So You Think You Can Dance ... in sixty seconds?

If you missed the final, here's the quickie recap ...

So You Think You Can Dance: Final Clips!

So You Think You Can Dance Official Result and Comments

After six weeks of explosive performances, exhausting rehearsals under the tutelage of some of the dance world's leading choreographers, and dramatic judgements, Charlie Bruce has been named Britain 's Favourite Dancer, and crowned the winner of the first series of BBC One's So You Think You Can Dance.

Following a dramatic final week which saw fellow-finalist Robbie White withdraw from the competition, due to an injury sustained in rehearsal, tension was fever-pitch between the remaining three finalists as they headed in to the Grand Final.

Performing Pop Jazz, Tango, Hip Hop, Samba, Lyrical, Broadway, Jazz and Contemporary routines in groups and couples, as well as their all-important solos, the finalists had their work cut out to impress the viewers at home and get the chance to dance on the US show and take home the £100,000 prize.

Standing in for Robbie, who appeared at the start of the show with host Cat Deeley, were former contestants Alastair Postlethwaite, Mark Calape and Drew McOnie in routines partnered with the competing finalists.

McOnie later teamed up with former dance partner Hayley Newton to perform the Judges' Favourite dance from the series – their much-loved Contemporary 'Bed' routine performed in Week 2, choreographed by Raphael Bonachela.

After all the performances, the judges reflected on the performances of the evening.
Nigel Lythgoe said: "All the dancers were inspirational and, I think, for series two, it's going to inspire all the dancers sitting out there wondering if they'll audition. They're all going to get up and audition after tonight... any one of these three are worthy winners, and the whole point of not just the £100,00 but actually going to Hollywood to expose their talents to 20 million people and work with all those choreographers... it's a chance in a lifetime."

For Arlene Phillips, it was "a battle of the girls, and Lizzie tonight in Sweet Dreams – her acting was absolutely phenomenal... that edged it for me."

Louise Redknapp agreed it was all about Girl Power: "I'm along with Arlene on this one and I think Lizzie in Sweet Dreams and Charlie in the lyrical."

Sisco Gomez, however, sided with Tommy, saying that his routine with returning dancer Mark was the highlight: "That Hip Hop was representing."

After the couples' performances, each dancer performed a solo to showcase why they should be named Britain 's Favourite Dancer.

On Lizzie's solo, Louise said: "Let me say this is not a one-horse race! Lizzie, your solo every week is unique. Not many people can spin on their head the way you did. You are a strong, edgy, cool, exciting dancer and I love you."

On Tommy's shirtless solo, Arlene said: "Tommy, what you do is unique. I have to say last week's solo was phenomenal, this week's solo was phenomenal too. You live, breathe, hear, feel and see music. And taking your shirt off too was pretty good."

On Charlie's solo, Arlene said: "Charlie, you have just changed tonight and grown through this series. That solo was one of your best. It wasn't necessarily your very best, but what you have done through the night is mega, honey. Mega."

Eliminated in third place was Lizzie Gough, leaving Tommy Franzen and Charlie to go head-to-head for the title.

Of Lizzie's time in the competition, Arlene said: "Never mind the audience ringing and voting, phones will be ringing for Lizzie right now from choreographers and producers to get this outstanding talent in some way. I know that."

Following her elimination, Lizzie said: "I think I've been lucky because I've had a different style every week and I've never had a bad routine. I'm still going to go to America and kick ass over there!"

Cat Deeley later announced the results and, after weeks of hard-work, it was announced that Britain 's Favourite Dancer was Charlie!

Following the announcement, Nigel said: "I'm exhausted. To have seen Tommy and Charlie grow across this series has been wonderful. Both were spectacular this evening but, for me, Charlie edged it. I'm going to be so delighted to take her to America ."

And the newly-crowned champion, an emotional and tearful Charlie, said: "I'm absolutely speechless. Thank you so much. I did it. I did it... I'll never forget this!"

The results show had performances from Robbie Williams singing the official Sport Relief single, Morning Sun; a group dance featuring the three finalists to I Gotta Feeling choreographed by Paul Domaine; as well as a spectacular routine reuniting all the show's former dancers to Lady Gaga's Bad Romance.

So You Think You Can Dance: Cue Music - The Grand Finale

Slight change of plan - Alistair not the only eliminated dancer taking part tonight, Drew and Mark stepping up too, it will be just the three competing for the title of Britain's Favourite Dancer. Robbie's in the studio, being all positive and heroic.

