Monday Musings: Christmas Special

Another year. Another Christmas special.

Ricky & Natalie's quickstep was lovely. They covered the floor really well. I loved the samba section, it gave the dance a fresh feel. It was also great to see them do new choreography, as in the past the couples have performed their dances from the series set to new music.

Austin & Erin's paso was excellent. Austin was strong and commanding. The whole thing was very dramatic, and I loved the choreography. It was like Austin had never been away from the floor. I thought the pre-dance section was very good (which the BBC have omitted from their YouTube recording).

Ali & Brian's Viennese waltz was lovely, but the more American smooth section was not as good. They missed hands in one place, and Ali stumbled a little. I thought it was pleasant, but not Ali's best performance, and I was surprised to see it get 40.

Gethin & Flavia danced together during last year's Strictly tour, so they already have a rapport. I thought Flavia's American smooth choreography was wonderful. The whole performance was charming and glamorous. Gethin had great facial expression. He smiled all the way through, and so did I.

Rachel & Vincent's rumba was very slick. It was passionate and intense. The choreography was a little too similar to their series rumba for my liking though. I thought they could have done more, as they would have had more time to train than this year's participants who probably only had a day.

Like Craig, I enjoyed Chris & Ola's foxtrot, despite it not being perfect. You could see Chris was relaxed and had taken his foot off the gas. He seemed to be enjoying the experience now that the pressure was off.

I was surprised that Ali had won. Christmas special audiences are usually out to right wrongs, and I thought that Austin or Gethin would lift the Christmas trophy. Maybe they felt that giving it to Ali & Brian was righting a wrong. I don't know.

Here are the videos...

Ricky & Natalie



Austin & Erin



Ali & Brian



Gethin & Flavia



Rachel & Vincent



Chris & Ola

Monday Musings: Week 14 - The Final

Apologies for the delay in blogging about the final, but I had connection issues.

The final was very entertaining, as it was quite close between the two finalists - the dancer vs the entertainer.

Ballroom

As in previous years, the finalists could choose which dances they wanted to perform again.

Last week I wondered why Ricky & Natalie didn't dance the quickstep. It was because they were saving it for the final. It was an absolute treat. It was fast, nippy and covered the floor perfectly. It had great energy and mood, and I loved the section up the stairs toward the end.

Chris & Ola's foxtrot had great musicality. It was charming and elegant.

Lindyhop

The lindy routine was great fun, but didn't show either couple in their best light. Both couples were entertaining, though. I loved the choreography, especially the ending with Ricky having Natalie and Ola on his back. Ricky & Natalie were a little more laboured, but were very slick. This dance does not suit the tall. Chris & Ola were fun, but not as clean. It was interesting that the judges all gave the same scores for both couples, except Darcey who thought Chris & Ola were better. I couldn't have split them either.

'Latin'

I do think it was possibly a little unfair that Chris & Ola were able to do their Charleston in the 'latin' round, as it's not really latin. But it was still brilliant, and I think it was the dance of the series for me. It'll be one of those talked-about dances for years to come - the type that is in the opening credits of Choreography Corner on It Takes Two.

Ricky & Natalie's cha cha was just brilliant. It was easily Ricky's best latin dance, and he made it look so easy. It was slick, sexy and cool.

I have to take a minute to mention Jade & Ian's tango, which was a nice distraction during the final. I can't help wondering how it would have been had Jade not been injured, and had been able to dance at the time, at the height of her training. It was another great routine from Ian, and I can see why there was a buzz about it. Such a shame Jade was at the final, but not in the final...

Showdances

I liked Chris & Ola's routine. It was fun, and I liked the music selection. Perfect for Chris. It had some impressive lifts. As Bruno noted, it wasn't flawless. They missed a few hand grabs. However, it didn't throw them at all, and they recovered very well. It showcased Chris' personality, which is exactly what we expected it to do.

I thought Ricky & Natalie's dance was a total show-stopper. It had fantastic lifts - especially that no-handed one. I thought it was an inspired music choice. I loved it. It had a beautiful slow section, some brilliant cha cha and it was lift-tastic. Phenomenal.

