Best Of DVD?

Last year a slated Best of Series 5 DVD was scrapped.

This year, a Best of Series 6 DVD is being advertised. It is due for release on 9th February, and as this one actually has artwork done, I would presume that it might make the shelves this time.

New Website

If you're constantly wondering what the Strictly dancers spend the rest of the year doing, wonder no more.

StrictlyDancers.com is a brand new website which aims to publicise events at which the Strictly pros are appearing.

You can search by date, dancer or area. It's easy to use and is a one-stop shop for Strictly events.

Check it out.

Vincent & Rachel: "Meant To Be"?

Vincent Simone knew he was destined to partner Rachel Stevens. He'd admired her from afar.

According to the Press Association, Vincent told Closer magazine: "I saw her at the ballet long before she was asked to do Strictly Come Dancing and I said to my friend: 'Look at that beautiful woman. I would do anything to go over and talk to her.' That tells me it was meant to be."

Vincent also joked that he might not be able to 'hold thy peace' at Rachel's wedding: "Someone's going to have to tie me down at the ceremony because I'm going to somersault on to a chair and scream for it to stop! But seriously, I think I'll have to stay at home because I'll cry too much - it will be very emotional for me."

Anton Charms Another Journalist

Every so often, Anton du Beke gives an interview on what he's doing. The journalists are always female and always have a warm glow after the experience. This time, it's a lady from the Blackpool Citizen who experiences the du Beke Effect.

This time, Anton is talking about the Cheek To Cheek show which is currently touring the country.

Anton admits that even the pros make mistakes: “Every night something goes wrong, I’d say. It’s all about how you conduct yourself, and handle the situation. Nobody knows what you’re supposed to do so you make out like you were meant to do everything you do. And on this tour it helps that Arlene isn’t there to point it out.”

Another Video

Rachel and Tom spoke to the Manchester Evening News last week.

Rachel admits that she over-indulged over Christmas: "We had four months of really intense training for Strictly and then a couple of weeks off over Christmas where I ate practically my own body weight in food. I've been so used to dancing burning off whatever I ate for so long that it's been a bit of a shock to the system, but then we all over-indulge at Christmas, don't we?"

I'm sure the tour is keeping her trim now. And if not, the forums will speculate that she is pregnant...

Congrats, Kate!

Former Strictly participant Kate Garraway is expeting her second child with husband Derek.

The baby is due in the summer.

Congratulations, Kate!

Jill: "Sometimes I Wish I Was Just Doing A Rumba!"

Jill has been enjoying the tour, but finds dancing the jive quite gruelling.

She told ThisIsNottingham: "It's a really, really tiring dance. You have to really rev yourself up before you do it. It's a minute-and-a-half but you have to burst with energy for all that time. So it's one of those dances where you have to say to yourself, 'Come on now! Just go for it!' Sometimes I wish I was just doing a rumba!"

She also sings the praises of those that came after her in Series 2: "There are so many brilliant dancers on Strictly now. I watch it every single year, just as a fan. I really loved watching Alesha Dixon. In fact, I've loved all the winners... Darren Gough was a real people-pleaser and there were loads of people this year who were great. Lisa and Rachel were fantastic and Tom is a lovely guy. You can't help but like him. He's so sweet."

New Judge?

Could Brian Friedman be headed for a judging job on Strictly?

According to the Daily Star, the former X Factor panellist is currently in talks to become a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

I can't see it myself...

Darren & Lilia Get Kids Dancing

Darren & Lilia have been encouraging children to get dancing.

They recently taught a class at an arts centre in Salford.

Darren told The Guardian: "Dancing can change lives, and we want to open it up to everyone. It can do so much in helping children learn concentration, improve co-ordination and develop communication between the sexes. Also, there are not so many activities that you can do as a family."

Strictly In Sheffield

Tom, Rachel and Darren & Lilia took time out of tour rehearsals to talk to the Sheffield Telegraph.

Watch the video here.

Darren said: "It's always special to perform in your home city and we can't wait. We're so busy we don't spend much time here these days".

Also, Darren & Lilia talk about their upcoming show Latin Fever which opens in London in May. Watch the video here.

Strictly Come Vomming

A stomach bug has been sweeping through the cast of the Strictly tour.

According to the Daily Mirror, Jodie, Cherie, Jill and Kenny all missed performances in Manchester over the weekend.

Camilla said: "Everyone's worried they might get it. We're just praying everyone gets better."

GET WELL SOON, ALL!

Good thing I'm not seeing it until London next week. They should hopefully all be fighting fit by then.

You Don't Have To Be Real To Want To Do Strictly

It's not just celebrities that want to do Strictly. Now comedy characters want to take part.

Keith Lemon, the character created by Leigh Francis (most famous for Avid Merrion), has said they he would like to take part.

