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?

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

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani - Cha Cha Cha

Harry's the only celebrity competitor with prior Strictly experience, but Paso is completely different from Cha Cha so I don't think it's a massive advantage.

I'm liking this Argentine Tango inspired start, Harry's definitely looking good and it's a massive improvement over any of Friday's Cha Cha's.

A bit too much 'arm on the waistcoat' positioning, obviously he wasn't confident having his arms out, or Aliona decided he really didn't look good doing it.

Harry suffers from the same ailment as the girls from last night, spending a bit too much time looking at the floor.  Hips are a little rigid but leg placement and sharpness is good, I can see why the bookies have Harry down as the favourite.

A very good Cha Cha from Harry.  I'd like to see a bit more from his arms and hips so not quite an 8 for me but definitely a 7.

Craig: 6 "For me too placed, too clean, too straight...lacked any real forward and back hip action"
Len: 7 "Little bit mechanical but I'll tell you what...good you are"
Alesha: 8 "I love how focused you were...working the sexy, seductive look...Latin really suits you"
Bruno: 7 "Very fit, tight, muscular & masculine performance...could be a little bit more sinuous"

Total Score: 28

A much more realistic 8 this time Alesha

Strictly Come Dancing 2011 - Friday 30th September

So Strictly 2011 started last night, Bruce's jokes return, some questionable outfits on show (not quite sure what they've put Robbie Savage in for example) and hopefully a whole new audience will be looking to learn to dance...you know where to find us!

From watching the launch show I made the following predictions of couples that could do well:

Harry & Aliona (though how much help his previous training will be is debatable)

Chelsee & Pasha (I predict they'll do really well)

Lulu & Brendan (both feisty)

Rory & Erin (though not all the way I fear)

Holly & Artem (could definitely give Kara food for thought)

 The training videos so far seemed to have supported that but we'll see how they all perform this weekend.

There are no couples going home this week, but the scores will be carried forward to next week too.

Enough of an intro, let's get on with the dancing.  First up is Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev (on a side note it was originally supposed to be Alex Jones & James Jordan dancing tonight - no official word on why the switch was made and whether they're dancing tonight or not!)

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani - Strictly Teaser Video

Harry Judd's Strictly Teaser Video

Strictly Training Video - Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani

Monday's training diary features Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani and the Cha Cha Cha.  There has been some controversy recently with The Daily Star suggesting that this year's Strictly was fixed for Harry to win.  Whilst I admit that a bit of previous training will definitely help, the Paso Doble is unlike any of the dances they will be covering in the early weeks.  Also, no offence Harry, but it wasn't the greatest Paso Doble I've ever seen - but then what can be expected from the much shorter training schedule there would of been for Children in Need.

Every dance has it's own variations and peculiarities that make it very difficult to have a 'one size fits all' mentality in the technique department. To be honest Harry is more likely to be kept in by McFly fans than by any secret BBC plot, and if he isn't well that's just the way Strictly works.

Anyway, on to analysing the dance!

There are definitely some elements that are already looking sharp (but given that it's the week of the competition I would hope it was starting to come together by now).  He does need to work on the free arm though and try and make it a bit more natural in its movement.

Harry is looking good so far, but there's still work to do there.

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Viennese Waltz

I wasn't entirely sold on this first time round, if I remember correctly (haven't time to go back and look).  Shoulder line loses it a little bit, and it's a bit too clipped at times.  Can't quite tell if they miss a hand at the end or not.

Another good performance, but not perfect, just a 9.

Craig: 9 "Thank you darling for those thumbs, gorgeous, unlike your head placement"
Len: 9 "Excellent ballroom dancer...little pickle with your fleckerl"
Alisha: 10 "A beautiful performance...impressive from the very beginning"
Bruno: 9 "Dashing, elegant...very nice Waltz."

Total Score: 37

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Paso Doble

Some nice strong Spanish lines at the start, there's a bit too much posturing around, even for Paso if you ask me, and the Chasse Capes look a little awkward.  I'm not sure on the rolling hands from Matt during Aliona's back bend, that's usually the girls role.

