In an extraordinary show Jade Johnson did not dance on medical advice after an accident in rehearsal. Laila Rouass was also injured before the show started but was cleared to dance by the doctor and chose to do so but she could not complete her rumba routine due to being in so much pain.

The judges’ scores
After the judges’ scores from Friday night and Saturday night had been added together the leader board looked like this:

Ricky and Natalie – 35

Ali and Brian – 35

Natalie and Vincent – 34

Phil and Katya – 31

Chris and Ola – 30

Ricky and Erin – 29

Laila and Anton – 22

The dance-off
After the viewers’ votes were added to the judges’ leader board Ricky and his dance partner Erin and Phil and his dance partner Katya were left in the bottom two and faced the drama of the dance-off.

The judges voted as follows:

Judge Craig: Ricky and Erin

Judge Alesha:  Phil and Katya

Judge Bruno:  Phil and Katya

Head judge Len (casting vote): Ricky and Erin

So out went Phil and Katya.

(Our thanks to the ever brilliant Miss Bubbles for doing the live blog – you can read her comments in the previous post)

My full review of Saturday night’s performances:

We have Tess’ reaction, our view, blogger’s wife’s opinion, a summary of the judges’ views and the scores.

Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas – American smooth

Tess: You’re opening the batting. And very dapper you look, Phil.

Our view: Smooth, classy in places. He’s done well there.

Blogger’s wife: Great choice of music and they danced it very well.

Judge Craig: I was a little bit and only marginally disappointed because it wasn’t showy enough. It was cool but I didn’t think it was particularly confident until after the first lift when the timing was good and it became strong til the finish.

Head judge Len: I wasn’t disappointed at all. I see a change of attitude. No more the cheeky charmer, you realise to get anywhere in this competition you have got to up your performance. I thought it was more determined and you did a very good job.

Judge Alesha: You definitely got your swagger back Phil, you are more comfortable in the ballroom. I love the freeness of this dance I think it really suits you. The transitions in and out of the lifts were really well done considering the trouble you have had with your knee. Very smooth and very entertaining.

Judge Bruno: Captain Phil you have the blissful look of someone who just joined the mile high club. Smooth take-off, smooth landing, a bit of turbulence in the middle because you lost timing but you handled it very well.

7 8 8 8 = 31

Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe – jive

Tess: Don’t tell me you’ve sustained an injury. That was top gear that jive.

Our view: Fast and furious, certainly. A lot of energy. Too complex for him to do it perfectly.

Blogger’s wife: Although she’s got the body for it she looked like she was dancing in her underwear. The bets jive of the series so far, it really like felt like a jive.

Head judge Len: You are consistent but you are the hunted and everyone’s after you. Austin Healey was in the same position last year. One dance and it’s not quite so good and you’re in the dance-off and you’re out. Keep focused and keep this standard fo dancing.

Judge Alesha: That was a fast jive. Occasionally your timing was out but that was so fast paced you are amazing. It was light-heated, it was cheeky it was pretty amazing.

Judge Bruno: Talk about a tight package full of power. You just go for it. Those kicks and flicks have to be pointed.

Judge Craig: As much as I absolutely loved it, it really did lose technique because of the speed. You were behind a lot of time. The choreography was just stopping a lot of the time.

8 9 9 9 = 35

Ricky Groves and Erin Boag – Viennese waltz

Tess: Everybody’s raising their game tonight.

Our view: He got the character right for this one and has performed the routine better than I expected.

Blogger’s wife: Hair disaster for Erin, it made her look about 50. They danced it very nicely.

Judge Bruno: He made me spin in disbelief but in a good way. I’ve never seen such composure and restraint from you. You kept in time all the way through. You are still a bit tight.

Judge Craig: I really felt as though I couldn’t relax for one moment only because you were very, very tense. You coped very well with all the changing steps you had to do. You do need to smooth out your rise and fall but a really great job.

Head judge Len: All he needs to do to stay out of the dance-off is dance like he’s just done.

Judge Alesha: I’ve seen real improvement Ricky. When you’ve been in a dance-off it knocks you. You did very well and you should be proud of yourself.

7 8 7 7 = 29 

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan – paso.

Tess: Chris come on over. I was loving the paso face

Our view: I don’t like the paso done to modern music. And suddenly along comes along an exception. That was great fun. Of course, you can ask yourself whether a paso should really be fun.

Blogger’s wife: I was a little distracted byu the dsong and wondering if the singer would hit the high notes but I thoroughly enjoyed and want to watch it again

Head judge Len: I nearly pooed me pants when he started, he frightened the life out of me. You came out and really gave it plenty. Craig or Bruno will probably bring it up - you could have been a little firm in the buttocks. I loved the attack of the dance, well done.

Judge Alesha: I love you two. I felt the passion. Chris, your hand is very distracting just close it but I have to say it was intense all the way through, you performed it.

Judge Bruno: That was awful but I liked it. You looked like a child having a tantrum. There was an incredible lack of artistry.

Judge Craig: I feel it had danger, menace, aggression, lots and lots of stamping but you forgot to dance, it was all just placed. It lacked the dignity, honour and the authority that a matador does have.

6 8 9 7 = 30

Laila Rouass and Anton du Beke – rumba

Tess: It was touch and go whether she would dance this week so well done Laila for having a go.

Our view: Oh dear, what a shame. They did some nice moves but she couldn’t finish the routine. Couldn’t they have found a skin coloured bandage?

Blogger’s wife: I’m disappointed in the colour of Laila’s dress. It could have been good if it had been a different colour. I liked the parts they danced.

Judge Craig: Too bad you were concentrating on your injury because there may have been a glimmer of hope in the routine but obviously the pain has got to you. Just on the first part of it I’m going to be marking tonight.

Head judge Len: The rule is that if you get through at least 50% of the dance then we mark it on what we’ve seen and I thought you were getting on really well.

Judge Alesha: You look absolutely beautiful tonight. What you lacked in technique you certainly make up for in heart and passion.

Judge Bruno: Oh, what could have been. It could have been something beautiful. I have to comment on what I saw and that was a dance you couldn’t do justice to.

3 7 6 6 = 22

Natalie Cassidy and Vincent Simone – foxtrot

Tess: A fabulous flowing foxtrot

Our view: Not sure I enjoyed that. Not sure why.

Blogger’s wife: Yet another unflattering dress. Gtrea choice of music. The dance didn’t quite work for me.

Judge Bruno: Very posh, very prim and very proper. You really tried to work on your body contact maybe because of that it lacked a little bit of freedom of movement.

Judge Craig: It didn’t have the flow around the floor but the routine was beautifully simple, it was sweet and honest and smooth.

Head judge Len: That was quality right up my street. Full of magic moments. It could have done with more movement but your best dance as far as I’m concerned.

Judge Alesha: What a dream to watch. I love the song choice. The genuine friendship between you shines through.

8 9 9 8 = 34

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna – cha cha cha

Brucie: Come one over with your cheeky cha chas.

Our view: One slip up but otherwise well performed.

Blogger’s wife: Finally an Ali hairstyle I like. Dress looked good too. I think she’s finally relaxed in the Latin. Really enjoyed it.

Judge Alesha: Technically very, very good. It’s great to see arms being used correctly in a cha cha. Your cha cha walks were great. You’ve loosened up a lot it was a tad polite but you’ve come out of your shell more.

