As predicted Lynda has been sent home, but it was close.
I may not have written it, but I did think that was going to be a 2-2 result.
Out of the bottom two I think the right person went, but still would prefer to see one or both of the Jo(e)s in the dance-off.
Did the judges make the right choice?
Saturday 10 October 2009
The dance off!
Lynda up first:
Does seem a bit livelier, why does Lynda save the better performances for the dance-off?!
I still don't think it has enough drive however, and just as I was about to say how good it was to see her not make the same mistake again, she mucks up the ending. Shame.
Now for Craig:
A little bit John Wayne in places (some of my male students might recognise that phrase!)
Frame does look better this time round.
Again I think a better performance than during the show.
This is really going to be a hard one to call but I think they will say that Craig has more potential.
Does seem a bit livelier, why does Lynda save the better performances for the dance-off?!
I still don't think it has enough drive however, and just as I was about to say how good it was to see her not make the same mistake again, she mucks up the ending. Shame.
Now for Craig:
A little bit John Wayne in places (some of my male students might recognise that phrase!)
Frame does look better this time round.
Again I think a better performance than during the show.
This is really going to be a hard one to call but I think they will say that Craig has more potential.
The moment of truth!
How will the public have voted this week? Will Anton & Laila's top spot protect them from any backlash from the public?
Yes, is the answer to that question - we'll never know how close that vote was!
Joe Calzaghe saved from the bottom spot for yet another week, is the whole of Wales voting for him?!
Jo Wood saved as I predicted, Craig could still be in the bottom two...
Well done Ian, could tell you were getting a little worried there!
Out of these two it's difficult to call but I think Lynda might be going home, she has surprised me before though.
str
Yes, is the answer to that question - we'll never know how close that vote was!
Joe Calzaghe saved from the bottom spot for yet another week, is the whole of Wales voting for him?!
Jo Wood saved as I predicted, Craig could still be in the bottom two...
Well done Ian, could tell you were getting a little worried there!
Out of these two it's difficult to call but I think Lynda might be going home, she has surprised me before though.
str
Leaderboard
Leaderboard is as follows:
1. 34 points - Laila & Anton
2. 33 points - Zoe & James
3. 32 points - Ali & Brian
4. 32 points - Ricky & Natalie
5. 29 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 29 points - Jade & Ian
7. 28 points - Ricky & Erin
8. 25 points - Chris & Ola
9. 24 points - Lynda & Darren
10. 24 points - Craig & Flavia
11. 24 points - Phil & Katya
12. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
13. 20 points - Joe & Kristina
As predicted then Laila is top and Joe is stuck to the bottom.
Getting a little bit more difficult to call now but I think it will be a Joe and Craig bottom two...what do you think though?
1. 34 points - Laila & Anton
2. 33 points - Zoe & James
3. 32 points - Ali & Brian
4. 32 points - Ricky & Natalie
5. 29 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 29 points - Jade & Ian
7. 28 points - Ricky & Erin
8. 25 points - Chris & Ola
9. 24 points - Lynda & Darren
10. 24 points - Craig & Flavia
11. 24 points - Phil & Katya
12. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
13. 20 points - Joe & Kristina
As predicted then Laila is top and Joe is stuck to the bottom.
Getting a little bit more difficult to call now but I think it will be a Joe and Craig bottom two...what do you think though?
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Salsa
Phil could've done with a Foxtrot to give his knee a bit of a rest...
Surprisingly good beginning and really nice hip movement and confidence.
A little bit basic at times, with a lot of repetition but that's most likely due to the reduced practice time they've had available.
Not a bad Salsa at all and I upgrade my predicted 6's to 7's after seeing that performance!
Surprisingly good beginning and really nice hip movement and confidence.
A little bit basic at times, with a lot of repetition but that's most likely due to the reduced practice time they've had available.
Not a bad Salsa at all and I upgrade my predicted 6's to 7's after seeing that performance!
Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Foxtrot
Can the Strictly comedian pull off a serious Foxtrot, well if he can sort out that frame he might have a chance.
The high shoulders do ruin the look, and contribute to the unplanned tilt in the spins.
Shoulders are getting higher as the dance progresses, and that's such a shame.
