Comments from Chris and Ricky, and Christmas line-up.

In one of the most nail biting finals ever seen on Strictly Come Dancing, sports presenter Chris Hollins was voted Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2009 battling it out in a dramatic grand final against Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle.

On winning the competition with his professional partner Ola Jordan, Chris said:

‘I’d just love to thank everyone so much especially you two (Ricky and Natalie) you’ve made it a wonderful final, a very wonderful final. I’d love to thank all our family and friends, our loved ones because without you we wouldn’t have been able to do half the training, and I’d also like to thank all our fellow professionals, they are so generous with their time they are absolutely brilliant! And I’ve got to say last, and definitely not least, little Ola chops - thank you so much for believing in me all the way along, I did test you a little bit, the jive and the quickstep come to mind! Thank you so much you lovely little girl.’

Ola Jordan said of lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy: ‘I just want to say you’ve been the best partner, you’ve been a dream to work with – thank you so much because that experience was fantastic for me.’

Runner up Ricky Whittle said of his Strictly experience:

‘I’ve had an absolutely amazing time; I’ve had the time of my life. I want to thank all of our supporters firstly for getting us here and getting this far – we’ve had a great time and the opportunity to dance on the biggest show out there in Great Britain. I’m going to keep dancing. I want to say thank you to a lot of people, my family here at Strictly, everyone back on Hollyoaks who helped us out – the press team, Vicky, Rachel, Lucy, Anne. Natalie (Lowe) who has been absolutely amazing! My Mum and Dad who are here, my friends, my family.’

In the climax to a thrilling seventh series, both couples performed their highest scoring Ballroom and Latin dances plus a group Lindy Hop and a ‘no holds barred’ show dance in a bid to be titled Strictly champion 2009.

There was a special performance by Strictly’s very own Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon, singing a sparkling rendition of ‘Something’s Gotta Give’.

The final also saw the return of many of this series’ eliminated couples who took to the floor one final time, performing their most memorable dance from the show.

In a poignant moment, athlete Jade Johnson who was forced to withdraw from the competition because of injury, returned to the dance floor with her professional partner Ian Waite to dance the Tango – the fateful dance they never got to perform in the live show.

As an added treat, last years finalists, singer Rachel Stevens and model & presenter Lisa Snowden paired up with their professional partners from last series; Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone to dance a Cha Cha/Tango to ‘Sister’s are doin’ it for themselves’ by Aretha Franklin/The Eurhythmics. As one final Brucie bonus Strictly Professional dancers Kristina Rihanoff and Brian Fortuna dazzled the audience with a magnificent Cha Cha Cha to Lady Gaga’s ‘Just dance’.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for a one off festive Christmas special, featuring previous celebrities’ Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones plus this year’s semi finalists Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle and 2009 Strictly Champion Chris Hollins. Tune in BBC One 7.00pm Christmas Day.

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite Tango

After seeing that there's no doubt that Jade was an incredibly strong contender for this title.

My old teacher Mary (Ian's step-mum) choreographed this dance and was gutted when they couldn't perform it on the night.

I feel so sorry for Ian as this was probably his best chance for making it to the final, let's hope he gets someone equally as good next year.

Click here to comment!

Leaderboard

Finally they manage to fit the leaderboard on one page - makes it so much easier to quickly jot down!

1. 36 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 35 points - Ali & Brian
3. 29 points - Chris & Ola
4. 29 points - Laila & Anton
5. 26 points - Natalie & Vincent
6. 22 points - Ricky & Erin

So with Jade gone things are going to get very tough for the 6 remaining couples. I think Laila will be in the bottom two, the other is too hard to call but I think Ricky's luck will have run out.

Click here to comment!

Saturday night and Brucie's back in business

Unfortunately Jade has had to pull out of the competition.

Such a shame as they really looked like they had potential together. Oh well, that makes the final a two (rather than three) couple affair.

Let's see how everyone else performs tonight, and whether Laila has fully recovered.

Click here to comment!

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?

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Jive

Whilst Ian's certainly never had a problem performing a Jive (considering his height), Jade may find she struggles with the speed of movement required.

Looks to be a slightly flat beginning, but it's good to see her toes pointing down during the flicks.

Maybe I spoke too soon, when they're in their Lindyhop section her toes seem to be flicking around all over the place!