Judge Bruno: You finish every beat in the arm as it should be. Your hip action is beautiful to look at. You are a nice girl I want a bad, bad girl.

Judge Craig: It was difficult job for Brian because that music didn’t suggest to me cha cha cha. What you did with it choreographically was spectacular. You were a little early on one of those kicks.

Head judge Len: You’re hips are truly hypnotic. I did like it but it was like a Darcy Bussell cha cha cha - you’ve got to be more raunchy. All too airy fairy for me but I liked it.

9 8 9 9 = 35

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No Brucie tonight. He's under doctor's orders to stay at home as he is ill. Get well soon Brucie! However, the show must go on and somebody's dancing their last dance tonight. Question is who? We'll find out soon...

Show kicks off:

Tess Daly's fitted dress is gorgeous! It's a creamy colour with lovely detail - I think that's my favourite so far. Here's a surprise! It's Ronnie Corbett stepping in! I'm sure he'll fill Bruces' shoes nicely... come to think of it, they'll probably be too big! But I'm not the only one doing 'short' jokes, Ronnie did too. As he comes down the stairs, he trips! Goodness, that would've been a weird way to kick things off.

Instead of Tess doing the leg on Bruce, it's Ronnie straining to get his leg on Tess. Haha! "Jacket from Savile Row, trousers by Action Man," he jokes. Nice to see that Bruce's 'joke' writer is on the same form as usual.

The celebs are now being introduced and we've just heard the sad news that Jade Johnson will not be dancing tonight due to an injury sustained in training earlier this week...

Phil & Katya – American smooth

It's time for Tuffers! He's dancing to the song Frank Sinatra made famous,  Come Fly With Me. I have to say, Tuffers is looking really relaxed on the dance floor. He's looking the part and the dance flows smoothly. I personally think this is his best dance to date.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "You've definitely got your swagger back... very smooth and very entertaining."

Judges' total score: 31. There was a silly segment with Ronnie Corbett on the mobile phone to Brucie who apparently wanted the lift to be: "Higher, higher!" If you watched Play Your Cards Right, you'll know what that's all about.

Ricky & Natalie – jive

We're getting Latin from the Hollywoodoaks man (it's an in-joke from my blog) this week. This couple are dancing to Little Richards' Rip It Up. Wow, Natalie looks amazing - she appears to be channeling Kylie Minogue's hot pants. I'd kill for her flat stomach but it looks like one of her breast pads is showing - embarrassing. The dance itself is energetic and lively, but there are some timing issues. He won't top his magnificent quick step this week.
 
Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "Occasionally, it looked like your timing was out... it was light-hearted, cheeky and amazing."

Judges' total score: 35 (as Claudia Winkleman talked to Ricky, Natalie's breast pad was oh-so-visible!)

Ricky G & Erin – Viennese waltz

It's the classic by The Moody Blues, Nights In White Satin, that provides the music for the ex EastEnder. Not only is his weight loss really noticeable, he's also wearing glasses. Who is that man?!? Ricky's looking rather nimble on his toes and he's focussed. He doesn't want to be in that dance off again this week. It's a nice routine. I liked it.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "I think you should be very proud of yourself."

Judges' total score: 29

Chris & Ola – paso doble

Here comes the little entertainer. Chris and Ola's song choice, I Believe In A Thing Called Love by The Darkness, isn't what I'd choose for a paso doble if it was me. However, as usual, Chris is putting his heart and soul into it - love the cape bit! He's intense and attacking the dance as it it's going to be his last one. I really hope not.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "I felt the passion... you performed that brilliantly."

Judges' total score:  30. Haha! Chris had the perfect response to Craig and Bruno's criticisms; he picked up his cape with a great deal of dramatic huff and flair. I can't do it justice in writing - you need to see it. Hope he stays - he's a little firecracker. 

Laila & Anton – rumba

Oh dear. Laila's ankle is all strapped up; she apparently tripped on the staircase. I hope it doesn't affect her routine. They're dancing to Take That's Rule The World and although it's a lovely routine - it's a case of what could've been because the injury is clearly on her mind and getting to her. Well done for giving it a go. 

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "What you lacked in technique, you made up for in passion."

Judges' total score: 22. Laila was in tears of pain as the judges were passing comments on her dancing. She's not going home tonight - I'll bet my house on it. 


Natalie & Vincent – foxtrot

If there's one thing for certain, it's that Natalie Cassidy will always put 100% effort into her routine. They dance to Magic Moments by Perry Como and the ex EastEnder is really growing in confidence. I love her dress and she's definitely lost weight, but more importantly, this is a lovely routine: refined, smooth and light as a feather. I think this will be her highest-scored dance.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "You are a dream to watch. Loved the song... I found that elegant and composed."

Judges' total score: 34

Ali & Brian – cha cha cha

Again here we go - Latin dance with music that simply doesn't fit. They're dancing to Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night by The Black Eyed Peas. Sorry, but that's just not a great music choice. Anyway, although she's a very decent dancer, Ali lacks passion. Natalie's nowhere near as good as her, but Natalie's got heart. I think Ali needs to put a bit more fire into this dance and all her dances otherwise she'll end up in the bottom two again.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "Technically very, very, good... you've loosened up but for me it was a tad polite."          

Judges' total score: 35 - that's too high. I personally think the judges have scored her too highly.

My favourite celeb tonight: Tuffers. I honestly think he's getting better and better each week.
My least favourite celeb: Ali Bastian. Yes, shes' technically great, but I'm not feeling a connection

Tess introduces the next segment. Professional dancers Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff (my favourite professional) are dancing a new dance; the bolero. They're routine is to She's Like The Wind by the late, great Patrick Swayze. Dirty Dancing is one of my very favourite films so this routine is moving me beyond words. Wow... they're just sensational. It's amazing - so wonderful. If you've missed the show, catch it again to see this heavenly routine.

Now we're seeing a VT with the public talking about their favourite celebs. It's all very diplomatic - nobody is left out. Tess speaks to the judges to find out their thoughts about what they've seen tonight and it's time for another dance from the professionals to One Night Only from the musical Dreamgirls.

The phone lines are now closed. We're now being entertained by The Jersey Boys - who've come from London's West End - they're singing Beggin' by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and they're accompanied by a group of street dancers who are absolutely brilliant! Even Craig Revel Horwood is rocking to the music!!!.

The Dance-off

We're about to find out who's through to the next round of the competition. A bit of a mini-shock - it's Ricky & Tuffers in the dance off! I reckon Ricky Groves will be going home.

Phil Tufnell is first to dance and he's a smooth operator as always...

Rick Groves is up next. He's actually done really well but he's definitely going tonight...

The Judges' Decisions

Craig saves Ricky 

Alesha saves Phil
 
Bruno saves Phil

Len saves Ricky!

Oh my goodness, a shocking result! Tuffers is out! I can't believe it! I think the judges have been very up and down with their marking. I'm sure Len marked Phil higher than Ricky earlier on and Tuffers' performance was just as good. Wow!

And that's a wrap! What did you think of tonight's show? Has the right person gone out? We'd love to hear from you so please have your say. That's it from me, I'm out of here. Join MSN's Strictly blogger Matt Ball for his full recap of tonight's show. I'll be back next week for another live blogging session.
 
