Strictly Come Dancing 2008 series six. The MSN blog.: Blog

Strictly Come Dancing 2008: latest rumours - Kelly Brook to have another go?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:14:34 GMT

The latest rumours about contestants for Strictly Come Dancing series six include:

Actress Debra Stephenson (Frankie Baldwin in Coronation Street)

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

The Daily Record believes that a recent gathering in London about the next series included Davina McCall, Richard Hammond, Leigh Francis and June Sarpong. It also reports that Kelly Brook was there.

Kelly, you'll recall, had to leave Strictly Come Dancing series five due to her father's passing away.

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Strictly professional dancers end pay dispute

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:32:22 GMT

This week The Sun reported that the Strictly Come Dancing professionals had ended their pay row with the show's producers.

They will now earn £30,000 - up from £23,500.

Strictly series six 2008 will last 14 weeks.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2008 rumours: Sharon says no

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:28:28 GMT

The Sun is reporting that Sharon Osbourne has turned down the opportunity to appear on series six of Strictly Come Dancing.

Instead she will have her own variety show in the US.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2008 rumours: Sharon Osbourne

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:46:24 GMT

Well that would be a Strictly Come Dancing series six coup, wouldn't it?

Sharon Osbourne has said she is quitting as a judge on The X Factor, the ITV show that battles for ratings with Strictly Come Dancing, AND it appears she might be keen to get her dancing shoes on.

The Sun quotes a 'pal' saying: "It would make one hell of a TV battle, so don’'t be surprised to see her hitting the dancefloor."

OK, we won't be surprised.

However, hasn't she said she's quitting as an X Factor judge before?

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Strictly Come Dancing 2008 rumours: Hollyoaks actress wants to take part

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:32:17 GMT

Strictly Come Dancing series six rumours continue.

It's now Gemma Merna's turn to say she's interested.

She plays Carmel McQueen in (blogger's wife's favourite) Hollyoaks (I have to leave the room when it's on).

On the Daily Star website she says: “I would love to be on Strictly...I think that being able to dance is so sexy, especially for a guy. I just like all the glamorous dresses the girls get to wear, it would be fantastic.”

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http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/tv/news/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=8286036

Strictly head judge Len Goodman slam pay row 'lies'

Tue, 13 May 2008 07:31:30 GMT

Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has hit out at newspaper reports that he's threatening to quit the BBC show unless he gets a pay rise.

Speaking in Los Angeles where he's currently judging the US version - Dancing With the Stars - Len insisted "it's a pack of lies", before joking: "Honestly, I'd rather part with my penis than give up Strictly Come Dancing!"

At a special celebrity football match held at David Beckham's LA Galaxy ground, Len said he'd stopped worrying about what the UK papers say: "I don't care, it's just a load of nonsense really, people write what they want to write. At first I used to get all stressy but what does it matter?"

Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli also came to Len's defence: "We never speak to the press. Len and I are the worst - we don't even have publicists because we just do our job. The moment you're in the public eye there is always speculation like this but it doesn't come from us. From what I'm concerned I'm pretty sure he's going to do the show."

pa.press.net

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Strictly judges' pay row

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:31:32 GMT

How much are the Strictly judges worth?

More than they're paid, according to, er, well, themselves.

A report in The Sun says that they get about £60,000 a series but want more.

Their argument is that the X-Factor judges earn far more and Strictly is in a ratings war with the ITV show.

They'd settle for £80,000 to £90,000, apparently.

Wouldn't we all?

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Strictly Come Dancing series 6: rumour - Austin Healey

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:26:37 GMT

The latest celeb on the Strictly Come Dancing 2008 rumour mill is former rugby scrum half Austin Healey.

His comments in an interview with The Times aren't conclusive but it sounds like his daughter is keen for him to do it.

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Bruce Forsyth wins Bafta Fellowship

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:20:26 GMT

Many congratulations to Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth who received the Fellowship award at the Bafta TV awards on Sunday April 20 - thoroughly deserved.

MSN TV blog: Bafta coverage

MSN TV: everything you need to know about Bruce Forysth.

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X-Factor's Simon Cowell and Strictly's Bruno Tonioli to swap places?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:46:13 GMT

I do hope this doesn't happen - a job swap between Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli.

Speaking to the Sun newspaper's TV Biz supplement, Bruno said: "We like a bit of a giggle - there is no competition between us. Simon has a lot of ideas for new TV shows and we were discussing swapping jobs – I'll do X Factor and he'll do Strictly.