We kick off a marathon six dances each with the three of them dancing to I Gotta Feeling, a brilliant start, full of energy and power - hard to tear my eyes away from Tommy.

Next up, Tommy teams with Lizzie for the Emmy nominated Sweet Dreams jazz number by Mandy Moore and it's a wow: Intense, passionate, full of shapes and lines, timing is stunning. Still Tommy for me after that.

Lizzie and Charlie have a Karen Bruce Broadway to All That Jazz, it's Charlie's moment to shine - I just said that Louise - but Lizzie more than holds her own, sparkly.

Charlie and Tommy have a Katya and Klaus tango and *phew* Hot - full of attitude and passion, that's what we want. Awesome Charlie led brilliantly by versatile Tommy, so strong, so consistent.

Lizzie teams with Alistair for a samba - impressive, we know how difficult it is and Lizzie nailed some terrific technical moves in there, great job. Not supposed to be checking out Alistair but - he's found his hips *ahem*

Tommy and Mark with a Simeon special Hip Hop - their hands - let alone everything else - so precise, wonderful stuff, great to see them working together. Sorry Nigel - I want Tommy to stay being Tommy - that's who I love, he makes me enjoy whatever he's doing, I smile all the way through. Louise, stop copying me!

Charlie and Drew with a lyrical Mandy Moore, so impressive, would love to have seen Drew make the final, he supports Charlie beautifully, gorgeous routine with lovely leaps and lifts, full of passion. That just made it a tougher choice.

We're onto the solos: Lizzie, the hip hop queen does it again, although the big moves just stop it flowing like normal; Tommy and some lyrical breakdancing, another original solo, wondrous; Charlie puts her all into it, but not much different from before.

Tough, isn't it? Taking all into consideration though, it's Tommy for me - they've all been party to routines I've loved, but he's the one whose solos have consistently wowed me.

*EEK* Lines are closed! National Lottery ... yes, yes, get on with it *tut* didn't win again ... jeez, how many draws are there these days? *wills the clock onward* Can you believe those people who say winning won't change their lives? I mean - what's the point of buying a ticket? Donuts. Me, I'd employ a chef, a maid, a chauffeur; I'd have a sports club, a film club, a jazz club ... oh, we're back!

Group dance with the previously elimiated dancers, all so impressive, the finalists join them at the end. Just for fun, Nigel and Sisco vote Charlie, Louise for Lizzie, Arlene feels like the majority of us neutrals - vote for all of them! We recap the series, seems like way more than six weeks! The judges choice for an encore: Hayley and Drew to Speechless - the bed routine. And it leaves us that way a second time, fabulous.

Third Place: Lizzie!

Robbie Williams with his new, official Comic Relief single, Morning Sun. How did they persuade Kiefer Sutherland to play guitar there? Maybe with extra pies; I'm just sayin'. See, Robbie thinks he can dance: SCD next year? Clearly gagging for it.

And Britain's Favourite Dancer is: Charlie! Yay for the Kent girl - fully deserved on tonight's performances. Hope we see more of Tommy though, and congratulations to all of the dancers, they've kicked off the UK franchise with a brilliant first series. Thanks for making it so enjoyable :-)

So what's next - oh, yes - Let's Dance for Comic Relief, next week!

So You Think You Can Dance Shocker!

It's true, I saw a bad bad rumour, now confirmed, that sadly, Robbie White is out of Saturday's final, due to a dislocated shoulder.

Robbie sustained the injury in training, so last week's eliminated semi-finalist, Alistair Postlethwaite will replace him. Now wouldn't that be some kind of fairytale, if he came through to win! He joins Lizzie Gough, Tommy Franzen and Charlie Bruce in the live final, 7.45pm on Saturday - check out more on the website.

Gutted for Robbie though, he's consistently been one of my favourites from the beginning. I hope you recover well Robbie and that we see more of you in the future, you've been a joy to watch. Check out Robbie's facts and figures on the website.

In other news, the BBC's Eleanor Oldroyd interviewed Torvill and Dean and Dancing On Ice are apparently bringing in a mystery judge, whilst Robin Cousins is away at the Winter Olympics.