For me, Ricky & Natalie had the edge. Their dancing was on a level way ahead of their opponents. That said, I am not sad to see Chris & Ola lift the glitterball. They have worked hard, and Chris has improved immensely. They have been entertaining, and are worthy winners.

I have to admit, this has not been a vintage Strictly year. The whole series has wandered from controversy to controversy which have clouded the public's view of the show. And even putting that aside, this series has had few standout performances and little excitement.

Thanks for reading my thoughts and musings over the past three months. Don't forget, this blog is updated throughout the year. I'll be blogging about the Christmas Special. And I'll be writing reviews of upcoming events such as Craig Revel Horwood in panto (I'm going, oh yes I am) and the Strictly winter and spring tours. Plus all the usual Strictly rumours and gossip.

Keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep reading, and keeeeeeeeeeeeeeep dancing!

Ricky & Natalie - quickstep



Chris & Ola - foxtrot



Lindyhop



Chris & Ola - Charleston



Ricky & Natalie - cha cha



Chris & Ola - showdance



Ricky & Natalie - showdance



The moment of truth...

Strictly Draw!

The fair way to choose who dances first.

Watch it here to watch if video fails to load.

Ricky Looks Towards The Final

The Daily Record caught up with Ricky Whittle this week (it's been a busy week of press for the finalists).

Ricky took the opportunity to try and court the Scottish vote: "If I get the Scotland vote, I'll put a Highland maybe do fling on - you never know, I'll maybe do the final in a kilt. I have a lot of good friends from Scotland and my godfather is from Aberdeen so if I can put in a shout to Scotland, I will do. There's always room for a cheeky little gimmick and if it happens to be a little jig, we'll throw i it in there."

Ricky has started to think about life after Strictly: "I think I'm going to be very bored after Strictly. It has been very intense and has put fire in my belly about dancing. It's always something I've enjoyed - going to clubs, having a drink and boogie... You'll always see me on the dancefloor but I never thought I'd enjoy this type of dancing so much. I really want to continue it. I've never been so fit. It's a completely different level of fitness. I've lost over a stone and three inches off my waist. It's amazing, you get this great new talent, meet great people and can eat what you want. I love it. Don't go to the gym - just dance, that's my advice."

Ali & Brian Dance Into The Twlight

I must be the only girl left on the planet who has not seen Twilight and New Moon. So Ali & Brian's photoshoot for Heat as Edward and Bella from the movies was lost on me.

If you haven't seen it, AOL has one of the pics. Brian makes quite a good vampire (and we all know lots of people have already made the comparison), but I'm not sure I like Ali as a brunette...

Ola Jordan: "We've Come A Long Way"

Ola Jordan told The Sun that we can look forward to lifts and humour in her final routines with Chris.

She said: "We've got a few lifts in there and we haven't done very many before so people will be surprised. It's going to be really good fun, we're hoping to put a bit of humour into it. We were one of the couples expected to leave the show in the first week. We've come a long way. We're just having fun. We want to go out and do the best possible job that we can."

Perhaps Tess Could Give Ali 'Sexy' Lessons

Perhaps Tess Daly should have given Ali some lessons in how to be sexy.

Tess is the poster girl for La Senza lingerie. She certainly turned my head when I was out Christmas shopping today.

If you haven't seen the pics yet, they're on The Sun's website.

Ricky's Place In Dance-Off "Coincidence"

Ricky Whittle believes that being in the dance-off after his recent arrest was just "coincidence", and that it didn't cause him to lose support.

He told The Sun: "I think it was a coincidence. I don't think it had any effect at all. People are intelligent."

I don't think it was coincidence at all, but he seems to have won people back over and landing a place in tonight's final.

Ricky says of his competition: "Me and Chris are bringing different flavours to the table." [Erm, have you been attending the Alesha Dixon School of Grammar, Ricky? It should be 'Chris and I' Anyway...]. "He's a great entertainer. It's insulting for Chris that people are saying that he can't dance. He wouldn't be here if he couldn't dance. There are people in this show that couldn't dance and they're not here. Chris can dance. He can entertain, he's got great moves, he's got great personality and he's going to be a massive challenge."

