Week 7 - Pre-show reactions

Was sad to see Lulu and Brendan going out. I would like to see either Russell or Audely going out,preferablly,Russell,I could,nt bear to watch another of his camp dances,it,s beginning to wear a bit thin. Being discussed on i.t.t. was the fact of some of the men not wearing shirts. Please no. I could,nt bear watching Bruno and Craig salivating over it. This gay thing is getting out of hand. A bit too much. Please,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, can,t someone calm Bruno down a bit.

Hi all,



Firstly Helen I do not think you have anything to worry about with Craig and Bruno salivating over the pro or celeb male dancers shirtless this week because unfoutunatley they are not getting the pleasure of a bare chested Artem this week as he is out injured and personally from a gay man's point of view Brendan needs a bit more fitness and weight lifting work done on the body before he can match the standards of Artem, Robin, Pasha and Harry and the letter will all be covered uop this week as they are doing ballroom daces.



Now getting back to the sublect in hand this week for me the standout couples for me this week are.



Anita and Robin

Chelsee and Pasha

Harry and Aliona

Holly and Brendan

Robbie and Ola(Anything to see a smile on this boy'[s face after last week's bout of depressing ballroom from this couple)

Jason and Kristina(Hopefully the shsrp shock they got from nearly escpaing the bottom two last week will encourage Jason to raise his game)

Alex and James(Jury is still out on this Jive but should do well)



My bottom two this week is a no brainer now I know Russell and Flavia have a fanbase but they are just doing the same old camp routine every week it's like a CD being played a load of times they are staying at the same level all the time while the other 7 couples are improving week after week but if he gets saved fair play to him. It has to be Audley and Natalie's turn to go this week as said he has been in the bottom 2 3 times running and by law of averages he can't survive another week in the bottom 2 this week.



In my opinion the dance the Cha,Cha won't suit and I would rather see him bow out this week because what is the alternative is Russell and Flavia are saves as well a better couple goes out in place of them now that would be a sharp shock.



That's my views for this week.

Keeeeeeep Dancing

Helen - I actually love Russell's personality - he comes across as a really warm human being. I'm just hoping the worst dancer is voted out, whoever that is on the night. As other people have said - only 25 mins to vote is not enough,, BBC take note.

Russell DOES manage a lot more content than one or two of the more highly rated dancers. May not be danced as well but it is there, in time, with rhythm and he does manage some very elegant "armography" (Audley take note).



Think the Antipodean pair could do well both with the judges and public. Where the ATs could be brilliant or a disaarstarr.

Well, I really like Artem but I have to say the atmosphere between Brendan and Holly looks just fine. That's not to say a nice mood means anything significant in actual dance terms but in personality they have seem to have the same kind of frequency, and it's a quickly-established rapport too. Makes me think this might have been a good pairing from the get go. Whereeas Brendan and Lulu clearly didn't work, and Holly and Artem have had their ups and downs.



Chelsee -- I LOVE the hat. I am slightly jealous that she gets to sit with her arm around Pasha. (I wanna sit with my arm round Pasha. And I want that hat.) But these two are my firm favourites, and have been from the very start of this year's SCD. Hoping that the top spot tomorrow could be theirs again, though maybe they'll be challenged by Harry (it's his 'turn' to be top of the board). Or by Jason who is looking rather good in rehearsal and should be well-motivated after last week. But good luck to Chelsee and Pasha. Talking about personalities gelling, these two have got the right kind of vibe. (And she's a talented quick learner too.)

I love Russell for his personality but despite the humour content in his dances there is a huge amount of techniccal stuff as well. His hands in the paso last week and his attitudes were spot on

Holly and Brendan looking relaxed together - both born in New Zealand although Holly moved to Australia when she was little. I'm sure in many ways she would get along better with Bendan than even Artem. It will be very interesting to watch the two of them dancing together he's a very good teacher as Artem is but according to Lulu he's quite strict. It doesn't seem to be fazing Holly though. Hope Artem is happy with the performance and he will be back dancing very soon.

Here's my prediction:



Safe

Jason

Holly

Harry

Chelsee



Fairly safe

Anita

Russell



Not so safe

Robbie

Alex

Audley



This is based on the dances they're doing and how the public vote will go.

