Snippets: Strictly Come Dancing; X-Factor

Dancing With The Stars professional dancer, Lacey Schwimmer, has been choreographing for the Strictly pros. As reported previously, the launch show will be on September 15th, with the first live show scheduled for October 5th.

Chris Hoy and other sports stars to mentor on the X-Factor? Not according to the man himself! Although, while they couldn't advise on showbusiness, I bet their contestants would be the fittest, mentally and physically, and we'd see a much better calibre of performance - it's not as daft an idea as it sounds!

Snippets: Superstar; Strictly Come Dancing on Ice; X-Factor

Superstar hopeful Jon Moses has landed the part of Prince Valiant in a Christmas production of Sleeping Beauty.

Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole to the rescue! Brendan stopped a pick pocket ruining a girl's day, when he stepped in on the action on the underground.

Apparently, Strictly, Dancing on Ice, I'm A Celebrity and everything else is fighting over our Olympic stars. Strictly appears to be the favourite to get most of them, with Rebecca Adlington, Victoria Pendleton and Beth Tweddle all hinting at the BBC show, according to the national media. Even Bradley Wiggins has been linked, together with Lizzie Armistead and Ben Ainslie. Other rumours include Dannii Minogue, Chris Evans, Nicky Byrne and Fern Britton (again!), Charlie Brooks and Sid Owen, Michael Vaughan and BGT winner, Ashleigh Butler, minus Pudsey. And Noel Gallagher was apparently too busy or he'd have loved to do it. It's unclear what tone that was said in. And, there's also Amy Williams, our winter Olympian, Sian Williams and the legend that is Ronnie O'Sullivan. Can you imagine having a total sport line up? How many hours of training would that lot tot up as they all try to beat each other?

Those tipped for Dancing on Ice include Tara Palmer-Tompkinson, Glenn Hoddle, Jodie Marsh, Matt Lapinskas - and Jedward, who will appear "separately". I'm trying to get my head around how they'd skate together - without a professional each? *facepalm*

According to Telly Mix, Darcy Bussell has been given a crash course in ballroom dancing so she doesn't put two left feet in it during the next series of Strictly - which is reportedly not returning to the Mecca of ballroom dancing, Blackpool Tower this year due to the "mammoth logistical exercise." The new series is set to begin in mid September.

Telly rival, the X-Factor, will be with us at 8pm on Saturday, August 18th, with Nicole Scherzinger replacing Kelly Rowland. Gary, Tulisa and Louis all returning.

Claudia Winkleman has confirmed she won't be doing It Takes Two but will be back for the Results Show.

Snippets: The Voice, Strictly Come Dancing, X-Factor

will.i.am won't be appearing on the X-Factor any time soon, according to The Mirror, via Entertainmentwise. And he's not rowing with Jessie J ...

According to one report, Uncle Len wants Simon Cowell on Strictly Come Dancing, though he thinks he can't dance. According to another, Uncle Len called Simon Cowell spiteful. Accordingly, I think the papers are just so full of crap they really haven't got a clue what Uncle Len actually thinks or feels about Simon Cowell.

Cheryl Cole will debut her new single on The Voice (will.i.am being her manager an' all) because everyone loves a merry-go-round and no doubt Simon will soon be branding her a meanie or some such.

An intriguing idea which may surface here; they're terming it Big Brother meets The Voice!

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?

X-Factor - Potentials

New judges, big build up, stirring music, hopes and dreams yadda yadda yadda ... first up, young and extraordinarily honest 18 year old Frankie Cocozza, interested in working with animals, social work and saving the planet. What's that? Sorry - money, women and cars! Seven different girls names tattooed on his bum and drops his trousers to prove it! Very cheeky, cute and likeable but ... can he sing? Dodgy start but picked up, brave arrangement of Valerie, not sure he'll deliver in other styles but certainly deserves a shot.

Kitty Brucknell and already I'm thinking, delusional, but no - she has a voice, a strong voice but she's annoying me already. Stop talking! Strange one, there's a lot of sideways glances in the audience, we're not sure. Possibly this year's Katie, kinda telling that no-one came with her. Oh, please. Get. Off.

