Strictly - Semi Final Catch Up ... Part Four

So the results show had come around once again and three places were up fpr grabs in next week's Strictly Come Dancing final ... but who would they go to?


Bruce Forsythe entertained us with the story of Little Red Riding Hood (played by the gorgeous Ola Jordan)


Then Take That sang one of their classic tracks - Back For Good


And then it was time for THE RESULTS!

Strictly - Semi Final Catch Up ... Part Three

Following on from Friday night's dances, each couple had one dance left to win themselves votes and a place in the final.....



Opening the show were Scott and Natalie and their Charleston


They were followed by Kara and Artem with the Rumba


The third couple were Matt and Aliona with the Tango


Following them were Gavin and Katya with their Viennese Waltz


And closing the show were Pamela and James with the Quickstep


Come back later this afternoon for a special performance from Bruce, Take That and the results!

Strictly - Semi Final Catch Up ... Part Two

To round off Friday's Semi Final show, we were treated to something that hasn't been done on Strictly before - a Swing-a-Thon. All five couples took to the floor together and were eliminated one by one with the winner picking up 5 points.



The whole dance only lasted for two and a half minutes, but you can see that the contestants are exhausted from dancing their little hearts out!



After lunch, we'll show you the five dances from Saturday night's show and then later on today you can see the results!

Strictly - Semi Final Catch Up ... Part One

If you missed any of the action from this weekends Strictly Come Dancing semi-final, fret not! Between today and tomorrow, we'll be posting all of the weekend dances as well as the results. We start with Friday nights dances which saw some of our celebrities lose it completely....

These videos are wider than this page, so you'll need to click through on the link below to watch them.

We opened with Pamela and James' Paso Doble


That was followed by Kara and Artems Viennese Waltz


The third dance came from Gavin and Katya with their Samba


The penultimate couple were Scott and Natalie who danced the Argentine Tango


And the nights show dances were rounded off by Matt and Aliona and their Samba


Make sure you come back in the morning for the Swing-a-thon!

Strictly - Semi Final Results LIVE BLOG

So tonight, our fantastic five become the final three, but who's going to miss out on the final?



We open with our professional showdancers and another of their fantastic routines set to the Scissors Sisters track Fire With Fire.

And now it's our usual recap, but slightly longer this weekend as we have to see Friday and Saturday highlights. I think I heart Matt Baker even more now that I've seen him crying on that VT :(

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

Pamela and James are safe
Kara are Artem are safe

Both couples have guaranteed themselves a spot in the final and we'll find out the fates of our other three couples a little later.

Now a musical pause from the legend that is Bruce Forsythe. It's hard to believe that this man is 82.

A quick chat with our "dancers in limbo" before we head straight over to another performance from the original man-band Take That.

And now we find out who'll be joining Kara and Pamela in the final!

The first couple LEAVING tonight are Gavin and Katya

The second couple LEAVING tonight are Scott and Natalie

And that means that Matt and Aliona head through to next weeks final!

It's been quite a weekend - roll on the FINAL!

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Strictly - Semi Final Part 2 LIVE BLOG

Nice to see you, to see you NICE!

So here we go - our semi finalists have one more dance to try to get to the finals next week.



Opening the show are Scott and Natalie with their Charleston. There was a whole lotta energy in that routine - he's really giving it his all! The judges like it but a usual Craig is mentioning sole technical errors.
Score: 35/40

Our second couple are Kara an Artem with the rhumba. These two really do have chemistry and it looks like a flawless performance. Alicia called it pure magic and Bruno called her the Goddess of Love who danced like a professional.
Score: 39/40

The third couple to take to the floor are Matt and Aliona with the tango. I loved the performance and the choice of music. It can't get any gayer than madonna on strictly! Thankfully there's a complete reversal in the judges comments and they love him tonight.
Score: 38/40

Our fourth couple are Gavin and Katya with the Viennese Waltz. It's a good performance. Craig slated him but Katya is biting back! All judges are telling that there have been big improvements since week one.
Score: 31/40

The final couple fighting for survival are Pamela and James (my favorites!) with the quickstep. This woman looks at home no matter what dance she does! Judges love it - Craig called it FABULOUS!
Score: 40/40

