Snippets: SCD, DWTS, SYTYCD, Glee

Lots today, the media are gearing up for the usual frenzy of who might be on Strictly Come Dancing this year - Gary Lineker and wife Danielle Bux, maybe Posh Spice Victoria Beckham - ought to go for David, since he's not playing footie now - and Amy Winehouse. They're also after Bill Clinton's daughter and/or mistress, Monica Lewinsky, Kimberley Walsh, Patsy Kensit and Lembit Opik! (This is The Sun I'm quoting, btw) Then, further down the article, they impart the news that it's only a twelve week run! So less couples overall then - back down to fourteen? If they do the double dance weekends like last year, which proved so popular, with all couples doing a ballroom and a Latin before elimination, fourteen fits the equation for a three couple final (assuming they PUT THE CONTINGENCY PLAN IN PLACE: ARE YOU LISTENING, POWERS THAT BE???) And also that at least three shows will come from Blackpool's Tower Ballroom, with more floorspace allowing more fans in to the show. And then it goes on to say how crap the line up was last year - they still don't get it, do they, that actually, we don't care, we'd watch it anyway- the so-called "big names" won't get through because they're a big name - they have to engage us and a brekkie show host did that better than anyone last year.

James Jordan agrees with me about the furore over Arlene's departure, while Ian Waite says it is time for revamp; Kristina talks fashion.

Rumours abound that Pineapple Dance's Louis Spence will take over from Cisco Gomez on the So You Think You Can Dance panel.

An interview with Harry Shum Jr, Glee's amazing streetdancer, Mike Chang.

And finally - Trav's Thought's are in on the Dancing With The Stars Semi Final, show here, results here. I have to agree with Len on Erin and Mak's Paso, a bit funky for me! Very entertaining though. Stunning choreography in Derek and Nicole's Argentine Tango, I particularly loved the final lift. I don't know why they bother with a chair for Bruno, lol! Len sums up Evan and Anna's Paso; their foxtrot is a joy, I dare you not to smile all through it.

'Dance Yourself Fit' Interview with Ian Waite

A nice in-depth article with Ian Waite in the Mirror, on the benefits of dance in respect of fitness.

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!

BBC Nabs So You Think You Can Dance! Woohoo!

And OH YES! Nigel Lythgoe is bringing SYTYCD to the BBC in January (auditions beginning in Oct) and having seen footage of the American counterpart, I'm convinced it won't be a dance version of X-Factor; we'll only see the absolute cream of who they find, to fight it out for the title of Britain's Favourite Dancer. So from January we'll have SYTYCD on the Beeb on Saturdays, Dancing on Ice on ITV on Sundays and Just Dance on Sky (which I don't have and won't be getting so I'll just wing that one) *Hugs self with excitement* Arlene Phillips is set to be on the judging panel for SYTYCD and rumours are they'll bring Cat Deeley back over to present; Davina will be presenting Just Dance.

And other news in brief ...

Strictly has entered the Guinness Book of Records, as the most successful reality show!

Butlin's are holding a Dance weekend, with Ian and Camilla their star turn *wonders if hubby will mind me going away with friends*

Dancing With The Stars Tony Dovolani tells how he became hooked on dance.

America's Best Dance Crew news, they're down to the final four.

Here's an intriguing article - on tennis's connection with ballet!

Craig Kelly admits he's never danced a step!