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Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Meet Arlene!
You can meet former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, who will be signing copies of her two new children's books in her Alana Dancing Star series.
Rapper 50 Cent has been watching Ann's Strictly performances on YouTube, and can't get enough.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "I’m watching the show and am a big fan of Ann Widdecombe – that girl is hot. She is like Susan Boyle, man, she doesn’t conform to the way society says you should look, and there is something very hot about that in a woman. She has some moves as well. When the show is finished she is more than welcome to come over to LA or New York and I will take her out clubbing, and we can do our stuff on the dance floor.”
She's nothing like Susan Boyle. Susan Boyle is talented. But of course, Ann knows that. She told the paper: “Apparently a rapper in the States said I was the new Susan Boyle of dance but he got that wrong. Susan Boyle can sing. I can’t dance. I’m immensely flattered but have I heard of him? No, of course not.”
Ann is happy to leave her fate in the hands of Strictly viewers, and believes whatever they decide is right.
She told DigitalSpy: "I've spent 23 years saying, 'Let the voters decide'. If we won this, then it will be down to the viewers. What is right or wrong is down to the viewers. The BBC has put on this programme and right from day one has chosen unequally matched dancers. If it was a dancing competition and nothing more, you wouldn't put together Ann Widdecombe and Kara Tointon. That is like taking an A-Level student and someone from kindergarten and saying, 'Let's see who writes the best essay'. They wouldn't do the show like that if it was just a dance competition."
Ann Widdecombe is about the only celebrity not to have lost weight on the programme.
She told the Daily Record: "I haven't lost a single pound and I haven't lost a single inch. If I had I would be shouting from the rooftops. If you actually look back at the dresses that I was wearing at the beginning and the dresses I am wearing now and you take comparable ones, I don't look any different. I loved the yellow one I wore last week actually. Apart from the awful wardrobe malfunction at the end, I did love that one. It made me look like Big Bird."
Well, it's hardly a shock is it. To lose weight through dancing, you have to do more than wander around the studio a bit. You actually have to dance.
Ann claims that she and Anton are still getting on well: "Anton and I get on so tremendously well and we haven't had any cross words at all. If he thinks I can do something he will push me. He knows exactly where my boundaries are, as long as it doesn't involve any immodesty, I'd do it. If he wanted to lift me to the skies - and I don't think he could for one minute, but if he did - I'd do it. I couldn't do this if I didn't get on with my dance instructor. He's huge fun."
Pamela was so busy with Strictly training that she forgot her husband's birthday, and now might have to have it tattooed on her arm as a reminder.
Billy is currently on tour in Canada, and Pamela was too tired to remember.
She told the Daily Express: “My body was so sore at the end of the rehearsal day I staggered home, crawled into a bath, then lay down on the bed and fell asleep. With the time difference I woke up at seven the next morning panicking because I had waited until the evening to call him to wish him happy birthday but had fallen asleep. He missed my birthday once for the same reason and he went and got a tattoo with my name and my birth date inside a big heart. He said he will make me do it and I think that is only fair.”
Only half of the couples remain in the competition, and the cracks are starting to show, both physically and mentally.
I found Kara &Artem's jive a little timid and flat. It was more like the Kara we saw earlier in the competition. It was all a bit tentative. There were some nice bits of choreography (I loved the bit where Kara went through his arms and then back again), but there were a couple of errors. The ending was late. Kara seemed to be looking at the floor during the side-by-side section. It wasn't a bad job considering the lack of training they had done, but not up to their usual standards.
I think Anton is actually just taking the mickey now. He looks like he's lost the will to live, and I think it may well be his entertaining performances keeping them in rather than Ann's. Let's talk rumba. Ann has no hip action. There is no sense of longing, no romance, no nice lines. There were more steps than we've seen in previous weeks - basics, hand-to-hands, opening outs, alamanas, cuban rocks - but they poorly executed. Ann never presents anything, and never looks like she's having a good time. Does she really want to be in the competition?
Patsy &Robin's Argentine tango was not as slick as we would want to see, but Patsy gave it a good go. There were a couple of tiny stumbles. If the competition were longer she could do well, but she is running out of time. She has improved, no doubt about it, but she's still not up to the standard of some of the others. I love Patsy's passion, though. I really hope she gets to stay a bit longer.
It was a shame about the errors in Scott &Natalie's American smooth. The poor fella really does look knackered. The lift was good, and Scott managed to get to the end despite the mistakes. My sympathies are with him, but this is still a competition, and the show must go on. He may be working hard, but when he hits the floor he has to be able to sell it no matter what. There was a small stumble near the very beginning - I think his shoes might have got stuck together. It was still a routine packed with content. Natalie does not pad her routines with props and tricks. Maybe this week she should have.
Gavin &Katya's jive was lots of fun. I liked how Katya had based the choreography around the song, and there was plenty of basic steps as well as the more 'stylised' stuff. Gavin had lots of timing issues, and was a bit flat footed. But I think performance-wise, it was one of his best routines. He looked like he was having fun even though he said he wasn't. That has to be a breakthrough.
Matt had some dodgy facial expressions during the American smooth, but aside from that I liked it. I agree with Bruno that Matt seems to flit between beauty and beast sometimes. It was not a typical American smooth, but I think it was lovely. It was so nice to see them do a routine with no tricks. Maybe Aliona has finally worked out that Matt doesn't need them. And I actually liked the 'trudging through snow' lift.