So You Think You Can Dance: Exit Interviews

After performing in two couples and solo routines each in the semi-final show, viewer votes left Mandy & Lizzie and Alastair & Robbie having to "dance for their lives" in solos in front of the judges for their places in the grand final of BBC One's So You Think You Can Dance.

The four gave their all in the final 30 seconds to save their space in the competition and judges chose to eliminate Mandy and Alastair, sending Lizzie and Robbie through to next week's finale.
Tommy Franzen and Charlie Bruce progressed straight through to next week's final on viewers votes.

Of the girl's final dance, Nigel Lythgoe said: "Girls, we are unanimous in our decision this evening. We are also unanimous in saying how delighted we are in even seeing both of you in our top three dancers. You should know, the pair of you, how wonderful you have been across the series and we respect you as dancers. Congratulations."

"Lizzie we have seen not so much your technique as your personality grow across this series. You're very shy even though you're a performer and to see that personality start to come out now, I'm a little sorry it hasn't been before this. But you have never been here in the bottom two and you find yourself here in the most important week of this series.

"Mandy you said all the hard work would be worthwhile if you get to the grand final. All the hard work has been worthwhile, but let me say I am ever so sorry you haven't made the grand final this year."

Of the boy's final dance, Nigel said: "Gentlemen we are again unanimous with our decision this evening. We are also unanimous in saying the pair of you are inspirational to guys out there thinking whether they should start dancing or not. Both of you are wonderful ambassadors for the world of dance.

"Alastair, how on earth you got into ballet I'll never know. I love the fact you still go down the pub with your mates... if you got a body like that from drinking beer, people would be drinking more beer! You have been brilliant in this series, you have been incredible. Tonight, though, for the first time I think I have seen someone dancing for their life and that was Robbie, and he overwhelmed you with his performance. He really looked like he was dancing for his life, and I am sorry but you won't be staying with us."

After her elimination Mandy said: "Before I start crying I just want to thank everybody who has helped me – I'm the blubbering American, I'm sorry. Everybody who has helped me get this far. Everybody who dances, keep dancing. It's worth it."

After his elimination Alastair said, on what has made his experience: "These people, these guys I've been working with – thank you everyone."

The results show had a performance from Leona Lewis, and a group dance featuring all six finalists to Big Spender choreographed by Karen Bruce.

Next week the remaining four dancers will be performing to win the competition, take home the £100,000 cash prize, get the chance to dance in Hollywood , and be named Britain 's Favourite Dancer. The grand final guest performer will be Robbie Williams.
The final So You Think You Can Dance show is Saturday at 7.45pm on BBC One, check the website for further details.





Missed the show? Catch up in 60 seconds!

So You Think You Can Dance: Cue Music - Semi Final

Nigel's been shorne!

First up then Lizzie and Robbie with a Karen Bruce Broadway/Vaudeville number and it's inspired! I've got the biggest smile on my face - completely fabulous, timing, energy, personality, fun, slapstick - The Hot Honey Rag from Chicago - brilliant!

Charlie's solo, all Latin and funky to Conga!

Mandy and Alistair contemporary, I Will Try To Fix You, not to mention the furniture. Powerful stuff, Mandy amazing, great partnership.

Lizzie solo - excellent, Bleeding Love ... standing back fall - I love those, just never knew they were called that!

Charlie and Tommy have a hot jazz by Sean Cheeseman, energetic, performed well, didn't quite hit my spot though, did go a little out of time.

Alistair solo, lines, big drop finish but can see where Louise is coming from with the "still more to come" vibe.

Robbie and Lizzie go Hip Hop, great for Lizzie, not so Robbie but courtesy of probably my favourite choreographer this series, Simeon, he's brilliant, he'll get the best from them. Mad! Fantastic, that just sealed it for me, I loved it, both brilliant, tight, musical, completely different routine to the US one to Mad.

Tommy solo - to the South Bank Show - completely brilliant, as ever, top solo.

Mandy and Alistair, Paso Doble - I could be swayed here, love the passion and drama of the Paso - although too powerful numbers in one night, they could've done with something softer for contrast. Nigel didn't like it and it was lacking something for me too, I didn't much like the music and that always makes a difference.

Robbie's solo - he's so luvverley - love the tee-shirt, an homage to Tommy's torso, maybe? He's still holding my vote.

