Louise. Lou. Loulabelle. Loulabelle44. Louby. loulabelle44@outlook.com.
Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Vernon For Strictly Host?
Could Vernon Kay be lined up to present Stictly alongside wife Tess?
What's On TV reports a story from the News Of The World which claims that producers are considering Vernon, should Bruce Forsyth retire, which they are hoping he will do this year.
A source said: "Tess and Vernon is our dream line-up. It would completely refresh the show. They're young, good looking and there's obvious chemistry. We're desperate to get Vern. Brucie has been very good to Tess, and Vern looks up to him. He must be ready to go. Bosses want to revamp Strictly so it appeals to younger viewers while not alienating older fans. He fits the bill."
Vernon is currently under a 'golden handcuffs' deal at ITV, which means he is currently unable to work for another broadcaster.
The show is over for another year. But I still need to write about the last couple of dances.
After the underwhelming showdances, the couples really had to pull it out of the bag.
Matt & Aliona's paso had lots of drive. It was a nice routine, but not sensational. On any other week it would have been a good performance, but in a final all of our expectations are higher, and it just didn't live up to them.
I loved Matt & Aliona's reprised Viennese waltz. I loved the look Matt gave Aliona as he kissed her hand at the beginning. It was an excellent performance and he danced very well. He knew it was the last dance, and the enjoyment poured out of him. It was magical. A good dance to finish on.
Kara looked confused at the beginning of the waltz, and I suspect that Artem kept her in check. I kept expecting her to go wrong. I can only suspect that was because of the pain she was in with her arm. Craig was right about her heel leads, which were lacking. Kara is such a joy to watch, and so elegant. It was a great performance.
I was surprised that Kara & Artem chose to reprise the American smooth after Len's comments about it. But I suppose they knew the judges scores wouldn't count, and the routine had gone down so well with the audience at the time. You could see Kara's pain during the dance, and there was a little problem on the split because of it. But it was still a better performance than the waltz.
I was happy with the result. I thought that Kara was a better dancer than Matt. Her lines were better and she was so graceful. I also thought she had a better chemistry on the floor with her partner than Matt did. If Matt had looked at Aliona the way he did during the Viennese waltz throughout the series, I might have had a different opinion.
Despite a slightly disappointing final, I think this has been one of my favourite series of Strictly. There were so many good couples that you could not call which way it was going to go and that's what made it so good. Thank you to everyone involved for keeping us entertained throughout the cold winter months.
Thank you all for reading my musings throughout the series, and for following and chatting to me on Twitter. I've enjoyed it very much.
I don't usually do this, but I have decided to blog between shows to talk about the first round.
Matt & Aliona'ssamba was the same standard as before. Matt performed very well. I wasn't too fussed about it the first time, and I'm still not. However, Matt gave the performance anything. Good, but not showstopping.
Matt & Aliona's showdance was everything you would expect. It was packed full of lifts and acrobatics. Matt gave it everything. I loved all the side-by-side stuff. They were so in sync. But there wasn't enough dance content. Aliona tried too hard with the choreography all through the series, and the showdance was no exception.
If it was possible, I think Kara & Artem's rumba was better than last week. Her arms were neater on the turns and there were no stumbles. It was one of the best dances of the series, and I am so glad we got to see it again.
It's a shame that not everything in Kara & Artem's showdance came off. They missed the lift from the salsa routine, which is one of the most stunning lifts we've seen on Strictly. The ending was late too. The lifts were lovely, but the bits in between were a bit naff. I'm surprised, because I think Artem has been one of the best choreographers of the series. This was pretty disappointing.
Pamela & James' Viennese waltz was just as perfect as before. It was a wonderful performance.
Pamela & James' showdance was never going to be as spectacular as the other two, because it was never going to have all the acrobatics. I was a bit disappointed that James picked The Time Of My Life, which Natasha & Brendan used for their showdance in Series 1. The dance was what you would expect. Lots of ballroom dancing.
I want to see Pamela and Kara go through to the final two. They totally have the edge over Matt for me, and have done all series.
Inspired by his wife, Billy Conolly is willing to have a go at Strictly if Pamela walks away with the glitterball on Saturday.
A source told The Sun: "Billy is amazed at what this has done for Pamela. She's changed in front of his eyes. She's lost two stone and gone from being a professional psychologist to a sizzling salsa sexpot - and he loves it! He is amazed at her transformation and is keen to get in on the action. Billy thinks the Jordans are lovely. If he were partners with Ola it would be just great. It would be fun rather than hard work for him."
