Alex Jones & James Jordan - Foxtrot

This start feels a bit more Alex Jones rather than last weeks 'sexy'.  Frame is looking a lot better but she still picks that foot up :-(

Unfortunately I think the break in the middle ruins her frame which is a shame as it was actually a very good performance.

I'm going to give it a 7.

Craig: 6 "Pivots a little bit off-centre...ballroom definitely suits you more"
Len: 8 "Key to this competition, improve each week...and that's what you've done"
Alesha: 7 "You can dance, just got to believe it"
Bruno: 8 "Equally parts sophistication...sex appeal...careful, you lost the frame a couple of times"

Total Score: 29

Alex Jones & James Jordan - Cha Cha Cha

So no explanation for the change in dance order, maybe the BBC just decided they fancied a change (Alex and James were originally scheduled to dance last night but were swapped with Holly and Artem at the last minute)?

Not sure on the 'sexy' start, doesn't strike me as Alex's personality and actually this routine's start shares a lot with James' Rumba routine with Cherie Lunghi (only notice because I recently helped a wedding couple recreate it for their first dance).

Alex's leg action doesn't look as sharp as it could be and she's taking too big a step for my liking, there's also a bit too much of her standing around rather than dancing.  Just a 6 from me.

Craig: 4 "One foot should remain on the floor at all times...looked incongruous...very starchy, very stiff"
Len: 6 "Parts that were really good...few that were nearly good...first time out, excellent job"
Alesha: 6 "I thought it was fun and flirty...got the package, just got to really believe in you"
Bruno: 6 "Believe in yourself, go for it all the way"

Total Score: 22

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!)

Alex Jones & James Jordan - Strictly Training Video

10 rehearsal videos down, 4 to go.  Yesterday's video was Alex Jones and James Jordan with their Cha Cha Cha training.

We don't really see much of the training in this video, so it's hard to judge how's she's coming along.  The arms still need a lot of work and she's far too rigid at the moment, but we'll have to wait till the live show on Friday (or Saturday) to see how she fares.

Strictly Come Dancing Final Part 2, first out - Saturday 18th December

So our third place couple is Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan, can't say I'm surprised as the voting was unlikely to go with her, but I still think she deserved to win it.

It's a real shame but you can't say either of the other two finalists don't deserve to be in the top two.



So we have two more dances to see before our 2010 winner is announced.  First up (again) Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Show Dance

I must admit this dance has me worried but I'm hoping Pamela pulls it out of the bag like she's done so many times this competition.

We have the theme from Dirty Dancing, and most of the moves...shame that James just catches himself on Pamela's foot.  A slight slip getting up from the floor spin and James appears to knee Pamela in the back when they get up off the floor.

A bit of a mixed bag but just an 8 from me I'm afraid.

Craig: 9 "Big old stumble...extremely natural dancer and so watchable...fantastic"
Len: 9 "Little element of Waltz, bit of Salsa, little touch of Foxtrot...very very good, charming"
Alisha: 9 "You've sparkled every week...perfectly played for you...most dance content of all the Show Dances"
Bruno: 10 "A truly terrific uplifting tribute to a movie classic...showcased her ability...after this hard to beat"

Total Score: 37

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Viennese Waltz

Pamela is still for me the most consistent, and entertaining, of all the competitors - Emma can't stop laughing every time she sees the Salsa stumble.

We're in for another treat with this Viennese Waltz I hope.

I'm ashamed to say I have a little tear in my eye, whether it's the music from Ghost, or their storytelling I'm not sure but this is still one of the most beautiful Viennese Waltzes I've ever seen.

I wish now that I'd given the other two 9's as this is just a step above.  In light of that I'm going to have to give it an 11!

Craig: 10 "Simple, effective...another remarkable performance"
Len: 10 "I think the correct three have got into this final...you'll have to wait and see if you did it [maintained your standard, in the marks]
Alisha: 10 "Even more emotional...true star...invitation into movie magic"
Bruno: 10 "Beautiful acting, beautiful dancing, completely focused, simply brilliant"

Total Score: 40

A beautiful dance and fully deserving of a perfect score.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Paso Doble

Never really thought you'd be able to do a Paso to Lady Gaga but James & Pamela are certainly pulling it off, there's some great intensity and passion, really expressing the music well.  Pamela looks slightly unsteady at times but this is another great performance.

