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Proudly blogging about Strictly Come Dancing ALL YEAR ROUND since 2006. Always spoiler-free.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Gethin And Katherine Split
Former Strictly participant Gethin Jones has split from his fiancee, opera singer Katherine Jenkins.
The pair met in 2007 when Katherine was a musical guest on Strictly while Gethin was in the competition, and announced their engagement in February this year.
They announced the split on their respective Twitter feeds.
Gethin tweeted: "Hi everybody. I'm deeply sad to tell you that Kath and I have ended our relationship as a couple. We are both heart broken... Gx"
Katherine tweeted: "Sorry for being quiet of late, its just that I have some very sad news. Geth & I have decided to go our separate ways. We are both beyond broken hearted. All your hugs & support will be much appreciated xxx"
While Craig Revel Horwood is on his third year in panto, former Strictly pro Camilla Dallerup makes her panto debut in Aladdin at the Milton Keynes Theatre this Christmas, as the Genie of the Lamp (a part which she shares with Strictly participants Russell Grant and Anita Dobson).
Naturally, I went along to see how our Strictly starlet got on.
Because of Camilla's presence, there are frequent jokes and references to Strictly throughout the show. I couldn't help thinking that, as it's been three years since Camilla appeared that some of them were lost on young kids, but anyone over the age of about 10 should be fine.
Camilla has a big dance number to Moves Like Jagger (Russell and Anita will perform their own numbers from Strictly). Look out for the judges who come on to critique the number - very funny.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Gareth Gates is excellent as the heart-throb Aladdin, proving that he can act as well as sing. John Barr is first class as Widow Twanky. Nicola Brazil is a beautiful Princess Jasmine who little girls will be enchanted by. But it's impressionist Paul Burling as Wishy Washee who completely steals the show. Not watching Britain's Got Talent, I had no idea who he was, but I was totally blown away by his performance. He completely stole every scene.
Strictly fans will enjoy the panto and will love the references to the show. Camilla did a good job, and was able to show more of her acting skills following her recent small role in the touring company of Calendar Girls. I'm sure Anita and Russell will be just as good.
Aladdin is on at the Milton Keynes Theatre until 15th January. You can purchase tickets at ATGTickets.com.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will be returning to Strictly Come Dancing next year, as long as he wants the job.
A source told the Daily Mail: "[The job is Sir Bruce's] as long as he wants it. Sir Bruce has certainly been as proud of this series as any. Ultimately it is up to Bruce, but he is unique in a million ways."
Following the success of Warner Leisure's Strictly Come Dancing breaks, the stars of Strictly are now being taken onto the open seas.
P&O Cruises have launched two Strictly cruises for 2012 which will feature lessons and caberets from, as yet unconfirmed, Strictly dancers. Craig Revel Horwood will host the events.
P&O's MD Carol Marlow told Travel Weekly: “We are so excited to bring the magic of the Strictly ballroom to [the cruiseship] Oriana. Our passengers will be able to learn with the professional dancers, watch extraordinary show dances and hear some of the secrets of this global phenomenon.”
Robbie Savage will now be dancing with Katya on the Strictly tour instead of Natalie as previously advertised.
The Sun claims that Natalie was seen leaving Robbie's hotel room early one morning during the TV series after spending all night there. Robbie says that he was having a belated birthday gathering in the room, and that nothing happened between them.
A source told the paper that it was Robbie's wife Sarah who ordered the change: "She didn't want them dancing together."
Natalie will now partner Mark Foster instead.
These pairings seemed daft from the outset anyway. Mark is taller than Robbie, and Natalie is taller than Katya, so it makes more sense for them to be partnered this way around. Maybe that is the real reason for the switch...
Holly Valance has become engaged to her property tycoon boyfriend Nick Candy.
Holly posted this photo on Twitter to show how it happened.
She tweeted this morning: "Thank you EVERY ONE for your beautiful well wishes! We're high as kites on excitement & love! Thank U 4 all your thoughtful messages! ♥H&N♥"
It seems that Chelsee Healey isn't the only one on Strictly who has had a boob job.
Craig Revel Horwood has admitted to the Sunday Mirror that he has had breast reduction surgery.
He told the paper: “I couldn’t cha-cha-cha about without them jigging in my face. I was fed up with having tits so I had them hoovered away and now I feel fabulous. I’d say I went from a C-cup down to an A-cup. I’m finally flat-chested again.”
