Showing posts with label doi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doi. Show all posts

Saturday, 21 September 2013

Live: Strictly Come Dancing On Ice

Tickets for the sparkly seventh Strictly Come Dancing Tour 2014 have gone on sale.


Choreographed once again by Craig Revel-Horwood and featuring him, Len and Bruno on the judging panel, some our favourite competitors will complete for the chance to lift the arena glitter ball.

This season's cast is yet to be confirmed but this is immaterial - if you have not been to the live Strictly show before ... what have you been doing with your life?! Click here for the official BBC Live site, to book tickets and to sign up for the newsletter. And GO!

Whilst there is still mixed info coming out about the possibility of another series on TV, former Olympic champ and Dancing on Ice head judge, Robin Cousins, has decided to keep doing what he does best in the meantime, taking a new show on the road.


Robin is bringing world class skaters together for a spectacular show, touring at the beginning of 2014. With a soundtrack of original music and reworked classics, the show, called simply ICE, promises a unique, dynamic and atmospheric world where the performers will fly, glide, soar and flip. See the official website for more details and to book.

Are we just a teensy bit spoilt, or what?

Sunday, 13 January 2013

Dancing on Ice: The Only Way Is Exit

Lauren Goodger came, flitted about a bit and was eliminated in the Save Me Skate Off against Anthea Turner.


Skating to Girl on Fire, Lauren was anything but, settling for a gentle stroll around the ice which wasn't bad but failed to wow due to nerves. Her skate off was much the same, lacking any fight - she knew she was gone because Anthea was so focused. A 'thank you' to Michael though, would have been nice, Lauren. Andrea's first performance had the judges all in complete agreement, with good attitude in an elegant routine to Skyfall. Her Save Me Skate to Loving You confirmed she has some talent and a connection with Andy making the performance believable. I'll even forgive her for stealing Peter Powell away from me, all those years ago.

In a pretty underwhelming show, Joe and Vicky (Jocky) had to play up to the comic image with an "entertaining" routine - reality show speak for "A bit rubbish technically so let's focus on their personality and camp it up". But they're both local (to me) so good luck to them.

Garbin were the surprise, great solo skating, a frog lift, steady, plenty of tricks and presentation not all bad. Ooma also impressed, a funky Lord! A bit more attack and she's looking strong. Luke's a very earnest young man, isn't he? Luenna made a solid start; he just needs more fluidity. Quote of the night to him with :"It's the first time I've performed without getting punched in the face, so I'm happy!"

The Duel is back for next week, they're culling them cruelly and quickly and no-one is safe.

Catch up with the performances at the Dancing on Ice website until then.

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Dancing on Ice: Going for Gold


More details have emerged regarding the anticipated return of Robin Cousins to the ice!

Robin will perform in a special one off show, in which former Olympic medallists from many different sports will go head to head. There'll be a special performance from Jayne and Chris also, although it appears that Katarina will not now be taking part, sadly.

The sporting greats taking part are:

Colin Jackson CBE - Olympic Silver medal, 110m hurdles, Seoul 1988; multiple world, European and Commonwealth champion, world record holder for 10 years; still world indoor 60m record holder and finally, runner up in Strictly Come Dancing, series 3. No pressure, but do you remember the Russian splits jump in his quickstep? I think that's quite enough about Colin ...

Olga Korbut - 4 gold, 2 silver at the Olympics in 1972 and 1976. Millions of little girls wanted to be her, me included, but the only bit of her floor routine we could manage was that little dink of the hand on the last note, which is when we all went mad for her.

Tessa Sanderson CBE - Olympic javelin champion, 1984. Maybe she's seen the success of Fatima and fancies some herself!

Pippa Wilson MBE, Yngling sailing gold at Beijing, 2008, interesting to see how she fares on the frozen stuff.

Jamie Baulch, 4x400m silver, 1996, World Champ 4x4 1997, multiple world indoors champion. Major team player, low centre of gravity, gutsy too - if he can stand up, will make a great partner.