This could get more tens but I think just a 9 from me.

Craig: 8 "Strong lines...major attitude and conviction...some parts were a little bit laboured...three solo 'wobble' moments"
Len: 9 "You captured the spirit of the dance...full-on...did a great job...thoroughly enjoyed it"
Alisha: 9 "Dramatic...fiesty...determined...woman on a mission...maintained standard from last week"
Bruno: 9 "I really liked the disdainful look on your face"

Total Score: 35

How can Alisha say they maintained their standard from last week but then give them a 9?

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Viennese Waltz

A wonderfully elegant start and looking great in hold, though I still feel her shoulders could be lower in hold.  A great dramatisation and excellent retelling of the 'Ghost' storyline.

Aside from her shoulder line there's not really anything I can criticise so I'm actually going to give it a 10.

Craig: 10 "Elegant...stylish...tasteful...full of emotion...gorgeous"
Len: 10 "Tonight is all about who should get through to next week's semi final...on that performance I'll see you next week"
Alisha: 10 "Perfect song...perfect dress...perfect choreography...perfect dance"
Bruno: 10

Total Score: 40

Our first perfect score of the series, and I think Pamela appreciated that, not sure James' ears did...what a birthday present though!

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Foxtrot

My favourite dance is up next and I expect Pamela to return to form tonight after a disappointing couple of weeks.

Still not a fan of the short jacket though James! Slight slip from Pamela at the start, and it's taking far too long to get going.  Another couple of slips in front of the judges which is a real shame as it's looking quite good at times.  The trouble with Foxtrot is it is so technically difficult.  Their throwaway oversway is awfully executed and the whole thing ends as a another let down.

Really good at points but far too many mistakes and the beginning took too long to get going.  In retrospect I may have considered giving Kara an 8 (still not a nine for me personally) but this is definitely a 7.

Craig: 8 "I thought you coped very well...heel turn very good...lost your balance on that throwaway oversway"
Len: 9 "I loved it...I'm not worried about the odd little [mistake]...lovely elegance"
Alisha: 8 "I love to watch you dance...couple of stumbles...don't care"
Bruno: 8 "Shame that you missed...stumbled a bit at the end...beautiful dancing"

Total Score:33

So Strictly no longer cares about lifts...they no longer care if the celeb makes mistakes even in front of them.  Am I being too harsh though I wonder???

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Jive

They've looked good in training, and their outfits look amazing tonight.

A little out of sync with the fork stabbing at the start it seemed.  Nice leapfrog from James over a standing up Pamela.  For those shouting about both Pamela's legs being off the ground, a throw is counted differently to a lift.

Pamela does look a little heavy and laboured though, and her legs aren't good enough in her kicks and flicks.

Not her best performance, only a 7 from me I'm afraid this week.

Craig: 6 "Great musicality...kicks and flicks were a bit laboured...don't think this dance particularly suits you"
Len: 7 "Pivot section was fantastic...after the throw there was a little incident...high energy...well done"
Alisha: 7 "Really good basic steps...not sure if this dance suited your style...always dance with conviction"
Bruno: 7 "I had no idea that hell could be so much fun...you weren't as sharp as usual...not as clean as usual."

Total Score: 27

It Takes Two - Tuesday 26th October

On today's show: Michelle, Ian & Brendan; Karen Hardy Choreography Corner; Pamela & James; Gavin & Katya.

So first up are Michelle & Ian, fresh from their bottom two finish on Saturday night, joined by Brendan Cole back from his father's funeral.  Brendan reveals that he felt a little jealous watching Michelle dancing with Ian on Saturday night.

Ian felt nervous about the responsibility of making sure that Michelle made it through to the next week so that she could go back to dancing with Brendan.

Michelle has the Jive this weekend, I'm guessing it's going to be a disaster and this could be the week Michelle goes, but I will have to wait to see the training videos to be sure.