Hello! magazine has some super preview pics from the Christmas special, which will go out on Christmas Day.
Vince Cable told the magazine: “I hope that by taking part in the show I can inspire others to get up and do something they have always wanted to have a go at.”
John Barrowman made a cheeky promise: “I can guarantee this: there will be sequins”.
I can't help thinking that this year's participants have had it easier. Only now have they had to do more than one dance, and they were split over two nights.
Scott & Natalie really needed to make up for their less-than-impressive Argentine tango on Friday night, but sadly for me their Charleston wasn't good enough. It was actually a bit boring. It lacked the cheekiness of other Charlestons, and there was no story to it. It was a lot of spinning by Natalie and not a lot else. It wasn't a bad performance. But neither was it a show-stopping final place winning number.
Kara & Artem, on the other hand, should easily make the final. Their rumba was choreographically worthy of a professional, and Kara executed it almost perfectly. She was just let down by a couple of little wobbles. Kara's lines are so gorgeous, her musicality is great and she performs from within. It was really brave to use a track with no vocals, but it just added to the mood and meant nothing detracted from the dance. If Kara doesn't make the final there is something really wrong with the voting public.
I struggled with Matt &Aliona's tango because I thought the music choice was so poor. Hung Up is devoid of the drama needed for a tango. It's just pop pap! I also hated the pivots to open the routine. That aside, Matt did a pretty good job. He has plenty of drive, and his timing is bang on. However, I thought the routine lacked the chemistry needed for the tango. There wasn't enough storytelling. A bit like Scott, he performed well, I just wasn't that fussed with the routine.
Gavin showed last night why he does not deserve a place in the final. Viennese waltz was possibly the worst dance he could have had to perform, as it exposed his timing issues. Not only was his timing terrible, but it was written all over his face. He knew he was out and he pulled faces. At this level, you should at least be able to cover your mistakes with a smile. The beginning was promising, but Gavin couldn't sustain it. Katya did not put in a felckurl, opting for a standing spin at the end instead.
I thought Pamela &James' quickstep took too long to get going. Half of their routines have required Pamela to change her clothes in some way, and I find it a bit awkward. Pamela looked stunning in her tights and tails, and I'm not really sure why she couldn't just leave it on. Once they got going, though, I enjoyed the routine. I liked the little tap moment in the middle. On occasion, she doesn't look far right enough when in promenade position, which looks a little odd. There was a little mistake at the end too, but Pamela delivers on performance every time.
I think that Kara & Artem and Pamela & James should be in the final no doubt. They are the best dancers and best performers. As to the third place, I am torn between Scott and Matt. Scott was my choice for quite some time, but he has lost it in recent weeks. With Matt, there is something about the shapes he makes that are not as pleasing to watch as Scott's, but I can't put my finger on what. Maybe it's his arms. However, Scott seems to have peaked, while Matt has been consistent. Scott has far superior chemistry with Natalie than Matt does with Aliona. I have never been able to buy into Matt & Aliona as a team. Matt has performed everything he has been given well, but the choreography he has been given is not as good as what Scott has had. I guess in my heart I prefer Scott, but I would not be upset if he was pipped by Matt.
Can you believe it's semi-final time? The best thing about this year's Strictly is that it is still anyone's game. The bookies keep changing their mind on who the favourite is. Any of the semi-finalists could do it. It's the closest Strictly in years, and I'm so excited about it.
Pamela & James kicked off last night with an excellent paso. It had intent and drive throughout. I loved the armography on both the sections when Pamela was seated. Pamela always sells the dance, and she presents everything so beautifully. I love Pamela & James' chemistry. I only spotted one 'wobble moment' toward the end of the routine. My only criticism would be that she tends to raise on shoulders up and down on running steps, which looks a little bit music hall. That's being picky, but this is the semi-final.
Kara &Atrem's Viennese waltz was just perfect. What is it about Viennese waltzes? They have so few steps, yet when they're done well, they score very highly. Kara is gorgeous in hold and gorgeous out of it. She makes everything look effortless, and is technically the best dancer in the competition. I've found Artem's choreography a bit hit-and-miss, but this was a total hit. I loved it. It had great musicality and beautiful lines. Their fleckerl was flawless. I loved the embrace section travelling backwards. Personally, I think Kara's foot lifting off the floor was incidental, and it was not intended to be a lift, but I do understand Craig's point of view. However, this series is has felt like the judges quote the rules when they feel like it.
