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Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Strictly Cracked Ribbing
Jodie Kidd has fractured a rib, according to reports.
The Daily Mail reports that she cracked a rib during training for the American smooth.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Jodie injured herself pretty badly while training to do the American Smooth dance two weeks ago. It was a very challenging routine with a couple of tough lifts. During one of them, Ian held Jodie a little too tightly and fractured her rib. At the time she didn’t realise how bad the injury was but as the week wore on she felt very sore and short of breath. Her chest was very tight and she decided to have things checked out. She had an X-ray, which found a hairline fracture to one of her left ribs. Jodie was upset because she didn’t want to have to pull out of the show. She insisted on doingthe dance last Saturday... Ian is feeling guilty – he did not realise his own strength. He has been going to physio with her and doing everything he can to make her comfortable while rehearsing."
According to the Sunday People, Austin didn't want to flex his muscles for the camera, but Tess cajoled him.
He said: "People say I desperately wanted to get my arms out but I didn't at all. Tess said she might get me to do it and I said, 'Please don't.' But she did and it was bizarre. I don't want to go out there and just stand on a stage and tense and pose."
Poor Austin. It must be tough having the nation's women fancying him all of a sudden...
Here are my thoughts on Week 6 of Strictly Come Dancing.
Lisa &Brendan's paso was a great start to the show. Lisa looked confident and the routine was fantastic. Lisa needs to straighten her knees a bit more in places, and be careful not to raise her shoulders. But that's being quite picky.
Andrew did a good job with the Viennese waltz, much better than his other ballroom routines. Ola's choreography was quite simple - there weren't too many turns and no fleckerls. But it was good to see Andrew in control on the floor. His posture was much improved, although his butt was still sticking out in places.
Christine &Matthew's paso didn't really do it for me. It was a little bit stumbly. Christine needs to watch her balance. Also, she needs to watch her second arm which tends to hang down by her side. The dance lacked something.
Austin &Erin's Viennese waltz was excellent. It was smooth and romantic. His fleckerls were well executed and it was a pleasure to watch. He leads very well. Austin was back to his old form. And beautiful choreography from Erin.
Cherie &James' paso was all a bit 'nice' for me. Although Cherie danced the choreography well, the whole thing lacked drama and attack. The error at the top didn't seem to throw her, which shows what a pro she is, but this aggressive dance didn't suit her balletic style.
A much better performance from Heather & Brian this week. Ballroom seems to be Heather's strength over the latin. She looked comfortable and relaxed in Brian's hold. She needs to watch her second arm in hold, and her head, but it was a huge improvement, and perhaps enough to keep her out of the bottom two.
Mark's paso was stompy and awkward. Mark spent the whole time looking at Hayley for cues. He seems to not know the work very well. He did give the dance some attack, but it's difficult to do that unless you really know the choreography inside out. I did enjoy Hayley, though - I thought it was her best performance.
Tom &Camilla's Viennese waltz was stunning. It was smooth, elegant and poised. It had romance and a dream-like quality that was wonderful. His fleckerl was flat-footed, and that was the only downer in an otherwise brilliant performance.
John managed to get through the paso doble without smiling once, which was excellent. The dance really wasn't for him, though. The one thing in John's favour though, is that he knows the choreography and doesn't go wrong. I love John & Kristina, but I am starting to wonder if his days might be numbered in the competition. A couple more weeks, and him staying will be unfair.
Rachel &Vincent's Viennese waltz was simply beautiful. I loved Vincent's choreography, which was pitched perfectly once again. Rachel was graceful and in control the whole time. She looks stunning on the floor. Ballroom is her strength.
Finally, Jodie & Ian did a good job with the paso. Although Jodie did stumble in places, she had the characterisation of the dance down. It was the most dramatic paso of the night and this was what I wanted to see. She seemed to muddle her feet in places, but overall it had performance.
I think Mark & Hayley were the weakest and should be sent home. I'm not sure who else should be with them in the bottom two. Perhaps - dare I say it? - Christine & Matthew. Or perhaps Andrew & Ola.
Brendan Cole must be feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.
