Strictly 2010

How many seasons is it now? I know I've been watching since Season 2, so this must be Season 8?

I haven’t expressed an opinion on this year’s Strictly yet, and we’re already down to the final 6, where we have the (fairly) sublime and the frankly ridiculous. Yes, Ann Widdicombe, I mean you!

I guess I decided pretty much from week one that my favourite was ex-Blue Peter boy (well, I have an existing weakness there), and Countryfile presenter, Matt Baker. Particularly once I had seen that he could dance, though I still feel that Aliona’s choreography sometimes does him no favours, and he needs to ‘dance’ with his face.

I’ve also grown to like Kara Tointon, who has done some lovely dances, her salsa and American Smooth being particular highlights, and Pamela Stephenson who has put in some very good performances. Let’s not forget that there are only couple of years between her and the Widdicombe!

I can’t take to Sccooottt Maslen, particularly after the weekend when he was hugely over-marked for a dance that he had to be dragged through by his partner, and which was only step away from the Matt Di Angelo disaster from a few years ago.

My preferred final would be Matt, Kara and Pamela. My fear is that two of them might be sacrificed for the ‘favourite’ Scott, and the appalling ‘Widdy’.

Strictly Update

Yes, I’ve been a bit quiet on the Strictly front this year, haven’t I? Probably because it’s *whispers* a bit boring this year.

For the first few weeks I watched, trying to find my favourite. No one sprang out from the start, not like other years. Then Jade and Ian danced their Viennese Waltz, and I vocalised that I thought I’d found my favourites (well, Ian always had a bit of a head start). I even voted for them one week, after they’d landed in the bottom two. I also decided that I had a very soft spot for Chris and Ola, because whilst they’re not the best dancers, they are just so cute.

Then there was last week, with its catalogue of disasters. It’s almost like Brucie’s absence put a jinx on the whole thing. Firstly we had Jade’s knee injury, and then Laila’s ankle, (which I’m thinking may have actually saved her, as the thought of a romantic rhumba with Anton frankly makes me feel a bit queasy).

There was then a week of will Jade/won’t Jade be able to dance. I felt so sorry for her when they finally had to pull out, as the poor girl was clearly absolutely gutted, and almost too upset to speak. And then it all got just a little bit dull, as they were really the only ones who were seriously challenging the ‘top two’.

We’re now down to 5 couples, with 4 weeks to go which means, barring a rule change by the BBC*, we’ll have a two person final again, and the judges will get to decide one of the final two. I can’t see it being anything other than the Hollyoaks Twins, Ricky and Ali. Both are good dancers, but oh so dull. Brian, I quite like (faint praise there), Ricky’s partner, Natalie, I can’t bear**

Now, a Natalie Cassidy/Chris final, that might be fun! Sadly it won’t happen.

*Like they’ve never done that before, have they?
** I was with Len on ‘Liftgate’. It would have been appropriate in a final showdance, not in the American Smooth.

I know it's a little early to be thinking of the tour, however...

You may recall that I went to see the Strictly Live Tour *cough* three times *cough* earlier this year. I did wonder if I would want to see the next tour, and mused that it would depend if someone caught my eye in the current series.

Today, I was looking on the website, mainly to see when the DVD is out (on my Christmas list, people), and clicked on the link for the 2010 tour, just to see if any names were there as yet, but thinking it was far too early in the season. Also, I still don’t have a favourite.

Looking at who’s there already, I think I may just have been swayed. Austin Healey, another great dancer who didn’t make the final and… Mark Ramprakash!

Now, where's that credit card...?

The start of the Strictly season

Summer is over, there are a few golden days with clear blue skies but there’s already a distinct nip in the air up north. Nights are drawing in, so it’s time to snuggle down on the sofa with Strictly on a Saturday night, and It Takes Two during the week.

Only this year, it’s a bit different. They started with two weekly shows, on a Friday and Saturday evening, allowing all the contestants to dance ballroom and Latin before there is a vote. This seems fair to me, as many people, particularly in the early stages, are better at one style (or, rubbish at both!). They’ve also ditched the Sunday night results show, which I’m pleased about, as I never liked it, though it does now mean that the time scale for voting is pretty short – no chance to influence what happens to your favourite if you happen to be out during the show. At least they don’t have to remember to pretend that people danced ‘last night’ any more, and no one can spoil the result for you, as long as you can watch it live (which I haven’t managed to do as yet!).