A nice Foxtrot, ignoring the frame, but I think it'll be the 6's I predicted from the training videos.
The high shoulders do ruin the look, and contribute to the unplanned tilt in the spins.
Shoulders are getting higher as the dance progresses, and that's such a shame.
A nice Foxtrot, ignoring the frame, but I think it'll be the 6's I predicted from the training videos.
Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Salsa
Jade injured herself during training and I hope it doesn't affect the performance too much tonight.
Based on the training videos I thought this could be 8's.
Good hip action, but has to watch the back breaks, they could benefit from being a lot more compact.
Energetic but seems a little lost at points. 7-8's.
Based on the training videos I thought this could be 8's.
Good hip action, but has to watch the back breaks, they could benefit from being a lot more compact.
Energetic but seems a little lost at points. 7-8's.
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Foxtrot
Craig had a really tough time last week so let's hope he remembers the whole routine this week, and keep that frame strong!
Frame is definitely improved, though the left arm is moving around far too much, it should stay in position throughout the dance.
Would help with balance in the spins and turns if he stopped looking at Flavia.
A little coarse and stiff in parts, but a nice performance. Think it will be 6's.
Frame is definitely improved, though the left arm is moving around far too much, it should stay in position throughout the dance.
Would help with balance in the spins and turns if he stopped looking at Flavia.
A little coarse and stiff in parts, but a nice performance. Think it will be 6's.
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Salsa
Ricky could pull out another top spot, and take the glory from Anton, but I was only thinking 8's earlier.
The start is a little disjointed for me and just seems to be a collection of moves rather than coherent dance. Good hip actions though, shame about the hands not quite working in the between the legs drop.
Not as good as last week but I think it will still be 8's.
The start is a little disjointed for me and just seems to be a collection of moves rather than coherent dance. Good hip actions though, shame about the hands not quite working in the between the legs drop.
Not as good as last week but I think it will still be 8's.
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Foxtrot
I've predicted this to get the top marks of the night, don't let me down Laila!
Will be interesting to see if the midweek publicity affects how the public vote, but let's hope the performance is what people focus on.
I want to see a 9's performance here guys!
Foxtrot is definitely my favourite dance and this is the best Foxtrot so far (not surprising considering Anton is the Ballroom expert professional on the show.
Can't quite tell if there wasn't a slight mistake there or not, and Laila still needs to watch her shoulders.
Without seeing the feet I still think this should achieve 9's.
Will be interesting to see if the midweek publicity affects how the public vote, but let's hope the performance is what people focus on.
I want to see a 9's performance here guys!
Foxtrot is definitely my favourite dance and this is the best Foxtrot so far (not surprising considering Anton is the Ballroom expert professional on the show.
Can't quite tell if there wasn't a slight mistake there or not, and Laila still needs to watch her shoulders.
Without seeing the feet I still think this should achieve 9's.
Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot
Joe has been consistently stuck to the bottom of the leaderboard, and I don't expect things to change tonight I'm afraid and I still think he'll struggle to achieve 5's.
Looks good in a tux though, and this is one of my favourite songs (albeit the Muse version!)
Wooden start with the clicking, and needs to stick his bum in as this is causing him to hunch over Kristina.
Better than his Tango in week one, but still mostly lacking in drive and excitement. I'm thinking 5's though.
Looks good in a tux though, and this is one of my favourite songs (albeit the Muse version!)
Wooden start with the clicking, and needs to stick his bum in as this is causing him to hunch over Kristina.
Better than his Tango in week one, but still mostly lacking in drive and excitement. I'm thinking 5's though.
Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Salsa
Natalie's not afraid to shake it when required, I thought 7's earlier so let's see what she can produce here.
Definitely an energetic performance, though it looks a little laboured at times. Not entirely sold on the performance but think it will achieve 7's.
Definitely an energetic performance, though it looks a little laboured at times. Not entirely sold on the performance but think it will achieve 7's.
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot
So Jo is trying the most technical ballroom dance and I'm not expecting much (predicted 5's earlier), let's hope she proves me wrong.
Mistakes evident right from the start and she needs to keep the head up and lift from her chest.