Steve Williams OBE - Coxless Four Gold, 2004 and 2008. The quiet one, has climbed a bit of Everest in a Peaks challenge last year, so no fear over this, surely?

Gail Emms MBE, Badminton silver medallist, 2004. Bubbly Gail belies a gritty Gail!

Let's face it, they're all ultra competitive - this is going to be a Fab Show! The format will be much the same, with the usual three judges, Phil and Christine hosting and T&D mentoring. Date to be announced!

Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Sad news for the Strictly family

The close knit family that is Strictly Come Dancing is in mourning, with the loss of their founding producer, Richard Hopkins, who succumbed to cancer at just 47 years old this weekend.

Richard was responsible for reviving the show, which had ceased being produced as Come Dancing in 1998, with the new format featuring celebrities going live in 2004. He leaves a wife and three daughters.

On a happier note, Jason Donovan is back in the recording studio, while Robin Cousins will step into the dainty shoes of the Teen Angel in the touring stage production of Grease.

Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Snippets: Ladies Who Lunge

Kirsty Swain, the partially deaf dancer who took part in Series 2 of So you Think You Can Dance, is one of the first people in the UK to use a newly designed water and shock proof hearing aid.

The Siemens Aquaris is the first instrument Kirsty has found that doesn't slip or move when she's dancing, meaning she can hear the music properly now, instead of relying on sound vibration or copying fellow dancers.

NO WAY! You have got to love those quotes ... Nancy, Nancy, who does your PR? They're brilliant! And little Chelsee, love her loads but really, no. Channelling positive thoughts to the BBC: *KarenHardy*KarenHardy*KarenHardy*KarenHardy* Seriously, an actual proper dance judge; a former professional winner on the show; the Queen of ITT Choreography; World Champion dancer; already in situ - why would they even begin to look elsewhere?

And depending on which paper you read, Christine Bleakley was a hit .. or a miss ... with Dancing on Ice fans! I just don't get the bitchiness towards presenters just doing a job, I really don't! Tess, and even Claudia, get stick too. Christine did as well as any other professional presenter would have done: she's warm, she didn't muck up - what is the problem with some people? There seems to be a section of our society that take to disliking people they don't even know with such venom, I find it so strange. There are those I don't admire, who I wouldn't switch the telly on to watch, but I don't feel the need to criticise every little thing about them in newspaper comment boxes or forums. Rant over. Off to get a life ...

Monday, 2 January 2012

Snippets: So You Think You Can Dance; National Television Awards

Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed on Twitter that the new US series will not have a separate results show like before - let's hope this doesn't signal the beginning of the end of the series in the US. I still can't believe they axed it here, there's definitely an audience for it, even if not on prime time Beeb 1 on a Saturday.

The National Television Awards shortlist has been released and it's the usual suspects against each other for  Best Talent Show: Strictly Come Dancing; X-Factor; Dancing on Ice; Britain's Got Talent. It's a no-brainer this year isn't it - got to be Strictly?

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Jastina's Salsa!

Those kindly folk at the BBC have posted the dress rehearsal video of Jason and Kristina's salsa routine, which we were prevented from seeing in the final! There's some seriously rapid armography going on there and it's a great song - no atmosphere with no audience there which is a real shame, as it would have put everyone in the party mood! Next year, pretty please, let them do their showdance and the unseen dance first; makes much more sense! In other news, Dancing on Ice is scheduled to start on January 8th!

Thursday, 22 April 2010

Dancing on Ice ... Live!

So off we went (me and my mum) to the O2 on Sunday, for the icy extravaganza courtesy of the legends that are Torvill and Dean. The same warm up man from the first Strictly live show I went to was there, with the same warm up, but it was all good fun!

T&D and the cast entered with a theatrical circus routine, showcasing the awesome skills of the pro skaters, full of pizazz. Andi Peters was host for the night, with only two of the normal judges; Karen and Nicky joined by Christopher Biggins and former champion, Kyran Bracken and all given big introductions before the "and some woman called Zoe Tyler, who's guest judge." He may have said Loose Woman, who knows? I didn't, neither did my mum.