The biggest controversy, of course, is the replacement of Arlene with Alesha. Now, I like Alesha, and she was a worthy winner, but she hardly has the dance credentials to pass judgement on others. Sadly this has been all too obvious so far, and I’m not sure her presence on the panel will do her, or the show, much good.

We also have some new female dancers. Camilla was ‘retiring’ anyway after winning, but Karen has also gone (and would, I think, have made a good judge, from her comments on ITT) as well as the unlamented Hayley who danced last season. The ‘new girls’ remind me of the over tanned, and over made up, partners on DWTS, the American version of the show.

We’ve seen everyone dance now, and so far I don’t really have a favourite. For the first couple of weeks, everyone looks so terrified that it’s difficult to see how they will develop. There is some talent there, but I haven’t singled anyone out. Chris Hollins surprised me, in actually being quite good, and funny, Phil Tufnell also surprised with an elegant waltz, and they actually seem to have given Anton a partner who can dance this year, in Laila Rouass. They’ve given Brendan Jo Wood, who can’t, and won’t be there for long.

Despite all the claims that ‘this is the most challenging Strictly yet’, so far it doesn’t look like a vintage season. But it’s early days.

Watch this space.

And then there were three

It was last Monday that decided me. I’d been in Manchester on Sunday night, and really enjoyed it for the second time, but by Monday, I was doing far too much work, and everything felt a bit flat.

I did a bit of on-line searching. It wasn’t difficult to find a good seat, particularly when I only wanted one, and, when you think about it, Sheffield is actually the closest venue to home. Next thing I knew, I’d booked for Friday night.

I was on the left hand side of the auditorium, so I’ve now seen if from left, right and end on. I think that’s probably enough.

Once again I loved it. Of course the highlight was my boy. Quite, quite, beautiful. And the dancing was pretty good too.

The waltz has really developed over the past few weeks, and is now so smooth and beautiful. They seem to glide across the floor, the epitome of what a ballroom dance should be. As Len always says, the waltz doesn’t have the ‘wow’ factor of some of the other dances, but it’s my favourite, as it has all the romance. The ending seems both technically complex, and utterly gorgeous, as Flavia twirls away from him, and then leans back, as Gethin lowers her to the floor, with her neck resting on his arm. This time, they got 39, and it really should have been 40.

As you know, the salsa hasn’t thrilled me as much as I’d hoped at previous performances, despite ‘that shirt’, but this time it was brilliant. It had great energy and for the first time he seemed to really feel the emotion of the dance, as well as having the moves (and boy, can those hips move). Again they got 39, with even Craig giving them a 10. A ten. For Latin. From Craig!!

After the dance, as they received their comments, he admitted he’d elbowed Flavia in the eye whilst they were rehearsing backstage, which was why she was crying. He was incredibly apologetic about it, and utterly lovely. As they left the dance floor, he swept her into his arms, and carried her up the steps and off stage. It was a very Rhett Butler moment!

As for everything else, well, I thought R&V’s rumba was the best I’d seen it. Julian was hilarious (he finally won on Sunday night in Sheffield!), and Jill and Darren were fabulous.

That’s it for this year. I’d certainly go again, but possibly not as many times as this year. Unless, of course, there’s someone who catches my eye in the next series who goes on to do the tour.

As for the Jones boy, well, as Cat said, you can’t really go and see him ‘presenting’, which makes things a little difficult, but he’ll be back on TV, and I’m sure an opportunity will arise someday.

Strictly Part 2

This weekend, it was time for Strictly in Manchester, this time accompanied by V, J and K, veterans of our ‘two years running’ Strictly Final party.

We set off in good time so that we had time to eat* before the show. I’d already betrayed my addiction level by dropping comments into the in car conversations about the results on the tour so far, and the fact that some people had missed a couple of shows this weekend with a bug.

I’d also managed to forget my mobile phone, so was reliant on borrowing K’s so that I could vote. As he’d indicated that the price would rise depending on how desperate I was, I was trying to hold it in, but failing pretty miserably. When the woman at the next table to us in Pizza Express said that she’d been at the afternoon show, and that Gethin and Flavia had won, I gave out a ‘YES!’

‘The cost of my phone just went up again!’

We took our seats. This time end on to the performance area, but further away. Whilst it was a much better overall view, it also made me appreciate how good it was to see the ‘whites of the eyes’ last week. Having told K and V that you could take photos, their camera wasn’t allowed in as it was classed as ‘professional’!

I was expecting it to be very similar to last week, and was actually surprised how different it was. The dances were the same, of course, and many of the ‘funny’ comments were scripted, but there was a lot of spontaneous stuff too. The performances have also developed over the week. Some have improved dramatically, and others, Julian in particular, are playing it totally for laughs. I was pleased to see that the judges did actually seem to be marking what they saw on the night, rather than their expectations of the dance.

