Strictly Come Blogging

Louise. Lou. Loulabelle. Loulabelle44. Louby. loulabelle44@outlook.com.
Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Len Wants Bruno To Keep Quiet

Len wants Bruno to keep quiet during their transatlantic travels this year because he "needs his rest".

Len and Bruno travel together between London and LA while Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars are running simultaneously.

A source told the Daily Star: “Len has told Bruno he has to keep quiet throughout the flight. Bruno gets very excited and animated and Len won’t get any peace and quiet unless his co-star keeps his mouth shut. It’s going to be a tough challenge.”

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Craig Has A Fling

Craig Revel Horwood turned his hand to the highland fling over the weekend whilst visiting the Lonach Highland Gathering in Aberdeenshire.

Although everyone's a judge. One onlooker told the Daily Record: "Craig tried his hand at a Highland Fling but he was lucky not to get flung out, it was so bad. Still, it's great that he came along and gave it a try."

Keep practicing, Craig!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Flavia On Jimi

Flavia has been chatting to the Belfast Telegraph about her relationship with Jimi Mistry.

The pair waited until Strictly had finished before deciding to move their friendship to a romantic level. Flavia explained: “We had a heart-to-heart talk about our feelings, while he was on tour in Strictly, and we knew this was serious because it felt so right. I'm probably the happiest I've ever been and I really hope this will work out into something permanent. He's such a lovely, sweet, caring person with a wonderful sense of humour, which is probably the biggest thing for me. We can chat forever to each other and never run out of things to say. We've talked about marriage and children in a general way, but we're not planning anything, it's far too early days for that!”

But she does admit that seeing Vincent with his son makes her think about having children herself: “I get terribly broody when I see Luca, he's so adorable. But it does make you realise that being a parent is the hardest work ever! It's not for me yet because, like most dancers, I know that having a child would limit my career and at the moment I want to make the most of these years while I can. Hopefully, motherhood will happen a little later in my life.”

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

British Balldog

Craig Revel Horwood officially became a British citizen over the weekend.

The Sun reports that after the ceremony on Saturday, Craig treated friends to pork pies, cucumber sandwiches and Pimms.

Craig tweeted a photo of some special friends.

Congrats, Craig! I'm glad you're officially one of us now!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Holly And The Jivey

This morning we have a new participant rumour - Holly Valance.

The Sun reports that the Aussie actress has signed to appear on this year's Strictly.

A source said: "Producers are thrilled they have got Holly as she will really spice up the show. They are planning to pair her with a hot pro in the hope sparks will fly."

I doubt sparks will fly very far. Holly has been dating billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy since 2009.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Alesha Fears Bruno-Related Injury

Alesha Dixon fears that she may be injured... by Bruno's manic gesticulations.

Alesha, who sits next to Bruno on the Strictly judging panel, cheekily told the Belfast Telegraph: "With Bruno, this year I'm debating whether to take a helmet and a shield. Because last year I think a boob nearly fell out - he pulled me a few times, he nearly pulled my hair out. There were a few times I was like, 'this guy!' He's brilliant, I wouldn't change him for the world. I think that's what makes Bruno who he is. He's extrovert and flamboyant and we love him for it."

Edwina Looking Likely

It's looking more likely that Edwina Currie will join this year's Strictly line-up.

Edwina was first linked with the show in July, but the Daily Telegraph now reports that she is meeting with producers to finialise the details.

Edwina told the paper: "I broke both bones in my ankle and now have ten screws in it. I'd like to take part to encourage anyone who has injured themselves. It does not condemn you to being old and incapable. I'm probably one of a long list of middle-aged, slightly portly middle-aged women that they've been considering for the show."

If past participants are anything to go by, she won't be 'slightly portly' for long. I just hope she's more Pamela and less Ann.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Jason, Queen Of The Dancefloor?

The Sun reports that Jason Donovan is the latest celebrity to sign up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

An insider told the paper: "Jason is a great signing for Strictly. He still has a lot of fans from his days on Neighbours and his pop career, as well as new fans from his stage shows."

If this is true, I think Jason will be great. He's appeared in Joseph and Priscilla in the West End, so he's no stranger to dancing or demanding rehearsals. I love listening to him on Heart radio, and I think he has the personality to do well. Jason finished third in I'm A Celebrity... in 2006, so he's obviously a popular chap.

Artem And Kara Move In Together

Artem has moved in with Kara Tointon. The pair have done a photoshoot with Hello! magazine in their north London home.

The Daily Mail reports that Kara told the magazine: “I dream of getting married one day but, at the moment, we’re just happy being happy. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to. But my parents never married and are still together. I would rather have a nice life together than worry about a silly date."

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Pitter Patter Of Dancing Feet

If you haven't read the post on the DigitalSpy forum - Nicole Cutler is expecting a baby with husband Jonathan, due in February 2012.

Congratulations, Nicole!

"Mamma said I was a dancer before I could walk".
ABBA, Thank You For The Music (1983).

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Anton, Not Antonio

Tess Daly would take Strictly's own Anton Du Beke over movie star Antonio Banderas.

She told The Mirror: “I’ve known [Anton] for eight years. He is such fun and taught me to dance. So I have to say Anton over Antonio Banderas. Anton’s handsome in real life – he looks like Woody from Toy Story – and charming. I’m desperate to buy him a cowboy hat and make him do fancy dress.”

Alex Jones Rumour Returns

After first being linked with the show back in February, Alex Jones has reportedly been offered a spot on this year's Strictly, as well as a new contract for The One Show.

A source told The Mirror: “Alex loves getting stuck in and being offered Strictly is another chance to show how game for a laugh she is. It’s a dream come true and shows how the BBC has great faith in her.”

Friday, August 05, 2011

Strictly Stars In Panto

A few Strictly stars have signed up for panto this Christmas. Here is where you can see them:

Ann Widdecombe and Craig Revel Horwood in Snow White at The Orchard, Dartford
Lynda Bellingham in Cinderella at the Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
Julian Clary in Cinderella at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Patsy Kensit in Snow White at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Louisa Lytton in Cinderella at the Camberley Theatre, Camberley
Brian Fortuna in Aladdin at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Letitia Dean in Cinderella at the Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn
Claire Sweeney in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Plaza, Stockport
Russell Grant (20 – 24 Dec), Anita Dobson (26 – 31 Dec) and Camilla Dallerup (remaining performances except 6, 7 & 14 Jan) in Aladin at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Russell May Be Out Before He's Begun

The Sun reports that rumoured Strictly participant Russell Grant's bid to lift the giltterball may be over before it's even begun, due to a niggling back injury.

A source told the paper: "There are real fears about his health and whether taking part would aggravate an injury. He is such a fan of the show though that he is prepared to put up with discomfort."

Monday, August 01, 2011

Wembley, Blackpool And 3D

Exciting developments in the Strictly camp. The BBC have announced that this series will feature somthing a bit special.

On 19th Novemeber, Strictly will come live from Wembley Arena in north London. The public will pay for tickets, with the proceeds going to Children In Need. Ticket sales will be run via ballot.

For the first time since Series 2, the final will be held at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. And for those not lucky enough to be there, the programme will be braodcast in 3D.

Bruce is excited to be on his way to Wembley: "I'm delighted that we will be going to Wembley for this year's Strictly. When I first got the call I thought it was to play football! I've always said our live audiences should be bigger and you can't get bigger than Wembley."