Perfect marks in the final for their Quickstep makes this a strong contender, though hopefully there'll be some new choreography.
Thought there was a slight slip up in the middle, but otherwise a very good performance, will the judges overlook the lift at the end though?
Technically it seemed perfect but have to knock off a mark for the lift so will give them a 9.
Showing posts with label Ricky Whittle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ricky Whittle. Show all posts
Friday, 25 December 2009
Monday, 21 December 2009
Comments from Chris and Ricky, and Christmas line-up.
In one of the most nail biting finals ever seen on Strictly Come Dancing, sports presenter Chris Hollins was voted Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2009 battling it out in a dramatic grand final against Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle.
On winning the competition with his professional partner Ola Jordan, Chris said:
‘I’d just love to thank everyone so much especially you two (Ricky and Natalie) you’ve made it a wonderful final, a very wonderful final. I’d love to thank all our family and friends, our loved ones because without you we wouldn’t have been able to do half the training, and I’d also like to thank all our fellow professionals, they are so generous with their time they are absolutely brilliant! And I’ve got to say last, and definitely not least, little Ola chops - thank you so much for believing in me all the way along, I did test you a little bit, the jive and the quickstep come to mind! Thank you so much you lovely little girl.’
Ola Jordan said of lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy: ‘I just want to say you’ve been the best partner, you’ve been a dream to work with – thank you so much because that experience was fantastic for me.’
Runner up Ricky Whittle said of his Strictly experience:
‘I’ve had an absolutely amazing time; I’ve had the time of my life. I want to thank all of our supporters firstly for getting us here and getting this far – we’ve had a great time and the opportunity to dance on the biggest show out there in Great Britain. I’m going to keep dancing. I want to say thank you to a lot of people, my family here at Strictly, everyone back on Hollyoaks who helped us out – the press team, Vicky, Rachel, Lucy, Anne. Natalie (Lowe) who has been absolutely amazing! My Mum and Dad who are here, my friends, my family.’
In the climax to a thrilling seventh series, both couples performed their highest scoring Ballroom and Latin dances plus a group Lindy Hop and a ‘no holds barred’ show dance in a bid to be titled Strictly champion 2009.
There was a special performance by Strictly’s very own Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon, singing a sparkling rendition of ‘Something’s Gotta Give’.
The final also saw the return of many of this series’ eliminated couples who took to the floor one final time, performing their most memorable dance from the show.
In a poignant moment, athlete Jade Johnson who was forced to withdraw from the competition because of injury, returned to the dance floor with her professional partner Ian Waite to dance the Tango – the fateful dance they never got to perform in the live show.
As an added treat, last years finalists, singer Rachel Stevens and model & presenter Lisa Snowden paired up with their professional partners from last series; Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone to dance a Cha Cha/Tango to ‘Sister’s are doin’ it for themselves’ by Aretha Franklin/The Eurhythmics. As one final Brucie bonus Strictly Professional dancers Kristina Rihanoff and Brian Fortuna dazzled the audience with a magnificent Cha Cha Cha to Lady Gaga’s ‘Just dance’.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for a one off festive Christmas special, featuring previous celebrities’ Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones plus this year’s semi finalists Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle and 2009 Strictly Champion Chris Hollins. Tune in BBC One 7.00pm Christmas Day.
On winning the competition with his professional partner Ola Jordan, Chris said:
‘I’d just love to thank everyone so much especially you two (Ricky and Natalie) you’ve made it a wonderful final, a very wonderful final. I’d love to thank all our family and friends, our loved ones because without you we wouldn’t have been able to do half the training, and I’d also like to thank all our fellow professionals, they are so generous with their time they are absolutely brilliant! And I’ve got to say last, and definitely not least, little Ola chops - thank you so much for believing in me all the way along, I did test you a little bit, the jive and the quickstep come to mind! Thank you so much you lovely little girl.’
Ola Jordan said of lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy: ‘I just want to say you’ve been the best partner, you’ve been a dream to work with – thank you so much because that experience was fantastic for me.’
