replacing Len - no ballroom expert on the panel, the pros can now really fill their boots with show dances!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Panel Ponderings

2011-10-28T23:54:00.002+01:00

Pashee on the sofa and Chelsee (magical mover) says that when the pressure's on you just have to get on with it - 12 hours training last week, even less this. But their Tango, to Love Potion NO.9, looks great.

Dancer in disguise - I'm going for Aliona.

Into the studio with Aleames and Alex (Valley Vamp) says the atmosphere is scary and creepy - but that's hanging around with James for you. He's generally annoying her to bring out the aggression in their Paso Doble - they've renamed the appels Craig. Looked good too, before they started mucking about.

Artolly, back on the sofa and Holly (Scream queen) is asked if Artem can improve "no, he's perfect in every way!" Their American Smooth will be to the Black Swan, it's dramatic ballet and looks lovely in training.

What are the celebs most scared of? The live show lead up - nerves - the voice over man - unpredictable - letting their pro down - Craig - scoring a 1 - waiting for the result - the week they're out.

Friday Panel - Alesha, Daniel O'Donnell and John Partridge. Russia - specialist says he's fine to dance tomorrow and a little procedure after will ensure he's good to go next week too, they have a samba to Kylie's Better The Devil You Know - natural bounce action. Robinita tango to Devil Woman, technically strong but still lacking a little fluidity; Antonollio rumba to Spooky, definitely no fluidity; Robbiola Paso Doble to Bad, seem to be walking through it still - I hope! Audalie jive to Little Shop of Horrors - not sure this will be his dance; Jastina quickstep to Bewitched is looking completely fab, fleet of foot.

Dancer in disguise: Brendan!!! Ha ha, oops. Sorry, Brenda.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Stair ways to hell.

2011-10-25T22:43:00.015+01:00

Antonollio on the sofa and Nancy (Cape-a-bull) says it's difficult to decide emotions, glad she stayed, sad Rory went and they can't change the show! Is the Upside Down move now their trademark? "'Ave it!" says Anton (Italian's stallion), and "I know where the floor is, I can feel it under my feet!" in response to Zoe's "She's only inches from the floor!" They're not revealing if the rumba is frightening or fabulous. Nancy's been asking around about what a rumba is ... "a firm handshake" says Anton. "Making love on the dance floor," says Nancy, cuddling up and grabbing hold of him: "Are you comfortable, Anton?" "I've got my underpants on back to front actually." He's learning Italian and says Nancy's doing a marvellous job for a girl from Croydon ...

Karen's Choreography Corner: Jastina was on his toes, heel leads would've made it stronger; Aleames too much on the floor and as for being sexy, weee-llll: Pay attention Women! We have angles - elbows, wrists, hips, bust, knees - all she has to do is use them! Pashee with loaded content: kicks and flicks; rondes; barrel rolls, perfect body contact; Brendulu and she's having a carnival party that included us all - didn't need the stairs -what is it with them and the stairs - Zoe and Karen are cordoning them off next week. Audalie is building the content, contra check, slip pivots, he mastered them very well; Harriona's rise and fall alone was incredible, natural swing and sway, keep showing him off though, don't just stand there on the stairs! Russia shoulder shrugs should be with the body not the arms but natural when learning; Artolly on tiptoeing round the fleckerl, should be two steps forward and one behind. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Robbiola lovely light flicks and kicks.

Widdy's Question Time: What's your karaoke tune? Pasha - none, too embarrassing; Brendan - Elton; Vincent: That's Amore. Pasha then settles on Bad!

Robinita on the sofa and Anita (Smooth Operator) thought there was a horrible twist and that she would be sent home! They've Tango to Devil Woman, she's falling in love with it and Robin (he just wants to make her sweat) says there'll be no faffing about at the start, just straight into it!

Fabulous Fashion To Finish, with Julian McDonald and Oona on the sofa. Lulu's was Julian's fave, so modern, so unexpected, flashdance, off the shoulder, batwing, swags and tails, lots of godets to give it a kick, used it like a can can dress; Holly a tale of two dresses, top half couture, art deco, geomeric, bottom half classical, sway and over the rainbow - with 9000 crystals that took 8 hours! Chelsee inspired by Britney's Toxic - which was styled by Julian, his eyes almost fell out, amazing kingfisher blue and blue is the hottest colour for next summer *Cheers, I'll be trendy for once* young, sexy, modern, the high street will be copying. The hat is the new fascinator!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Rorin Run Out

2011-10-24T22:12:00.009+01:00

Rorin on the sad sofa and Rory (Lasting impression) says they had more to do and he gave it all he had, and, self deprecatingly as usual, that his idea of a good dance is to finish it quicker than do it better. Erin (Cha cha for now), in response to pro dance/judge spats, says the pros know what their celebs are capable of, she wouldn't change anything about the cha cha if she had the chance. Emotional vids and everyone is snivelling now ...

Craig (Paddle Power) on the sofa for the dance debrief: Harriona - as a choreographer and director he encourages storytelling, but it didn't get more than an 8 because being out of hold revealed a lot of flaws, specially with the arms. Apparently, they are allowed 10 seconds out of hold - it seems a lot longer than that; Aleames - the sexless remark wasn't personal, she is sexy - but the dancing could be sexier, needed hip action, all his analogies are aimed at the dancing; Antonollio - Nancy goes for it, takes the ideas, incorrigible and brave, needs technical work obviously - and says Anton could do more to cover up her mistakes; Pashee - it didn't have the polish it needed for a 10 but dynamic, brilliant, a million steps; Jastina - bit kangarooish, skipping, galloping, loses strength, paso is demanding shape wise. He's not a dancer, he's a great singer and actor but was never a dancer, he has weaknesses.

Robbiola on the sofa and Robbie (jive and kicking) says the nose is fine, 'cept he can't breathe properly ... Zoe presents him with a bill for the camera! Ola (shut and jive) says he totally sold the dance with his personality. Production have fun with a spoof hair advert: Strictly Savage Shampoo, because he's, yeah, that. They've a trick-filled masculine paso for Halloween!

Dr. Pam (no couch slouch) says the females are feeling the pressure! On Aleames, James is an authoritarian - my way or highway - but there's teasing, they're having fun; on Antonollio, she defies analysis, Anton's brilliant, you can be tough but with the right tone, smile and tease, he's able to be hard on her; on Brendulu, he recognises that she learns differently to others, she's responding to beats instead of numbers; on Pashee, he can be stern and parental but gets the response he needs with a playful slap on the bum.

That's it? 30 minutes up already, I swear it gets shorter the more the series goes on ...

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Week Four

2011-10-23T22:59:00.007+01:00

1-2-3-4 and we're off with a fab pro dance. Sharpest tongs? The judges have tongs? Have we just merged with Masterchef?

The Moment of Truth #1: Safe - Pashee; Audalie; Robinita; Harriona; Brendulu!

Bottom Two - Rorin! Aw, nooooo. Len shocked - not his best but not his worst.

Caro Emerald sings That Man, while Katya and Pasha rock it with jive, quickstep and charleston. They're blurring.

Len's Lens - during Brendulu's samba, Len nabs a trumpet and has a go ... Robinita, in and out of the huge lift so beautifully and heel turns! Robbie gyrating - if he doesn't get a hair advert after this show ... Rorin's hips moved so well ... Antonollio sound fx: ghastly, says Craig. The Grant- the joy, the dream into the nightmare, slightly demented.

Halloween Special next week - the trailer is brilliant!

The Moment of Truth #2: Safe - Russia; Artolly; Robbiola; Jastina - Aleames now completely convinced it's them in the bottom two - but no, it's Antonollio! Will they escape again?

Craig is sado masochistically enjoying Nancy!

Vincent and Flavia demonstrate the Argentine Tango and it's absolutely, completely brilliant, so intricate, so rapid - how do they do that? *bookmarks*

It's Anton v Erin, so neither will be truly happy at staying in. Rory will miss it like a limb; Nancy disappointed as she felt she'd done so much better. Final Moment of Truth: It's Rorin! He's apologising to Erin and I don't think I've seen her look more gutted, great partnership. But I'm at the stage I'm going to feel like this every week from here on in, it's all so close.

Strictly Come Dancing Week 4: Back to ballroom basics!

2011-10-22T22:29:00.022+01:00

Tonight, Matthew, I've come as a roll of carpet ... I'm kidding, Tess looks lovely. Bit thin but still lovely. Poor women on telly can't win, can they?

Jastina out first for a change - Paso Doble to I Want It All and Kristina slays the ghost of Pasos past! Power, passion, fabulous choreography, the skirt work was brilliant. Who's looking at technique? Len - if the buttocks are firm, posture is firm, just lacked the technique, looked great standing still, twist turns plonky; Alesha - confident, little unsure in places, not your strongest, get equal balance between technique and passion; Bruno - tried to make a big meal out of it and got indigestion, feet off timing; Craig - shoulders down, follow through all the lines you created, real shame because intent was there. Score: 6/7/7/7 = 27 They've decided to get firmer!

Aleames rumba to Run, on the floor to begin which I loved, I thought she did really well with the being sexy, still a little hesitant but lovely to watch. Alesha - beginning beautiful, nice arms, nice control, a little safe, take risks; Bruno - sinfully sexy but demure and hesitant, never used hips to full extent; Craig - sexless, cold and stiff, no hip action *James - the public loved it*; Len - the public judge the effect of the dance, our criteria is different, performance good, too much on the floor, lacked hip action but had romance, needed more content but overall a good job. Score: 4/7/7/7 = 25 there's a riot going on in Tess' tower at that 4!

Rorin cha cha to Dance to the Music out of time a little but caught up and we all had a jolly good time, he went all out for it, well done Rory! Bruno - like a cocky rooster, take the steps on the ball of the foot; Craig - gauche, gawky, uncomfortable, heavy placement and flat footed; Len - there's a lot going on and not all of it's good. Liked the New York section, crisp, the flaunting ok; Alesha - always committed, I enjoyed it, well done. Score: 4/7/6/7 = 24 Tess: "You're getting fitter every week" Rory: "Thank you, what are you doing after the show?"

