Ofcom Clears Semi-Final

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has cleared the BBC of any wrongdoing during the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final, in which all three couples were put through to the final.

In its Broadcast Bulletin 132, the regulator stated: "Ofcom was satisfied that appropriate steps were taken by the BBC and the disadvantage to viewers minimised.
In Ofcom’s view the BBC had been open and transparent with viewers about the mistake it made and the [refund] solution adopted."

Ofcom was satisfied with the steps taken by the BBC, and with the BBC's assurances that voting and judging mechanisms would be evaluated in the future.

Sharon Rumours Resurface

It's been 10 months since Sharon Osbourne was first linked with Strictly Come Dancing.

A good story never dies, and the Daily Mirror has reported that Sharon is now a done deal, and has virtually signed on the dotted line for Series 7.

A BBC source said: "Sharon verbally agreed the deal several days ago and will sign contracts in the coming weeks. She is so excited she is already telling her friends."

Personally, I think all Strictly contracts should have a gag order clause. Anyone who blabs before they start training should be removed. I like the surprise of finding out who is going to be a part of the show, and I hate the red-tops for trying to get all the names beforehand.

Of course, a lot of them turn out to be rubbish, so it's not all bad.

Dancehall Sweethearts - TONIGHT

Dancehall Sweethearts is a 3-part documentary following couples who met in Northern Ireland's dancehalls in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, presented by former Strictly participant Christine Bleakley.

The show's producer, Dermot Lavery, told BBC News: "For someone like me - born of the disco generation - to hear their stories and memories of that golden era of the Dancehall left me with a longing that perhaps I might just have been born too late!"

I feel your pain, Dermot.

The series begins tonight at 10.50pm on BBC1 in Northern Ireland. For those outside Ulster, you can catch the show on Sky channel 973.

Oh Kay...

Sky News presenter Kay Burley says she would like to appear on Strictly.

Having already appeared on that ITV ice show, she now wants a twirl on the dancefloor. She told the Metro: "I would love to do Strictly but they won’t let me. One of my dreams would be to do an American Smooth with Anton Du Beke and float around with a beautiful sequinned gown."

Kristina-Vincent-Susan

You may have noticed that I have elected not to wade into the whole saga. Who knows where the truth lies when all you see is what is in the red-tops.

I just hope they can all find happiness.

Anton Plans World Domination

Anton gave an interview to BroadwayWorld.com. Nothing really new, no revelations, but worth a little look.

He comments on his future plans: "World domination, perhaps. Who knows? More of the same. I'd like to do something next year. I've always wanted to do some theatre - Chicago is one that I'd like to do. I'd like to do another book. I'd like to do an album of dancing music - not just a random album, but music to dance to. People ask me for songs to dance to, so I thought I'd do an album of tracks, with some duets with the guys from the Strictly band, maybe Brucie if he wants to do it, just some pals. It's all fun stuff that you never thought you would be able to do."

Chicago has been in the offing for a while. I hope he gets the chance to do it. Besides, I need an excuse to see it again, and Jerry Springer ain't it.

Wall Street Journal??

Sometimes interviews with the Strictly pros turn up in weird places. One of the weirdest has to be the Wall Street Journal Europe, who featured an interview with Anton & Erin.

There's not much new stuff, although Erin does mention the upcoming Ballroom High show for Sky 1: "It was inspired by the story of the dance teacher Pierre Dulaine who introduced ballroom dancing to some of New York's toughest schools. It was made into the film Take The Lead, starring Antonio Banderas. Teaching the children to dance was the easy part. What we also wanted to give them was respect, the ability to work as team, social etiquette and manners."

Winkleman's Coming Home!

Claudia Winkleman has revealed that she will be returning to Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two this autumn.

She told DigitalSpy: "I don't know whether I'm allowed to say yes, but I'm saying yes to you. I think I will be. I love it."

You can watch the whole interview here.

Emily Blunt 'Obsessed' With Strictly

Actress Emily Blunt, star of The Devil Wears Prada, has admitted that she is "obsessed" with Strictly Come Dancing.

She told USA Today: "I don't really watch that much TV, to be honest. [You will] see me on Dancing With the Stars. We have, like, the UK version called Strictly Come Dancing, and it's like an obsession for my entire family."