Joe Calzaghe has claimed that Strictly Come Dancing is fixed!

In an interview with The Daily Mail boxer Joe Calzaghe has claimed that Strictly is fixed.


The former contestant has accused the BBC of fixing his departure from the show, after he made a comment "...worse than a swear word..." about fellow contestant Craig Kelly.

Apparently producers regularly told Joe that he received the highest weekly votes in the show, but then in the week following his comment about Craig he then found himself in the dance-off and out of the show.

Though I do seem to recall that that was the first week when Joe wasn't actually bottom of the leaderboard - and therefore tugging on the underdog heartstrings!

This follows on the back of complaints about Jade Johnson being allowed to sit out this week's show due to injury - but I can't understand the complaints as it's not the first time a contestant has been granted a by. Jimmy Tarbuck was granted a week's break in 2006 after doctors recommended he didn't dance.

Ok so he then pulled out completely (probably the same thing Jade will unfortunately have to do if her injury is as bad as feared) but it's only fair to give them one week to recover if that's what it takes.

I don't believe Strictly is fixed, the only way Joe could have stayed in as long as he did (and Craig too) would be with the public vote supporting them!

Do you agree with Joe, or Strictly's stance on Jade?

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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.

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Leaderboard

Final leaderboard is as follows:

1. 40 points - Ali and Brian
2. 35 points - Ricky and Natalie
3. 34 points - Chris and Ola
4. 33 points - Jade and Ian
5. 31 points - Natalie and Vincent
6. 30 points - Laila and Anton
7. 28 points - Phil and Katya
8. 25 points - Ricky and Erin
9. 17 points - Craig and Flavia

A much better week for performances than last week (barring Craig I'm afraid).

I think the bottom two this week could be Phil and Craig...

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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.

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Evening Show

A packed theatre in Blackpool's Winter Garden Opera House was the setting for the evening screening of Strictly Come Dancing.

There was an almost feverish party atmosphere in the theatre, and even though they were re-showing the highlight reel that we'd been subjected to earlier in the day, people were in the mood to cheer (Mark Ramprakash's Argentine Tango, Jill Halfpenny's Jive) or laugh (John Sergeant's Paso Doble, Fiona Bruce's Jive) at the various scenes.

Dominic Littlewood and Karen Hardy returned to host the evening show, we were told that the videos and pictures that had been taken throughout the day would be appearing on the BBC website during the coming week - none of us yet though!

We were shown a highlights reel of the morning dance sessions (we were on the afternoon session) and this was pretty much the same video you'll have seen on the live show.

Rav Wilding and Mark Foster were re-introduced onto the stage and we were shown some highlights of their appearances on the show before they had to duck out to head over to the Tower, but not before Mark put his arm round Karen and commented on how great she looked, how she should still be in the show, and 'You're my favourite'.

Dominic then introduced highlights of Karen's appearances on Strictly, including Gary Rhodes Cha Cha (receiving a lowly 1 from Craig) and Mark Ramprakash's Salsa. Karen talked about how much she loved dancing, which she'd being doing since the age of 5, and had been so honoured when Strictly had convinced her to come out of retirement after her 6 year break (and a baby).

Matthew and Aliona made a surprise visit to perform an elegant Viennese Waltz

Matthew talked about how everyone at the Tower was so excited, and due to the significantly increased audience numbers there was a really great atmosphere.

Aliona talked about how this was her first time visiting in Blackpool, and how much she was enjoying it.

Before the live show was due to start Karen gave her comments and predictions on the show to follow:

Ali Bastian was still suffering from her injured foot, and with a dance such as the Viennese Waltz - heavy on technique - she could find it difficult to perform.

Craig Kelly would most likely be going out as it was definitely his time to go.

Ricky Groves started as a clown but is now taking it seriously and could be a real dark horse in the competition.

It was then time for the live show, Karen told us she'd be sticking around to comment on the show at intervals, and I settled down ready to make my notes on the evening performances...

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The moment of truth!

With a chance to dance in Blackpool at stake who's going to be fighting for their place this week?

Are we going to see any shocks this week...

As predicted Craig has been saved for Blackpool (though it's likely he may go out in his home town unless there is significant improvement!)

Well done Jade & Ian, I bet that's a relief after last week.

Again as predicted Ricky Groves has been saved by the audience, though obviously I was wrong about Natalie potentially being in the bottom two. I still think Phil will be saved so this could be a shock week ahead.

...and there's the confirmation.

So a definite shock in store with Zoe and Ali both ending up in the bottom two. Based on scores earlier in the night I think Zoe will be going home, though it's a shame either of these were in the bottom two.