At least we had a full complement of dancers (it must have been a considerably shorter show on Sat evening with two couples missing).

I’m not going blow by blow through the dances this time. Suffice to say, I was sitting next to a Tom fan, and she was thrilled by his performance, whilst I was impressed by Cherie and James’s rumba (which scored 40, and Len judged as better than R&V on the night), Jill and Darren’s foxtrot and jive, and, of course, Gethin and Flavia’s waltz.

It seemed to me that they were more comfortable as a partnership this time, and of course, it must have helped to have a couple of wins under their belt. The waltz was beautiful, even smoother than before, and they had changed the ending slightly. On a technical note, I felt he used his arms better this time. They got 39, and it would probably have been 40 if Craig hadn’t got a bit picky about an oversway!

In the interval, I started texting, whilst trying to show V how to do it. Looking at the audience, I did wonder how many of them were actually voting.

In the Latin section there was unintentional hilarity when Jodie kicked Ian somewhere uncomfortable in the jive, and when commenting first, Arlene launched into ‘wooden, stiff…’ and when she realised what she was saying, started to laugh.

R&V’s rumba got 38 this time, beaten by Cherie and James’s. As for Gethin and Flavia, I loved it, but again it wasn’t quite as exciting as it could be – I was very shocked, however to hear Craig and Arlene give them an 8!! It did get 10 from Len and Bruno though, but that left them on 36, and down the leader board. I could see my hopes of a repeat of the afternoon’s win vanishing. Julian and Lilia were hilarious in their samba, where he has stopped making any pretence of following the steps. They probably got the loudest cheers of the night.

The group dance was fabulous again, as were Matt and Kristina. And then it was time for the results. This time, Gethin and Flavia were the first ones announced as out of the running. I was then hoping for a Jill and Darren, or even a Julian and Lilia win, but it came down to R&V and J&L, with R&V winning (again!).

We did have a fabulous time, and the others loved it. K came out with lots of ideas for our next ‘Strictly’ party.

‘Next time, we need sparklers’ ‘And we need to all have costume changes so we can have a ballroom and Latin round’.

Looking at the queues out of the car park, we decided to look for somewhere to have a drink. We failed, but in our search came across the artist’s entrance. Peering through, we saw two huge tour buses, and Ian Waite, who came over to the gate and signed programmes, and was utterly lovely. He’s always been my favourite professional!

*Clearly I haven’t hit the ‘chips and wine’ stage, as I can still eat pre-show, which, lets face it, is more than I could do in the latter stages of Strictly 2007!

On the way to the Arena

‘What are you going to see?’ The taxi driver asks as we set off.

‘Strictly Come Dancing Live’, I reply, as nonchalantly as possible given that I have about a million butterflies, and need wine.

He groans, ‘I think shows like that should be banned. You wouldn’t pay that to see professional dancers, so why pay it to see people who can’t dance’.

‘Well, it’s much better than X Factor, anyway!’

‘The only shows I like are the auditions’. I say nothing, as those are the shows I dislike most. ‘I think such shows should be banned from the BBC, they should show something educational’. The BBC reality tv snob in me stays silent.

'Come on, argue back, I like a good rant before I go off for the evening?'

Why, oh why, do people say this? This isn't what my evening is about.'I can't be bothered' I reply.

‘Are you going on your own?’ Somehow, in his head, I feel this would make me look sadder than I already am. As I do not want to be patronised by a Newcastle cabbie, I invent an imaginary friend who I’m meeting.

We arrive at the Arena.

‘Well, enjoy it, anyway’.
‘Thank you, I’m sure I shall’, and I, and my sparkly ‘Strictly’ shoes, get out of the cab, and mount the steps into the Arena.

And I do.

Fab-u-lous!

Indulge me on this one, and be grateful you don’t have to listen to me (though for some of you who read this, you might have to do that as well!) I will understand if you leave halfway through!

Remember the Jones boy, and my excitement when I saw that he was doing this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Tour? Well, my excitement led to my purchase of the single front row ticket for Newcastle that was still available, and clearly had my name on it!

Yesterday, the day finally came. I’d not been to the Metro Arena before, but I really like it. It’s a good size, without being so huge that the performers look like ants – not that there was much chance of that from where I was sitting.

Expensive souvenir programme* purchased, complete with score cards, I took my seat. Right at the front, towards the judges seats, and near where the couples stood to receive their scores. The only downside of this was that the dances are very much performed 'out front' which means I did get a lot of back views. Could have been better directed I think, for an Arena event!