A very good Paso, not perfect so just a 9.

Craig: 9 "Actually I rather liked it...wonderful Flamenco"
Len: 8 "I liked it, but I wasn't over struck on it...kept getting your chin down...ok but wasn't fantastic"
Alisha: 9 "I think this dance was made for you...for me a solid performance"
Bruno: 9 "It had the aggressive power, it was flamboyant...lose artistry...good but not brilliant"

Total Score: 35

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Show Dance

Traditionally the one dance that can truly make or break you (think Lisa Snowdon or Colin Jackson) the Show Dance is always a toughy.

Not sure on the outfit choices but Matt's revers handstand is amazing.  Not sure on all the pauses though and the Cha Cha portions aren't great to be honest.  Looks knackered near the end and I don't think they finished quite on time.

It's always a difficult dance to judge as it really comes down to personal preference.  The acrobatics were amazing but the dance portions a little lacklustre.  I feel I can only give it an 8 I'm afraid.

Craig: 7 "Too static in places...amalgamations did not flow together very well...whole idea and concept didn't completely come together"
Len: 9 "You want a routine that makes you feel good, music that inspires you...overall that's exactly what you did...few too many stunts and tricks"
Alisha: 9 "I like the tricks...loved break dancing section"
Bruno: 9 "Gymnastic extravaganza...sometimes the links between the sequences...not quite as slick as they could have been"

Total Score: 34

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Samba

Hearing the screams last week (at BBC TV Centre) every time Matt was announced/appeared I know he has a strong audience backing but to be honest any one of the three finalists would be a worthy winner of the glitter ball trophy, and I'm pretty sure it's the best final line-up we've ever had.

Matt & Aliona are going to start with their highest marked dance of the series, the Samba, though personally I didn't rate it quite as highly as the judges and I'm sure Matt & Aliona would have preferred a different dance too.

I'm starting to see the attraction the judges had the first time round though, I think Matt is performing this much better than the first time around and aside from the back flips at the end I really can't fault it.

It's going to have to be a 10!

Craig: 9 "All good I'm afraid...more confident than last time...bit ropey last time"
Len: 9 "You came out, full on"
Alisha: 10 "Best Samba of the series"
Bruno: 10 "That really got everybody going...even better this time"

Total Score: 38

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Salsa

For me their Jive was disappointing last week, too much show and not enough substance, I'm hoping for a better Salsa this week.


Lifts of course are permitted in Salsa so that beginning won't be an issue.  Matt's getting some very nice hip action...though I'm not sure about the thrusting over Aliona on the floor?  Seemed to go slightly out of time just after the New York.  Just seems to have lost a bit of puff at the end though.

Just a few niggles for me but only an 8.

Craig: 7 "Balance was off...too much isolation...writhing looked awkward...bit insipid"
Len: 7 "You've been so good throughout this whole series...this for me was not that good...wasn't keen on that gyrating thing"
Alisha: 7 "I really liked the opening lift...a lot of basic Salsa...didn't like that grinding section...a bit stiff"
Bruno: 7 "Salsa is smooth...can't push it you have to let it happen...over-worked it"

Total Score: 28

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Jive

Matt is doing a rather good impression of Austin Powers, though I think they do need to get Jiving at some point soon.

There's some quite complicated kick choreography but it does feel a bit too Austin Powers and not enough Jive.  A real let down if you ask me and I think they could get a kicking from the judges.

For me just a 7 when they could have done so much better.

Craig: 8 "Absolutely loved that back somersault...characterisation was flawless...did loose timing...sadly"
Len: 9 "I liked the backflip thing, I thought this desk was going to break...good job well done"
Alisha: 9
Bruno: 9 "Groovy baby...Jive with a swinging sixties flavour...well done"

Total Score: 35

Seems I was a bit too harsh?