Audalie foxtrot and I wasn't convinced about the song, but they did a very creditable job with it - and we're seeing how good Natalie is now, in how much Audley has improved, not so much with the swing and sway but a smooth, lovely, warm performance. Craig - improvement in frame, needs swing and sway, I really truly liked it; Len - foxtrot is the hardest to do - I'm sitting here giving you a standing ovation; Alesha - love that you rose to the occasion, good job, be bold; Bruno - at times almost fairy like. Score: 6/7/6/6 = 25

Antonollio Paso Doble, ploddy, a shame as Anton put a good routine together, great music, fabulous assisted jump, funny to see her counting, full of drama, loved the dress. Anton's going to start with her upside down next week! Len - better on her head, more content, game girl, enjoyed it, entertaining; Alesha - Intriguing, bit rag doll but I loved it; Bruno - fabulous with your legs in the air, trying to count and still went off time, great effort! Craig - like a paso in Oklahoma, skipping and hoe-downing, full of lifts *they're all a bit of a chuck, luv - Anton* secretly there is talent beneath the surface. Score: 3/5/5/5 = 18

Brendulu samba to Sir Duke - trumpets - now this is a party dance, go Lulu! Didn't like the run up the stairs though, because she was bouncy, groovy and fun and I'd have liked more of that. Judges will mark down and now is not the week to be low on the leader board. Alesha - samba suits you, full of energy; Bruno - bubbly and effervescent, mistakes though! Craig - little bit more content, this dance did suit you, bounce action, better; Len - gusto and enthusiasm, carnival spirit, bit repetitious. Score: 5/6/7/7 = 25

Artolly VW to Cry Me Out. Brave, three poles in the middle of the floor to bump into. Posture not a strong still as it should be, lovely routine but didn't tear me up like I was hoping. Bruno - very fluid, romantic, focus and give it more; Craig - bumpy in place, top line more extreme, whole thing gorgeous; Len - pretty, light and fluffy, got fed up with the poles in the end, once in hold, step forward on your heels; Alesha - elegant, beautiful, composed. Score: 7/7/8/8 = 30

Pashee's quickstep to Sing Sing Sing is stunning, best dance of the night - of the series - so far, a class apart to everything else, timing & musicality fantastic, characterisation, smashing routine performed brilliantly. Craig - two words: First Class! Len - Pasha, you checked in; Chelsee, you won't be checking out tomorrow; Alesha: chemistry, delivered, only criticism - it ended too soon; Bruno - pocket rocket, great. Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36 joint top of the series.

Harriona waltz to Come Away With Me and is an utterly gorgeous routine ... until they stop dancing in the middle of it and fanny around on the stairs *yawn* then try to pick it up again. Len - first half fantastic, hold posture, beautiful footwork, perfect, was a ten and then ... let's mess it all up and walk up the stairs; Alesha - you make ballroom dancing look cool; Bruno - smooth operator, elegant, poised, musical phrasing just superb, beautiful; Craig - I really loved the whispering and the whole storytelling. Score: 8/8/10/9 = 35 I agree with Len - talk about spoil it - surely they could have done the whisper/kiss bit on the floor and merged it in? But Aliona's dress was perfect.

Robinita American Smooth to I've Got You Under My Skin and it's sophisticated, fab lifts, captured the feel but not quite as smooth as I'd have liked. Alesha - style fits you so well, captured the spirit, straighten legs, daring lifts; Bruno - Anita or Rita (Hayworth) Hollywood, 40s feel, I liked it; Craig - lost body contact but sophisticated, classy, consummate pro; Len - two heel turns, beautiful, ease, elegance and sophistication. Score: 8/8/8/8 = 32 - she's going, she's going, the bottom lip's going ...

Robbiola jive to Love Man and there's pelvic thrusts, and singing and also great footwork, strong kicks and flicks, bit loose, thoroughly enjoyable, full of energy! Bruno - because you're worth it! Insane, begging for it; great energy, technically not perfect but God, I had a good time; Craig - sorry to spoil but stompy, ploddy but adored the characterisation and you went for it; Len - We're the Love Men - you loved it, the people loved it, I loved it; Alesha - loved the hair fluffing and thrusting, great to see you having such a good time. Score: 5/8/7/7 = 27

Russia Tango to Sweet Dreams and it's full of cleverly choreographed content by Flavia, not too fast, giving him breathers but seamless transitions into each section, tried to master technique, entertaining, I loved it! Craig - giving machismo a go, shoulder shrugs not good, head didn't belong to you sometimes but entertaining; Len - like a nodding dog, too whimsical and airy fairy, charm about you, endearing; Alesha - appreciated your interpretation, too nice to do a menacing tango, strictly legend anyway; Bruno - I got it! From sleeping beauty to night terrors, the twist and turns, all went on in your mind, the horror, the theatre, insane but brilliant! Score: 5/6/6/7 = 24 Loving Flav's boots in the pre-dance vid. He's doing samba next week, losing the macho - mass hysteria breaks out - did Robbie say something?

To the Leader Board!

Pashee: 36 = 12

Harriona: 35 = 11

Robinita: 32 = 10

Artolly: 30 = 9

Jastina: 27 = 8

Robbiola: 27 = 8

Aleames: 25 = 7

Audalie: 25 = 7

Brendulu: 25 = 7

Rorin: 24 = 6

Russia: 24 = 6

Antonollio 18 = 5

Too close to call - I'd expect Pashee, Jastina, Robbiola and Russia to be safe, but that's as far as I'm sticking my neck out! I voted for the first time - Pashee, no brainer, and Brendulu for using one of my fave songs, doing it justice and not wanting to see them go home on that dance.

And, I have to say, the band and singers were awesomeness personified tonight! And the judges seem to have realised they've been far too generous in previous weeks and have decided to tighten things up a bit! It's fingernail nibbling time ...

Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two: That Friday Feeling

2011-10-21T20:32:00.016+01:00

Russia on the sofa and Russell (He's good, I grant you) says he's not a contender, he's 60 and could drop down dead tomorrow! He's being followed around supermarkets and a fan, Margaret followed him into training, parked her shopping bag and demanded a dance! He's getting into a character; he's called Arrogrant, a Scorpio with a Vincent eyebrow and a pout! Flavia (what will she russell up next) confirmed they will reverse the hold - but not this week! Dancing to Sweet Dreams (Vincent and Louisa's?).

Pashee and Chelsee (too cool for school) reveals she was outside "being naughty with Harry" when she banged her head! Must get the Mail tomorrow, just for the fun of it. Pasha (give us a pash) says it's good to challenge her to stop her getting bored - which judging by the school report Zoe reads out is a real possibility! Dancing to Sing Sing Sing - fab, was Ian and Denise's ... #runningoutofsongs

Points of You - anyone else spot Robbie practising his moves behind Antonollio on Saturday night?

Panel Ponderers - Chris de Burgh (cheese burgher) hasn't seen any of this series so far; Ann Widdecombe (just a flying visit) says at least Nancy can dance ... better than her; Tom Ellis (Hart-throb - husband of Tamsin Outhwaite) is a total Strictly nut! He says Nancy has the passion for the paso, could be her best yet. Brendulu dancing to Sir Duke - incidentally, the first proper single I bought, ie. with cash, not a token, not from the bargain bin three years later, but actually when it came out! Fabulous song, looking very groovy, she always brings the party out. Aleames dancing to Leona Lewis' Run - not so sure about that. And could yet struggle with fluidity, according to Tom. Harriona, on the other hand, dancing their waltz to Norah Jones' Come Away With Me, which Chris calls standard restaurant fayre *shock horror* Audalie foxtrot to Dusty Springfield 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself', not sure about that either. Can't fault his enthusiasm. Artolly dancing their VW to my VW song, Pixie Lott's Cry Me Out - if we're not in tears they're doing it wrong. Who do the panel think will win? Ann - Anton (loyalty) Chris - Jason (obvious) Tom - an Antipodean, that's all he's saying!

The celebs on SCD - sense of achievement; passion; love/hate; addictive; such a kick; believe in yourself; go for it; everything I thought it would be; fallen in love with it.

Zoe in the studio with Rorin on the steps; Erin will be fine by tomorrow, she'll have it nailed! Buzz words last week were Happy Feet! Death drop at the end of the cha cha, right at the end but her head's made of rubber, it's fine, she'll bounce back up. Dance to the Music, yeah baby!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Savage Styling!

2011-10-20T20:17:00.012+01:00

Breaking news ... not, it's been all over the papers - Len will be away for the weekend 5th/6th November and taking his place *fanfare* Dancing With The Stars reigning champ, Jennifer Grey, she of NobodyPutsBabyInTheCorner fame, iconic dance movie Dirty Dancing.

Training snapshot #1: Rorin cha cha - getting jiggy with it; Jastina Paso Doble exciting; Russia arrogant - Barbara Cartland Does Rambo; Audalie foxtrot not looking too bad; Harriona waltz, elegant creative choreography.

Robbiola on the sofa, a bit worried about the jive on his own but I've seen worse - Happy Birthday for Tuesday, Robbie (Fake Tan-go). Ola (O' de Savage) was as nervous dancing at the football match as Robbie on the dance floor - it was she who went wrong! The fans had threatened to sing naughty songs, Robbie refrained. Goughie is giving him tips - so maybe we'll see the caterpillar make an appearance again on Saturday! Dancing to Otis Redding! Loving that! They are going to restyle the hair - orange mohican? Travolta mullet? Elton John? Or cut it all off? "No, I've got a big nose, it'd look enormous!" Zoe: "You know what the say!" Cheeky!

Costume corner with Vicky in wardrobe: Catsuit alert - for Alex! Chelsee in Britney air hostess number; Russell, excitable, takes up the whole rhinestone budget; the secret frock, who's wearing that? A clue - designed for lifts: Anita then!

Jastina on the sofa and they were slightly concerned that Len might not have liked the Priscilla break. Jason (Don-o-good job) suffers asthma, Kristina (Russian Roula-la) could hear him wheezing behind her feathers ..."a lot of women would pay for that" - Zoe - she's on it tonight, naughty lady. They're prepared for being knocked off the top spot but they still want it all - dancing to Queen!

Training snapshot #2: Aleames rumba technique suspect but she'll get it; Artolly VW - struggling with posture and balance; Brendulu samba - if she can stay upright, fab, she's loving it, look likes it suits her; Antonollio Paso Doble bit stiff, nice jump; Pashee quickstep is quick, still struggling to keep up;

Robinita AS expect great lifts! They're on the sofa - Anita (a neater dancer) disappointed her scores went down, Robin (king of quiffs) surprised, he thought the jive better than the salsa. The wig is back. Horrible but yes, Nick Cotton! Dancing to I've Got You Under My Skin - perfect! He's a machine, she's light as a feather, he'll just throw her up and juggle her a bit!

Roll end credits - time for the Savage stylee to return - it's a Jedward Beehive!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-10-19T21:13:00.012+01:00

Eleven different styles this week, eleven! The big question, is, will we be able to tell which ones are which? #liftgate #discobreaks etc ...

