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.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Congratulations, Anton!

Congratulations to Anton du Beke and his partner Hannah, who have welcomed their twins into the world.

Anton posted the happy news on Twitter early yesterday evening:

Monday, March 27, 2017

Next! Roy Hodgson...

Former England manager Roy Hodgson turned down the opportunity to take part in last year's Strictly.

The Evening Standard reports that Roy told The Big Issue: "We are moving in a different world now, where celebrity is the key. I'd have been another Ed Balls! I’ve never regarded myself as a celebrity, I have regarded myself as a professional football manager, a job which I have done for many years and think I do well. I’m quite proud of my achievements. But I don’t think that lifts me into the celebrity world."

Well, you know, at the end of the day, it's a funny old show. To be on Strictly you have to give 110%, take it one week at a time, every dance is a must-win, you hope not to take an early bath and finally raise the cup at the end. It's a must win business.

Charlotte Hawkins Would Like To Do Strictly

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins would like to do Strictly.

The Sun reports that Charlotte told the Metro“I’d love to do Strictly but I’m not very good at dancing, so it might be terrifying."

Don't worry Charlotte. Not being very good at dancing has never been a barrier to being on the show.

Strictly Spectacular Cancelled

I've been slacking a bit with the updates recently, so I hadn't got around to posting anything about the Strictly Spectacular, but I guess it doesn't matter anymore since it's been cancelled.

A statement on the event website simply says: "It is with regret to inform you that Strictly Come Dancing: The Spectacular has been cancelled. Demand for this event has not been as strong as we had hoped so we’ve taken the difficult decision to cancel it. All customers will receive a full refund for the cost of their tickets. See Tickets will begin processing refunds for all online and phone orders immediately. We are sorry for any disappointment caused as a result of this decision."

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Latest Rumour: Frank Lampard

Former footballer Frank Lampard is reportedly on the wish-list for this year's Strictly.

A source told The Sun: “It’s the time of the year when the wish list is being drawn up and Frank Lampard is one of the names that ticks all the boxes. They would love to have him on board so we will see how things progress in the coming weeks. He has impressed people with his hilarious appearances on Play To The Whistle and comes across as a natural for a big TV series like Strictly.”

Frank's wife Christine Lampard (née Bleakley) finished fifth out of 16 celebrities on Strictly series six, eliminated in the quarter final. She was partnered by Matthew Cutler.

Anton To Screen Test For Judge Spot

Anton du Beke is reportedly taking a screen test for judging on Strictly, as bosses look for a replacement for Len Goodman.

A source told The Sun: “Everyone loves Anton and he has been one of the favourites for the job because of his seniority and for being on the show since it started. He would be like a younger Len and the transition would definitely be a smooth one. They’ve obviously not ruled out other people but it’s a good sign for Anton.”

I think Anton would be a good fit. He's proved himself judging other shows in the past, he knows the technique and would fill the gap left by Len. I just hope he can be critical enough on-screen. He does tend to be the 'nice guy'.

It's interesting that the producers are taking so long over this decision. Alesha was brought in seemingly on a whim, and it seems that the producers do not want to rock the boat so much anymore. It's one thing to keep the show fresh, but there needs to be an element of what made it popular retained.

Lisa Scott-Lee Would Like Strictly Spot

Steps singer Lisa Scott-Lee would like the chance to do Strictly.

TheList reports that Lisa said recently: "I would love to do Strictly Come Dancing. For me, that is the ultimate show. My grandparents were ballroom dancers so I would love to do that show."

Given that Steps are currently launching a comeback, I think it's unlikely that Lisa would have the time. And as someone who sings and dances for a living, I can hear the shouts of 'ringer' already.