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Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 39 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 35 points - Jade & Ian
3. 33 points - Ali & Brian
4. 33 points - Laila & Anton
5. 32 points - Zoe & James
6. 30 points - Natalie & Vincent
7. 30 points - Phil & Katya
8. 29 points - Chris & Ola
9. 24 points - Craig & Flavia
10. 24 points - Ricky & Erin

For the most part I found this to be quite a disappointing week, though Ricky was fully deserving of the 10's he received - as I said in my critique it was incredibly difficult to find any fault.

I feel a lot of the celebrities have stagnated in recent weeks and will need to seriously improve if they have any hope of getting further.

Each week this bottom two gets harder to call but I'm going to go out on a limb and say Chris Hollins and Natalie Cassidy in the bottom two (I just think there'll be more public support for the other three near the bottom)

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Waltz

Craig is hoping to make it to Blackpool next week, but has thus far not managed to impress the judges with his attempts - will the Waltz be any better?

Craig's frame is vastly improved on his previous attempts at ballroom, and actually is one of the best frames I've seen from any of the celebrity males this year.

Ok the dance lost it in places but I think it's his best dance so far.

He should achieve 7's.

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The moment of truth!

Expecting a Jo and Craig dance-off, but how will the audience have voted? Also for those that were at the Royal Albert Hall with us last week I hope you recognised the World Champions on the night doing their display!

Truly amazing dancers and you can see why they're number 1 in the world! Shame we were up in the circle as you do miss the impact from dancers like that.

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On to the moment of truth then, and a shock first save for Craig.

Surprised to see Jade & Ian in the dance-off, but no chance now that Jo will survive to dance again next week.

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Leaderboard

Leaderboard this week is as follows:

1. 37 points - Ali & Brian
2. 33 points - Zoe & James
3. 32 points - Jade & Ian
3. 32 points - Ricky & Natalie
5. 29 points - Ricky & Erin
5. 29 points - Natalie & Vincent
7. 28 points - Chris & Ola
7. 28 points - Laila & Anton
9. 25 points - Phil & Katya
10. 18 points - Craig & Flavia
11. 14 points - Jo & Brendan

I don't think there was much between Zoe and Ali tonight and I don't think Ali was 4 points better than Zoe, but still think that top spot is accurate - shame Zoe had those couple of slips. Also still surprised that Chris is so far down the table...

The bottom of the table looks as expected and I do think this week will see the bottom two in the dance-off, with Jo likely to be the one to go.

How would you have scored it?

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Samba

Craig hasn't really managed a good Latin dance so far in the competition, and unfortunately I don't think Samba is going to be any different.

A very timid performance and lacking in the drive and energy normally expected in a Samba, though Craig does appear to be enjoying himself.

A few mistakes, and a lack of hip action will see this being lucky to get 6's I think.

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The moment of truth!

Will Craig be in another dance-off, will the two Jo(e)s be saved again?

Well that's one of the Jo(e)s through!

Craig manages to escape the dance-off, bet they're relieved. Out of those three Zoe surely has to be through, could this be the week Joe finally takes a bow?

Now that's a shock, but definitely going to be Joe going home this time!

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Leaderboard

All the celeb's have danced, how does the leaderboard look?

1. 36 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 35 points - Jade & Ian
3. 30 points - Zoe & James
4. 29 points - Ali & Brian
5. 27 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 27 points - Phil & Katya
7. 25 points - Ricky & Erin
8. 23 points - Jo & Brendan
9. 22 points - Laila & Anton
10. 22 points - Chris & Ola
11. 21 points - Joe & Kristina
12. 20 points - Craig & Flavia

Well Joe managed to lift himself from the bottom, though didn't expect Craig to be at the bottom. Would've personally put Jade & Ian at the top but maybe I'm biased!

I think it'll be a Laila and Craig dance-off.

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Jive

Before I get onto Craig and Flavia's dance, I don't agree with Ricky's being a 10 Alesha, at least not if you haven't marked Jade's a 10 too!

Anyway, can Craig overcome yet another dance-off confidence shaker?

Interesting outfit Flavia...

Definitely energetic, though it looks a little loose, lacking in control and Craig's a bit ahead of the music.

Very stompy in the chasses.

Still think 6's.

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The result

As predicted Lynda has been sent home, but it was close.

I may not have written it, but I did think that was going to be a 2-2 result.

Out of the bottom two I think the right person went, but still would prefer to see one or both of the Jo(e)s in the dance-off.