Craig Talks Cash

I love random interviews with Strictly people. It's weird but interesting.

The latest is Craig Revel Horwood talking to the Financial Times about money and success. No Strictly stuff, but a nice insight into Craig's business side.

We won't be seeing the end of CRH just yet: "I am only 44. My idea when I was 25 was to retire at 50, but now I am approaching 50 I think it is way too young."

Old Faces Return

Tonight's final will see the return of some old favourites.

The Sun reports that last year's finalists Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowden will return to perform their tango and cha cha respectively.

And Jade will be getting a special slot. I can't Waite for that!

Sunday Service: Week 13

The semi-final!! I can't believe the series is almost over. What am I supposed to do on a Saturday night?

Anyway, onto last night's show.

I loved the open of Chris & Ola's rumba. It had brilliant musicality. Chris & Ola have such amazing chemistry, and it showed during this routine. It was a really romantic rumba, with the right levels of longing and yearning. Chris lead Ola into all of her turns really well, and you can see the trust between them. The only downside was the lack of choreography for Chris. Ola did all the work, with Chris just standing around doing the pushes and pulls. That said, I really liked it. They were right to take a chance on the rumba.

Chris & Ola's Argentine tango was better than I expected it to be. The timing was excellent. It was a great routine and well presented. It was a much more challenging routine than the rumba choreographically, but Chris pulled it off, showing that he is capable of more difficult routines. It had great chemistry and mood. I think Bruno was possibly a little unfair to bang on about his face so much, when otherwise it was good.

Ali & Brian's Argentine tango didn't quite work for me. Ali appeared to be anticipating the steps, rather than waiting for Brian to lead. This is a huge mistake in Argentine tango. It kills the look of the dance. The whole thing was a bit flat and certainly not a classic. I agreed with the judges that Ali's nerves are distracting from her performance.

Ali & Brian put in a cracking American smooth performance. It had personality in spades and lots of glamour. A real Fred & Ginger routine. The opening proved that Ali can do sexy - she looked great with her shoulder rolls and hips. Where was that Ali during the latin routines? And I loved that wicked little kiss at the end to catch Ali out. I get the feeling Brian didn't do that in rehearsals!

I can't help wondering why Ricky & Natalie opted for the waltz and not the quickstep. In my opinion, Ricky didn't look as confident as usual when the waltz started. Maybe it was semi-final nerves? I wasn't taken with the song choice. Kissing You was what Vincent & Flavia performed a waltz in the middle of all their troubles during series 6, and it was so right and so perfect that no-one else can touch them. My own prejudices about the music aside, the routine was lovely and was performed with great poise and fluidity.

Ricky & Natalie's Argentine tango was fantastic. They had great mood and passion. Ricky has great control and lead Natalie very well.

I was torn about who I wanted to see in the final. I generally vote for dancing over entertainment, so I think deep down I wanted to see Ricky and Ali go through, and indeed I voted for them. I was really surprised that Ricky was through over Ali, as I didn't think he really had the level of public support that Ali did. I don't begrudge Chris a place in the final, though. He put in two solid routines, while Ali turned one weak one and one strong one.

I think Chris must have the edge going in to the final, just going by the amount of public support he appears to have. But you never know.

Bring on the wall showdances! Bring on the final!

Here are the videos...

Chris & Ola - rumba



Chris & Ola - Argentine tango



Ali & Brian - Argentine tango



Ali & Brian - American smooth



Ricky & Natalie - waltz



Ricky & Natalie - Argentine tango

A Chat With The Pros

The Daily Mail recently caught up with some of the Strictly pros.

If you read between all the horrible tabloid muckiness, there are some interesting quotes.

Ian says: "When Jade started, she was convinced she would be voted off early because she wasn't famous enough. I told her not to forget that most Strictly viewers didn't know who Alesha was when she first joined the show as a celebrity dancer."

Matthew didn't know who Alesha was: "I looked at her and thought, "Young, pretty, that's a good start", but, in terms of whether she would be popular with viewers, I had no idea. What happened was really interesting. Within the first few shows, she was a real favourite. As long as the celebrity is nice, and not arrogant, they will always be given a chance."

