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.

Strictly Come Dancing Final - Saturday 18th December

So an intense week of teaching kept me from blogging about last week's experience of being live at the semi-final, and a combination of the weather, and a bout of flu, have kept us from hijacking a friend's party and turning it into a Strictly party.

However I've been to Tescos and stocked up, the tank in my car's full, and my gorgeous wife has just made the dinner so it's time to settle down and watch the final.

Right at the start of the competition (the launch show) I predicted Matt & Pamela [ok AND Felicity if you're being pedantic] to do well and looks like I was pretty much spot-on.  For me I'm predicting Pamela, at the moment anyway!

First up in this year's final is Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani.

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?

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 4th December Leader Board

1. 40 points - Pamela & James
2. 38 points - Kara & Artem
3. 35 points - Scott & Natalie
3. 35 points - Matt & Aliona
5. 33 points - Gavin & Katya
6. 14 points - Ann & Anton

I'm glad that Pamela Stephenson was the first person to get four 10's, with that performance, as it's the first dance to deserve it this series.

I think Gavin has over marked but still ended up in the right place on the board.

I have to say that Gavin will be in the bottom two, and probably be going home, though I do hope Ann joins him as none of these other dancers deserve to go.  I am concerned that Matt might be in trouble though.

Who would you send home?

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!

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 27th November

Almost up-to-date and it's almost time for tonight's Strictly, seriously where has my Saturday gone?!

Not sure on Bruce's joke about Alisha having a good tan..

First up tonight is Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev,

I'm looking forward to seeing their Jive.

Artem's having a few wardrobe issues with his braces and Kara needs to point her toes down more during kicks.

It seems a little lacklustre and lacking something, and their ending seems to be just a little too late.

Disappointing we feel and whilst the lines were clean and movement good I can only give it an 8.

Craig: 7 "Dance very cleanly...attention to detail as always very precise...lost synchronicity...recovery [at the end] was terrible"
Len: 9 "First out, first class, top draw Jive...little bit hesitant...didn't really attack [on some steps]"
Alisha: 9 "You two are on a real journey...really cutesy feel...looking down a lot"
Bruno: 9 "Sex appeal...lost a little bit of sharpness...bit of a tangle in the arm pass"

Total Score: 34

A tad too high personally.

Now for a sexy? Rumba from Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke

Ann has aspirations to win, and we have a Titanic theme for this sinking ship of a routine.

At least they're making more of a routine of it this week, I'm seeing Aida's (well from Anton anyway), underarm turns, a rope spin, hand to hands, cucaracha's, open outs.

All in all there's a lot there that our students would recognise (which isn't always the case in Strictly routines).

Better than last week so I'm going to give it a 6.

Craig: 1 "[Ann - here comes the iceberg] Frigid, passionless, that iceberg [on the set] showed more emotion"
Len: 5 "I'm shaken, not stirred. You did aida, opening outs - admittedly off time and you had the wrong footwork...but daftest dance I've ever seen"
Alisha: 5 "Kate Winslet eat your heart out...favourite storyline of the series so far...wasn't much content, well done on remembering the steps."
Bruno:  3 "Sinks the Rumba into the deepest and darkest depths of dance disaster."

Total Score: 14

Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor

Why do they always make Patsy's eyes up like that, it always makes her look a little depressed, she actually looks amazing without it!

Patsy is suffering from a foot injury and may be spending most of the routine sitting down, won't go down well with the judges if she does.

Argentine Tango should be passionate and intense and there's a slight lack of emotion here, though the routine is good and looks like Patsy's best dance.

I'm going to give Patsy an 8.

Craig: 7 "It did lacked flair...lacked any swivel on the foot passes...did have intent and purpose...did that very well"
Len: 8 "Hopefully you'll be back next week...you won't win Strictly Come Dancing being careful"
Alisha: 8 "I think you held the intensity all the way through...legs look stunning...loved it"
Bruno: 7 "The good thing, you really started to focus...lacked spunk...maybe you were trying to get the technique right"

Total Score: 30

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Scott's turn at the American Smooth this week and it looks in the VT like all the training is starting to take it's toll.