After a mediocre night from some of the front runners, the leaderboard was Pamela &James' to steal, and steal it they did You just knew their charleston was going to be a treat before they even hit the floor. It had personality and musicality. Pamela executed everything so beautifully. It was such a delight to watch. It was well presented, and it was great that the show ended on a high note following an off-week for so many couples.
Of course, I want to see Ann go home, but it's likely to be Patsy or Gavin. It's totally unfair that good, and dedicated, dancers are going out while Ann stays. But those are the rules of the competition, and we are all going to have to live with it. I can't believe next week will be the quarter final!
Lots of love and good wishes to former Strictly finalist Lisa Snowdon, who was admitted to hospital with viral meningitis this week.
According to The Sun, she started to feel unwell after switching on the Bond Street Christmas lights.
A source told the paper: "She was feeling so weak when she arrived at the hospital she was on the verge of collapse. She's hoping to feel better in time for Christmas, but it's really knocked her off her feet. She works incredibly hard and has a very busy career, but right now her health must come first."
The lovely folks at Warner Leisure Hotels are giving one lucky winner and a friend the chance to win a place on one of their fabulous dance weekends - worth up to £798.
You could be learning to dance and enjoying cabarets and Q&As with your Strictly Come Dancing favourites including Anton & Erin, James & Ola, Ian & Camilla, Darren & Lilia or Vincent & Flavia. And all of the weekends will be attended by judge Craig Revel Horwood (although hopefully he'll be leaving his paddles behind!).
To enter the competiton, visit the Warner Leisure Hotels website and suggest your dream Strictly celebrity line-up (one guy and one girl).
Of course, if you win, you must take me!
For more details on the upcoming breaks, OurWarner.com.
Former Strictly champion Jill Halfpenny says she'll go nude if Ann wins the competition.
She told The Sun: "When it comes to the crunch the public will finally go, 'OK, we've had our fun now'. If Ann Widdecombe wins Strictly Come Dancing I promise I'll pose nude in the High Street."
Jill may just have won Ann some more votes!
Speaking about Ann, and her X Factor equivalent Wagner, Jill said: "I'm sure that both of them may go a long way in both competitions, maybe all the way to the final, but when the key turning point arrives - and the public have to vote for the most gifted contestants - true talent will win through."
The tabloids are rife with rumours that Jimi Mistry and Flavia Cacace are now a couple.
The pair attended the Drapers Fashion Awards last week, and sources told the Daily Mail that the pair were keen to avoid photographers, and that he was seen stroking her leg under a table.
Maybe they are a couple. Or maybe they just missed each other, having spent several weeks pressed against each other. What does it matter? If it's true, good luck to them.
There are only 8 couples left, and the competition is getting tougher. After the highs of last week, despite being in Blackpool, this week didn't quite live up to my expectations. Not every week is going to top the last, I suppose.
Patsy & Robin did a competent job with the samba. Technically Patsy isn't that great, but what she lacks in quality she makes up for with performance and exuberance. She comes out and gives the routines everything. It was nice and bouncy, although she is a little heavy footed. You could see that she was trying to get the hips going, although there wasn't lots of hip action (but I find samba hips the hardest thing to get, so I wouldn't expect any celebrity to get it right!). It was a little uncontrolled, but Patsy is such a joy to watch. And her outfit was lovely. I love this Kylie vibe she has going.
I liked Kara & Artem's Bond-esque take on the American smooth. I think it was totally unfair for Len to mark them a 6. Kara's execution of what she was given to dance was flawless. Kara's job is to learn and perform. She doesn't have an influence on the choreography. It's one thing to knock a point off for an illegal lift, but it's another to mark them down 3 or 4 points. The couple's should be judged on the celebrity's performance, and Kara was stunning. Besides, most of Artem's numbers have been thin on the basics of the dance. I can't believe Len has only just noticed...
Matt &Aliona's samba was well presented, but they are just not blowing me away. The shadow samba rolls were very nice, but for me there was too much wiggling while standing still, and not enough travelling (but of course, I wouldn't judge Matt for that - he did what he was given well). I did think towards the end how Aliona had got through the dance without inserting, and then came the tumbles. Oh well.
The lifts in Felicity &Vincent's American smooth were lovely, with clean entry and exits. Felicity has the personality on the floor, but not the technical execution. She dances on her toes a little too much and doesn't drive as much as she should. She is very elegant, though. The American smooth seems to suit Felicity, as it requires that acting element that a straight Foxtrot does not. If this was her last dance, she'll go out on a high.
I thought Gavin actually did a reasonable job with the American smooth. His manner on the floor is a little to 'casual' for me, though. His way in the American smooth was a bit laid back, and not formal enough. However, that is still better than having him rigid with nerves, so if it works, why not? It's a shame the 'superlift' was obscured by Katya's skirt so much. It meant the 'wow' factor was lost a little bit. I really liked the way Gavin presented Katya throughout the dance. He looked a little awkward on the solo turns, but there's no way he would have even attempted anything solo all those weeks ago. Gavin is really starting to turn the corner. I thought this was better than their quickstep last week.
Scott & Natalie did a good job with the samba. His hips were OK, but not outstanding. Their shadow rolls were well executed. It had a fair bit of bounce, and certainly was a party dance. Scott & Natalie do everything well. Not every dance is going to be a Viennese waltz or a jive, but they still do everything very well.