He told Now magazine that his £30,000 pay cheque just about tides him over: "My money from Strictly just about pays the bills. I don’t have a car. I would like to get one, but until then I’m on the Tube. I don’t even own my house. I can’t afford it. I rent where I live."
Poor Brendan. But I feel his pain. I don't have a car either. And it takes me a darn sight longer than 3 months to earn £30k...
The Sun spent some time with Strictly dress designer Su Judd this week.
The celebrities do have a small influence over the dresses. Su explains: "I have about four to five hours with [each female celebrity] where we design their 12 dresses. We spend as much time as we need to get what they want out of it and I ask them to bring in dresses they really like or cuttings from magazines so I get a sense of their style."
Look out for the slideshow for ideas on how you can get the Strictly look on the high street.
Cherie: "Me As Some Kind Of Sex Object? I Really Don't Think So"
Despite being the diva of the dancefloor on Strictly, and recieving sackloads of saucy fan mail, Cherie Longhi doesn't see herself as a sex symbol.
She tells the Daily Mirror: "This may come as a shock to some people but I can't help the way I feel. How others perceive me is, of course, entirely up to them and I am flattered by the attention and interest I am now receiving. But me as some kind of sex object? I really don't think so - that's not how I see myself and it's not how I've seen myself for a little while now."
She plans to grow old gracefully and play roles that suit her, rather than opt for surgery to keep young.
She also tells of her love of ballroom over the years: "My mum - and my granny and I - would close the curtains, turn on the TV and snuggle up and watch Come Dancing. It was actuallymy granny who was the biggest fan, she loved the show and she passed on her passion for it to me. I loved the dancing but also the frocks and the glamour. It seemed like a very special world they were inhabiting, as the dancers spun around the dancefloor under the powerful lights, a world of glamour and excitement. It's a world that I've always kept a vision of at the back of my mind and the chance to be a part of the modern version of it was irresistible."
Mark Foster & Hayley Holt took some time out of training this week to visit a school in St Neots, Cambridgeshire to talk to the children and inspire them to challenge themselves.
Mark told the Town Crier: "It was a great pleasure meeting the pupils at the college and I really enjoyed giving my presentation to them. Both Hayley and I really appreciated the very interesting questions that the pupils asked us."
Hayley added: "It was such a fun morning and I so enjoyed myself. The pupils were brilliant - they were so enthusiastic and clearly very pleased to meet us. We, in turn, were absolutely delighted to be at the college and lead their assembly."
Former Strictly participant Fiona Phillips has asked readers of her Mirror column to vote for her colleague Andrew Castle.
She writes: "Having nearly dropped his dancing partner last Saturday, my mate Andrew Castle is being insulted in the street on a daily basis. One bloke told him this week: "Well done on Strictly Come Dancing," adding-just as Andrew bristled with pride - "You're making all of us with two left feet feel better." The poor guy has shed pounds, has a dodgy hip and bleeding feet. You could always make him feel better by voting for him..."
Nice try Fiona, but it sounds like you're asking for sympathy votes. Don't you find it annoying when the public keep in the people that can't dance??
To be fair to Andrew, he does work very hard and he would beat Fiona in a dance-off. Then, so would I...
I would love Andrew to come out and nail it. Then I would pick up my phone and vote for him.
Kenny Logan has been talking to ITN about the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. He has revealed thatt he will performing the paso doble and American smooth.
She told the paper: “I decided to appear on the show because I thought it would be fun. I’ve had no formal dance training before but I love to dance. It’s quite difficult but Brian’s a great dancer and teacher, and I know I’ll continue with it. I like to dance salsa because of the Latin rhythm and its energy, but I also like the quickstep, even though it’s very different. There’s an elegance to it I enjoy.”
Heather got a lucky escape in the dance-off this week. I hope she is having fun, and that she can show the judges what she is made of next week.
Craig Revel Horwood has revealed that he'd like to see Strictly Come Dancing return to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
He told the Blackpool Gazette: "I love Blackpool and I think it's really sad the BBC don't film Strictly here. I demand it goes back! The Tower Ballroom puts a lot of pressure on the professionals and the celebrities to perform to the best of their potential. What a wonderful place to go live to 12 million people! We have got to get the BBC to bring Strictly Come Dancing back to Blackpool, everybody has got to write in!"