Brendulu on the sofa and Lulu (hauled over the cole) has been swept off her feet in more ways than one, while Brendan (Loves lift music) drops in about all the other lifts ... Brendan, backed up by video evidence, says the samba is looking really good, shows rhythm, good hip action and fluidity. Focusing on sambaland when she's not in Lululand.

Dancers in Disguise - it's a girl this time, I think, and I'm going for Erin.

Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up #1: Robinita - American Smooth, we'd like to see her smoother, soften the knees for fluidity, the grabbing hand needs refining; Antonollio paso doble, staccato suits her, good heel leads, lots of wobbling, needs a stronger core; Artolly's VW has interesting armography at the beginning of the routine, we don't see much else; Aleames rumba begins like Ravel's Bolero *interesting* very controlled, James' trademark, release the body for more fluidity; Pashee quickstep, bit concerned re the hold, she's hanging on, Charleston very good, elbow dropping, clawed hand.

Audalie on the sofa and Audley (Box-er office hit) is glad he didn't fall over, almost, but nicely recovered. Nat (Quick quick Lowe) has never yelped or screamed so much in an elimination round. Rise and fall in the foxtrot is killing his feet but getting him feet so he considers re-entering the ring again next year. And he tells David Haye he must do SCD! Oh. Yes. Please.

Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up #2: Jastina paso doble has fantastic choreography from Kristina but Jason needs more arm shaping and hips underneath; Rorin cha cha and Latin not his thing but Erin can turn him into a dancer, needs to choreograph his arms; Robbiola jive a big surprise, doing really well, lots of steps, he's really enjoying himself; Russia tango in a tank top, get shoulders down and elbows up, he's dancing the lady part for a few seconds *thumbs nose at Craig* looking great though!

Harriona on the sofa and Harry (Hey Judd) really enjoyed the jive, he wasn't terrified. Aliona (Harry Spotter) says they dance equally together, really helps. They're aiming for the summer holiday time with Sandy version of Danny Zuko for their waltz.

Dancer in disguise is ... Flavia! A least I got the sex right!

Dancing on Ice Contestants?

2011-10-19T10:12:00.010+01:00

Yep, it seems the next intake of Dancing on Ice contenders have been spotted practising with Chris Dean!

They are (I still wouldn't take it as 100% though): Actress Jennifer Ellison (Brookside, Chicago); actor Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland in Coronation Street); actress Leila Morse (Big Mo in Eastenders); actor Matthew Wolfenden (David Metcalfe in Emmerdale); actress Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen in Hollyoaks) - so far, soooooo soapie we might choke on the bubbles - Sugarbabes' Heid Range; fashionista Sadie Frost; ex-Tottenham goalie, Ian Walker; alpine ski racer, Chemmy Alcott - any advantage do we think or did she stick to snow? Slimming and exercise queen, Rosemary Conley; Blue Peter's Andy Akinwolere, always up for a challenge!

Only eleven there though, so some are still in hiding or we're still at audition stage!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Turn around, bright hair and teeth!

2011-10-18T21:00:00.012+01:00

Karen casts her eye over the weekend, but first ...

Antonollio on the sofa but "why are you so far away" says Nancy (Rome wasn't built in a day), pulling Anton closer. Anton (Beke from the brink) berates the judges for not crediting the celebs solo work and says they're dancing for the people, not the judges. He's rebelling, he might even take his tie off! "As much as I love Claudia I don't want to see her again" says Nancy. Their paso doble will have lifts and a troupe of matadors and horses!

Choreography Corner: Artolly terrific routine but could have been a pop show - ballroom dancing means they should dance together; Robinita brave and brilliant, great content, jiving and bouncing; Rorin the music so special, tells the celeb what steps to do, got into character, very clever; Brendulu fabulous lift, height, leg position, toes, landing but no no no with lifts - trickery - will come back and bite them on the bum later; Audalie repetition of steps, clever, but by the 4th time he's tired; Robbiola turns, spinning, you might have motion sickness but you're in it for the long run. Turn is the elegance of dance! Russia beautiful content, he's living the dream, Flav got it perfect, razzle dazzle bit, back into hold, that song, that Broadway, fantastic; Jastina in competition of the campest, then back into intensity, loved it; Pashee can handle fast choreography but needs to master technique; Harriona needed a great jive but as show goes on judges will demand more content.

Aleames on the sofa and Alex (The cat's whiskers) says Saturdays are terrifying but they have a great time during the week and James (Purr-fect partner) is very pleased, she's improving every week more quickly than he expected. Rumba next - how are they finding it? Hmmmm.

Top of the Frocks: Bruce Oldfield and Oona O'Hagan say you can put Chelsee in anything - this week, it was 1500 bugle beads in a costume that transcended the decades, those beads perfect for cha cha as they spin and twist; Anita - 2 bows and pink, too Minnie Mouse although right for the song. Wired frothy hemline, 4 layers of petticoats, 6 metres of fabric! Lulu in black and white, representing the Phantom, lots of fabric but it worked, crepe base, georgette scarves for a soft romantic silhouette - they were still sewing just before she took to the floor. Holly, a proper woman, underwear as outerwear, very Gaulthier, nude net, can see the tango legwork. Credits rolling, till the morrow.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Dosvi-Danya

2011-10-17T20:41:00.017+01:00

Danya on the sofa and it appears Dan (lobbed out) and Katya (Kat-ya later) concentrated far too much on trying to dance instead of trying to capture the showbiz spirit. I'm being sarcastic - I can see me losing my patience if everyone else left continues to not concentrate on dancing ... they thought they'd go, Antonollio are very entertaining. Dan reckons they stripped him naked and threw him out 10 minutes after the results. "Even Fiona Phillips lasted 4 weeks" quips Zoe.

Craig (Revels in critique) on the sofa - of Brendulu he says he loves a lift as much as anyone but rules is rules and he's going to keep penalising; Chelsee is bendy legged and too disco and he hopes her top half doesn't motor along without her feet in the quickstep; Anita needs to keep her legs together and finish her lines, he's borrowing Robin's wig next week; Robbiola have confidence, most important. And aggression, he's well studied with the right attitude; thrilled we saw Harry's personality, not just his wonderful sculpted chest and polished pecs; Antonollio was ragdoll city, nightmare but brave. Paso Doble next! He's loving Kristina and what she's doing with Jason.

Artolly on the sofa and Holly (smoking hot) enjoyed the acting, she feels more confident as someone else and she might choreograph killing Artem (He had it coming) into the routine every week. VW next week.

Backstage mission: Anton, on witnessing the celebs joining the pro dance "I saw a pile up on the M25 just like that ..."

Dr. Pamela Stephenson (Dance detective) on the bar stool, appraising the relationships: Jastina - very alike, Aussie theatre training similar to Russian. He's intense, curious, immune to her flirtatiousness; Harriona like twins, beautifully matched, she's so seductive, getting the best out of him, he's loving being dominated by the sexy Russian; Audalie some concerns - he's never met anyone like Nat, equally physically competitive, she expects the best; Robbiola are the Dazzle Twins! Wonderful athlete, animal on the pitch, vulnerable off it, needs Ola to be good mummy - but she can be bad mummy also! Russia a very good match, focused, gives her control but a big personality can be hard for an introvert like Flavia; Rorin a very good pairing, lots of respect, he doesn't mind being bossed, she brings him out of his frustration. That's it, girls next week!

In other news - Lulu won the Sacla' Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award!

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Week Three

2011-10-16T22:10:00.008+01:00

The Pro dancers wow us with a West Side Story medley, a real showstopper to cap Broadway week.

The Moment of Truth #1 - Safe: Audalie; Aleames; Rorin; Artolly; Robinita; Robbiola

Bottom Two: Danya. I feared the worse, sadly, it just wasn't memorable enough, really drew the short straw with the Queen musical - not showbizzy, not jazzhandy enough. And I can't see any of those left being in the bottom two except Antonollio and I really don't think they're leaving yet.

Len praises Dan and expresses surprise - we're entertained by the 2011 class of Footloose, Julianne Hough (two time DWTS champion and sister of Cheryl Cole's possibly other half Derek) and Kenny Wormauld, contemporary slowy then the rock'n'roll/break dancing of the title song.

Len's Lens shows Lulu's angelic, dewey, juicy face; Aleames stunning lines; Nancy's slamming around the dance floor, Jason's mucho macho to mucho campo switch, Len cooling himself with the 9 paddle and Russell just so in the moment again.

The Moment of Truth #2 - Safe: Brendulu; Harriona; Jastina; Russia and Pashee - it's Antonollio versus Danya. Bruno says there's a sense of anticipation with Nancy, like lighting a firecracker, you'll never know where she'll land!

But first, Susan Boyle sings Unchained Melody, with a beautiful rumba courtesy of Vincent and Flavia to accompany - the standation is for them.

Clauds asks the two in danger how they feel: Dan, stoic "we were in the bottom three with the judges" and Nancy, sad "it's such a magical world to be in".

The Final Moment of Truth: It's Danya to leave. Never stood a chance, really, I lived in hope but Queen doesn't even whisper Broadway let alone shout it. There are so many better musicals they could have used. You don't mind when someone leaves having performed to their potential, but both the criticism compared to others, and that song choice was pretty unfair and leaves a very unsatisfying feeling. We'll see them on the sofa tomorrow.

Strictly Come Dancing: Week Three - On Broadway

2011-10-15T22:18:00.046+01:00

They say the neon lights are bright and they were twinkling and sparkling in abundance tonight ... especially with the opening number One Singular Sensation, stunning routine by the pros, gatecrashed by the celebs! Tess' hair looks fab; dresses of the night: Flavia, Erin - Nancy's also very striking. As is Robin's hair! OMG, what were they thinking ... Strictly superfan, Henry Winkler, on the red button. I'm going to resist the urge to say it.

Artolly tango to Cell Block Tango from Chicago "I'm not rude, I'm just Russian" says Artem and they launch into a very stylised, full of Chicago-atmosphere routine with a lot of attack; well done for avoiding a wardrobe malfunction Holly but keep those eyes up! Needed to be a little sharper but overall a great routine and memorable performance. Len (Spamalot, according to Bruce) - be still my beating heart, full of intensity, didn't get fazed by the caught heel; Alesha (dreamgirl) sexy actress emerging, lost a little intent after the caught heel; Bruno (Footloose) smoulderingly tantalising, plenty of promises; Craig (Les Miserable) liked the strong, bold, drama and drive of it, needed more tension, and to be cleaner and sharper, very much enjoyed it. Score: 7/8/7/8 = 30.

