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 result

Don't think anyone really needs me to predict on this one do they?

If it's not 4-0 i'll eat my laptop!

Didn't realise Ian was moonlighting with Zoe!

...and there's the confirmation from Len.

I think Joe needed to go, but he definitely went out on his best dance - what do you think?

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The dance off!

This really is going to be no contest i'm afraid Joe!

I can understand, I suppose, why Zoe might have ended up in the bottom two. I personally found it a little lacking in excitement and energy.

If you're going to be in a dance-off though you have to hope for Joe as your opponent.

Even though it's by far Joe's best dance I don't think there really was going to be anything he could do to stay in this competition at this point.

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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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Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Jive

I've predicted this could actually be Joe's best dance, and might actually pull him off the bottom of the leaderboard.

Shame Joe was so out of time on the flick ball-changes at the start as it wasn't looking too bad at that point.

No real bounce in the dance however but could achieve some 6's.

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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.

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Natalie Cassidy loses a stone

Natalie Cassidy has said that she has lost almost a stone through her Strictly Come Dancing training, yet still snacks on chips and doughnuts!

Her's and Vincent's desire to succeed in this year's Strictly has seen them doing up to 9 hours of training a day.

This has ensured that Natalie has lost the weight, even whilst still snacking on chips, biscuits and doughnuts - though she has reportedly given up booze.

Dancing is an effective, and generally low impact, way of keeping fit and [in my opinion] is much more enjoyable than going to the gym!

Let's hope all this training continues to improve Natalie's dancing...now if only Joe could take a leaf out of her book.

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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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Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot

Joe has been consistently stuck to the bottom of the leaderboard, and I don't expect things to change tonight I'm afraid and I still think he'll struggle to achieve 5's.

Looks good in a tux though, and this is one of my favourite songs (albeit the Muse version!)

Wooden start with the clicking, and needs to stick his bum in as this is causing him to hunch over Kristina.

Better than his Tango in week one, but still mostly lacking in drive and excitement. I'm thinking 5's though.

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Training updates - Salsa and Foxtrot

In advance of tonights show I've looked at the training updates and my comments and predictions follow.

The contestants have been allocated either a sultry Salsa, or the elegant Foxtrot.

Salsa normally involves fast complicated moves with lots of hip movement, whilst the Foxtrot is a slow elegant dance that should float across the floor.

Both are quite difficult dances to master but I've always considered the Foxtrot to be the most difficult dance technically.

So how is their training coming along?

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Salsa

Need to keep the head up Chris, and the shoulders down. Having seen Chris' Rumba a couple of weeks ago I think this could be good, if he can just keep the performance element there.

For me though I think he could have another Quickstep moment, i.e. head down and just kicking like crazy! So I'm predicting 6-7.

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Salsa

Salsa is Brian's forte so this should be good, if Ali can cope with the fast and intricate movements.

We've seen Ali perform two Ballroom, and one Latin dance so far. Ballroom is generally easier for the female celebrities and Ali also excelled in the slow Rumba, but how is she finding the faster Salsa?

I think this will be 7's

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Salsa

Ricky is fast becoming the series favourite, but is it too much too soon?

Needs to watching the arm that isn't being used and make sure that it's not just left hanging.

This is definitely a dance that could really show off Ricky's abilities, and word has it that Ricky has previously had Salsa lessons.

Just like his Paso last week, I think Ricky will really perform this well but I'm seeing 8's not 9's.

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Salsa

Jade injured herself in training midweek so it will be interesting to see how their routine has had to be adapted.

Definitely really good hip action and attitude, even if she does lack confidence. I'm predicting 8's for this

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Salsa

Natalie showed in her Cha Cha that she's not afraid to wiggle her hips, let's see if she brings that confidence to the Salsa.

Looking at the training their Salsa is starting to shape up nicely and I think this will be 7's

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Salsa

Phil had keyhole surgery on his knee this week, and I'm sure his recovery has seriously affected their available practice time. Let's hope for Phil's sake that his knee can hold up under the stress of performing a Salsa, he'd have been better off with Foxtrot.

Not looking good so far on the knee front, but most of the routine is looking pretty good. Unfortunately the effect of that knee is going to result in 6's.

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Foxtrot

Strictly's funny man returns after an impressive Paso, let's see if he can keep those shoulders down in the Foxtrot.

Really needs to avoid shrugging throughout the dance, if he can sort that then could be looking at 7's, but realistically I think it'll be 6's

Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot

Jo has struggled with the dances so far in the competition and I think this'll be another dance she struggles with as the ladies footwork is especially difficult in the Foxtrot.

Based on her previous performances she'll struggle to make 5's

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Foxtrot

What a turbulent week these two will have had! Laila has asked that the events of a couple of weeks ago be put behind them, but how will the public vote?

One of Anton's strongest dances and it looks like Laila's picked it up excellently.

Could be their best dance yet, and the best of the night, 8-9.

Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot

I can't work out which of the two dances would've been better for Joe, but I think probably the Foxtrot as there's zero hip action required!

Another dance where I think Joe will struggle to maintain his frame, and it looks like there are some issues with the relationship in training.

Sorry Joe but looks like you'll struggle to get 5's

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Foxtrot

Craig's grame is looking improved, though haven't seen enough of the dance out of practice hold.

I'm saying 6-7.

Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - Foxtrot

Definitely lucky to have not been given the Salsa, let's see what she can do with the Foxtrot.

Looking very nice, though I can't see her footwork, definitely a dance best suited to Lynda's personality and style.

Could well be 7's.

Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Foxtrot

If Zoe copes with the footwork this could be a really good Foxtrot, Zoe has an elegance when she dances that will really complement the Foxtrot.