Did the judges make the right choice?

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The dance off!

Lynda up first:

Does seem a bit livelier, why does Lynda save the better performances for the dance-off?!

I still don't think it has enough drive however, and just as I was about to say how good it was to see her not make the same mistake again, she mucks up the ending. Shame.

Now for Craig:

A little bit John Wayne in places (some of my male students might recognise that phrase!)

Frame does look better this time round.

Again I think a better performance than during the show.

This is really going to be a hard one to call but I think they will say that Craig has more potential.

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The moment of truth!

How will the public have voted this week? Will Anton & Laila's top spot protect them from any backlash from the public?

Yes, is the answer to that question - we'll never know how close that vote was!

Joe Calzaghe saved from the bottom spot for yet another week, is the whole of Wales voting for him?!

Jo Wood saved as I predicted, Craig could still be in the bottom two...

Well done Ian, could tell you were getting a little worried there!

Out of these two it's difficult to call but I think Lynda might be going home, she has surprised me before though.

str

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Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 34 points - Laila & Anton
2. 33 points - Zoe & James
3. 32 points - Ali & Brian
4. 32 points - Ricky & Natalie
5. 29 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 29 points - Jade & Ian
7. 28 points - Ricky & Erin
8. 25 points - Chris & Ola
9. 24 points - Lynda & Darren
10. 24 points - Craig & Flavia
11. 24 points - Phil & Katya
12. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
13. 20 points - Joe & Kristina

As predicted then Laila is top and Joe is stuck to the bottom.

Getting a little bit more difficult to call now but I think it will be a Joe and Craig bottom two...what do you think though?

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Foxtrot

Craig had a really tough time last week so let's hope he remembers the whole routine this week, and keep that frame strong!

Frame is definitely improved, though the left arm is moving around far too much, it should stay in position throughout the dance.

Would help with balance in the spins and turns if he stopped looking at Flavia.

A little coarse and stiff in parts, but a nice performance. Think it will be 6's.

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Quickstep

Problems with his arm lines last week could be recreated in this fast and difficult dance.

Not too sure on Flavia's dress but an energetic start, though Craig needs to keep his shoulders down.

The worst thing about Quickstep is how noticeable it is when you jump and your partner doesn't, unfortunately Craig's errors are very noticeable.

Top line still requires a lot of work and I think this could be 5's

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Strictly Clementine video blog

Clementine, the living fashion doll, is a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing and like millions of people is following every heel-turn of the hit BBC show.

Each week the dolly diva will be sharing her thoughts on Strictly in an exclusive video diary for BBC Norfolk.

In the second week of the series, jockey Richard Dunwoody fell at the first hurdle as the judges failed to save him in the dreaded dance-off.

Dunwoody was beaten by Coronation Street actor Craig Kelly.

Clementine is making her weekly diary update from her country home, a sandcastle on Sheringham beach.

"I love Strictly and fashion is my passion, so I will be commenting on the fantastic fox-trot frocks and the, rare I know, dance dress disasters," she said.

Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens on Friday, 18 September, 2009, with a new format and new judges.

The show captivated the nation when it first appeared and the re-discovered love of dancing shows no sign of abating.

Clementine, the living fashion doll
Clementine has developed a soft spot for Strictly hunk Rav Wilding

"I can't think of a nicer way to spend the chilly autumn evenings than to snuggle down and get a weekly fix of strictly, it gives your night a glamour glow," said Clementine.

'Strictly is like a nature programme for fashionistas.

"We get to see celebrities in their natural habitat - glittering under studio lights and in front of cameras. It's like Autumnwatch with sequins, just with none of the funny smells!

"I'm most looking forward to seeing the costumes. With so many contestants and so many different dances it's a real challenge for the costume designers to keep dazzling us, but they always do."

Read her blog on the below link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/norfolk/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8281000/8281321.stm

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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!

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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.

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Rumba

During the week Craig's hips and arms weren't quite working in sync, let's see if a couple of days more of practice have helped.

Needs to have a fot transition between moves with the hands at the start, improved by the time he gets to the cucarachas.

No real connection or emotion in the dance between them though. Predicted a 6 and I think that'll be it.

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Tango

Always good to insult the judges before they give their marks James!  Doesn't look like it affected Len's mark though.

...

So I predicted a 6 for these guys earlier, let's see what happens.  I hope he's worked on his upper line.

So a slight Paso opening  followed by a bit of stomping, needs to be a little bit softer in the feet and unfortunately the top line is a little hunched over Flavia.

I would say a 5-6.

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