Strictly 2011 Final Result

Votes have been counted, the judges have no say but first of all the returning celebrities.

Russell being held up by Rory & Robbie actually made me laugh out loud!

Actually they all looked really good (though I didn't see Nancy with her feet on the floor).

Now for the results...


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The Strictly 2011 winner is

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Harry Judd

A fair result as I just felt Chelsee was lacking in polish tonight.  Roll on 2012!

Strictly Come Dancing 2010 - The Result!

I'll have to go back to having a social life after tonight (well on my one day off anyway!).  It's been one of the best series of Strictly ever and any three of these finalists would have been deserved winners.

The phone lines are closed...the hearts are beating...either way Artem's going to cry!

It's the moment of truth...


The Strictly Come Dancing champions of 2010 are.........Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev.

Well deserved and a brilliant end to the best series ever!

Go on Artem, have a cry, you know you want to!

Did the best couple win, would you have given it to Matt or Pamela, how about Ann?

Until next year (or the Christmas Special next week anyway), just remember KEEEEEEEP DANCING (PS contact us for details of our classes in the New Year lol)

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.

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 5th December Results

Yesterday I predicted Gavin Henson and Ann Widdecombe to be in the bottom two, with Gavin just losing out in the audience vote.  Though I have the feeling we might see a shock in the bottom two tonight (I'm worried Matt might be in trouble).

So first through this week: Gavin & Katya & Kata & Artem; In the bottom two is SCOTT MASLEN!!!  To be honest I think Scott has been over marked recently and maybe this is a bit of audience backlash?

A beautiful Waltz from Anton & Erin, though I can't quite tell if there's a few slips in there, maybe Anton is feeling the strain after American Smoothing with Ann?

So also safe is Pamela & James, and joining Scott in the bottom two is Ann & Anton (finally).  Let's hope this is the end of the road for Ann, whilst she has been entertaining at times it really wouldn't be fair for her to be put through in place of Scott.

The moment of truth then, Ann finally sailing home or Sccccooooottt Shhhhockingly sent back to base.

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So Ann's run to the final has ended.  They've have been great entertainment at times but it would have been a travesty if she had got through to the semi's.

The right result all round.  Next week not only will two couples be eliminated next week, but we'll also be there watching it live (so don't expect any live blogging next week unless the BBC are feeling generous!).

So does this mean that Scott could be going out next week, and if so who'll be joining him?  I don't think Gavin will make it into the final but who would you send home?

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 7th November Results

 

I predicted that either Patsy or Felicity could be in trouble today, but it's a really tight leader board this weekend so anyone could really be going home.  In fact Scott is second from the bottom so could be the first real shock exit...?

First up in the results show is the Strictly Show Dancers with their take on a 50's Rock 'n Roll Jive.

A recap of last night follows and then it's on to our first round of safe couples.

Safe: Felicity & Vincent; Gavin & Katya; Kara & Artem; Pamela & James

In Danger: Jimi & Flavia

One of my fears in the first couple of weeks was whether Jimi really had that much support, and it seems we could find out this week.  

The producers have finally answered my prayers and decided that lifts will now be penalised if they are 'illegal'.

A pro foxtrot choreographed by Anton & Erin follows then our next eliminations.

Safe: Patsy & Robin (there goes both my predictions); Matt & Aliona; Ann & Anton.

In Danger: Michelle & Brendan.

The bottom two therefore is Jimi & Flavia and Michelle & Brendan.

Out of the two it's really close, Michelle has shown great improvement in the last two weeks whereas Jimi has consistently underperformed.  I got a text from a student earlier saying "Not happy with tonight's SCD leaver", and a few students grumbling in classes earlier, so I'm guessing it's going to be Jimi unfortunately going home.

Time to find out...

...Jimi & Flavia will no longer be taking part - it will be interesting to see if the dance-off is reintroduced next year...?

Jimi can't even say his last words he's so upset.  Who would you have had leave tonight?

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 31st October Results

So I'm back from teaching, I've managed to avoid finding out who was in the bottom two tonight, now to watch and blog before I go to bed.

An interesting combination of Ghostbusters and what appears to be Thriller to start.  There's actually quite the story to it and it's worth a watch.

The first safe couples are: Michelle & Brendan; Scott & Natalie; Ann & Anton; Kara & Artem; Matt & Aliona.  In the bottom two are Tina & Jared.

Looks like my prediction that her 'pleather' might be an issue has actually come about, even if I did think she wouldn't be there.