Russell may not be the best dancer but I guess he gets a high vote share.

Ojtocs love your predictions you like myself hit them spot on though I must admit I got it wrong as far as who went out was concerned last week.



But I have to disagree about one couple but I agree with you about another couple in your not so safe category in your predictions.



Okay Robbie now last week that Waltz he did was depressing I wanted the fun Robbie back okay thrustgate happened but that is what makes Robbie fun him enjoying the routines he does because if he enjoys the routines the viewer enjoys watching them which is the voting public voting him in every week so in my opinion Robbie will be fairly safe this week because he has an American Smooth not to sold on the music choice but what I'm expecting is a smile on his face levels of gusto and enthusiasm and really show he is embracing the challenge because last week with his sad face and misreable routine it looked as if he had given up the will to carry on in Strictly 2011.



I do agree with you about Alex and James now Jive is a fast and furious and energetic dance it will be interesting to see how much fast and furious style and vigour Alex puts into it this time or will it be a slow starter with to much messing about and not enough jive the jury is still out on this dance.



Apart from that great predictions ojtocs and here are my early predictions.



Safe



Chelsee and Pasha

Anita and Robin

Jason and Kristina

Holly and Brendan

Harry and Aliona

Russell and Flavia(You want him to be in the bottom two but Russell is so cute and adorable when he's camping it up you just want to have him safe for another week.



Bottom Two



Alex and James(As stated jury is still out my predictions can change subject to public opinion on tomorrow night's show)

Audley and Natalie(3 times in the bottom two surley he can't survive a 4th time)



Going Home



Audley and Natalie



Keeeeeep Dancing

Hi Fergal. I like to read your analysis too. I have to admit I'm in two minds about Robbie. He's a reasonable dancer so it all depends how many voters lost faith in him after his paso. We'll see ☺☺

I think Russell Grant demonstrates just how Strictly has gone wrong.



Yes, he's overweight, and he's 60, and he's camper than a tent exhibition at Olympia. But - he has fantastic natural rhythmn and musicality, and he has shown that he can do the steps of all the dances when given the chance. And he obviously loves dancing and has a work ethic. And he has Flavia, one of the finest professoionals in her choreography for her partner.



Out of this year's sorry selection of left-footed celebrity contestants, Russel is second only to Chelsee in my view in natural talent for the dance. Yet all this been wasted for pantomime excess.



In an earlier series of Strictly, his talent would have been noted and celebrated, and we would have been impressed and amazied by just how good he was before he lost out at the quarter final or semi final stage - honours even all round, and Russell would have surprised himself and us instead of just confirming his and our superficial opinion of him.



Now, in this dumbed down version, poor old Russell has to play the pantomime role, doing galumphing performance every week until he is put out of his misery by the TV viewers. This sells him and Flavia short.



How much better it would have been if they had been allowed to take it seriously, and we could have seen just how good a 60 year old bloke with a spare tyre but formidable natural ability could get when he applied himself.



The production team shoulod be ashamed of how they have made this show a caricature of its former self.

I so can not wait to watch Harry and Aliona Dance tomorrow and I so can not wait to see How Holly is when she dances with Brendan.





Tomorrow's Show will not be the same without Artem so I hope He makes a Full Recovery and Comes back Dancing soon.

Hi flatfeet. You are right that Brendan is a Kiwi and although Holly is also from Downunder she is no Kiwi. She is an Aussie. Going back to thoughts on this show I think I think we could see anyone out of Robbie, Russell or Audley in the bottom 2 although it wouldn't suprise me if Audley got the sympathy vote as he is struggling with a knee problem and a latin dance such as the Cha Cha Cha isn't going to help it. Also on tonights ITT Zoe told the friday panel that Natalie has been feeling ill this week. I think Robbie could be in trouble because although he has a ballroom dance the American Smooth has the most out of hold and he seemed to be struggling with the spins

I don't know about Russell or Robbie for the exit this week pasopeter because both of them have got great fanbases and they are getting the votes but granted I'm not sold on Robbie and Ola's music choice for their American Smooth and in my opinion the music combined with the dance standard could hinder his chances.