Personally, I didn't like the slightly comical aspect in Pamela &James' American smooth. But that aside, Pamela is just great. She is so elegant. She finishes everything so beautifully, and her lines are wonderful. Pamela's footwork is outstanding. Her upturned toes on the foxtrot steps when travelling backwards is worthy of a professional. She is the only celebrity I've noticed who does that (well done James!). Her turns are spot on. Gorgeous running promenades. Well-deserved 10s.
I liked Ann's costume. I think I might stop there. The samba was embarrassing. Ann isn't even trying to dance. Anton just dances around her and drags her about. But what other option does he have? How much more of this do we have to endure?
Top for me this week were Pamela and Kara. Of course Ann should go. She should have gone since week 1. in the bottom two with her should be Felicity, I think. Sadly, I think it might be Felicity or Patsy going home. I do not want to see Ann (not) doing the rumba!
He told What's On TV: "I'd like Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Simon Cowell on the show. I'd enjoy telling Anne Robinson she's the Weakest Link and it'd be fun seeing Katie Price on there wobbling about!"
And what are his thoughts on this year's bunch: "It's been fantastic. We've had a mix of pretty good dancers, some not quite so good - and Ann Widdecombe... I think Pamela Stephenson is incredible. Then you've got Matt Baker, who's definitely up there and Scott Maslen. I think Kara Tointon's got great potential, too!"
The BBC have announced the lineup for the Strictly Christmas special, and I am quite excited by it.
Fern Britton & Matthew Cutler June Brown & Vincent Simone Ronni Ancona & Anton du Beke John Barrowman & Kristina Rihanoff Vince Cable & Erin Boag
I adored Fern's Singing In The Rain routine on Let's Dance For Comic Relief. I'm thrilled that she is in the lineup. She's already a lovely dancer, and I can't wait to see how she gets on. It's also brilliant news that Matthew Cutler will be back on the floor. Walking away from Strictly has not closed the door for him.
June is such a lovely lady who always has time for people. I think she'll give it a good go. She must be smaller than I thought, though, as she is partnered with pocket rocket Vincent.
I have a sneaky suspicion that Ronni might secretly be a bit good. She'll be Anton's second impressionist, having danced with Jan Ravens in Series 4.
Logic would say John should wipe the floor with everyone, but he only placed 7th (of 10) in Series 1 of Dancing On Ice. Maybe things would be different in the post-Torchwood era. John is a musical theatre veteran, so performance comes naturally. Kristina has been blessed with her most natually gifted partner to date, so I can't wait to see what she does with him.
Vince is already a keen ballroom dancer, and has expressed a desire to be a part of Strictly many times, so he should be in his element. He must believe he can do well, as I can't imagine any current government minister would be willing to put themselves out there unless they could hold their own. Politics can be won or lost on PR and image. He's in safe hands with Erin.
The show is being recorded on 29th Novemeber, and with Vincent and Anton still in the main competition (and at least one of them staying in for another week after Blackpool, if not both), it might be more difficult for them to fit in training than the others.
Now, when am I going to get that email congratulating me on successfully getting tickets?..
Ann Widdecome vetoed a Priscilla, Queen of the Desert inspired number after she discovered it was about drag queens.
The Daily Telegraph reports than Anton explained all on The One Show: "I wanted to do a big camp Priscilla, Queen of the Desert number. I told her it would be all sequins and head pieces, and she was up for it. I did think to myself 'Actually, I'm not quite sure you know what this is,' but I decided to run with it. Then on Thursday she discovered what Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was actually about. She just said: 'No. I'm not doing that. It's all about transvestites.' That was the end of the discussion. I laughed. When Ann doesn't want to do something, there's none of that debating nonsense."
A high street retailer is in advanced talks to stock a Strictly-inspired range of clothing.
According to the Daily Mail, the show's designers and BBC Worldwide have developed a range of 15 outfits.
BBC Worldwide commercial director Richard Halliwell indicated that the range would cater for all ages and sizes: "We’re a mass-market show, we’ll not be putting out tiny Ola Jordan-inspired catsuits."
Also in the pipeline are hair-styling products, shoes and accessories.
Former Strictly participant Rachel Stevens has given birth to a baby girl. The Press Association reports that baby Amalie was born at 2.05 this morning.
Vince Cable has said on many occations that he'd love to be a part of Strictly. But that was in the days when he was just another MP. Now the Buisness Secretary will get to strut his funky stuff on the Strictly Christmas special.
BBC News reports that he will perform an American smooth and a foxtrot, partnered by Erin. He told the Association of Colleges conference: "I have had a couple of practice sessions with Erin, who is absolutely gorgeous and a great teacher. I am looking forward to it. I have done social dancing as it's my hobby, but she is hopefully taking me to a much higher level."
It seems that, when it comes to the annual Poppy Appeal, whatever Strictly Come Dancing producers do is wrong.
In all series up until last year, only the presenters and judges wore poppies. The contestants did not, and I presumed this was because they were wearing a costume, rather than their own clothes. They did wear them if they were a guest on It Takes Two.
Last year, despite the fact that the dancers had never worn them, there was an outcry. All of a sudden, everyone was outraged that they weren't worn, and so the BBC reversed their decision, and they all wore them for the first time.
Now a columnist for the Belfast Telegraph believes it is wrong to have poppies pinned to such skimpy costumes.