I would love to see Strictly return to Blackpool. It was fantastic to watch the couples performing there. Blackpool is the spiritual home of ballroom dancing in the Britain. And I'm sure you can fit a bigger audience in there!
As someone who hasn't secured tickets to be in the audience (for the first time since Series 2), I'd support anything that makes the studio bigger!!
The Daily Mail featured a lovely interview with Kristina last week.
It is clear how fond she has become of John during their short partnership.
She says: "I read he was political journalist, or something like that. But I still don't think I understood just how famous he was. It was only once we got going, and everyone was talking and writing about him that I understood that he was like some sort of national treasure. I ended up thinking, 'My goodness I will have to be careful with him. I must not break him'."
It's so nice that they get on so well. Although it's 'strictly' business: "He is very cute, adorable actually, but not sexy for me, no. He is more like a father figure to me, like a mentor. I can talk to him about anything in the world. He is the most wonderful man and he knows so much about Russia, my country, perhaps due to his job, but also because his mother was Russian. We have an affinity there, I think. He is also very easy to talk to. I don't usually open up to people much, but John has a way of making you feel completely at ease. I find myself telling him everything that is going on in my life. He asks about my family, about everything really. I can really talk to him."
It's well worth reading the whole interview if you have time.
Arlene Phillips has told The Telegraph that she might not be available for the next series of Strictly because of a tempting offer from the US.
She told the paper: “Next year, I’ve got a big decision to make because I’ve been invited to choreograph a huge musical in America at the same time. I can’t do both. I can’t see myself commuting back and forth from the States, as Len and Bruno do.”
The Daily Mail claims today that Len may make a choice between Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars.
The paper claims that Len wasn't going to do both this year, but was talked around.
Len said: "I wasn't going to do it this year - the flying backwards and forwards - but I got talked into it again. But this will probably be the last time. I'll have to make the decision - if they ask me - whether to do the British show or the American show. My heart wants to do the British show but my head - the money - makes me want to do the American one."
The paper also says that claims at the weekend that Bruce is quitting are untrue.
A BBC spokesman said: "It is not true Bruce has not quit Strictly Come Dancing. We adore him and love having him as an integral part of the show."
Bruce's manager Ian Wilson said the same: "The story is not true and it is being put in the hands of our solicitors tomorrow morning."
At last! Week 5 and the proper start to the competition. Would Cherie or Austin come out on top? Who will be starting the car?
I know the result has already been announced, but I am writing this without knowing what happened. I am a little late this week...
I agreed with the judges that Rachel needs to let go a bit more. But overall, there is very little to fault with her samba. Rachel & Vincent have a great partnership. I'm starting to wonder if Rachel's slightly stronger on the ballroom side. Rachel could use her hips more, but she's doing well. She has the potential to go far in the competition.
Lisa &Brendan's American smooth had wonderful old Hollywood glamour. The routine had great musicality. Lisa needs to watch her balance in places. Although my balance is terrible, especially on pirouettes so I won't hold that against her.
Heather &Brian's samba left me a bit cold. Like Rachel, Heather needs to relax and go for it a bit more. She had learnt the choreography, but she didn't look consumed by the music and the dance. The start was strong, but by halfway through, she seemed to be looking to Brian for prompts about what she was doing. If you're not sure what's coming next, it does affect your performance. You can't relax and perform if you're worrying about what comes next.
Cherie &James' American smooth was stylish and controlled. Cherie delivers every time she steps onto the floor. She is precise and places everything so well. You have to wonder if any dance will trip her up.
Mark continues to look awkward. He made errors in the samba. He shimmied and walked through most of the number, but simply didn't dance enough. That said, he had bags more attack than before. His acting lessons with John helped, but Hayley has her work cut out.
Don & Lilia did a solid job with the American smooth. Don needs to watch his shoulders, but otherwise he did OK. He also needs to enjoy the dance more, or at least look at though he is.