Erin says you don't always get what you're expecting when you get given your celebrity: "I thought [Julian] was going to be bitchy and difficult, and I assumed that the producers had put us together because we'd hate each other, and it would make for great TV. But he was the warmest, kindest man you could hope to meet, and he's become a great friend."

Kristina was hoping for better things from Joe: "I was disappointed, yes. He was more nervous than I have ever seen anyone in all my years of teaching and competition. I wondered how I was going to get him on the stage. I kept saying to him, "But Joe, how did you fight? How did you get up there in front of thousands of people and give that sort of performance?" He could never explain what was different."

The Odd Couple

Len and Bruno. They spend more time together during the year than most colleagues, sharing planes across the Atlantic.

The Mirror decided to put some not-so-probing questions to each about the other. Here are some highlights:

Can you sum him up in three words?
Len about Bruno: "Noisy, exuberant and vain".
Bruno about Len: "Unique British character."

Which of you is the best-looking?

Len: "I’m a natural beauty, but Bruno relies on cosmetics to bring him up to my standards. He’s a gym fanatic and for his age he’s got a good, firm body. But he loves to show it off. Any excuse to whip his T-shirt up and display his pectorals. When we’re in LA he sits out in his under shorts with his nuts and bolts exploding out of his blimmin’ Y-fronts. It’s not a pleasant sight."

Bruno: "Well me, of course. I’m younger and sexier. Len needs to go to the gym because he’s putting on a bit of a belly. I’m going to make him come to the gym with me every day when we go back to America. He’s going to look like Schwarzenegger."

Interview With Karen

Karen Hardy has been talking to the Daily Mail about her battle with mastoid cholesteatoma, a serious and life-threatening ear disease.

The desrciptions of the operations and trauma Karen went through are pretty unpleasent, but it helps understand Karen's dance determination.

Karen was excited to join Strictly, after a recommendation from Len: "At first I just thought it would be a good opportunity to put a dress on and see if I could still move like I used to. I never thought I'd be there for five series and get recognised in the supermarket or taking my son to school."

He says few people knew about it her condition, but she told the Strictly producers: "The show was aware of my illness. But I didn't tell the dancers or judges. Mark Ramprakash was the only celebrity I told. I'd said "pardon" to him three times and felt I needed to explain myself."

It's worth reading the whole article.

Dancing Derek To Join Strictly?

The News of the World reports that Dancing With The Stars pro Derek Hough is in talks to join Strictly Come Dancing.

Derek has already appeared on the BBC, as a judge on DanceX with Arelene and Bruno. The popularity of Brian Fortuna with the public could naturally pave the way for Derek.

A source told the paper: "They'll pair him with a hot female celeb to make sparks fly. The veterans like Brendan Cole and James Jordan will feel very threatened."

Alesha Wants To Perform

Alesha is reportedly annoyed that the BBC won't let her perform one of her tracks on Strictly.

The News of the World claims that Alesha wants more backing from the BBC and may not re-sign unless she gets it. A source told the paper: "She thought being on the show could catapult her into the top ten again. Just look what that sort of exposure did for Cheryl [Cole, who performed her single on the singing corner]. But Alesha really struggled in the charts because there wasn't even a mention of her single on Strictly. She's started to wonder if it was all worth it. The BBC producers are paranoid of looking like they're promoting a commercial cause. There are all these rules and regulations to follow. But for Alesha it felt like a slap in the face."

Frankly, I'm glad they haven't let Alesha sing. I think it's really cheap for one of the presenters to get up and promote themselves in that way. It's vulgar. If she must, let her dance like Darcey did, but no singing.

The source also said: "Unless she's given cast iron guarantees for 2010 it's highly unlikely she'll sign up for another series. Strictly was never meant as a long-term deal for Alesha. It's been a tough year but she feels she's done a good job and can walk away with her head held high."

Let her go, then. She has to learn that Strictly is not all about her. She's had her turn.

Strictly No Kevin

Kevin Sacre, former Hollyoaks actor and fiance of Camilla Dallerup, says he would never take part in Strictly.

