Darren & Lilia official statement

Taken from http://www.darrenandlilia.com/News/scd2010pr.htm

From Jillie Bushell Associates Ltd

Agents to Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova

Statement from Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova ref Strictly Come Dancing 2010

10^th June 2010

We are in contact with the BBC regarding the proposed changes to our role within the show this year. We are unable to comment on our decision at this time until we have further understanding of the actual requirements.

 "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the fantastic response we have received on email, Twitter, facebook & forums. Dance is our passion & life and whatever we decide that will never change"

Strictly Professionals for 2010 announced

So returning to compete with celebrities this year are:

Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Vincent Simone, Ola Jordan, Flavia Cacace, Erin Boag, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Aliona Vilani, Katya Virshilas

Added to this are three new professional dancers (3 girls were added last year so 3 guys are added this year):

Images courtesy of BBC Strictly mini-site

ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, a Latin Champion who is a graduate of 'So You Think You Can Dance' in the US and has unique experience of very different dancing genres in addition to his ballroom champion-level skill.
JARED MURILLO, who at 21, was a US open Swing Youth champion. Trained in America, Jared was a principal dancer in the movies 'High School Musical' 1 & 2.
ROBIN WINDSOR has completed five world tours of the worldwide ballroom dancing phenomenon 'Burn the Floor', in which he has starred and choreographed routines.


The BBC have reduced the number of celebrities from 16 to 14 this year (I think a good move as last year did feel like there was just too many).  This has meant however that 5 of the existing professionals are now not going to compete this year - Darren & Lilia, Ian Waite, Matthew Cutler and Brian Fortuna.  They have been offered the opportunity to form a 'dance supergroup', along with some other as yet unnamed professionals, that will come on each week and perform a dance spectacle for the audience.

At present Brian has confirmed that he will not take part, and will concentrate on the West End production of Burn The Floor with Ali Bastian, and it is rumoured that Darren & Lilia have also declined - they may also wish to concentrate on their Latin Fever tour.  Ian and Matthew have yet to respond, neither have a show on the side as they are both on the Professionals Tour, so may both agree to take part this year.

So, the BBC tinker with the formula again and only time will tell whether they have more luck than last year.  Amid rumours last week that Alesha was due to quite as judge (yay!) the Daily Star and Sun have stated that she is due to re-sign for another year (boo!).

Have any of your favourites been ditched this year, or are you looking forward to some new blood?

The result

Unfortunately for Richard there was no comparison between him and Craig, surprised Len would've voted them however (not sure if that's a consolation vote though!)

Next week then will see all 14 couples competing against each other, but with only one dance to do rather than the two that most have struggled with so far.

At least I only have to set aside a Saturday night now that the Fridays are finished with.

Now I know the results please feel free to leave any comments/feedback!

Moment of truth and dance-off

Here comes another tense couple of minutes!

Yet another poor decision by the audience, but I think that's just signed Richard's death knell.

So Craig up first with the Tango, and again an uncomfortable looking start - needs to work on the upper body, specifically the frame, and also to lead with the body and not the arms.

Still think that, barring a significant improvement from earlier on, Richard will be going out 4-0.

Richard's timing's definitely better this time around, and still enjoying himself in his hitchhiker moment.

Not enough of an improvement however, and hands really need to be facing toward the floor rather than straight ahead.

Leaderboard

So combined leaderboard is as follows:

1. 65 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 61 points - Zoe & James
3. 55 points - Laila & Anton
4. 51 points - Phil & Katya
5. 50 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 44 points - Craig & Flavia
7. 38 points - Richard & Lilia
8. 36 points - Jo & Brendan

As said earlier I do think Jo will be in the bottom two, and actually I think Richard will join her. Out of the two it's hard to say who i'd pick, I think the dance-off will decide it.

Although I don't agree with the level of points that Ricky received both tonight and last night, I think he would probably still be top - and that'll please a lot of ladies out there.

I suppose everyone knows the results by now so I won't ask for peoples comments just yet!

Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova - Cha Cha

I do think that could be the last time we see Jo (aside from the dance-off), as I'm not sure she's popular or well-known enough to get the audience vote.

Richard's shoulder injuries, and unfortunately obvious lack of rhythm, could be his failing in this Cha Cha - but at least he's trying hard.

Seriously out of time i'm afraid Richard, but at least you're enjoying yourself! Shame the hips are only showing an appearance now and then. Really not sure about the thumb-to-shoulder dance step.

Definitely tried hard but I think this will be a 5.

Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova - Waltz

What was that face for Bruno?  Don't agree with Alesha's marks?  Wouldn't be surprised if that's not discussed in the papers this week.

...

Predicted 5-6, but didn't know that existing injuries prevented him having a proper frame, will be interesting to see if the judges take that into account.

Must, must, must go forward on a heel on the first step Richard, haven't seen one yet and I guarantee that Len will pick up on that.

Shame about the frame as it's difficult to judge when the shoulder line ruins the look.  With all those toe leads I think it'll be 5's.