An ok performance but I expected better, should easily achieve 8's though.

Karen Hardy comes on and makes a comment about how although RW made mistakes he still kept his head up and looked confident throughout, Jade made no mistakes yet had her head dropped throughout most of the dance.

Judges scores: CRH 8, LG 8, AD 9, BT 8.

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!

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.

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Foxtrot

The Foxtrot is a slow and elegant dance and, like most ballroom dances, tends to suit the taller couples - and these two are certainly both tall!

For an athlete Jade does manage to pull off elegant quite well. A little bit of gapping between them , Jade needs to slow down when she's the one going backward and her left shoulder just has a tendency to pop up at times.

A very good performance however and could achieve 9's tonight.

Click here to comment!

The result

Same as last week, I don't think anyone has to predict this one!

Another no-question 4-0 send home.

This is going to make the next couple of weeks really tough for those that are left though as the two [debatably] worst dancers have now left the show.

Click here to comment!

The dance off!

Time for Jo to go i'm afraid.

Another good performance from Jade & Ian and a better one from Jo but still no contest between the two.

Click here to comment!

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.

---

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.

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Samba

So Ian has done well in the Samba in the past, let's see how they get on tonight.

Jade needs to pick her head up and it's not as bouncy-feeling as i'd have liked but overall a very good performance.

Not sure how the judges will go but I think it'll be 8-9.

Click here to comment!

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.

Click here to comment!

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Viennese Waltz

For me Ricky's ballroom frame has not yet been good enough to warrant the marks he's received, let's see if it's any better tonight.

Looking much, much better Ricky, just please hold that frame!!!

Well this could definitely give Jade a run for her money, though does appear to lost balance during the reverse fleckles.

An impressive performance, almost as good as Jade's but I don't think quite as good, should get some 9's but I think it'll be a point behind Jade.

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Viennese Waltz

My predicted leaderboard leaders are up next. Saw a preview from them on Thursday night at the International Ballroom Dancing Championships and it looked pretty good then.

Very nice fluid beginning, just needs to watch her left arm as it looks to be dropping a little.

Sometimes I really wish the cameras would allow us to see more of the celebrities feet!!!

An excellent performance and well deserved of the 9's I predicted, and still expect.

Click here to comment!

Finally it starts!

Though I must thank F1 as I didn't get home till 7.30pm so would've been behind (again) with the blog if there hadn't been that delay!

So yesterday I predicted that Joe might actually not end up on the bottom tonight, and Jade could well take top spot. Let's see what happens, first up - Ricky Groves.

Click here to comment!

Training updates - Viennese Waltz & Jive

So we have the difficulty of the constantly rotating Viennese, and making it look smooth and effortless, compared to the speed, energy, and lightness required of the Jive.

With the Viennese Waltz there should be a smooth lilting sway from side to side, rather than the classic 'rise and fall' of the other traditional ballroom dances (Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot).

Both partners should be driving the dance when it is their turn to come forward. This will result in a much smoother action than if the male is driving then pulling his partner.

The Jive needs to be a bouncy and fun dance with light, quick movements and plenty of personality - i'm already feeling for Joe if he's been picked for this one!

So who's got what, and how's their training coming along?

Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Jive

Looking quite light on her feet but yet again she needs to get over those nerves of hers!

Could be a solid performance and receive 7's.

Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Jive

So far Joe has proved to be very heavy-footed, contrary to the bookie's early odds. How [or even will?] he cope with the fast and bouncy Jive?

Actually looks like Joe is getting involved in the dance and enjoying himself. Needs to make sure that his toes are pointed down during the flicks.

Could well be his best dance yet though and might even manage 6's (ignoring the [personal opinion] over-marking of last week.

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Jive

Brian's favourite dance is looking a little awkward at times but really good at others.

Haven't really seen enough of the dance to give an accurate judgement but i'll predict healthy 7's.

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Jive

Craig's been in the dance-off twice now and I imagine his confidence has taken a real knock.

Needs to keep palms down rather than facing upwards and really should be pointing his toes downwards rather than letting them flick aimlessly during the kicks.

Also needs to bring his feet together a little more during his chasses (and in some cases actually do chasses!)

However it looks like it could be 6's.