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Viennese Waltz

First prop of the night an arched swing, which almost gets in the way as they're dancing between it.  Matt needs to translate his rise and fall into more of a sway but it's a nice performance.  Loses it in the fleckerl though and does look a bit green afterwards.  Second-half looks less confident.

A nice Viennese but doesn't quite live up to Scott Baker's from last week, but I'd still give it an 8.

Craig: 8 "Missing a few heel leads...upsets the balance of the rise and fall...thumbs are driving me insane"
Len: 9 "Once you got into hold...lovely flat back...attempted the fleckerl...truly fabulous"
Alisha: 9 "Leading Aliona round the floor like a true gentleman...wasn't sure if you were breathing though that"
Bruno: 9 "So elegant...so graceful...wonderful dancer"

Total Score: 35

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Argentine Tango

I love the start, great acting from Matt and a superb first spin.  The trouble with wearing a jacket is if it isn't specifically tailored for dancing the shoulders can rise up and I think this mars some of their lines.

For me though the dancing itself was excellent and if Scott got 3 tens then Matt deserves a perfect 4 for that performance.  A 9 from me though even if the lifts were a little shaky at times.

Craig: 8 "At times a little shaky...you are dynamic"
Len: 8 "Had focus...intensity...a little blunder here...second two lifts weren't in keeping with the dance"
Alisha: 9 "I could feel your nerves tonight...sexy...hot...passionate"
Bruno: 9 "Super power and super dancing...lifts were incredible."

Total Score: 34

It Takes Two - Wednesday 27th October

Coming up on tonight's show: Kara & Artem; Len Goodman's Dance Clinic; Ian Waite with the midweek report; Matt & Aliona

Kara & Artem,

They loved the dance, though Kara felt at the start of the week that the music was slow and boring.  She's scared by the fact that even with letting go it wasn't enough, so where can she go from here?

Kara isn't naturally very competitive but Artem (as any professional dancer would be) is very competitive (just ask any of my friends!!!)

I think they could perform a very good Paso Doble this weekend.

Karen Hardy on Paso Doble

Karen makes a slight error I think in saying that the Paso originated in Spain, although the music is Spanish the dance itself originated in France.

However the rest of her VT and tips are great.

Ian Waite and the midweek report.

Paso Doble

Jimi & Flava: Should be no hip action in Paso.  Needs to bring some shaping into his arm movements, curving the arms round above his head.

Gavin & Katya: Poor cape usage, looks like a dishcloth.  However could be a great dance for him.

Ann & Anton: All the steps are correct...though she looks like she's treading through mud.

Jive

Pamela & James: Looks like she's done some dancing previously, an inner sense of posture and finishes her hand movements.

Patsy & Robin: Similar character as the Charleston so should be good for Patsy.

Viennese Waltz

Felicity & Vincent: Their beginning is all about Felicity's acting skills.

Scott & Natalie: Brilliant, free-flowing movement.  However needs to keep himself upright rather than tilting his head towards Natalie.

Argentine Tango

Tina & Jared: Need to be closer in the top half of their hold.

Len's Dance Clinic

Where should I start learning to dance?  Latin - Salsa, as you can then move onto Rumba and Cha Cha Cha easily; Ballroom - Waltz.

Why do you keep knees flexed in Tango?  The Tango is characterised by the stalking of prey. I also think that it allowed the Gaucho to get closer to his Lady of the Night.

How can I make my dancing more flamboyant? Upper body - the lower body deals with the rhythm, the upper body is the affectation of the music.

 Matt & Aliona,

Over the moon to have upped their score from 31 in the first 3 weeks.  Previously Aliona felt Matt was not expressing the dances as well as he could, up until the Charleston and that's why they got such high scores.

We'll be seeing Argentine Tango from them on Saturday night.

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Charleston

Matt and Aliona were great at the International Championships at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night, even going onto the main dance floor and hanging around to sign autographs.  I think this could be the best dance of tonight given Matt's gymnastic abilities.

So Matt's going to start on a unicycle. 