I'm afraid I always skip past the "Out of the Glitterball" section so I can't tell you much about that.

Now onto Karen Hardy's Choreography Corner,

Karen reveals she likes the added extras and props, so long as it's not overboard and doesn't last too long. 

First for analysis is Felicity & Vincent: Looking at their floor spin with Felicity balanced on one leg.  Karen applauds the trust between them and also Felicity's flexibility.

Jimi & Flavia: Claudia felt they were undermarked.  Karen doesn't agree with Bruno that Jimi was out of time with his cane work and actually felt he was "masterful".

Matt & Aliona: a "brilliant" double cartwheel though Tina & Jared performed the same move slightly lighter.

Scott & Natalie: great "light and shade" in their dance, really using the music to express the dance.

Gavin & Katya: Gavin's strength in his legs allowed them to do a throwaway oversway all the way down to the ground, when they could've done a much easier movement.

Ann & Anton: Whilst everyone wants to talk about the "flying hippo" Karen concentrates on the outside swivels and her basics and body contact, something Ann is improving at.

Patsy & Robin: "Great Charleston, classic".  She doesn't need any gimmicks or gizmos.

Pamela & James

Pamela reveals she wasn't worried about the score itself, but rather James' reaction to it.  James wasn't disappointed by the scores as apparently in training they'd only managed to get through it once out of three attempts.

Also it appears that this was the first Tango that James has performed on Strictly.  This weekend they will be dancing the Jive and I look forward to seeing their training.

Gavin & Katya,

Gavin is a bit of a mixed bag for me, some weeks he seems to be really developing and then one thing, like the slip at the start on Saturday, throws him back into himself.

It looks like Gavin will be the first person this series to visit an acting coach and let's hope this increases his confidence.

Personally I don't tend to touch my hair after I first do it in the morning so I can't quite understand the fascination, though I must admit his hair is looking quite good today!

They have Paso Doble this weekend, which requires even more acting than the Tango so if Gavin doesn't start coming out of his shell this could be another poor performing week.

I'll update tomorrow with some of the training videos, and I might actually be able to do that one live this week!

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Tango

So far the best dancer in the competition I'm really looking forward to their Tango.

Good arms from Pamela and good pivots, maybe a little more emotion in the face and needs to watch her shoulders.  A few slips in places but definitely a good connection between them.

Not her best dance but still a cut above some of the performances tonight.  I'm only going to give it a 7 this week.

Craig: 8 "Attack, style...did lose your neckline on occasion...but brilliant"
Len: 8 "All a really high level...just lost your posture here and there...consistently good"
Alisha: 9 "You're on fire"
Bruno: 9 "It was like Catwoman...it's great watching you...careful you get a bit tight in that area between your shoulders"

Total Score: 34

It Takes Two - Monday 18th October

I never got a chance to watch any It Takes Two last week so I thought I better watch this week.

On Monday's episode will be Paul & Ola; Craig Revel-Horwood; Peter & Erin; Pamela & James.

First up a VT showing the celebs and pros arriving at the studio for rehearsals and talking to the cameras.  We meet Jared's family who have come all the way from Utah to see Jared & Tina, only for Tina to have chicken pox!

Then it's time for Paul & Ola...well Ola anyway as Paul is apparently in Manchester for a show so will be joining on the phone.  Ola discussed with Paul before she choreographed the Rumba and they agreed that not making it a sexy dance was probably the best route.  Ola performs a magic trick, which needs a little work in her performance and then it's time for Paul to join on the phone.  He reveals he's busy in the coming weeks so this was actually the best outcome for him and then he has to 'watch' his highlights over a phone line.

Len is then treated to a VT showing him as a little cranky from Saturday night before Craig is brought on (unshaven and not looking tip-top himself!)  Len also joins on the phone and justifies his scoring (only giving Pamela an 8 due to the floor spin that he felt detracted from the feel of the Rumba, and the same with Matt Baker in his Quickstep).