"It would be for charity, perhaps Children In Need."

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Mark Ramprakash and Kara Tointon win Strictly Sport Relief

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:22:29 GMT

Sport Relief Does Strictly Come Dancing made an appearance last night as part of the charity event's evening entertainment.

Former contestants such as Matt Dawson and Roger Black were paired with other celebs.

After the judges' scores and the audience votes were put together former Strictly winner Mark Ramprakash and his dance partner EastEnders actress Kara Tointon triumphed.

Perhaps not the highest quality dancing we've ever seen on Strictly but that's hardly the point. It was a valiant effort and all in a good cause.

What will stick in my mind is Tess Daly's report from Bangladesh - some dreadful scenes of what young children there go through.

If you want to donate to Sport Relief you can do so through the Sport Relief website.

Happy 80th Birthday Brucie!

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:16:37 GMT

Congratulations to Mr Saturday Night!

He's 80 today.

MSN has a super Bruce Forsyth at 80 tribute with loads of cool stuff, which is well worth checking out.

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Sport Relief does Strictly Come Dancing

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:14:15 GMT

You won't have to wait til next autumn to see some more Strictly Come Dancing on your TV.

In March you'll be able to watch Sport Relief does Strictly Come Dancing.

Full details on the Beeb's Strictly site, below are the highlights of the announcement made earlier this month:

Some of our favourite sporting stars from series gone by will be returning to the studio to show off their moves as Sport Relief does Strictly Come Dancing.

The sporting stars will be joined by five raw-recruits and will be keen to show the judges that they have kept on dancing.

Sport Relief 2008 is all about challenging yourself, friends, family and colleagues to do something sporty and raise cash.

Series four winner Mark Ramprakash and runner-up Matt Dawson resume their simmering rivalry.

Our esteemed panel of judges will ensure order though with Len Goodman Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood on hand to give their verdicts.

Denise Lewis, Roger Black and series three winner Darren Gough make up the quintet of returning sports stars.

EastEnders star Kara Tointon, Hollyoaks' Gemma Bissix and the first lady of British musical theatre Elaine Paige will be pairing up with them.

Olympic long-jumper Jade Johnson and ex-football heart throb David Ginola make up our five new faces.

Make sure you're watching on March 14th to find out who wins Sport Relief does Strictly Come Dancing.

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Loud bloke with bad hair won't be presenting Strictly

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:04:03 GMT

Great news!

Rejoice!

There is no way Vernon Kay will be presenting Strictly Come Dancing.

He's signed a new deal with ITV so there's no way he can present a BBC show.

Now all those rumours about him replacing Bruce Forsyth can finally go away.

I'm sure Vernon's great and a lovely guy but he's not the chap for Strictly. Leave Brucie alone, that's what I say.

Thank you ITV.

Easily the best news of the week.

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Tess Daly hair - the final update (for now)

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:55:42 GMT

Somewhat belatedly please find below my final Tess Daly hair update (until the next one).

This one closes off the series five final, the Christmas Day special and the fun but self-indulgent isn't Strictly great (yes, it is, by the way) programme from December 28.

The final:

Christmas special:

Dec 28 show:

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Strictly Come Dancing 2008: rumours

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:52:46 GMT

It's never too early for Strictly Come Dancing series six rumours about likely contestants.

Indeed, Patsy Kensit was a rumoured contestant before series five had ended.

Today's reports are that Richard Madeley could be competing.

Tracy Emin is also on the Strictly rumour merry go-round.

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Alesha: after Strictly food shopping is a joy

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:10:42 GMT

What is life like after you win Strictly Come Dancing?

Well for a start you get back to reality. Alesha Dixon said on this morning's BBC Breakfast that after training every day for about four months it was a joy to just do normal things such as go food shopping and see family over Christmas.

She spent New Year's Eve having dinner with Strictly dance partner Matthew Cutler after which they went and danced in a club (freestyling rather than ballroom, they said).

But Alesha won't be slowing down for long. She's off to Asia to promote her current album and she is working on the next one.

Matthew is appearing in the Strictly Live tour.

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Darren Gough and Lilia win Strictly 2007 Christmas Special

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:08:10 GMT

Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova won the Strictly Come Dancing 2007 Christmas Special.

Their American Smooth won a maximum 40 from the judges and after the studio audience votes had been counted they were crowned champions, pipping Gethin and Camilla whose waltz had also got 40.