Slight slip and I do feel to an extent that Matt isn't quite as comfortable in this dance, he looks like he's thinking about the routine a bit too much.  Some excellent lifts and a double cartwheel.

Felt there was something slightly lacking but I'm going to give it an 8.

Craig: 9 "Not perfect...little slip...timing issues...but I LOVED IT...love a man in a moustache"
Len: 9 "Best Charleston so far tonight...your best dance"
Alisha: 9 "Loved the routine...effortlessly done"
Bruno: 8 "Quite a few mistakes...most difficult Charleston we've seen"

Total Score: 35

It Takes Two - Wednesday 20th October

On today's show: Gavin & Katya; Matt & Aliona; Patsy & Robin; Midweek report.

First though a look at Gavin & Katya's Rumba.  Gavin was shocked with being left till last to be called as safe in the show.

Gavin reveals he's a fan of Peter Andre...I wonder whether it's for the body or the music?

Katya thought the judges were overly harsh, especially Craig, something I actually agree on as I thought he performed a great Rumba compared to what I expected from him.  Gavin thinks their Tango could be special, I hope he means in a good way.

The training footage we were showed is apparently from the first 20 minutes, but I hope he's keeping his bum in more now they've done a bit more training.

To look at the Midweek Report is Michael Stylianos & Lorna Lee...legends!

Felicity & Vincent: Legs stiff, upon her toes, weight too far back, left side too high.
Scott & Natalie: Needs to get Natalie more on his right-hand side and needs to bend his knees more.
Michelle & Ian: Drops weight back - needs to elongate her spine.
Pamela & James: Good look on the top, needs to be sharp when she kicks her leg, not sharp enough for a Tango.
Ann & Anton: She has to learn to get down more into her knees, not look at Anton all the time.

All competitors should be aiming for more staccato and apparently bending is bending and flexing is flexing...no offence Michael but not the best explanation for those who maybe aren't professional dancers like us.

On to Matt & Aliona.

For Aliona it's most important for them to enjoy the dancing rather than worrying too much about what the judges have to say.  They've spent most of this week at Matt's parents farm and had a great time.

They have the Charleston this week, and with Matt's gymnastic abilities I think it's going to be quite a show.

Now a bit of info about the Charleston, from the "roaring 20s", originated from Charleston, North Carolina.

Needs to have lots of hip swivelling, underarm turns and facial expressions.  It's only it's second year in the competition, and was only danced by three competitors last year,so will be interesting to see how it goes this year.

Now for Charleston analysis:

Tina & Jared: Flat footed and a little too floppy
Jimi & Flavia: Energy is great, little flat-footed though but so fast and a few moves that the pro's don't recognise.
Kara & Artem: Kara has wonderful swivels, needs to give a little more.  I think Artem is definitely the best of the new pros.
Peter & Erin: Looks like he's catching a ball rather than throwing it away.  They think it's going to be his best dance.
Patsy & Robin: At the moment she's doing really well, great character.  Needs to work on her arm action.

Following the pro comments it's now Patsy & Robin's turn for a chat.

Patsy thought it was hilarious that she completely missed the start of the music on Saturday night.  Robin felt that Patsy needed the challenge of a faster routine, but will probably not let his celeb start on her own in future!

Apparently Patsy's mind goes blank just before the start of each performance. 

She's loving the Charleston rehearsals, as is Robin. 

Ok and I'm up to date!

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Cha Cha Cha

Matt's gymnastic history should give him a distinct advantage, and his training video looked very promising.

Oh and there's the gymnastics already making an appearance, shame he's not as steady on his feet when crouching before Aliona!  Nice hip action though.

For me the hands are a little too 'flung out' though there's some nice finishing at times.  Definitely the best Cha Cha we've seen tonight though he should probably keep palms facing downwards rather than upwards - makes it look a little 'here's my chest ladies' and the shoulder movement makes it look a bit dad dancerish!

However a very impressive first dance, too early for an 8 personally but a high 7!

Judges are going to like this I think...

