Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Almost a stumble at the beginning but other than that quite a good start.  Shame that it actually loses it a bit once they go into hold.

His eyeline's just a little too high, which a lot of the guys suffer from in the Ballroom, but he's definitely putting a lot into the performance.

It was still a little bit flat footed and he needs to make sure he brushes one leg past the other but otherwise a very impressive performance...think I might give this a 7!

Craig: 7 "Head placement needs sorting out...got to say that was showbiz...I loved it"
Len: 8 "You little beauty...the more you give, the more marks you get...you're going to get plenty"
Alesha: 7 "It's really good to see you smiling and enjoying yourself...keep going"
Bruno: 7 "Slick, confident, debonair, what a transformation"

Total Score: 29

Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan - Cha Cha Cha

Robbie looked to struggle with the Cha Cha in training and a hoodie outfit doesn't fill me with the greatest of confidence...surely that should have been in Audley's outfit?!

It's started more like a Paso Doble than a Cha Cha and like a lot of Ola's routines seems to consist of the guy standing there whilst she dances around him, but I can't blame her.

Needs to make is Cha Cha action smaller and not stomp quite so much.  Didn't really feel like a 'cheeky' Cha Cha and probably just a 5 for me.

Scores:

Craig: 2 "All about a look...absolutely no dancing...standing there with Ola dancing round you isn't what I'd call a Cha Cha Cha"
Len: 6 "was a tendency for you to stand there...came out with plenty of attack"
Alesha: 6 "'A' for effort...lot of room for potential growth"
Bruno: 5 "Robbie, you savage...left the Cha Cha completely ravaged...got to put the dancing in"

Total Score: 19

Strictly Training Video - Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan

Another training video, another Cha Cha Cha, this time it's Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan.

He's definitely going to have to work on the 'masculine' aspect of the dance, and needs to try to avoid bouncing/skipping during his forward locks.  You want to try and keep your top-half level and allow the straightening and bending of the legs to create the hip action.

I need to see more of them in action to make a judgement, but I would say there's still quite a bit of work required - try to loosen up Robbie and let go!

It Takes Two - Monday 25th October

On tonight's episode: Peter & Erin; Alisha Dixon; Ann & Anton; Felicity & Vincent.

The show starts with Ola Jordan taking a video camera round behind the scenes and chatting the the dancers and celebs.  We see James jokingly telling Ola about what it's like to still be in the competition. Len and James share a kiss (so that Len can see if it 'prickles' when you kiss a man with a beard).

Then we're treated to another brief recap of some of the highlights from Saturday before it's time to talk to Peter & Erin.

Peter feels like he let himself down, but also that Charleston wasn't really his dance.  Erin points out that Charleston was around week 11 last year, not week 4, and considering there's acting as well as dancing involved that does make it much more difficult.

Peter's highlights do unfortunately include his Salsa, but there's a nice outfit of Erin's in the training vid ;-)

Next up a VT showing all the animal references the judges made on Saturday, leading up to Alisha being on the show.

I understand that she can relate directly to the celebs, having been through it herself, but she's still just not a viable judge for me.  However Emma and I both agree that she is improving...though I do wonder how much of her comments are scripted???

It is revealed that Patsy will be doing the Jive next week, given how soon she ran out of puff with the Charleston she does need to work on her stamina.

Our next couple are Ann & Anton,

Ann reveals she is afraid of heights but actually enjoyed the wire work by the time she was landing.  Anton reveals that he originally suggested the idea as a joke!  Their next dance will be the Paso Doble, I'm seeing shades of John Sargeant already...

Now onto Felicity & Vincent,

Apparently the kiss was Vincent's idea (surprise, surprise) and they weren't sure if it was going to be allowed.

A VT on Vincent's Magic Eyebrow (lots of twitching at camera).

Felicity & Vincent will have Viennese Waltz at the weekend, choreography-wise it will be a lot simpler but the constant rotation at speed makes it such a hard dance.

