Live & Unjudged Promo

Here is a fabulous promo for Brendan's Live & Unjudged tour.

Can Alesha Be A Mean Queen?

The Mirror reports that Strictly Come Dancing producers have told Alesha to be tougher during the next series.

A source told the paper: “Following the backlash, Alesha was on the back foot from day one. Perhaps she feared she’d be attacked even more if she spoke out. But she has vowed to come back tougher than ever. She has said she will pull no punches. It was that or bosses were prepared to look elsewhere.”

Can Alesha get tougher? She certainly had her moments last series. She didn't mince her words when she criticised Craig Kelly's efforts in Blackpool. I want to see that Alesha every week. Praise only where it is deserved, and constructive criticism if you can offer any.

A fellow blogger, Frankie, noted on her Twitter page: "Mirror p18 - Alesha to get tougher on contestants in new series of #SCD maybe they'll take her 10 away? F".

Says it all really.

Pro Tour Advertisment

Here is TV ad for the Pro Tour. Can't wait to see it!



Shame the Bristol Hippodrome's YouTube user can't spell Strictly...

Brendan: "I Do Not Like My Chances"

Despite the News Of The World article suggesting he is safe, Brendan Cole has admitted that he is not so confident about his future with Strictly Come Dancing.

Brendan appeared on The Wright Stuff yesterday, and The Sun quotes him as saying: "If the rumours are true, not all of us can stay. With the trouble I create I do not like my chances."

Brendan is always good telly, and I have enjoyed seeing his mellower (but still principled) side in recent series. He generates lots of publicity, and these days it comes without any negativity. He seems to have managed to leave the 'love rat' tag behind at last.

Brendan had fantastic chemistry with Lisa. And he was patient and caring with the less gifted Jo. I think that Brendan is still an asset to the show, and I hope he is invited to return.

Derek Hough Rumour Resurfaces

The Sun has resurected a rumour which first appeared last December about Derek Hough being offered a pro spot on Strictly.

A source told the paper: "He has been asked to join Strictly and he's incredibly keen to do so. It means missing the next season of the US show but it would give him more time with Cheryl [Cole]."

Derek and Cheryl became friends when he appeared in her Parachutes video.

Derek appeared as a mentor on DanceX, so he already has a relationship with the BBC. He spent a lot of time in Britain during his early dance career, and has sereval Dancing With The Stars seasons under his belt.

Brian Fortuna is the only new male pro to have joined Strictly in recent years so the time is probably right, and if the rumours about producers wanting to shake things up, Derek could be a natural choice.

Changes For 2010?

The News Of The World reported this weekend that big changes are planned for the next series of Strictly, which could see some of the dancers leaving the show.

The article points the finger and Anton for the most part, citing the race controversy as a reason why. A show source told the paper: "Our preference is that Anton decides he's had a few good years on Strictly and wants to try something new. We'd rather not get into another messy situation like we did with Arlene. But if he makes it clear he wants to come back then we'll have to have some tough conversations. All the old guard of professional dancers need to be aware this show is changing for the better."

The 'old guard', according to the article, also includes Erin, Darren, Lilia and Ian, although the future of Aliona, Katya and Natalie is also uncertain.

The article also suggests that Vincent, Flavia, James, Ola, Brendan, Matthew, Brian and Kristina are likely to be retained.

The insider said: "The producers are in the middle of a complete overhaul of the show. There's a lot of pressure for it to be completely relaunched. We lost the battle with The X Factor last year. That means changes have to be made and some very popular personalities from the show will go."

It's really difficult to know what is for the best. I would hate to lose any of the professionals from the show. But I can also see the need to refresh the show. The viewers have always been willing to give new dancers a chance on the show. Brian & Kristina were embraced, while Hayley was not. But all were given a fair chance.

If I'm totally honest, perhaps it is time for Anton to move on. He's branching out in new TV directions all the time. And as much as I am fond of him, he was really exposed during the last series. He had a partner who had the talent, but it was never realised, and the blame for that has to fall at Anton's door as much as Laila's.

Erin and Ian would be massive losses in my opinion. Ian's choreography has fantastic musicality, and the tango with Jade that never was was proof of that. Erin is a fantastic teacher, and has come so close so many times. Colin and Austin both could have easily won. I'd love to see her raise the glitterball.

Darren & Lilia have never had partners as strong as Jill and Darren respectively, but given the right partners, both could return to form. I know they both have legions of fans too.

Ali & Brian Will Burn The Floor

Strictly lovebirds Ali Bastion & Brian Fortuna will star in Burn The Floor, which is hitting the West End this summer.

According to The Stage, the show will run at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 21 July to 4 September.

You can learn more about the show at BurnTheFloor.com.

Keisha For Strictly?

Former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan could be headed for the dancefloor.

According to The Mirror, producers have already approached the singer about participating in this year's series.

A source told the paper: "Keisha was thrilled when asked to be part of the show. But she is a little apprehensive. In the Sugababes, it was all about the singing. They never really danced. So the training would be really hard for her. Her pal Alesha Dixon saw her solo career really take off after Strictly and she's hoping that it could help her, too. She has so much on, it depends on whether she can fit it all in. But she is seriously keen. It's one of the only reality shows she would ever consider."

I think Keisha would be a great participant. She is hardworking and charismatic. With the right partner, she could really sizzle.