STV reports that he would find it too much pressure: "Because I'm engaged to Camilla, there would be too much pressure on as everyone would expect me to be good. And I wouldn't want to dance with any professional other than Camilla as I would find that too hard. Also, Camilla would be judging me all the time so I'd never be able to escape."

Austin's A Tan Fan

Austin has been enjoying his return to Strictly - with last night's jive performance being followed by an appearance in the Christmas special, and then the tour after Christmas.

He's especially keen to get back to the fake tan! He told the Sunday Mercury: “I’m looking forward to getting back into the fake tan habit. It really does make you feel better, especially in the winter when you’re looking all pasty. I’ve been on multiple holidays this year to top up my tan, but it’s worn off now. When I was doing the show last year, I tried to go a few weeks without the fake tan and the others complained I was letting the side down. So I went with the flow and joined in.”

For the tour, Austin will be partner with Lilia. He's looking forward to dancing with her, and wants to win: "We get on well, she’s a good girl and likes a laugh. I will be out to win every night. On the TV show everyone says ‘It’s fine, I’m just enjoying the journey’. But I want to win every single night, just to annoy James Jordan!"

Clementine Visits DSI

Clementine, the living fashion doll, paid a visit to Strictly costumiers DSI this week to learn how ballroom dresses are made, and walked away with her own clobber to boot!

Watch her fabulous video report.

Ali Vows To Dance On

The Sun reported today that Ali Bastian is still suffering since injuring her foot during Charleston training, and that Laila & Anton are waiting in the wings to step back into the competition if she needs to pull out.

A source told the paper: "Ali is still in pain. Because she is training so hard she hasn't had time to recuperate, so one slight slip could force her out. If she pulls out there will not be enough for the semi-final so Laila is still training."

However, a spokesperson for Ali told the Maidenhead Advertiser this afternoon that everything will go ahead as planned: "Ali will be dancing this weekend, she has danced on two shows since her foot injury and the injury isn't getting worse."

Maybe it's just some dodgy journo trying to lengthen the odds on Ali to win to try and make some quick cash before Christmas...

Darcey: "It's Terrifying Being Between Len And Craig"

Darcey Bussell found her first outing as a judge nerve wracking, especially sitting in the referee's seat between Len and Craig.

She told the Daily Record: "It's terrifying being between Len and Craig. They've both watched me dance but I'm now learning from them as they know so much about ballroom. Len was saying he was getting a bit hot under the collar with Craig being so close, and he has Alesha on the other side. But he says he is enjoying being between the two girls."

She also says that she would not be interested in being a full-time judge, as she lives in Australia and doesn't want to be away from her home and family for the whole series.

Follow That Pro!

What has Erin Boag been up to lately? The pro dancers don't just put their feet up when they're out of the competition, as this little video demonstrates.



See more behind the scenes videos at http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictly.

The Cowell Doth Protest Too Much

For a man whose show gets more viewers than Strictly, Simon Cowell still seems unnecessarily concerned with it.

DigitalSpy quotes the singer corner judge: "Don't forget that within that [four hours of singing corner final this Saturday] there is an hour-and-a-half of Strictly which everyone's got to bear, but no-one's watching it. By the way, who won Strictly this year? Is it still on?"

He contradicts himself mid-sentance!

For goodness sake, Simon. Just be happy that your show gets more viewers and be gracious in victory, instead of exposing yourself as a petty, competative brat.

Looking Toward The Final...

So, no dance off on Saturday? Which means Ricky Whittle has little or no chance of making the final, because the votes for Chris and Ali will surpass him with ease, I would think (*note to Ricky fans - this is just the impression I get from forums/Twitter, I could be totally wrong!).

This leaves us with the typical Strictly final match-up of crowd-pleaser vs dancer.

Let's look at the trend to date.

S1: Natasha (dancer) beat Christopher (cp)
S2: Jill beat Denise (both dancers, with cp Julian in 3rd)
S3: Darren (cp) beat Colin (dancer)
S4: Mark (dancer) beat Matt (how did he get to final, again?)
S5: Alesha (dancer) beat Matt (cp)
S6: Tom (cp) beat Rachel (dancer)

OK, the above is a little simplistic, I know. And totally inconclusive. Jill, Mark and Alesha were all crowd pleasers in their own ways.