Cue lots of cringy bad stuff and Gary's impression of Simon. So why don't they put sick Goldie to the end of the day? Because we're going to hate her audition and put her through, obviously. Louis has found his Wagner, yep, there he goes. Gary the sole voice of sanity as Kelly and Tulisa blow their credibility with a double dose of semtex. We expect it from Louis, ladies, you were supposed to bring some class. Ah, well, business as usual.

Shy Irish lass, Janet Devlin. Raw, nervous, taking off now, breathe love, breathe. Unusual, fresh, natural - it's a Yes from me, different, quirky voice and very sweet.

Roxy Yarnold - stunning, the one note we heard *tuts*; Soso Status sounding very strong; Heshima, I'm not sure, plenty of personality but didn't hear enough of the vocal.

As usual, it appears we haven't seen the best. Maybe next week. *Doesn't hold breath*

Gong for Nigel; Strictly in 3D; X-Factor marathons.

So You Think You Can Dance supremo, Nigel Lythgoe, will receive the Founders Award at the 2011 Emmys.

The Strictly Come Dancing Final from the Tower Ballroom will be in 3D ... if you're watching the HD channel. And as previously reported, a Children in Need Special will come from Wembley Arena.

Big changes in both X-Factor and Strictly? Er, well X-Factor is now going to subject us to three hours of dreadful auditions apparently, and Strictly are having a double launch show!! *Whispers: They've done it the last two series* Who writes this stuff? Do they actually watch it?

X-Factor' biggest single change of course are the new judges: Gary Barlow, N-Dubz Tulisa and Kelly Rowland replacing Cheryl, Dannii and Simon. But we've still got Louis, so fear not, there's bound to be a 2011 Jedward/Wagner character as usual. *Said with a hint of sarcasm*

Snippets: Strictly Come Dancing, X-Factor, Let's Dance for Comic Relief, Got To Dance

Bruce Forsyth was honoured at the NTA's... and then proceeded to frighten the life out of Tess, who could be seen to utter something along the lines of: Don't do that to me, Brucie!

He'd accepted the Special Recognition Award and said: This would be a good night to announce my retirement (the collective gasps were heard throughout the nation) ... but I'm not bloody going to!

X-Factor picked up the Talent Show Award, which Simon Cowell promptly dedicated to a show producer, Shue Green, who'd beaten cancer this year.

Steve Jones will be joined by Alex Jones for this year's Let's Dance for Comic Relief, with Claudia being too busy with Film 2011. Celebrities lining up are: Noel Fielding; Penny Smith; Rebecca Front; designers Colin and Justin; Russell Kane; Andi Osho and Ed Byrne! Routines will include Crazy in Love, Bad and I Love To Boogie (Billy Elliot).

Sky have launched a voting app on I-phone for Got To Dance and the top 28 have been revealed, with the first semi on Sunday at 6pm.

X-Factor Semi Final Result: No surprises...

Four through to the final next week, there's still a sing off tonight though - I'm sure it used to be down to the public when we were down to five?

Alexandra Buke and the new single. Powerhouse vocal takes your mind of the aerial dancers harnesses, not a pretty sight. Neat trick with Alexandra elevating - she'll be slaughtered for the Jesus position at the end, you just know it.

Recap and reactions, then GLEEeeeeeee, introduced by Sue Sylvester and Will. Don't Stop Believin' the song, can't wait for the next series to be shown here. Gleeks of the world unite! Dermot, they're standing right next to you and you have a mic - stop shouting.

Dannii and Louis are missing ... and they're back, they've been voting! Black Eyed Peas. The Time of My Life? And a set/costumes straight out of Channel Five's Don't Stop Believing, remember The Buggles number?

Result: Through - One Direction, Rebecca, Matt. Well, duh! Not saying I told you so - but I did.

Mary singing It's A Man's World. Sing yer heart out. She's got the soul. Fab, well done. Pointless but well done. Cher and a Britney song, I think she said? I thought Mary sang better but Cher will get it. Why drag it out so, we're in the realm of the bleedin' obvious! Wonder what would've happened if they'd sent it to deadlock?

X-Factor- Semi Final: Club Classics and Ballads

One Direction - Only Girl in The World. So watchable, so listenable and know how to work an audience; Chasing Cars - nice harmonies, and Harry gets to take the lead, lovely sound.

Rebecca Ferguson - Show Me Love, a good job, out of her comfort zone, still a great vocal; Amazing Grace - goosbumps, captivating.