Series Four winner Ray Quinn was up first, partnered by Alexandra Schurman - it must've been quite a shock, after partnering Dr.Hilary! Skating to I Gotta Feeling, Ray was, as ever, faultless, confident and full of musicality. They only met and began rehearsing three weeks ago and here he is, doing the Russian splits again. Fabulous. Score: 28.5.

Fred and Emily skating to Saving All My Love For You, it's very sweet, some solo skating from Emily, not too speedy but a 6.0 from me for Fred's bare chest. What? Whaaaat? Score: 18

Mikey and Melanie give us the cheeky and fun routine to Cecelia, he's skating confidently and looks really fit, very slim. Score: 21

Clare Buckfield, runner up to Kyran, is next, partnered with Lukasz to The Climb. Beautiful skating but after the recap in the intro I was expecting something with a bit more oomph, she was one of the more daring skaters in that series. Score: 25

Chris Fountain, beaten by Suzanne Shaw in the Series 3 final, skated to The Way You Make Me Feel, partnered by Brianne Delcourt and O.M.G! Headbanger? Neckripper? Absolutely unbelievable, incredible, the power in the lifts, musically spot on, dead exciting - and with more finesse than he had in the series, it was a blinding skate. Score: 28.5 (Two 6's).

Gaynor Faye, the inaugural DOI champ, danced with Matt Evers to The Power of Love, one of my all time most hated songs. Poised and elegant, even coming back from injury, only a little stutter. Score: 20.5

Gary and Maria do their Pulp Fiction number, clean skating as ever, but in direct comparison with Chris and Ray, not as explosive. Score 25

Hayley and Daniel with the routine you have to see live to appreciate every intricacy, Jai Ho. Truly stunning when not at the mercy of the camera angles. Score: 28.

The vote opened, we had a short break in which Women Power took over the O2 and we queued at the mens' loos and told them to bugger off, our needs were greater. It was a very short break. And then T&D and the pro skaters showed off their Luck Be A Lady routine, followed by exhibition skates from the contestants and pros: Gaynor and Matt with Don't Go Breaking My Heart showed why Gaynor was so popular; Ray and Alexandra to She's The One, and even though the song is slow, it's still dynamic over the ice; Fred and Melanie go crazy, leaving my bum and toes clenched as another headbanger appears with little warning, awesome routine; Hayley and Daniel with their beautiful Endless Love followed by T&D's gorgeous routine to The Buble's Just Haven't Met You Yet.

Another confident skate from Mikey and Melanie; Emily and Fred wheel out Bad Boys, Emily still needs more sass; Alexandra and Lukasz give us one of the best performances of the night, a fantastic, fast and musical skate to Footloose; Gary and Maria do What About Now, with the same level of awwww's as from the show; Chris and Brianne with Red. Again, slow yet somehow, fast! A nicely done routine to I Will Survive from Clare and Lukasz before T&D take to the air for their new, breathtaking Bolero routine - all eyes on the knot in those silks, as Jayne disappears above us.

And it's time for the results: NOT skating Bolero tonight - Emily; Gary; Gaynor; Mikey; Clare; Ray. It's Chris versus Hayley, and both deliver dramatic and passionate Boleros - overall, my vote, were I voting, would have gone to Chris. However, it's the judges who decide the winners: Karen and Nicky go for Chris; Biggins and Tyler (who ip-dipped, for crying out loud. Waste of space, much?) went for Hayley. So Kyran with the casting vote and ...it's Chris!

Terrific show, if you were thinking of going but left it too late, next year's tickets will surely be on sale soon! I recommend :-)

Snippets: DOI, SCD

Strictly Come Dancing's Brian Fortuna and Ali Bastian are set to star in the West End production of Burn the Floor; Hayley Tamaddon has been blogging about the Dancing on Ice live tour.

Sunday, 18 April 2010

Gossip, unsubstantiated gossip. But you'd want to know!