Well done to them and best wishes to you all.
Cheers,
Matt

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Alesha Dixon wins Strictly Come Dancing 2007

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:09:36 GMT

Alesha Dixon won series five of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night.

She was top of the judges' leaderboard and her performances on the night and her consistently high standard throughout the series were rewarded when she also topped the viewers' vote to become champion.

Congratulations to her and her professional dance partner Matthew Cutler.

And well done to Matt Di Angelo and his dance partner Flavia Cacace for making it such a great final.

Our full review of the Strictly 2007 final is in the previous post below.

What did you think of the final?

Who do you think should have won?

Have your say now by clicking the Add a Comment link.

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Strictly Come Dancing 2007 final: scores and review

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:29:35 GMT

A great night's entertainment in the final of Strictly Come Dancing series five.

Here is the judges' leaderboard after each couple performed a ballroom dance, a Latin dance and the judges' choice dance:

Alesha Dixon 39 + 38 + 35 = 112
Matt Di Angelo 36 + 39 + 35 = 110

Review of the first show

Ballroom dances:
Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace - American Smooth

Our view: Very good lifts and a very good start to the show.

Blogger's wife: A thoroughly enjoyable routine. He was light on his feet and the lifts were fabulous. And before we go any further let's just be clear that it's great to have the results show on the same evening as the performances.

Brucie: What a great start. Well done both of you. Absolutely lovely.

Head judge Len Goodman: Lovely hold, beautiful movement across the floor. One or two little foot things that we won't talk about.

Judge Bruno Tonioli: It's the first hurdle of an incredibly competitive night. You did a great job.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood: Occasionally and only occasionally there was unsteady placement of your supporting foot but it was a very, very, very cool, calm, collected performance.

Judge Arlene Phillips: From the waist up you were smoother than our own head judge Len Goodman but from the waist down it was sadly lacking in perfect footwork and sway.

9 9 9 9 = 36

Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler - Waltz

Our view: Enchanting. Well controlled. Elegant.

Blogger's wife: I loved her dress. It was a quite magical performance.

Brucie: What about it? What about it? Lovely, lovely.

Judge Bruno: It sent shivers down my spine. Your musicality, it is superb.

Judge Craig: Goosebumps, again. You've really tidied up your footwork. I found it flawless.

Judge Arlene: Triple A. Alesha: absolutely amazing.

Head judge Len: They've said all the good stuff. You picked your feet up on the pivots. On the double reverse spin you had something going on. You're the most elegant dancer but it wasn't flawless.

10 10 9 10 = 39

Latin dances:
Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace - Salsa

Our view: It was great when he performed it in week eight and it was great again tonight. I just love that routine.

Blogger's wife: Amazing. Whenever I hear that music again I'll always think of that dance.

Brucie: How about it? Absolutely marvellous.

Judge Craig: The energy in that was amazing. Brilliant.

Judge Arlene: Sensational shimmy. Absolutely fantastic.

Head judge Len: I loved your salsa last time you danced and for me it was just a scrape better than the last time.

Judge Bruno: That salsa shakes those winter blues away. You're flying high.

9 10 10 10 = 39

Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler - Cha cha cha

Our view: Spectacular.

Blogger's wife: Fabulous.

Brucie: How about it? Marvellous. Wonderful, wonderful.

Judge Arlene: That cha cha cha was cheekier than Chicago and flashier than Flashdance but there were a couple of times when you didn't straighten your knees.

Head judge Len: When I'm asked 'Who was the best girl celebrity on Strictly? I say: 'Jill Halfpenny' but henceforth I'm going to say Alesha.

Judge Bruno: If this cha cha cha was a West End show I would want to watch it over and over.

Judge Craig: I really loved it.

9 9 10 10 = 38

Judges' choice:
Both couples performed to the same piece of music (We Love To Boogie by Marc Bolan, which had been chosen by the judges)

Matt and Flavia performed a quickstep and scored 9 8 9 9 = 35

Alesha and Matthew did a jive and scored 9 8 9 9 = 35

So that left Alesha two points ahead after the three dances.

Review of the results show
The couples both performed a Viennese waltz. The judges didn't score it but by their comments it was clear they all felt both had done well.

Matt and Flavia did their show dance and received a standing ovation and rave reviews from the judges.

Alesha and Matthew then did their show dance and got the same reaction.

A great and fitting end to the show's performances.