Crowd pleasers will win out, if they are also strong dancers. Chris is a crowd pleaser, but is he a strong enough dancer to win?

It could come down the the showdance in the end. A good showdance can win the competition (I thought Rachel & Vincent had it in the bag until Tom & Camilla's showdance).

A bad showdance can lose it (Colin & Erin could have had a shot, were it not for 'muppetgate').

I actually think a somewhat bland series could end up with an exciting final. The best finals are those where you can't guess the winner, and I think this could be one of those.

Strictly Yummy!

This is the yummiest thing I've seen in ages...



It's my birthday in February, so if any of my friends or family are reading this, you'd better get in touch with sarahlkearns sharpish! ;-)

Arlene: "Chris Hollins Could Win This"

Arlene Phillips believes that Chris could beat Ali and Ricky for the Strictly Come Dancing title.

She told The Sun: "For the first time on Saturday night I suddenly thought, 'Do you know what? To my surprise, Chris Hollins could win this'. It was a complete and utter shock. I sat up in bed and went, 'Oh my goodness'. From never ever getting up on to the floor and dancing to where he is now, Chris has picked up so much."

She believes it's his connection with the audience that has won him popularity: "The audience demand someone who they feel is connecting to them. Chris does that best of all. He goes out there and makes the most of every moment on the floor. Of course, the judges are looking at what he's doing wrong technically - but in terms of partnership, connection and the power that is beaming out of that pair, you can't knock it."

Bruce And Alesha Already Negotiating

Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon are already negotiating their returns in 2010, according to The Sun.

An insider told the paper: "Brucie is so linked with the show that bosses would never get rid of him. Despite some criticism from viewers that he is too old, there would be a huge backlash if he was sacked. No executive would want to be the one who got rid of Brucie."

"Both Brucie and Alesha will be back next year. Strictly wouldn't be Strictly without Brucie. And bosses have already been talking to Alesha about a plan for next year."

Sunday Service: Week 12

Quarter finals day, already? Time flies when you're having fun!

I loved Ali & Brian's tango. I thought it had great drive. It was very clean. And for Ali, it did have attack. However, I would have loved it even more with different music. It didn't punctuate the dance in the right way for me. Choreographically, it was very good. Brian did a great job.

Their samba had good hip action, especially on voltres. I thought it was a lovely routine. Again, I wasn't that fussed with the song choice, but it totally suited Ali. Brian totally played to Ali's strengths by going for something with more control and less abandon. It was a gorgeous performance, and Ali looked stunning in her costume.

I had to agree with the judges' comments about Laila & Anton's American smooth. It was clumsy in places. Alesha summed it up with the word 'unsteady'. It lacked the sparkle that the American smooth should have.

Laila & Anton's salsa was a total car crash. They make a mockery of the competition. It was completely embarrassing. She never regained control. Everyone makes mistakes. Even our beloved pros slip up from time to time. But you have to pick it up again, and not let it rattle you. Laila totally forgot what she was doing, and it threw the whole thing. The judges should be embarrassed that they saved her over Ricky Groves.

After two weeks of Viennese waltz, Chris was all over the waltz. I especially loved the open. Chris has good musicality, especially in ballroom. It was very clean. But I'm with Craig. I want him to smile, not stick his chin out like Brucie. It would be the cherry on the cake if he could smile. That is not the face of romance.

Chris' personality totally carries him through the latin, and it did so again in the samba. Admittedly, his timing was a little out in places. But Chris really sells it. He could sell ice to the Eskimos. I have to agree with the judges' comments about lack of content. But Ola always plays safe, rather than risk exposing any flaws that might exist. She did the same with Kenny and Andrew.

I only started to really enjoy Ricky & Natalie's foxtrot about halfway through. I'm not sure why. I just preferred the second half of the routine. Yes, Ricky does have pigeon toes, and his knees were a little to flexed, but the routine had great sway, which was accented by Natalie's beautiful dress. It was good to see Ricky return to his usual form after a bad week last week.