Also safe are: Patsy & Robin; Jimi & Flavia (there goes my other prediction); Gavin & Katya.

Joining Tina & Jared in the bottom two are Felicity & Vincent (I can understand why).

Out of the two of them I think Tina will be going home, though I must admit I don't think any of the celebs are performing particularly well at the moment.

Down to the moment of truth, going home is...Tina & Jared.  For me I think Jared failed to impress as a new pro and Tina didn't really come across with as much personality as she could have.

Do you think the right result came out?

Strictly Come Dancing - Sunday 24th October Results

I predicted a bottom two of Gavin & Peter, with Peter being the competitor sent home.

So we start off with a 40's GI Jive, with the pros still showing why the professional showdancers seem unneccesary.

Then a VT of the judges discussing last night's competitors, starting with Peter & Ann and working their way up to Matt & Scott at the top.  Mostly just clarification of their scores.

Now time to find out who the first five saved are:

Gavin & Katya, Scott & Natalie, Matt & Aliona, Tina & Jared and Patsy & Robin.

First confirmed bottom two are: Michelle & Ian.

Second week in a row that Michelle is in the bottom two, I thought she danced better this week and might have benefited from Ian's fanbase too, seems I was wrong.  Is Peter going to join her though, we'll have to wait a bit to find out.

And now for another Argentine Tango, two weeks in a row I wonder if the BBC have decided that sex sells?

The remaining survivors are:

Ann & Anton, Pamela & James, Kara & Artem, Felicity & Vincent, Jimi & Flavia - putting Peter in the bottom two.

Out of the two couples I do think Peter should be going home unfortunately.

The couple going home this week is...Peter & Erin.

A fair decision I feel, but Michelle does need to up her game for next week.

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!

The moment of truth!

So it's all down to how the studio audience voted, who's going out first...(I've predicted it to be between Austin & Rachel)

Chris & Ola - unsurprising to be honest as the Foxtrot didn't really allow Chris' personality to come across.

Gethin & Flavia - lacking chemistry so again unsurprising.

Ricky & Natalie

Austin & Erin - shame as I really enjoyed their Paso

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So it's between Ali & Rachel for the title...could it be Ali's retribution for not making it to the final?

Yes it is.

That's it then, 2009 finishes with Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna being crowned the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Champions.

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I'll be attending (or hosting) a variety of Strictly events throughout the year so I'll blog about anything interesting, and I may well blog about So You Think You Can Dance too so watch this space!

How did you vote, and do you agree with the result?

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?

The result

So no dance off tonight, it's all down to the audience tonight.

As I predicted earlier I think Ricky will be going home tonight as he just doesn't have enough public support.



First couple through - Ricky & Natalie so that's out the window.

Other finalist is Chris as predicted, poor Ali misses out.

The moment of truth, dance off, and result

Ali & Brian through, so that’s my first prediction off the cards.

Chris & Ola also through which leaves my original prediction of Laila and Ricky as being correct!

Laila is definitely out now, unless Laila can pull off a flawless performance but I really don't think anything can save her.

Laila’s up first in the dance-off and she is definitely giving a much better, and thus far what appears to be a faultless performance but I don’t think it’ll be enough to save her.

Now for Ricky…and I would say a better performance too from Ricky. I’m seeing a 5-0 sending home for Laila.



We get to 3-0 and that’s all it takes.

The moment of truth, dance off, and result

Is it unthinkable for Ricky Whittle to be in the bottom two...let's find out!

Still on target for a Ricky & Laila dance-off, but wait it appears Anton is more popular than Natalie.

I preferred Natalie's original Rock and Roll performance to Ricky's but I think it'll take a miracle for Natalie to be saved unfortunately.

Ricky's up first, and starts with what appears to be the same mistake he made the first time.

Still feels a little lacklustre, though Len might appreciate Natalie's pop-out!

Natalie's up next and still the same wonderful amount of energy, shame about the mistake with the through-the-legs manouvere.

Unfortunately I don't think there was much chance of Natalie staying in the competition out of the two of them, and I'd be surprised if it isn't 4-0.


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Just waiting on Len to confirm it...

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...

...and there's the confirmation.

The moment of truth, dance off, and result

Will my prediction of a Laila and Ricky dance off pan out?

Bottom three as expected, now who have the public gone for?

Yep Natalie & Vincent are saved by the audience, and Laila and Ricky are in the dance-off.

More importantly it's Erin versus Anton!