Austin didn't seem to be quite on his his game last night. His timing was out in several places. I hope Austin isn't becoming complacent. I think it was a off week for Austin. Erin's choreography was fun and lively.
My heart went out to Andrew after his American smooth. When he was out of hold, he stood tall and looked like a dancer. But when he got hold of Ola, he hunched over her. He needs to not dance down to her. Of course, the lift was not good, but the whole thing just didn't flow. It wasn't smooth.
Christine & Matthew did a nice samba, but something about it left me disappointed. I'm not really sure why. Maybe it was a wee bit untidy. She needs a little more control. Christine is infectious to watch though. Her love of dance really shines through. I hope she improves as the competition continues.
Jodie &Ian's American smooth had bags of musicality and glamour. Jodie is really starting to perform and seems to be over her early nerves. She is now starting to relax and enjoy what she is doing. She's going from awkward to elegant.
John's charm continues to carry him through. The samba was another charming effort. I loved Kristina's musical interpretation, but perhaps a little slow. John's timing isn't bad, even if his dancing isn't the greatest. I did grin all the way through his routine.
Tom was the smoothest dancer of the night. I loved the routine, I loved the performance, I loved everything aboutTom & Camilla. I think they were better than Lisa & Brendan who ended with the same score. Tom had the character of the dance totally down. He presented his work brilliantly and looked fantastic. He wiped the floor with Austin, and everyone else. Fantastic.
It's difficult to choose a bottom two. It was a bad night for Andrew & Ola, so probably them. And with them I would probably put Mark & Hayley. I think Heather is a stronger dancer than Mark, and I have been taken in by John's charm.
Tom Chambers told the Derbyshire Evening Telegraph that he was more nervous about tonight's American smooth than his wedding tomorrow.
He said: "I am more nervous about dancing on Saturday night than the wedding itself. I've been waiting for this day for 11 years so am not nervous in the slightest. It will be the best day of my life."
If Tom's wedding is anything like his American smooth it will be amazing!
At last, after four long years, the Strictly Come Dancing singers and band have recorded a new album of Strictly music.
The list of songs included is pretty good:-
Strictly Come Dancing Theme Tune Hot Hot Hot Let's Get Loud Ran Kan Kan These Boots Are Made For Walking Shake A Tail Feather Sing Sing Sing I Got Rhythm Night And Day Jealousy That's Amore A Time For Us The Blowers Daughter Los Amigos California Dreaming Lost Somebody Told Me Smiley Faces Vehicle
It's the last two tracks that excite me the most. The opening bars of Smiley Faces always makes me smile whenever it comes on my MP3 player. I love Louisa & Vincent's jive. And Vehicle, Matt & Flavia's salsa, is just such a great tune.
The first four celebrities who are taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour have been announced.
From Series 2 there is finalist Julian Clary and winner Jill Halfpenny. Erin will not be a part of the tour, so it will be interesting to see who will partner Julian.
And from Series 5 we have Kenny Logan, and semi-finalist Gethin Jones.
If I get to see Jill & Darren's jive, it is money well spent. I knew booking another five shows was not a mistake!
Heather Small has admitted to the Sunday Mail that all this dancing has pepped up he love life.
She told the paper: "I've always had pep in my step but now it's got renewed vitality. Dancing makes you very aware of your body and all the exercise has made me very excited. I've lost weight, I feel tighter and there's something that happens inside of you that bubbles away...a renewed passion."
She sings Brian's praises too: "Brian is a flatterer, a charmer and his way works for me. But he's only patient to a point. When I'm not doing it right after a few times he'll say, 'OK enough, let's get on with it'. We're like brother and sister but when he's my dance partner he's the leader and I listen to him."
It's time for the National Television Awards again.
The shortlists have been drawn up, and you can vote for Strictly Come Dancing in the Most Popular Talent Show category. Competition come from ITV heavyweights Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor and some rubbish ice-skating Strictly rip-off.
Rachel Stevens kept a behind-the-scenes diary for the Sunday Mirror.
Friday at 4pm is quite cute: "Back to the dance studio for a last practice with my dance partner Vincent Simone. He's lovely and so good-looking. I call him my Italian stallion and he calls me Little Princess." Bless.