Goodnight from Miss Bubbles.

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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Here is my selection of top Strictly tweets for this week.

Good work by @laurabhere who gets three of her tweets on the list this week, plus there’s some good discussion of Claudia Winkleman appearing on Saturday’s show.

You can follow me on twitter at twitter.com/thisismattball. And you can view all the tweets that I mark as favourites by using this link twitter.com/thisismattball/favorites.

And here’s my Strictly Come Dancing Twitter list: http://twitter.com/thisismattball/strictly-come-dancing.

NB: the list is in reverse chronological order so you might want to start at the bottom and scroll up.

1. Hifistud #scd all this chat about the dance bit at the top of the show... are we having lesbian fantasies, people?? about 1 hour ago from TweetDeck

2. JonParr71 Tess being Brucie and Claudia being Tess tomorrow on #SCD - the opening dance during start could be good-"Keeeeep dancing" :) about 1 hour ago from TweetDeck

3.   pixies_mum Oooooh ;) RT @presentsqueen Claudia Winkleman to co present #scd tomorrow night - Be interesting on the dance bit at the top of show ;) about 2 hours ago from Twittelator

4.   presentsqueen RT @strictlygoss: Claudia Winkleman to co present #scd tomorrow night go Claudia! - Be interesting on the dance bit at the top of show ;) about 2 hours ago from TweetDeck

5.   emmabandey What is it with #SCD? I hear Ricky Whittle has split up with long term girlf Steph! Shldn't someone tell him to do his shirt up? about 2 hours ago from web

6.   strictlyblog so excited about our star @claudiawinkle hosting #SCD tomorrow night, this calls for a frock of epic proportions! about 2 hours ago from web

7.   CaptainGrammar Ooh, epic lol at @BrianFortuna's Ricky Groves 'impression'! And Claudia's Paso! Great show! #scd #itt 6:57 PM Nov 12th from mobile web

8.   jmroskell @ClaudiaWinkle with Len on tonight's #SCD #ITT looked less like a sack of potatoes and more like an empty bag of cheesy wotsits. Well done! 6:46 PM Nov 12th from TweetDeck
9.   scdfansite Len and Claudia doing John Sergeant's Paso has made my life complete! #scd #ITT 6:45 PM Nov 12th from web
10.    gibbogirlie @BrianFortuna My husband cried when you and Ali got 40 last week - he didn't cry when we got married...! Good luck. #scd 11:15 AM Nov 12th from web
11.    RibsCullen Is it sad the highlights of my week are work, reading Wuthering Heights, watching #ITT and #SCD and How I Met Your Mother? I think so :P 11:39 PM Nov 11th from Echofon
12.    strictlyblog Loved the wartime segment on #Strictly ITT. Can you reminisce an era you didn't live through? #SCD 10:11 PM Nov 11th from web
13.     scdfansite I'm slightly tired of fringing for Laila's dresses, am I alone? #scd #ITT? 6:50 PM Nov 11th from web
14.     StrictlyTweeter I had a friend that got married on #SCD final night last year. And she claims to be a fan. Not good. She apologised to me lots. 12:42 PM Nov 11th from web
15.    MrRickyWhittle Long day of jive, cramps, pain and in need of a third lung 8:36 PM Nov 10th from Echofon

16. laurabhere @strictlyblog EW. ANTON. RUMBA. EW. EW. MY. EYES. #scd 6:57 PM Nov 10th from web

17. laurabhere Oh sssh Anton. They were lifts..you were overmarked. Had that been Brendan; he'd have got 4's or 5's. You were lucky to get 7's! #scd 6:56 PM Nov 10th from web
18. strictlyblog classic quote from my mum - "is her name Erin Bong?!" 6:34 PM Nov 10th from web
19. BrianFortuna Already doing it xRT @SammRobyns: @BrianFortuna make sure you carry ali everywhere after rehearsal so she doesn't stand on her foot!!!!! 4:39 PM Nov 10th from TweetDeck
20. BrianFortuna No. We had no idea. RT @elizaday24: @BrianFortuna Craig said he couldn't fault it, did you have feeling that you were going to get a 40? 9:51 PM Nov 9th from TweetDeck
21. strictlyblog Loving Craig R-H's camptastic jacket, anyone fancy an ice cream? #ITT 6:47 PM Nov 9th from web
22. laurabhere And Craig IS still deluded. Will it ever end?! #scd 6:40 PM Nov 9th from web
23. MrRickyWhittle My auntie carol is comin to watch me from Jamaica on sat night, wanna do her proud!! Can't wait to get started on jive 5:57 PM Nov 9th from Echofon
24. ClaudiaWinkle Morning. Crumpets. Coffee. Talking about dancing. Curry. Bed. Nice. 8:58 AM Nov 9th from web
25. strictlyblog the wooden floor in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom has more personality than Leona Lewis. F 8:28 PM Nov 8th from web
26. Erinboag Wow, that was close!!! Great show last night. VW next week. Let's hope we can get his shoulders down. A lot of work to do. 12:12 PM Nov 8th from web
27. thebrendan_cole Heavyweight fight... What a load of rubbish... Haye and I should swap jobs as he did more dancing and dodging around than I do! 12:25 AM Nov 8th from mobile web
28. strictlyblog Heard members of production team comment that they should hold the finals of #SCD at the ballroom & that it was an amazing show. - C 10:44 PM Nov 7th from web
29. thebrendan_cole What a cracking show! Probably one of the best Strictly's I've ever been at! Very special 8:42 PM Nov 7th from mobile web
30. strictlydancers On the bright side, Flavia is free, FREEEE! Her relief was palpable. 8:21 PM Nov 7th from web

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to front this weekend's show.

The BBC announced this morning on its Strictly Come Dancing twitter page that Bruce Forsyth will not be presenting the show on Saturday 13 November due to a bout of flu.

Here are the tweets:

bbcstrictly BREAKING NEWS... Due to a bout of the flu and on doctor's orders, Bruce will be unable to host Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday... #scd

  bbcstrictly BREAKING NEWS... However, Tess Daly will be stepping into Bruce's presenting shoes. Strictly Come Dancing, Saturday, 6.50pm #scd

Let’s hope Brucie gets well soon.

On Friday's It Takes Two show Claudia Winkleman annoucned she would also be involved in the show.

She said: "Tess wil be front of house with the judges and I'm going to be helping out."

She then read out a message from Bruce: "To Tess and Claudia, wishing you the very best for tomorrow night. Sorry I can't be there but the show could not be in better or prettier hands. You deserve one another. Lots of love, Bruce."

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Here are the training hours for this week, as revealed on Thursday’s It Takes Two:

I’ll provide the full list of who’s doing which dance in tomorrow’s preview.

On the show were Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan. There is still plenty of tough love going on in training.

Ola said: “When I shout at him I feel sorry for him.”

Chris added: “It’s usually accompanied by a tweak of the nipples.” I think we can assume he means his not hers.

He’s trying to play the role of a tough matador for their paso doble but he isn’t always successful. “I’ve got cape burns on the back of my neck,” Chris commented.

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna turned up to get all emotional about their maximum 40 for the Viennese waltz. Quite right too.

“I was in shock,” said Brian. “I had to watch it back to believe it.”