Danya with a sweet VW to Somebody to Love from We Will Rock You. Smiley Dan, nice story line he's acting it out; needs to pull up a bit, little bit skippy but a nice feel, moved well around the floor. Alesha - so much potential, comfortable in hold; Bruno - more like a casual acquaintance of Katya, didn't capture the spirit of the song, more intensity needed; Craig - awkward nature about you, continue through all the movement, get up on your toes; Len - I come to praise Dan, not to bury him, frame was good, footwork good, judges want too much. Score: 5/7/6/6 = 24

Robinita and a jive to You Can't Stop The Beat but I'm just going to be staring at The Wig. The blonde one in training suits him more. Anita needs to point her toes and pick up her feet more, looking very lazy, needs to match her Latin to her ballroom standard, full of character but I didn't enjoy her dancing much if I'm honest, pretty laboured. Bruno - performance always great , needs to be sharper, more precise and cleaner in kicks and flicks; Craig - too loose, technically very messy, point your toes, pick your feet up (isn't it scary when you agree with Craig!) loved the characterisation; Len - fun, energetic and entertaining; Alesha - no-one gives two hoots about your toes (beg to differ on that, makes it ugly) Entertaining, lit up the room. Score: 6/7/7/7 = 27.

Aleames VW to Memory from Cats and it's a beautiful beginning, lyrical, dreamlike, better posture, gorgeous routine with a reprise of the opening at the end. Craig - clever choreography, simple and uncomplicated, would've liked a little more dancing but loved the routine; Len - simply beautiful; Alesha - most improved, elegant and dreamy, told a story, wonderful; Bruno - beginning like a magical bird stretching her wings to take flight. Score: 8/8/8/8 = 32.

Rorin QS to Top Hat, White Tie and Tails from Top Hat and it's a very creditable, classy routine, as ever from Erin, got a little stuck in one corner, stray leg still there, charleston good, character and style, captured the spirit. Len - the right song, right style, right routine, your best dance; Alesha - held the character; Bruno - all the razzle dazzle, be careful with the trout pout; Craig - sorry to put a dampener on it, flat hands, need to point feet but full of style, panache and confidence, brilliant job Score: 7/8/8/8 = 31

Brendulu rumba to All I Ask Of You from Phantom of the Opera and she's still singing along to a lovely routine by Brendan, not as sinuous but not surprising - no length of bone, as Craig would say, but she was elegant and musical and it really showed there. Gorgeous lift too. Alesha - great story, told it brilliantly; Bruno - so lyrical and fluid, difficult choreography, very well done; Craig - illegal lifts will not be tolerated; Len - you have to break eggs to make an omelette, sometimes you need to break the rules to make the routine. Score: 5/7/7/7 = 26.

Antonollio tango to Be Italian from Nine - great leg extension, haughty, simple routine full of drama, a bit floppy in parts though. Bruno - impetuous, peek a boo legs, actually looked like a tango, carry on this way; Len - tension of a curled sponge, lots of style, no substance; Alesha - liked the intro, the drama, character, strengthen your body from top to toe, an improvement. Score: 4/5/5/6 = 20

Audalie QS to Too Darn Hot! Jazz hands alert - good ones too! Nifty footwork, light on his feet, lost some speed and tripped himself but good rhythm, had fun with it and better than I was expecting. Craig - timing out, more energy needed in charleston, much much lighter than anticipated - loved the acting; Len - from waist up, joyful, full of verve - very good job, well done; Alesha - good content, full of smiles; Bruno - fantastic job with feet the size of surfboards. Score: 5/6/6/7 = 24

Robbiola tango to Gimme Gimme Gimme from Mamma Mia - loving that tango face, perfect! Strong, great attitude, little stumble but full of attack and energy, great effort. Len -attack, intent, aggression; Alesha - be proud, bundles of attitude and passion; Bruno - Mamma Mia, how can I resist you; Craig - full of aggression, passion, attack, assertive. Score: 7/7/8/8 = 30. He is now officially hooked I'd say!

Russia foxtrot to Don't Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl - told you he could ballroom dance - oh, back in hold Flav, he was so smooth and elegant, there you go - timing, musicality and personality. Fab, loved it. Superb in hold, let him do more please, it's gorgeous. Alesha - showbiz, ballroom, broadway, so positive; Bruno - uplifting quality of blazing sunshine, very good foxtrot, enjoyed so much; Craig - I would advise a more masculine approach *cue hysterial laughter from everyone* Len - A little white cloud drifting across the floor, put the show in showbiz. Score: 6/7/7/8 = 28.

Jastina tango to I Will Survive from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and you can never have too many feathers or "Hah's" pure show number, attack and personality, loved the disco break, brilliant. Bruno - strong, powerful, camp as Xmas, fantastic; Craig - Stu-pen-dous; Len - the midwife, you keep delivering; Alesha - incredible tango with a twist, keep blowing me away. Score: 9/9/9/9 = 36

Pashee cha cha to Beggin' from Jersey Boys and she can certainly move, transitions sometimes lose her and needs to be a bit neater because she really gets the routine and her cha cha technique is there but hit and miss, bubbly and full of energy. Craig - timing, energy and spirit fantastic but haphazard and too disco; Len - needs attention to detail but you give it some welly, some strong footwork; Alesha - so close to being a great cha cha, just tighten up a few things; Bruno - cheeky, sexy, playful and rhythmical. Score: 6/8/8/8 = 30

Harriona jive to Greased Lightning and it's my favourite performance from Harry yet, much more relaxed and raw, his kicks and flicks were excellent - if only we'd seen more of them. Timing and musicality apparent, less of the staged show dance and more actual dancing next time please. Len - I'm impressed, lovely sharp kicks and flicks, great musicality - your best dance; Alesha - lot of messing about but liked it, very good; Bruno - all grrrrrrrreased up, action packed, expressive, I almost hate you, very good performance; Craig - be careful of Bruno in in the bar, finally arrived. Score: 8/8/9/8 = 33

The Scoreboard:

Jastina 36 = 13

Harriona 33 =12

Aleames 32 = 11

Rorin 31 = 10

Robbiola 30 = 9

Artolly 30 = 9

Pashee 30 = 9

Russia 28 = 8

Robinita 27 = 7

Brendulu 26 = 6

Audalie 24 = 5

Danya 24 = 5

Antonollio 20 = 4

Why oh why though, are we having so many song repeats? Have they cut the band's budget that much? And why are the judges so very much harsher with Dan than with others who aren't technically proficient? And is it my imagination that the scores overall are much higher for this stage of the competition than usual? Are they deserved? Really? Why aren't the pros letting their celebs dance all through - is it really the dumbing down on Strictly we're seeing? Yes, we want entertainment, but it has to be in the context of the recognisable dance and not instead of. Rant over. Results at 7.25pm tomorrow night!

Dirty Dancing Stars Voted Top By LoveFilmers

2011-10-14T00:09:00.003+01:00

Dazzling and delighting fans of all ages with their spectacular final routine in Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey have been voted king and queen of the movie dance floor.

To celebrate the launch of dance re-make Footloose on Friday, the couple came out on top in a poll by LOVEFiLM - Europe's largest subscription service streaming movies and TV episodes over the internet and sending DVDs by post - having the time of their lives with 20 per cent of the votes.

John Travolta and Uma Thurman's twisting turn in Pulp Fiction wiggled into second place in the poll with 15 per cent of the vote. We knew that Travolta could dance, but this scene at Jack Rabbit Slims was a welcome reminder of his skills on the floor and Uma made the perfect partner. Splashing into third place is Gene Kelly in the iconic scene from Singin' In The Rain (14 per cent), which includes some steps that will be replicated for years to come.

In fourth place is the infamous stage scene from 2004's Napoleon Dynamite (10 per cent) in which Jon Heder's estranged and nerdy high school youth blew us away with some unconventional shapes from side shuffle to classic jazz hands. Snake-hipped John Travolta strikes again in fifth place (eight per cent), this time hand-jiving up the list with his slick solo routine from Saturday Night Fever.

Following closely in sixth place (seven per cent) is Kevin Bacon with those highly-charged moves from the original Footloose. These steps won the hearts of most teenage girls in the 80s, and Bacon's fight for the right to move his feet is very firmly in the top ten. Taking joint seventh place (both with five per cent) are Mike Myers, with his cat-like cavorting in that unforgettable scene in The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Jennifer Beals, who changed our perception of a bucket of water forever with her heated dance display in Flashdance.

In eighth place (four per cent) are Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan in Step Up, an urban dance classic with a thrilling final scene. The fancy footwork was only helped by the tension between the two leads, and we watched every step wondering whether they would get together. Taking ninth place are the lads from The Full Monty, with a routine that you simply could not forget even if you tried (three per cent). Finally, creeping into tenth place are Michael Cera and Jonah Hill with their Superbad routine (two per cent): a few very retro and awkward steps delivered with the style and humour that only the Superbad boys could manage.

Helen Cowley, Editor of LOVEFiLM, commented: "Whilst it is clear that dance films are quickly becoming a guilty pleasure that we are happy to admit to, it is interesting that the classic Dirty Dancing moves have been revealed as the ultimate favourites. Neither the sheer coolness of Pulp Fiction or the comedic genius of Austin Powers could compete with this film's romance - illustrated perfectly in that famous lift.

"LOVEFiLM's streaming service makes it easy to compare a huge variety of dance moves from thousands of films at the click of a mouse - and perhaps even learn a few. With even more titles available on DVD, the dance action can be brought straight to your front door so that you don't miss a trick."

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two- Wednesday Warm-Up!

2011-10-12T15:03:00.018+01:00

Zoe hasn't lost it - the jazz hands are out but first - congratulations Sir Brucie, who was officially given his Knighthood today.

Antonollio on the sofa and Nancy (Tickles your nancy) has mixed emotions, happy to be saved, sad someone had to go; there'll be subtitles next week, so we know whether to laugh or cry! She agreed that looking up her dress must have been an incredible exciting moment for Len! Anton (Nancy's boy) said the tango is going very nicely - no comedy! They do have a great partnership so be prepared for a shock exit this week ...

Dancer in Disguise: Hm, tougher this time - quite small, initial thought is Vincent, or possibly even Flavia. Pesky lion suit.

Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up #1: Se-Ven styles of dance, difficult to compare but ... Robinita jive - symmetrical; Artolly tango - lyrical; Brendulu rumba - a perfect standing Eros, the hardest step, if only she could walk without falling over! Aleames VW - quality of movement has improved again but hold still wrong; Pashee cha cha - confident, will suit cheeky Chelsee.