That's our lot for today.

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.

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 17th October Results

Ok I know it's a bit late, and most of you already know the results of the show, but I'll blog about it anyway. 

From watching the show on Saturday night I predicted Michelle would have the lowest audience votes and would be going home, but I also suggested on our Facebook page that Paul Daniels would be the one joining her in the bottom two - I just think Ann will take the votes from Paul.

The show opens with the professionals dancing a Charleston, a high energy and entertaining routine and one which Jared actually starts to look at home performing.  The pattern seems to be that the celebs perform the featured dance the following week which brings the Charleston forward from last year's end of series.

There's a recap of Saturday night, along with judges backstage comments and celeb reactions.

I'm not keen on the stretching out of the eliminations, and the lack of a dance-off could seriously backfire as the series progresses, have the producers forgotten that they introduced the dance-off after DJ Spoony was unfortunate to receive an early dismissal belying his potential.

First four safe couples are: Ann & Anton; Pamela & James; Peter & Erin; Patsy & Robin (Patsy looks like she's about to faint!)

Craig gives Ann advice of literally "Dance, better".
Len is relieved that he won't have to show his bum in Tesco now that Peter is not in the bottom two.

Next is Tango Unleashed (choreographed by Flavia and receiving rave reviews on Twitter).  It starts with Flavia in the middle of the floor attached to four straps that are used to drag her round the floor before she's eventually unhooked and starts dancing with first Vincent, then James, Robin and finally Artem (after Robin throws her over his head into Artem's arms, impressive to say the least!)  James lifts Flavia up in his arms above his head and throws her into the other three dancer's arms.

It's an amazing performing, the furthest from a traditional Tango we've ever seen on Strictly, but as a performance it's great to watch.

A brief chat to the celebs who are safe so far then back to the lineup; next safe are: Jimi & Flavia; Matt & Aliona; Kara & Artem.  First in the bottom two is Paul & Ola.

Alisha offers all of them good luck
Bruno consults his crystal ball, and thinks Jimi overdid his performance, looking forced and preventing his talent coming through.

Claudia then talks to Paul & Ola, Paul agrees with the public's decision to put him in the bottom two.  He'd rather he went home rather than anyone else in the competition.

Peter Andre then pops up to perform his new single, not quite my thing so I skip through it and then it's back to find out who else is in the bottom two.  Safe and going forward to next week are: Scott & Natalie; Felicity & Vincent; Gavin & Katya - putting Michelle & Brendan into the bottom two.

A VT then from those in the bottom two as to how much they want to stay in.  Out of the two obviously Paul deserves to go and with a dance-off this would be elementary, but how has the public voted?

The couple leaving this week are Paul & Ola.  A shame for last year's champion but she wouldn't have lasted much longer with Paul as a partner.  No offence Paul but you were always going to struggle.

Paul tells Ola she's welcome round anytime (even if Debbie's not at home).

So that's week 2, better move onto my It Takes Two reviews!

Paul Daniels & Ola Jordan - Cha Cha Cha

Out of the starting line-up for tonight I'm afraid Paul has me the most worried, I'm hoping he can prove me wrong, but I doubt it...

Quote of the night - Emma "Ah, he's not doing awfully".  I must admit it's no John Sergeant and for 72 he's definitely not putting on a bad show.  I do think he's been brought in for the sympathy vote though.

Not an embarassment but by no means the best Cha Cha tonight.  Lucky to get 5's I think.

Craig: 2
Len: 5
Alisha: 5
Bruno: 4

Total Score: 16

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?

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

Chris really stepped it up in the final last week and delivered an almost perfect Foxtrot, can he improve on that tonight?

Looks to me like there has been some work on the hands, but really should be smiling throughout. Shame about the mistake in the middle.

Ola knows how much the audience like the pivots, so much so that she includes them twice - would have preferred a bit more variety!