Nuala McKeever writes: "To see dancers on Strictly Come Dancing wearing large floppy poppies, such as Scott Maslen and Natalie Lowe, pinned to their skimpy costumes was tasteless in the extreme. Do the words, “time and place” mean nothing to the BBC executives who’ve handed down this ridiculous decree?"
I support the Poppy Appeal and wear my poppy with pride, and I think it is important that everyone show their respect to the veterans of our country, and remember those who are not fortunate to stand alongside them.
But when it comes to the Strictly Come Dancing participants, it seems they cannot do the right thing.
Personally, I don't think anyone in costume should be expected to wear a poppy. You wouldn't go to a West End show and expect the cast to wear them. You wouldn't expect the characters in EastEnders to wear one unless their character would. Presenters, judges and musical guests, who are not in a costume, should be expected to wear them in the same way as any other presenter or guest on the BBC.
No doubt, should Strictly return next year, the debate will rage once again...
Expletive lover and former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder could have been caressing the dancefloor instead of eating bugs in the jungle.
The Sun reports that he was all set for a stint on Strictly, but producers pulled the plug fearing a repeat of his infamous TFI Friday performance.
A Strictly source told the paper: "We had Shaun lined up and he was keen. It would've been great watching him pulling on the sequins, but top brass got cold feet, they were worried he'd muck up a dance and start effing and blinding."
I elected not to write a Sunday Service this week, saving it for Monday Musings instead, as I had the privilege of being in the studio on Saturday night. I decided not to write my thoughts when I knew the result, as I didn't want to give anything away.
I can't get enough of Pamela & James. I think the judges were perhaps a little harsh on her. I think she does give the routines everything. She's very precise, but I think she lets go. The routine totally suited Pamela. It had a nice mix of basic cha cha, and wasn't flashy. I loved the Bucks Fizz moment, and I now want my own sparkly laptop! The only dodgy part was the ending. It looked as though Pamela fell into the end post. Perhaps she does need to raise her game a little.
Michelle's interpretation of the paso doble was a bit stampy. There didn't seem to be any connection between her and Brendan. I found her performance a bit detached. But she has improved lots. I loved Brendan's choreography. It had heaps of musicality. And I loved the section of turns where he took Michelle by the skirt instead of turning her with a hand. Brilliant.
I loved Patsy &Robin's Viennese waltz. Admittedly, the purist in me would have liked a bit more of the dance in hold, but that aside I loved it. The storytelling was first rate. Patsy managed to really use her acting skills. I think it was Patsy's best dance. I still think Patsy struggles in hold. She always seems to flourish when she's left on her own, or is at least out of hold.
Matt & Aliona gave the rumba a good go. It was one of the better rumbas we've seen from a male celebrity. Matt did funny things with his arms now and then, but aside from that it was pretty good. I'm not sure about the chemistry between them, though. They're good, but I don't buy them as a partnership as much as some of the other couples. I always feel slightly uncomfortable when Matt is going for 'sexy'. I liked the routine, and thankfully for once there were no tricks.
Gavin is trying really hard to show some personality on the dancefloor, and I think Katya did a good job in pitching their quickstep as fun. It seemed to bring Gavin out of his shell a bit. He still has a few timing issues, and his footwork is hit and miss - he missed a few heel leads. It was an improvement on some of his other routines, but I'm afraid that Gavin still leaves me cold. He's never given me the impression that he really loves dancing.
How much longer so we have to endure Ann & Anton? Every dance is the same. Ann walks around the floor, and every so often hangs on to Anton for dear life to get through a few pivots. This foxtrot was no different. There is no style, no passion, no personality during the dance. Does anyone genuinely enjoy watching their routines? Several times, Anton looked as though it was all going wrong, but he's such a strong lead they got away with it. Would Ann even realise if it was all wrong? I'm bored now.
Kara & Artem were phenomenal on Saturday night. Their Argentine tango was stunning and very hot. Kara is so naturally gifted, but even she has improved as the weeks have gone on. She reminds me of Rachel Stevens, who took a while to get going, but when she hit her stride was fantastic. Kara has certainly hit he stride in the last couple of weeks. This was one of the best Argentine tangos we've seen in a long time. Her lunges are stunning. Her basic steps are precise. Kara & Artem are pure class.
Felicity seemed to really struggle with the salsa. It was a bit of a mess, and Felicity & Vincent are lucky to still be in the competition. The slow sections lacked fluidity. There were errors all over the place. At least they kept going. I can't help feeling that Felicity is now slightly out of her depth in the competition. But she works really hard, and she displays an enjoyment of dancing (except when she looked a bit panic-stricken), but she needs to raise her game if she wants to say.
Scott &Natalie's jive totally brought the house down. Once again, Natalie's choreography was just brilliant. Leaving Scott to show what a strong dancer he is by having him jive by himself outside the closed door was brave and inspired. The storytelling was fabulous. On top of that, technically Scott is sound. His technique is solid, and it's certainly not a case of style over substance. It was the best jive since 'that jive'. Yes, I'm going to say it. Halfpenny. Hillary Alexander summed it up best on Twitter: "Three 10s for Scott! Put that in your pipe and smoke it Gavin!!".
There is no doubt that Scott was top dog this week, followed by Kara. The bottom two should have been Ann and Felicity, with Ann going home. Felicity was lucky to get through this week, and needs to up her game if she wants to stay.
Former Strictly champion Mark Ramprakash tips Kara for success.