Jastina on the sofa and Jason (Any dance will do) says it's the great feeling you get from performance that drives him; Kristina (loving the leaderboard) says not every dance will suit but he's an amazing pupil. Tango to I Will Survive from Priscilla, I already can't wait - Monet versus Gilbert and George! And he might be in drag, or not!

Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up #2: Rorin quickstep - few issues, stray leg, tricky steps, coping well, fluid; Harriona jive - long intro without jive, bit of swing, flicks and kicks eventually look good; Danya VW - suits him, close the gap in the oversway, difference between a 6 or a 7; Audalie quickstep - early days, needs to dance through the body to hand or step finish, pedestrian at present; Robbiola tango - not happy with hold, needs to be stronger.

Russia on the sofa and Russell (still Mama Rose) expected tolerance, not standing ovations - Happy Anniversary to James and Ola, eight years today! Every day is a joy, he's dancing in his sleep but Moira, the producer, won't let him wear his can can outfit till later in the series. Foxtrot - to Don't Rain On My Parade!

Dancer in Disguise - the Reveal: It's Vincent! Am now slightly scaring myself - I'm not really that obsessed, surely? End credits - Vincent in The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

In other news - it's goes against all my beliefs and my eyes are screaming "No, no, take it away ..." Jason Gardiner strips off for charity. I'm thinking they could at least have spray tanned him, maybe a shave ...

There's an extended version of the Broadway trailer ...

Brucie has a new album due out, which features a duet of Smile with his granddaughter.

Adult lifestyle show Erotica has dropped it's Strictly theme. Although it will still feature dancing, there'll be no sign of a glitter ball!

The Daily Mail reports that Nancy was going to sue over the champagne jibes. LMFAO. Says more about the Mail again, I think, rather than Nancy. They're becoming more like The Scatter everyday. I mean, if you're going to quote at least get the quotes right - Bruno never mentioned a brand ... and it takes two of them to write it! Dear Mr.Editor, whatever you're paying them, I can do it for less. Seriously. I could take every line I write about the show and come up with a whole fresh article just like they do! Thank you for your time ...

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Dress Release

2011-10-11T19:30:00.010+01:00

Audalie on the sofa and Audley (off the hook) felt the dance deserved more, it's the best they've danced it. New shoes now, 27 people worked over three weeks to get them ready! Closing the door - checking his turn so he doesn't punch Nat (Lowe-down and dirty). The Humming Man has a foxtrot this week, was supposed to be samba ...

Rorin on the sofa and Erin (Boag-ie nights) has gone for a New Romantic look; Rory (Boag-ie's Man) needs to not be so hard on himself - there's self deprecating and being positive and then there's sounding like you want sympathy votes, so stop it! Erin can have any man she wants every day; Rory says you wouldn't want Craig breaking any bad news to you, nor would he be good in a hostage situation. He's getting to grips with Craig and Bruno, impression wise, Len needs work - and then he can have a go at Alesha's Muttley snigger. Stunning impression of Jason, if you'd closed your eyes you'd have believed he'd invaded the sofa!

Zandra Rhodes (I take back all my previous comments - I met her fairly recently at a lecture and I can tell you, she is an incredibly inspiring woman. So she can wear whatever she likes) and Oona O'Hagen on the sofa for the dress release - Alex in Hawaiian pink, movement, weight, 16 godets, perfect for foxtrot, jewelled sweetheart neckline, 4000 blue tinged iridescent crystals; Chelsey's very clever trousers, tight, fringy - 10 metres of material, looks skimpy but heavily constructed; Anita's bold spot, Carmen Mirandery headgear, severe halter softened by ruffles; Nancy's 9000 crystals took a day and a half to sew, flesh through mesh took our eyes of her feet (Zoe's words, not mine!)

Aleames on the sofa and Alex (Fox-y Lady) was still nervous but could hide behind the fan, which James (keeping up with the Jones) cleverly made her shake to hide her shaking! But very pleased, she's picking up things more quickly and understanding how her body moves. Teacher's Pet now! VW this week, difficult music!

Karen Hardy's Choreography Corner: Robbiola so clever, style and panache, took control, acting, relationship between them, perfect timing, driving across the floor in hold; Pashee alternating underarm turns - never seen before, Pasha stamping his mark, exciting, huge lift for week 2, more to come; Jastina and Jessica Rabbit, took the Bugsy era, gave him a role to play, very strong, comfortable but there are faults with top line, arms too parallel, should be 'L' shaped, powerful performance, time to work on it; Artolly will never excite Len with walking and knicker flashing, steps need to join together like a jigsaw to create the flow of the dance; Brendulu so clever, in teaching hold so he could guide, cared about her, technically lots wrong but she got the steps; Antonollio all goes horribly wrong when her feet finally hit the floor after the opening! Till the morrow, same time.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Edwina's Exit!

2011-10-10T20:24:00.019+01:00

Vinwina on the sofa and Edwina (Feeling blue) couldn't bear to watch the show, so sad for Vincent (Ciao Bella) who thinks the judges were overly harsh and he now can't sleep at night, thinking what he could have done differently. And he wants to be a politicianist when he retires ...cue soppy vids; she's looking for a Latin teacher in Stockport - if you're a young male Latin teacher in Stockport, be afraid. Be very afraid ...

Points of You: "Like a giant hugging a hobbit" When Audley hugged Vincent!

Craig (Dancing Revel-ation) on the sofa says Edwina was the right one to go - it was a little D.U.L.L. and of the others: Audley got into the groove and released; Chelsey wasn't earthed, sporadic, bit more control needed; Lulu - relief, rumba next, bit concerned as she's short of bone; Jason not perfect but he's an entertainer; Harry and Russell, same score? Cannot compare, two different dances, Harry's posture all wrong; Rory "What can he do to improve?" "Be more talented!" Holly ahead of the beat, throw caution to the wind; Nancy "What can Anton do?" "Not a lot. Pray. She's going at him like a lobster!"???? I'd love to peek inside Craig's head, to see the pictures he sees when he's watching the dances ...

Behind the scenes with DancerCam - Russell to give Robbie camp lessons; Vincent: "It's good for the audience to meet me so they realise I'm not just a fantasy!" Pashee being squeezed into his shirtpants *ahem*.

Danya on the sofa - we all looked up lumpestuous (it doesn't exist) and Dan (Mr. Lobber Lobber) is still confused by the judges! Katya (Playing Kat-ch up) wanted them to have fun, hence the Lobb Step (the round and round move!) He's a joker: Why do elephants have big ears? Katya: I don't know - Dan: Cos Noddy won't pay the ransom *bboom* Katya: Who's Noddy? And then the bear who walks into a bar ..... and orders a pint. Why the paws? Because I'm a bear. *cue tumbleweed* Someone in production is going to pay for that! VW next. Hm, Broadway. Hm, repeating songs - who votes 'Memory'?

Robbiola on the sofa and Robbie (off the bench) thinks he was overmarked, to cries of "no, no" from everyone, don't say that! It was one of the best moments of his life, felt like he was wanted, with everyone shouting his name, aw. Ola (Umbrola-ola-ola - I think I'm slightly in love with caption man, or have a girl-crush if it's a she!) says it's great to have judges comments like that! Tango next, the bar is raised. The spins are difficult, what's a spot? He's still overwhelmed, hope he's recovered by Saturday, Tango = aggressive!

End credits - Hairplay.

Strictly Come Dancing Result Show, Week Two

2011-10-09T20:04:00.010+01:00

Straight into a Latinfest pro dance to Edge of Glory - Tess in beige and armour and Clauds is back, yay! Recap and Moment of Truth #1:

Safe: Robbiola; Brendulu; Jastina; Aleames; Artolly; Pashee

Bottom Two: Audalie!

Alesha disappointed, he wasn't the worst, came out and tried so hard. Doesn't deserve to be there. Bruno says Alex has to keep refining, retain the energy and self confidence for Latin.

Over to Clauds - to Robbie, re the brolly: "If it rains now, you'll go outside and say 'Play havoc with my hair'"

Will Young and new single Come On. Yes, come on, let's get him on Strictly properly, he's fab! His dancers must be well hacked off though, being made to wear those wigs, what an appalling look - fire the stylist! Ooops, and a wardrobe malfunction at the end there!

The judges with Clauds and Len's Lens - every move they make, every step they take etc. Antonollio all went pear shaped; Pashee the bootylicious babe, eat your heart out Beyonce; Robbie's panache and style; Robinita's professionalism. And The Grant - the ecstasy, high as a kite, danced with gusto.

Broadway week next week, whoop! Auditions underway, featuring Holly and Russell in The Can Can; Technicolour Jason; Rory and Nancy in Mary Poppins; Anita and Lulu in Aladdin; Edwina and Chelsee in Wicked; Robbie, Dan and Harry do Swan Lake; Alex and Audley are the panto cow!

The Moment of Truth #2:

Safe: Robinita; Rorin; Danya! Yay! Harriona; Russia

Bottom Two: Vinwina!

Which means Antonollio leap frogged at least three other couples! The Antonettes have got his back again!

It's Audalie versus Vinwina in the Final Moment of Truth: Vinwina are gone! She thanks Vincent, he says he didn't expect to have so much fun with her being a politicianist! They dance away to Bye Bye Love. Till next week, 6.35pm.

Strictly Come Dancing Week 2 - Robbie tames the savage within!

2011-10-08T22:56:00.027+01:00

And we've a sparkly Tess at last! First out - Pashee and their salsa to Higher, a great floor-rockin' start, full of fun and energy not so much of the basic steps and lacking the fluidity - but superb armography made up for it, two different sections fast and perfectly executed, happy to overlook another slight stumble - top lifts! Fab start to the show. Len - was feeling chilly round the willy, warmed me up a treat (he seriously didn't get the hysteria at that comment!) Full on, hair and trousers crazy, calm down, almost too full on but great; Alesha: - Fun, flirty and fearless, bounce and personality, beginning so impressive, could be calmer but rather you go for it than hold back, commend the lifts; Bruno - I love you, the energy of a wild kitten, vivacious and wild, every Tom, Dick and Harry hot under the collar, underarm passes very good; Craig - a little bit bouncy and unearthed, loved the alternating underarm spins, lifts fantastic. Score: 7/7/8/7 = 29

Vinwina with a tango inspired foxtrot, elegant start, pretty dress, credible effort, needs to sort posture, Len won't like all the messin' about but timing there and maintained the romance/leching throughout. Len - too much messin' about - more content needed; Alesha - getting into character, really nice when you were dancing; Bruno - naughty Edwina spending all the time playing footsy with Vincent under the table, like a bendy bus on the floor; Craig - when you fiiinally got into it, hunched of shoulder, balance occasionally questionable, not enough foxtrot. Score: 4/5/5/5/ = 19

Audalie salsa to Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, fun to watch, he's into it, forgot about the balls of his feet though, impressed they nailed the armography, how Nat managed the height difference - not quite bouncy or fast enough but he's got rhythm and a good effort. Alesha - lit up the room, tried so hard, did your best, you were enjoying it, so was I; Bruno - Audley let loose, disco night, more like a hustle, energy great, good to see you let it all go; Craig - flat footed, but not surprising, run ungainly but you've got a groove going and have hip rotation; Len -it's easy to look clumsy but this was neat, nicely placed, everything orderly, Audley. Score: 5/6/6/6/ = 23 The one thing that bothers me about Audalie though - there's no physical contact between them - watch all the others, hands everywhere, all the time - apparently Audley's wife isn't keen on that, if you get my drift - but it means there isn't the closeness there and that will cost them.