I immediately loved the set – all sparkle and glitter (and you know how I’m a girl who loves my glitter). Then it was time for everyone to make their entrance – Kate Thornton, the Judges, and then the contestants. Most of the outfits were those worn for the same dances on tv, the only new ones being for ‘new’ partnerships, so of course Flavia had a new dress for her waltz with Gethin. First we had the ballroom round.

First up were Tom and Camilla doing their quickstep. It is probably my favourite of his ballroom dances, as I do like the solo tap dance at the start (though Len, predictably, isn’t keen). They did it well, and got a 38 (I wouldn’t have given it a 10 though!). I still can’t raise much enthusiasm for Tom. He was very much playing to the crowd, and I do find him smug, though maybe that’s just his face, and he can’t help it!

Next, we had Cherie and James with their American Smooth. Now, as you know, she was one of my early favourites this year, but didn’t really connect with the public. This was well danced, but not quite as ‘smooth’ as others. I do think ‘Layla’ is an odd choice of music for an AS too. Score: 35.

Kenny and Ola next. Now, I really got to like Kenny, as he was fun, and didn’t take himself too seriously, and he was the same here. They did a Viennese Waltz, which was pretty good, and he had some fun banter with the judges. A point here, it seemed to me that much of the ‘banter’ around the scoring was scripted, and I guess I’ll find out just how much when I go again. Score: 30.

Then Jodie and Ian, who I’d really liked on the show. Their partnership came over as just as much fun, and as close as it had always appeared. Ian had a lovely interaction with the audience too. They did an American Smooth, which I thought was lovely, and very elegant, but the judges called her flat footed! They scored 31, and I felt could have been marked higher.

Next up were Rachel and Vincent with their Tango. It was excellent, very clean, and they moved beautifully together, but for me, there remains something about Rachel which doesn’t connect emotionally**. They got a 39 for it, however, with only Craig not giving a perfect score.

And then it was the moment I’d been waiting for. Before the dance, there was a short video about the couple, and they spoke of Gethin and Flavia previously being rivals, and now partners, showing that moment in the semi final when Len chose Matt and Flavia over Gethin and Camilla – not a good choice, as I still can’t watch it without pain*** - and then they were on, and taking their places in the centre of the dance floor. In the main, it was the same waltz he had danced with Camilla (believe me, I know, I’ve watched it so many times), most of the moves, the music, with a different start and ending. I thought it was beautiful. Quiet, charming and slightly heartbreaking. He looked extremely elegant in his tail suit. In the comments, it was said there wasn’t quite enough sway, and I could see what they meant, partly, I think because Flavia is much shorter than Camilla, and he still seems to be learning how to work with that. Also the partnership doesn’t yet have, and probably will never have, the chemistry that he had with Camilla, because they haven’t gone though the show together. Still, they got 38, with 10’s from Len and Bruno.

Next were Julian and Lilia, another new partnership, as he previously danced with Erin. They did a quickstep, which was fun, but technically pretty poor. I did find myself wondering yet again how he made the final at the expense of ‘my’ Aled. They were pretty much slated by the judges, and Julian responded that Lilia had messed up a bit, but then they’re there for the comedy value, and they were fun. Score: 28

Finally, the home town girl, Jill and Darren with a foxtrot to ‘All That Jazz’. Having come to the show about halfway through series 2, I’m less familiar with their dances, apart from the famous jive, but this was excellent, and she was able to express her personality in the dance in a way that Rachel couldn’t. They got a rousing reception, and a score of 39, which they pretty much deserved.

Then we could start voting. This year, the decision rests totally on the audience vote, with the judges scores not counting, but I was already aware that Rachel and Vincent had, to my surprise, come out as winners in the first three shows. Still, I was going to make sure my boy got a few votes.

The second half began with a professional group dance, part paso, part jive - danced with amazing energy.

Next it was time for the Latin dances

Tom and Camilla: Samba – it had plenty of energy, but it’s a difficult to dance to score well in, and the judges were quite critical. They got a score of 34.

Cherie and James: Rumba – one of my favourite dances from the early weeks of the last series, which, for a moment, almost made me like James Jordan. It was beautiful, but I do wish they’d stop going on about Cherie’s age! They got a well deserved 38

Kenny and Ola: Paso Doble, with Kenny in the kilt. Yes, they got slated, yes, it was barely a paso, but they had fun, ripping Ola’s dress in the process . Score: 23

Jodie and Ian: Jive – their last dance on the series, performed when Jodie had the flu, so I was interested to see a fully fit Jodie perform it. It was good, but she’s not a natural Latin dancer, and I was surprised to see it get the same as their AS, 31.

