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Strictly 2011 Final Result

Votes have been counted, the judges have no say but first of all the returning celebrities.

Russell being held up by Rory & Robbie actually made me laugh out loud!

Actually they all looked really good (though I didn't see Nancy with her feet on the floor).

Now for the results...


....

The Strictly 2011 winner is

....

Harry Judd

A fair result as I just felt Chelsee was lacking in polish tonight.  Roll on 2012!

Strictly Come Dancing 2011 FINAL

So the last few months have been fairly hectic for us, apologies therefore that I've not been blogging about the last few weeks.

Right back at the launch show I predicted that Harry & Chelsee could both do really well, but never gave a thought to Jason - two out of three isn't bad though!



First up tonight is Harry & Aliona with their Quickstep:

Harry's frame has definitely improved over the weeks and I think this Quickstep is actually better than the first time Harry performed it, with no noticeable slips this time.

Given that he got a 9 and 3x10's last time he performed it then this really should be a perfect score.

Craig: 10 "You seem to have improved [lazy left foot]...I loved it"
Len: 10 "You've come out all guns blazing...I loved that dance first time round...that was brilliant"
Alisha: 10 "Your quickstep is stunning...maximised the floorspace...very strong start"
Bruno: 10 "You came, you danced, and you conquered Blackpool...loved it"

Total Score: 40

Jason & Kristina Tango

Jason started the competition strongly but has struggled more with the second-half of the competition however his Tango was a very strong performance.

Starts well however has a bit of a bum sticking out issue after the 'disco' section and this results in gapping over the rest of the routine which is a shame.

It's entertaining but just not as polished as Harry's, just an 8 from me I think, though I imagine the judges will give 9's.

Craig: 9 "Your bottom was sticking out a lot and the chasses were a little bit skippy"
Len: 10 "You have survived 14 weeks of blood, sweat and tears...you give those other two 20 years in age"
Alisha: 10 "Clever choreography...I loved it"
Bruno: 9 "Tango with split personality...incredible and barking mad but I loved it"

Total Score: 38

Chelsee & Pasha Jive

This was very energetic before and hopefully Chelsee can bring that same energy tonight, with just a little bit more polish.

It feels better than her previous performance, though still is a bit manic in places.  She looks puffed out near the end and falls out of sequence with Pasha when they are facing away from each other.

Not her best performance, which is a shame, but I can only give it an 8.

Craig: 9 "A complete and absolute bundle of joy to watch...thousand steps a minute"
Len: 10 "Watching that gives me as much pleasure as a world championship"
Alisha: 10 "For me personally that's my favourite Jive of the series"
Bruno: 10 "That was a premium grade Jive...you were GREAT"

Total Score: 39



So it's 1. Harry; 2. Chelsee; 3. Jason and the lines are open!


Now for the show dances

Harry & Aliona

Harry is excellent when it comes to lifts but there are a few moments when it loses a bit of polish for me with a few untidy hands and holds.

Their last lift looks a little wobbly and the drum section at the end didn't really seem to work.

Not as good as their Quickstep so just a 9 from me.

Craig: 9 "You have an enormous amount of talent...transitions could have been a lot smoother"
Len: 9 "If you were a stick of Blackpool rock you'd have 'Talent' written right through you...thought that lift [near the end] was a little bit sticky getting into it"
Alisha: 10 "I loved the concept...lifts were verging on dangerous...smoothly done"
Bruno: 9 "Great guns Harry...impressive strength and physicality...tiny little incident on a lift"

Total Score: 37

Jason & Kristina

It's good to see show dances that are based more on the actual dances they've been learning (I'm sure some of you will remember Brendan Cole and Lisa Snowdon's ill-fated show dance).

I can't tell whether they're out of sequence or not in some of the sections...Jason doesn't look out of time but we just can't tell if they're supposed to be exactly synchronised at those points.

I felt it was more polished in some ways than Harry's dance but still only a 9 from me.

Craig: 10 "Ferocious and full-on darling...a-maz-ing"
Len: 10 "You're a showman, this is a show dance, the perfect combination"
Alisha: 10 "If this was a marathon you'd have won already...that was a SHOW dance!"
Bruno: 10 "It was a showbiz extravaganza...brilliant"

Total Score: 40


Chelsee & Pasha

I'm hoping they haven't gone too 'showdance' with this routine...though the music fills me a little bit with dread.

I'm not sure on quite a few of the lifts, and again it just feels a little messy at times but another 9.