Aleames and James is electrocuting her into remembering left from right! Have You Met Miss Jones the song and she acts the part admirably, using both John Prescott and Bruno. Terrific start and a fab routine, much improved, elegant and confident. Bruno - Miss Jones, no idea you were such a glamour puss, equal parts sophistication, sex appeal, elegance, great flow, like a young Joan Collins. Pleasantly surprised! Craig - pivots a bit off centre but ballroom definitely suits you more; Len - little bit wobbly, willowy - the key to this competition is to improve each week and you have; Alesha - understated and really charming, you can dance, believe it. Score: 6/8/7/8 = 29

Danya salsa to Upside Down (like the song but not for a salsa) But ooh, handspring to start, nifty on his feet, plenty of movement, nailed a risky lift, he's got rhythm, less lifts more dancing please. Jolly good effort. Craig - thank you for the handspring and smile, the rest lumpestuous??!! Unattractive, transitions in/out of lifts not good, cut the round and round step "but that's his favourite" cuts in Katya! Len - penguinish dosey-doe but if that's your worst you've a long way to go; Alesha - I don't think my mum would think that unattractive, you've got the goods, commend you on the lifts; Bruno - Mr Lobb - rhymes with Bob the Builder, swinging around like a bag of cement, lumbering and heavy. Score: 4/6/6/5 = 21 Pretty unfair comments and score I think, no credit for the fact that he actually went for it and showed a lot of promise for other Latin.

Brendulu and a redemptive foxtrot, an arty start with the mirror, anyone else holding their breath along with me and Lulu? Apart from a small balance issue and head placement it was well acted and elegant, well choreographer for her by Brendan, redemption achieved. Len - got through it, now work on polish, posture and feet, an improvement; Alesha - so much better, much more focused and in control, very atmospheric, lovely; Bruno - Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the prettiest one of all - you were, played it with the emotional fragility of a teenager in love whose heart is about to be broken, needs polish but you can dance if you want to; Craig - trying to keep up, chasing Brendan and need to decide to look left or right, not at Brendan's chest but lovely pivots and a really gorgeous standing spin. Score: 5/6/7/7 = 25

Artolly salsa and we have a maraca but not for long! Mas Que Nada the song (about the 3rd outing on SCD), but more a samba. Still not as convincing as I'd like her to be, slight error at the start but caught up, once she really let's go she'll be fab - it'll be good to see her ballroom, her lines and posture are too good for us to not see her do that. Alesha - you are a goddess, everything well placed, please just let go, stop questioning yourself, you could be amazing; Bruno - Stunner with a capital 'S' top of the range equipment, a few gremlins to sort out; Craig - some timing issues, limbo straddle need more but whole routine really great; Len - overriding criticism - go faster, apart from the limbo moves thought it was great. Score: 7/7/8/8 = 30

Rorin salsa to Matt and Flavia's song Vehicle - he's quite loose, working his feet and hips and what a shimmy! Actually looked and felt the most traditional salsa tonight! Go Rory - good effort! Bruno - Rory roaring into action full frontal attack *he's up* full of energy, gotta keep the fluidity going *cue Bruno impression*; Craig - like a rat caught on a sticky strip, no movement, I was slightly nervous every step you took; Len - you know how I feel, sat next to you! Not a natural dance for an English bloke (Rory's a Scot but we know what he means!) we don't flaunt our wobbly bits - high energy and give it a go and that's what you've gotta do in the salsa; Alesha - straight in, no messing, lots of personality, loved the shimmying, loosen up a bit. Score: 4/6/6/6 = 22

Robbiola foxtrot with an umbrella prop, oh no! But - very debonair, lovely opening, totally sold it, good timing, charming routine, the brolly did as it should! Well done, lovely surprise of a performance! Len - you little beauty, I'm tellin' ya *laughs at Craig* the more you give the more you get! Alesha - opening section fantastic, light footed, charming, beautiful choreography, right on track; Bruno - hair glistening like spun gold, teeth like piano keys, slick, confident, debonair; Craig - head placement needs sorting but showbiz and showmanship, I loved it! Score: 7/8/7/7 = 29 He's speechless, bless him; Jason's making up for it!

Robinita vocalise their salsa in training, live there's a little mistake early doors but she kept calm and carried on, nailed it thereafter, good fun, great partnership. Len - one or two incidents, fantastic fun fun fun; Alesha - put us all in the mood for cocktails Bruno - tropical tutti frutti cocktails, so much fun; Craig - bit like Bonnie Langford being chased by a barking Dalmation but danced brilliantly. Score: 7/7/7/7 = 28 Brian came in a Cuban shirt to support, isn't that nice?

Jastina foxtrot to Why Don't You Do Right and Jason does - he's giving Kristina the chance to finally express herself. Pure Hollywood, timing wonderful, classily delivered. Alesha - a real showman, committed 100%, mirrored each other, seductive; Bruno - So LA Confidential, great to see! Craig - head position needs attention, bit stiff, classy, stylish, magnificent routine; Len - full of flair and personality, footwork mostly good. Score: 8/8/9/9 = 33

Antonollio starting their salsa with the seduction of Craig and Len. Lifts, bit clumsy on the transitions, specially the last one; plenty of movement and not as stompy as training suggested but lots of mistakes again, I feel quite sorry for her. Bruno - looks like you've had a few gallons of champagne, no idea where you were but great style and glamour; Craig - frenetic, frantic, frenzied, any of those 'f' words *cue mock shock looks*; Len - best bit was the crafty glance up your dress, game girl, few incidents, kept going, well done; Alesha - can't work out whether you were trying to be funny or if it just was, didn't work for me, sorry. Ouch Alesha! Score: 3/5/2/4 = 14

Harriona foxtrot to Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars, not Billy Joel, strange choice I thought and just didn't get into it - until I watched it again and then I fell under its spell and found it quite lovely - dislike the floor spin in the foxtrot though and while his timing is perfect he needs to show more flair and less deliberate placement. Craig - you can dance BUT Aliona, sort out posture and head, wrist and thumb, could be fantastic; Len- nothing great but nothing terrible, lacked finesse and quality of movement, lift your chin; Alesha - one of the best dancers in this competition, was romantic, use the criticism and turn into a positive; Bruno - something very special, strong, focused, with the right nurturing will be fantastic. Score: 6/6/8/7 = 27

Russia having far too much fun together! Salsa to Dancing Queen, he didn't miss a beat, brilliant fun. But let's see him in ballroom now, I'm sure he'll do fine! Len - put the 'boy' in flamboyant! Alesha - adorable, brilliant for us watching you; Bruno - more glitter than a carnival float, I loved it; Craig - wasn't without flaws but darling, a dancing queen tonight, definitely. Score: 6/6/6/7 = 25

So, to the leaderboard:

Jastina: 32+33=65 14

Artolly: 28+30=58 13

Pashee: 27+29=56 12

Robinita: 28+28=56 12

Harriona: 28+27=55 11

Aleames: 22+29=51 10

Rorin: 27+22=49 9

Robbiola 19+29=48 8

Russia 21+25=46 7

Danya 21+21=45 6

Audalie 20+23=43 5

Brendulu 17+25=42 4

Vinwina 17+19=36 3

Antonollio 12+14=26 2

The scoring system I'm still not in favour of - Pashee and Robinita should have got 11 1/2 points each so the board can wind down to 1. With the Antonettes of the world no doubt uniting, Russia and Robbiola will be safe, which may leave Danya in the danger zone, sadly, possibly with Audalie and Vinwina, I hope Danya are safe as I think there's so much more to come from them.

Results Sunday 7.25pm, BBC 1!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Sneak Previews

2011-10-08T22:11:00.012+01:00

Straight in with Rorin on the sofa but why are we seeing their waltz training? Rory (making an impression) says the salsa is a different animal and he's making Erin (shalsha shizzler) knobbly-kneed (her words) with his Sean Connery impression and cracked us all up with his Julian Clary "he tweeted to say it lacks light and shade" - spot on! They're dancing to Matt and Flavia's song, Vehicle - makes you wonder if they are running out, Foxy! He thinks he needs hip replacement - his replaced with Artem's. Erin's had two inches removed from his waistline! He reckons she should be available on the NHS: patience, good sense of humour, clean driving licence, cleaning, baby sittings ...

Dishing on the dirty dancer - his dream partner is Victoria Beckham - he's the nicest, sweetest pro - wears great vests - biggest guns - it's obviously Robin *fast forwards* yes, it is!

Robbiola on the sofa and Robbie (Blonde Beauty) was embarrassed by Craig's comments last weeks. Ola (Ola- la) says criticism doesn't get easier, you just get on with it. And she's never had a partner with better hair and teeth than her! They're dancing to Ain't That A Kick in the Head.

Alesha should have been on the show but she's unwell so there's a birthday montage from the pro dancers and a pop-up-from-a-box: Russell has done her a full chart!

Maudlin videos of why they don't want to go home and then it's down to Pashee on the studio floor, shaking a lot, much harder than she thought. Trying to teach Pasha some Manchester lingo, like 'daft'! Or 'darft' as Zoe says. It's Sleeping Beauty Strictly Style and her yawning's making me yawn! But their song choice is fab-u-lous: Higher - and the armography looks amazing!

End credits - Jaws theme. Feather Boa Contstrictor. Lots of mugging to camera! But I'm not happy there's no Friday Panel!

In other news: Darren Gough's 10-point plan on how to win the Strictly Glitter Ball; Nigel Lythgoe and Debbie Allen to co-host US art network Ovation's the Battle of the Nutcrackers!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Bring on the Tools!