Rachel and Vincent: Rumba – the dance which was the turning point for Rachel. It was beautifully danced, and got the first 40 of the night.

Gethin and Flavia: Salsa – he was wearing the famous ‘I didn’t know this was see-though’ shirt that Tess Daly (and the rest of us) so loved, and it was pretty much the same routine, again with a slightly different beginning and ending. And he certainly didn’t lack any hip action! The only thing, for me, was that the first time they danced this, it was so much a part of that evening, I doubt if that energy and passion will ever be re-captured. Technically, I think it was danced better, but it lacked a bit of emotion, which again is probably a combination of me being a bit too familiar with the dance, and the change of partner. It still scored another 38 though, and I’m not going to complain about that.

Julian and Lilia: Samba, complete with diamante maracas! Pretty much a dancing disaster for Craig, who gave it a two. Len gave it ‘Seven’, which was his lowest score of the night. I think he’d lost all his lower paddles. Score: 22, the lowest of the evening.

Jill and Darren: Jive – we’ve seen it so often, but it’s still fabulous. For me, probably that, (and Gethin’s waltz), were the dances that I’d have got on my feet for. They got a deserved 40.

So, at the end of the competition, we had a tie at the top, between Rachel and Vincent, and Jill and Darren on 79, and Gethin and Flavia were third on 76.

While the voting continued, there was a show dance performed by Matthew Cutler and Kristina Rihanoff which was excellent, followed by a group dance to music from Moulin Rouge, complete with huge blue ostrich feather fans, glitter balls and chandeliers. Gethin and Flavia were dancing at my side of the floor, so no complaints there. Towards the end of the dance, the men leapt over the barrier into the audience, and the next thing I knew both Tom and Gethin were waving feather fans in my face!

Finally, it was time for the results, and Kate Thornton asked the judges who they’d like to see win. Bless Craig, for he said Gethin and Flavia. Arlene and Bruno went for Rachel and Vincent, and Len wasn’t allowed to say, as he would have the deciding vote if there was a tie.

In the event, that wasn’t needed, and they lined up to be eliminated couple by couple until only three were left, Jill and Darren, Rachel and Vincent, and Gethin and Flavia. Of course, I hoped, but really, I knew (and should probably have saved my money, but you don’t do you?). They were the next eliminated which once again brought it down to J&D and R&V, with R&V being announced the winners. Of course, it’s not really about the results on the tour (but I’d like my boy to have a win!), but about the spectacle, and enjoying the dance.

Everyone got to their feet and cheered as the couples (plus Bruno, who had to be restrained by Gethin and Kenny from removing his shirt) took their bows, and danced – and Gethin did a shimmy at our section of the audience.

I loved it! As for Mr Jones, well, I may not have spoken to him yet, but it’s the long game.

*As always, a bit of a rip off, with no new photos other than those taken as promo shots for the series, some of which are quite old by now, and one page biogs for each celebrity and dancer, and the judges.

** Given the result, maybe it's just me!
***Give me about 30 years

So that's it then

Austin and Erin have gone from Strictly. The only person I’d really singled out for the final, so much so, that I didn’t seriously doubt that he’d get through.

I didn’t watch it live, as I arrived home halfway through, so ‘saved’ it till later. Once I watched, and saw the scores, I knew they were in trouble. I think I’d probably have picked the phone up, but it was too late. I actually shed a tear when I saw Erin crying*.

So we have two girls and one guy in the semi. I predict a Tom/Rachel final, though I’d probably prefer Tom/Lisa. I like her better, and she’s had more or a ‘journey’, but I’m guessing Brendan didn’t win many fans with his strop on Saturday. I’m also guessing that the men have been consistently getting more votes than the girls, who have only avoided the dance off if top of the leader board.

It just hasn’t had the impact of last year. Roll on January and the tour. I'm already quite excited about it!

*There are rumours that some of the dancers may leave after this series, so it might have been her last chance to win.

Strictly Update

I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed by this year’s Strictly so far. I keep telling myself it’s early days still, but no one has actually grabbed my attention yet. I do like Austin, but he has a rather annoying way of watching Erin while he’s dancing, rather than performing out to the audience. I also like Tom, but he doesn’t seem to have that special spark (but then I was always going to compare him, wasn't I). If I have a favourite at all, it’s Cherie, mostly because of the beautiful rumba that she and James did a few weeks ago (I have never liked him in previous series, feeling him to be a bit of a bully), but also because she was ‘my’ first RSC Viola*, all those years ago.