Gavin has the biggest struggle because he is clearly not as strong as the other four. That said, I think of all of them he is the most improved. He went from shy and wooden to a relaxed performer. The samba is not a nice dance to be lumbered with in the semi-final. Katya's clever choreography meant that Gavin's feet didn't move around too much, and he did little other than stand and show her off. There was not much hip action, which was most noticeable on the samba walks. He was off time at the start of the chorus. Timing is one of the issues he has not been able to overcome. It was a good effort by Gavin, but I'm not sure it should win him a place in the final.
I loved the opening of Scott &Natalie's Argentine tango, with Scott dancing alone. It was a fantastic start. Scott is a great performer and he keeps in character throughout the dance. I had to agree with Craig's comments that he didn't lead Natalie enough. Argentine tango is all about the man being in control. The woman must always follow. It didn't appear that Scott was in control of Natalie. However, in a choreographed dance, it is harder for Scott to make sure his partner is not anticipating the steps. In a free dance the man can test his partner and regain control in a way that isn't possible when the routine is choreographed. Scott will have a lot to prove tonight.
Despite the universal panning by the judges, I really enjoyed Matt &Aliona's salsa. Matt looked relaxed and like he was having fun. I liked the chemistry between them. Choreographically it wasn't as exciting as some of the other salsas we've seen, but that's not Matt's fault. I think he performed the routine well. I get a little flutter when Matt lets out his sexy side, and there was plenty of that in the routine. It was one of my favourite Matt routines. I must be on a different planet than everyone else!
The much-hyped Swingathon was good fun, but was never going to live up to the hype. It reminded of the Viennese waltzes they always used to do. "It's going to be carnage!" they always proclaim and it never is. It's hard to judge those dances at home, because we can't see what the judges see, only what the camera shows us. Based on what I could see, I think it was marked in the order I would have chosen. Although the only thing I care about is how pretty the girls all looked in their Vivien of Holloway dresses. I love my Vivian dress sooooo much!
Gavin Henson was lined up to be the face of tan company Fake Bake, but has been dubbed too tanned even for them.
The Sun reports that a testing panel described him as 'radioactive'. A source said: "The feedback was that the people want more of a sun-kissed beach look from their tans. Not to look like an Oompa Loompa!"
Pamela Stephenson will be dancing the Argentine tango if she makes the final, and would like to have a bash with husband Billy.
She told The Sun: "I've been trying to talk Billy into doing the Argentine tango with me, as in actually having some lessons. It's very romantic and passionate and I think he'd be brilliant at it. And I could just imagine him with the slicked-back hair and the black and white shoes. I think he'd carry off the whole gaucho look very well. Maybe that should be the promise - if I make it to the final, he has to have lessons. Mind you, it's not easy to bargain with Billy Connolly. But if I recruited sexy Flavia Cacace as his teacher, that could make all the difference!"
Ricky Whittle has complained that Strictly is edited to manipulate viewers.
He told the Daily Star: “They didn’t intend for me to get past the opening stages. We were there to be ‘the affair’ and leave pretty quickly, but our routines were too good. They never expected me to reach the final. You get there and they tell you not to worry about a thing, not to worry about reports in the press, but then they manipulate it all themselves. There is going to be obvious chemistry when you dance. You have to touch one another like lovers, but Natalie and I were just doing our job. It’s all fixed, you know, the way they edit it to sway the audience."
He believes that he defied what the producers were trying to do: "They didn’t bargain on our routines being so strong or me being as respectful on the show, and popular with all age groups. It’s totally rigged, but at least I came out well.”
Make sure you check out the January issue of Cosmoplitan to get a better look at this naked picture of Artem and Robin.
The boys have stripped off to raise awareness of cancer in men, and the Everyman charity.
Now magazine reports that Artem didn't find it easy to strip off: "It takes a lot of confidence to wear nothing. Everyone's self-conscious. That's why the girl dancers on Strictly impress me - they have so much confidence to go on national TV in their tiny outfits! They look amazing and all deserve a medal."
Gavin Henson has revealed how Strictly has helped him move on with his life, and now he's ready for a girlfriend.
He told The Sun: "I'd hoped Strictly would distract me from the personal stuff going on - and it did. Time heals and it's taken my mind off Charlotte [Church]. Strictly was great for me. Now it's a whole new chapter in my life. I should have a New Year's Resolution now - try to get a girlfriend. Hopefully my dancing will help me with that. It's all go with rugby and Strictly. But when the show's over it'll be good to start anew in 2011. I think I'll carry on dancing and I'll have time for a girlfriend then. I'm ready to move on. It's been a while now."