James & Ola Jordan could be looking for new jobs next autumn, following rumours that they may not be asked back in 2012.
The Jordans were not asked to be a part of the upcoming Strictly live tour. It's no secret that there is no love lost between James and judge Craig Revel Horwood, who is also tour producer.
But now the Daily Star reports that the Jordans' days on TV may also be numbered. A source told the paper: “There could be a very different line- up this time next year. Producers are keen to keep things fresh so quite a few faces could be dropped. It’s going to be brutal for some of them. But that’s the way it works when you’re on telly’s top show. The only ones who have been discussed are Ola and James at the moment. They might be liked by viewers but that may not be enough to save them.”
Jason did not get the opportunity to perform his salsa, but here is the footage from their dress rehearsal at the Tower Ballroom. I actually really like it, especially the epic armography section.
They think it's all over. It is now. Strictly Come Dancing is over for another year. But what did the final bring us?
Round one: Judges' Choice
Harry & Aliona kicked things off with their quickstep. This was one of my favourite dances of the series, mostly due to its simplicity. It was old school Strictly. The routine was even better on the big Blackpool Tower dancefloor. Harry was so light on his feet. He even smiled a tad more than before (though not much).
Aside from the fact that I hated Jason &Kristina's tango the first time around, and I still do, I didn't think Jason's performance was as good as the first time around. His posture was really odd throughout. It didn't quite have the same drive and intent as the first time. The serious tango sections seemed a little camp - whereas Jason was totally in character the last time they performed this and only camped it up on the disco section.
Chelsee &Pasha's jive was another of my favourite dances of the series. It is such an amazing routine, which Chelsee seemed to really love. There did appear to be a tiny timing issue or two last night, but it was still fantastic.
Round two: Showdances
Showdances. So built up. So often disappointing.
Harry &Aliona's routine to Great Balls Of Fire was all about the lifts. There was some nice jive content, but it got lost between all the lifts. The lifts were well-executed. I just wasn't all that taken by the routine. I didn't like the drumming bit at the end, as it took away from the dance, and destroyed the possibility of a spectacular ending.
Jason &Kritina's showdance was the best of the three choreographically. They opted for a more theatrical dance, and I loved the song choice - Dancing Fool. I loved all the Bucks Fizz costume moments. It had some nice lifts, which were within Jason's capabilities, and a nice mix of quickstep, jive and Charleston. The routine totally suited Jason. It's just a shame he didn't execute it that well. The side-by-side sections were his undoing yet again.
I felt that Chelsee& Pasha's routine was a little ambitious, which made Chlesee appear nervous and tentative. There were some daring lifts, which seemed a little tough for a non-professional dancer. They looked great when both feet were on the ground, but I think that Pasha may have gone just one step too far for Chelsee. As she came out of each lift, it was not a smooth transition into the next section. It was a great song, though - One Night Only is the kind of song a dancer just loves to perform to.
Round three: New Dance
It was probably right for Jason & Kristina to place third. If Jason had nailed the showdance, he might have squeeked in, but as things stood, it was right.
Harry &Aliona's American smooth was gorgeous. The choreography was romantic and the performance was elegent and tender. It was still a bit serious - Harry is the antithesis of Jason when it came to facial expression. I loved the lifts, especially the first one which was very lyrical.
Chelsee &Pasha's rumba could've been tighter. There were a few stumbles. But it was still very romantic. Chelsee has more beautiful lines than anyone else in the competition. Like their showdance, I felt that the rumba was a little too ambitious. The running split was better than it had been in the American smooth, but it was still not perfect, and the look on her face before she went for it was not a happy one. I loved the 'angry' section after the creschendo in the music, but it was followed by an awkward lunge.
Round four: Favourite Dance
Harry & Aliona opted to do the Argentine tango again. It was slick and polished. A brillint performance to end on. Harry was totally in control and lead Aliona all the way through the dance.
Chelsee & Pasha ended with their quickstep. It was a great choice, as it was the routine where Chelsee really started to look like a contender. It was brilliant to see them perform the routine on the large Tower floor, and it was Chelsee's best performance of the final.
Personally, I would have preferred Chelsee to win, mainly because I found Harry generally quite boring. He lacked expression on the floor throughout the competiton, and the dances where he scored well were the ones where you don't need to smile. For some reason, he seemed to escape the accusations of being too laid back that plagued Holly.
That said, Harry was clearly the better performer in the final, and based on last night's performances only, Harry was stronger than Chelsee.