If all goes to plan this will be 8's.

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So my prediction is for Laila to be top, and Joe still rooted to the bottom of the table. Do you agree?

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Moment of truth and dance-off

As predicted the audience have saved Joe Calzaghe.

Will Jo Wood also be saved?

Phil Tufnell will have a hard job next week as I imagine he can't train until he recovers from his knee surgery.

Whether she's through or not I think they'll leave Jo until the final three anyway, just to up the suspense.

...or not...lol

Again as predicted the audience have saved both the Jo(e)s. Is my earlier prediction going to prove correct?

...No!

So Lynda and Rav are in the final two, I think Rav will be saved again but the judges have surprised me in the past.

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Slower Flamenco hand movement at the start, but still superfluous due to the speed as it has no impact.

I do think this is a better performance than earlier, but I don't think the lipstick nose look is good for Darren!

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Rav looks like a defeated man and certainly showing a lack of confidence/drive at the start there.

Little bit shaky and still huge gaps between them, Rav is neglecting to close his feet on the chasses.

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Based on the dance-off I'd have to actually give it to Lynda.

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Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 35 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 32 points - Ali & Brian
3. 31 points - Zoe & James
4. 31 points - Jade & Ian
5. 30 points - Laila & Anton
6. 29 points - Ricky & Erin
7. 28 points - Natalie & Vincent
8. 25 points - Lynda & Darren
9. 24 points - Phil & Katya
10. 23 points - Chris & Ola
11. 21 points - Craig & Flavia
12. 20 points - Rav & Aliona
13. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
14. 19 points - Joe & Kristina

Given that Jo and Joe have both been saved by the audience from being in the bottom two it's fair to say that the same might happen this week.

This could mean that Rav and Craig both end up in the bottom two again, and I can't call it yet.

What's everyone elses viewpoint?

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Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Paso Doble

The pre-series favourite sent the bookies laughing all the way to the bank in the first week. Paso however could be more his dance.

Interesting belt there Joe!

In Paso the man stands up straight with a slight curve outwards in the spine, Joe appears to be a little hunched over throughout.

Will definitely lose marks for lifting her, even if it wasn't intended as a lift.

Certainly a better performance than anything he brought to the floor in the first week, but lacked good posture.

Think it will be 5's, but may obtain a 6...

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Round-up and group Jackson tribute

Personally wouldn't have scored it as high as that, felt there were a few frame issues but no matter, the leaderboard is about right.

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Chris Hollins showing that he really does have some surprising potential, Joe unfortunately not so much and Ricky is still entertaining.  Lynda giving it her all!

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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.

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Leaderboard

So combined leaderboard is as follows:

Couple	Score
Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna	60
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan	56
Jade Johnson and Ian Waite	52
Ricky Groves and Erin Boag	47
Martina Hingis and Matthew Cutler	46
Lynda Bellingham and Darren Bennett	44
Rav Wilding and Aliona Vilani	41
Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff	32

So Joe sticks to the bottom as I predicted and Ali manages to remain on top (although I think Chris' Rumba was better than Ali's she would still take top place over both dances in my book).

I'm afraid Joe that based on this weekend's performances I think you will unfortunately have to leave early, I just think there's more potential in the other dancers.

What does everyone else think?  To comment/reply just click the comment link below this post.

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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!

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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.

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3 hours to go

So 3 hours to go before the contestants are back to dance Latin, what am I expecting? (Please note that all pictures below are property of the BBC and links will take you direct to the couple page)

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Very nice and elegant Waltz last night, could struggle if she's been given a Cha Cha, might be able to pull off an acceptable Rumba but I think she's too shy at present to really use the hips.

Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - I hope for Lynda's sake she has a Cha Cha tonight as I think she could perform a very cheeky Cha Cha, with the Rumba it would be interesting to see how Darren choreographs another (mature-ish) celebrity routine - after failing with Gloria Hunniford in Series 3.

Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff  - Disappointing performance last night (though I must admit it always surprised me that he was the bookies favourite).  I think his Latin tonight will be clunky and awkard - sorry Joe, please don't hit me!

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Good performance just suffered from nerves and tightness in the shoulders, however I think Ballroom will be his forte.

Martina Hingis & Matthew Cutler - If she'd just stood up straighter (brought the rib-cage up and strengthened her core muscles) her Waltz would've been a lot better.  I think she could do quite well in the Latin but she will need to perform more.

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan   - Poor Chris, second on the table last night but I think his flat-footed approach to the Tango will spill over into whichever Latin dance he does tonight, I'm afraid i'm not expecting good things - let's hope i'm wrong.

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Tall is always good when it comes to Ballroom but most people find it a hindrance in Latin - there's just too much body to move around, not that that's ever stopped Ian!  Jade, I think, will struggle with controlling her body during the Latin, and needs to avoid flicking her hands once extended.

Rav Wilding & Aliona Vilani - Too muscly I think to portray either Latin dance effectively, but could be wrong - just look at Austin Healey last year.


My prediction for tonight is between Ali and Martina for top spot (dependant on dances allocated to each) and Joe to stay fixed to the bottom and I think he'll be relying heavily on audience votes.

But as always we will just have to wait and see how the dances get allocated tonight, and i'm sure there will be at least a few surprise performances in there.

Do you agree with what i've said above, or how do you see it going?  Please feel free to leave your comments below by clicking on "comments" and posting your message there.

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Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff

So the pre-show favourite is up next, let's see if the bookie's were right.

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I feel for the judges, trying to type this and still watch the dancing is quite a feat!

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Needs to stand up a little straighter, shouldn't be leaning forward.  Personally a think it lacks an energy, there should be more of a slow and quick contrast.

5-6

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