A big slip from Scott there on a three step but well recovered.  His frame looks a little close and could do with a bit more space.

Scott appears to have forgotten the routine and the final lift is just positively dangerous in those circumstances.

It's a real shame as it looked to have great promise but I can only give it a 7 and that's being generous.

Craig: 6 "Terrible shame...began with terrible footwork in the corner...some good, loved the lift...complete disaster"
Len: 7 "It wasn't a complete disaster...didn't do yourself justice...threw you off...you're a really good dancer...don't let it affect you...try and stay awake!"
Alisha: 9 "I've been there, I've done that, I've made mistakes...I still enjoyed it...still looked like a pro out there"
Bruno: 9 "You're still smoother than anybody else...some parts were excellent...don't beat yourself down"

Total Score: 31

Far too high from Alisha and Bruno there, it's not really fair on the other competitors if you ask me.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas 

Gavin & Katya have a Jive this week, for a big guy like Gavin this could be [cue Craig] a Dance Dis-a-ster.

If Gavin goes out hating the dance this will come across in his performance.  Not sure on the outfit and unfortunately Gavin is out of time straight from the off with his initial kicks.

This is one of the worst Jive's we've seen on Strictly at this stage of the competition and his attempt at butt wiggling in front of the judges is severely lacking.

It was a disaster and a 6 from me.

Craig: 3 "That bottom wiggle was completely unnecessary...giving Ann Widdecombe a run for her money"
Len: 6 "You hated it, I hated it, we all hated it...you came out and gave it a go"
Alisha: 7 "There was [were] timing issues throughout"
Bruno: 6 "It was like Clarke Kent never turning into Superman...you look good in tight pants"

Total Score: 22

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

Let's hope Matt does a better American Smooth than Scott's.  Is this the first time an American Smooth has been danced not in a suit?

The standing spin looks a bit awful if I 'm honest which is a shame.  It feels more like a show dance than an American Smooth and it just didn't quite feel right for me.

It was ok but I'm only going to give it a 7.

"
Len: 8 "If you have to explain what you're trying to do then it hasn't really worked as a dance"
Alisha: 8 "One of the strongest in the competition...little bit disappointed...turns felt very manic"
Bruno: 9 "You put so much in to what you do...beautiful...turn into American Psycho"

Total Score: 33

Another over mark for me personally.

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

They have a Charleston this week and this could potentially be their best dance.

Good lifts and energy, though she does seem to lose a bit of puff near the end.

Has some nice comedic moments though I'm not sure about the final ending position.

Not the worst Charleston I've seen but still lacking and Pamela could be in trouble this week.

Emma thinks 8 and I agree.

Craig: 9 "Frisky, perilous lifts...without fear...loved it"
Len: 9 "Tickled my fancy that, you enjoyed doing it, I enjoyed watching it"
Alisha: 10 "Best dance of the night"
Bruno: 10 "It's going to get a BAFTA from me"

Total Score: 38

Wouldn't personally have put it as the top routine of the night, for me that was Patsy's, though I felt all the dances this week seemed lacking in a bit of life.

Leader Board

1. 38 points - Pamela & James
2. 34 points - Kara & Artem
3. 33 points - Matt & Aliona
4. 31 points - Scott & Natalie
5. 30 points - Patsy & Robin
6. 22 points - Gavin & Katya
7. 14 points - Ann & Anton

I already know Patsy goes, and that's a real shame as I felt she did her best dance of the series tonight.  Earlier I thought Pamela would join her in the bottom two but judges marks may have saved her there so probably Gavin joining her.

Results

Bottom two is Patsy & Robin (who we know are going home) and Gavin & Katya.

Well now to get myself ready for live blogging tonight's show.
 

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 20th November

Ok so it's a little bit late, but we've been working out in St Lucia so I'm sure you'll forgive us a small delay!