I love the entry for 5.50pm on Saturday: "The show starts. Vincent whispers to me: "Think like Ginger." It's a big smile and a deep breath..." So sweet!
It was ladies' night once again this week on Strictly Come Dancing.
Christine & Matthew kicked off the show in energetic quickstepping fashion. I agreed with Len that the opening was a bit long, but the performance was lovely. Christine displayed lots of personality and her love of dance shines through. Her footwork was solid and the routine had good musicality. She needs to watch her left arm, which has a tendency to drop.
It was clear that Jodie & Ian had worked hard on their rumba. On the whole, she did a good job. The couple seemed to connect, which was good. The routine was right for her, and she was in control of her long limbs throughout most of the dance. She could have had a bit more hip action, but for someone who was finding it difficult to be sexy, I thought it was a good effort.
Heather & Brian gave a solid quickstep performance. The routine was within Heather's capabilities, but it lacked pizazz for me. Heather was nice and light on her feet and the pair covered the floor well.
Cherie &James' rumba was pitched perfectly. It was romantic, simple and elegant. The rumba is one of the hardest dances to sell to the audience, especially at a beginner level because it can be very dull without the speed and sharp turns that you see at competition standard. Yet one was totally swept away by Cherie & James' storytelling. Cherie is so elegant and has beautiful arms and legs which she controls so well. Her hip action was so natural. This could be the benchmark for future Strictly rumbas and could take its place in Strictly history with Jill & Darren's jive and Zoe & Ian's tango.
Jessie &Darren's quickstep was a little tentative. Jessie looked nervous throughout. But I think it was an improvement from the salsa. She needs to be more in control and not cling on to Darren so much. She also needs to watch her posture and avoid sticking her bottom out. She made a small error near the top which meant her nerves take over. She needs to learn to mentally shrug her shoulders if she makes a mistake, and make sure the rest of the routine is so good, the judges let her mistake go, or even don't see it.
Brendan went for the more showy style of rumba, but he had a lovely connection with Lisa, something that was totally missing in his rumba with Kelly last year. I loved the walks at the opening and close, and it was lovely to see a confident Lisa on the floor. I also loved the series of turns at the end, which Lisa executed very well. As with Cherie & James, the storytelling was engaging. I wished the dance could have been longer.
Rachel &Vincent's quickstep was easily the best quickstep of the evening. It was light, bright and energetic. Choreographically, it was spectacular and interesting with brilliant musicality. Again, I agreed with Len that it look too long to get into hold, but in spite of that, I did really like the opening and close. They covered the floor very well indeed. This is what all the quicksteps should have been.
It's a good thing the boys' group rueda wasn't being marked, because it was a bit chaotic and messy. It was fun to watch, but I thought their last group dance was better. The partner swapping was quite intriguing, mind you. And I liked the part where they lifted the girls up.
Cherie & James and Rachel & Vincent were top dogs once again. It was very unusual for the rumbas to steal the show, especially when up against the quickstep which is one of the most spectacular, but that's what happened this week.
Bottom for me were Jessie & Darren. But I'd love to see Jessie raise her game in the dance off. I'm not sure who else I would have put in the bottom two. Possibly Heather & Brian.
I can't wait for the proper competition to begin next week.
John is quite surprised by the reaction he has got from the public, especially the ladies, since his Strictly Come Dancing advenutre began.
He told the Daily Mirror: “I am amazed at all the positive reaction I’ve got from some women, I can’t believe it. I think it’s funny.”
Of course, he has high praise for Kristina: "I think people just want to watch us. We never have cross words. If I am grumpy she makes me feel better and if she is fed up I’ll do the same. She is the ultimate professional and a fantastic teacher. We have this thing where she squeezes my hand at certain moments during the dance so I know what I’m doing.”
Cherie: "This Is The Hardest Thing I've Ever Done"
Cherie Longhi is having a blast being a part of Strictly.
She told the Daily Mail how overwhelmed she has been by all the support she has had: "Everywhere I go, people wish me good luck, cabbies toot their horns. It's lovely. I have a theory: in straitened times, there's nothing like a bit of unapologetic escapism."