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are apparently looking to dump Anton, Darren and Lilia, replacing them with American dancers - I fail to see how that would make the show more popular, bearing in mind that they're three of the most popular professionals amongst the message boarders, but what do I know. It won't make a jot of difference to avid viewers like my mum, who just watch the show for what it is, with who's in it making no difference at all.

On the other side though, rumours are that Jason Gardiner has been dumped from Dancing on Ice in favour of Pineapple Dance Studio's Louis Spence, so "yippee". The hundreds of complaints followed Jason's "faecal" remarks to Sharron Davies, plus his inappropriate Twitter comments, seem to have finally been recognised by ITV bosses as not being funny, big or clever and that they harmed the warm fuzziness of the show. I just hope Louis won't feel the need to fill the panto villain role and will just use his experience constructively.

Monday, 12 April 2010

Dancing on Ice

Just to whet your appetite if, like me, you're going along to a live Dancing on Ice show!

Thursday, 25 March 2010

Snippets: SYTYCD, DOI, SCD, DWTS,

Nigel Lythgoe is announcing changes to the format of So You Think You Can Dance this week - via Twitter! The new series in American will start soon, but presumably any tweak in the format will have a bearing on the next series over here, so I'll keep an eye on that! The first change is that only one dancer will be eliminated each week instead of a boy and a girl - so how that will work with regard to partnerships we can only wait and see. Hoping that we'll have a Top 20, it'd be good to see them mixed up every week - keep an eye on @dizzyfeet.

A nice exit interview with Mattiella, with Daniella promising to keep skating with Matt.

Ray Quinn is appearing in Grimsby in aid of the Big Red Heart Appeal, so get along there to support if you can.

*STOP PRESS* Major news story breaking - the ice dance finalists are wearing sparkly undergarments ... and sadly, Gary is the only one saying he won't give us a flash. Not fair, Mr. Lucy! Meanwhile, Kieron, bless him, is having a go back at Jason for calling him and Gary "pillocks". I might vote for the boys just to hack him off.

An Examiner spotlight article on the one and only *adopts Italian accent* Bruno Tonioli *waves arms around madly*

And finally, the April edition of Dancing in the UK is out now!

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Snippets:SCD, Sport Relief, DOI,

A behind the scenes look at the Dragons in the Strictly den for Sport Relief ...it's dated the 14th and says we'll see the result tonight - but they'll surely be showing it on Friday? I hope so, or I've missed it!

Is she, isn't she: Sharon Osbourne says Kelly has been signed up for the next Strictly Come Dancing, but Kelly says she hasn't. I personally don't believe she could be, having come third in Dancing With The Stars, it would be very unfair to the other contestants.

A majorly lengthy interview with the Dancing on Ice Judges; Robin, you tigerrrrr ...

Sound advice from Alesha.

Thursday, 11 March 2010

Snippets: SYTYCD, SCD, GTD, DOI

Nigel Lythgoe looks set to receive a philanthropy award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation.

Arlene Phillips is involved in bringing 'FlashDance - The Musical' to the West End's Shaftesbury Theatre in September!

Christopher Biggins will be taking part in the forthcoming Dancing on Ice Tour - judging, not skating!

Juke Box Juniors are in demand since their appearances on Got To Dance - and ambitious, too, quite rightly - they don't want to be the next Diversity, they want to be bigger than them!

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

Snippets: SYTYCD, DOI, Move It, Diversity, Pineapple

A backstage behind the scenes look at how the fourteen So You Think You Can Dance finalists were accomodated for the duration of the show.

Pineapple Dance Studios have seen a surge in interest in the wake of the tv dance shows and their own programme on Sky, aired alongside Got To Dance.

There are five pairs of tickets up for grab for Move It, courtesy of Fabulous online mag.

Your chance to bust some moves with Diversity! Go on, have a go - they talk you through some basic steps, all you need to do is stand up!

Hayley and Dan are on the West End's wish list!

Maria Fillipov and Melanie Lambert talk about the benefits skating brings!

Apparently, there are thousands of free dance classes on offer! So what are you still doing reading this? Go get 'em!