Runner up Ricky Whittle said of his Strictly experience:
‘I’ve had an absolutely amazing time; I’ve had the time of my life. I want to thank all of our supporters firstly for getting us here and getting this far – we’ve had a great time and the opportunity to dance on the biggest show out there in Great Britain. I’m going to keep dancing. I want to say thank you to a lot of people, my family here at Strictly, everyone back on Hollyoaks who helped us out – the press team, Vicky, Rachel, Lucy, Anne. Natalie (Lowe) who has been absolutely amazing! My Mum and Dad who are here, my friends, my family.’
In the climax to a thrilling seventh series, both couples performed their highest scoring Ballroom and Latin dances plus a group Lindy Hop and a ‘no holds barred’ show dance in a bid to be titled Strictly champion 2009.
There was a special performance by Strictly’s very own Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon, singing a sparkling rendition of ‘Something’s Gotta Give’.
The final also saw the return of many of this series’ eliminated couples who took to the floor one final time, performing their most memorable dance from the show.
In a poignant moment, athlete Jade Johnson who was forced to withdraw from the competition because of injury, returned to the dance floor with her professional partner Ian Waite to dance the Tango – the fateful dance they never got to perform in the live show.
As an added treat, last years finalists, singer Rachel Stevens and model & presenter Lisa Snowden paired up with their professional partners from last series; Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone to dance a Cha Cha/Tango to ‘Sister’s are doin’ it for themselves’ by Aretha Franklin/The Eurhythmics. As one final Brucie bonus Strictly Professional dancers Kristina Rihanoff and Brian Fortuna dazzled the audience with a magnificent Cha Cha Cha to Lady Gaga’s ‘Just dance’.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for a one off festive Christmas special, featuring previous celebrities’ Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones plus this year’s semi finalists Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle and 2009 Strictly Champion Chris Hollins. Tune in BBC One 7.00pm Christmas Day.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
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?
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?
Final Leaderboard
Wow four dances later, and only 4 points separating our two finalists:
1. Ricky & Natalie...50...43...48...49...Total 190 points
2. Chris & Ola...46...44...50...46...Total 186 points
A lot closer than I think many people would have predicted, but Chris definitely deserves to be that close to Ricky.
Although Ricky is, on the whole, the better dancer I do think Chris just has the most entertaining personality and I really do think he'll win this one.
But you're the public, what do you think, who are you voting for?
1. Ricky & Natalie...50...43...48...49...Total 190 points
2. Chris & Ola...46...44...50...46...Total 186 points
A lot closer than I think many people would have predicted, but Chris definitely deserves to be that close to Ricky.
Although Ricky is, on the whole, the better dancer I do think Chris just has the most entertaining personality and I really do think he'll win this one.
But you're the public, what do you think, who are you voting for?
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Showdance
I wonder if the press lift will make a reappearance.
There's still moments when I wish Ricky would think about his free hand, however I must say a no-hands lift definitely makes up for that.
Shame they were a little bit off balance at the end. Lots of lifts but I actually found Chris' to be more daring.
I think having a Cha Cha based showdance was a little bit of a cop-out but I can't fault the dancing, just wish the dance had wowed me a bit better.
Only a 9 I'm afraid Ricky.
There's still moments when I wish Ricky would think about his free hand, however I must say a no-hands lift definitely makes up for that.
Shame they were a little bit off balance at the end. Lots of lifts but I actually found Chris' to be more daring.
I think having a Cha Cha based showdance was a little bit of a cop-out but I can't fault the dancing, just wish the dance had wowed me a bit better.
Only a 9 I'm afraid Ricky.
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Cha Cha Cha
I wasn't a big fan of their Cha Cha the first time round, though the judges seemed to really like it. Let's see if Ricky can change my mind.
Some of Ricky's forward locks are really good, and then some appear to have no hip action whatsoever, and he does need to look at those hands.
It still didn't wow me i'm afraid, but I can't really fault it too much, will give this a 9.
Some of Ricky's forward locks are really good, and then some appear to have no hip action whatsoever, and he does need to look at those hands.
It still didn't wow me i'm afraid, but I can't really fault it too much, will give this a 9.