Mary Byrne - Never Can Say Goodbye - energy, groovy, good job; Memories (The Way We Were) an emotionally charged song, delivered emotionally.

Cher Lloyd - Nothing on You, one of my favourites, voice supports the melody very well, into the rap, lost it a little once the dancing started but another good performance; Love the Way You Lie and I'm actually quite liking this, strong again.

Matt Cardle suffering with throat issues but You've Got The Love he rocks, great choice, delivered well; likewise She's Always A Woman To Me, can't hit the high notes but do we care? Still with the passion.

I saw some comments during a bit of surfing, saying this was a really bad night, I disagree, I thought they all did well. I still think it'll be Mary to go, but she's put up a good fight! Laters ...

X-Factor, Week 8: Rock, Don't Stop.

Matt Cardle loves Rock'n'Roll, yes he does, love his energy. Then shows the understated, classy side with Nights in White Satin. Probably the hot favourite now.

Mary Byrne and All I Want Is You - accomplished, passionate delivery. Follows up with Brass in Pocket, loving the attitude!

Cher with Girlfriend - energy, style, strong vocal and again with Walk This Way, stamina in evidence, can really deliver even when dancing around.

One Direction with Summer of 69, thoroughly enjoyable, such a pro attitude on stage. You Are So Beautiful showing off the vocals. Likeability factor in buckets.

Rebecca and another fab vocal with Satisfaction - but would've like a little movement, how can you stand still to a beat like that? I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, more Chimes than U2, which is fine by me.

Katie. Everybody Hurts. Manages to turn an emotional song a bit meh. Sex on Fire a dreadful choice, shows how powerless her voice really is.

Wagner with Creep and Addicted to Love. Probably his strongest what you'd call 'proper' performances. He'd have been out ages ago if he'd sung like that throughout.

Results time: Safe - Rebecca, Matt, Cher, One Direction. No surprises. Katie, straight out the door. You know, if she hadn't been so fake from the start, I'd have said there was a future for her. She can sing, but it is a quirky vocal and under other circumstances, with the right songs, I'd probably be a fan. It's Wagner versus Mary and clearly Mary will go sailing through. So that leaves a Fab Five. My prediction? Mary to go next, then Cher. Rebecca and One Direction fighting for second place and Matt For The Win. But the top four will all have record deals!

X-Factor Result: Paije Loses Out To Cher

We have the recap and begging, then Olly Murs, sounding great, properly live and another catchy reggae inspired piece of poptastic fun, typical Olly performance - the best I've seen from the so-called Pro guests this year.

The final 16 debut the Help For Heroes charity single, Heroes, nice tribute.

Here We Go: Safe - Katie! A "shock" exit tonight then, cos I bet Wagner is safe; One Direction; Rebecca; Matt; Mary; Wagner (told you)! It's Paije versus Cher - Pretty sure they'll save Cher, she's been a fave since the beginning whereas Paije has had to work far harder to get them on side. Paije already looks resigned but sings Stop, brilliantly; Cher sings Stay, emotionally. Louis may possibly send it to deadlock, but no, he sends Paije home too.

Another shock, not so much that the judges chose Cher over Paije, but that it was those two in the sing off. So if Katie's change of style has won folks over, and Wagner is as strong as ever, I guess I'd better start voting!

X-Factor Week 7: Beatlemania!

Yes, it was Beatle week, which, though I'm not a huge fan, should ensure the acts get to actually sing a decent, written for the vocal, song, as opposed to adding words to a back beat, if you get my drift.

First out, the lovely Matt Cardle with Come Together. Loving the arrangement, and the energy in his performance, totally rocked the place and commanded the stage.

Cher Lloyd and Imagine, with the right amount of power and vulnerability, I enjoyed that and she's definitely earned her place in the competition.

One Direction sing All You Need is Love, guaranteed to make the litlle girls swoon, they're going to be loved forever. They draw you in, they're so animated and have a massive likeability factor.

Rebecca with Yesterday didn't move me the way she normally does but then I'm not a great fan of this song; mabe it was nerves made it less appealing. I wonder what they'll do if she's bottom two with Katie? I don't for a moment think she will be, I hope not! Cheryl alludes to last week's shock eviction! Er, well, whose fault was that then Cheryl? Bearing in mind you and your fellow judges make the decision?

Mary cleverly goes for a song associated with the legend that is Dame Shirley. Something is beautifully sung, full of confidence. And she's a groovy mover too!