Craig: 9 "I absolutely loved all those lifts...so close, impossible to call"
Len: 9 "I liked the element of hustle...bright and shiny...what saddens me is that in about an hour's time one of our couples is going to go"
Alisha: 9 "Really going for it...totally natural"
Bruno: 9 "A vision of seductive beauty emerging from the mists...were a couple of moments darling when you nearly lost it"

Total Score: 36

So leader board is now 1. Jason; 2. Harry; 3. Chelsee


FIRST ELIMINATION

Our first elimination tonight is Jason & Kristina. They're all so strong that it really will come down to the audience tonight - though Harry has overall been the best this series.

I'm personally cheering for Chelsee but purely because I did place a bet on her at the start of the series (20-1, but also won £80 on her being the final female, get in!) - however I won't vote as I still want to try and remain impartial!


Right then, down to the final two, it's anyone's to win it.


Harry & Aliona American Smooth

Harry's already shown he's adept at the lifts, and Viennese Waltz is a good choice for them.  They seem to lose it a little in the standing spin after the first major lift.  The second lift exit doesn't seem to have any transition, and the third lift looked a little uncomfortable on entry, but a lovely dance nonetheless.

Not perfect but a 9 from me.

Craig: 9 "If it wasn't the final there's a plethora of things I could say about your hands...but I loved it"
Len: 10 "When you did the Viennese Waltz before I loved it...you just made what was a great dance into an unbelievable dance"
Alisha: 10 "Such an accomplished dancer...I think the nation has fallen in love with you"
Bruno: 10 "Perfect fit for your princely charms...I salute you your highness"

Total Score: 39

Chelsee & Pasha Rumba

Out of the two, I think Chelsee has the more difficult 'new' dance, as Rumba is one of the harder dances for the celebrities to perform, and Chelsee's acting hasn't been great so far this series.

Nicely synchronised at the start and a great ronde.  Much better floor splits than the last time she did them.

The hand is a little forgotten at times but this is beautifully danced, and exceeding my expectations.

Again not perfect but damn close, 9.5.

Craig: 9 "I thought it was absolutely magnificent"
Len: 10 "Because it was so slow everything is magnified, every detail...nothing I could see I didn't like"
Alisha: 10 "You put your heart and soul into every single dance you do"
Bruno: 10 "You nailed that Rumba...acted it like a movie star...I loved it"

Total Score: 39


Down to the final two dances then, their favourites from the series.

Harry & Aliona Argentine Tango

Let's hope for a bit more passion from Harry this time around, it was all a little too 'clean' last time around.

He's still a magnificent dancer and there's a great lift above his head in the middle.

I didn't feel as much intensity through the dance as I'd have liked but the performance was perfection.

Craig: 10 "Like the nation I have fallen in love with you too darling"
Len: 10 "Last time I said I wanted a bit more intensity...and you listened to me"
Alisha: 10 "Perfect choice for the final...exquisite dancing"
Bruno: 10 "So cool, so strong, so sharp...I think I've been Tango'd"

Total Score: 40

Chelsee & Pasha Quickstep

This was probably Chelsee's best dance of the series, let#s ope she pulls it out of the bag.

I'd like Chelsee to keep her toes pointed when she kicks them out (the Rudolph looked a little messy) but the rest is excellent.  Can't quite tell whether there was a problem with the jacket at the end.

I'm going to give this another perfect score.

Craig: 9 "I said it before and I'll say it again...first class darling"
Len: 10 "It's your favourite dance...could be my favourite dance as well"
Alisha: 10 "Perfect combination of a great dress, great song, great dance"
Bruno: 10 "Strictly stunning"

Total Score: 39 (would have preferred Craig to give a reason though - obviously the other judges don't agree)


Leader Board

1. Harry & Aliona: 156
2. Chelsee & Pasha: 153.

Financially I'd like Chelsee to win, but I do think it's going to be Harry.  What about you?

Strictly Come Dancing week 5 - Halloween Special

Apologies for not blogging on last week's action, but unfortunately we just couldn't get the time.

Tonight is the Strictly Halloween Special, and I can already predict that the scariest thing is going to be Nancy!

First up is Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace with their Samba

If Russell has got a knee problem then Samba's probably the worst dance he could have been given.

It's so nice to see actual Samba steps that our students are going to recognise...such a shame that he obviously lost the steps early on and it's knocked his confidence throughout.  A great shame, though Emma and I both commented on his nice bottom!

A nice selection of basic steps up till the mistake but just a 6 from me after all the mistakes.