The Press Association quotes him: "What's his name, Michael Underwood, he broke his face didn't he and now he's gone back on [Dancing On Ice] and risking breaking his face again, but it's up to him isn't? I wouldn't do Dancing On Ice but I'd do Strictly Come Dancing."

On Honeymoon With The Chamberses

Did you know Tom Chanbers got married during the last series of Strictly?

Tom & Clare Chambers jetted off to Thailand for their honeymoon, queezing it between the end of the series and the start of tour rehearsals. And they told the Daily Mail all about it.

Ainsley Turned Down Strictly

While some celebrities are dying for the call, TV chef Ainsley Harriott tuned down Strictly Come Dancing.

He told DigitalSpy: "I was asked to do some dancing, but we're talking about a serious commitment there. It's eight or so hours every day. Plus, I don't know about you, but Strictly this time around had lost a bit of fun. There were people who had half-trained beforehand as musicians and actors, where dancing was part of their work. That's why when Sergeant was in there, the public said, 'Keep him in, we want to smile'."

I think Ainsley would have made a fantastic participant. He's flamboyant and fun loving, and I'm sure would have embraced the competition.

The Touring Celebs Speak

The Daily Mail caught up with the Strictly touring celebs to see what they had to say.

Jodie Kidd: "I love fast sports, but even so, it was terrifying to swap my jodhpurs and boots for Lycra and sequins, because I am not a natural dancer. I had to put in a lot of hours to even pass muster because, at 6ft 1in, my biggest challenge was to control my limbs. I was paired with Ian Waite, who is also tall, and they called us the gargantuan couple."

Jill Halfpenny: "The show has grown so big since I first did it. It was only in its second series then. I remember asking: "Will it be OK for my career?" In fact, it gave it a huge boost and I wouldn't have gone on to play Roxy in the West End musical Chicago, nor other roles, had it not been for Strictly."

Kenny Logan: "No one could have predicted that I'd become famous more as a dancer than a rugby player. On Halloween, 20 kids came to my house and I heard one of them saying: "This is where that dancer lives!""

Tom Chambers: "On television it looks as though it's all a gentleman's handshake, but after the voting controversy, Camilla had to stand up to her professional rivals, Vincent Simone and Brendan Cole, to defend our title. They've done six series and they get very het up if they think there's something out of the ordinary. Being in Strictly is like being in a fantasy world. You can get caught up in the moment, even thinking: "My God, I'm having feelings for you.""

Rachel Stevens: "The celebrities and partners stay all stay in the same hotel and travel on coaches together. I was disappointed not to win. I'll let Tom off, but I'm going to thrash him on the tour!"

Cherie Longhi: "There were reports that head judge Len Goodman said I was too ancient to win the television competition. I doubt he said exactly that, but if so, it would be a shame because my age should be a cause for celebration."

Julian Clary: "I used to lie awake at night planning my revenge after the judges had spoken. My best line was telling Craig: "You wouldn't know a Paso Doble if you sat on one." I'll have worse for him in store for the Strictly tour, but I can relax, as no one gets sent home from that!"

Gethin Jones: "It's great to be doing the live show, albeit with Flavia. Camilla's run off and left me for Tom - but she's with someone who can dance, so she's delighted. Flavia's changed a few things. We're doing the salsa and she's making me do some ridiculous neckbreaking moves which I have to get right for the 43 shows of the tour."

Rachel Plans To Keeeeep Dancing

Rachel Stevens plans to keep dancing, and is rushed off her feet planning her wedding, as well as touring with Strictly.

She is diplomatic about not winning Strictly, telling Daily Mirror: “To win would have been incredible – I’m not denying it – but I’m happy for Tom and Camilla. We got so far in the competition, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Apart from winning!”

Who is Rachel's favourite judge?: “People will be surprised when I say Arlene because she’s supposed to be scary. But I loved her – she’s motherly. And I adored Bruno too.”

And, as with most Strictly participants, there have been quite a few job offers rolling in: “I’d love to do some acting and if the right song came along, I’d consider it. I’m interested in fashion too. And I’m definitely, 100 per cent, going to carry on dancing – Vincent is stuck with me now!”

Arlene's Tour Talk

Arlene has told the Liverpool Echo how excited she is to be returning to the city.

She said: “Liverpool is the perfect place for this show. It has a very strong tradition for ballroom and Latin. On the circuit, there are so many dancers from Liverpool. I’m from Manchester and I used to come to courses at Shelagh Elliott-Clarke school. It was famous around the country. Everyone wanted to come to Liverpool to learn to dance. I do think that the north produced better dancers than the south. Maybe that’s because it’s more of a northern tradition. Boys and girls start learning earlier. There’s a passion for it.”

Strictly Tour Preview Photos

The Radio 1 website has a lovely gallery of tour photos.