2011-10-06T21:46:00.008+01:00

It's the latest training updates - ballroom boys first: Harriona are looking so elegant, even through Harry's pain;likewise Robbiola, very smooth in hold, out of it needs more finesse; Jastina also going well, although he's having to work much harder - they're on the sofa ...

Jason (Aussie Rules) says it was such a big buzz on Saturday it's difficult to re-focus, it was one of only a handful of moments in his life that gave him such a lift. Kristina (Next door neighbour) is feeling dizzy - she's never topped the leader board before, or had such amazing comments from the judges! He's worried about his serious face and his legs going to jelly on the telly, but he has nailed a smooth Bugsy Malone character!

Foxy ladies training - Aleames struggling with her arms but timing looks good; Brendulu and she's struggling to keep up "it's a beautiful interpretation of something" says Brendan; Vinwina struggling with technique and elegance but working hard. They're on the sofa ...

Edwina (Poppa-dame) says her daughter is having sequin parties, that's how into it the family are. Vincent (Side dish) says the hardest challenge of his life is getting her to do as she's told. There could be murder on the dance floor on Saturday; not sure whether to cry or smile over the foxtrot yet.

Salsa ladies - Pashee freaking out, very fast, but she's going to be fab if she nails it; Robinita making their own musical accompaniment and it all looks to be there; Artolly again getting the routine but still has to let go; Antonollio - Anton will have to get his shirt off, still stompy, no fluidity. I can hear Craig now - brace yourselves.

Salsa gents - Danya - massive throwy type lift, reminiscent of Artara's one-armed finish thingy last year, athletic and natural, just needs sexy. Katya's happy! Audalie has hips and he's funky. Nat says he's like a sponge, remembers well - she's happy too! Rorin are looking fluid, quick feet - could be a very nice surprise! Russia's still loving it, lots of shimmying and shaking going on! They're on the sofa ...

Zoe reveals - Russell (Shell suited) used to babysit Claudia! The most random collection on a sofa ever - matching cushions and dresses, no shoes, recycling feather boas, being psychic and, he wants his costume NOW: Lots of ruffles for Russell!

D'you know what, we could be seeing a tale of two halves on the leader board this weekend - the top half male and the bottom half female, judging from these snippets!

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Wednesday Warm Up

2011-10-05T10:22:00.008+01:00

Artolly on the sofa and Holly (Holl Lotta Talent) says the wardrobe department are incredible. They didn't supply those, frankly, quite weird shoes she's wearing. Artem (Chig the champ) in Terminator 2: The Return. He's amazed she hasn't walked out. Salsa is goooooood, with the emphasis on doubtful.

Dancer in Disguise - can we recognise him? I'm sure it's a him, I can't imagine one of the ladies wearing that gorilla suit- it would appeal to the more macho of the men and style-wise, I'm thinking James.

Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up #1 After a brief sojourn to the vintage year of Zoe and Ian, Ian gives us the low down so far this week - foxtrots first: Brendulu - Lulu doing brilliantly well, yay! Heel turns! Robbiola could be really good, foxtrot technique excellent, keep arms up. Impeccable footwork. Ooooh! Vinwina - keeps eye contact, focused. Aleames much more at home and relaxed, left shoulder too far forward, make space. Jastina quality of movement, gorgeous long neck just like Ian's, lovely big strides, looks amazing - another good weekend ahead!

Antonollio on the sofa - What happened? Nancy (Boa constricted) said the stole was supposed to stay on the chaise lounge! When did you realise it was going wrong? Anton (Beke to basic) The Thursday before! Cut to mics during the performance and Anton's stream of encouragement - Nancy: What are you doing? Anton: Dancing. Keep going. Disappointed they couldn't show the dance, it was sweeping and musical. Salsa this week - bit stompy, no hips.

Points of You: Graham says Anton should have stopped and asked for a re-run; Karen asks: Did anyone else see Brendan nearly fall down the stairs and then give it some nonchalance?

Waite's Wednesday Warm-Up #2 - Salsas: Danya, using his height to good effect, big lift; Pashee - snakey hips, mirroring perfectly; Audalie - could move a lot more, get on the balls of his feet; Robinita doing really well, having the time of her life, needs releasing into her hips; Rorin needs more fluidity and rhythm, co-ordinate arms and hips; Russia - shimmmmy shimmmmyyyyy ...but why has Flav got the offending boa? Surely not?

Dancer in Disguise - the Reveal: It's James! Yay. I should've tweeted cos I bet you won't believe me!

Harriona on the sofa. Harry (When Harry met Ali) said it helped having the McFly boys there and Aliona (I'll have what she's having) said she does respect and listen to the judges but doesn't take it on board! Harry not so comfortable with the hip action, thinks it too womanly. Frankly Harry, in that video, that was mincing, let's say it as it is. Foxtrot looking quite lovely though, the armography particularly - hence they've renamed it the swantrot! Roll credits!

In other news, Len Goodman is on Who Do You Think You Are tonight, 9pm, BBC1. Yes, I know - it's probably past that now - there's always i-player! And Alesha Dixon will be hosting the MOBOs live with Jason Derulo from 10pm on BBC3.

The Guardian asks: Who should join Jessie J on the judging panel of The Voice, the Beeb's version of an American show, where the judges don't see the performers during their audition (although, as someone points out, the producers probably do and we all know how X-Factor/BGT work). But I may be tuning in, just in case we do discover a new Luther Vandross!

Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two: Dancing debrief!

2011-10-04T14:20:00.010+01:00

We've Aleames, Robinita, Danya and Karen Hardy's Choreography Corner! Like the Singing Corner (remember that?) only with more sequins!

And a wardrobe malfunction, as Zoe's bangle catches her sparkly jumper, unravels and tips her into Aleames' laps*; they're first on the sofa. *almost

Alex (Welsh One-der) was embarrassed with the sexy solo - since her dad was right there! James (Dancer Defender) says Craig was too harsh, no-one was being eliminated, he could've been more encouraging; he knocked some of the contestants for six and now they all have to deal with the confidence issues. Foxtrot next and there's already improvement - and they have a prop *eek*!

Choreography Corner #1 - Friday: Artolly - Artem the king - dynamic - interacting - speed changes - but Holly - eyes UP! Brendulu - meltdown tv - car crash - dancing is a leveller - must deliver the steps! Audalie - clever Nat - 3 days training - quite magical - swishes - turns - needs steps! Robbiola - Leading - brings her in - takes her down - in a partnership it's all about the woman, Ola will feel like a million dollars - he's got time - he's fabulous - great body too! Russia - the John Travolta days - if he does panto all the way through, we'll get bored - make him dance! Robinita - quintessential waltz - encases - presents - makes her feel like a lady.

Danya on the sofa and Dan (Danny Long Legs) is confused by the comments, some harsh, some not. Katya (Kat-ya if you can) says he WILL be hitting great lines. Passionate partners - if I yell at you, it's because I love you! Salsa next, looking good, he may be a Latin man and he's going for it 100%! That's what I want to hear!

Introducing Pasha, the newbie. Women want him, men want to be him, 'cept the professionals, who hate him. But not really ;)

Choreography Corner #2 - Saturday: Pashee - ending was too much - but no-one expected her to turn into a lady - less is more next time! Antonollio - shame - she's a prop herself, nothing else needed - got to come out with a rocket Salsa routine next week; Jastina - double whammys - yes, I'm loving this; yes I'm good - great dancing - great choreography - committed; Harriona - lack of hip action - so talented - great things going on - partnering - arms; Rorin - musicality - delivery - classic theatre work; Vinwina - hip action and having a good time!

Robinita on the sofa, general consensus is they're one of the best pairings ever. Both very emotional, Robin (Robin reliant) is welling up again. Anita (Wife of Brian) says it's their shared sense of humour. There may be a Queen tune in their repertoire, possibly! He can be happy or unhappy bobby, but she just calls him squirrel - he can get a lot of grapes in his mouth. Salsa next - it's insane, fast, fantastic - credits are rolling!

In other news - Nigel Lythgoe will be awarded the honorary International Emmy Founders Award at the ceremony on November 21st. And Dancing on Ice stars, Dan, Katie and Stuart turned out for the BIDCA charity ball.

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two - Back with added bling!

2011-10-03T21:08:00.009+01:00

Zoe glides and twirls her way, via the professional men, to the new sparklicious set. Len's Masterclass will never be the same: The only homage to Claudia - the towering stilettos!

Backstage pass: the nerves; the hairspray; the make up; the top quote: "If Faberge did Humpty Dumpty" - Rory, on Russell!

Brendulu on the sofa and Brendan (Coley-Moley) says Lulu (Great Scot) still performed and "when we remember the routine, we'll be a force to be reckoned with!" Who's the boss? Lulu indicates Brendan, who says "it took her a few days!" Yes Woman montage! Yes. No. Wrong? Will you be listening to him more now? "Yes!" Foxtrot next week - and Brendan wants it known he has NOT had plastic surgery, he just changed his hair, all right?

Audalie on the sofa - they only had three rehearsals together before the show! Mucho Kudos! But not so much for the toe treading. Audley's (The Gloves are Off) Strictly Philosophy ... his inner animal ... the benefits of lying ... mountains ... the politics of dance ... Keep Calm and Carry On! Salsa next week - Nat's (Be-Lowe the belt) excited - Audley talks of letting go, the inner animal's on his way to rock it!

Craig (Revel-Headed) flounces in to declare he thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. Loving the contestants, they're all so different and all have strengths and weaknesses. He didn't punish Aleames' illegal lift, early days. Explaining starchy - Alex wasn't dancing through her body, just placing. He called James' backchat stupid and foolish! And he doesn't care if they're all scared!

Of Vinwina, whom he didn't get to comment on, he says: Writhing around to no effect, granny at a wedding. She does have some movement! Antonollio were fine at the beginning - sitting down. Would've strangled her with the stole. Pashee, he liked, even without a single heal lead and the almost falling over. Genuinely excited by the arm use through to beautiful hands. From Russia he would have liked a few more basics, but Russell has great rhythm and he's looking forward to more entertainment from him next week, and also to Lulu getting it right!

Till the morrow, dear folk!

Strictly Come Dancing: Week One – Bonza Bonanza

2011-10-02T14:33:00.003+01:00

It’s a welcome back to the bad jokes and the occasional chuckly one, the good cop-bad cop judges, the camaraderie and above all, lots of sparkly stuff! We’ve the Red Button again this year – looks like Karen Hardy will be a feature, joined by celeb guest each week – this week, it’s comedian and Let’s Dance’s ‘Single Ladies’ Katy Brand. Tess’ dress – not so good for widescreen, Auntie Su, just sayin’. But I’m loving Kristina’s hair and right up until the stole er, stole the show, I thought Nancy’s was Dress of the Week!