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Snippets: DOI, SCD

Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins is joining the cast of Grease, in the role of Teen Angel!

A reminder of the Strictly Professional Tour Dates, I think the London date has been added. A South East date would be much appreciated!

Alesha has been confirmed as a judge for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Dancing in the UK magazine March issue is out online.

A press release from Blue Eyed Books, sampling a few choice dancing quotes, plenty of time to get your orders in for Christmas!

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Snippets ... DOI, SCD, DOW,

Dancing on Ice's Jason Gardiner has been forced to apologise for his outrageous comments to Sharron Davies on Sunday, quite rightly too!

The Blackpool Tower management are in negotiation with Strictly Come Dancing to stage the whole show there next year ... will we see a one off show back at BBC TV Centre, with a celebrity pleading "Just let me make it to London, please get me to London ..." and a nice article here with the SCD Band's Hayley Sanderson.

An excellent article by Viv Groskop in the Guardian online, regarding the new celebrity status of choreographers!

And Mark Foster, soon to appear on Dancing on Wheels, shares his thoughts on Digital Spy.

Sunday, 31 January 2010

Dancing on Ice: Running Commentary, Week Four

This may well come down to music choices tonight; I need a picture of Karen for my hairdresser; Jason's a Slytherin. The required element, combination steps!

Kieranne have Play That Funky Music - how can people "never have danced in their lives, ever" do they not boogie around the kitchen to the radio. Is that just me? Oops, nearly dropped her but as Tony said, up till then it was great, well done, funky young man - you can dance! Full of energy and very groovy. Score: 15. He said: “Why are my scores going down every week, I had a bit of a wiggle on.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 3) “Every week is different, we are marking on exactly what we see out there. The good points, yes you didn’t have dance training you’re on the button musically, you gave it all you could, tough when you are working with a partner with the presence like Brianne has, you tend to be following her a lot rather than leading her. So while the dancing was good and musically was great, it was not as good technically as you were last week.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 3) “Kieron sometimes I want to give you a shake but I am afraid you will snap in half. A lot of your movements there is no end to them, you throw everything away and although yes there was some good rhythm there it wasn’t enjoyable to watch.”
Emma Bunton: (scored 3) “It was fun I really enjoyed, yes we want you to become the leading man now but it was fun and you smiled all the way through.”

Jason Gardiner: “But it’s is about the quality of the movements.”

Commenting on Jason’s comments Kieron said: “You don’t have to have muscles to do well in this competition.”

Stuana to Waterloo - let go your conscience self Tana (classic 70's quote there!) it was a good try but still a bit tentative and out of time on occasion which made it worrying to watch, but she had a smile on her face at the end. Afterwards she said: “ I love that song and it’s just so fast and I really did have a good dance.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 2) “Well I do agree you had a break through in your smile and your personality out there on the ice compared to what we have seen. We’ve seen it back stage when you are smiling when you go past and talk to everybody, so put it over onto the ice was super, so that was excellent and you looked great out there. It’s a little delicate with the skating for me at the moment but you did the toe steps and you are daring to do things on your own, so all this is good. It needs more speed, it needs more attack but you know that, but I think this is a big step up from last week.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2.5) “We are expecting more each week and that’s why we have to score like that but I want to say I really admire you. I know you’ve never danced before and you’ve never performed in front of an audience and I think you’re really attacking it and you can see you’re working hard and I loved your smile tonight you just looked gorgeous out there you were a joy to watch.”

Karen Barber (scored 2.5) “You’ve been determined to enjoy it this week, it’s your first up tempo routine. The element was there just a little bit cautious but you know we’ve all enjoyed your performance this week and you’ve worked really hard, well done.”