They did no training on Monday for this week’s cha cha cha because Brian had food poisoning. Oops.

Head judge Len’s masterclass will go down as an all-time classic. He and Winkleman recreated John Sergeant and Kristina Rihanoff’s paso doble when John dragged Kristina across the floor.

Winkleman proved to be something of an immovable object when she lay down but not before Len had been able to instruct her: “Take a firm grip and lower yourself.”

Quality broadcasting.

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Hurrah! It’s time to review the hairstyle sported by The Tess Daly (she’s everyone’s favourite newspaper) on week eight of Strictly Come Dancing 2009.

Saturday November 7 2009 – close to classic Tess but with slightly more right eye coverage than expected.

OK, that concludes this week’s Tess Daly hair update.

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Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? Was that really 30 minutes?

Natalie Cassidy and Vincent Simone were first on.

There was an amusing montage of Vincent’s occasional challenges with English.

But the mockers were really on the It Takes Two caption writer who produced this particular gaffe during the sequence: Pronunciation.

Next was a nice piece about a couple who met at a dance during the war – a good item to put in on November 11.

Then Su Judd, Strictly’s costume designer, talked about tango outfits, reviewing those sported by Kelly Brook, Zoe Ball and Lisa Snowdon. Zoe’s dress was the best of the lot, as was her tango with Ian Waite.

Nicola Atkinson and Hilary Alexander previewed this week’s line-up of dresses. Of note were the following:

• Jade has an orange and black dress. Looks good.
• Blogger’s wife was disappointed by Natalie's foxtrot dress. Based on what Natalie wears on the It Takes Two couch blogger’s wife reckons Natalie needs to be given a black dress with arms covered.
• Laila's rumba dress has worrying shades of green. Hilary suggested Laila’s outfits have made her "queen of the fringe," which until this series was a title held by Winkleman for her hair.
• Ali's cha cha cha dress could be good. We reckon the real thing will look better than the dodgy sketch.

Last on were Jade Johnson and Ian Waite.

They were surprised to have avoided the dance-off on Saturday because they were fourth on the leader board and they had previously ended up in the dance-off with their samba when they had been third.

"I’m going to come out of the closet and say we want to be in the final,"  said Ian, prompted by Vincent’s earlier comment that he wanted to reach the final with Natalie.

Jade and Ian are doing the tango this week. Jade says she is "loving it."

Which bodes well.

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First on were Ricky Groves and Erin Boag, the couple who survived Saturday’s dance-off.

Erin argued the lift in their routine in Saturday wasn’t a lift.

Karen Hardy in choreography corner agued the opposite. She said the definition of the lift was: using assistance from your partner and having both feet off the floor. “Could she have done that without Ricky’s assistance?” she asked rhetorically.

She applied the same argument to the two lifts in Laila and Anton’s paso doble.

Ricky and Erin are doing the Viennese waltz this week whereas Laila and Anton (who were also on the show) are doing the rumba. Laila looks to be in danger of slipping into another phase of Latin negativity. She said she felt the rumba was going to be like her jive (ie disastrous).

Also on the show were friends and family of some of the celebs: Natalie’s friend Amy, Ricky’s mum Irene and Laila’s friend Nihal.

Ricky’s mum was the most revelatory. She said Ricky’s dad could not watch the dance-off and went to make a cup of tea. She added that Ricky’s gran has become a celebrity in her own Norfolk village as a result of Ricky’s being on the show.

Marvellous.

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A simple enough start to the week.

There was:

1. A big report from behind-the-scenes at Blackpool presented by the ever versatile James Jordan.

2. Eliminated couple Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace. Craig was still convinced he performed than the judges thought he did. Flavia spoke of her relief at not having to take any more abuse from the judges.

3. Judge Craig Revel Horwood saying he was finding more good in the performances than judge Bruno.

4. Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas. They’re doing the American smooth this week. Phil’s knee problem will make the lifts challenging.

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Actor Craig Kelly is the eighth celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing series seven.

The judges’ scores
Here are the judges’ scores from Saturday night:

Ali and Brian – 40

Ricky and Natalie – 35

Chris and Ola –  34

Jade and Ian –  33

Natalie and Vincent –  31

Laila and Anton –  30

Phil and Katya – 28

Ricky and Erin –  25

Craig and Flavia –  17

The dance-off
After the viewers’ votes were added to the judges’ leader board Craig and Flavia, and Ricky and Erin were left in the bottom two and faced the drama of the dance-off.

The judges voted as follows:

Judge Craig: Ricky and Erin

Judge Alesha: Ricky and Erin

Judge Bruno: Ricky Erin

So out went Craig and Flavia

Head judge Len’s vote was not needed but he said he would have voted for Ricky and Erin.

(Our thanks to the ever brilliant Miss Bubbles for doing the live blog – you can read her comments in the previous post)

My full review of Saturday night’s performances:

As usual we have Brucie’s reaction, our view, blogger’s wife’s opinion, the judges’ views and the scores.

Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe – tango

Brucie: What about it? What about it? What a start to the night.

Our view: A couple of slips but otherwise well danced. I don’t think the music worked for this routine.

Blogger’s wife: Really beautiful dress. Didn’t particularly like the choice of music but the staccatos seemed to suit the tango. I felt they went wrong a couple of times but when they went right they were amazing.

Head judge Len: You are the most consistent of all our couples. Whatever comes your way you give a full dance performance. I’m not going to talk about you know what because somebody else will. You attacked it full bore, no messing about, with so much passion, I absolutely loved it.

Judge Alesha: An amazing opening to the show. You remained very strong and in character. This is a real partnership.

Judge Bruno: Strong, dramatic, powerful, a sprinkle of arrogance, an underlying sexual tension that gives you the chills. You can tango.

Judge Craig: I can see the disappointment in your eyes, you knew you blew it entirely but it did have a lot of control. I felt you were leading the dance which is splendid.

8 9 9 9 = 35

Natalie Cassidy and Vincent Simone – quickstep

Brucie: What about it? How about it? It’s a big floor, isn’t it?

Our view: I enjoyed the first half and found myself holding my breath hoping they wouldn’t mess up. I didn’t like the second part quite so much.

Blogger’s wife: Possibly Natalie’s best dress to date because it covered her arms and shoulders but still not very flattering. Dance was quick and well danced but didn’t feel clean enough to me.

Judge Craig: I would have liked to have seen you a little bit lighter at the beginning I felt you were holding on for dear life. You’ve got to get your feet together in that Charleston section which is not great. We cannot take your exuberance and energy away, that was amazing.

Head judge Len: I am smiling because it was a smiley sort of dance. It had enough energy to keep the illuminations on for two full weeks. You lost your posture a bit. Lovely start, lovely end and a silly bit in the middle.

Judge Alesha: This dance suited you Natalie. A lot of interesting content and you coped very well. You deserve to be here and you are still a contender.

Judge Bruno: Natalie, this quickstep was like a ride on the big dipper. Plenty of highs and a few lows. Great fun overall.

7 8 8 8 = 31

Jade Johnson and Ian Waite – jive

Brucie: What about it? What a cheeky dance.

Our view: They did well. Is it OK if I say it didn't wow me?

Blogger’s wife: A Jade dress disaster. At times she and Ian were mirroring each other nicely. I don’t think the music suited the jive so I didn’t enjoy it.