Ramps, who partnered Kara for Sport Relief in 2008, told the Press Association: "She is very good. We did a routine, and I was really impressed with how quickly she picked it up. She could count the music, and picked up things really well, so I think she's definitely got the ability to go all the way on the show. Of course, you can never really predict how the public vote will go, but in terms of ability, Kara's got a real talent."
TheSun's Buzz magazine went backstage at Strictly to find out what really goes on behind the scenes.
Pamela literally let out their secrets: "There’s a lot of farting backstage, terrible smells being made just as people are about to go on. Nerves make you fart, so the girls get away with blaming the boys.”
Nice!
Meanwhile, Patsy & Robin practice their moves in the corridor.
Alesha Dixon really don't do herself any favours, and should probably think before she speaks a little more.
The week, she talked to the Press Association about her decision to return to Strictly's judging panel: "I'm not a quitter, and I only do things I enjoy so the fact I'm back there now shows how much I love it. There was no hesitation to go back this year, but I did have to think about it. My label were resistant for me to do it, as they have no vested interest in the show, and there's no evidence that being on there sells them more records. Let's be real, they've invested a lot more in my career than Strictly has, but it's my life and career, and I enjoy it."
Alesha, darling. If it wasn't for Strictly, you probably wouldn't still have a record deal. Just think before you speak, babes.
Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace have split after three years together.
Flavia told The Sun: "We have broken up. It was due to our work - travelling so much and being away from home so much. We are still in touch and very good friends."
Like Craig earlier this week, Len also believes that justice will be done when it comes to the winner of Strictly.
He told the Daily Telegraph: “My job is to wave the flag of true dancing so I can’t do much more than put her last. I’m not going to be nasty and castigate poor old Ann. The public will decide. I wouldn’t want to see her in there and Scott voted off – then it would be stupid. But the wonderful thing about Strictly is that the best dancer always ends up winning, whatever happens in the middle. The British love an underdog, but they also have a sense of justice and fair play.”
It will be so interesting to see who gets set packing tomorrow, and won't be getting on the plane to Blackpool.
Joanne Irvine, head of design, explained how they handle the celebrities: “When the series begins, the contestants are all quite nervous about the costumes. They want to be covered up. But as the show progresses, they get more self-confident, they lose weight, and everything gets smaller... We do a lot of ego-stroking, make [the contestants] feel comfortable about their outfits."
She also explains how careful they have to be in the days before the announcements about the series are made: “Because we know in advance, we have to be quite tight-lipped about the designs. It’s always difficult before the show starts, and you know who the contestants are. They have codenames. Ann’s was Maidstone, and Pamela’s was Doctor.”
Felicity Kendall says she is being realistic about her chances on the show, and believes she cannot win.
She told the Daily Mail: "You have to be athletic beyond belief to win this show. You have to actually get to the standard of a semi-professional dancer. And to do that you can only go up to your 30s for God’s sake. So the answer is NO!"
She also understands how couples get involved on the show, although despite 'that kiss', her and Vincent's relationship is strictly platonic: "I can understand how everyone starts falling in love and marriages break down. You do get very relaxed! For me, it’s not that unusual because you have to do the same thing with acting: shyness has to go. But the closeness that comes if you’re much younger, my God I don’t think I could have managed this at 20. You get so reliant on the person that if you are two people who are attracted, that’s the end of whatever you’ve got at home. Male or female, it doesn’t matter which way round it is, it’s someone you rely on to hold you up when you fall down. When you’re being praised or criticised, you’re at your most vulnerable and you do see every couple bonding in a particular way. I’m bonding with Vincent — not in THAT way, but in a very strong friendship way."
Ann Widdecombe will not be quitting Strictly like John Sargent.
She told The Mirror: "I won't take a leaf out of John Sergeant's book and quit. It would be a slap in the face of the public and terribly rude. No one but the public decides who stays and goes. The BBC doesn't, the judges don't, those are the rules. I'm not going to quit - as long as the public want me there I'll stay - when they don't, I'll go."
Ann is absolutely right to continue on. John Sergeant as a coward for quitting. While I think Ann's time should be up, by the rules of the competition she has as much right to be there as anyone else. She has a duty to those who have invested in her by voting for her to stay in the competition and give them the entertainment they are paying for.
Like Craig, I believe that in the end sensibility will prevail. I don't think the British public would let Ann win over Scott, Matt, Kara or Pamela. Even when 'wildcards' make it to the final - like Christopher Parker - they do not win.
Hopefully Jimi's shock exit will know some sense into the voting viewers and they'll start voting for the best dancers. Trouble is, at the moment, those voting for the dancing are split in the four ways I've mentioned. Those voting for the underdog are all voting for Ann (OK, and maybe a few for Gavin).
DigitalSpy caught up with Matt & Aliona recently to talk about Strictly.
Matt enjoys getting out there and meeting viewers who also watch Countryfile: "We often train while we are on location on Monday and the ladies love it - all the farmers' wives. They always want a go and have a little dance with me doing the latest dance steps. And it's great to get out there and meet these people that are voting for me, because Strictly has such a wonderful widespread appeal and positive response from the general public."
But he's also looking forward to a rest when it's over: "We are definitely having a break after this. I don't know where, but definitely. It does take up so much time and you really have to focus on it. And the thing with Strictly is that it will absorb as much as you want to give. The more you give, the more it will give you back."