Strictly Come Dancing 2007: preview of the final

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:56:19 GMT

We started out back in October with 14 couples.

We're now down to the last two of Strictly Come Dancing series five.

And what a final it promises to be.

Alesha Dixon vs Matt Di Angelo.

The celebrities
Alesha is best known as one third of R&B girl band Mis-Teeq.

She has been consistently the best performer in Strictly series five, winning lavish praise from the judges and receiving 14 maximum 10s.

The only question mark has been over some of her footwork which is why judge Craig has never given her a 10.

Matt played the part of Deano Wicks in EastEnders.

He has performed brilliantly in Strictly some weeks and other weeks he has let his nerves get the better of him, leading to some poor displays where he has totally forgotten the routine.

When he is at the top of his game he has the talent to get scores as high as those Alesha has received.

The professionals
This is the first Strictly final for both professional dancers.

Alesha Dixon's partner Matthew Cutler is a Latin American dance specialist. He has been UK Closed Professional Latin Champion in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005.

Matthew has choreographed some great routines in Strictly 2007 and has even been able to cover up the odd occasion when Alesha has forgotten her steps.

Matt Di Angelo's partner is Flavia Cacace. With her professional partner Vincent Simone she was World Argentine Tango Show Champion 2005/2006.

The great chemistry between Flavia and Matt is one of the key reasons behind their success.

The dances
Each couple will dance five times in total. In the main show they will perform their favourite Ballroom dance, their favourite Latin dance and a judges' choice, in which both couples dance to the same piece of music.

In the results show at 9:25pm the two finalists will perform a group Viennese Waltz and a Show dance where unlimited lifts are permitted.

The music
As usual the official Strictly site lists the songs but teases us by not saying which song goes with which dance:

A Time For Us - Johnny Mathis

For Once In My Life - Michael Buble

Crazy In Love - Beyoncé

Vehicle - Carlos Oliva

We Love To Boogie - Marc Bolan

What is clear is that Crazy In Love will be for Alesha's cha cha cha and Vehicle goes with Matt's salsa. They used these tracks to great effect when they performed those dances in week eight.

The show times
Saturday December 22 BBC One 5:50pm - 7:15pm
The main show where the finalists receive their marks from the judges.
Saturday December 22 BBC One 9:25pm - 10:10pm
The results show.

The odds
Here are the odds at the time of writing on the William Hill website.
Outright winner of series five:
Alesha Dixon 4/11
Matt Di Angelo 2/1

Our coverage
As usual we will post the scores on Saturday evening as soon as the main show is over and as ever we look forward to reading your views on the performances.

And we'll be back later on Saturday evening once the winner is announced. I'm sure that the outcome will prompt some lively debate in the comments section of this blog so do join in.

My prediction
This series has been full of surprises. Alesha has received terrific scores from the judges almost every week and is rightly the favourite.

But can Matt the underdog hold his nerve and somehow sneak past her to victory? You know, I think he can.

PS
Almost all my predictions have been wrong.

Your view
What do you think? Who do you think will win Strictly Come Dancing 2007?

Click the Add a Comment link below to have your say.

Matt vs Alesha - head to head

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:53:24 GMT

Here is how the Strictly Come Dancing 2007 finalists compare week by week:

Week	Matt and Flavia	Alesha and Matthew
Week One	Cha cha cha 23	Group dance
Week Two	Group dance	Rumba 31
Week Three	Jive 30	Jive 36
Week Four	American Smooth 36	American Smooth 33
Week Five	Paso Doble 31	Foxtrot 36
Week Six	Viennese Waltz 29	Salsa 35
Week Seven	Quickstep 34	Waltz 38
Week Eight	Salsa 38	Cha cha cha 39
Week Nine	Tango 32 Rumba 33	Tango 38 Samba 36
Week Ten	Foxtrot 26 Samba 29	Viennese Waltz 38 Paso Doble 36
Semi-final	Argentine Tango 35 Waltz 40	Quickstep 38 Argentine Tango 38
TOTAL	416	472
AVERAGE	32	36.3

Alesha has received 14 maximum 10s from the judges (none from judge Craig).

Matt has received six maximum 10s (including judge Craig's only 10 of the series so far). He is the only contestant in Strictly Come Dancing series five to have scored 40 for a dance.

Both will have to perform five dances on Saturday.

Who do you think is going to win the final?

Click the Add a Comment link below to share your views.

PS
Have you tried MSN's Strictly Come Dancing series five quiz?

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