Check out the brightly coloured costumes!

I can't wait!

Strictly On Tour

Strictly Come Dancing hit the road this week, starting in Jill Halfpenny's home town of Newcastle.

Jill told the Chronicle: “Everyone is putting their all into it. They have been long days but it is worth it. I can’t wait to get out there in front of a live audience. There are a few treats in store. It’s a very colourful show in every respect. I have three costume changes. Opening in Newcastle is just fantastic and it means I can spend time with my family. I’m sure we will be letting our hair down too and enjoying some vino!”

I knew there was a reason I always liked Jill!

And Rachel Stevens is excited to return to some of the venues she visited in her S Club 7 days: “I remember performing here [at the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena] on several occasions. It was a long time ago now, but I do remember how loud the Newcastle audiences are. So it’s great to be back again, this time dancing."

Emergency! I Can't Vote!

It's disgusting how people waste the time of the emergency services in this country.

A woman called 999 because she couldn't get throught to Tom & Camilla's vote line during the Strictly final, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Totally disgusting. People who do things like this should be fined.

Camilla Thanked Chippie Owner

Camilla Dallerup personally thanked a North Devon chippie owner for her support during Strictly.

According to ThisIsNorthDevon.co.uk, Camilla often spends time in Instow, and pops into Squires chip shop from time to time.

She called Squires owner June on the Sunday after the final: "She rang at about 2.30pm on Sunday and said she wanted to thank everyone personally who had helped her and voted for her. I couldn't believe she'd taken time out of her special day to contact me."

And it seems Camilla loves her fish & chips: "She is always such a sweetie, and she loves her food, she always has fish chips, peas and a pudding— it makes us ordinary mortals sick because she's such a tiny little thing, she's in amazingly good shape."

Jill Dances Off The Pounds

Jill Halfpenny has returned to her pre-baby figure by getting back on the dancerfloor.

Jill told the Daily Mirror: "Dancing is so good for toning up, you don’t realise you are working every muscle in your body, that’s the good thing about it. It’s the ultimate way to exercise, because we all hate the gym."

She admits that returning to the dancefloor has been tough, but fun too: "I haven’t done any dancing since the show, so it’s bringing back loads of memories – of pain as well as pleasure! It’s not been hard getting back into it because I enjoy it, so even though you forget how to do things, I really do enjoy every minute of it."

Kristina's Fitness Tips

Kristina Rihanoff has been talking to the Daily Mail about her tips for health and fitness.

She is excited to embark on the upcoming Strictly tour: "I love the UK and I can't wait to go on tour and visit places such as Glasgow for the first time. Britain has been incredibly good to me. The weather might be cold but the people have taken me into their hearts and I feel very grateful. There is a warmth in Britain you don't get anywhere else in the world."

I'd put money on Kristina having her own fitness DVD next Christmas, especially if she returns for another series of Strictly.

Tom Treats Himself To New Wheels

Tom Chambers has treated himself to a new car to celebrate his Strictly win - a new Fiat 500.

The Daily Mail reports that Tom bought the white motor to get himself around the country during the Strictly tour which starts in a couple of weeks. He already had a Fiat 500, but has added the new model to his collection.

Latest Rumours

The Sun is mourning the end of Strictly Come Dancing for another year, so they have resorted to turning the handles on the rumour mill, a good six months before the next batch of hopefuls meet their pros.

They claim that producers have approached Simon Cowell's literary agenct half-brother Tony. A source told the paper: “It’s early days but Tony’s been in touch and producers are keen. The Cowell brothers going head-to-head would make great Saturday night telly. There’s always been a rivalry between Strictly and X Factor and this would take that up a notch.”

Personally, I'm not buying it. Tony is unknown to the British public, and I can't imagine anyone would have the vaguest interest in watching him.

The same Sun source also suggests that Kelly Rowland would like to take part: “Kelly is keen to do the show and has made no secret of it. She’s got a lovely figure and would love to learn ballroom.”

Again, I can't see it. Dancing With The Stars perhaps, but not our Strictly.

Dance Off The Pounds

It's the new year, a time when we once again vow to lose weight and get fit.

And your Strictly favourites are here to help once again.

There is this year's official Strictly release: Strictly Come Dancing: The Workout which features Kelly Brook and Flavia Cacace. According to the Daily Telegraph, it was the 6th biggest fitness DVD of the season.

Strictly winner Camilla Dallerup has now got in on the act, releasing her first DVD - Dance Off The Inches.

And former participant Letitia Dean is also getting in on the act, releasing Letitia Dean's Lean Routine.

Feel the burn!

Denmark-On-Thames

Camilla Dallerup lives in Walton-on-Thames, and likes it because it reminds her of home.