And thats it, our contestants cant do any more - its now all up to the public. Here's how the leader board looks after their two dances and swing-a-thon:

Kara and Artem: 83/85

1st: Kara and Artem
39 + 5 + 39 = 83/85

2nd: Pamela and James
35 + 3 + 40 = 78/85

Joint 3rd: Scott and Natalie
33 + 2 + 35 = 70/85

Joint 3rd: Matt and Aliona
28 + 4 + 35 = 70/85

5th: Gavin and Katya
27 + 1 + 31= 59/85

Tune in tomorrow at 7pm as we find out who our three finalists are!

Strictly - Semi Final Part 1 LIVE BLOG

Well it's part one of the Strictly Semi Final and remember that it's a double elimination this week!

We have five dances tonight and five tomorrow as our five couples hope to progress to the final three!



First up it's last weeks leaders - Pamela and James and they're dancing the Pasa Doble. For me, that routine was a bit all over the place but the judges seek to love it.
Score: 35/40

Next up are Kara and Artem and they'll be dancing the Viennese Waltz. It's a light and airy routine - very well put together by Artem! Very positive comments from the judges but Craig says that she lifter her foot twice (does it matter that much?)
Score: 39/40

The third couple are Gavin and Katya who are performing the Samba. Dancing aside, Gavin looks HOT tonight! Energetic routine with a great finish but HR looks so awkward. He lacks the rhythm and flow according to the judges.
Score: 27/40

Our penultimate couple are Scott and Natalie with their Argentine Tango. Its sultry and sexy with lots of lifts - I like it! Judges seem positive but he's been pulled up on some technical items.
Score: 33/40

Our final couple are Matt and Aliona and they're dancing the salsa. It's a good song choice but not received well by the judges which is a shame because he genuinely seems upset by the comments.
Score: 28/40

And now it's the Strictly Swing-a-thon! Couples will be eliminated and scores will be added to those above to make their total score for this evening.

It's mayhem! And the first couple off the floor are Gavin and Katya. Scott and Natalie are next off and they're followed by Pamela and James. Our runners up are Matt and Aliona which means that Kara and Atrem are the winners!

And that leaves our leader board like this:

1st: Kara and Artem
39 + 5 = 44/45

2nd: Pamela and James
35 + 3 = 38/45

3rd: Scott and Natalie
33 + 2 = 35/45

4th: Matt and Aliona
28 + 4 = 32/45

5th: Gavin and Katya
27 + 1 = 28/45

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Strictly - Quarter Final Results LIVE BLOG

Last night Strictly went to the movies and we had our first perfect score of the season with Pamela and James scoring 40/40!

And we start with a performance from the professional dances who have a routine set to an Abba medley. It's good but not up to the standard o previous weeks.

Sidenote: I love Darren Bennett ... when did he expand?

After a brief recap it's on to our first batch of results!

Gavin and Katya are safe
Kara and Artem are safe
And Scott and Natalie are in the bottom two!

And now Anton du Beke and Erin Boag are treating us to a waltz. If I had to pickling word to describe this, it would be BREATHTAKING!

And now our next batch of results!
Pamela and James are safe
Matt and Aliona are safe
And that leaves Ann and Anton in the bottom two

Now on to a musical interlude from the Manic Street Preachers. I can't see myself downloading this tripe.

So it's decision time! The couple with the fewest votes and who
Will be leaving the competition tonight are Ann and Anton! At long last! Finally the British public have come to their senses!

And thats it for the quarter final - next week, the remaining five couples will have to perform THREE dances including a swing-a-thon! And as if that wasn't enough, TWO couples will leave! I can't wait!

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Your weekend results!

Not long to go for this weeks results shows. Strictly kicks off at 7:30pm when we see who will make it to the semi-finals next weekend.

Then it's off to the X Factor where, not only do we have performances from Alexandra Burke and the cast of GLEE, we will also be finding out our finalists!

Stay tuned!


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Strictly - Week 9 Catch Up!

Courtesy of the lovely people over at digitalspy.co.uk, here's what happened over at Camp Strictly this week....

Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev - Jive

Len: (9) First out... first class! It was a top-drawer jive, you steamed up my glasses, you came out full on. It was a little bit hesistant here and there, there were maybe a few steps you didn't feel all that confident about and you didn't really attack. But overall, a really good start to the show. Well done."
Alesha: (9) "I think you two are on a journey, and that dance was once again one with lots of content. There was a really cutesy feel about the whole thing. To be a little bit picky, you were looking down a lot and you lost your timing. But it was full of personality, the kicks and flicks were great and once again, Kara, you lit up the room and I loved it."
Bruno: (9) "You jiving peanut, I feel all frisky, I love the way you put sex appeal into it. Maybe because of that you sometimes lost a bit of your sharpness, sometimes you need a little bit more attack. But again, a great performance."
Craig: (7) "You danced very neatly and very specifically, and the attention to detail was once again very precise. However, the whole side-by-side section I felt like you lost synchronicity and timing throughout. I don't know what happened at the end, were you supposed to finish in that split thing? Your recovery was terrible."

Total: 34/40

Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke - Rumba
Alesha: (5) "Kate Winslet, eat your heart out, I would say - my favourite storyline of the series so far, and actually I could see a genuine love between you which was wonderful. Although there wasn't much content, well done for remembering the steps. I enjoyed it."
Bruno: (3) "The Ark Royal follows the Titanic and SINKS the rumba into the deepest and darkest depth of dance, darling."
Craig: (1) "Fractured, passionless. And in fact, that iceberg showed more emotion. There was not an ounce of spirit or emotion. It was bad dancing, I'm sorry."
Len: (5) "I'm a bit like a James Bond martini, I'm shaken not stirred. I've got to be honest, you did a hand-to-hand. Admitedly, they were off time and you had the wrong footwork. But it was the daftest dance I've ever seen. I laughed from the minute it started to the last."

Total: 14/40


Patsy Kensit and Robin Windsor - Argentine tango
Bruno: (7) "Patsy, the good thing, you really started to focus and place your legs this week. You were on it, you were extending your leg, you were pointing your feat - but it lacked spunk! When you do this dance, you have to go for it. It's a like a man and a woman, I give it to you. I felt you didn't enjoy it because maybe you were trying to get the technique right. I didn't get that fleshy, passionate feel."
Craig: (7) "He's right, it did lack flair and it did lack attack and I would like to have seen more extreme line, also you lacked any swivel on the footpass. But, it did have an intent and it did have a purpose - the main consideration, I think you did very well.
Len: (8) "I liked it, I thought you captured the mood of the dance. Now hopefully you'll be back next week. What I would like to say to you is, you won't win Strictly Come Dancing being careful. You've got to come out with more intent, you've got to practice a bit harder because I don't want you to slip away from the 'Fab Four' that's at the top there, and you will get through if you really work. Sell it - go down in flames rather than going down safe."
Alesha: (8) "I actually thought you held the intensity all of the way through. You didn't take your eyes off Robin once. You pulled me in and you maintained your character, your legs looked stunning, beautifully pointed toes, nice composure and I loved it."

Total: 30/40


Scott Maslen and Natalie Lowe - American smooth
Craig: (6) "What a terrible, terrible shame, and it all began with terrible footwork over there in the corner. It completely collided. There is some good, however, I loved the lift - I thought that was beautiful, as difficult as it was. But it was a complete disaster really."
Len: (7) "It wasn't a complete disaster, that's untrue because you are actually a class act. You didn't do yourself justice tonight, you were doing a three-step over there. See, people don't realise on the foxtrot there are steps where you have to be at the side of your girl, then you have to get in line with your partner. And it was just over there and I thought that threw you off. So I'm saying to you, you're a really good dancer. You've had a little incident, don't let it affect you, come back stronger."
Alesha: (9) "I really felt for you Scott, I've made those mistakes. What I loved about you was that you just carried on, some people would just give up and crumble but you didn't. It was still a classic American smooth, I still enjoyed it, you still look like a pro out there, babe - very, very good."
Bruno: (9) "Scott, don't worry, you're still smoother than anyone else. The fact is, what you did was very, very difficult - I don't care, you made a mistake. But some parts of it were excellent. You have great musicality, you have great musical phrasing in a way very few people do, let alone somebody who has never danced before. So don't beat yourself down about it - it was still very, very good, my darling."