Next time we need a tripwire around the ballroom. No more pitch invasions. Bloody McFleas. And why did we not get to hear from Chelsee & Pasha? Or Aliona?
Another year is over. That's been my sixth year blogging about the series. I really do appreciate all of you who still come and read my ramblings, even if you do not necessarily agree with my opinions. As always, I will continue to blog about all things Strictly throughout the year, so please keep checking back for updates, and follow me on Twitter.
I will admit it. My heart sank when I heard that a new Strictly novel was being published. Last year's offering was pretty dreadful.
But I am very forgiving when it comes to all things Strictly, so I decided that I would put the past behind me and get stuck in.
The most pleasing thing is that this book - Chance - is written by a different author. Already a good start.
Unlike the last novel, the story is not based around the show. It centres around Ava, a Shropshire florist. She has a sussessful business and but something is lacking. She is taken for granted by her non-committal boyfriend. Her dominieering sister is in the throes of planning the wedding of the century. And she misses her best friend, who is now married with children, in still living in London. So, inspired by Strictly, she decides to sign up for dance lessons. And this leads to meeting a handsome, but illusive, man who is her perfect dancerfloor partner. The dance lessons make Ava feel alive, and she starts to take a long hard look at her life.
Strictly comes up regularly in the story, and all of us will see ourselves reflected at times - wether it be the excitement of Autumn nights meaning the show will be here soon, the desire to take up lessons after falling for the Strictly magic, or wishing we could wear those amazing costumes. Ava gets the opportunity to see the show live, and if you have been lucky enough to go to Television Centre, you will also identify with the excitement and buzz of being in the studio audience.
This is a well-written romance novel with a loose Strictly theme and is a quick and enjoyable read. You certainly won't want to throw it against a wall or anything.
And if you get the iPad version, it also includes three mini-games within the pages to test your knowledge of the dances that Ava learns at class. Nice!
Chance is available now in all good bookstores and online retailers (big thanks to the nice folks at HarperCollins).
What I loved about this year's semi-final is that everyone has a different opinion about who should make it to the final in Blackpool. Which makes it really close and really interesting. They were all dancing for their lives last night.
Harry & Aliona started things off with a brilliant Charleston. The routine was good fun and it had great energy. It had more facial expression than we usually see from Harry, although it still could have done with more. It was a fast routine, which Harry kept up with brilliantly. All of the side-by-side sections were completely in sync. He coped very well with all of the lifts. It was a great start to the show.
Harry & Aliona's Viennese waltz was also first class. It was romantic and moving. They went straight into a fleckerl and then onwards. No tricks, just a magical Viennese waltz. I think Aliona's choreography has really improved in the last few weeks. She's doing what the judges want, and it's improving their scores. Harry's footwork is very good. To be really picky, his left arm can be a little high at times, and he could have taken longer strides. The only disappointing thing was his face. He looked like a serial killer. When he remembers to smile, he looks amazing. I wish he could have done it all the way through.
Alex & James' waltz looked a little bit awkward. Alex's right arm was a little too stiff, he bottom was stuck out, she didn't close her feet properly. It just wasn't as good as some of her earlier ballroom dances. Alex did look relaxed, though. She seemed to be enjoying the experience.
Alex & James' salsa was OK, but not really good enough for a semi-final. She needed to bring her legs closer together on the basics. The routine had some nice armography. Alex really went for it and seemed to enjoy herself. Her timing was a split-second out in places. But I didn't see the point of the overcoat and broom at the beginning...
Chelsee & Pasha's American smooth was less Hollywood and more rumba than other routines, which made it romantic and elegant. Chelsee is such a beautiful dancer. Her lines, her arms and her hands are all amazing. The only thing I didn't like was the drag split near the end. Only people who can do the splits should be given that.
Chelsee & Pasha's paso doble was also very nice. There were a couple of wobbles, but otherwise it was excellent. It had drive and passion, and all of the beautiful lines that Chelsee always produces.
I'm afraid I wasn't that keen on Holly & Artem's Argentine tango, and I didn't see what the judges saw. For me, Holly was a bit soft. She had bent legs and wasn't strong enough. I didn't like the section on the stool. On the positive side, her lunge lines were gorgeous (which is probably why there were so many of them in the routine).