Judge Craig: I am surprised. That is the girliest we have seen you dance. I was expecting it to be a bit more tankish but it was really wonderful to watch. Lots of lovely kicks and side-by-side stuff. You need to point your feet but wonderful, wonderful stuff.

Head judge Len: I thoroughly enjoyed it and for a tall person you really captured the essence of the dance.

Judge Alesha: Your legs are amazing, Jade. That was a really cool jive. It was cute, quirky. We can see how fit you are because it didn’t seem like you were out of breath at all. I think you have been Miss Consistency and you’ve been under the radar. You’re the dark house of the competition.

Judge Bruno: You’re so statuesque yet you move like a whippet. Your timing was good. For once I agree with Craig, you’ve got to point your foot on these flicks and kicks.

8 8 9 8 = 33

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna – Viennese waltz

Brucie: Lovely performance.

Our view: Exquisite.

Blogger’s wife: Beautiful dress, beautiful song, beautiful dance.

Head judge Len: Last week I thought Ricky’s was the dance of this series, I’ve now changed my mind, that was.

Judge Alesha: I felt the emotional connection between you tonight. For me that was very romantic, it was beautifully danced, Ali. There’s nothing else I would want from a Viennese waltz. 

Judge Bruno: A magic venue, an enchanting dance. Dance has the power to lift our hearts and to really make us dream; you did that tonight.

Judge Craig: Very disappointed, I could not find a single thing wrong with it.

10 10 10 10 = 40

Ricky Groves and Erin Boag – salsa

Brucie: That was better than the dress rehearsal.

Our view: He can do some steps so why doesn’t he work on improving those rather than mess about with all this egging on the audience nonsense?

Blogger’s wife: Rather unrefined but I quite enjoyed it.

Judge Alesha: Crowd pleaser: yes. Salsa boy: no.

Judge Bruno: From the sublime to the ridiculous. That was entertaining but it was all over the place, it’s so easy.

Judge Craig: Your hands bother me somewhat, they become poodle paws. I didn’t mind the routine and I did love your verve.

Head judge Len: You give it your all. You’re a bit of a rough diamond and you need to polish it up a bit.

6 7 6 6 = 25

Laila Rouass and Anton du Beke – paso doble

Brucie: Lovely. The actress came out there.

Our view: Clever Anton: he chooses some modern music (well I know the song is decades old but I mean it’s not traditional paso music) and choreographs a Latin routine that he can do as well as she can. I still didn’t enjoy it, though.

Blogger’s wife: It had the look of a paso but somehow it missed the feel. Maybe it was the music.

Judge Bruno: Truly the Spanish beauty. You have to keep the drive all the way through.

Judge Craig: Confident but lacked any real connection between you. I was slightly surprised at the lift.

Head judge Len: It would have been your best dance but I have got to knock a point off for the lift.

Judge Alesha: You were mesmerising. A very confident attempt. I enjoyed it.

  7 7 8 8 = 30

Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas - rumba

Brucie: What about it? Very balletic.

Our view: I didn’t enjoy that. A lot of posturing and repetition. No romance.

Blogger’s wife: Katya didn’t give Phil enough dancing, bit lacking in content.

Head judge Len: Lovely lines throughout. I don’t know about the romance, more like having a snog in the back of a banger.

Judge Alesha: Nice pivots, nice soft approach to the dance.

Judge Bruno: Simple, effective but for a sex God it lacked a bit of the hip action.

Judge Craig: You found one step you could do well and you just repeated it and repeated it and repeated it. Not your dance.

6 8 7 7 = 28

Brucie: You’re my favourites

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan - foxtrot

Brucie: Listen to it. Just wonderful. How about that? They loved it.

Our view: He closed those splayed fingers on the back early on and after that it was very good.

Blogger’s wife: Ola’s dress was absolutely beautiful. Fantastic dance, a few dodgy moments with banana hands and Chris singing along.

Judge Alesha: Such a cute couple. You danced that so well Chris. Growing in confidene you upped your game.

Judge Bruno: Your smoothest dance to date.

Judge Craig: Keep a long neck and that dance you will own [has Yoda suddenly taken over Craig's speech?].

Head judge Len: You create your own standards on this show. That was your best dance, that is what I am expecting from now on.

8 9 9 8 = 34

Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace – cha cha cha

Brucie: You got a standing ovation from one person. It was his dad.

Our view: Terrible.

Blogger’s wife: It’s time for people not to vote for Craig.

Head judge Len: We’ve seen all the couples and in fairness to them yours is the weakest performance.

Judge Alesha: I can’t believe Zoe’s gone and I had to endure that. You’re not as good as you think you are.

Judge Bruno: At the start when you stood still I could admire Flavia. It just was not good enough.

Judge Craig: You’ve got to hope people at home are voting for you. It reminded me of a Thunderbird.

Brucie: You’re my second favourites.

3 5 4 5 = 17

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Show kicks off:

We're live from Blackpool! Here comes Bruce and Tess and I love her dress. it's two shades of pink and it fits her like a glove. Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster are in the audience as is Mark Foster and Rav Wilding. It's a convention of ex Strictly dancers! Bruce makes a bad joke about the plush surroundings and MPs second homes. Sack his scriptwriter please! Time to meet the celebrities and Natalie Cassidy is in yet another unflattering dress.

Ricky & Natalie – tango

First couple out is Ricky?! Thought they'd save the best until last. Anyway, they're dancing to You Really Got Me by The Kinks and Ricky's doing his very best to be the very best. I don't think it's a good song choice, I'm not feeling this tango as much as I felt his quickstep last week and... Trip! Mistake! Oh dear. He'll be marked down for that. Not Ricky's best dance.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "I  think that was an amazing opening to the show... that was a real partnership... well done!"

Judges' total score: 35

Natalie & Vincent – quickstep

They're dancing to Tu Vuo' Fa L'Americano by Fiorello (the internet is a wonderful thing). I don't like Natalie's dress but I do like her attitude. She always gives it 100% and although this quickstep is nowhere near as good as Ricky Whittle's was last week, it's still nice to watch.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "I think the dance really suited you... you deserve to be here; you're still a contender."

Judges' total score: 31

Jade & Ian – jive

She's tall - can tall girls jive? Well, as the music starts (Flip Flop & Fly which was in The Blues Brothers movie but I think it was Little Richards song originally), it's clear that this girl can move. She's got rhythm and she's got movement. Love Jade's green dress - she looks very athletic (well, she would do but you know what I mean) and her dancing was so energetic... I loved it!

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "Your legs are amazing, I'm not being funny! You're the dark horse of the competition."

Judges' total score: 33

Ali & Brian – Viennese waltz 

Are you in the mood for Do Right Woman, Do Right Man by Aretha Franklin? Well this is what Ali and Brian are dancing to. It's like they're floating on air - veryt graceful... I think this is Ali's best dance yet.

Judges' comments: Alesha said: "I felt the emotional connection between the two of you... there's nothing more that I'd want from a Viennese waltz."

Judges' total score: 40 - wow top marks! Sorry, but I think she's been scored too highly. I think that was a 36 at most.