Dannie have If You're in Love With A Beautiful Woman and he's looking worried, a couple of moments but held it, nice toe pick dance moves. Didn't do it for me so much this week, the song too old for him, as in, a disco number would've been better. Score: 17 He said: “I think bits went well, bits could have been better but overall I’m happy.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 3.5) “ OK first of all just to clear up Frankie this is called Dancing On Ice, and I understand you are teaching him to skate but I am here to judge his danceability and I want him to improve. With that in mind there were moments where you were great coupled with moments where you were not so great, almost a little bit like a bulldog with a bone, no offence Frankie! I just want you to take a lot more care, I just want you to take a lot more care with your dismounts, particularly from your lifts they are very unstable, particular in your step sequence it was a little bit all over the place but you are improving.”

Karen Barber shaking head (scored 3.5) “Jason where do we start with you?! Full credit you had a very difficult routine really, really difficult elements tonight you are a good partnership you are a good team. We are all teaching him to dance on ice which includes skating and we are seeing improvements, you are still going to be here next week I have my fingers crossed.”
Danny’s skating partner Frankie Poultney replied to Jason’s comments and said: “I am not sure by calling somebody bull dog with a bone is really commenting on their performance Jason.”

Fremily to Yes Sir, I Can Boogie - I've got this *ahem* Baccara, see Kate knows it! Oh, it was all going well until the leg sweep, good recovery though, other tricks were accomplished, did the combo on her own, less dragging by Fred. Score: 10.5 a bit harsh I thought. She said: “That was the one thing (leg sweep) I was scared off, it went wrong a few times and it was just really unlucky then.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 3) “I was probably a bit carried away as this is the first time I have seen you go out there and attack it, and you probably attacked it a bit too much. Having said that I’ve probably been a bit generous but at the same time you did the required element on your own, you made the 360, you’re the first person out there since the show started half an hour ago to make the full turn. It was still a bit sloppy and I think you need to get a bit more flexibility in your ankles, but basic skating skills are much stronger.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 1.5) “I see some really good promise in there and you looked relaxed and together. The start of it was very good but the end of it for me you were in a lot of trouble. You are being enabled on the required element of the turn you are being helped a lot and it’s better if you can do it on your own. I have seen some positive things but Tana was skating more on her own and I gave her a two so I just put you a little bit below.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2) “I just thought it looked messy, unsteady. I felt like Fred was kind of like dragging you around. You are improving but very little.”

Mikanie with Cecilia and I had a smile on my face the whole way through, a couple of stutters but excellent skating and a lovely, warm, fun performance. Score: 20.5 top of the series so far. Afterwards he said: “You know when you are out there try your best just to stay focused and just to keep in the moment.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 4.5) “Mikey I thoroughly enjoyed that, it was playful it was cheeky you told a story there was a great connection with you and your partner. What I will say to you though just to keep improving is that you sometimes sabotage yourself with your own arms but taking them too far out of your control range, make you a little bit unsure on your feet. Tell you what mate this is exactly where you need to be going.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 3.5) “I agree with what Jason is saying, and It’s because of that getting yourself out of your comfort zone where the feet go a little bit wobbly but the fact you do it on your own you have to get the credit for. Like I said to you last week there is a natural posture for you that other people need to learn and it’s now working to your advantage and it’s great to see.”

Karen Barber: (scored 4) “You’re great to be around and so great to work with. This is one of my favourite routines of the week and you didn’t let me down and I was looking forward to it, well done.”

Hatt and the Emotions, Best of My Love. I'm bloody impressed, you could see she had a huge problem yet she still carried on, the energy in the lifts was immense and she managed the toe steps. Score: 12.5 hopefully she'll get the leg sorted for next week. She said: “Yeah I had to adjust my leg as it keeps slipping out. Sharon’s been brilliant from physio and she has glued it in but when you sweat the glue starts to move. I am glued in now otherwise I wouldn’t be able to skate.

Robin Cousins: (scored 2.5) “As I said last week it’s great to watch you and see you push it and have a go. You really did try but unfortunately the choreography really exposed the challenge that you have, you were heavily enabled my Matt this week. What I am going to say is that you made an effort you did the required element and I am hoping the people at home will realise that this is the week to let you go by and bring you back next week and we can see what you did last week and see the Heather Mills we have seen before.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2.5) “You are always smiling you really, really give it. I think the main thing is there was so much content and I love that because you are pushing yourself but I think it wasn’t as fluid because of that and it kind of hindered it a bit.”