She seems to save the really obvious mistakes for right in front of the judges unfortunately.
A passable attempt but I think Craig is going to be harsh again. Sticking with my 5's.
Mistakes evident right from the start and she needs to keep the head up and lift from her chest.
She seems to save the really obvious mistakes for right in front of the judges unfortunately.
A passable attempt but I think Craig is going to be harsh again. Sticking with my 5's.
Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Salsa
I've been waiting to see Ali perform a quicker Latin dance as I think this is where she could fall down, however she has got Brian as her teacher and he knows a thing or two about Salsa.
Ali needs to push through the floor to generate the hip action and she looks a little uncomfortable. A very complicated routine though that she is pulling off with style.
I thought it could be 7's earlier, not so sure now so i'm going to say 6-7.
Ali needs to push through the floor to generate the hip action and she looks a little uncomfortable. A very complicated routine though that she is pulling off with style.
I thought it could be 7's earlier, not so sure now so i'm going to say 6-7.
Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - Foxtrot
Sorry guys if these posts are a little delayed, for some reason the posts are taking a while to upload.
A dance that I feel will really suit Lynda, let's see if she pulls it off.
Predicted 7's based on training but this performance is looking a little wooden and bumpy, Foxtrot should move gracefully and smoothly across the floor.
A little slip up near the end didn't help.
A 'nice' performance but a little uninspiring I felt. Looking at 6's.
A dance that I feel will really suit Lynda, let's see if she pulls it off.
Predicted 7's based on training but this performance is looking a little wooden and bumpy, Foxtrot should move gracefully and smoothly across the floor.
A little slip up near the end didn't help.
A 'nice' performance but a little uninspiring I felt. Looking at 6's.
Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Salsa
Looked a little uncomfortable in training, let's see if Chris can pull it off on the night, predicted 6-7 earlier.
Really should lower those shoulders, I know the feeling he's trying to create, but it doesn't quite look right.
Slightly off on the turns but lots of hip action, does look a little forced at times.
Needs to avoid spreading all the fingers on his hands, at least have some shape there.
Overall a solid performance and should get 7's.
Really should lower those shoulders, I know the feeling he's trying to create, but it doesn't quite look right.
Slightly off on the turns but lots of hip action, does look a little forced at times.
Needs to avoid spreading all the fingers on his hands, at least have some shape there.
Overall a solid performance and should get 7's.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Foxtrot
Assuming she can keep the footwork on track I predicted an 8 earlier.
Can't really see the footwork, but top half is looking good, though lifts the left arm every now and then which spoils the look.
Overall a very good start and still think this will be 8's
Can't really see the footwork, but top half is looking good, though lifts the left arm every now and then which spoils the look.
Overall a very good start and still think this will be 8's
Training updates - Salsa and Foxtrot
In advance of tonights show I've looked at the training updates and my comments and predictions follow.
The contestants have been allocated either a sultry Salsa, or the elegant Foxtrot.
Salsa normally involves fast complicated moves with lots of hip movement, whilst the Foxtrot is a slow elegant dance that should float across the floor.
Both are quite difficult dances to master but I've always considered the Foxtrot to be the most difficult dance technically.
So how is their training coming along?
Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Salsa
Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Salsa
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Salsa
Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Salsa
Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Salsa
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Salsa
Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Foxtrot
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Foxtrot
Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Foxtrot
Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - Foxtrot
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Foxtrot
So my prediction is for Laila to be top, and Joe still rooted to the bottom of the table. Do you agree?
The contestants have been allocated either a sultry Salsa, or the elegant Foxtrot.
Salsa normally involves fast complicated moves with lots of hip movement, whilst the Foxtrot is a slow elegant dance that should float across the floor.
Both are quite difficult dances to master but I've always considered the Foxtrot to be the most difficult dance technically.
So how is their training coming along?
Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - SalsaNeed to keep the head up Chris, and the shoulders down. Having seen Chris' Rumba a couple of weeks ago I think this could be good, if he can just keep the performance element there.
For me though I think he could have another Quickstep moment, i.e. head down and just kicking like crazy! So I'm predicting 6-7.
Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - SalsaSalsa is Brian's forte so this should be good, if Ali can cope with the fast and intricate movements.
We've seen Ali perform two Ballroom, and one Latin dance so far. Ballroom is generally easier for the female celebrities and Ali also excelled in the slow Rumba, but how is she finding the faster Salsa?
I think this will be 7's
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - SalsaRicky is fast becoming the series favourite, but is it too much too soon?
Needs to watching the arm that isn't being used and make sure that it's not just left hanging.
This is definitely a dance that could really show off Ricky's abilities, and word has it that Ricky has previously had Salsa lessons.
Just like his Paso last week, I think Ricky will really perform this well but I'm seeing 8's not 9's.
Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - SalsaJade injured herself in training midweek so it will be interesting to see how their routine has had to be adapted.
Definitely really good hip action and attitude, even if she does lack confidence. I'm predicting 8's for this
Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - SalsaNatalie showed in her Cha Cha that she's not afraid to wiggle her hips, let's see if she brings that confidence to the Salsa.
Looking at the training their Salsa is starting to shape up nicely and I think this will be 7's
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - SalsaPhil had keyhole surgery on his knee this week, and I'm sure his recovery has seriously affected their available practice time. Let's hope for Phil's sake that his knee can hold up under the stress of performing a Salsa, he'd have been better off with Foxtrot.
Not looking good so far on the knee front, but most of the routine is looking pretty good. Unfortunately the effect of that knee is going to result in 6's.
Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - FoxtrotStrictly's funny man returns after an impressive Paso, let's see if he can keep those shoulders down in the Foxtrot.
Really needs to avoid shrugging throughout the dance, if he can sort that then could be looking at 7's, but realistically I think it'll be 6's
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - FoxtrotJo has struggled with the dances so far in the competition and I think this'll be another dance she struggles with as the ladies footwork is especially difficult in the Foxtrot.
Based on her previous performances she'll struggle to make 5's
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - FoxtrotWhat a turbulent week these two will have had! Laila has asked that the events of a couple of weeks ago be put behind them, but how will the public vote?
One of Anton's strongest dances and it looks like Laila's picked it up excellently.
Could be their best dance yet, and the best of the night, 8-9.
Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - FoxtrotI can't work out which of the two dances would've been better for Joe, but I think probably the Foxtrot as there's zero hip action required!
Another dance where I think Joe will struggle to maintain his frame, and it looks like there are some issues with the relationship in training.
Sorry Joe but looks like you'll struggle to get 5's
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - FoxtrotCraig's grame is looking improved, though haven't seen enough of the dance out of practice hold.
I'm saying 6-7.
Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - FoxtrotDefinitely lucky to have not been given the Salsa, let's see what she can do with the Foxtrot.
Looking very nice, though I can't see her footwork, definitely a dance best suited to Lynda's personality and style.
Could well be 7's.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - FoxtrotIf Zoe copes with the footwork this could be a really good Foxtrot, Zoe has an elegance when she dances that will really complement the Foxtrot.
If all goes to plan this will be 8's.
So my prediction is for Laila to be top, and Joe still rooted to the bottom of the table. Do you agree?
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Arlene returns to judge Strictly!
Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips is to return to the show's judging panel, but only for the tour.
,,,taken from BBC News online the article continues...
Promoters say Phillips was hired before she was replaced on the main show and it was not a reaction to viewer anger at the decision.
More than 4,000 people complained after the 66-year-old was dropped and the BBC was forced to defend claims of ageism.
Phillips' replacement, Alesha Dixon, will not take part in the tour. She is said to have other work commitments.
'Winning formula'
Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainment co-produce the tour. A spokesman said: "We recognised that we had a winning formula with audiences, so at the end of the 2009 dates we asked Arlene to join next year's tour."
Phillips will rejoin Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood on the judging panel for the 33 shows.
The arena tour, which features past and present celebrities and professionals from the show, will start in Manchester on 15 January.
It ends in Newcastle on 21 February. The tour will also take in Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, London, Glasgow and Belfast.
,,,taken from BBC News online the article continues...
Promoters say Phillips was hired before she was replaced on the main show and it was not a reaction to viewer anger at the decision.