I loved Holly & Artem's Charleston. It completely suited Holly, who was never going to be comfortable with the usual 1920s style cheeky routine. It was different, but brilliant. Unfortunately, I thought Holly looked under-rehearsed. Her steps didn't look as slick as they could have, which really stood out next to super-slick Artem. It's such a shame, because it was such a brilliant routine, and Holly looked relaxed and comfortable.
Jason gave the samba a good go, but it was not his best routine. You could see that Kristina had worked hard on his hip action, but it just wasn't on the money. Jason's timing was a bit iffy on the some of promenade runs. I loved the routine, though. Proper samba. I love those crossing botofogos, and I think this may have been the first routine to have them. It's a shame Jason had to have the dreaded samba in the semi-finals.
Jason redeemed himself with the Argentine tango. It had great passion and drive. I loved the lift where he pulled Kristina from the floor. Jason needs to watch his timing just a little, but this a fantastic effort.
Without a doubt Harry and Chelsee should be in the final. They are both brilliant. It's hard to split Holly and Jason. Holly is the more natural dancer and is technically better than Jason, but she finds it hard to find the character of the dance sometimes. Jason is the better performer, but sometimes tries too hard and loses his timing. Personally, I would rather see Jason make the final. He works so hard, and I think it would mean more to him. I also think that over the course of the series, Jason has put in more routines that I have enjoyed.
Camilla Dallerup may have left Strictly, but she will always be associated with the show.
This Christmas, she is appearing in Aladdin at the Milton Keynes Theatre (look out for my review next week) as the Genie of the Lamp (a role which will be shared with Anita and Russell - check the website for performance details).
The Northampton Chronicle caught up with her to ask her about the role, as well as other things she has been up to since leaving the Strictly dancefloor.
On panto: "It is like a dream come true. Panto is one of the greatest British traditions. I have just been wishing to do panto."
On returning to Strictly: "Not unless there is a spare seat on the judging panel."
On this year's participants: "I’m totally in love with the boys this year – Harry, Jason and Russell – it is all about the boys. The boys are really strong and are nailing it every Saturday."
The stars of this year's series have come together for a very special 12 Days Of Christmas photoshoot for the Radio Times.
Alex Jones is a Maid A-Milking, Rory Bremner is a Piper Piping and the most inspired shot has to be Edwina Currie is a Goose A-Laying. I see what they did there!
The Daily Mirror has some of the pictures, and you can see a behind-the-scenes video on the Radio Times website.
The final of Strictly Come Dancing next week is being shown in 3D. But don't despair if you do not have a 3D TV, because Strictly will be shown live in 3D at 14 cinemas around the country.
Apollo locations: Torbay, London Piccadilly, Rhyl, Stroud, Altrincham, Leamington, Carmarthen and Burnley.
Odeon locations: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dunfermline, London Covent Garden and Manchester Printworks.
Moira Ross, Strictly's executive producer said: "Watching the show in 3D will bring more of the magic of Strictly to life than ever before with viewers able to experience all of the dazzling routines as though our finalists are dancing right before their very eyes. It’s great that with these cinema broadcasts we can offer more viewers the chance to witness the spectacle up close and share the magic with fellow fans.”
I'm not sure what Bruce and Tess are planning to watch in those glasses, but it won't be the type of 3D that Strictly will be broadcast in.
I've watched rugby in 3D in the past, and because 3D requires completely different cameras, 3D viewers saw the whole match from the opposite side of the pitch to the main broadcast (the pub where I was watching had both 3D and regular televisions to we could see both). Presumably, those watching in 3D will see different camera work to those watching the normal broadcast (which will be in standard and high definition as normal).
I'm desperately upset that I won't be able to make it along to one of these cinemas (I'll be luck if I'm home in time to watch the final live - oh the horror!). I've always wanted to watch Strictly in a shared environment, such as a pub's big screen. Some gay bars in London show the show the singing corner, by sadly nowhere shows Strictly.
Russell & Flavia will be participating in the New Year's Day parade in central London.
Around half a million spectators will line the route from the Ritz Hotel in Piccadilly to Parliament Square.
Speaking about the London Parade, Russell said: "This will be the happiest of New Year’s for me! I have made so many new friends across the country in recent weeks and appearing in London’s New Year’s Day Parade will be the perfect opportunity to say a big thank-you to the great British public for believing in me."
It is the last performance for Russell, before the knee surgery which he had needed since before leaving Strictly.