Karen Barber: (scored 3) “I agree with everything you have all been saying but you sold the routine. You have great musicality, you can dance, the beginning was slightly mis-matched but you brought it back.”

Hilandra dancing to Sweet Caroline - charming I think is the word, certainly improved, much smoother. Score: 11.5 . What's Emma on? He improved, you can't ask for more. Classic quote from Phil: "Let him through, he's a doctor!" He said: “Fifty percent better than last week. I am more confident this week and it’s beginning to progress and flow and I have a great teacher here so yeah it’s getting a bit better each week and looking forward to the next one if the voters vote me in.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 2) “ Look Dr Hilary, the thing is it’s not very good OK. You are improving very, very slightly but not enough, you have very tight and restrictive shoulders.”

Nicky Slater (scored 2.5) “Working below the waist rather than above the waist I think you are getting more speed across the ice, instead of rising on the turns and being almost afraid of it when you start to move if you can actually use the ankles and the knees more and make the ice your friend. It’s not about how old you are it’s about technique out there and if you could just relax a bit more in those steps then the flow will come. You have a kind of charisma coming out from the ice as well.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 2) “On a positive note, I think your posture is a bit better but I was glad there were no lifts and it feels like you’ve gone back a couple of weeks. Everyone else is leaps and bounds ahead of you so that’s what I am scoring on.”

Mattiella to Le Freak and it's YAY! Well done - loved that routine, great musicality and dancing and they nailed the neck snapper lift. Such a brilliant attitude to it too, fearless. Score: 19.5 She said afterwards: “I loved it, I am loving this experience.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 4) “So much fun and excitement it was really evident from the way you perform that you obviously trust Matt. The relationship is working, it is fantastic I loved it. I have to say the basic skating skills have not really improved that much but the overall package of how it’s all coming together is really working in your favour.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 3.5) “Yes I thought you looked great out there, I thought the energy and the commitment at the start of the program was fantastic. If you can get that when you are moving over the ice as well that would be a real win. I thought at times there was hesitation and it was a bit wobbly coming out of the lift.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 4) “You are so cute, it was really steady it was fun. It was such a shame there was a little mess up over here and I think that knocked you a bit I could see it in your face. You are a great performer and I really enjoy it every week.”

Sharrel - a visit from Jessica gives her a boost and they have a lovely tune, You've Got A Friend. See what they did there? Still needs to relax more, only broke into a smile when she nailed a bit of the choreography, needs to do that more, as she can skate elegantly. Score: 15. As for Jason's nasty little comment, words fail ... just no need. She said: “Last week was very tough, I kept taking my shoulder out of my socket last week and we didn’t want to complain about it, so we had to deal with that and the adrenaline can of ran out on Monday morning but we worked really hard and I love that routine and it’s a lovely piece of music.”

Jason Gardiner: (scored 2) “OK, I am giving you a two for improved arms and leg lines, but this is also about performance, you’ve got to give me a performance level.”

Karen Barber: (scored 3.5) “It’s a real test of character not when things are going well but when they’re not and you showed great sense of character. I thought it was a really polished performance, the lifts there is a really nice extension and there is a real quality starting to come out now and when you smiled it was great.”

Nicky Slater: (scored 3.5) “I think the music suited you more, maybe cos what’s gone on in the week. It was a softer feel and I did get quality in the way it was presented to me, I think you can extend more with your arms and go with the legs, you know that but that was a real step up.”

Garia and Easy - they made us all think it'd be something from Saturday Night Fever, what with him wearing that suit! Beautiful skating again, a couple of moments, but overall a pleasure to watch, needs added confidence and bring fun Gary out there. Score: 19. He said: “It felt fantastic, I had a few little s you are stumbles there which I’m gutted about but I had a great time and thank you for being kind. I am so far out of my comfort zone, I am skating and I’m dancing but I am really trying and Maria is working really hard, and Chris and Jayne are working hard to get me half decent and I am really trying really having a good time and hopefully I will relax into it if I am given the chance.”