Charlie and Tommy Quickstep - hello Karen Hardy! So who cares about the gapping, lol. Great song, fab performance, Tommy sublime, full of personality, timing, terrific - he's just secured a vote. Full of fun and frolics, just like Mary's little lamb. Remember that little rhyme? No? Ok.

Mandy solo to Feeling Good, another solid performance, loved the wave.

But it's Lizzie for me - she just seems to have mastered a bigger range brilliantly - ballroom, disco, contemporary, broadway and her hip hop is just unbeatable. Robbie also for the mix, hip hop, ballroom, contemporary, broadway. Tommy, as Arlene said, the dance maestro - whatever they've thrown at him he's delivered.

Let the nail biting begin!

What a start to the results show - Big Spender, all sophisticated and then the trouser drop. Genius!

Girls - in danger: Mandy. Safe - Charlie, unexpected, Lizzie never in the dance off before.
Boys - in danger: Alistair. Safe - Tommy, pretty much given if you saw the #sytycd tweets! Robbie in it, second week running. Mandy, the solo queen v Lizzie of the standing back fall, she takes it for me, my head and heart say she'll make it through. Alistair so controlled, maybe that's what Louise is getting at, not quite released himself enough; Robbie, adds a hint of hip hop at the end, taking on board the earlier comments, again both head and heart say Robbie. Or is it wishful thinking?

*bites nails more*

Leona Lewis sings I Got Choo - Nigel brings them forward and makes them feel warm and fuzzy with lovely tributes: Lizzie and Robbie it is, unanimously *Phew* But how the hell will I choose next week!

So You Think You Can Dance: Exit Interviews and Recap

On the show, Nigel said: "Yanet, you need to be careful that your personality comes out in your face as well as your body," he said. "You have a wonderful animalistic magnetism to your work that draws people in, but sometimes your face doesn't express that as much as I believe you're feeling it. Yanet, I don't think it's going to come as a surprise to you this week that you will not be in our top six."

Looking close to tears, Yanet said: "I am disappointed, just because I would have loved to continue the great work with the amazing choreographers. I feel like a winner - I've come such a long way on my own. I'm going to take the positive comments from the judges and hopefully will improve my career."

Moving on to the men, Lythgoe said that again the decision was "unanimous" but added that the panel was "terribly upset" to have to choose between McOnie and White.

"Without question, both of you could have been in our finale and I would not have been surprised if either of you had won," he said. "Both your solos were fantastic. We were not a fan of the gold telephone this week, Drew, but we are a fan of your dancing. Your dancing is so good you don't need props. Drew, I'm sorry and I'm surprised that I'm saying this, but you are leaving us this week."

McOnie said that he couldn't explain how he was feeling but added: "The whole experience has been one of the most amazing times of my life. It's genuinely changed me. The amazing choreographers we had the pleasure to learn from - I want to take that forward in my career to make me a better dancer and a better person. I hope this makes people want to dance as much as I do."

If you missed it, take a minute!


Next week's semi-final how starts at 7.05pm, keep up to date on the website until then!

So You Think You Can Dance: Cue Music 4!

Apologies for lateness of posting – I went out! That’s earlier than last year, didn’t go out on a Saturday night till March last year. So, I-Player to the rescue this morning!

Kicking things off with the girls’ group dance to Stephen Meah choreographed routine to Move – full of energy, Mandy and Yanet impressed.

First up, Yanet and Robbie, back together again, for a Lindy Hop by Ryan and Jenny. Hm, they’re doing to Yanet what they did to Hayley, showing her all negative. Robbie as a mad scientist – it suits him, lol! Bright and lively, a good job, thought they coped well with the air steps. Let’s hope it’s not 3 out of 3 for Ryan and Jenny’s dancers across the shows (Ricky & Natalie; Anabel &Drew) Sisco is well out of order – telling Yanet she’s the weakest before he’s seen any of the other’s tonight. After the comments to Hayley last week, I’m wondering if we’ll see him judging next year – doesn’t stick to the “constructive criticism” mantra.

Solos: Alistair to Get It On – T-Rex meets ballet! And it works! Lizzie to Poker Face, well yes – very nearly in that bra ... it’s a close call – Lizzie so far.

Charlie and Drew have a Kate Prince Lyrical HipHop with a clown theme, character driven piece performed beautifully, emotive storytelling, Drew a little behind at one point, but he’s got the resistance – what is it with Charlie and benches? Creative use of props. Loved it. Nigel agreed.