I have a confession though, I already know who went home on both of the two weeks that I missed (pretty difficult to avoid the whole internet and all our students in a 3 week period!), however I will endeavour to comment accurately and without prejudice.

First up on the show tonight is Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor

Those in the know will realise that I link my images straight into the BBC mini-site so it's lucky I know who went last week otherwise this would've been a massive clue (the greyed out image!)

Patsy has Samba tonight and I've always been concerned about her energy so not expecting much tonight.  It's not a bad start though her legs are a little messy looking.  As Emma points out though, she does have good hand shaping.

The second half of the routine goes a little astray at times and her hips could feature more but overall not a bad start to the show.

One of her better dances but I'm only going to give it a 7.

Craig: 6 "Besides the obvious wrong footwork, did lack hip action...could be a little bit free-er"
Len: 7 "Lot of nice basic steps...got on the wrong foot somehow...trying to [forget it]"
Alisha: 8 "Stunning, like a real showgirl...captured the feel of the Samba"
Bruno: 7 "Glitzy and sexy...because of the impetus you missed some steps...willing to give it all"

Total Score: 28

Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev

Kara & Artem have American Smooth this week, and a serious injury in training could have prevented them from performing tonight, however Artem performs anyway as that's what us professionals have to do!

It seems they're doing a Tango/Paso American Smooth...and the offending lift goes by without a hitch...and it's actually a Foxtrot now it's kicked in.

Not really seeing anything in hold though, I'm pretty sure 30%-40% is supposed to be in hold.  It's an excellent routine but I only saw one section in hold.

Will they be penalised for that, who knows, for me it's excellent but have to penalise for the rule breaking, but still a 9!

Craig: 9 "I can only agree...gorgeous lines...arm placement is absolutely beyond...Fab-u-lous darling"
Len: 6 "I don't want to be the party pooper...confused as a baby in a topless bar...you didn't take up hold once...I loved the routine, fabulous routine...[but] it wasn't a Foxtrot so how can I judge it as a Foxtrot"
Alisha: 10 "Seductive, smooth, intense...mystical feel...so brave to come out and do [the lift]"
Bruno: 10 "Truly inspired and inspiring American Smooth...fluid...dramatic...star turn"

Total Score: 35

I think 6 was harsh Len

Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

They have Samba tonight and I'm not sure about the hips in the VT.

Great song, hips are quite good at the start, though hands are a little strange.  Some nice lines and there's a nice amount of bounce, not too much.

Finishes with a few backflips, which Len is not going to like I imagine.

Really nothing for me to criticise on so I think we could be seeing their first 10!


Craig: 9 "Thought your hip action was very good, thought your bounce action was very good"
Len: 9 "I'm almost in agreement with Craig...wasn't too keen on those flip-flops at the end...because you can do something doesn't mean you can put it in the routine...I had a boy that could fart God Save The Queen!"
Alisha: 10
Bruno: 10 "I've never seen a competitor (who wasn't a professional)...moving his bum in that way"

Total Score: 38

I wonder if he hadn't done those backflips whether Len would've given a 10...?

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone

I think American Smooth could definitely be nearer Felicity's abilities than Samba would have been.  They start with a very Hollywood scene and then their Foxtrot starts.

I'm afraid to say it's a very pedestrian and boring start and doesn't pick up until their first lift.

Except for the lifts the only time the routine picks up is when Felicity starts kicking her legs up in time to the music.  For me the rest of the routine was completely uninspired.

I really can't give this a high mark and I think it's a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 "I would've liked to have seen a little bit more rise and fall throughout the routine"
Len: 7 "Lifts were excellent...lacked movement"
Alisha: 8 "I like the lifts...I think that was your best dance"
Bruno: 8

Total Score: 30

Personally a little high if you ask me.

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas

Quite a scary lift they have planned for this American Smooth.  A bit of Tom Jones which doesn't quite scream "Foxtrot" if you ask me.

The lift goes by almost without a hitch, Katya looks positively petrified and very obviously tries to steady herself.