With Audley the viewers have deserted him and in all honesty unless there is a massive surge in public support he can't survive a 4th week in the bottom 2 if he does it will be a miracle.



I wonder in all the 8 series of Strictly has contesttant survived more than 3 weeks in the bottom 2.



Just a thought

Keeeeeeep Dancing

And also ojtocs with Robbie and Ola it will come down to the three things for me.



Thje Music Choice

The Standard of Dancing

and the amount of public complaints he recieved over Thrustgate.



Keeeeeeep Dancing

MargaretB; may I suggest you watch another show, or why not go out to see a film or Theatre play? I'm sure there would be something that

sorry, my computer is of its own mind tonight... :)



I was saying that I hope MargaretB would find something else to see on Saturdays - something she can enjoy rather than feel dissapointed in or failed by...



I myself is very much looking forward to this great show tomorrow! I'm sure both Team Hali and Team Hartem (or what they are called now that Brendan replaces Artem-brilliant choice of replacement btw!) will give us two fine routines. AT is one of my absolute favourite dances (who can e.g. forget the absolutely brilliant AT (awarded one 9 points and the rest 10 points!) the amazing Ricky & Natalie dazzled us with 2009!!?). I'm confident that Team Hali will do something brilliant!



Enjoy tomorrow teams - all of you! - and let's get this party started! :)

Have been watching ITT this week. Must say after the friday panel I think that safe will be

Jason and Kristina

Holly and Brendan (Artem)

Chelsee and Pasha

Harry and Aliona (even though Aliona drives me and the Nephews nuts!!!!!!!!)



Safe are:

Antina and Robin

Alex and James



Not safe:

Russell and Flavia (they are ok but not as A2)

Robbie and Ola

Audley and Natalie

I'm just off to bed now got a busy day at work tomorrow will watch late tomorrow night after I have had a lie down and my tea all in that order I work at a charity shop which I like but getting back to my thoughts.



stephalex13 you share the same thoughts as me but as the jury won't be considering it's verdict until I have seen the show tomorrow night here is my new ammeded saves and danger list and potential wild card.



Guranteed Saves



Jason and Kristina

Holly and Brendan

Chelsee and Pasha

Harry and Aliona



Saves



Anita and Robin

Alex and James



Wild Card



Russell and Flavia(He does have a massive fanbase so far even Kylie pledging her support so he might be safe this week)



Bottom Two



Robbie and Ola

Audley and Natalie



Going Home



Audley and Natalie



This will be changed after I have seen the show on late Saturday.



Goodnight and Keeeeeeep Dancing

I hope tomorrow will be a relaxing, enjoyable show - no themes and no sleezing from Craig or Bruno. I often wonder if Harry is so tense because he is dreading being on the receiving end of the more lecherous judges' vile remarks. I find them far worse than Robbie grabbing his crotch. Maybe I'm getting old and prudish.

Chelsee and Holly should be as good as ever. Seeing the clip above Brendan is more relaxed with Holly than he was with Lulu. He is a really nice man in spite of his od outbursts so Holly should feel really lucky. I hope the accident prone Artem recovers though - he is a major talent in the professionals line up. So is Pasha. Chelsee is the kind of unlikely success that makes SCD such a wonderful program. The same goes for Alex - each week she gets stronger and more confident - I'd happily see her in the final. Full credit to her and James for their work. Holly should be as good as ever. Seeing the clip of her and Brendan has taken away the worry that she has a new partner. Brendan looks very relaxed with her and this should put her mind at rest. In spite of his odd outbursts Brendan is one amazing dancer and teacher.

An American Smooth for both Robbie and Russell will be something else. Both are so good to watch. I still wish Russell hadn't resorted to that bull bit last week. He can entertain by dancing alone - adding silly bits is all behind him now he has reached his present capability. I know most people won't dance beyond SCD but I'd like to think the Russell will keep it up. Robbie could do with relaxing a lot more. He has quickly developed into one blooming good dancer. Now he can confidently get into the character of a dance and produce a nice storyline he should feel good about himself. The only cure I can think for feeling sick when he spins is to try taking travel sickness pills. He has my sympathy - people laugh at me because I can honestly get travel sick, sick and dizzy when I cycle, so it can be a major problem trying to master turns.