If Ricky can perform without making any mistakes then we could have a competition on our hands, otherwise I think he's going home.

Laila still stumbles in the same move near the end, which is a shame, and she looks very uncomforable during the final pivots. But not a bad performance, all down to Ricky now.

Looks like a much improved performance on earlier and I really don't know how to call this one.

I think Ricky has been more consistent, though Laila has scored highly in a few of her dances.

On that basis I think it will be Ricky going home.

Just waiting on Len to confirm whether it's 3 or 4-0...and Len confirms it would've been 4-0.

Do you agree with the outcome from tonight? Look out Natalie and Laila, there's no-one below you now!

Week 8 in 60 seconds

Don't have time to watch all the videos, or read my comments? Then why not look at the week 8 in 60 seconds summary video.


Actor and local boy, Craig Kelly on Saturday became the eighth celebrity to be voted off the seventh series of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in a special show live from Blackpool's Tower Ballroom - the spiritual home of all things ballroom.

In week eight of the nation's favourite dance contest, live from the splendour of the world-famous Tower Ballroom, all nine of the remaining celebrity contestants and their professional partners took to the floor to perform a variety of show stopping dances.

After all the couples had performed, the combination of the judges' scores and viewers' votes left Craig and his professional partner Flavia Cacace in the bottom two and facing a dance off with actor Ricky Groves and his professional partner Erin Boag.

Craig and Flavia then performed their cha-cha-cha to 'Easy Lover' and Ricky and Erin performed their Salsa to 'Acuyuye' for the second time.

After both couples had danced it was down to the judges to cast their deciding vote. Making their decision on who to save, the judges commented:

Craig Revel Horwood, straight to the point, said: "I'd like to save Ricky and Erin."
Alesha Dixon affectionately said: "Craig, you've been very sweet my love, but I have to save Ricky and Erin."
Bruno Tonioli said: "Based on what I saw, I have to save Ricky and Erin."
Speaking about his time in the competition, Craig Kelly, whose aim throughout the competition was to make it to Blackpool to dance in front of his home town, said:

"I feel pretty amazing really. It's great that I made it to Blackpool. I mean, any other week was a massive Brucie bonus. And to have danced with the best dancer in the world, the last two and a half months have been incredible!"

On Saturday's show Craig and Flavia scored a total of 17 points for their cha-cha-cha from the judges - his lowest score of the competition.

As part of Strictly's Blackpool special, there was a performance by the legendary rocker Rod Stewart, who sang 'It's The Same Old Song'. Making it a family affair, Rod's wife, model and ex-Strictly contestant Penny Lancaster returned to the dance floor with professional dancer Matthew Cutler to perform a cha-cha-cha during Rod's song.

To commemorate Remembrance Sunday all of the remaining celebrity dancers and their professional partners took to the floor for a 1940s-inspired Swing dance - the first group dance for the celebrities since the beginning of the series. They were accompanied by former Strictly Champion Jill Halfpenny, who was crowned winner in series 2 in 2005, the last time that the show was live from Blackpool. And as an added bonus Bruce Forsyth accompanied the group swing dance with a rendition of 'Almost Like Being In Love'.

Making the most of the grandeur of Blackpool's Tower Ballroom, the Strictly professional dancers also performed a group Viennese Waltz to 'I Put A Spell On You'.

As the competition hots up, next week the remaining eight celebrities and their professional partners will perform a range of dances to stay in the competition and be in with a chance of being crowned Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2009.

The moment of truth, dance off, and result

Who stays, and who has to dance again?

Well done Ian for getting through!

So Phil gets public support, how about CK?

Out of those bottom 3 (Laila, Ricky Groves, Craig) I think Laila will be through...

Sorry CK but I think your time is definitely up now!

Good to see Ricky gets the arms correct this time, and dances better than earlier.

A better performance too from Craig but no question that it's his swan song and i'm predicting a 4-0 form the judges.

4-0 it is. Craig got his dream of getting to Blackpool but it would've been a travesty if he had got any further.

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 result

Same as last week, I don't think anyone has to predict this one!

Another no-question 4-0 send home.

This is going to make the next couple of weeks really tough for those that are left though as the two [debatably] worst dancers have now left the show.

The result

As predicted Lynda has been sent home, but it was close.

I may not have written it, but I did think that was going to be a 2-2 result.

Out of the bottom two I think the right person went, but still would prefer to see one or both of the Jo(e)s in the dance-off.

Did the judges make the right choice?