I found the last couple of weeks pretty disappointing. I usually love the American Smooth, but wasn’t overwhelmed by any of them (I thought Lisa and Brendan were overmarked), and the sambas were pretty average. This week, I was expecting some pretty dramatic pasos, but they were all pretty lack lustre. The Viennese Waltz is a beautiful dance, but can be difficult to make exciting – last year we had a some lovely examples, and they’re hard to forget – this year, well, it all felt a bit pedestrian.

Then, last night, in between programmes on ITV, there was a trailer for next year’s Strictly live show in Newcastle. I didn’t go this year, mainly because the only person I wanted to see in it was James Martin. For next year, they were trailing the celebrities, Julian Clary (ok, yes, funny, but not a great dancer), Jill Halfpenny (very good, but I really wasn’t as addicted in series 2), so far, so not making me book, and GETHIN JONES. He was never going to do it while he was with Blue Peter, but this year, he’s available!

I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to thing like this, and just know it’s only going to be a matter of time before I book.

*Newcastle Theatre Royal 1980 - it was magical, and I can still recall it so clearly

Sunday night in

I usually go to the pub quiz on a Sunday evening. It serves the dual purpose of a chance to win money (and wine) with the opportunity to put off thinking about Monday for as long as possible.

Last week however, the jackpot (£170!) was won, and not by us. Somehow I think we believed that it was just a matter of time before we won it, and it was waiting for us to add it to our ‘pot’. Sadly, someone else got it, so I wasn’t that disappointed that I had to miss the quiz to drive south for work.

So, instead of drinking pinot grigio in the pub, I found myself in a rather nice hotel in Hatfield*, arriving in plenty of time for the Strictly results show**. Checking in, I decided I needed wine and snacks with my viewing. What did I see? The room service menu!

So, there I was – chips, wine, and a cafetiere of coffee, Strictly on the fancy tv. And then, to follow…Dirty Dancing. There are worse ways to spend Sunday evening when you’re away from home.

*nice hotels are seriously cheap on a Sunday night, I've paid more for the Travelodge next door.
**Yes, I was recording it, but there's always the chance someone will blab!

The 'Strictly' Season

It’s that time again. The nights draw in, and Saturday night becomes a night for watching TV and ignoring phone calls. Yes, Strictly Come Dancing started last Saturday.

As you know I got just a little bit obsessed last year, and I'm hoping that I won’t go the same way this year. It’s too early to judge yet, as I can’t have a favourite until I’ve seen a couple of dances. I don’t support people blindly, they do need to have potential. After all, last year it didn’t hit me until Week 5 when Gethin danced the foxtrot.

We’ve had the ‘boy’s week’ and the front runners seemed to be Austin Healey and Tom Chambers*. This week it’s the girls and it looks like Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon are going to be good. Shame I don’t like either of their partners! The lovely Ian Waite has got the tallest girl again, and that’s rarely good.

All this, and there’s It Takes Two to catch up on every weekday evening. There’s a ‘Strictly’ programme on every day from now until the weekend before Christmas. And it’s actually quite scary to see it like that.

*who I will support as he's dancing with Camilla, and I'd like to see her get to the final

Breaking News

So there I am, idly browsing The Stage blogs when I spot it.

Gethin is leaving Blue Peter (you thought I'd moved on? not really!).

I thought it would only a be a matter of time after Strictly. And you know my other thought?

Now maybe he can be Heat's Torso of the Week!

The next best thing?

For those of us (that would be me, then) suffering withdrawal symptoms, Dancing on Ice (aka Strictly Ice Dancing) started tonight. In my eyes, it’s not as good as Strictly, as it’s too ‘ITV’ and also there’s the chance that someone could get seriously hurt. And no one can ever be as impressive on the ice as they manage to be on Strictly - it takes a lot of effort even to stand up!

But, of course, I did watch the first two series, and weathered the emotional trauma when John Barrowman was unfairly voted out early in Series 1 (well, he’s still not over it, so I don’t see why I should be either). Last season was less emotional, probably because I did like Kyran Bracken, who won, but I didn’t really have a favourite.

This year, well, at this stage who can say. I have to say that on tonight’s showing, they were all a bit rubbish. There's another male (ex) Blue Peter presenter, who apparently is also Welsh, but I can't see that he'll work the same magic. At the moment, I'd be voting for Philip Schofield, if I could.