Solos: Tommy – Don’t Blame it on the Boogie – he just ran along on his knees! He did! He’s leading now, even though you think he’s off to a retro golf course. Mandy very, very classy, well done. Still Tommy though.

Lizzie and Alistair have a Rafael Contemporary piece to No Air and these pieces are really hitting the spot aren’t they? They married their ballet and lyrical hip hop moves into a gorgeous, fluid performance. No props, no outlandish costumes, just the dance. Beautiful.

Solos: Robbie argh – Robbie or Tommy, Tommy or Robbie? Ah, I was out anyway, it’s not like I can vote! Yanet with a mix of styles, love the music – they’ve all chosen better pieces this week. Still Rob/Tom.

Mandy and Tommy have Broadway which is Fab-U-Lous – had plenty of pizzazz far as I was concerned! So together, loved the Spanish themed section, gave it added pow, terrifically enjoyable, my favourite performance from Mandy so far. Nigel agrees again – it was in their eyes from the start and all credit to Tommy for carrying off choreographical moves he’s never heard of!

Solos: Drew and his amazing pirouettes, not so keen on the phone though; Charlie fluid – still Tommy and Robbie though.

The boys group dance: The Cygnet Dance from choreographer Matthew Bourne’s own production of Swan Lake. Some comedic elements as it’s baby swans trying to find their feet – how brilliant was that? Hands up who’s now going to book tickets for a Matthew Bourne show! Nigel’s right again of course – it’s toughest for us to choose who to vote for. ‘cept me, obviously, until next week!

Results Show: Group dance to open, Relight My Fire by Take That’s choreographer Gareth Walker, getting everyone in the mood.

The girls: Mandy and Lizzie are safe; Yanet v Charlie and Yanet is a goner, judging by earlier comments but Charlie was criticized too so who knows *shrugs* don’t know why I’m discussing it really!

The boys: Tommy and Alistair safe; Drew v Robbie and I think the solo could do for Drew this time, even if he does nail 18 pirouettes. But I love both of them and Tommy and Alistair so I was always going to be upset from here on in!

The solos: Yanet with her mix, Charlie her character piece and I think she’ll take it, especially if last week is taken into consideration. I counted 10 pirouettes and then more spins in Drew’s but don’t think it’ll beat Robbie.

Mika performs Blame it on the Girls, he’s gone for outlandish characterisation too, plus city suits with samba ruffles on the dancers. Strangely enjoyable.

Judgement Time: Unanimous for boys and girls – Robbie and Charlie go through, sadly we say goodbye to sweetie Drew and Yanet. Semi Final next week; Leona Lewis also appearing! Don’t miss!

Strictly snippets ...

There's going to be a DVD Game for Strictly Come Dancing fans! I can just imagine the old man's delight when I tell him and the kids "It's family play time - and look what I've got!"

And Hip Hop star Mark Calape is full of praise for Pro dancer Katya Virshilas, saying the Viennese Waltz he performed with Lizzie Gough on So You Think You Can Dance was the highlight of the show for him.

So You Think You Can Dance: Backstage!

The dancers were let loose with a camera again!

So You Think You Can Dance: Exit Interviews and Quick Recap!

Hayley


Mark

So You Think You Can Dance: Clips!

Alistair and Hayley Hip Hop to Chris Brown: Forever


Drew and Lizzie Disco to The Trammps: Disco Inferno


Mark and Mandy Contemporary to Maria McKee: Show Me Heaven


Charlie and Robbie Lyrical to Maxwell: Woman's Work


Tommy and Yanet Salsa to Eddie Palmieri: La Malanga

So You Think You Can Dance: Cue Music 3!

Start picking your individual favourite tonight - ten solos; five duets; two groups! Cat beat me to the "Sisco's in the army now!" Nigel says they need to take the adrenalin and use it!

The girls do Bollywood, and very well too. All having great fun with it, I couldn't pick out one more than the rest.

Lizzie and Drew start the show with Disco to Disco Inferno, choreographed by Karen Bruce. Drew's found his second home, awesome energy, great partnering, the lifts and throws incredible, Lizzie found her disco mojo!

*Puts extra credit on the phone*

Charlie and Robbie solos - these are far too short and similar in terms of content, so I'm sitting back and will do a head to head knockout, you know, like you do with fit actors on the internet. I don't do that, obviously *ahem* but you know what I mean. Robbie it is so far.