Paije - oh, please can we have a song to show off his voice - yes, Let It Be! Soul Man indeed.

Wagner with Get Back (To where you once belong, says Simon!) combined with Hippy Hippy Shake and Hey Jude. I like the fringy dresses and how he dug himself out of the hole he dropped himself in with Cheryl!

Katie is singing a most appropriate song. Help? Seriously, she is. Predictable much. She's lost the wig. Ok, she can sing in tune but it's still the worst vocal apart from Wagner. Contrary Louis - make your mind up, can't have one rule for Wagner and one for everyone else! Singing or entertainment?

I fear for Paije, happy to lose Katie or Wagner, then it's a tough old choice from there on in, though Matt has edged it for me tonight. Laters x

X-Factor: Katie Does It Again!

And would someone please pass Dermot some throat pastilles. Take That were great, another one that's growing on me.

It's Katie versus Aiden this week, and while what I've seen so far in the show itself and in the sing off, he was pants, Aiden has proved he can be fantastic and the judges have all agreed at various points that's he's the perfect pop star and brilliant. So naturally, when Katie asks them; "Save Me From Myself" (and put everyone else out of their misery) they choose her over him. *doh*

What's the point of blaming Wagner for Aiden going? With Strictly, the judges cast their vote before the audience and then the audience make the final decision. Here, it's the other way around - the judges vote is supposedly there to save the better singer. But all publicity is good publicity - look at the amount of time and energy I'm spending on it and I haven't even watched the show yet! Will blog it soon as ...

Here we go, all with Elton John songs - Rebecca with Candle in the Wind. Class will out, making it all so effortless now; Matt and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - such a contemporary voice adds a whole new dimension to the oldies; Paije and Crocodile Rock, with his voice, it almost becomes Northern Soul, coupla moments, but overall very good, would've preferred Your Song or Are You Ready to really show him off. Mary and Can You Feel The Love Tonight and it's a return to form, the big emotional song sung with the depth it needed; One Direction finally give Harry a solo, he and Liam made me want to wave my arms to The Way You Look Tonight, excellent; Cher and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word/Mockingbird mash up, strong vocal, musical rap, not so harsh, one of her best performances, really grown into it. Wagner and I'm Still Standing/Circle of Life. You know how a great dance to a song I disliked makes me like it? (Single Ladies, Glee stylee/Bleeding Love/Fight For This Love) Well, I've discovered it works in reverse - I've gone right off Jill's jive ...

Aiden does Rocket Man and this sounded much better overall than the clip I saw, very surprised his vote dropped enough to put him out. Katie with Saturday Night, better than some of her others but the vocal still doesn't work for me, bland. Now then - the Jedward video! If it isn't her, she's got a double, because the chin and face shape, figure, everything, is the spit of her! Slo-mo (hit stop/start alternately from .51 sec, 1.06, 1.29 and 1.47) and check it out for yourself! I am loving a bit of a gossip ...

X-Factor Week 5: Excessive use of force by Dermot allows judges to save Katie again!

I actually felt sorry for Cheryl - Dermot, which bit of "come back to me at the end and I'll send it to deadlock" didn't you quite understand, hm? Did you think the press and the public were not going to notice? Clearly, she should've been left till last, as they did with Simon when the sing off was between Diva Fever and Belle Amie. But it's all flame to the fire in the gossip that says it's a fix for Katie to stay as long as possible. Cos she ain't gonna win, is she? Specially not after a performance like this week, which was quite possibly one of the most boring renditions of an impassioned Gwen Stefani song as I've ever heard. Unconvincing, dull.

You feel for Treyc, who began this song in the style I've been waiting to hear from her all series, beautifully lyrical, however, it's another rock song and so it loses the melody as it goes. She ended up in the bottom two with a rock song a coupla weeks ago, did they not learn? Still a stunning vocal though. Still think this is the best performance I've seen from her. Don't think Cheryl's heart was behind her; wardrobe, song choices and then to not have a pop at Dermot on her behalf before it was too late.

Cher Lloyd sings Empire State of Mind surprisingly well, it's a toughie, does it her own way, totally comfortable on stage, interacting well with the dancers, but do agree with Simon that it couldn't be as good as last week's.

