Vintage Strictly Video - Series 7 (2009)
Post categories: Celebrities, Dance clips, Pro Dancers
|12:22 UK time, Thursday, 30 September 2010
There were some major changes to the format of Strictly when it returned to our screens in Autum 2009 for series 7. First of all, Arlene Philips departed the judging panel, to be replaced by former champion Alesha Dixon (and ballet dancer Darcey Bussell for the final few episodes of the series). For the first time in the history of Strictly, Bruce Forsyth fell ill and was unable to present one of the live shows - Tess Daly was ably assisted by Claudia Winkleman and Ronnie Corbett.
This time round, sportspeople were the early casualties, with Martina Hingis, Richard Dunwoody and Joe Calzaghe all leaving the dancefloor in the first few weeks. Olympic athlete Jade Johnson - an early favourite to make it to the final - was forced to withdraw near the end of the series following an injury.
The final four included three actors (Laila Rouass, Ali Bastian and Ricky Whittle) and one sports presenter - eventual series champion Chris Hollins, alongside his partner Ola Jordan (aka 'Team Cola').
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Comment number 1.
At 18:50 1st Oct 2010, Mr Happy Feet wrote:Ahh it's little Chris & his Ola Chops!! Was so glad that Chris (great name by the way) and Ola won as he really did have a rollercoaster of a journey to get to the final!! I have to say though, his Charleston really was superb and he performed it perfectly!! Another very worthy champion!!!
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Comment number 2.
At 11:26 21st Oct 2010, RMC65 wrote:Just watched my way through all these clips and I still cant quite decide who's my favourite between Chris, Mark Ramprakash and Darren Gough! Wonderful memories! I wish they would sell a Best of 10 Years DVD with our favourite routines! What a Christmas Present!
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Comment number 3.
At 17:47 1st Dec 2010, Katharine wrote:Why are Ali & Brian constantly being overlooked this series? Ali was the last girl standing and battled through two injuries without complaining once! Their partnership was the most magical of all of the first seven series that I have watched and they still have a huge following now. Come on BBC stop ignoring them on ITT and the main show - they are the record holders for the Viennese Waltz and the American Smooth, they deserve a place in Strictly history and to be recognised!
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Comment number 4.
At 20:07 1st Dec 2010, pennybel wrote:I am at a loss to understand why the BBC refuse to acknowledge the contribution made to series seven by Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna .
Have they upset some sensitive soul for instance Moira Ross the producer of the series. If this is so she should be above this.
Miss Ross should be reminded by the controller of BBC 1 that her aim is to present factual information discussing the highest scores for a dance,or your favourite couple performing a certain dance.
One such lapse is perhaps accidental(it was corrected after complaints)the next day. Two against the same couple could be construed as a vendetta or at least extreme carelessness
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Comment number 5.
At 20:47 7th Dec 2010, Rosie wrote:I've enjoyed watching these snippets of old winners. I must confess I haven't watched a great deal of this latest series. I missed the original pro-dancers that are no longer featured and of course, still miss Arlene. Watching these clips makes it all the more apparent of how much she contributed to the shows.
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