Artolly are out with the cha cha first, to Who’s That Chick – good song choice, feels a bit slow though, nervy but good attempt, tight technique, present out – eyes front, Holly and let yourself go. Len – close to best 1st dance; Alesha – convincing; Bruno – footwork good, needs more bite, go for it, you’ve got it; Craig – needs sharper arm placement, flexed knees, lacked hip action, fantastic flexibility. Score: 6/7/8/7 = 28

Danya next with the waltz Katya promised would be beautiful, and it was. A gorgeous routine to Are You Lonesome Tonight and when he relaxed into it, Dan was smooth and elegant, good musicality, I thought. Len disagreed – bit wooden, lacked musicality, hold good, footwork good; Alesha very elegant, confident, relaxed, be proud; Bruno – technically quite accomplished; perform believably all the way through; Craig – tentative lead, top line hideously rigid, transitions, amalgamations *fingers in ears time* la la la la. Score: 4/7/7/6 = 24

Brendulu with their cha cha and a promising beginning full of attitude unfortunately deteriorated as Lulu decided to sing instead of dance to I Got The Music In Me! Quite a bit made up there, which is a real shame, apparently the rehearsal was fine. Full of energy but I was expecting more from them. Alesha – thanks for getting the party started; Bruno – Weeeeeeeeeeellllllllll – what the hell were you doing? Forget about the steps, nobody cares, energy great, steps down the toilet; Craig – darrnce disarrrster – you made it up from beginning to end; Len – plenty of boom-bang-a-bang but nothing to shout about. (see what he did there, I don’t care if it’s scripted!) Fun and entertaining. Score: 2/5/5/5/ = 17

Audalie in the arms of the Angel for their waltz, emotional song, nice start, not so fluid once they set off. Audley needs to straighten up, let Natalie dance up to him, quite light but a bit flat footed in the spins, good effort, potential there. Bruno – surprisingly light and graceful, refine footwork; Craig – spatulistic hands, standing spin flat footed; Len – a charm about a big geezer doing a waltz, punch Craig when you pass! Score: 3/5/6/6/ = 20

Robbiola’s paso – type cha cha to Bad Boys (I had that down as a jive!) and there’s no denying he went for it! Lacking a few steps but strong partnering and has clearly taken on board everything Ola asked for – there is potential though, I spied some rhythm so it’ll be nice to see what he can do in hold – but it seems that some of them cha cha-ing may have salsa next week, bit unfair. Len – the hair matches; tendency to stand, Ola a wasp at a picnic, best footballer we’ve had; Alesha – ‘A’ for effort, room for growth; Bruno – Robbie, you savage *groan* ravaged the cha cha, nice cleavage (Robbie!); Craig – all very Abercrombie and Fitch, all look no dancing. Score: 2/6/6/5 = 19

Robinita waltz to my favourite waltz song, Three Times a Lady – gorgeous lines, bit stuttery occasionally, emotionally connected, well acted, lovely, lovely routine and Anita lost in the moment, so appealing to an audience – my fave so far. Alesha – beautiful to watch, most sincere of the night; Bruno – elegant, poised, beautifully acted; Craig – whole routine gorgeous, watch head placement. Score: 7/7/7/7 = 28

Russia and the most eagerly awaited cha cha of any series, ever! Dancing to Venus and emerging from oyster shells - he’s got it, oh baby, he’s got it! Timing, that it! Who else is smiling? All the way through? Yeah. That’s what we want, seeing someone having a Good Time! Bruno – it’s uncanny, Frankie Howerd doing Bananarama (no, don’t think literally. Ew); Len – macho! Love it!; Alesha – first standation, let’s go clubbing! Craig – the birth of something, not Venus! Score: 4/5/6/6/ = 21.

Halfway through and they’ve reverted to black out material for Tess’ dress on Saturday night – where’s the sparkle? Harriona kicking us off, a cha cha to best song of the week, Move Like Jagger. Oh, I say, very sexy mover, our Harry, Timing. Smooth. Very proficient, using the drumsticks in training a good move. McFly (Sounds like a Scottish budget airline – Brucie) Oh. Yes. Well done! The band too, fab! Brucie announces that Craig is leaving us at the end of the series but he’s only joking – “we couldn’t manage without you ... we’d like to try but...” Len – Dirty Harry, made my day. Liked the mix, be more oily, bloomin’ good; Alesha – wasted behind the drums, focused, made it look easy; Bruno *eyebrow* very fit, tight, muscular performance, confidence, went for it; Craig – too placed; too clean; too straight; depositing the steps, lacked hip action. Score: 6/7/8/7 = 28

Rorin waltz to When Will I Hold You Again, lovely routine, performed very well, confident and smooth BUT – lose the static Tony Blair vacant smile!!! Alesha – not bad at all, beautiful transfixed smile?! Watch posture, beautifully played; Bruno – channelling Fred, relax the frozen smile, you’re good; Len – first class impression of a waltz; Craig – spot: head follows body, bottom sticks out in spins; turns exaggerated, danced with elegance and panache! Score: 27

Aleames cha cha to When Love Takes Over. But first – you saw it coming a mile off, it was still funny: “Alex says she’s related to Tom Jones/How do you know, there are so many Jones’, it must be quite common/It’s not unusual!” Moving quickly on, a good first effort, she had the attitude, needs more attack, too soft, loved the joint ripple (obviously!) Bruno – sometimes very good, sometimes right exit-left exit-crash position; Craig – incongruous, starchy, stiff, lacked excitement (James cuts in to chastise!) Len – parts really good, parts nearly good – for a first dance, excellent job; Alesha – fun and flirty, all the package, go for it. Score: 4/6/6/6 = 22

Pashee waltz to See The Day – fab vocal from Hayley – and a very confident, elegant start from Chelsee, little stumbly in places, but nice lines and a beautiful waltz, touching and a real connection. Craig – whirling dervish, phrasing excellent, great pivots, some balance issues; Len – started like Petula Clark, ended like Lady GaGa, liked it overall, elegant start, manic end, jolly good, well done; Alesha – a little princess, feminine, dramatic, romantic, placed it really well; Bruno- few stumbles but natural ability to extend lines through phrasing, musicality, looking forward to seeing you grow. Score: 7/6/7/7 = 27 Don’t often see Craig outscore Len!

Vinwina with their cha cha to Build Me Up Buttercup and I’m loving the fringe work on the dress for the most traditional cha cha we’ve seen so far, performed competently. Edwina clearly enjoying herself and not minding showing her knickers to the judges at all! Better than anticipated, tidy job. Len – great fun, danced with confidence, proud of you; Alesha – pitched perfectly, good rhythm; Bruno – the old cougar made the most of the merchandise. Score: 2/5/5/5 – 17

Antonollio waltz to In Napoli and I loved the start, looks like Nancy is up for a laugh. Unfortunately, the wardrobe malfunction doesn’t give us the chance to see whether she can really dance or not, or whether the mucking about was hiding the fact that she can’t, as they only stayed in one place spinning thereafter. Alesha – you carried on, we’ve all been there; Bruno – was looking forward to the storytelling, a curtain stuck on spin cycle; Craig – forget the props altogether; Len – too long messing about, let the lady dance. Score: 1/4/3/4 = 12 Ouch.

Wrapping up Week One, it’s Jastina, with a cha cha to Gimme Some Lovin’, which I had to convince myself was NOT ZZ Top ... great attitude “it’s life, man, nothing’s perfect” great movement and attack, fun, energetic, he’s totally in the zone – Kristina is one happy little bunny tonight! Brilliant to watch, really got the audience going! Bruno – JD in cha cha charge, Strictly’s in business; Craig – G’day, mate, bonza, beauty; Len – best dance of the night; Alesha – fantastic, super super fun, everything you want in a cha cha. Score: 8/8/8/8 = 32.

That’s it folks! Leaderboard stands thus:

Jastina 32

Artolly 28

Harriona 28

Robinita 28

Pashee 27

Rorin 27

Danya 24

Aleames 22

Russia 21

Audalie 20

Robbiola 19

Brendalu 17

Vinwina 17

Antonollio 12

But we all know the leader board positions mean zilch, no-one is ever safe – so I’ll hold judgement on who I think is in danger because it could all turn around next week!

Chemical Reactions: Robinita; Danya; Pashee; Jastina – clearly their relationships are already well forged, dancing as one, plenty of eye contact and comfortable around each other in training and in the live show. On the other hand, Artolly are never going to share what Artara did, whilst Brendan will soon revert to Bad Boy if Lulu can’t get it together on the night. Likewise Anton with Nancy, you could already see he was dragging her along.

Dark Horse – Danya. Katya proved her comic abilities last year and Dan is that quiet unassuming type who came out with a cracking little one liner – much likeability there and he can actually dance too, ballroom anyhow. Still may need the acting coach, but I’m sensing a Gethin-like journey.

Surprises of the week – Brendulu’s bad meltdown a big disappointment, let’s hope they’ve the foxtrot next week so Brendan can guide. Pashee – Chelsee so very sweet and overwhelmed by the reaction, made up for the annoying voice!

Don’t deprive yourself during the week – It Takes Two is back with new hostess Zoe Ball, 6.30pm BBC2. Keeeeep watching!

Strictly Come Dancing Snippets; Louie Spence; NTA

2011-09-28T09:58:00.006+01:00

Aleames training seems to be consisting mainly of the hand jive at the moment and in the rare moments we see, Alex looks bit un-coordinated and yes, Bambi-like! Nice arms though!

There are five dance shows in the running for the Best Talent Show award at the National Television Awards: Strictly Come Dancing; Dancing on Ice; So You Think You Can Dance; Let's Dance For Comic Relief and Got To Dance. Also nominated are Britain's Got Talent, X-Factor and Popstar to Operastar. Vote for your winners here.

The BBC have threatened to sue organisers of a raunchy show called Strictly Erotica, which features the famous Glitter Ball in its promotional material along with two ex-dancers, Andrew Cuerden and Hanna Haarala, from Series 3. I'm with the Beeb on this one - SCD is a family show and the Erotica show is clearly anything but. And there are some dippy people out there - none of you, obviously - who will see the Glitter Ball, recognise the dancers and turn up to receive the shock of their lives! Not Good!

Louie Spence on why there won't be another series of Pineapple Dance or his showbiz show.