Mandy and Mark have contemporary to Show Me Heaven, choreographed by Henri. Mandy in her element, really into it and Mark joining in too - I'm disagreeing with the judges, I think, their comments are mixed - thought both lived and sold it, great job.

Hayley and Alastair solos - not so keen on the solos music - still Robbie so far.

Yanet and Tommy salsa by Richard Marcel; Yanet took Tommy clubbing and he's got the moves, lively, totally with it;, Yanet of course, supreme in her specialist genre. Great fun.

Lizzie and Drew solos - she's so fluid ... ok, they're all fluid, I still don't know, though Drew has now taken over from Robbie!

*Puts more credit on phone*

Hayley and Alastair Hip Hop by Simeon Osyea and, well, I loved that routine! Creative - and dancing on wheels! I thought they did a cracking job, considering both way out of their comfort zone. The judges again seem mixed and leave us feeling rather flat.

Mandy and Mark solos - still Drew, although I could watch Mark all night.

Charlie and Robbie and a Tyce Diorio choreographed lyrical piece - almost the same 'Cancer' dance as on the U.S version of the show and it's completely mesmerising. Anyone watching who hasn't shed a tear, is your heart made of stone? All the more poignant as Nigel reveals that Tyce was called home to his mother, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Charlie and Robbie are spent emotionally.

Yanet and Tommy solos - still Drew, but oh, Tommy, argh - loved that too!

The boys are The Jets in the West Side Story group dance by Tyce. It's fantastic. I don't want any of them to go. Cat says it - why can't we just have a performing show and everyone stays! I'm voting but it's tight and I'm having to be methodical - Robbie and Drew for all three of their performances; Charlie for the lyrical and Hayley for the wheels and last week.

Results! And what a start, incredible routine and it's not fair the lines are shut because there's others I should have voted for. Which would have defeated the object but still!

The girls - safe: Charlie; Yanet; Lizzie

The boys - safe: Drew; Robbie, Alastair

It's contemporary Mandy v showgirl Hayley; and the two Hip Hop lads, Mark v Tommy. Glad I'm not a judge - would rather Hayley, but no idea how they'll choose. Solos over, we have a musical interlude with JLS and One Shot. A ballad? A house ballad? What a shame, if they took that nasty cliched scratchy bit out I'd have loved it.

The judges make unanimous decisions: It's Mandy and Tommy who stay. A farewell to Hayley (Nigel making it clear he couldn't favour her, knowing her family for so long) and Mark (did the fact he's already won a show this year have a bearing?) But they've got the satisfaction of having been a part of two of the best routines in this series, Take a Bow and Speechless.

So You Think You Can Dance: All Change!

So, you think you want to know who's partnering whom tonight and what dance they're doing? Ok, I'll tell you at the bottom of the post, so if you don't, you can avoid it! I know some people like to be surprised - don't watch the video either!

A short snippety snippet - Pixie Lott was taught by Hayley, during her time at the Italia Conti stage school.

The rules change slightly from tonight - the couples will be randomly drawn from now on for each remaining week, but we'll be asked to vote for our favourite dancer, singular. I'm tingling, I'm very excited by the partnerships and what they're doing, even though it means the decision of who to vote for will be hellish ...

So you're clear!

Charlie and Robbie dancing Lyrical
Hayley and Alastair dancing Hip-hop
Lizzie and Drew dancing Disco
Mandy and Mark dancing Contemporary
Yanet and Tommy dancing Salsa

So You Think You Can Dance: Recap and Exit Interviews

No time to watch the whole show? See the highlights snippet here:


Gavin's exit interview:


Chloe's exit interview:

Snippets: SCD, SYTYCD, GTD

A taster of what's in store on the Strictly Come Dancing tour - I'm thrilled there's a group Charleston number, they look fab!


JLS are confirmed for So You Think You Can Dance, performing their new song One Shot ... Anton and Erin's Steppin' Out show review ... excellent article 'Born to Dance' by Davina Morris in The Voice.

In Got To Dance, judges Ashley, Kimberley and Adam have whittled 98 acts down to just 18, for the three live semi finals, the first of which is January 24th. Two acts will be voted through by the public to the grand final.

So You Think You Can Dance: Clips!