Matt & Aliona fans should read the whole interview.
Colin Jackson talks about the upcoming Strictly tour, and reveals that he will be partnered with Ola.
Jimi revealed earlier this week that he will also be joining the lineup, which means there is only one male celebrity left to be announced to complete the tour cast.
The Sun reports that Liam got hoocked on the show this year by watching ex-wife Patsy Kensit.
A source told the paper: "Liam's wild days are behind him - he likes the TV on a Saturday night. It suits him to stay in with the missus. Sometimes they have pals round, sometimes it's just the family, but they always watch Strictly."
Christmas is coming. Stuck for a gift? Well, there are two calendars available that will help next year fly by.
The official Strictly Come Dancing calendar, published by Danilo, is in the shops now. It features all 14 couples from this year's line-up. I've seen it, and I have to say it is much better than last year's. The RRP is £7.99 (although for anyone going to the BBC in the next few weeks, the BBC Shop had it for £5.99).
And for all you Ian Waite fans, Ian has done his own calendar. The calendar costs £16 and is available from Ian's online shop. £1 from each calendar sold with go to the Wellchild charity.
Pamela has been putting on her psychologist's hat, and says she is fascinated between the relationships between Strictly's celebrities and their dance partners.
The Daily Mail quotes an interview that Pamela gave to Radio 4's Women's Hour: "Most professional dancers are probably used to meeting someone one minute and locking loins with them the next minute, getting to know them in a very intimate way. It is mucky, murky stuff and professional dancers are used to bringing these emotions and laying it on the table. But for the rest of us, we are not used to that and it can be very confusing. I think about it a lot."
And she talks about her own celeb-pro relationship: "James and I have become embroiled in some sort of relationship.We had a fight last week and there have been power struggles but… we know underneath that there is a strong connection between us. But that’s all. I am not afraid of falling a bit in love with James. Could that really be that bad?"
Pamela, my dear. Many of us a 'a bit in love with James'. I'd say it's perfectly normal.
Seriously, though, I remember when I was in a youth drama group as a teenager, I'd develop massive crushes on other members of the cast. It's because you spend so much time together, and you start thinking about them in ways you wouldn't normally, often because of the character they are playing, but also because of the hours of rehearsals you spend with the same small group of people. Unfortunately for my hormones, none of my crushes developed into anything more, and when a show is over you go back into the normal routines of life and wonder what you were thinking. I have fond memories of those days. Maybe I should go back to a bit of drama...
Matt fears his busy schedule could upset his chances on Strictly.
He told the Sunday Mirror that he can only train a couple of hours a day due to other work commitments, while some of the other celebrities can spend as much time as they like.
For some reason, the original article has been removed from the Mirror wesbite, but the Metro quotes Matt's comments from the article: "One minute you're doing a voiceover for Countryfile and within minutes you're doing your steps and you never have time to warm-up properly. I'm so behind everyone else."
This happpens to lots of celebrities. Some of them will be working on other things, some are between other jobs. Matt's lucky that he's got natural ability and doesn't need to spend as long as some of the others.
Pamela Stephenson admits to getting caught up in the mania of Strictly, and heard herself utter the words: "James and I had a rough week."
She sets herself straight in her Guardian column: "Rough week? Rough week! I was dancing on TV for heaven's sake! See, that's what reality-TV-land does to you – seduces you into thinking you're important. In the nick of time, I booked a session with myself."
Brendan Cole: Live & Unjudged was released on DVD today.
I saw the tour earlier in the year, so I knew what to expect from the content. If you're a fan of Brendan, or any of the other dancers - Nicole Cutler, Hanna Haarala, Andrew Cuerden, Izabela Hannah & Scott Cole - or just a dance fan, it's well worth a look. The cast perform high-energy numbers in some fabulous constumes. The show covers all the usual latin and ballroom dances. There's even a vocal performance from Brendan, who braved performing in front of his Strictly partner Michelle Williams who was at the show. My favourite numbers remain unchanged from when I saw it at my local theatre - the Argentine tango and the rumba. The show is slick and well-produced. What I really enjoy about it is how thrilled Brendan is to be doing his own show. It shone through when I saw the show, and it leaps out on the DVD too.
The DVD is excellent. If you saw the tour and enjoyed it, or if the tour didn't come near you and you want to see the show, this DVD is a great way to experience it. It is very well-produced and looks great.
There are a coupld of extras. You get a little look behind the scenes, and there's a short interview with Brendan. The parts of the Q&A snipped from the main edit also make it to the extras. Although the promise of seeing Brendan in a mankini was not realised (you'll have to watch it to understand that one...).
If you have a dance fan in your household, this will make a great Christmas present.
Brendan Cole: Live & Unjudged was released on DVD today (big thanks to the nice folks at Lace DVD). The show will also be touring again in 2011. See BrendanCole.com for details of venues and dates.
William G Stewart, veteran TV producer famous for hosting Fifteen To One , claims he was approached for Strictly, but was not offered a place due to his age.
Stewart told the Daily Telegraph: "I had an interview with producers, was accepted and even agreed to a location for my training. At the interview I even did a few high kicks, knee bends, and toe-touching to prove how fit I am. All was agreed. Then, two weeks later, my agent got a message to say that the BBC would not insure me – I was too old."