Craig talks about his 4 for Michelle "That's all I felt it was worth".  A major thing being her hip action and shoulders, and agrees with Len's comment on her heels being too high.  Jimi is in the firing line next, with Craig talking about him over-moving (especially his shoulders).  Craig likes Ann's progress and can see that she's applying herself to the dances even if "Technically it's abysmal".  He loved Scott's Quickstep, not as gifted as Matt but with a showbiz pizazz.

Now Claudia is going to talk to Pamela & James.

Pamela confesses that she pushed for the spin at the end after James felt they didn't need it.  Pamela just felt that she should keep up with the other big moves that other celebs were pulling off, now she thinks she'll just listen to James in the future.

It's revealed that their next dance will be the Tango and I look forward to seeing some training footage, Pamela is definitely the one to beat at the moment.

Finally we're going to see Peter & Erin.

Erin was so happy that her and Peter got through the routine.  Peter felt that Bruno wasn't quite as constructive, with comments the previous week, as he'd have liked.  Claudia shows, via VT, how much football analogy they use in their training...quite a bit it seems.  They have the Charleston on Saturday, similar to the Quickstep so could be another good one for Peter, though might struggle if they have a lot of time apart.

Erin reveals that she hasn't covered Charleston before herself, and with two lifts in it it could be an interesting performance!

The episode finishes with the training video of Tina & Jared so that we can see what was unfortunately missed...not too bad but does need to watch her hip action on forward walks - needs to straighten her legs.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Waltz

I was very impressed with Pamela in the launch show and I'm expecting great things tonight.

Emma likes the dress, and apparently grey's a good colour on James...I don't know, I'm just looking at the dancing!

Impressive to see them starting the movement out of hold, and Pamela looks good.  I think her chin's just a little too high but this is looking to be the best (and a very impressive) Waltz.

I don't like to hand out high marks too early, but I can't give that anything less than an 8!!!

I've felt in the run-up that this could be one of the best Strictly's yet and I'm so glad that no-one is leaving this week as everyone is looking really good!

I like it, Emma likes it, Judges like it, but what do they score?

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

Total Score: 31

Strictly Come Dancing Training Clips - Wk 2

It's the end of week 2 of training and all Strictly Come Dancing training clips have been released by the BBC.  The first clip of the week goes to Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas, Gavin didn't impress me much in the launch show, I'm hoping Katya will have worked some magic though.



Lucky he's been given the Waltz rather than the Cha Cha Cha for the first show, it might actually give him the opportunity to stay longer as I think Cha Cha would have been a disaster.

Has the potential to do an acceptable Waltz though based on current footage.

Day 2 and the next training video is of Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor
 
Robin is one of the new boys on the block and so one wonders if he can hit the ground running with the training.



It might be a Strictly cliche but it is easier for the girl to dance with a pro male than the other way around, and Patsy is looking really good in this initial footage.  Needs to relax more in her pivot turns and watch her shoulders.

A very promising start though and I'm looking forward to seeing their performance on the night.

No training video update on Wednesday so it comes to Thursday and Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan.  I thought Pamela performed very confidently in the launch show group dance and showed a lot of promise, but how is her training coming along?



Pamela is definitely not disappointing me, in the training video she looks graceful and elegant and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished article.

Our final couple this week are Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke. A pairing I'm sure many of Anton's fans would have been dreading (no offence intended Ann!), but one that seemed concrete as soon as the line-up was announced.

Anton definitely has one of the most challenging partnerships of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, especially with the height difference, but I'm sure his popularity will see them whisk [see what I did there :-)] through the first few weeks.



Unfortunately for Ann she does look a little bit jerky at the moment, but there is some hope there, especially with her rise and fall.  I'm thinking Anton's glad they didn't get given the Cha Cha Cha for their first week.  Ann won't be the worst celebrity in the first show but I think she'll probably be mid-table to bottom.

So we've seen most of our couples so far.  Still left are:

• Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone
• Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev (purportedly prevented from training in the first week to make up for the fact she had dance training for Strictly Sports Relief)
• Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace
• Peter Shilton & Erin Boag
• Tina O'Brien & Jared Murillo

Check back next week when I should have the next load of training videos for you to sift through.  Oh and don't forget to set you VCR/PVR's for the start of Strictly Come Dancing 2010, BBC 1, on Friday 1st October and Saturday 2nd October!

