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Strictly Come Dancing series seven 2009. The MSN blog.News, results, report and gossip about series seven of the BBC ballroom dancing show Strictly Come Dancing - brought to you by MSN's Strictly Come Dancing blogger. |
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Strictly Come Dancing 2009 series seven, the hit BBC ballroom dancing show, returns to our screens on Friday 18 September 2009. Get all the Strictly 2009 gossip, rumours, news, results and reports on this MSN blog.
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November 14 Phil Tufnell Is Out Of Strictly Come Dancing 2009Former cricketer Phil Tufnell was knocked out of Strictly Come Dancing series seven after losing to Ricky Groves in the week nine dance-off. 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.  Jade, it appears, will be allowed to dance next week. The judges’ scores 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 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) The show was presented well by Tess Daly (Bruce Forsyth was unwell due to a bout of flu). She backed up admirably by Claudia Winkleman who brought a great sense of fun but what was that rather pointless appearance from Ronnie Corbett all about? What do you think of the show? Did the right couple get eliminated? Did you feel the Tess-Claudia double act worked? Are you missing Brucie? Have your say in the comments section below.
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 Share It
Live blog: Strictly Come Dancing 2009 week nine SaturdayHello all! I'm Miss Bubbles from MSN's soap blog, A Slice Of Soap. Hope you're all enjoying this live blog. I'm here until the end of the series. Strictly blogger Matt Ball will follow later with a detailed recap of tonight's show and he's also on Twitter so follow him here. This is a live blog so Press F5 to refresh your screen and keep up with all the latest happenings. Feel free to leave comments at any time throughout the show...
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.
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.
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
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.
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. 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
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.
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!!!. 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 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.
Strictly Come Dancing 2009 week nine previewWeek 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?
When is the show on TV? Saturday 14 November 2009 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 This week I predict Ricky Groves will lose in the dance-off to Laila Rouass. Do you agree? Have your say now. Share It
November 13 30 best Strictly Come Dancing tweets of the week (week ending November 13 2009)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.
Bruce Forsyth will not be presenting Strictly on SaturdayTess 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:
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."
November 12 It Takes Two Review – Thursday 12 November 2009Here 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. Share It
Tess Daly hair update – Strictly 2009 week eightHurrah! 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. Share It
November 11 It Takes Two Review – Wednesday 11 November 2009Doesn’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:
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. Share It
November 10 It Takes Two Review – Tuesday November 10First 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. Share It
It Takes Two Review – Monday November 9A 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. Share It
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