Their cha cha had great rhythm. Ricky is a great partner, who actually presents Natalie really well in the way a pro would, something Chris doesn't do. It was clear that Ricky & Natalie worked hard this week, and it paid off.

Thank goodness Laila & Anton were in the dance-off. It really didn't matter who was there with them. Although there is no denying which couples the public are behind. Laila did perform better in the dance-off, but time was up for her. Actually, time was up for her weeks ago, but the public seemed to fall for Anton's begging. But Laila did not deserve to be there any more, and I'm glad the public saw that.

It looks like we're going to get an Ali and Chris final (as long as the public keep Chris out of the dance-off). And that wouldn't be so bad. Both seem to have lots of support. I can't wait to see what Chris & Ola do with the Argentine tango! And how brilliant was Vincent & Flavia's Argentine tango? I'll miss them on this year's winter tour.

Finally, a word on Darcey Bussell. I really enjoyed hearing what she had to say. She seemed to come from a similar standpoint to Craig. And I find myself agreeing with him more than anyone else. I thought she gave constructive criticism. And having 5 judges means Len never has the deciding vote in the dance-off. Incidentally, Bruce never asked Bruno and Len if they would have agreed with the others. I wonder what they would have said...

Here are the videos.

Ali & Brian - tango



Ali & Brian - samba



Laila & Anton - American smooth



Laila & Anton - salsa



Chris & Ola - waltz



Chris & Ola - samba



Ricky & Natalie - foxtrot



Ricky & Natalie - cha cha

Next! Johnny Vegas

Johnny Vegas turned down Strictly, because he couldn't spare the time, and is too unfit.

He told DigitalSpy: "They made some enquiries but to be honest, it's such a big commitment to do the show and I really was just so busy with other things and I just know health-wise... Well, would it be good for ratings - me keeling over?! I know how tiring it is and it's not something I have time to do at the moment, but it's nice to be asked!"

I have to admit, I'm pretty glad he wasn't part of the line-up. I've never been too fond of him. But my opinion of people has changed while they've done Strictly, so you never know. Maybe I would have ended up liking him.

Adrian Hearts Arlene

It's all Arlene news at the moment, which is weird when she isn't even on the show anymore.

One Show presenter Adrian Chiles has admitted that Arlene has piqued his interest. STV quotes him as saying: "I'm strangely drawn to Arlene Phillips but I don't want to elaborate on that!"

Come on, Adrian. Don't be coy!

Chris Wants A Bum Rating From Arlene

Chris Hollins was interviewed by the Daily Mail this week, and while there isn't much said about Strictly, he did admit that he wonders what Arlene would have made of his bottom: "I couldn't care less about who's judging, as long as I get through! But I'm desperately disappointed that Arlene's not there to check out my bottom. She always gave the men a bum rating, didn't she?"

I'm sure she'll give him her verdict on the tour.

He also said how much he enjoyed the competition from Week 1: "The first time I did the rumba on Strictly Come Dancing, I loved it. I totally lost myself in it - the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end."

Ricky: I'd Date Ian

The News Of The World's Fabulous magazine did a daft little interview with Ricky Whittle, and asked all kinds of probing questions, such as who he would he date if he had to date a fella. His answer?: "Ian Waite, one of Strictly's professional dancers. He's lovely."

He also said that it's nice to have broader appeal with the laydeez since he started dancing: "I normally attract teenage girls, but since Strictly I seem to be appealing to the older generation. This morning on the train a little old lady tapped me on the bum and said: "Ooh, I think you're gorgeous!" That's exactly what I've always wanted."

And if ever you meet Ricky and want to make him... happy... where should you touch him?: "The back of my head. Zoe Lucker brought an Orgasmatron head massager to one of the Strictly group rehearsals and we all had a go. All you could hear was: "Ooh, God". It's literally orgasmic. I'm getting tingles down my spine just thinking about it!"

I don't know about you lot, but I found all that very insightful.

"And while we're on the subject, let me just say that my Strictly partner Natalie Lowe is my dance teacher and that's it." So there.

Craig And Len Would Welcome Return Of Arlene

Despite the fact that Alesha has said in at least two interviews that she would like to return to Strictly Come Dancing next year, speculation still surrounds her place at the judges' desk.