Robbie Savage has enjoyed the challenge of Strictly that he is now looking for another challenge to fill the void that retiring from football has left in his life.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I always thought I'd never do another reality show but I've realised I'm someone who needs a challenge. If I'm A Celebrity... came up next year I would consider it because I'm mates with Ant and Dec but I'm also a big fan of 71 Degrees North. I was adamant Strictly would be the only reality show I'd ever do but I have been very down since I was voted off. I feel like I could burst out crying. It's not because I got booted off the show, but weirdly because it's brought it home to me that I'm not a footballer any more. When I was about to retire as a player in May I could put a lot of the sadness to the back of my mind because I knew I had Strictly coming up. Now I don't have a challenge any more and even though I've got the best job in the world, talking about football for the BBC and ESPN and writing about it in the Mirror, I'll be looking for the next challenge."
Nancy: "Anton Has Never Had A Better Partner Than Me"
Nancy is at it again. This week she's been talking to The Sun, and still seems to believe that she's God's gift to Strictly.
She said: "Anton has never had a better partner than me. He was very upset about us leaving the show. He can't stop talking about me. There was good chemistry and I loved his great sense of humour."
Come on, Nancy! Can you not hear yourself?
"Anton may have been attracted to me. Who isn't? We were always flirting. I think he was probably intimidated by me so he was holding his emotions in. Was I attracted to him? I don't know, we'll see."
Nancy, darling, Anton flirts with everyone. Anyone who has even been in his company will tell you that. Although, she's probably right. He probably was holding his emotions in, although not the same emotions she thinks he was...
Still it's time for Nancy to put Anton behind her. She's been paired with Artem for the Strictly Come Dancing tour: "I think Anton's very jealous that I'm doing the tour with Artem."
Alex had to see a physiotherapist on Saturday after suffering bruised ribs while practising lifts with James for their American smooth.
Alex told the Sunday Mirror: “It was absolute agony and I have been in a lot of pain. We tried to do a lift and I just felt a shooting pain in my back. I've been to the physio and they said I’ve badly bruised my ribs. Afterwards I could barely walk. Even after all these weeks my body is still not completely used to some of the movements and they can be a real strain... but this is by far the worst injury I've had.”
The fact that is was Movie Week seemed to undermine the fact that it was the quarter-final. It was barely mentioned, which is a shame because I think it makes the show less exciting. At least that's the themed weeks over for another year!
Robbie & Ola actually did a pretty good job with the quickstep. They covered the floor well, and Robbie was very light. He was a bit pigeon-toed at times. Robbie's timing is excellent. But the whole thing was a little untidy, and not very interesting.
It was going to be tough for Harry & Aliona. A rumba at this stage of the competition must be a daunting prospect. Harry did well. It was well acted (well, Harry pulled the same face he usually does, but it worked for the rumba). It didn't look completely natural, but it was better than most male celebrities. His arms were pretty good, and he had nice lines.
Alex & James did a good job with their American smooth. Alex now looks really comfortable on the floor. The lifts were great, and really tidy. Alex was very elegant, and she's starting to look like a nice dancer. A little more lift in her left arm would be nice.
We finally saw the Holly we've been waiting for this week. She enjoyed the paso, and it showed. Choreographically, I wasn't that keen. It wasn't Artem's best work, although it did have a fair bit of content, so we should be thankful for that. Holly execution, however, was excellent. She had beautiful lines, and her cool personality suited the dance. I do have to agree with Craig's comment about her eyeline. She needs to make sure she presents outward all the time instead of most of the time.
I absolutely loved Jason & Kristina's American smooth. It was wonderful. Beautifully presented with fantasic choreography. Jason has great footwork. The solo section at the beginning was lovely. It was totally Jason's dance, possibly the best since the quickstep on Halloween week. The lifts were gorgeous. The whole thing was glamorous, and perfect for movie week.
I thought Jason & Kristina were the best of the night. Until Chelsee & Pasha danced. From the first solo kick section, I knew it was going to be amazing. It was phenomenal. It was sharp. It had loads of energy. Fantastic choreography. Lots of personality. Chelsee coped well with some very quick steps. She had excellent timing. It was so good, I had tears in my eyes. Loved it!
Chelsee & Pasha were totally amazing, and I loved Jason & Kristina too. Inevitably, I though Robbie was the weakest. He is very good, but at this stage, he's just not in the same league as the others. As Holly was so much stronger this week, it has to be Alex in the bottom two with him. But this is Strictly, so there could easily be a shock exit. I can't wait to find out!