At least I’ve never voted in this one (yet?).

A Quiet Christmas

For that’s what it has been. I feel like I’ve been off work for ages, but I know I needed it. There are things I could have done, and maybe should have done, but I haven’t.

I’ve really done very little. Christmas Day was spent with friends (until the end of Doctor Who – damn Russell T Davies for making me cry again on Christmas Day!) I came home for the Strictly* Christmas Special.

Boxing Day, I spent at home, apart from visiting my Aunt. I’m not sure she even knew it had been Christmas.

The following day, I ventured to the shops and bought a new fridge freezer. It’s being delivered next week, so I started the de-frosting of the old one yesterday. It's taken me two days! I almost got frostbite, hacking the chunks of ice off. The new flooring and carpet gets fitted the week after, so the work on the house should soon be finished.

I've ventured to the sales, and bought shoes I didn't need, (but they were pretty). I’ve eaten too much chocolate, drunk too much fizz, and basically vegged out. It’s been good. But I think I'm ready to do something now

*I think this is where I go ‘whoohoo!’ Ok, maybe he didn’t win, but it was 'Per-fect-ion'! Cue big smile on my face for Christmas Day.

All over for another year

Well, it was the final last night. I got through it by being at a ‘Strictly’ party given by friends. I’d been a little dubious about going, as I thought I might be the spectre at the feast, given I really am not over it yet, but they said the magic words ‘dress up’ and ‘wear sequins’. The world will always seem better when you’re wearing a posh frock.

Truly, I didn’t think any of the repeated dances were as good as the first time round. I thought Alesha looked very nervous, and knackered, given her training level. I do think that having to do five dances in the final is just too many. Yes, I know they’ve lost a couple in both of the last couple of years, but they could have done something about it. A three person final would have been much better. I'm really pleased that Alesha won. She deserved it.

Of course, my highlight was when my boy came back. We may have only got a curtailed version of his salsa, but he was having fun. Shimmying at the judges (actually, probably at Arlene) and hi-fiving with some of the audience. And a reappearance of that shirt could never be a bad thing! I have to say I have really admired his attitude over this last week. He’s been all over the media, obviously gutted, but gracious and dignified. It’s a hell of an achievement to get that balance right, and he has. (I haven’t, I know it and accept it, but then you know what I'm like).

I really hope that next year they get rid of the dance off, that the judges don’t give out quite so many 10’s, and that they move the results show back to Saturday. It was so much better last night when you knew it was live, and there was no chance of any spoilers. It never felt the same when you knew it was recorded, and therefore edited.

Next year, I know that I will get addicted again, and that I will have a new favourite. Whether it will be as intense as this year is doubtful.

But for now, roll on the Christmas special. I may be back!

From 'Geth' to 'Gethin'

It's not where you start, it's where you finish. The face says it all. He's totally in the zone in the second picture from Saturday night. I would say that the first picture is 'Geth' and the second 'Gethin'.

I can’t pretend I’m not gutted, because I am. The dream is over. Somehow, in my heart of hearts I think I knew that this would be the last week, though I didn’t expect things to pan out as they did. I think it’s fair to say that a few tears have been shed since Saturday night.

For the first time this series I was out, and missed watching ‘live’, so I had to keep putting in a few votes when ever I got a moment. I was at the theatre, so I was pleased there was an early interval, so I could get a few more in before the voting deadline, but of course I didn’t know how things had gone.

I didn’t get home till after midnight, but I knew that I had to watch it before I went to bed. I saw Alesha do a fabulous quickstep, and Matt do a very average Argentine Tango*, which was mainly Flavia, then Gethin took to the floor for his Paso**. It was strong, it was dramatic, but it wasn’t his best dance. I think it was undermarked by most judges, and slightly overmarked by Len.

Round two, two more AT’s and a waltz from Matt. I liked Alesha’s AT which was sultry and dramatic. Matt came out for his waltz. He completed it, it wasn’t a patch on Gethin’s from the other week, or Alesha’s from earlier in the series, as it didn’t have the emotional connection, but quite unbelievably it got 4 10’s. I think my level of disbelief was the same as when John Barnes got a 10 for his salsa. And I thought Len’s standing ovation was disgraceful***. I think then I knew it was all over. A lack lustre and averagely marked dance would have made me pretty hopeful. As I looked at Gethin and Camilla’s faces before they went onto the dance floor, I could see that they knew too. They still came out and did what for me was the best AT of the night. Dark, brooding and romantic. They got 36. They were bottom of the leader board. I knew it was going to take a miracle, and I don’t believe in those.