She explains that she and James are getting on like a house on fire: "We clicked from the word go. He's very direct, but with a playful sense of fun. All of which is good because you have to acquire an instant relationship when you dance, a chemistry. You get very close very quickly. Well, your hands are all over each other. It's a short cut to a form of professional intimacy."
Professional intimacy. What a fantastic way to describe how dancers have to have. I wish more male dancers in my classes would understand that.
Tom Chambers has invited Camilla to play gooseberry on his honeymoon in order to get his training in.
Tom, who gets married to Clare next Sunday, will have just 24 hours alone with his bride. Then Camilla will be joining the pair to make sure Tom doesn't slack off!
Camilla told The Sun: “I am a little bit embarrassed that I will get in the way. I am going to lock myself in my room as soon as we have finished practising.”
Ian Waite would like to make it to tango week with Jodie, having not performed the dance with a Strictly partner since the amazing tango with Zoe Ball.
He told the Reading Evening Post: “I hope Jodie continues to improve and impress the judges and the voting public. Hopefully, she will stay in the competition for long enough to show what she can do as I honestly believe she could be a great dancer. I would really like to see Jodie dance a tango, a dance that I have not performed with a celebrity partner on the show since Zoe Ball in series three. A tango would really bring out certain elements of Jodie’s character, in particular her determination.”
Bruno Tonioli will be a part of the 2009 Strictly Come Dancing Live tour.
He told the Southport Visiter: “I am so excited to be doing the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour this time, I really missed out last year due to TV commitments in America. The tour was a huge success, a complete sell out at all venues across the country! This year, it's going to be even better – skilful routines and beautiful costumes brought together by fantastic live music - it's going to be great!”
This is fantastic news. I really missed his crazy comments last time.
According to The Sun, Hayley secured Mark some acting lessons - from John Barrowman.
A source told the paper: “Hayley really wants to win and will not let a little thing like this stop her. Mark’s in with a good chance now John’s given him pointers.”
Jodie is finding that the sensual side of the rumba is coming more easily than she expected, because she thinks Ian is so lovely.
The Sun quotes Jodie: “The dance is very sensual and I have to act like I’m in love with Ian — which I have to say isn’t hard. He’s so lovely. The rhumba’s very sexy and that’s one thing I’m just not... Getting up close and personal with Ian has been fine. You do become incredibly close.”
I was actually half expecting Adrian to take part this year. But I think both Christine and Adrian would be an asset to the show, both having bags of personality and both willing to have a go at anything. You have to be a bit like a Blue Peter presenter to host The One Show.
Strictly Series 4 winner Mark Ramprakash got his dancing shoes back out to dance the tango with Series 1 pro Kylie Jones at the launch of the new Ford Fiesta at the Tower of London last week.
Despite that rain, the stars and the cars performed to a live 30-piece orchestra.
Jodie, Andrew and Ian also managed to take a break from training to attend the event.
Austin & Erin kicked off the show with an electrifying jive. Austin was so light on his feet, had fantastic bounce and neat kicks. Erin's routine had fantastic musicality and suited Austin perfectly. A fabulous music choice. Their strong scores were well deserved.
Mark needs to watch his topline in places. He has a tendency to hunch over Hayley. He could do with posture lessons from Ian. Mark & Hayley appeared to be lacking any connection or passion. I agreed with Craig that it was an improvement over the waltz. Perhaps latin is more Mark's thing...
Gary has lots of timing issues, and counted his way through most of the jive. Karen's choreography was quite clever - she added lots of pauses to allow Gary to get back on time, and often danced a bar alone, allowing Gary to pick up the dance in the second bar. But alas, it wasn't enough. Gary has improved since the cha cha, but would probably be better off with ballroom where Karen could back-lead him. Will we get to see Gary's ballroom? We may never know...
John's love of dance is infectious, but it's a shame it showed through so much during the tango. As the judges noted, his tango was too 'nice'. His dancing was good, but his performance lacked the drama and passion required. Also, he needs to watch his kicks which were a bit untidy and not flicky enough. I'm not looking forward to his jive after such unsightly kick ball-changes. But you have to adore John & Kristina's partnership.
