Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Cha Cha Cha

I wasn't a big fan of their Cha Cha the first time round, though the judges seemed to really like it. Let's see if Ricky can change my mind.



Some of Ricky's forward locks are really good, and then some appear to have no hip action whatsoever, and he does need to look at those hands.

It still didn't wow me i'm afraid, but I can't really fault it too much, will give this a 9.

Click here to comment!

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Cha Cha Cha

Not quite sure on the pants in the training Ricky…

Seems to be dancing more with his upper body than his hips early on and I do wish he’d do something with his free hand when it’s not in use.

I don’t feel like there’s as much choreography as I’d be expecting from these two either.

A bit of a letdown for me personally but should get at least 8’s.

Click here to comment!

We're famous!

Well the BBC have finally uploaded one solitary picture of us from the 'Come Dancing With Strictly' event in Blackpool!

Not the best photo they took of us during the day so i'm sure there'll be more...maybe.

For more photos from Blackpool visit the BBC website.

Click here to comment!

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Cha Cha

A perfect dance last week, sadly I don't think they'll perform quite as well this week - Ali hasn't performed well in the fast Latin dances so far.

The fringing is hiding the inadequacies in her hip action, and an obvious mistake in the middle.

Didn't really float my boat, but then pretty much what I was expecting from the performance.

Should score ok though and probably 7-8.

Click here to comment!

The moment of truth, dance off, and result

Who stays, and who has to dance again?

Well done Ian for getting through!

So Phil gets public support, how about CK?

Out of those bottom 3 (Laila, Ricky Groves, Craig) I think Laila will be through...

Sorry CK but I think your time is definitely up now!

Good to see Ricky gets the arms correct this time, and dances better than earlier.

A better performance too from Craig but no question that it's his swan song and i'm predicting a 4-0 form the judges.

4-0 it is. Craig got his dream of getting to Blackpool but it would've been a travesty if he had got any further.

Click here to comment!

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Cha Cha

It was Craig's dream to make it to Blackpool, and I think people voted for him because of that, but I don't think you're going to make it any further. Let's hope you prove me wrong with a good performance tonight!

At least you're enjoying yourself Craig, you look like a little kid in a toy shop - especially when you're on your knees looking up at Flavia.

Entertaining, for all the wrong reasons, and pretty poor I'm afraid.

You'll be lucky to get 6's.

Woah, that's quite a bitchy comment from Alesha there, she didn't need to be quite so harsh. Brucie makes Craig his 2nd favourite.

Judges scores: CRH 3, LG 5, AD 4, BT 5.

Click here to comment!

Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster to perform at Blackpool

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!

Oh and if anyone fancies getting me in for the show on Saturday I definitely won't say no - private jet not required!

Click here to comment!

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Cha Cha

Fast and cheeky, this could make or break Chris.

A bit too stompy throughout, needs to be softer and push through the floor, and Craig is definitely going to mention the 'banana' hands (as Emma's just described them!), he needs to make sure there is a some shaping in his hands.

Another round of 7's I would say.

Click here to comment!

The result

Unfortunately for Richard there was no comparison between him and Craig, surprised Len would've voted them however (not sure if that's a consolation vote though!)

Next week then will see all 14 couples competing against each other, but with only one dance to do rather than the two that most have struggled with so far.

At least I only have to set aside a Saturday night now that the Fridays are finished with.

Now I know the results please feel free to leave any comments/feedback!

Click here to comment!

Moment of truth and dance-off

Here comes another tense couple of minutes!

Yet another poor decision by the audience, but I think that's just signed Richard's death knell.

So Craig up first with the Tango, and again an uncomfortable looking start - needs to work on the upper body, specifically the frame, and also to lead with the body and not the arms.

Still think that, barring a significant improvement from earlier on, Richard will be going out 4-0.

Richard's timing's definitely better this time around, and still enjoying himself in his hitchhiker moment.

Not enough of an improvement however, and hands really need to be facing toward the floor rather than straight ahead.

Click here to comment!

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Cha Cha

Confident in training and not afraid to move her hips around will be interesting to see whether technique is forgotten once the performance takes over?

Need to cross the legs during a lock step Natalie and the arms are a little flung out at points.

Lively in places but not inspiring, think this will be a 6.

Click here to comment!

Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova - Cha Cha

I do think that could be the last time we see Jo (aside from the dance-off), as I'm not sure she's popular or well-known enough to get the audience vote.

Richard's shoulder injuries, and unfortunately obvious lack of rhythm, could be his failing in this Cha Cha - but at least he's trying hard.

Seriously out of time i'm afraid Richard, but at least you're enjoying yourself! Shame the hips are only showing an appearance now and then. Really not sure about the thumb-to-shoulder dance step.

Definitely tried hard but I think this will be a 5.

Click here to comment!

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Cha Cha

Aside from a slight mistake last night, their Tango was good last night, so i'm hoping for good things with their Cha Cha.