Aiden Grimshaw sings Nothing Compares To You and he's back on top, intense as ever, but musical and captured the mood of the song. Captivating - and only 24 hours to rehearse!

Rebecca Fergusson sings Make You Feel My Love. Spinetingling, her strongest vocal yet, top notes gorgeous, effortless. And so, so likeable. Special.

Wagner. From the sublime to the ...oh, you know I don't mind - the public gets what the public pays for. Viva Las Vegas/Wonder of You in the usual format, the usual performance, the right attitude so fair do's to him.

One Direction and Kids in America, having a great time, great attitude and energy.

Mary Byrne and There You'll Be, bit dodgy this week and she knows it too, not quite the performance we normally get, pressure seems to have got her.

Matt Cardle and audition song First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Haunting, passionate, emotional *gulps* Love him.

Paije Richardson and I'm A Believer/Hey Ya mash up - I'm intrigued! The stamina has improved, unusual mix, strong vocal for the most part, great fun.

Apart from Wagner and Katie, it's coming down to the business end!

X-Factor Weeks 3&4 Condensed!

Remind me not to take a holiday in October half term ever, ever again ...

In Week 3, Matt made a Britney song cool ie. not cheesy pop pap; Aiden didn't need to make Shirley's song cool, but gave it a whole new sound. Cher's voice sounded much stronger and Rebecca was simply stunning; One Direction are my guilty pleasure, they're embracing the whole experience for what it is. Wish I was 20 years younger. Ok, 30 years ...

Wagner went with the Spice Girls/Ricky Martin combo and Belle Amie still didn't do Faith. Treyc went all rock chick, I'm still waiting for the big musical ballad. Paije? Well, Ain't Nobody else coulda sung that like that. Fantastic, no gimmicks, no sob story, just pure voice. Katie went for the kids vote - and got it. Mary does it again. John, lovely John, completely shafted. A beautiful song by Fat Larry's Band that 99% of the audience Would Not Know. *Tuts* No surprise to find him in the bottom two, and unluckily for him, with Treyc.

Week 4 - Rebecca mesmerising - why does Cheryl feel the need to for constant reassurance from Simon? Matt seems to still be on guilty pleasures week - but does it again with the making-it-his-own-thing; Cher's strongest performance yet, shows off a lovely tone to her voice, shaky at the top but added to the vulnerability of the song; Mary a real pleasure to hear once more, none of that shakiness, a real natural on stage now.

Paije too cool, quirky. Ignores style tips from Simon, thankfully. One Direction, best I've heard Zain. Wagner does the Guinness song and Bat Out of Hell. Demented dancers. Nice jacket. Treyc - the dance diva in da house! Aiden with Thriller and who'd a thought - since the Nicolo JustDance-gate, Dannii is getting it right with her boys - big songs their own way.

Belle Amie give their most dynamic performance to date but still no Faith in the sing off with Marie Antoinette, sorry, I mean Katie, who repeated last week's performance with a different song and, it pains me to say it, outsang the girls in the sing off (though sort the fake tears out would you, jeez.) Next week, she's wearing a white halter neck dress and standing on a windy grating while singing Happy Birthday, Mr President (of Sony).

X-Factor Live Show, week 2: Heroes

And in no particular order ...

Dannii at it already - Aiden clearly hated and struggled with Jealous Guy, showed in the performance. Picked up in parts but mostly sounded like he was being strangled. A real shame.

Wagner does Tom Jones - what's with the chicken impressions from the dancers? Much more listenable than Aiden. Are the female dancers happy letting the boys boobie grab in front of millions? Then Simon asks Wagner if he's getting it on with Mary? What's happening here? Wagner was a perfect gent - good answer!

Katie and I completely forgot to note the song. I can't remember it at all. Stripped down, yes and shows that her voice isn't that musical. Completely soul-less, still appears fake to me, just doesn't engage. Rawness, Simon? Really? Appears totally manufactured to me, every note.

Belle Amie much much better with a rockin' Rollin' Stones number they could really go for, more confident.

One Direction sing My Life Would Suck Without You. They look like they're having a great time, so engaging but Zain badly needs to be ready on his cue, or they need to give lead vocals to Harry; Liam consistent.

Mary Byrne does it again, Dusty Springfield, goosebumps, genuine emotion.

Matt Cardle does Bruno Mars, Just The Way You Are. He's definitely on it. Very assured.