Leaderboard
So after two dances the Leaderboard is as follows:
1. Ricky & Natalie...50...43...Total 93 points
2. Chris & Ola...46...44...Total 90 points
Not unsurprising that Ricky is top, though Chris is catching up after getting one more point from Dary than Ricky in the Lindyhop.
1. Ricky & Natalie...50...43...Total 93 points
2. Chris & Ola...46...44...Total 90 points
Not unsurprising that Ricky is top, though Chris is catching up after getting one more point from Dary than Ricky in the Lindyhop.
Both couple's Lindyhop
Out of the two of them I'd say in advance that Chris could well outperform Ricky in this dance - on a personality basis anyway!
Little stumble at the start from Ricky there. Chris does need to keep his head up though.
However Ricky can definitely lift Natalie easily over his head...up until that spin over the head.
Is it my imagination though or are Ricky and Natalie having more individual dance moments in the choreography?
An entertaining routine, shame Ricky very nearly had a disastrous drop.
It's difficult to compare between the two as Ricky and Natalie's routine appeared to have more content to it, and Chris did have the odd timing issue.
I'd give Chris and 8 and Ricky a 9 (though I might have to go back and count the on-screen couple-solos for both of them)!
Little stumble at the start from Ricky there. Chris does need to keep his head up though.
However Ricky can definitely lift Natalie easily over his head...up until that spin over the head.
Is it my imagination though or are Ricky and Natalie having more individual dance moments in the choreography?
An entertaining routine, shame Ricky very nearly had a disastrous drop.
It's difficult to compare between the two as Ricky and Natalie's routine appeared to have more content to it, and Chris did have the odd timing issue.
I'd give Chris and 8 and Ricky a 9 (though I might have to go back and count the on-screen couple-solos for both of them)!
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep
Up first then is Ricky to bring in the Grand Final.
Looking very good so far. Ricky's head is very much improved over what i've seen in recent weeks, needs to make sure he keeps looking up and doesn't look at the floor when they're apart though.
I would say a faultless performance and I'm going to have to say a 10!
Looking very good so far. Ricky's head is very much improved over what i've seen in recent weeks, needs to make sure he keeps looking up and doesn't look at the floor when they're apart though.
I would say a faultless performance and I'm going to have to say a 10!
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Leaderboard
Combined leaderboard for tonight then is:
1. 96 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 92 points - Ali & Brian
3. 80 points - Chris & Ola
Overall a fair reflection I think on the performances though I think there's less of a gap between the three of them than the 16 points suggests.
However Ricky's popularity hasn't been as high as the other two the last couple of weeks, and with no dance-off tonight he could be in for a shock exit!
1. 96 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 92 points - Ali & Brian
3. 80 points - Chris & Ola
Overall a fair reflection I think on the performances though I think there's less of a gap between the three of them than the 16 points suggests.
However Ricky's popularity hasn't been as high as the other two the last couple of weeks, and with no dance-off tonight he could be in for a shock exit!
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Argentine Tango
Seconds in and I already feel this could be the best Arentine Tango of the night.
Looks a little unsteady at times though.
However a very good performance and easily worth 9's.
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Waltz
Personally for me Ricky's Ballroom has always been let down by his strange head positioning during pivots and spins, something he's done since his first dance in week 2 and has never been mentioned.
That opening looked like a lift but I think they'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Straight away though and his opening pivots show the his poor posture in turning situations.
Technically his dancing is great but that top-line really has grated on me since his first week.
I think he'll get 9's, but for me I'd only give it an 8.
That opening looked like a lift but I think they'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Straight away though and his opening pivots show the his poor posture in turning situations.
Technically his dancing is great but that top-line really has grated on me since his first week.
I think he'll get 9's, but for me I'd only give it an 8.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
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.
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.
Leaderboard
Final leaderboard is as follows:
1 95 points - Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe
2 86 points - Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
3 80 points - Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan
4 59 points - Laila Rouass & Anton Du Beke
I predicted to Emma last night that it would be a Laila and Ricky dance-off, but I’m going to change that to Ali & Laila as both have really underperformed tonight for my liking, and I think Chris and Ricky will have more (mostly female!) support.