Not a bad performance but I wouldn't say it's improved over his final performance and I'm only going to give it an 8 I'm afraid.

The moment of truth!

Team C'Ola or Ricky & Natalie...

I think it'll be Chris and Ola due to the phenomenal public support they've had over the whole series - and that confirms it.



Congratulations Chris, you've definitely been the most entertaining couple (once Ricky Groves left anyway).

I agree with the result, but how about you?

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Showdance

Now I predicted that Ricky may outperform Chris in this dance, but not having seen either this will be an interesting contest.



That answers my question about whether Chris will be able to lift Ola above his head as well as Ricky!

Needs to keep his head up, and looks a little off in the Cha Cha sections but the Jive looks good, and what a one-handed lift there from Chris.

The judges looked a little scared there at the end as Chris jumps on their desk.

As ever Chris is the consumate entertainer, a little bit sloppy in places but some amazing lifts (based on my expectations!).

I'd like to give it a 9.5.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Charlston

Return of the crazy face of Chris Hollins.

This is looking improved over their original Charlston, which definitely bodes well.

A very good performance, a little untidy in places (though I suspect that's the essence of the dance) and I'm going to give it a 9.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Foxtrot

So, Chris has never been in the dance-off but has also never received a 10 so far in the competition. How is he going to respond to the perfect 50 that Ricky just achieved?



Good to see Chris has decided not to work on his hands and face for the final ;-)

Wait, was that a smile?! That's all you need to do Chris, just smile and it makes a huge improvement.

The dance is a little flat for my liking but not a bad performance, not perfect but could well get a 9 or two.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Argentine Tango

Good to see Chris and Ola starting with true Argentine Tango basics. Needs to make sure he doesn't hold back on the flicks though as they look a little stunted at times.

I preferred their dance to Ali's but I still only an 8 for me.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Rumba

I personally really liked Chris' Rumba back in his first week but there was still significant room for improvement, let's hope 10/11 weeks on has seen that improvement realised!



At times Chris' hands look really good, at others they are just stuck out, but thankfuly mainly there is some shaping there.

I'd like to see more hip action though, to match the sheer amount of chest on show.

He certainly acted a good Rumba, could still do with improvement though. I'd give him an 8.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Samba

Another Samba tonight, Ali scored well earlier on and it’ll be difficult to have such a direct comparison to her.

I think Bruno might mention the stamping jump at the start, and Chris’ mouth is making a comeback.

His hips are a little lacking but it’s a very good performance and I’ll give it an 8.
s

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Waltz

A dance that needs elegance and romance, and I think Chris has what it takes to pull off a good one, but let’s see what happens.

I’m not personally happy with his head position, it’s stretched a little oddly but the dance is looking good aside from that, although he really does need to incorporate some shaping in his hands.

A nice Waltz that I think should achieve at least 8’s.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Charlston

This week is going to be interesting then - two dances that I've never danced (albeit their elements feature in Quickstep and Jive). How to judge a dance you have no experience of...I'll be in the same boat as Alesha for once!



I know Chris is going for attitude, but I do wish he would keep his mouth shut, or at least do something different than the strange tongue-out look he's got at the moment!

An interesting routine, very bizarre overall. I think Chris has definitely encapsulated the character of the dance.

I found it a strange experience but I'll give him an 8.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Viennese Waltz

Chris has been hit-and-miss this series, let's see how he copes with the tricky Viennese.



Not quite sure that Chris' feet were correct during the slow fleckerl at the start.

Nice pivots, although you could see the tension forming in Chris' shoulders every time he dances them.

A good performance and should get 8's.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Paso Doble

So Chris gave his best performance last week, can he keep it up with the Paso this week?

Not sure on the facial expressions, but definitely an aggressive attacking attitude. I don't personally like all the jumping stamps but the ending was very good and generally very good technique throughout.

Easily 8's, maybe even a 9 or two.