John Adeleye and A Song For You, so effortless, so much presence, so much emotion. Simple, effective, lovely.

Rebecca Ferguson. Nina Simon. Feeling Good. Clearly. Love the phrasing, no need to belt it out, just oozes ...

Cher Lloyd with A Hard Knock Life. Her heroine is Annie? Back on par with her first audition, vocally and performance wise. But nagging feeling she'll be this year's Danyl.

Paije Richardson - If I Ain't Got You - I love this song but the vocal is too on one level for him - still better than most though.

Diva Fever, Barbra Streisand. Didn't work for me this week, even with the multitude of strapping men in pants.

Storm Lee, Born To Run - trying to emulate The Boss was always going to be tough. Not raw enough for this.

Treyc and Prince and why oh why are they always given his most tuneless little ditty ever, Purple Rain? Thank God the girl can sing. First one to do it and not make me cringe.

Results Run Down

Lady Ga Ga's Telephone for all of them, altogether, they don't sound bad. Recap. Diana Vickers - I suppose you're allowed to indulge yourself if you've had a number one. Very professional, considering her age. Avoid the leotard look in future though, really. Katy Perry - yet another top star proving how much work goes on in the studio ... great in the chorus, stronger towards the end.

Safe: Katie, John, Matt, Rebecca, One Direction, Mary, Cher, Paije, Treyc, Wagner, Aiden.

First out: Storm! Diva Fever v Belle Amie in the sing off.

Diva Fever choose I Will Survive - they've gone for UberCamp; I'm waiting for his hair to unravel, looks unrehearsed.

Belle Amie sing Big Girls Don't Cry, nicely understated, showing off the vocals. They're all crying now, they lied!

It's a clean sweep to send home Diva Fever, Simon saved from having to choose.

Ubisoft® Launch of Just Dance® 2! Or, Schmoozing With The Stars ... in pictures!

What can I say, other than I had a fab-u-lous time at Studio Valbonne (many thanks to Lexy!) Here's a few photos - the celebs were having a fab time too, giving their all on the wii games set up! The screens were far too much for my little camera though, so you have to take my word for it! Here’s a video hint of the fun you can have!

The lovely John Partridge - you may know him as Christian in East-Enders, but I know him from Over The Rainbow!








The adorable Vincent Simone from Strictly Come Dancing








Pineapple Dance's exuberant Louis Spence












Bright and shiny Tinchy Stryder ... sorry 'bout that!














From Dancing on Ice, Zoe Salmon











Sophie Ellis Bextor ... spot the Blue Peter connection there.









The gorgeous Jeremy Edwards from Dancing on Ice








X-Factor behind the scenes Star Maker, Brian Friedman










X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke








National Lottery's Jennie Falconer










DJ Yoda kept us all moving ...








Dizzee Rascal: The smiley photo wasn't as clear, sorry!

Coronation Street/Waterloo Road actress, Angela Griffin

X-Factor Results: Facing The Music

The finalists, together, singing Rhythm of the Night, all very jolly; Belle Amie looked and sounded much more comfortable there; Mary and John duetted well.

Usher shows how to sing and dance simultaneously - just dance and let the backing track do most of the work! Working the crowd, what a star! Now, wouldn't we like to see him in Strictly?

Who nailed it? Louis - Aiden; Dannii & Cheryl - Mary; Simon - Wagner!

Joe McElderry's song not my cuppa but no denying the voice. Dermot needs to gargle.

Here we go: Safe - Treyc and John, whoop! Aiden, yay, and Diva Fever; Cher and Storm; Belle Amie?! and Matt, yes! Wagner?! Jeez, a couple of gooduns could be going here! Rebecca and Mary *phew*One Direction and Paije! One going immediately - it's Nicolo. F.Y.D versus Katie in the showdown. Nicolo and Dannii gutted, but really - Lady Ga Ga?! Horrible feeling they'll put Katie through. Will Simon vote for her?

F.Y.D and a credible version of Please Don't Stop The Music, love the movement, energy - maybe should have gone with Beggin' - in my heart I don't think it'll make a difference. Katie, well, she could hardly forget the words to that one, could she? And she's duly sent through, everyone bar Simon voting for her. The audience are not happy, they were calling for F.Y.D during Cheryl's intro to Katie. I can normally find something positive to say about all the contestants - but I really can't stand her.