Weekend Videos

In case you missed Strictly at the weekend you can see the weekend's performances below:

Actress Zoe Lucker tonight became the seventh celebrity to be voted off the seventh series of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.

In week seven of the competition, all 10 of the remaining celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners took to the floor to perform a variety of dances.

After Saturday’s performance, the combination of the judges' scores and viewers’ votes left Zoe Lucker and her professional partner James Jordan in the bottom two and facing the dance off with Ali Bastian and her professional partner Brian Fortuna.

Zoe and James then performed their Samba to Boogie Nights and Ali and Brian performed their Paso Doble to El Gato Montes for a second time for the judges' deciding vote.

Handing over to the judges, Bruce Forsyth said “All I can say is I wouldn’t like to be a judge tonight”. Making their decision on who to save, the judges said.

Craig Revel Horwood: “Well what a heinous dilemma, I have to say, both couples mucked up and timing was out, for both couples that is, but I am going to save Ali and Brian.”

Alesha Dixon when asked who she would save: “Both!....Zoe and James.”



Bruno Tonioli: “They shouldn’t be there either of them, it’s ridiculous because whoever we are going to save, it’s not fair for the other person. Based on what I saw, I have to go with Ali and Brian.”



Len Goodman: “I’m sorry I know the viewers can do what they like and it’s a popularity contest and all that, this is ludicrous, it’s nonsensical that either of these are in the bottom two! There are five couples that are worse than these, but I’ve got to make a decision and as somebody said they both did go wrong, and I’m having to save Ali and Brian.”



On tonight’s show, Zoe Lucker and James Jordan were awarded 32 points for their samba by the judges.

On leaving the competition, Zoe Lucker said: “I’ve had an amazing time, James is the best teacher I have to say. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get him to Blackpool but thank you very much for the opportunity, it’s been brilliant.”

James Jordan said: “Can I just say, winning that Strictly trophy ball means everything to me, but I would never swap this wonderful lady for that ball. She’s brilliant, she’s brilliant.”

Tonight’s show saw musical legends The Bee Gees perform their disco classic You Should Be Dancing and viewers were treated to a Hip Hop Samba and a Latin Medley from Strictly’s professional dancers.

Next week, the show comes live from the world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the remaining 9 couples will dance to stay in the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC One and BBC HD. Tune in to the next episode live from Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Saturday 7th November 2009, 6.25pm.

Don't forget you can get all the up-to-date gossip on Strictly Come Dancing’s sister show It Takes Two, weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two.

For more information and gossip, visit bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing or follow Strictly on Twitter: bbcstrictly.



The Result:



Natalie Cassidy:



Zoe Lucker:



Craig Kelly:



Ricky Groves:



Laila Rouass:



Phil Tufnell:



Ricky Whittle:



Jade Johnson:



Ali Bastian:



Chris Hollins:

The result

Such a tough one to call, and you could tell that Alesha was finding it difficult.

Out of the two of them, and based on all their performances over the series I do believe the right couple have been sent home.

I don't vote myself (as I do want to be impartial!) but I hope the audience start voting based on the quality of the dancing. Whilst both these couples under-performed this week Craig is not, unfortunately for him, a good enough dancer to have made it to Blackpool. Though credit where it's due - there was significant improvement this week.

How do you feel about the result?

The dance off!

So who can impress the judges enough to make it to Blackpool?

First up Ali with her Paso Doble...and what's this no shoes? Which straight away results in a slip.

However I would say a much better performance than earlier on in the night.

How will Zoe reply to that?

No real improvement on her earlier dance, I didn't like it that much earlier and I think Zoe will be going home this week.

Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Samba

I don't feel Zoe's performed particularly well during the faster Latin dances so it will be interesting to see how she copes tonight.

Looks to have been a slight mistake after the promenade runs, but so quickly recovered you probably wouldn't notice too much.

Her hip work just seems to be lacking for a great protion of the dance and I wasn't particularly impressed, more 7's I'm going to say but may get an 8.