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Jive

Could this be a return to the funny for Ricky? His Foxtrot would've been a LOT better last week if he could've kept his frame under control, less of an issue when it comes to Jive.

Looking pretty good, energetic and with a nice amount of bounce. Again another celeb who needs to keep those toes down during kicks - interesting to see that he's got himself a pair of dance trainers.

I'm expecting another lively performance from Ricky and at least 7's.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Jive

So another Latin dance for Chris, and another chance for Ola to wear very little!

Needs to take smaller back steps when rocking back and keep the head up when he's kicking (a problem he had during the Quickstep).

Looking good but yet again there's toes being flung around that should be toward the floor.

Realistically I think 6-7.

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Jive

Laila and Anton definitely deserved their top spot last week, but how are they going to cope with the move from slow and elegant Foxtrot, to fast and frantic Jive?

Well she's looking a little flat-footed, and wearing boots probably doesn't help!

Needs to do something [anything!] with her free hand. The training doesn't appear to be at full speed/performance so really hard to judge.

If that was at full speed then we'll struggle for 5's!!!

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Viennese Waltz

I saw some surprisingly impressive hips last week, let's hope Phil's knee has recovered further and he can show us a really smooth Viennese.

Needs to translate the 'bob' into more of a sway but not looking too bad, need to see him out of practice hold to be a better judge of how his frame is holding up though.

Should be 7's.

Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Viennese Waltz

Jo still isn't strenghtening her ab's and standing up, she looks introverted and is totally lost in Brendan's frame.

It's very jerky and bouncy and is nowhere near as smooth-looking as it should be.

Unless she relaxes, and starts to stand up, this will be more 5's. The only saving grace she has is that there's only really 3 steps in the Viennese so nowhere near as much to learn as the other dances!

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Viennese Waltz

Very nice presentation with the hands but again does need to avoid bouncing when she closes her feet, and also make sure she keeps the frame up all the way round the dance.

To avoid getting dizzy she really needs to try and focus on the wall as she goes round so that her brain can cope.

Could come off quite nice though and probably straight 7's.

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Viennese Waltz

I've not been impressed with Ricky's frame in the first couple of ballroom dances and at times there appears to be significant improvement, then at other times his shoulders are out of alignment and it ruins the whole look.

I'd say 7's but the judges like him so will probably be 8-9.

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Viennese Waltz

The tallest couple should definitely be suited to this dance.

We saw Ian and Jade at the International Ballroom Dancing Championships last night and Ian gave me a preview of Jade's frame and posture, which is looking very good.

This is looking very good and could be the highest scoring Viennese of the night.

I'm going out on a limb and saying 9's!!!

---

I'm putting Jade and Ian in top spot with Jo Wood (or even possibly Laila) in bottom spot.

Ian said that he'd seen Laila's Jive and people will really need to vote for them so it will be interesting to see how the performance comes off.

What about your views, who would you place top, who do you think should be going out?

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Salsa

Jade injured herself during training and I hope it doesn't affect the performance too much tonight.

Based on the training videos I thought this could be 8's.

Good hip action, but has to watch the back breaks, they could benefit from being a lot more compact.

Energetic but seems a little lost at points. 7-8's.

Click here to comment!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Quickstep

A fast dance which could suit Jade's athleticism, even if it ends up wearing Ian out!

Jade looks a little uncomfortable during the jump from the stage, and is a little behind at the start of the next jump section.

Needs to relax the shoulders and make sure she isn't pushing the head forward.

Certainly full of energy but I think 6-7

Click here to comment!

The moment of truth!

Well done Ian (still not biased!)

Joe's through, unlucky for the bottom two couples I don't think they deserve to be there.

Bottom two therefore are:

Rav Wilding and Aliona Vilani
Martina Hingis and Matthew Cutler 

Based on Latin performances I think Rav will be going out i'm afraid.

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!

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite

I should admit now that I used to have lessons from Ian so I am secretely supporting him and Jade, but i'll try and be objective!

...

That's right ladies - the man i'm afraid is always in charge on the dancefloor!

....

First of the female contestants and looking promising if a little unsure on her feet.

Needs to drop and relax the left shoulder though.

Going out on a limb and saying 7, let's hope I start to get them right before I embarass myself much more!

Click here to comment!