If you believe the gossip, the judges had no choice. Or, if you're feeling uncharitable, they're happy to keep the less popular act to protect their own. The question is - how many times can they save her?

X-Factor: Going Live - with wildcards

In no particular order, since watching live is not an option!

Matt Cardle - I do not care if he closes his eyes; I use my ears when I'm listening to music. Call me old-fashioned. Quiet start, picked up - delivered totally on another dodgy Dannii song choice. More to come, definitely.

John Adeleye - sung beautifully, delivered passionately, lovely performance. Probably too understated for the X-Factor audience, low key song.

Rebecca Ferguson - 'Teardrops' showing a lot more confidence, classy, stylised, different - love what they did with this. Delivered like a pro.

Storm Lee - came across more personable there, strong performance, still not completely sold on his vocal, but well done, a lot to cope with.

Belle Amie - gave them a second listen - still pretty dreadful, a real shame, because they can all sing. There's no tune, no melody, picked up towards the end a bit.

Char Lloyd - almost as much anticipation as for Widdyton! Just Be Good To Me the song, the rap added a whole new dimension, which was just as well, as her singing is quite ordinary, better when hitting the attitude. Think the judges are going a little overboard.

Diva Fever - Sunny the song, and sunny the performance, paticularly strong lead vocal, thoroughly enjoyable.

Paije Richardson - shouldn't have needed a wildcard ... Killing Me Softly, Fugees version, wise - stunning, mature voice - please keep still, losing the vocal with too much prancing around. Stay still!

Katie Waissel 'We Are The Champions' She's paid her doos. All style, no substance, no genuine passion. She had to work harder to win me over; she failed. The audience ... crikey, Louis just said what I said ... aren't exactly going mad for her, are they? Simon loves her ... anything in that rumour, that she works for Sony BMG, his firm?

F.Y.D - likin' this already, vocally strong, visually strong, complete performance from a well oiled machine - check out the dancing - assured and confident, watchable, top performance.

Treyc Cohen - another who should have gone straight through - no well known song and huge production for her though - well, she can sing, can't she. Terrific vocal performance - but the song won't grab the audience, unfortunately.

Aiden Grimshaw - Again, he doesn't have to project himself - it's his voice we want. It's A Mad World - intense performance, brilliant vocal, unusual choice but very effective. Loved it.

Wagner - no Yuli? *tuts* Brazil to Dudley, why? She Bangs - he's actually very likeable, warm, genuine. Bongos - Love Shack, he's having a ball.

One Direction - Coldplay, Viva La Vida - great choice, Liam to start and finish, should have gone with Harry instead of Zain, very honest performance, well done.

Nicolo Festa and Dannii has given him 'Just Dance' - I can't take him seriously, it's karaoke, no matter how much production is chucked at it, not the strongest of vocals.

Mary Byrne - It's a Man's World. Stunning. The most complete performance of the night. Great song, delivered with passion, vocally supreme, star presence. Brilliant. Listen to the audience. If she does that every week, the others don't stand a chance. Really. Pretenders, one and all.

Here's hoping that Treyc, F.Y.D, Mary, Rebecca, One Direction, Aiden, Paije, John and Matt all make it through.

Snippets: Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, X-Factor, Got To Dance, Dancing On Ice

Trav's Thoughts are in on Dancing With The Stars, it's themed night, with every couple having to tell a story - the results and vids are here, they're well worth a look. And an interview with Lacey Schwimmer's musical foray.

The audition dates for the next series of So You Think You Can Dance have been released. To follow in the lock-step, box-step and rond of Charlie Bruce, make your way to Manchester, Freemasons' Hall on October 17th, to Glasgow, City Halls on the 19th and London, Interchange Studios/Hempstead Town Hall Centre on 21st and 22nd. Full details can be found on the website, with full terms and conditions and how to audition elsewhere.

Can you teach an X-Factor singer to have soul? Barb Jungr muses on that within this interview.

And do you agree with this article, that Kara's dominatrix outfit was too much for early evening Saturday night TV - bear in mind, the child wouldn't have asked if Kara hadn't alluded to it! I am in agreement about Cher - she looked shockingly fragile and I'm wondering how she'll cope. I hope it was just the tonsilitis and we do see her at her best on the live show.

Interview with Got To Dance winner, Akai.

A Dancing On Ice rumour - Brigitte Neilsen!