She told the Daily Mail: "When I moved to Walton-on-Thames almost exactly a year ago, I felt immediately at home. It's so like Denmark, with the river, the greenery and the feeling that you've left the busy city behind."

And she's still getting a kick out of her Strictly trophy: "The glitter-ball trophy for winning Strictly has pride of place in my living room and I keep stroking it because I can't quite believe it."

Nigel Harman Was Approached For Strictly

Ex-EastEnder Nigel Harman has admitted that he has been approached to do Strictly Come Dancing several times, but has too much acting work and can't fit it in.

And he doesn't want to face Craig's sharp tongue.

He told the Daily Record: "[The producers] do sweetly ask me all the time if I would go on. Never say never as you don't know when you may need to pay your mortgage, but I don't want to at the moment. Besides, I once worked with Craig Revel Horwood. We are mates. I know he will mercilessly take the piss out of me and I've told him as long as he is on there, I am steering clear."

Camilla To Hang Up Her Shoes

Camilla Dallerup will not be returning for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

She told the News Of The World that she wants to go out at the top: “I need to give other things a go before I settle down and have a family. Winning the show was just the icing on the cake. I’ve always been told to leave a party when you’re having a good time.”

Although Camilla would love to sit behind the judges' desk: “As a dancer on the show it’s my time to say, ‘thank you very much’. But I’d love to be one of the judges. It would be great to be on the other side. I’ve been through it all—the ups, the downs, the rollickings. I think I have what it takes. I don’t want to be the new Arlene. It would just be good to have another woman on the panel. I would be able to tell people they danced badly in a constructive way.”

Camilla is well-loved, having been with the programme since the start. It will be sad to see her depart, but I can understand her reasons. And with constant mumblings that the producers want to bring in more new dancers, it seems a sensible time to think about moving on.

I wonder where this will leave Ian Waite. Will the producers keep him on without a partner? Obviously not having a pertner on the show is not necessarily a barrier, as Brendan, Karen and Matthew would be able to testify. I hope Ian is able to stay if he wants to. It would be sad if they used Camilla's departure as a way of getting rid of him.

Dairy Of A Strictly Widow: Mrs Tom

Did you hear that Tom Chambers got married during Strictly? Apparently.

Well, the new Mrs. Tom cobbled together a few notes on the Strictly experience from her side of the aisle for the Daily Mail. It reminded me of similar ramblings from Mr. Kate, Derek Draper, last year.

The reason I'm not convinced is that the dates are wrong. Claire describes the experience of Tom being mobbed at The International Championship: "23 September: Spend the evening with Camilla and [her boyfriend] Kevin at the Royal Albert Hall. There's no dance talk until Tom and Camilla are crushed by Strictly fans wanting autographs and photos. Kevin says I should get used to this.". I was one of those fans. It was 9th October.

It reads like something hastily written recently, rather than an actual diary. But if you haven't heard enough about the Chambers' Strictly experience (and wedding) then it's probably worth a read.

Anton On Strictly And Cheek To Cheek

Anton du Beke has given a lengthy interview to The Scotsman about growing up, Strictly and his new stage show with Erin - Cheek To Cheek.

He has a calm approach with his Strictly partners, but one that works for him and them: "I do drive them. Driving them is not about shouting though or being unpleasant. Driving is about knowing what you've got in front of you and knowing how far you can push. I always think you get more from people if they're having a lovely time because then they want to be there. I don't want anyone to dread coming into the studio."

He was gutted to leave Strictly so early this year as it took the fun out of the series: "After that, I would just turn up, do a dance and leave. You could do that in your sleep. That's not the special bit of Strictly for me. It's the experience of going through it with somebody."

On Cheek To Cheek: "There'll be nothing about it that's Strictly – no judges, no celebrities doing their best. It's going to be Erin and I doing what we do. We're going to have a wonderful orchestra, a wonderful singer and there's the world champion salsa dancers, Chris Marques and Jaci Spencer. They'll do a couple of latin numbers and we'll do a couple of group dances. I'll be doing a bit of chat. It's going to be lovely."

It's worth reading the whole thing, as the interviewer gives a nice commentary on their meeting. Funny how newspapers send female journalists to interview Anton. And he usually wins them over...

Sorry Ladies... Vincent Is Strictly Taken

Vincent Simone has been jetting back and forth to Northern Ireland to visit his new girlfriend Susan.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, Vincent has been taking a well-earned rest in Derry. He told the paper: “I’ve had a wonderful time in [Derry]. It’s not my first visit. I have been before to visit my girlfriend. It is a lovely city — I love the town centre, there is so much character to the buildings. Derry has been a great place to recover from the latest series of Strictly. Unfortunately, this time my trip won’t be for long as it’s back to work on Saturday to rehearse for the live shows. I’m really looking forward to them, they will definitely be worth getting a ticket for”.