Craig: 4 "One wig away darling from being Mystic Meg...dancing sadly let you down"
Len: 6 "There were a few mistakes...you've got the feel good factor"
Alesha: 6 "Great bounce action...got the Halloween party started"
Bruno: 6 "Turned Hell into a camp Heaven...unfortunately you went wrong quite a few times"

Total Score: 22

Looking a little worried this week, think they're going to need the votes as it wasn't their most entertaining performance.

Second up, Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev with the Tango.

I still felt that their Quickstep last week was very untidy and still too manic, but it's good to see her delivering on my pre-competition predictions.

Doesn't really have the Tango feel to the music, but you wouldn't know it from their dancing.

Chelsee has some nice sharp movements, but still looks a little bit like Pasha is throwing her around her at times.

A very good Tango but a shame that the ending was missed after her dress almost revealed too much, I feel so sorry for her but I hope they can show her a replay as soon as possible to let her know nothing was seen.

I'd still like to see a bit more control there so just an 8 from me at present.

Craig: 7 "I would have like to have seen it a little bit more grounded...feisty, fiery and everything we expect"
Len: 8 "Could have been a bit sharper towards the end...good dance"
Alesha: 9 "You have nothing to cry about, you covered that so well...you've raised your game"
Bruno: 8 "This wicked little witch, is a wicked little dancer...did a great dance"

Total Score: 32

Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe Jive

I do worry about Audley's ability for the Jive, can he keep it looking light and bouncy and not run out of puff early on?

Flat footed from the off unfortunately, and living up to what I would have expected.  There's just no bounce though some of the lines look quite nice...unfortunately that's when he's standing still.

A very poor Jive but it was always going to be difficult for him, a 5 from me.

Craig: 3 "You did make a gallant effort...physically unsuited for this dance...lovely smile though"
Len: 6 "I don't know what these other two are talking about, it had rhythm, good timing...you never went wrong...I commend you"
Alesha: 6 "It needed to be more bouncy and light...kicks and flicks just weren't quite there"
Bruno: 5 "You really got into the spirit of things...[but] terrible footwork...very hard dance"

Total Score: 20

Alex Jones & James Jordan are next up with a Paso Doble (well suited dance for Halloween hopefully)

Alex needs to make sure she keeps her shoulders down when she lifts up her arms, otherwise her neck just disappears, and the 'cape' section with her skirt turns a little bit school playground when she speeds up.

I really like the dramaticism though and the 'fight' over the bed is quite well acted.  The chasse capes are quite messy and there are times when it looks good, but also times when it really doesn't.

A mixed bag Paso Doble but definitely developed into a passionate one.  I'm unsure on it but I think I'll give them a 7.

Craig: 7 "I think you played that extremely well...almost found it erotic...danced it well"
Len: 8 "I was expecting Hammer House of Horrors...had intensity, dramatic, attack...bit too much frock wafting"
Alesha: 8 "Absolutely loved the beginning...took a risk...atmospheric...breakthrough this week"
Bruno: 8 "Haunting, voluptuous, hint of madness...improved so much [on last week]"

Total Score:  31

Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev will be dancing an American Smooth to Swan Lake, explains the eye make-up!

Hmm...I just feel like there's always something lacking when Holly dances.  I just get a feeling of discomfort when she dances, maybe it's vulnerability of being herself and not a character.

The lift entrances and exits are all a bit messy, and the ending just looked uncomfortable as they were getting into it.

It was ok but she still doesn't 'wow' me like I would expect, good enough for a 7 but she should be getting so much more.

Craig: 8 "Very high risk and perilous concept...but you made it work"
Len: 9 "I thought it was terrific...could have done with a bit more in hold...I love it"
Alesha: 9 "You both look incredible...created some beautiful lines and shapes...you were magnificent"
Bruno: 9 "You produced a performance of great style, great artistry...top lines were exquisite"

Total Score: 35

Obviously the judges disagree with me!

Let the nightmares begin, it's time for Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke to give us a Rumba.

I really thought Nancy would have been able to dance 'sexier' than that, and she turns her body too early in the drag so that Anton ends up holding her up by her chest!

A couple of nice movements but the opening outs are pretty awful.

Anton's included the same lift as last week which is going to knock some points off with the judges, a fairly awful Rumba with very little natural hip action, a 4 from me.