Andrew & Ola's tango had fantastic musicality. I loved the opening set of kicks, and I thought the headbanging was quirky. As the judges commented, Andrew needs to not stick out his bottom. Perhaps a ballet class would help. Where Mark hunches over his shorter partner, Andrew sits down to Ola's level. But an improvement on the waltz. And I adored Ola's frock!
Tom & Camilla's jive ended the show in a similar energetic style to the start. Like Austin, Tom had lots of bounce. Thankfully, he was much more on the balls of his feet than the training footage that was shown on It Takes Two on Friday. A very strong performance.
Don had all the intensity that the tango requires. By far the best tango characterisation of the night. Don & Lilia had a good connection and Don's acting skills were put to good use. His footwork was also good. He just needs to be careful of his frame and top line. But a solid and engaging performance.
The girls' group swing dance was a huge improvement on the group mambo they did in Week 1. It was fast, energetic and entertaining. And all of the girls did a good job. Some of them could give Austin and Tom a run for their money. I can't wait for the start of the competition proper.
For me, it should be Gary that goes home, with Mark joining him in the bottom two. I would hate for Gary to become the next Garraway.
Former Strictly champion Darren Gough has been chatting to the Daily Mirror about his early impressions.
He things the girls are in charge so far: "I'll be very surprised if a woman doesn't waltz away with the title this year."
His money is on Rachel, Tom and Austin: "I reckon Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone will be the ones to beat - she will definitely get all the boys' votes!... I reckon Tom Chambers is the best of the boys - him and Austin Healey. As for John Sergeant, he has the 'feel sorry for me' vote so he should be in for a few more weeks."
Andrew Castle & Ola Jordan have both suffered broken bones.
According to the Sunday Telegraph, Ola fractured her foot when Andrew failed to catch her during cha cha training. And Andrew suffered two broken toes when his foot was in the wrong place and got in the way of Ola's heel.
As always, adrenalin pulled them through. Andrew told the paper: "When you've got this much adrenalin flowing, in all seriousness, if I had a broken leg I wouldn't even notice."
Brendan: "Lisa Is By Far The Best Dance Partner I've Ever Had"
Brendan Cole is a happy boy. He has two beautiful ladies in his life - Lisa, and his girlfriend Zoe.
He tells the Sunday Mirror: "My mates think I'm the luckiest man alive. They don't know what I've done to deserve one girl, let alone two. I spend all day with Lisa Snowdon - then I go home and spend the night with my gorgeous Zoe. All my friends are jealous. And my single mates have been asking me to give Lisa their phone number."
He also sings Lisa's praises, saying: "Lisa is by far the best dance partner I've ever had. Yes, she has cried and there have been a few off days where she couldn't take things on board because of sheer exhaustion. But in six weeks we have only fallen out once. Lisa trusts me, but she also lets me be the boss...100 per cent. Strictly works best when I'm allowed to be the teacher. In five series of the show I haven't had that in a dance partner. There is an element of ego involved in dancing. Last year I let Kelly have too much free reign."
I think in terms of dance ability, Kelly was Brendan's strongest partner, but clearly he has found someone in Lisa who has the ideal temporament - someone who will work hard, without whinging, and will let him lead and do what is best for the partnership.
Rachel's finacé has given Rachel permission to flirt with Vincent, as long as that's all!
The Daily Mirror heard Rachel chatting to Heart FM at the Pride of Britain awards this week: "I love Vincent. He's the biggest flirt in the world. Alex said to me, 'Flirt as much as you like. As long as it's on the dance floor'."
Pop Idol Will Young is cursing his own success. He'd like to participate in Strictly, but feels his career is keeping him too busy.
Showbiz Spy quotes Will: "I absolutely love the show and almost wish my career was going in another direction so I got the call. I would do it in an instant. I love watching it before I go out on a Saturday night. Although I suppose it's a good thing I haven't been asked yet. Maybe in a few years time – if I take a break from music – I'll have time to do it. It looks like such a laugh."
I just hope that Will's not being backhanded about the career status of those that do participate. This is Strictly, not I'm A Celebrity...!