Gavin is chuffed to have reached the semi-final: "I'm in complete shock to be still in the competition. The support I must be getting is overwhelming. It's great to be in the semi-final and in the top five dancers left - but I've still got a lot to do to get to the final. I didn't expect Strictly to be this hard. I've got such an appreciation now for the skill involved in dancing. It's just so tough."
Former Strictly participant Jo Wood is backing Pamela to win.
Jo told the Press Association: "I love Pamela, I hope she wins for the older woman - she's fabulous. That's how I imagined myself to be but I wasn't. I didn't do too badly, I did six weeks and that was plenty."
What a stonking quarter-final! There was some fantastic dancing on the programme.
Scott &Natalie's paso doble was powerful and passionate. It was great to see Scott back on form. His knees could have been straighter in a couple of places, but I was pretty much faultless. Scott leads so well. Hot Scott!
Ann &Anton's American smooth was dreadful. Ann's posture was terrible, she had flexed feet on her kicks, you could dive a bus between her feet when she came out of lifts, it was plonky, she has scarecrow arms and she doesn't perfom to th audience one little bit. And she's getting cocky. She doesn't seem to be there because she loves to dance, which is all I ask for. I can't remember the last time she thanked people for voting for her.
Matt had bags of perfomance and he makes a groovy Austin Powers. However, Aliona didn't include enough jive content for me. Matt looked a bit stompy, and I just don't like some of the shapes he makes. Despite the lack of jive, I enjoyed it. Matt presented the routine so well. I just like my jives a bit more traditional.
Pamela & James were classy, as always. Their Viennese waltz was magical. Pamela's dancing is breathtaking when she's in ballroom hold. She presents everything so well. Everything she does is so beautifully finished. And she proved that she is also a good actress. The tenderness in the routine was amazing. A well-deserved perfect score.
Gavin & Katya did a great job with the foxtrot. Gavin has really grown in the past few weeks. I was keen for him to go, but now I am enjoying his performances. He led Katya well, and he coped well with the chnage in tempo. That was a nice touch from Katya. A smile would have topped it off nicely, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I've really enjoyed Gavin's recent transformation.
Kara & Artem produced a tango masterclass. It was powerful, pasionate and commanding. Kara excels at the firey dances, and I think this was one of her best performances. They totally a deserve a place in the semi-final.
I don't think anyone except Ann should leave. I don't think she can possibly offer viewers any more enjoyment than the others left in the competition. Everyone else has worked hard and has grown. When poor Scott could barely keep his eyes open last week because he was busting his butt, how can Ann possibly deserve to stay. I just hope that the public have voted for the most entertaining routine. I really can't imagine that anyone, hand on heart, could have found Ann & Anton's routine more entertaining than any of the other five dances. It's killing me to not run off and look up the result, but I want to experience the highs and lows tomorrow as if I was there with them.
The 'will they?-won't they?' nature of Kara & Artem's partnership (not to mention the usual stirring by Tess) continues to draw interest from the media.
This week, Artem spoke to New! magazine, admitting that he'd like to ask Kara on a date when the series is over.
Artem told the magazine that they have more in common than just dancing: "We have a lot in common. We enjoy the same movies and share the same sense of humour. We saw Despicable Me the other day and couldn’t stop laughing. We like going to restaurants and I love cooking, too. I’ve made Kara my spaghetti carbonara and plan on cooking her some Russian specialities when I have more time. Her family are amazing, too. What can I say? Everything is positive!"
He also admitted that he plans to spend Christmas with her family.
In the article, when asked if he was in love with Kara, he answered "As a friend." But of course, the magazine went with a slight rewrite, heading the article Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Artem: 'I'm in love with Kara Tointon'. This did not go down well with Kara.
Kara Tweeted: “Gutted at NEW mag! Artem did interview and they have written a head line that he never said ‘I’m in love with Kara’ total lie. “don’t get why they speak to u and then make up a fictional head line! What’s the point in that. so stupid and he never uttered a word of it.”
Ann Widdecombe has reportedly joined the line-up for the Strictly tour, partnered by Craig.
Ann told the Press Association: "I am very much looking forward to dancing with Craig, after all the rude remarks he has made. However, as he is even taller than Anton, the result should be even funnier! Will anyone judge his performance, I wonder?"
Craig commented: "Watching Anton carry Ann round the dance floor like a pantomime dame has been rather painful, but never the less extremely entertaining. Ann is a good sport. I can't wait to get my hands on her, and create a fabulous routine which people will talk about for many years to come."
Oh dear... Can I get a refund?
Somehow I suspect that if she doesn't win the programme, she has a good shot at winning the tour, assuming people can vote for her.