Craig: 2 "Dance horriblus darling...Anton I'm getting a little bit bored of that lift now...also it's illegal"
Len: 5 "Rumba, the dance of love...moments of Mills & Boon, and moments of Meals on Wheels"
Alesha: 3 "I think you're a sexy woman...but you're a walking disaster...legs are so far apart...very ploddy...lift so unflattering"
Bruno: 4 "Looking like the queen of the night, you dance like the walking dead...great big plonky number"

Total Score: 14

Love interests Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani vamp it up with a Tango

Looks like we've had our 5 seconds of actual Tango content from them...oh wait there's actually some more later on, still not enough for my liking but Harry's acting is impressive.

I'd would really like Aliona to sort out Harry's frame though as when he has his arms up the rolled over shoulders just make him look hunched - luckily for him there was very little actual Tango to highlight this.

Harry's a good dancer but I do think Aliona is avoiding putting too much actual dancing in which annoys me.  Fantastic drama and acting but Harry needs to get his posture sorted before he can really develop.  I wasn't a fan of the running drag either.

I'd like to give him more but I really don't think I can go above a 7.

Craig: 8 "Full of intent, purpose, aggression...would have liked to have seen a little more in hold however"
Len: 7 "I want to see more than 8 bars in hold...it was a terrific number, it was sharp...I want to see more than 8 bars in the Tango hold"
Alesha: 10 "I do agree with Len...but you played it so well"
Bruno: 9 "Intense, hypnotic, erotic...it was great"

Total Score: 34

I'm sorry Alesha but what on earth are you thinking?!

Next to scare us this evening will be Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan with the Paso Doble

Good cape work from Robbie but he's a little bit high when they get into hold, I'd like to see him use the floor a bit better.

A bit stompy in places and lacking any real drive or attack, should be a lot more aggression in a Paso.

I think they'll let them off the slight lift and a very brave ending, any slip or lack of elevation at the end and Robbie could have face planted straight into Craig.  Just a 6 for me, too much thrusting of the hips, and not enough Paso!

Craig: 4 "I could have done without all the hip thrusts...particularly the end one in my face...needed a lot more drive"
Len: 7 "It was a little bit disconcerting ...would have liked a bit more Savage...got to work on getting that Latin to the same standard [as your Ballroom]"
Alesha: 8 "I say keep thrusting...cape work at the beginning was brilliant...little bit erratic at times"
Bruno: 7 "Bad gone mental...lacked a bit of artistry"

Total Score: 26

Next couple is Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor with a Tango

Posture is better this week but could still do with a bit more of a stretch.

It feels a little soft and Anita looks unsure of her steps at times.  The Tango just lacks a feeling of attack and drama for me.

Not a bad dance but still a lot of improvement required, 7.

Craig: 7 "Acting 10, top line 3...loved the routine though"
Len: 8 "I like it...lot of Tango content...lost your timing...posture is your weakest thing"
Alesha: 8 "Fantastic actress, loved the drama...need to perfect your hold"
Bruno: 8 "You portray every aspect of your character...got to work on your frame"

Total Score: 31

Time for Lulu & Brendan Cole to fly onto the dance floor and Paso

A brave slide down the banister from Brendan, though not sure on the accessories!

Much more attack in this routine, more likely due to a better choice of song than Robbie's.

Faffing around at the end by Brendan so that they can get the harness back on...flying really is such a pointless gimmick.

Her best dance yet and a 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "Concept was absolutely great...felt like you were just trying to catch up with Brendan"
Len: 7 "Lots of tricks, and quite a few treats...you're a little bit soft in the body...too willowy"
Alesha: 8 "An amazing entrance, I love your determination...did a good job this week"
Bruno: 8 "You didn't go wrong tonight...you did it well, strong and powerful"

Total Score: 29

Last up tonight is Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff with a Quickstep

This should be a much better performance from Jason as I think he's better suited to the Ballroom.

Very brave of Kristina to have Jason dancing on his own to start, and Jason's definitely back to his best.  His arms are a little bit low which is ruining his frame.

Lots of energy but a little bit unbalanced in the final spin.  Improve on the posture and he'll be unstoppable but still a 9 for me.

Craig: 9 "Stone the flaming crows mate...I thought that was absolutely Fab-u-lous...however there were a couple of mistakes"
Len: 9 "So what if he made a little tiny mistake...some of them have had a Tango and they haven't even done a Tango [nudge, nudge Aliona]"
Alesha: 10 "So cute...charming throughout...brilliant routine...well done Jason"
Bruno: 9 "Bewitchingly brilliant and slightly barmy...great concept, great choreography...back on track"

Total Score: 37

Biggest score of the series so far, and I think it deserved it.