The dancers each took a camera and recorded their first week with the show! This is what they came up with:


Saturday's performances:

Yanet and Robbie - Hip Hop to Black Eyed Peas: Boom Boom Pow


Chloe and Gavin - Broadway to Ann Miller: Too Darn Hot


Hayley and Drew - Contemporary to Lady Gaga: Speechless


Mandy and Alastair: Cha Cha to Blackout AllStars: I like it (like that)


Charlie and Tommy - Pop Jazz to JLS: Everybody in Love


Lizzie and Mark - Viennese Waltz to Bryan Adams: Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?


There are clips of week one now on the BBC Youtube site!

So You Think You Can Dance: Cue Music 2

I love this opening, an energetic and exciting welcome to the dancers. Cat asks Nigel: "How do you compare the different dances?" He answers: "You don't - you find your favourite, it's who you connect with." And with that in mind ...

Yanet and Robbie have the help of Boy Blue's Kendrick Sandy to teach and choreograph a Hip Hop routine for them - way out of their comfort zone - poor Yanet's knees! This looks like a quick one, could be great, could be carried off (the stage!) OMG, Wow was my reaction, you couldn't get more different from the foxtrot - fantastic energy, they rocked! Yanet's timing is immense, what a partnership. The judges disagree - I loved it, and, as the man himself said, it's who engages you! I thought they were in time with each other and the music. They'll be getting a vote from me.

Chloe and Gavin are pleased to have Broadway, choreographed by award winning Karen Bruce - no excuses, do it! The lifts could go either way and one does go a little wayward, snazzy number, Chloe selling it, Gavin not as comfortable, he's upset with himself, the stumble put him off a bit - but not enough to ruin a nice routine.

Hayley and Drew, last week's survivors come together for an awesome contemporary number by Rafael Bonachela, a real WOW! Speechless - exciting, intense, they really smashed it. Powerful stuff, I'm not normally so drawn into contemporary. A vote their way too!

We're halfway through already!

Mandy and Alastair have a dirty dancing cha cha by Carmen Vincelj. Terrific opening - and stunning lift at the end - solid, says Sisco. In between was fun, bright and sexy, even with Alastair struggling on Cuban heels - they do look huge, far bigger than the Strictly ones!

Charlie and Tommy pull PopJazz from the hat, a mixture of many genres by Frank Gatson. Tommy feeling a bit of a prop, but was able to show a few street moves, they're very together, one of the couples to gel quickly. Excellent in what they did, the routine maybe a bit too poppy.

Mark and Lizzie completely at sea - the Viennese Waltz (American Smooth style)! I thought it was a cake, says Mark! He broke his finger last week, he'd been sick and everything! Katya Virshilas and pro partner Klaus put together a lovely routine - count the lifts: 1;2;3! Yep, all accomplished. A damn fine job and he's even pimped his finger splint, lol. What a pair of stars! Lizzie unrecogniseable almost, demure in scarlet, if that's not an oxymoron! My third vote!

Back soon with results .... and here we go, with a stunning Frank Gapton show opener, all suited and booted; we are so being spoilt!

First up: Gavin and Chloe - and straight to the dance off; Hayley and Drew - safe, ecstatic; Mark and Lizzie - safe, relief. Next: Charlie and Tommy - safe, phew; Yanet and Robbie - SAFE! Yes! Oh, Yes! I thank you! Mandy and Alastair join Gavin and Chloe. I think Nigel's right there - I can't help comparing the ballroom/Latin to what I see on Strictly - I don't see it anywhere else, see, so it's all I can compare to! Onto the solos:

Chloe's personality comes to the fore; Gavin shows his dynamicism; Mandy intense; Alastair balletically (is that a word?) dynamic - he edges Gavin for me, no idea re the girls.

Alexandra Burke performs Broken Heels, which follows Bad Boys into my little book as a possible jive!

Judgement time: Girls - it's not unanimous, Arlene the dissenter - Mandy is safe; Boys forward - this is unanimous - Alastair safe.

So it's farewell to Chloe and Gavin; and then there were ten. It's scarily exciting how close this is!

So You Think You Can Dance ... in short and Nigel.

If you read nothing else today, read this excellent interview with Nigel Lythgoe, by Gerard of Unreality TV. Properly down to the nitty gritty about the show and why it works.

And if you missed the show itself, here it is in Sixty Seconds! Keep up to date with all the gossip on the website or on Twitter @BBC_SYTYCD