1 95 points - Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe
2 86 points - Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
3 80 points - Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan
4 59 points - Laila Rouass & Anton Du Beke
I predicted to Emma last night that it would be a Laila and Ricky dance-off, but I’m going to change that to Ali & Laila as both have really underperformed tonight for my liking, and I think Chris and Ricky will have more (mostly female!) support.
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Cha Cha Cha
Not quite sure on the pants in the training Ricky…
Seems to be dancing more with his upper body than his hips early on and I do wish he’d do something with his free hand when it’s not in use.
I don’t feel like there’s as much choreography as I’d be expecting from these two either.
A bit of a letdown for me personally but should get at least 8’s.
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Foxtrot
Please Natalie I hope you’ve sorted out Ricky’s odd head movements as they really do grate for me and often it ruins the whole look of the routine.
Significant improvement in the head department, though he has to avoid looking down at the floor.
Can’t see his footwork but a very good performance, not perfect but I think it will get 9’s.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
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.
...
...
Just waiting on Len to confirm it...
...
...
...and there's the confirmation.
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.
...
...
Just waiting on Len to confirm it...
...
...
...and there's the confirmation.
Judges Competition Scores & Combined Leaderboard
What's their individual breakdown then?
Ali & Brian - 10
Ricky & Natalie - 9
Laila & Anton - 8
Chris & Ola - 7
Natalie & Vincent - 7
So apart from getting Ricky & Natalie Cassidy the wrong way round, it went as expected (though to be honest I never thought Ricky would score as low as I'd marked him!)
Combined leaderboard is as follows:
1. 47 points - Ali & Brian
2. 41 points - Chris & Ola
3. 40 points - Ricky & Natalie
4. 39 points - Laila & Anton
5. 33 points - Natalie & Vincent
I still think Natalie's too popular to end in the bottom two, but Ricky may get penalised for this week's shenanigans - could he have his first taste of the bottom two?
What do you think?
Ali & Brian - 10
Ricky & Natalie - 9
Laila & Anton - 8
Chris & Ola - 7
Natalie & Vincent - 7
So apart from getting Ricky & Natalie Cassidy the wrong way round, it went as expected (though to be honest I never thought Ricky would score as low as I'd marked him!)
Combined leaderboard is as follows:
1. 47 points - Ali & Brian
2. 41 points - Chris & Ola
3. 40 points - Ricky & Natalie
4. 39 points - Laila & Anton
5. 33 points - Natalie & Vincent
I still think Natalie's too popular to end in the bottom two, but Ricky may get penalised for this week's shenanigans - could he have his first taste of the bottom two?
What do you think?
Leaderboard
Well it appears I was the only one entertained enough by Laila and Anton, and I'd have had Natalie a little closer to Ricky, but otherwise the leaderboard is about right...
1. 37 points - Ali & Brian
2. 34 points - Chris & Ola
3. 31 points - Ricky & Natalie
4. 31 points - Laila & Anton
5. 26 points - Natalie & Vincent
Still the competition Viennese Waltz to go though...
1. 37 points - Ali & Brian
2. 34 points - Chris & Ola
3. 31 points - Ricky & Natalie
4. 31 points - Laila & Anton
5. 26 points - Natalie & Vincent
Still the competition Viennese Waltz to go though...
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Rock and Roll
Fresh from police questioning I had someone comment last night "I wonder if Ricky will be dancing to 'Jailhouse Rock'?"
I'm already scared from watching the training videos of the lifts!
I do wish Ricky would do something with his free hand, it does tend to just hang around.
Looks like a slight mistake at the start but Ricky appears to have recovered admirably.
For me the routine just appears to lack energy, which is surprising considering the content, and very nearly a bad slip-up at the end!
Should get 8's though.
I'm already scared from watching the training videos of the lifts!
I do wish Ricky would do something with his free hand, it does tend to just hang around.
Looks like a slight mistake at the start but Ricky appears to have recovered admirably.
For me the routine just appears to lack energy, which is surprising considering the content, and very nearly a bad slip-up at the end!
Should get 8's though.
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