A BBC spokesman told the paper: "The casting for Strictly is a long process during which the producers meet many potential contributors and these meetings are always on a 'no strings attached' basis. We have never made a decision about whether or not to cast somebody based on their age. In fact, this year's oldest celebrity, Paul Daniels, is 72. However, all of our cast, regardless of age, have a full medical before they embark on training which is for their protection."
William may have actually been a more popular choice than Paul, whom the public never seemed to warm to.
Want to know how much effort it takes to look fabulous on Strictly? Pamela Stephenson took the Daily Mail on a journey through that very transformation.
It's a brilliant article, which gives just a little insight into what goes on backstage in the wardrobe, make-up and hair departments. I would never have known that she wears two pairs of tights, or that her mic pack is concealed somewhere around her chesticals.
Remeber that shock exit I've talking about and anticipating? We've just had it. Jimi & Flavia are the latest couple to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing.
Every year there seems to be a shock exit, and usually it is a catalist for people to start voting for the best dancers and stop voting for the underdogs. I really hope that is the case this year. Jimi did not deserve to be voted out. His was one of the few performances I really enjoyed last night.
After the excitement of last week's Halloween special, I found this week's performances a little underwhelming.
I didn't like Kara &Artem's salsa as much as the judges did. I thought it was a little messy. The cartwheel at the beginning and the lifts at the end were excellent, however. And it did have bags of energy and performance. I just didn't get excited.
Pamela & James turned out a competent foxtrot. Pamela still needs to press her shoulders down harder. It was a shame about their stumble on the oversway. Overall, the routine was very classy. No tricks, no props, just a magical dance, and a return to form for Pamela after last week's blip.
Felicity &Vincent's paso doble was not very exciting. It was a bit stumbly and lacked flow. As always, Felicity's acting was excellent. She really gives it everything on the floor, but her dancing is still a little out of control and lacks grace.
I loved Jimi &Flavia's performance. The storytelling in their quickstep really suited Jimi. They covered the floor really well. Jimi demonstrated great musicality, finding the accents. Jimi seems to be going under the radar, a bit. He's quietly doing his thing. I hope that he doesn't end up out too early for that reason.
Matt &Aliona's waltz was simple, but effective. I still don't understand why Aliona insists on using props every week. That aside, I really liked the routine. They covered the floor well. Their fleckerl seemed a little slow, but at least they did it which is more than most couples. Matt led Aliona very well, and his posture was really nice.
The charleston was actually a good dance for Ann. She and Anton portrayed the dance with lots of humour, although she lacks real performance. She doesn't perform out to the audience enough. She's a bit mechanical - put arms here, stand here, do this, do that. There's no flow. Ann doesn't really dance at all.
Has Brendan lost it? What on earth possessed him to do a 'waltz' to a 4/4 piece of music. It makes no sense. Usually when he wants to cheat, he just puts loads of lifts in. It's such a shame, because I thought Michelle did a nice job. She looked very graceful, and her posture was excellent. It really suited her.
I am starting to love Patsy. Yes, the cha cha had a few timing issues, but I really enjoy watching her. She needs more hip action, as Craig mentioned. But she gives her dances everything. I'm really looking forward to seeing Patsy & Robin do another ballroom dance. I'm hoping she'll be able to go for it.
I disagreed with the judges. I thought Scott & Natalie did a good job with the rumba. Of course it wasn't as good as some of his previous performances, but it was still one of the better male rumbas we've seen on Strictly. It was a showy rumba, rather than an understated and intimate one, but that's OK. I thought Scott's arms and lines were good. A solid performance.
I found Gavin &Katya's cha cha really hit and miss. It was the most comfortable Gavin had looked on the floor all series - it's amazing what a rugby ball can do. Gavin has good footwork in a lot of places. There were a couple of small timing issues, most notably going into the New Yorkers. The routine had a fair bit of posing in it too, but it was a continued improvement for Gavin.
My favourites this week were Pamela and Jimi.
It's really hard to pick a bottom two this week. Ann and Gavin still lack performance, and for me performance is more important than great steps. Patsy gives so much performance that I find myself forgiving her less-than-perfect technique. So Ann and Gavin are probably my bottom two. However, I think the public will save them. We could see any combination of Patsy, Felicity, Michelle and Jimi in the bottom two. This week might be the shock exit I've been expecting.
The first batch of celebrities to take part in the 2011 live tour have been announced. If you're enjoying this series, you're in luck.
From years gone by, we have: Colin Jackson (Series 3) Ricky Whittle (Series 7)
And from the current series: Patsy Kensit Tina O'Brien Pamela Stephenson Kara Tointon
Just as before, Len, Craig and Bruno will be giving their scores. Hosting this year will be Series 3 finalist (and a personal favourite of mine), Zoe Ball. While I am sorry to see Kate Thornton go, as I think she was brilliant and very natually funny, I couldn't ask for a better replacement than Zoe. Maybe Ian will take her for a last spin around the floor...
None of the pros have been announced yet. It will be interesting to see if Jared, Robin and Artem will be partnering their ladies. I'm not sure if the tour's producers sign up the dancers as far in advance as they used to. Many times we've seen dancers who have left the show being part of the tour (I can't help wondering if any of those who left before this series might already be committed to the show). And, of course, Arlene did the tour because she'd signed before she was sacked from the programme.
Pamela has gone down two dress sizes since she began her Strictly training.