Total: 31/40


Gavin Henson and Katya Virshilas - Jive
Len: (6) "When you hate doing something, you can't come out and really perform. You just want to get it over with and you know, you hated it, I hated it, we all hated it. You came out and gave it a go, Gavin. And good on you."
Alesha: (7) "Gavin, you look so funny but you look so cute. There were timing issues throughout and the opening section was very ambitious, but you were really trying and that's admirable. I just want to give you a big hug."
Bruno: (6) "Why are you not giving it to me? It was like Clark Kent not quite turning into Superman. Most of it was off-time. It was cute, and you look good in tight pants, but unleash the Superman, Gavin. Come back and show it to us."
Craig: (3) "That bottom-wiggle was completely unnecessary, and smacks of desperation, and I think you're giving Ann Widdecombe a run for your money."

Total: 22/40


Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani - American smooth
Alesha: (8) "You're a very good dancer and probably one of the strongest in the competition, Matt, but I'm sorry to say I was a little bit disappointed tonight, just slightly. Do you know what it is? I didn't feel relaxed. You carry a lot of tension in your face, your smile seemed forced, I didn't like the turns. Not taking anything away from your talent, I just didn't feel it tonight."
Bruno: (9) "What I like about you, you put so much into what you do, total commitment. I can see how hard you work. But you go from being beautiful to American psycho. It spoils it a little bit, you really have to control the way you use your talent because you're a great dancer.
Craig: (8) "I thought the opening sequence was absolutely fantastic, as were all the lifts. I did think however you were trying a little too hard through the free expression moments, you need to release a little bit through your back and you should actually use the legato at the same time in the music as your body."
Len: (8) "It obviously hasn't worked as a dance, and normally you're really good - tonight you were nearly good."

Total: 33/40


Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan - Charleston
Bruno: (9) "It was like a witty play, and it's gonna get a BAFTA from me!
Craig: (9) "Risky, perilous, danced without any fear. I loved it."
Len: (10) "Well, I've gotta say, that tickled my fancy. You enjoyed doing it, I enjoyed watching it."
Alesha:(10) "It was the best dance of the night."

Total: 38/40


As you can see, it was an eventful night on Saturday with Pamela & James scoring highly to stay top and Ann & Anton holding up the bottom of the table. But after factoring in the public votes, it was Patsy & Robin that left the dancefloor which is a shame as she was showing real improvements.

At the risk of being unpopular, I do now believe that it's time for Widders to go - it was great fun for the first couple of weeks but talented dancers are now leaving the show so that she can survive from week to week. Will the public finally put her out of her misery? Find out on Saturday!

Strictly - Week 8 Results LIVE BLOG

Here we go - "live" from Blackpool, it's the Strictly results show. Who do will think will be leaving tonight?

We open the show with the compulsory dance from the professionals - this week dancing to one of my favourite songs Bootylicious! I think thats the most fun one of these dances so far this series!

And now the first batch of results!
Kara and Artem are safe
Scott and Natalie are safe
Pamela and James are safe
And our first couple in the bottom two are Felicity and Vincent!

And now to our first special guys of this evening - Cirque du Soleil! That is a seriously acrobatic and energetic performance - I'm tired just watching!

Sidenote: Dear Santa, for Christmas I would like the male cast of this Cirque performance .... yes, all of them.

And now the second set of results!
Matt and Aliona are safe
Ann and Anton are safe
Gavin and Katya are safe
That leaves Patsy and Robin the bottom two! And I am SHOCKED by that!

And now our next performance is by the diminutive Welsh popstar Duffy! I LOVE her new single - the vocal on that is amazing.

And now it's the final result! The couple leaving the competition this week are Felicity and Vincent! Not meaning to kick someone while they're down but Felicity should have gone weeks ago!

So that's it - back to London next week for another week of dancing!

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Strictly - Week 8 LIVE BLOG

Live from Blackpool, it's Strictly Come Dancing! Tonight the top 8 contestants take to the floor, all hoping to do enough to stay in the competition.