Cheeky start, slight mistake with her timing creeping in and I don't think the judges will be so forgiving this time.

No real hip movement of life in the dance, probably lost all confidence with her early mistakes.

Predicted a 7 but think this will only manage a 6 at best.

Click here to comment!

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Cha Cha

The Cha Cha's a cheeky dance so this could really suit Phil's personality, let's just hope his hips turn up too!

Predicted a 6 for this based on the mid-week training.

Not sure about the hands on the stomach at the start, or the little skip.

Needs to relax the shoulders a bit, and the hips are a little forced, but not bad. Do think it'll be a 6 though.

Click here to comment!

Training updates

So the night of the new celebrity competitors is almost upon us, and last night's It Takes Two had training updates, how is their training coming along?

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas
Waltz - Needs to relax the shoulders, just holding his arms a little high (arms should be a slight incline down from the shoulder). Overall doesn't look too bad, if nerves don't get the better this could be a 6-7.

Cha Cha - Could potentially give Ricky Groves a run for his money...? If i'm honest I think Phil will only manage a 6 at best.

Zoe Lucker & James Jordan
Waltz - Looks elegant (when not falling over!). Definitely going to give Ali's Waltz a run for her money.  Could be a 7-8.

Rumba - Looks quite good, so long as Zoe can ignore her nerves surrounding the sensual side of the dance.  Another 7-8.

Jo Wood & Brendan Cole
Tango -  Needs to keep chin up, still closing up and looking at the floor.  Brendan always dances with passion so let's hope Jo can keep up.  Think the nerves might get the better of her though and predicting a 6.

Rumba -  A couple of nice moments but haven't seen enough of the dance to truly judge, think another 6.

Richard Dunwoody & Lilia Kopylova
Waltz - Needs to relax the shoulders, the frame is just there for show and should be kept uniform and relaxed. 5-6.

Cha Cha -  Oh dear, I don't think the Cha Cha is going to be Richards thing, looks uncomfortable and again another 5-6.

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace
Tango - Flavia's speciality is the Argentine Tango and Ballroom Tango is a close cousin so hopefully something good can be created here.  Right shoulder should not be raised during lines, needs to watch this. Predicting a 6.

Rumba - Hips look a little forced at times, probably going to be a 6.

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone

Tango - Flavia's partner Vincent is also a specialist in Tango, coupled with Natalie's passion for dancing and her acting abilities, this should be good.  Haven't seen enough of the dancing but i'm predicting a 6-7.

Cha Cha - Natalie definitely doesn't appear to be shy about moving around in the Cha Cha but does need to make her chasse a little softer.  Should be a lively 7.

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe

Waltz - Looking really good, though still needs to watch those shoulders and try and keep level. Going to say a 7-8.

Rumba - Has natural rhythm and looks quite good, a 7 easily if he pulls it off on the night.

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke
Tango -  So finally Anton get's a younger celebrity and ,some might say, his actual real chance to win.  Can't see the feet but this could be the best dance of the night, 8.

Cha Cha - Nice hip action and looking good, think that'll be a 7.

Don't forget that our blog will be a little late tonight due to our regular Friday night practice session, but don't worry i'll be watching it, and commenting, as soon as I get home so check back after midnight!

Click here to comment!

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag

I think Ricky's personality will come through in the dance, but there might be problems from the waist down.

...

Stompy but certainly lots of personality, though I feel like my eyes have been burnt by the hip thrusting at the judges.

Not bad forward walks but again another celebrity who has to learn to use the floor better - not easy though and that will hopefully come with more practice.

...

Overall a lively performance let down by slightly rigid and legs and feet.  I think this will be a 6.

Click here to comment!

Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff

Hmm...Joe Calzaghe and Cha Cha...

Could be good personality-wise but I need to see some hips to be convinced!

...


Need to loosen up Joe and weight over the balls of your feet.  Don't throw the arm back in the New Yorks.

I'm afraid there aren't many hip actions being shown here and I think this is going to be 4-5.

Click here to comment!

Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett

Not sure if i'd have marked 8 for Ali & Brian's Rumba, but then that's why i'm writing a blog and not judging!

...

So a cheeky Cha Cha in store hopefully!

...

Unfortunately no real hip movement, needs to use the floor a little better (hip movement is generated by pushing into the floor).

Should be dancing on the balls of the fleet and seems flat at points.

...

Admittedly not as good as Ali's Rumba so I suppose I might have under-marked, but I think this will be a 5/6

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite

 Sorry i'm a little bit late starting tonight guys - had to finish preparing my dinner so it could cook during Strictly.  It's ok though as I paused the program so i'm hoping i'll be able to catch up quite quickly!

Here goes:

Cha Cha definitely likely to suit Jade more than the Rumba

...

Hips are a little forced, needs to loosen up.  Also need to keep the head up.

...

Energetic performance but I think a 6

Click here to comment!