Ricky & Erin – salsa

Time to go Latin as the ex EastEnders dances to Salsa Acuyuye by D.L.G. As usual, Ricky is giving it his all, but he needs to shut his mouth... he looks as though he's trying to catch flies. I don't like his gyrating either - it's a bit jerky and not very smooth. As usual the crowd is lapping it up but it's not Ricky's best effort.

Judges' comments: Alesha said: "Crowd pleaser, yes. Salsa boy, no."

Judges' total score: 25

Laila & Anton – paso doble

I'm not convinced by Anton's Latin routines but as they step out to Eric Clapton's Layla, this is one of the better ones. However, I think that Laila needs to be a bit more agressive with her approach to this dance. Not bad but I've seen better pasos.

Judges' comments: Alesha said: "I thought you was [sic] mesmerising... a very confident attempt, I enjoyed that."

Judges' total score: 30

Phil & Katya – rumba

Who doesn't like Paul McCartney? Tuffers dances to his classic song Maybe I'm Amazed. He looks like he's having a real good time out there and, as always, he cracks me up. I must admit, the routine is lacking a bit of content - it's kind of repetitive but still, I'm buying whatever he's selling.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "You do create some lovely lines but watch your arms." Craig didn't like it much at all.

Judges' total score: 28 

Chris & Ola – foxtrot

My Fair Lady is one of my favourite films! The music is I Could've Danced All Night and Chis looks really composed. He's dancing very well (he's still mouthing the words a bit. The judges won't like that) - the audience seem to be loving him. I think this is his best dance yet... could we be seeing some more 10s?

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "Such a cute couple, I have to say..., you danced that so well... you upped your game!"

Judges' total score:  34

Ricky and Natalie – tango

Craig & Flavia – cha cha cha

Brace yourself everyone - it's Craig time. They're dancing to Phil Collins and Phil Bailey's Easy Lover and although Flavia looks hot, Craig looks clumsy. I bet his mum's cringing with embarassment because I know I am. He simply has no rhythm - he just cannot dance.

Judges' comments: Alesha said: " I can't believe Zoe's gone and I had to endure that. You're not as good as you think you are... looks like dad's back."

Judges' total score: 17

My favourite celeb tonight: Jade Johnson, she was great. 
My least favourite celeb tonight: Craig Kelly... words can't describe how bad he was tonight.

Now it's time to catch-up on how the celebrities did so the tape is rolling. Tess talks to some of the gang and has a few kind words for Craig Kelly.

Bruce talks about the size of the ballroom floor being twice the size of the one in London. The professional dancers show it off to great effect by performing a lovely Viennese waltz.

Tess now introduces a second group dance which is performed by all the celebrity dancers still in the competition. It's time to swing! But my goodness, Craig Kelly has lost his step - the poor man. It really is time to go.

Special guest this week is Rod Stewart - a big soul fan, he sings Same Old Song by The Temptations as his wife Penny Lancaster dances along to it. He sounds pretty good (unlike last week's disaster with The Bee Gees). Penny Lancaster definitely upstaged her husband.

The celebs are now pleading for our votes. We're about to find out who's through to the next round of the competition.

The Dance Off

As we come down to the final three couples - it's Laila, Craig and Ricky Groves and... That's it, Craig's gone! Craig and Ricky are in the dance off! Craig is a goner for sure.

Ricky dances first and he doesn't do too badly

Craig dances next and it's just as awful as the first time.

The Judges' decisions

Craig saves Ricky 

Alesha saves Ricy
 
Bruno saves Ricky

Craig's out! It's academic but Len would've saved Ricky too. Well, no surprises there. We all knew that Craig would go the minute he landed in the dance off. 

And that's a wrap! What did you think of tonight's show? Has the right person gone out? We'd love to hear from you so please have your say. That's it from me, I'm out of here. Join MSN's Strictly blogger Matt Ball for his full recap of tonight's show. I'll be back next week for another live blogging session.
 
Goodnight from Miss Bubbles.

It’s week eight of Strictly Come Dancing 2009 .

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

What’s the format for this weekend?

There are nine 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 treat us to a stunning Viennese waltz, and music is provided by the legendary Rod Stewart.

It should also mention that Rod’s wife Penny will dance with Matthew Cutler.

Who’s performing which dance?

• Ricky and Erin – salsa
• Chris and Ola – foxtrot
• Ali and Brian – Viennese waltz 
• Natalie and Vincent – quickstep
• Phil and Katya – rumba
• Laila and Anton – paso doble 
• Ricky and Natalie – tango
• Jade and Ian – jive
• Craig and Flavia – cha cha cha

When is the show on TV?

Saturday night
6:25pm to 8:15pm 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 – superblogger herself 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 Natalie Cassidy will lose to Ricky Groves in the dance-off. Wrong! Of course, if I had predicted Zoe vs Ali in the dance-off, I’d have been laughed off the internet before the show had started; it’s just so unpredictable this year.

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

Craig Kelly 5/6 
Chris Hollins 5/1 
Natalie Cassidy 6/1 
Ricky Groves 9/1 
Laila Rouass 14/1 
Jade Johnson 14/1 
Phil Tufnell 16/1 
Ali Bastian 20/1 
Ricky Whittle 66/1 

Last week I said Craig Kelly would make it to Blackpool and then the voting public would drop him like a stone.

I stand by that. There’s no point voting for him now he’s achieved his aim, although I wasn’t sure what the point of keeping him in for the past few weeks was anyway, poor soul.

So this week, I predict Craig Kelly will lose in the dance-off. But to whom? Pick a name, any name. They’ll all thrash Craig anyway and I can’t see the judges wanting to save him. Let’s say…Laila Rouass.

Here is my selection of top Strictly tweets for this week.

Great work by @Chickytweeta, in addition to all the Blackpool fun and games.

You can follow me on twitter at twitter.com/thisismattball. And you can view all the tweets that I mark as favourites by using this link twitter.com/thisismattball/favorites.

And here’s my Strictly Come Dancing Twitter list: http://twitter.com/thisismattball/strictly-come-dancing.

NB: the most recent tweets in the list below are at the top so you might want to start at the bottom and scroll up.

1. scdfansite

   I would give anything to be on that Strictly bus! It really is like a school trip for the most popular contestants! #scd #Strictlyabout 3 hours ago from web

2. Erinboag Just arrived at Blackpool. What a tough week. I have three dances to perform on saturday. I need a good sleep.about 16 hours ago from web

3. Chickytweeta Guys, i just had a REALLY scary thought...what are we going to speak about when #scd finishes....? *gulp*about 18 hours ago from mobile web

4. Chickytweeta Ricky, you'l have no problem with not smiling...you didnt in all your other dances!! #scdabout 20 hours ago from mobile web

5. Chickytweeta Claudia's been dancing for 7 series and she's still as crap as trashy kerplunsky #scdabout 20 hours ago from mobile web

6. Chickytweeta Is it just me, or does len seem to orgasm every time he and claudia dance...? Quite off putting. #scdabout 20 hours ago from mobile web

7. alexanderfletch Is about to interview #scd duo Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace. Waiting for them at gym in waterloo. Feel like a proper fatty12:28 PM Nov 5th from mobile web

8. angelahouwen Just read on blog of Sandra Fortuna, Brian Fortuna's mum.. "I liked the devotion of Ian's fans, because I like him, too." How sweet! :) #scd11:24 AM Nov 5th from web

