Week nine of Strictly Come Dancing 2009 is nearly here.

Here is what you need to know about Saturday’s programme:

What’s the format for this weekend?

There are eight couples left in. Each is performing a different dance.

The two couples with lowest scores from a combination of judges' points and viewers’ votes will then face each other in a dance-off with the judges voting to save one of the couples. The other couple will leave the show.

The BBC’s blurb adds: “The professional dancers provide the entertainment with a sizzling performance.” Which is highly informative. 

In a change to the usual set-up, Tess Daly will present the show and be front of house with the judges. It Takes Two’s Claudia Winkleman will be backstage with the dancers. This is because Bruce Forsyth is unwell due to a bout of flu.

Who’s performing which dance?

• Ricky G and Erin – Viennese waltz
• Chris and Ola – paso doble
• Ali and Brian – cha cha cha
• Natalie and Vincent – foxtrot
• Phil and Katya – American smooth
• Laila and Anton – rumba
• Ricky W and Natalie – jive
• Jade and Ian – tango

When is the show on TV?

Saturday 14 November 2009
6:50pm to 8:30pm BBC One.

This year you can watch in high-definition on the BBC HD channel – available subscription-free on Freesat. For more information go to: www.freesat.co.uk

What coverage will this blog be providing?

We will be doing live coverage on this blog – the one and only Miss Bubbles will be in the hot seat for that so join her on Saturday night as the show starts. Once the show ends I get busy writing my usual full review of the night including blogger’s wife’s all important opinions on the dresses.

Do join in the discussion by using the comments section – as ever we love to read your views.

Who’s going to be eliminated?

Yes, it is time for my ever-reliable prediction. Last week I predicted Craig Kelly would be eliminated, which he was. I also predicted Laila Rouass would be in the dance-off, which she wasn’t; she was the last celeb to be announced as safe before Craig and Ricky Groves went into the dance-off. Close but no cigar.

The William Hill website offers the following odds for the week nine elimination:

Ricky Groves 6/4 
Natalie Cassidy 3/1 
Chris Hollins 6/1 
Laila Rouass 6/1 
Phil Tufnell 9/1 
Jade Johnson 14/1 
Ali Bastian 20/1 
Ricky Whittle 50/1 

This week I predict Ricky Groves will lose in the dance-off to Laila Rouass.

Do you agree? Have your say now.

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