Len Goodman was interviewed by the Mail On Sunday, and they asked him about Alesha. He said: "She’s young and she’s got a singing career in front of her. I would understand that. She’s done a fabulous job. But if she feels her singing career is suffering, then if that’s what she wants to do, so be it."

And if she did leave, would it be so bad? Len says: "If Arlene comes back, great, I’ve always enjoyed sitting next to Arlene."

Craig Revel Horwood told the Mail On Sunday last week that he's also be happy to have Arlene back: "I think Arlene is more than capable of coming back – I would love to have her back and I’ve missed her. She’s going to be on the tour and it’s not as if she’s not liked. Who knows whether or not her sacking was a ploy so she could do [So You Think You Can Dance?]?"

Alesha: "I’d Love To Go Back"

Alesha has again said she would like to return to Strictly next year.

She told the Daily Telegraph: “They’re very happy with my performance and I’d love to go back. The other judges have been really supportive, and Bruce Forsyth has always been there for me if I needed anything. I think the contestants appreciate someone on the panel who knows exactly what they’ve been through. Strictly is only one day a week, so there are six other days when I can do music.”

Brian Hopes To Woo Ali

Brian is wearing his heart on his sleeve, and admits that he hopes to go out with Ali when Strictly is over.

He was very complimentary of his partner in The Mirror, saying: "I like a woman who is family-orientated, sweet with morals and values, has a good work ethic, and is tall with pretty eyes, nice butt and nice legs. You think that sounds like Ali? I have asked her out and we haven't had any official dates yet. But who knows, maybe when Strictly is done, she'll be kind enough to accept my offer."

Ali continues to be coy, saying: "We have lots in common including a similar sense of humour. There's definitely chemistry between us but we're still having the fun 'getting to know each other' time. Maybe after Strictly... who knows?"

Sometimes I really feel for Ali. Brian is laying it on the line regularly. If she's not that into the idea, or maybe doesn't want to think about it during the series, she probably cringes at the attention she's getting from the world, not just from Brian.

I've wondered if that might have something to do with her inability to 'let go' at times. Maybe she feel inhibited, or worries tongues will wag if their routines are too saucy.

Alesha To Return?

According to the Press Association, Alesha Dixon will have a place at the judges' desk next year, if she wants it.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Alesha has been doing a first-class job as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and we look forward to having her back next year."

And Alesha seems keen to take up the offer, saying: "The series has gone so quickly, I'll be quite sad when it finishes. I would love to do Strictly again next year. Obviously music is my first job, I'm making my second album and probably going to America but I can work round it so I can do both. I would absolutely love to do Strictly next year and I know they would love to have me back."

This goes against what the News Of The World published at the weekend, which implied that she would not be invited back.

Yeah, Baby!

"Yeah, Baby!" used to be the catchphrase of Austin Powers - International Man Of Mystery, but recently Chris & Ola have claimed it as their own.

Closer magazine decided it would be a good idea to dress the pair up as Austin Powers and his love interest Vanessa Kensington. If you miss the mag, The Sun's website has one of the pictures.

Groovy, baby!

Strictly By Royal Appointment

The Prince of Wales & Duchess of Cornwall are big Strictly Come Dancing fans, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Palace have aquired tapes of the show for the times they can't watch it (hasn't anyone explained iPlayer to them?), and they have even picked up the phone to vote.

I don't know about you, but I'd much rather hear the future king talking about Ali & Brian's foxtrot than 'Jedwood'.

Changes Afoot?

The News Of The World claimed this past weekend that changes are afoot for next year's series.

I don't like change. But I do like the mention of 'next year'.

The paper claims that they will book bigger celebrities to participate. Duh! I'm sure they try to do that every year.

Alesha Dixon will be released from the judging panel. Darcey Bussell is her suggested replacement. I suppose it depends on the public reaction to Darcey in the coming weeks.

A replacement for Bruce will be waiting in the wings to step up as soon as he bows out. Well, I expect that producers have been pondering this one for some years already anyway. Hardly news.

Bit of a non-story in my opinion.