9. Midget500 The new eroginous zone is the shoulder!? Err the men havent found the others yet, isnt it wrong to give them more "homework"! #itt #scd6:53 PM Nov 4th from Tweetie

10. Midget500 Wonders how much eyeshadow they go through a week on strictly's #itt ? #scd6:38 PM Nov 4th from Tweetie

11. MrRickyWhittle Was in car crash this mornin,then was nearly hit by two trucks on way to work,someone tryin to tell me somethin?Will I make it to Blackpool?12:52 PM Nov 4th from Echofon

12. Isaynohoo Getting married on Saturday!!! Wonder if anyone will notice if I nip off to watch Strictly??! #scd12:40 PM Nov 4th from Twitterrific

13. SalFindlay Come on the public - vote properly now on #scd. We aren't X factor fans!11:22 AM Nov 4th from TweetDeck

14. scdfansite I am such a sap I was nearly crying along with @BrianFortuna and Ali's VT from Saturday night! #scd #ITT6:39 PM Nov 3rd from web

15. MrRickyWhittle Tango routine is ledge, nats has pulled a blinder, dance is good, music is good, gonna be hard with little time to rehearse,so much fun tho4:06 PM Nov 3rd from Echofon

16. philtufnell Sad to c zoe go was pleased with tango thought I mite hv got afew more marks but highest score to date rumba another story #strictlytuffers9:29 PM Nov 2nd from Echofon

17. nathanvear watching #life: do you think brian fortuna-fish from #strictly is on it?9:05 PM Nov 2nd from TweetDeck

18. carlanickels chris or ola, ola or chris not sure who i like more!! ♥ #strictly6:57 PM Nov 2nd from web

19. DaveMyers1 Does anyone in #Strictly ever say they ARENT best friends - same old tired statement every week - surely some of them must hate each other?6:45 PM Nov 2nd from TweetDeck

20. MrRickyWhittle 3 scenes down,nice cuppa tea & loadsa choccy biccies,I'm such an athlete!!leg is feelin sore,always Monday when wkend pain catches up,ouch!11:08 AM Nov 2nd from Echofon

21. Gem_Lou Lots to do today - going to have breakfast and watch CRH talking about #strictly, then time for shower and start the work!8:51 AM Nov 2nd from web

22. ian_mannly Am I the only one who couldn't help looking at Ricky Whittle's tight pants as well as dancing?! What an outline! Yum! #strictly11:31 PM Nov 1st from web

23. Erinboag Lets get ready to party. Salsa for Ricky and I this week. Have to get his hips moving. Might add a shimmy or two to spice things up.8:42 PM Nov 1st from web

24. ianwaite Long day today rehearsing pro celeb group dance. Exhausted! Choreographing pro dance and jive tonight and I thought Sunday was day of rest!6:13 PM Nov 1st from Tweetie

25. thebrendan_cole By the way...dig from Craig was quite funny...I do like a little banter! Feel so sorry for James and Zoe leaving...not right at all!2:43 PM Nov 1st from web

26. PrincessSharon Contemplating going to 'Blackpool' at the weekend......to throw stuff at Craig Kelly12:57 PM Nov 1st from web

27. regengirl Just seen The Bee Gees on last night's #Strictly - possibly the scariest tv of the year.12:20 PM Nov 1st from dabr

28. KatyaVirshilas Being on Strictly is a dream,love every second!two more weeks till my mom comes. Hope team tuffers is still there. thanku for the support.9:10 AM Nov 1st from web

29. MrRickyWhittle Best night ever,three 10s,but zoe and James will be sorely missed, zoe is sweetest woman ever,so genuine and friendly and James a true gent4:49 AM Nov 1st from Echofon

30. strictlydancers But where would be the suspense if the worst dancers were voted off in order? (Though God knows who's voting to save Craig!)12:47 AM Nov 1st from w

Oh, quite a disparity in the training hours so far this week.

Here is the training leader board, as revealed on Thursday’s It Takes Two;

The best comment during the training footage came from Natalie Cassidy: “We’ll make Ali quake in her ballet pumps.”

The best moment in the training footage was Ola Jordan taping up Chris Hollins’ mouth (he counts out load and it annoys judge Alesha) and right hand (judge Craig dislikes the splayed fingers) to appease the judges.

Jade Johnson and Ian Waite turned up to enthuse about the jive. Despite their height they feel the training is going well.

“This dance was made for Jade,” said Ian.

Head judge Len’s master class attempted to recreate Lisa Snowdon and Brendan’s foxtrot from series six.

With hilarious consequences.

Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas were last on.

They didn’t agree with head judge Len’s criticism of the number of hours they train. Phil said he had to record Question of Sport (a 30-minute TV quiz – why doesn’t Katya go to Manchester with him? I remember Darren Bennett heading off to Ipswich to train with Letitia Dean while she was in panto there.) and Katya said what was more important was the quality of the training not the quantity.

They’re doing the rumba this week. Phil has to be dominant and yet show a softer side too. “Every time I do it you just laugh at me,” he said to Katya.

Bodes well.

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It’s never too late to review the hairstyle sported by The Tess Daly (she’s everyone’s favourite newspaper) on week seven of Strictly Come Dancing 2009.

Which is just was well as it’s Thursday evening already (I’ve been busy doing my day job this week).

Saturday October 31 – the Bunfight at the OK Corral.

OK, that concludes this week’s Tess Daly hair update.

The key item in Wednesday’s show was head judge Len’s mid-term report.

Here is how he ranked his pupils:

Laila Rouass and Anton du Beke were first on. Anton said he felt their Viennese waltz was worth a nine (most fo the judges had awarded it an eight). Laila was frustrated by Bruno’s comment which focused almost entirely on her Latin performances not her Viennese waltz.

They’re doing the paso doble this week. The music they are dancing to is Layla by Derek and The Dominos, not a pizza delivery company but a popular beat combo formed in 1970 with Eric Clapton as guitarist and singer.

Strictly dress designer Nicola Atkinson and The Daily Telegraph’s fashion director Hilary Alexander previewed of some of Saturday’s dresses. The sketches of the outfits looked good. Blogger’s wife was particularly pleased by Natalie Cassidy’s dress which has long sleeves and could at last be the flattering outfit Natalie deserves. One possible shocker is Jade Johnson’s lurid green jive dress. I wonder what Ian Waite will wear to accompany it?

Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace turned up to say not very much. Craig thinks the pressure is off him now he has got to the round held at Blackpool. They’re doing the cha cha cha this week.

Oh, one more thing: Winkleman’s shoes: think bird’s nest.

PS I thought she did well hosting Never Mind The Buzzcocks last night.

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Famous last words are becoming a theme.

Two weeks ago after they had come off the dance floor James Jordan had said to Zoe Lucker: “You won’t have to do the jive again,” only to find they had to do it again in the dance-off.

Yesterday’s behind-the-scenes clip showed a relieved and injured Ali Bastian saying: “No more drama for me, that’s it,” after finishing her paso doble. Then she found herself in the dance-off wearing flat shoes.

The after-show footage from Saturday showed a very emotional Brian Fortuna. He explained: “The experience is horrendous. It’s the realisation that it could come to an end. Then I looked over to James. He’s been like a brother to me since I came over. It’s not just a TV show to us; it’s Strictly.”