Leader board for tonight is as follows (my scores in brackets):

1. 37 points - Jason & Kristina (9)
2. 35 points - Holly & Artem (7)
3. 34 points - Harry & Aliona (7)
4. 32 points - Chelsee & Pasha (8)
5. 31 points - Alex & James (7)
5. 31 points - Anita & Robin (7)
7. 29 points - Lulu & Brendan (7)
8. 26 points - Robbie & Ola (6)
9. 22 points - Russell & Flavia (6)
10. 20 points - Audley & Natalie (5)
11. 14 points - Nancy & Anton (4)

Thankfully I haven't lost my touch and I'm still fairly accurate in my scoring.  I'd have liked to see Holly giving it a little bit more presentation but maybe I'm not seeing what the judges are, and Harry needs to sort out his shoulders and Aliona give him more actual choroegraphy.

I think it will be an Audley & Nancy bottom two with Audley going home as I still think Anton's fans will save him.

Strictly Come Dancing Week 3

Ok due to our Bournemouth Dance Weekend this weekend I've had to save the blogging until today.  Rather than inundating everyone with posts I'm just going to do it in one long one instead.

This week is Broadway week, why? I don't know but I suppose they feel the need to have some form of gimmick to keep the public interested.

We missed the live show as we were having a masquerade ball, but the wonders of modern technology allowed us to hook my laptop up to the hotel's TV, fire up iplayer using the hotel's free wifi, and have all our students sit down with us to watch the show.

In between each dance we had a quick run round for scores, really wish we'd written them down as it would've been great to compare.

It did mean we were all up until gone 1am but it was fun to watch with them.

On to the show itself, up first were Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev with their Tango...or is it Argentine Tango?

In Chicago they perform more of an Argentine Tango so at first that's what I was expecting from this routine, however they have gone for a Ballroom Tango with Argentine flavour.

A good start from Holly, definitely getting the Chicago feel but seems a little messy once she actually gets into hold.

Manages to unhook her dress almost discreetly so that was well done but the actual Tango element of the dance was very uninspiring, just a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 "Liked the strong bold storytelling...[would like to see] cleaner and sharper finishing lines"
Len: 8 "Be still my beating heart, full of smouldering intensity...great start and great dance"
Alesha: 7 "One of my favourite musicals...definitely sexy...stunning lines...hoping it would be a little more feisty"
Bruno: 8 "You got me going, I want to be a criminal...there was an incident...lost a bit of balance"

Total Score: 30 - overmarked if you ask me I'm afraid, the Tango was very messy when in hold

Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas Viennese Waltz

I didn't like their Salsa last week, there was too much concentrating on lifts and not enough actual dancing, let's hope it's more of a dance this week.

LOVE QUEEN!

Not a fan of the fingers Dan.  Nice start but the side-by-side section doesn't work for me, and the contra check is all bum.

A very nice frame at times, though he starts to lean further forward as the dance progresses and the pivots section was awful.

I'd have preferred more dancing and less attempts at storytelling, it was ok but again just going to give it a 6.

Craig: 5 "You have an awkward nature about you generally...you don't dance between steps"
Len: 7 "I thought your frame was good, your footwork overall was good...not the greatest 'actor' of a dance"
Alesha: 6 "Generally you move well around the floor...would have preferred more fluidity in your movement"
Bruno: 6 "You didn't really capture the spirit of the song for me"

Total Score: 24, about right for me but has potential

Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor Jive

Anita has a tendency to hunch over and this really ruins the look for me, there is a possibility that she may have been a bit of a Jiver when she was younger and that would explain the slightly hunched posture.

However she is flat footed which just removes any 'bounce' feeling from the dance.  Latin really isn't working for Anita at present, which is a shame as her actual performance of the character is excellent.

Has a tendency to dance Latin with permanently bent knees which will need looking at.

Disappointing but with plenty of energy so I'm going to give her a 6.

Craig: 6 "All too loose...technically I thought it was very messy
Len: 7 "Fun, energetic, entertaining"
Alesha: 7 "Came out and performed it...entertaining...lit up the room"
Bruno: 7 "Your performance level is always great...have to be a little bit sharper...bit more precise and cleaner"

Total Score: 27

Alex Jones & James Jordan Viennese Waltz

Lovely extensions to start and Alex is mirroring James perfectly, Alex can definitely do elegance.

It's a bit slow for my liking, I'd have preferred the tempo of the music to be just a little bit quicker, but the comparison of this Viennese to Dan's should show anyone where he was going wrong - the pivots alone are a vast improvement.