Watching the results show was very hard. I knew he was going to have to dance again. I was actually surprised that it was Alesha who went through, so I think that proves that Matt’s sympathy vote was a one week wonder. It’s possible that Gethin got the highest public vote. I thought their AT was even better second time round, and the emotional connection between them was fabulous. But as they stood before the judges, I knew. They’d marked that waltz ‘perfect’ earlier, how could they not put him through now. All credit to Arlene though, for picking Gethin and Camilla, but it made no difference.

He was dignified, gracious and an absolute gentleman in defeat. The response of the audience was worthy of a finalist, and in my head and my heart that’s what he’ll always be. His career will be on the up and up, and I think Blue Peter will have attracted a few more viewers while he’s still with them. I guess in many ways I’m actually more gutted for Camilla, as she looked like she was trying not to cry as they stood before the judges. They are my finalists. A different week, a different result I think.

I really want Alesha to win now. In fact, I may even give her a few votes. But I’m not emotionally attached anymore. Well not until next year. But there’s still the Christmas special to look forward to. It often seems an anti-climax after the final. But it won’t be this year.

*Can someone explain to me why Matt did his AT first? My brain, which looks for the conspiracy theory, tells me that it was because it’s Flavia’s ‘dance’ and she would be able to get him through it if he faltered.

**If only he’d had a foxtrot, or any ballroom dance, I think we’d have had a different outcome

*** on the results show both Craig and Len admitted that part of their marking was because of his comeback from last week, which is basically WRONG. I’m starting to think he’s a better actor than I gave him credit for!

It's 'Chips and Wine' over again

It was a traumatic weekend in many ways. The nervousness starts early on Saturday, as I’m building up slowly to ‘showtime’. I commented to Cat that I now can’t eat a meal before the show, I can only drink wine, and I can’t settle afterwards. She can recognise the symptoms. Even I admit it’s not rational, but I don’t actually care at the moment.

I was thrilled that it hadn’t been a ‘one week only’ appearance for ‘Gethin’, and loved seeing him at the top the leader board. I really liked his American Smooth, and loved his jive – real high energy stuff – for which I think he got a deserved 10. I also love the way he takes on board all the comments, and doesn’t big himself up at all. Though I do think there’s such a thing as being too modest.

I was very surprised to see Alesha in the dance off, and thought it was undeserved. If you watch the routines, both she and Gethin went wrong, but they kept going, so you couldn’t tell. Matt just gave up, and I think he should have been in the dance off to prove he could do it. I don’t take any account of the ‘he’s young, he’s nervous.. etc’ He’s an actor, and one of the first things you learn is however bad it goes, you do not stop. Most of the time, the audience won’t even notice the error. I just hope the huge sympathy vote was a one week phenomenon, as, in a dance off, the judges will always save Alesha.

I can see that phone bill going a bit crazy this week.

More about the Welsh Wonder

Well, he’s got all sorts of alliterative names from Arlene – gorgeous Gethin, Gethin the gallant, I tried to come up with another on the same lines, but as it all tended to involve gyrations, I opted for something different. Seriously, how good was he on Saturday? I admit it, I was very nervous about his salsa, but he was on fire. And as for that shirt - ‘I didn’t realise it was see though!’ How cute is he?!!

I just hope he can keep it up now. He was just so loving it. His reaction after the waltz was lovely to see. He was hyper with it, and after the salsa, he didn’t know where it had come from. I know that feeling, when suddenly something comes from inside you and you perform in a way that you didn’t think possible. Maybe he’s finally been bit by the performance bug.

Respect is definitely due to that acting coach. So now we know, there’s Geth, quite shy, not comfortable with performing, and there’s Gethin, the dancer. It’s lovely to see how humble he is, and how little self confidence he has, but he doesn’t lay it on with a trowel like Letitia. He just shrugs his shoulders and gets on with it.

He appears so clean cut that I think quite a few people would like to look for a naughty side. I don’t think the Blue Peter image helps, as they probably have to be squeaky clean these days. I’m still gutted to read that they won’t let him pose without his shirt on!

All this will, of course, pass, but for now I’m enjoying it. After all, at least when I was sitting in a fairly boring meeting this afternoon, I could just drift off and think about that shirt.

Because I'm just a tiny bit obsessed...

I have to post this link. Courtesy of heat.com.

Gethin's Saturday Night Moves*

I guess just I might have to buy this week's copy!

*I'm not clever, and don't know how to put a video directly in a post, therefore, you get a link. Aren't I good, you don't even have to look at it.