The Daily Mail quotes an interview she has given to Closer magazine: "I have confidence in my body, which I haven’t had for probably 30 years. I feel stronger and fitter - and I needed it! I’ve always found losing weight hard because I love food too much. But Strictly is the best fat camp in the universe!"
There should be an actual Strictly Fat Camp! I'd sign up!
Her costumes don't need as much help as they did: "We’ve been needing less of the underwiring and squishing in, though. You still have to do things like hide a microphone pack in your bra, which makes the puppies look enormous. I even tried on one of James’ wife Ola’s costumes which was a size eight last week. It didn’t do up, but it was getting there!"
Obviously, I am writing this already knowing the result, but I don't think that's going to make a difference to my opinions.
I have to start by saying that I think theming the show as a Halloween special was a great idea. I wouldn't want to see every episode themed, but it made a nice change, and let everyone use their imagination a little more.
Pamela finally came across the dance to trip her up - the jive. It was far from bad, but quite untidy. It wasn't as neat and tidy as Pamela's work usually is. There were a couple or errors in the side-by-side section, and that section seemed a little heavy. Maybe Pamela & James have become a little complacent. Or maybe Alesha was right and it simply wasn't her dance. Either way, I'm sure it will make her more determined.
It was nice to see Tina do something that didn't provoke everyone to use the word 'cute' endlessly. It took a little while to get over the fact that she and Jared looked like Danny & Sandy in their outfits. But once the dance started I soon put those thoughts to bed. It was great to see Tina get to use her acting skills. I had to agree with Craig that Tina's ochos weren't very attractive. Her walking steps lacked drive and strength, but her lines were lovely. Her decoration was excellent. I think it was Tina's best dance.
I loved Kara &Artem's paso doble. It was dramatic and passionate. Kara followed Artem around like the perfect cape. Her lines are just gorgeous. She had a look of determination we hadn't seen before. Kara was on her game. Choreographically, it was my favourite of their routines so far. It was packed with content. I especially loved the knee slide.
Patsy's hard work in the studio paid off. Her energy level in the jive was much more sustained. Their dance was fun, and had pleanty of basic content to keep Len (and probably me) happy. She could still be a little lighter and bouncier, and her flicks could be sharper, but she is definitely improving. Robin needs to keep up the boot camp tactic. It obviously works.
I loved the opening of Felicity &Vincent's Viennese waltz, but I have to agree that the walk down the stairs was an interuption, and perhaps it would have been better to start in front of the band. But that's nothing to do with Felicity, and I really don't think any of the celebrities should be judged on the choreography. They should be judged on how they perform what they are given. Comments about the choreography should always be directed towards the professionals. Anyway, back to Felicity. Once on the floor, I definitely think it was a waltz of two halves. The natural turns were very nice. The reverse turns looked really ackward and clumsy. But overall, it was a sound performance.
Jimi is yet to blow me away, but he is making steady progress. He was in control of the paso doble. He can lead Flavia. His characterisation was excellent. The lift was amazing - another demonstration of Flavia's imaginitive choreography. His cape work wasn't especially good, but was a fair attempt. Some of his lines weren't quite right, but others were great. I find Jimi charasmatic on the floor, but I think there may be more still to come from him. He is still a little jerky at times, and could do with smoother transitions at times.
When Michelle & Brendan said earlier in the week that the jive might be Michelle's dance, I will admit that I raised an eyebrow. Tall, long-limbed people and the jive don't usually mix. But Michelle really surprised me this week. He looked like she was loving it. She controled her arms and legs really well. Her footwork wasn't perfect, but her performance made up for any gaps in technique. It was easily her best dance. I am inclined to agree that it could have had more content, but did it really have any less content than Patsy & Robin's jive? I especically loved the ending. Brilliant.
Gavin has some lovely lines and shaping through his arms, and we started to see some perfromance in the paso this week. But the walking steps are all a bit light and lack oompf. He's started to leave his self-consciousness backstage, but there were moments where his character went and he started to smirk. He needs to keep in character throughout. I really liked Katya's chorography and you can't go wrong with a Bucks Fizz moment!
Scott &Natalie's Viennese waltz has to be one of the best we've every seen. The storytelling was captivating. Scott really leads Natalie. They covered the floor beautifully, and they did a flawless fleckurl - something that some professionals leave out of the routine, or replace with a standing spin. Their three tens were totally deserved.
I am no longer enjoying Ann &Anton's performances. Ann seems to walk through every routine in exactly the same manner. I found whatever that was at the end of the paso highly embarassing, and I just wanted for the whole thing to end. But it did take the pressure off everyone else having to follow Scott & Natalie.
I had trouble with Matt &Aliona's Argentine tango because of the music selection. Bat Out Of Hell screams jive to me. Matt did a good job, but it ceratinly wasn't an Argentine tango for the ages. To be honest, I don't really have any strong opinions about it. It was very good, but I wasn't excited about it. Natalie has spoken about how important music selection is, and so is so right. I just couldn't get past the music for Matt's routine.
Scott was easily the best on Saturday, followed by Kara. In my opinion, Ann should have been sent packing, possibly in the bottom two with Gavin. I feel that we're getting close to a shock exit. Tina shouldn't have gone yet, but it wasn't a shock. Felicity will hopefully have got a wake-up call and will work harder next week. Gavin has had a reprieve, and should demonstrate that he deserves to stay. I worry that we are getting close to someone going out and Ann staying. Remember Cherie? Remember Gabby? I think it's going to happen again...