More than 4,000 people complained after the 66-year-old was dropped and the BBC was forced to defend claims of ageism.
Phillips' replacement, Alesha Dixon, will not take part in the tour. She is said to have other work commitments.
'Winning formula'
Stage Entertainment and Phil McIntyre Entertainment co-produce the tour. A spokesman said: "We recognised that we had a winning formula with audiences, so at the end of the 2009 dates we asked Arlene to join next year's tour."
Phillips will rejoin Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood on the judging panel for the 33 shows.
The arena tour, which features past and present celebrities and professionals from the show, will start in Manchester on 15 January.
It ends in Newcastle on 21 February. The tour will also take in Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, London, Glasgow and Belfast.
Anton du Beke in hot water
The BBC has received dozens of complaints about Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke's use of the word "Paki".
...taken from the Telegraph online the article continues...
Anti-racism campaigners have called for Du Beke to be sacked from the BBC One show. Others have questioned why the BBC is standing by Du Beke when Carol Thatcher was sacked earlier this year for describing a black tennis player as a "golliwog".
Du Beke made the remark backstage to Laila Rouass, his dance partner, after she had a spray tan. He told her: "Oh my God, you look like a Paki." The comment was overheard by several members of the Strictly team, including fellow professional dancer Brendan Cole.
After the incident became public at the weekend, Du Beke issued an apology.
The BBC has received 63 complaints and hundreds of fans have debated the issue on the corporation's messageboards. Some said Du Beke was making a harmless joke and claimed that he was the victim of political correctness.
However, others said his behaviour was unacceptable. One viewer wrote: "Refraining from using such language is nothing to do with being politically correct. It's to do with basic human decency and treating people of Asian descent with respect.
"I'm not comfortable with Anton's continued presence in the show, especially when Carol Thatcher was sacked for making a similiarly controversial remark."
A spokesman for Hope Not Hate, the anti-racism campaign, said: "If calling someone a Paki is not racist behaviour then what is? Quite simply the programme has to ask itself: is it going to condone racism on its show, or is it going to deal with it quickly and decisively?
"The BBC took a clear line on the Carol Thatcher golliwog comment. If anything, this comment is even more offensive."
In his apology, Du Beke said: "I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language.
“During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used between the two of us.
“There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react.
“I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused.”
The BBC is standing by Du Beke, a rising star at the corporation and the man tipped to replace Bruce Forsyth as Strictly host. A spokesman said the case differed from the Thatcher case because she did not make a "full and frank" apology.
...taken from the Telegraph online the article continues...
Anti-racism campaigners have called for Du Beke to be sacked from the BBC One show. Others have questioned why the BBC is standing by Du Beke when Carol Thatcher was sacked earlier this year for describing a black tennis player as a "golliwog".
Du Beke made the remark backstage to Laila Rouass, his dance partner, after she had a spray tan. He told her: "Oh my God, you look like a Paki." The comment was overheard by several members of the Strictly team, including fellow professional dancer Brendan Cole.
After the incident became public at the weekend, Du Beke issued an apology.
The BBC has received 63 complaints and hundreds of fans have debated the issue on the corporation's messageboards. Some said Du Beke was making a harmless joke and claimed that he was the victim of political correctness.
However, others said his behaviour was unacceptable. One viewer wrote: "Refraining from using such language is nothing to do with being politically correct. It's to do with basic human decency and treating people of Asian descent with respect.
"I'm not comfortable with Anton's continued presence in the show, especially when Carol Thatcher was sacked for making a similiarly controversial remark."
A spokesman for Hope Not Hate, the anti-racism campaign, said: "If calling someone a Paki is not racist behaviour then what is? Quite simply the programme has to ask itself: is it going to condone racism on its show, or is it going to deal with it quickly and decisively?
"The BBC took a clear line on the Carol Thatcher golliwog comment. If anything, this comment is even more offensive."
In his apology, Du Beke said: "I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language.
“During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used between the two of us.
“There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react.
“I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused.”
The BBC is standing by Du Beke, a rising star at the corporation and the man tipped to replace Bruce Forsyth as Strictly host. A spokesman said the case differed from the Thatcher case because she did not make a "full and frank" apology.
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