Ali and Brian are doing the Viennese waltz this week.

After some stats from the stats man the show moved on to Choreography Corner, although I can’t see any corners on the It Takes Two set.

Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova talked about Saturday’s routines. Here is a summary of their comments:

On Ricky Whittle’s quickstep, Lilia said it was the best dance she’d seen so far. The steps were intricate and the routine “took us on a journey. It had a beginning, a middle and an end.”

On Phil Tufnell’s tango, Lilia said Phil took on the character of the dance: “sophisticated not cheeky chappy”. Darren commented on how well Phil moves around the floor.

On Ricky Groves’ rumba, Darren said the routine was “almost like a visual technique book”. Overall both he and Lilia disagreed with some of the judges about the lack of content although Darren suggested Ricky “could breathe more” which is good advice we can all follow in our daily lives, I’d say.

On Natalie Cassidy’s jive, Lilia said: “I want to dance with Natalie.” Her point was not to usurp Marian Keyes from her position as the nuttiest fan of all time but to emphasise Natalie’s positive attitude in training; it’s just what the pro dancers want to see from their celeb partners.

On Jade Johnson’s foxtrot, Darren commented on how Ian Waite choreographs “every beat so everything looks clean and crisp”. Ian and Jade also used every inch of the dance floor.

There was then a section of rapid-fire answers to Strictly forum users’ questions including “what’s your favourite flavour of ice-cream?” (Ali Bastian replied: “Chocolate. I don’t think I have to explain why. I think you know.”) and “Do you have any pets?” Jade Johnson does not but said she’d like a stick insect.

Last on were Natalie Cassidy and Vincent Simone.

Suddenly, everyone left in the show has decided to get serious. Natalie was very sad to see Zoe Lucker eliminated but added: “It’s made me more competitive because I wanted her to win. Now the gloves are off.”

They are doing the quickstep this Saturday. Vincent has decided to choreograph a very difficult and complex routine which even some of the other professionals think is too much.

Vincent explained: “We always go for the public and wow factor. This week I’m going for the judges.”

Natalie looked to Winkleman and added: “I’ll see you Monday.”

Two key things to mention:

1. Natalie did not say the quickstep is her favourite dance.

2. Blogger’s wife thinks Natalie’s outfit on It Takes Two looked flattering and was far better than any of her Saturday costumes.

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Here is some PR blurb for this weekend’s show:

Rod Stewart has been revealed as the musical guest for this Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing, which comes live from Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the home of ballroom dancing. Rod will be performing the hit 'Same Old Song' - and will be joined by his wife, and former Strictly contestant, Penny Lancaster, making it a real family affair! 

Penny will be teaming up with Strictly professional dancer, Matthew Cutler, to perform a Cha Cha Cha during Rod's performance. This will be the first time that Penny has returned to the show since competing in series five in 2007. Penny didn’t get to perform the Cha Cha Cha when she was on the show so it's a dance she has waited a long time to do.

Rod and Penny will be flying up to Blackpool in their own private jet, while the rest of the Strictly crew will be travelling up by coach. Strictly professional dancer, Ian Waite, partnered Penny when she was on Strictly so he may try to cadge a lift for him and Jade!

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Hurrah for the Monday show.

All major topics were covered: Zoe and James’ exit, judge Craig vs head judge Len, Chris Hollins’ mojo.

But first was a look at what the sound crew does. It’s all very complicated and involves up to 60 microphones and lots of buttons and knobs.

Zoe Lucker and James Jordan turned up to do the eliminated couple bit.

Poor James. Gabby Logan, Cherie Lunghi and now Zoe Lucker: all good dance partners eliminated before they should have been due to the viewer vote and the judges’ dance-off decision.

My own view is that in addition to being a good dancer James is very good at choreographing routines that suit his partner. Despite his alpha male image, he never gives himself the best moves or shows off his own talent to the detriment of his partner. I am convinced that we have not seen the best of him due to his untimely exits from the show. If he were able to continue longer he would have the opportunity to show us more of his talent because his partner would improve and he would tackle different dances.

Zoe said she was “very sad, gutted”. She also used the J-word.

“We’re grieving,” she concluded as the camera moved on to James who was wearing a dark suit and tie.

James said he expected to be mid-table in the judges’ leader board because Laila and Jade were doing ballroom and Ricky Whittle was always likely to be top of the chart. “Obviously we didn’t have massive, massive public support. I’ve gone out on the samba before.,” he said.

Winkleman suggested the public might not have connected with them because “there wasn’t a big drama” unlike Craig Kelly being so desperate to reach the round held at Blackpool and unlike Natalie Cassidy who was eager to do the jive. “Do you regret not having a bust-up over a banana?” she asked.

It turns out they had no regrets, fruit-related or otherwise. They said they had enjoyed training together and become good friends. Even James was tearful when their Strictly highlights rolled. Aah.

Next on was judge Craig Revel Horwood. He said that the decision on who to save in the dance-off “really was 50/50. I didn’t know what to do. I could have easily taken my vote back and given it to Zoe.”

Both couples went wrong in the dance-off which made it difficult to choose. Craig said he voted for Ali because “she is naturally a better dancer”.

Head judge Len Goodman then piped up on the phone from Los Angeles. He said his average mark for both Ali and Zoe had been eight during the series (I’ll take his word for that, I haven’t checked) and as they had both messed up in the dance-off it was too close to call.

Len said it was “unfair of the public to put us in that position”. I think it’s unfair to blame the public here. Each viewer votes for who they want to vote for. They cannot control who anyone else votes for. Len should be blaming the voting system. Some of your comments on this blog at the weekend suggested the viewer votes should involve, for example, only the couples in the bottom half of the judges’ leader board. This system, or some variant of it (no doubt, verified by KPMG), could help to prevent good couples leaving the show early.

As for the spat between head judge Len and judge Craig, it was all quite amicable, really. Len said he felt sorry for Ricky Groves after judges Alesha, Bruno and Craig had had a go at his rumba performance. Craig had got annoyed at Len’s pointing at him.

“Don’t be a bully, Craig,” Len said.

“Don’t be a bully back, Pointy,” replied Craig without too much seriousness.

In the defence of judge Craig
I think Len was a tad out of line on Saturday. Craig criticised the routine not Ricky when he said he found “the routine conceited”. Sure, that wasn’t a nice adjective but it was his opinion of the impression the routine gave him. For Len to retort that he does not like sitting next to Craig and to say that Craig is always so destructive in his comments is far worse. And, reviewing most of Craig’s comments from Saturday’s show, he had a lot of positive things to say about many of the performances. If any of the judges were being grumpy and hyper-critical in the past two weeks, it’s been Bruno.

Last on were Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan.

Mojo-wise, the discussion centred around the judges' comments that Chris and Ola were back to their best and their best was week one's rumba. So, effectively, they're right back to where they started but in a good way.

Chris said: “You can whip me hard and I will respond.” This related to Ola’s hard-driving but successful approach in training and it’s a handy sound bite for the It Takes Two editors to have on video, I’m sure.

They are doing the foxtrot this week.

Chris expects James Jordan to be phoning him even more now that he is no longer in the show. James gives Chris tips and feedback because he is so keen for his wife to do well.

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