A wonderfully romantic and elegant routine and most definitely her best dance so far.

Definitely an 8 from me.

Craig: 8 "Simple, uncomplicated...would have liked to have seen it be a little bit more daring...but I loved it"
Len: 8 "It was simple, but it was simply beautiful...tonight you're a winner"
Alesha: 8 "Absolutely beautiful...most improved dancer...elegant and dreamy"
Bruno: 8 "Those opening figures, it was like watching a magical bird spreading its wings"

Total Score: 32
 
Rory Bremner & Erin Boag Quickstep

Rory was another celebrity who's Salsa left a lot to be desired last week, how will his Quickstep go?

If Rory could just stand up a little straighter it would make the beginning section look a lot better however the initial Quickstep is looking rather good...until he goes past the camera and then see his posture - all bum and crouched over with the shoulders.

A few stumbles it looks like in places but actually not too bad a Quickstep, just a 7 for me but he's definitely showing improvement.

Craig: 7 "Leaning over Erin...posture isn't great...BUT it's full of style...panache"
Len: 8 "The right song, the right style, the right routine, YOUR best dance"
Alesha: 8 "You held the character of the dance from beginning to end...Quickstep is your dance"
Bruno: 8 "All the razzle and all the dazzle...just be careful with the trout pout"

Total Score: 31

Lulu & Brendan Cole Rumba

I'd like to see straighter legs when Lulu's walking but it's a good start, the cape and smoke definitely give the dance some atmosphere.

A nice drag across the floor, but WHY THE LIFT Brendan, ok I understand there's a real highlight in the music but there must have been other options that wouldn't have broken the rules.

Still a few moments when Lulu looked unsure and shaky but the dance on the whole was actually quite good.

A definite improvement, I'd like to see straighter legs and more hip action, and I have to knock off points for the lift so just a 7.

Craig: 5 "Illegal lifts will not be tolerated...playing with fire"
Len: 7 "You have to break eggs to make an omelette, and sometimes you have to break rules to make a routine complete"
Alesha: 7 "It was romantic and you played it with sensitivity"
Bruno: 7 "You missed a few passes...choreography was very difficult...otherwise very well done"

Total Score: 26

Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke Tango

Nancy performed the chair section much better in the training video, but some nice straight legs at times.

Unfortunately she's needs to keep control of her head to avoid looking like a rag doll, Nancy also still has an element of 'stompiness' about her dancing.

Her best dance yet, but the only way really was up!  I think I'm going to give her a 6.

Craig: 4 "I don't know what Bruno was watching...plodding mule...heavy, no accents"
Len: 5 "It was so terrible last week anything would have been an improvement...lots of style but no substance"
Alesha: 5 "I like the intro, I like the drama...do need to strengthen your body from head to toe"
Bruno: 6 "Tempestuous temptress...much more content...actually looked like you can dance"

Total Score: 20

Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe Quickstep

Not a fan of the start on the stage, and isn't that a lift also?!

Frame not too bad but still needs improvement, but Audley is again showing that he can be light on his feet.

I'd like to see an improvement in his use of heels, and it feels a little pedestrian at times, and they very nearly trip over right in front of the judges.

Not a bad performance but still needs a little polish, just a 6 for me.

Craig: 5 "Timing got out at the beginning...lot more energy [required]...much lighter than I'd expected"
Len: 6 "Up the top you are joyful and full of verve...from the waist down we've got to get better in the footwork"
Alesha: 6 "Lot's of good content in the routine...right attitude for this competition...need to work on those feet"
Bruno: 7 "I think you did incredibly well...feet the size of surfboards!...I think you did very well"

Total Score: 24

Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan Tango

A really good Foxtrot last week so I'm looking forward to seeing his Tango.

Needs to work more on his posture and really don't agree with the chair dance but he's got good characterisation.  Lacks a little bit of drive for my liking, and needs to keep his chin up.

Almost stumbles with Ola at the end, which would have been a dangerous situation for her.

A good Tango, compared to the others we've seen tonight, so I think I'll give him a 7.

Craig: 7 "Full of aggression...well done"
Len: 7 "Robbie the Savage attacks the Tango...full of attack and aggression...no one said it's easy"
Alesha: 8 "You should be proud...bundles of attitude and passion"
Bruno: 8 "Stronger and stronger"

Total Score: 30

Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace Foxtrot

Russell looks like he's trying to entice the camera but he's really giving the dancing a go, which is great to see.