An amazing group performance from the professionals and good to see some of the departed contestants in the audience.

The first couple to take to this magnificent dance floor are Patsy and Robin who will be dancing the samba. It's an energetic performance to open the show - I loved it! She looks amazing! The judges comments are mixed because she mixed up one move an Craig is slating some parts of it (for a change).
Score: 28/40

The next sequined warriors taking to the floor are Kara and Artem. Some worrying footage of rehersals and Artem injuring his neck. They'll be dancing the american smooth - fantastic performance and his injury didn't show at all. Three of the judges LOVE it but Len is calling foul on there being no hold during the dance.
Score: 35/40

The third couple are Matt and Aliona an they're dancing the samba. I really like their performance and will now admit that I think Matt is a hottie ... especially in that see through shirt. The judges love it (no comments from Alicia) but Len didn't like the backflips at the end of the routine.
Score: 38/40

Sidenote: I think Len is in a bad mood tonight

Couple number four are Felicity and Vincent and they're dancing the American Smooth. I've made no secret of my dislike of Felicity - she's a boring dancer. The routine is slow and laid back and there are a lot of swing lifts which just seem to be there to take up time. Mixed comments, but Alicia thinks that it's Felicity's best dance to date.
Score: 30/40

Sidenote: Vincent looks like a sex pest

The fifth couple are Gavin and Katya and they'll be dancing the American Smooth. Seeing him emotional about his kids just shows that he's the perfect man! I loved it - the lifts, when he was in hold and when he was dancing alone - he really has improved over the weeks. Craig called it lame an lacklustre but Len disgrees strongly. Alicia told him that he's heading in the right direction.
Score: 27/40

Sidenote: His bum in those trousers is HEAVEN!

Couple number six are Scott and Natalie an they're dancing the samba. Can he build on last weeks 39/40? The performance is full of energy and was amazing! Judges comments are mixed but Craig didn't like it at all.
Score: 32/40

Our next couple are Pamela and James dancing the American smooth. The routine brilliant - I loved the storytelling and the sensational lift at the end. Judges love it - Alicia called her the Queen of Blackpool!
Score: 37/40

The final couple taking to the Blackpool dancefloor are Ann and Anton who will be dancing the samba. The woman is hilarious and there were some amazing lifts and swings in there. My face is sore from laughing but at the risk of being unpopular, I think it may be tome for Ann to leave....
Score: 13/40 (which is being booed by the crowd)

That's it for another week - we'll have the results tomorrow evening.

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Strictly - Week 7 Results LIVE BLOG

This time last week, we said goodbye to Jimi Mistry in a shock elimination. Who's going to miss out on Blackpool...?

I do love the routines that the professionals perform on these results shows. I heart Ola Jordan!

First batch of results!
Matt and Aliona are safe
Gavin and Katya are safe
Pamela and James are safe
Scott and Natalie are safe

And our first act in the bottom two are Michelle and Brendan

Now a musical interlude by the legend that is Annie Lennox.

And now the second batch of results!
Patsy and Robin are safe
Kara and Artem are safe
Ann and Anton are safe

And that puts Felicity and Vincent in the bottom two with Michelle and Brendan.

Now an extra musical break from the sexiest judge - Miss Alesha Dixon. She's followed by The soldiers who are singing for Remembrance Sunday.

And now it's the moment of truth .... the act leaving the dancefloor this week is .... Michelle and Brendan. Their fourth time in the bottom two was their last which is a shame because I would have preferred Felicity to go....

And that's it for another week - our remaining acts are on to Blackpool for a very special Strictly next week!


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Strictly - Week 7: The Best Performances

Okay, I've selected what I consider to be the four best performances from last night and we have to start with Gavin and Katya - I love Bruno's reaction to the kiss, it's hilarious!



Next, we go to Kara and Artem and the Argentine Tango - this was her best dance of the series so far!



The third video is Scott and Natalie who finished top for the evening with their dance (scoring two 10's!). There is a serious amount of energy in this and the storytelling within the dance was brilliant!



And we have to finish off with Ann and Anton - every week they get funnier but she does seem to be trying her hardest ..... bless her little cotton socks...