Robin Cousins: (scored 4) “It’s lovely, it works so well with the relationship with the music the look is great it’s really comfortable. Every now and again you have those little moments where you are waiting for Maria to make sure you know what you’re doing next, there was 2 of those tonight and then the exit of the lift, and it’s like what Chris said tonight you are, there is no question, one of the best skaters we have out here, you have to just believe it a bit more and enjoy it.”

Emma Bunton: (scored 3.5) “I just love watching you, as Chris said you are one of the best skaters, for me I felt like you were constantly looking at Maria, I want you to show off a bit, make the performance about you and that’s what I am missing at the moment.”

Karen Barber: (scored 4)“Yes the performance is about you but also the relationship between you and I saw that connection, I am trying to convince you that you are as good as you are and you will be better.”

Hayliel and it looks like they've a Viennese Waltz! No More Tears the song, but should have been Dance Yourself Dizzy (Liquid Gold, remember that? I've got it ...) Full of enthusiasm, a little stutter, but the energy and performance there as is the big grin, as always. Score: 23 She said: “I do feel sick all the way round because apparently I hold my breath!”

Jason Gardiner (scored 4.5) “Save the best to last! You know what I love about you Hayley is; it’s 70’s week and we required a lot of energy and you have more energy than EDF. However what I will say is your weakest moment was your required element, however I absolutely loved the turn combination that was spot on, you are really our best in the competition so far.”

Karen Barber: (scored 4.5) “A mistake was made in the required element. Your attention to detail was amazing I loved it.”

Results: The usual recap - I'd agree with Jason's three he picked there, Mikanie and Mattiella got my votes (trying to cut down!) Safe: Sharrel; Mattiella; Mikanie; (YAY) Hatt; Hayliel; Kieranne; Hilandra; Fremily; Garia. It's Tana v Danny, as long as he doesn't forget the routine, Danny will go through - it all goes to plan, apart from the trip up the step, it's 5-0 Danny. Tana said: “I’ve had such a fantastic, fantastic time. I’m going to miss skating with Stuart and just everyone who’s been so supportive. I’ve had such a fantastic time. I’m exhausted! I’ve loved every single bit of it.”

Till next time (ITV1, Friday, 8pm!) and after that, Sunday!

Thursday, 21 January 2010

Snippets: SCD, DOI, Sport Relief

Sport Relief will once again be using dance to entice us to part with our dosh this year - there's a special Strictly Come Dancing, coming from the O2 and featuring two, as yet un-named, celebrities, together with another Let's Dance for ... show. Will it turn up another unexpectedly superb performance a la Robert Webb? Let's hope so. Guaranteed fun at any rate and well worth a dip into the pocket for the cause.

Those general media types have got their knickers in a twist over the extra-long Dancing on Ice this weekend. Since when has two hours twenty minutes been nearly three hours? Helloooo - it's closer to two, and just an extra thirty five minutes on the previous weeks! Wish I knew a way of adding an extra forty minutes into every hour; my God, that'd make my life so much easier!

Strictly stars Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe revealed their fantasy dance partners (Vernon Kay and Bruce Forsyth respectively) to ClickLiverpool - I think I prefer Nat's other choice, Matthew McConaughey!

Thursday, 14 January 2010

News in Brief: DOI, Street Dance

The Saturdays will be the special guests on Dancing on Ice this week, performing their new song Ego, which is taken from the album Wordshaker.

Sinitta gave an exit interview - see it here. She's not happy according to this one and I can't say I blame her!

Sparks fly as as the worlds of street dance and ballet collide in STREETDANCE, the vibrant, uplifting and groundbreaking 3D feature film from Vertigo Films - you can read the rest of the synopsis on the website and check out the teaser trailer, the film looks fantastic!

Davina McCall and Claudia Winkelman are hoping to front a culture show together some time in the future. That's it, one little line in a Davina interview about BB! Cruel, aren't they?