Really looks like he's enjoying himself and it really makes his performances so enjoyable to watch, I couldn't help smiling on Saturday night, and I can't help smiling now.

I have no idea what his footwork was like but he's brought back the enjoyment I felt from the first week.  Think I'm going to have to give him a 7!

Craig: 6 "I would advise a more masculine approach...a little less Barbara darling and a bit more Rambo"
Len: 7 "You were like a little white cloud drifting across the floor, and your little yellow dickie was the sun...put the 'show' in showbiz"
Alesha: 7 "You are my guilty pleasure"
Bruno: 8 "Uplifting quality of blazing sunshine...I've enjoyed it so much"

Total Score: 28

Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff Tango

Well this looks a little camp for a Tango, and suddenly there's a roar on Jason's face...I don't know if I can take it seriously especially with the camp challenge section in front of the judges.

There was something I didn't like about this routine on Saturday night, but having watched it again I have no idea what it was.  Just watched a third time and it's his hunched over frame after the disco section.

Ignoring that though it's another fantastic performance and Jason's definitely coming out as the top contender at the moment.  Originally I gave this an 8 in front of the students but on second (and third) viewings I'm going to upgrade to a 9.

Craig: 9 "Stu-pen-dous"
Len: 9 "I'm going to call you the midwife because you keep delivering"
Alesha: 9 "Incredible Tango with a twist"
Bruno: 9 "Strong, powerful, aggressive...then camp as Christmas...Fan-tast-ic"

Total Score: 36

Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev Cha Cha Cha

Chelsee's hip action was a little bit lacking in the Salsa last week so I'm hoping they've worked on it some more for this Cha Cha.

We use Beggin' as one of the tracks in our Cha Cha playlist, it's a great track to dance to.

I feel Chelsee's hip action is a little bit forced, it should come more from what the feet are doing.  The whole routine just seems to be a little bit too frantic and complicated, something that I think Pasha needs to take into consideration, I know she's talented but you have to help her into the competition before she can shine.

Disappointing as I still think she's got a lot to offer but just a 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "Timing, energy and spirit absolutely fantastic...very hit and miss...too disco"
Len: 8 "Need to take more attention to detail...come out and give it some wellie!...Pasha you know what I'm saying"
Alesha: 8 "So close to being a great Cha Cha Cha...just need to tighten up on a few little things"
Bruno: 8 "Cha Cha is defined as cheeky, saucy, playful...you have all of that"

Total Score: 30

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani Jive

Not really seeing a lot of Jive here, a lot of Grease disco dancing though Harry is performing the dance really well.

I'm never that happy with Aliona's routines, I think she's goes far too much for gimmicks when she could instead be really showing off what Harry is capable of.

He's a good dancer, but this wasn't a good Jive as there really wasn't any Jive there really to mark on.

Not sure how to mark it so I'm going to abstain on this one and see what the judges thought.

Craig: 8 "You have FINALLY arrived"
Len: 8 "Sharp kicks and flicks, great musicality...would have liked a little less messing about"
Alesha: 9 "A lot of messing about, but I liked it...so good to see you having fun and letting go"
Bruno: 8 "Action packed expression of youth...a very good performance"

Total Score: 33, I'd like the judges to be a little harsher with routines that don't actually feature enough of the choreography of the dance!

Scoreboard

1. 36 points - Jason & Kristina (9)
2. 33 points - Harry & Aliona (-)
3. 32 points - Alex & James (8)
4. 31 points - Rory & Erin (7)
5. 30 points - Holly & Artem (6)
5. 30 points - Robbie & Ola (7)
5. 30 points - Chelsee & Pasha (7)
8. 28 points - Russell & Flavia (7)
9. 27 points - Anita & Robin (6)
10. 26 points - Lulu & Brendan (7)
11. 24 points - Dan & Katya (6)
11. 24 points - Audley & Natalie (6)
13. 20 points - Nancy & Anton (6)

So table is again fairly accurate, on Saturday night I predicted that Audley & Nancy could be in trouble.

Result

First group safe are as follows:

Audley & Natalie
Alex & James
Rory & Erin
Holly & Artem
Anita & Robin
Robbie & Ola


Whilst first in the bottom two are Dan & Katya.


Second group safe:


Lulu & Brendan
Harry & Aliona
Jason & Kristina
Russell & Flavia
Chelsee & Pasha


Meaning that Nancy & Anton join Dan & Katya in the bottom two.

If there was a dance off then I think Nancy would be going home but unfortunately that's not the case this series.