Craig: 7
Len: 8
Alisha: 8
Bruno: 8

Total Score: 31

Strictly Come Dancing Training Clips - Wk 1

So it's been a week since the couples were announced in the launch show and the BBC have released a few Strictly Come Dancing training videos to wet our appetites.

First up, Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole



Well they certainly look like they're having fun and I think with a bit of hard work Michelle could produce some exciting dancing - I think Cha Cha Cha will prove to be a good first dance for them.

Next up, Goldie & Kristina Rihanoff



Didn't really get to see any dancing in this clip, well at least not enough Cha Cha to make a judgement, but I'm concerned that Goldie doesn't appear to be taking the initial training as seriously as he could do, but time will tell.

The next couple to have a training video released are Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani, one of my tipped celebrities based on the launch show but will I feel the same after seeing their training video?



I still think Matt shows a lot of potential, though his hands concern me a little bit - they're not masculine enough for my liking at present, a little too bent at the wrist at the moment and I think that's something Len will pick up on too.

All in all it's looking pretty good so far though.

Now for some magic from Paul Daniels & Ola Jordan



Apart from being a little freaked out that Paul looks like an older version of my Uncle David, I was impressed with Ola's methodology for teaching Paul.

Unfortunately I do think Paul has got his work cut out if he wants to survive, a Waltz would've been more kind as his first dance!

Our final couple's training video this week comes from Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe,



Natalie must be hoping to go one better this year and actually win the competition, but let's try and get through week one first.

Scott is looking ok at the moment, though I'm not quite sure on the turn-ups! However it is definitely showing some promise.


I for one can't wait for Strictly Come Dancing to start as I think there are definitely some interesting partnerships ready to develop. I can't say I've developed a favourite yet, it really is too early in their training to call, but is there someone you're rooting for?

Evening Show

A packed theatre in Blackpool's Winter Garden Opera House was the setting for the evening screening of Strictly Come Dancing.

There was an almost feverish party atmosphere in the theatre, and even though they were re-showing the highlight reel that we'd been subjected to earlier in the day, people were in the mood to cheer (Mark Ramprakash's Argentine Tango, Jill Halfpenny's Jive) or laugh (John Sergeant's Paso Doble, Fiona Bruce's Jive) at the various scenes.

Dominic Littlewood and Karen Hardy returned to host the evening show, we were told that the videos and pictures that had been taken throughout the day would be appearing on the BBC website during the coming week - none of us yet though!

We were shown a highlights reel of the morning dance sessions (we were on the afternoon session) and this was pretty much the same video you'll have seen on the live show.

Rav Wilding and Mark Foster were re-introduced onto the stage and we were shown some highlights of their appearances on the show before they had to duck out to head over to the Tower, but not before Mark put his arm round Karen and commented on how great she looked, how she should still be in the show, and 'You're my favourite'.

Dominic then introduced highlights of Karen's appearances on Strictly, including Gary Rhodes Cha Cha (receiving a lowly 1 from Craig) and Mark Ramprakash's Salsa. Karen talked about how much she loved dancing, which she'd being doing since the age of 5, and had been so honoured when Strictly had convinced her to come out of retirement after her 6 year break (and a baby).

Matthew and Aliona made a surprise visit to perform an elegant Viennese Waltz

Matthew talked about how everyone at the Tower was so excited, and due to the significantly increased audience numbers there was a really great atmosphere.

Aliona talked about how this was her first time visiting in Blackpool, and how much she was enjoying it.

Before the live show was due to start Karen gave her comments and predictions on the show to follow:

Ali Bastian was still suffering from her injured foot, and with a dance such as the Viennese Waltz - heavy on technique - she could find it difficult to perform.

Craig Kelly would most likely be going out as it was definitely his time to go.

Ricky Groves started as a clown but is now taking it seriously and could be a real dark horse in the competition.

It was then time for the live show, Karen told us she'd be sticking around to comment on the show at intervals, and I settled down ready to make my notes on the evening performances...