Gavin looks uncomfortable out of hold at times, especially spinning from side-to-side, but actually it's a commendable performance, and infinitely better than Felicity Kendal's.

Improving all the time, and starting to show some personality, but just a 7 this time.

Craig: 4 "Lame and lacklustre"
Len: 7 "What Craig's just said is totally incorrect...parts of that were excellent dancing...overall a very good performance"
Alisha: 8 "Don't let this knock your confidence...brave to do those lifts...moving in the right direction"
Bruno: 8 "Why do you get nervous...some of the sequences...were very very good"

Total Score: 27

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe

Ok not a bad start, though far too bouncy for my liking and the hips look a little wooden at times and there's a slight slip in the shadow voltas.

Not a bad Samba, though not as good as Matt's. 

I'm going to give it an 8 I think.

Craig: 6 "You tried hard, without success"
Len:8
Alisha: 9 "You really gave it a good go Scott...right up there with the rest of them."
Bruno: 9 "You always perform, you always deliver"

Total Score: 32

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan

Another scary looking lift in this one it seems.

Pamela's facial expression is a bit disturbing at the start, but they look good once they start, though they've changed the lift for an easier (and less likely to hospitalise Pamela) one.  Shoulders look a little uncomfortable at times.

A nice fish lift too.  A slight stumble by James as he goes in for the final lift but they manage it without incident.

A good dance, not quite perfect but definitely worth a 9.

Craig: 8 "Very well structured routine...do need to keep the shoulders down"
Len: 9 "Best American Smooth of the night"
Alisha: 10 "Queen of Blackpool tonight."
Bruno: 10 "Come up and see me some time...American Frisky...fantastically danced"

Total Score: 37

Finally we've got Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke with their [attempt at] Samba...

Aside from Ann looking like a big yellow canary I actually think Anton's outfit is worse.

There's definitely an attempt at basic there but most of the routine (unsurprisingly) consists of Ann walking around.

Anton then chucks Ann, spins her around on the floor, spins her just off the ground, then drops her with Ann's bum to camera which she hastily drops her dress back down to cover.

Not as entertaining as some of her previous dances for me, just a 5.

Craig: 1 "Overwhelmingly awful"
Len: 5 "It's like hemorrhoids, keep coming back more painful than ever...did make me laugh"
Alisha: 4 "As bright as your outfits"
Bruno: 3 "Like a canary that was trying to take flight...never took off"

Total Score: 13

Leader Board

1. 38 points - Matt & Aliona
2. 37 points - Pamela & James
3. 35 points - Kara & Artem
4. 32 points - Scott & Natalie
5. 30 points - Felicity & Vincent
6. 28 points - Patsy & Robin
7. 27 points - Gavin & Katya
8. 13 points - Ann & Anton

Even though I know Felicity went home this week I would still have predicted her to go home, with Patsy joining her in the bottom two.

Results

So the bottom two went as I predicted, and Felicity went home as I already knew...now to watch the following week's before tonight's show.

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 - Friday 1st October

So it's week one of Strictly Come Dancing 2010, I know I'm starting this a bit late but lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a few years (and the subsequent beers) ran over a little and by the time I'd got back, cooked and, the wife and I had finished dinner the show had already started.

As usual though I'm watching the show and blogging 'live' i.e. I'm going to update the posts hopefully before the judges announce their opinions, but I'll probably still post this first entry as one whole article.

There is one benefit to watching the recorded show, I can fast forward through Alisha's comments if they prove to be as inane as they were last year!

The BBC tell me that tonight's show will feature Felicity Kendal, Goldie, Matt Baker, Pamela Stephenson, Patsy Kensit, Paul Daniels, Scott Maslen so not a bad starting line-up.

According to Pamela Stephenson the glitterball is actually made of polystyrene so crystal might be over-exagerating I'm thinking Brucie!
 
The first couple to perform in 2010 is going to be Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone and I'll upload them in a new post.

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!