Going home then, if you haven't worked it out by the greyed out photo above, are Dan & Katya! 

Reflecting back on his highlight of being part of Strictly, Dan stated “Oh, dancing with Katya – it’s a wonderful opportunity to dance with somebody who works at the top of their profession, who is so talented.”

And Katya added, “I have loved every single moment of it. I loved my tennis lesson”. I shall cherish that. I didn’t get a chance to get up with you at 3:30am though!”

Week 2 Leaderboard

So added together with last week the scores are as follows:

(Last week's score, This week's score) [My total score]

1. 65 points (32, 33) - Jason & Kristina [14]
2. 58 points (28, 30) - Holly & Artem [13]
3. 56 points (27, 29) - Chelsee & Pasha [15]
3. 56 points (28, 28) - Anita & Robin [13]
5. 55 points (28, 27) - Harry & Aliona [14]
6. 51 points (22, 29) - Alex & James [13]
7. 49 points (27, 22) - Rory & Erin [12]
8. 48 points (19, 29) - Robbie & Ola [12]
9. 46 points (21, 25) - Russell & Flavia [11.5]
10. 45 points (24, 21) - Dan & Katya [11]
11. 43 points (20, 23) - Audley & Natalie [12]
12. 42 points (17, 25) - Lulu & Brendan [10]
13. 36 points (17, 19) - Edwina & Vincent [10]
14. 26 points (12, 14) - Nancy & Anton [5]

Again the table is fairly in line with expectations and Edwina & Nancy are down the bottom as predicted, Anton's fans are going to have to really spend some on the phone calls to save them as I'm not sure how many fans Nancy is going to have.

I think giving everyone Salsa and Foxtrot in week 2 is very harsh though as these are both quite difficult dances.

I'm predicting Nancy will be going home though.

Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace - Salsa

Well Russell's certainly not shy, but his initial hip rolls are pretty awful, better once they start dancing.  Needs to try and use the floor more and I worry that it's lacking a little of the impact that he brought last week.

Some nice movements in there but yet another proof that you shouldn't be mucking around with props.

Only a 5 from me this week, not as entertaining as last week I'm afraid.

Craig: 6 "It wasn't without flaws...dancing queen you were tonight definitely"
Len: 6 "What it lacked in technique and content it made up for in fun"
Alesha: 6 "You are adorable...clearly having the time of your life"
Bruno: 7 "Finish the show on a high"

Total Score: 25

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani - Foxtrot

Hands are a little splayed (as Craig would put it) which is a shame.  Needs to keep his head up and really stretch out in his frame but there's a great connection between them both...Emma wonders if they're both single...

A good performance let down by his frame - really work on stretching away from her Harry and you could be an excellent dancer.

A 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "You can dance, but Aliona you've got to sort his posture out"
Len: 6 "There was nothing great about it, but there was nothing terrible...chin is always down, lift up, stretch up"
Alesha: 8 "I think you move brilliantly...one of the best dancers in this competition...use the criticism"
Bruno: 7 "Something very, very special about Harry...strong, focused...gonna be fantastic"

Total Score: 27

Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke - Salsa

An uncomfortable start and her timing and footwork is all over the place.  Anton's doing his best to keep her under control, I must admit it's not as bad as I'd originally expected but the technique is pretty awful.

She needs to stand up straighter and let Anton lead...I'm going to give her a 5 as I'm feeling generous.

Craig: 3 "Frenetic, frantic, frenzied"
Len: 5 "Most exciting part was when I took a crafty glance up your dress...ploughed on and kept going"
Alesha: 2 "I can't work out if you were trying to be funny, or if it just was funny...I'm confused"
Bruno: 4 "You look like you've had two gallons [of champagne]...looked like you had no idea where you were"

Total Score: 14

Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot

Jason was top of the leader board last week, and the training midweek suggested he'll still be there this week, let's hope he lives up to it.

Not sure on the solo spin and a few picked up feet in his first feather step.  Needs to watch his shoulder line and the pivots are a little heavy.

I felt it looked better in training if I'm honest but a very good performance nonetheless. I felt he danced better last week but I'm still giving him a 7 this week.

Craig: 8 "Your head position needs attention, especially in the standing spin...classy, stylish, magnificent routine"
Len: 8 "Head could be a little bit to the left more...full of flair and personality...footwork mostly good"
Alesha: 9 "You are a real showman...in character even before the music started...seductive"
Bruno: 8 "So LA confidential...it's great to see"

Total Score: 33