Anita is always a lovely performer to watch. I would hate to think that her capability is not given the votes it deserves because of ageism (one of the worst aspects of British life). I could watch each o Anita's dances time and time again. Last week's Charleston was top notch material. She and Robin seem to get on like a house on fire and Robin has worked wonders. I rate Anita as one of the best dancers I have seen on SCD yet. Compared to the likes of Carol Voderman, Lulu, Ester Rantzen and Feliciy Kendal she is finalist material in the making. I only mention the others because they could have put so much more effort in an simply didn't - they thought their presence alone was enough to win votes. Anita remains a very humble pupil and a joy to watch.

Chelsee should be okay as long as she stays gounded, demure and sophisticated - no room for bounce in a Foxtrot. An easy dance, there's no need for her to do anything fancy for her to shine as she usually does. What an ace dancer she is. Definitely finalist material. Pasha has been an excellent addition to the professionals line up. His is rising to the Ian Waite level in my eyes and that is saying something.

Jason can be very up and down but remains one of my favourites mainly because he clearly love music and dancing. I thought he could have used the macho expression he used in his Tango for last week's Rumba to get high marks. As a joke I gave a quick demo of the male and femaie role of the Rumba at work today, which I will never live down, but it was a shame to see Jason lose marks because of simply looking more like Frank Spencer than Big Butch Macho Man. I never though much of Jason before SCD but now I think he is wonderful and would love to see him in the final. There would be a lot of people in my final! All very deserving of the place though. Alex is another - she is what SCD is all about - going from being weak and wobbly to confident and downright excellent. With a few more weeks work I can honestly see her holding the Glitterball. Self belief would do he well. She has a natural grace about her which she undersells.

I know I have been a bit less than enthusiastic about Harry up until now. A smile and a bit of lightness and even camp would do his performance the world of good. He is young and self conscious but if he lets himself really go he is a serious contender for the gllitterball. The thought of the consequences of adding camp from the two sleezebags at either end of the juges table may be putting him off far more than Aliona's teaching. Aliona is a very good teacher who can get into the centre of a person to see what makes them tick so she can bring out their best. Put bromide in Craig and Bruno's tea so Harry can confidently come right out as a dancer. As a musician he would no doubt benefit from music that means something to him as well, however a true dancer can dance equally well to music they like as despise. Until he lightens up I will see him as heavy and too focussed on the steps. There's time yet and I have the patience to wait. Actually I think he would benefit a lot from lessons from Ian Waite - the best dancer in SCD history. If he wanted to see how to dance well and still retain his macho-ness (is there such a word?) then Brendan is the best of the best. In spite of anything I've said before I do like Harry - I just want to see him really get to the best of his potential. Maybe not having those others from McFly in the audience would help. Their presence might hold him back - they don't seem particularly mature to me. With removing his hang ups I can see him dancing like Artem and Kara - maybe not with Aliona but who knows?

I've taken up enough space now. All I'll add is; until Audley learns to get up on the balls of his big feet and snap his hips he will struggle with the Cha Cha Cha - my favourite dance along with the quickstep. Could be a hard night for poor Audley and yet he really is enjoying dancing. Long may he keep it up, even after SCD.

All the best to everyone, and let's have an accident free week!! By this stage in the competition the burn outs and mishaps happen. Never nice to see. Lots of healthy and happy dancers please! Bucketloads of vitamins B and C and sensible warm ups can prevent a lot of disasters.

No bouncing from Bruno please. And welcome back to Len - I hope he is back on ballroom form. A song and dance from Sir Bruce would go down well too - he is still the king of entertainment. He is right to get the audience to applaud and ovate performances - it helps the dancers confidence no end. Craig can sometimes bring it down but he has been cast as the bad boy. I'm sure he would rather be the goodie. He just wants to see the best in everone and aims for perfection.

Could domeone superglue Bruno to his chair tomorrow. One night Alesha is going to have kittens if he carries on with his Zebedee act.

Sorry to go on at such length but fom the moment I sawChris Parker stomp about in 2004 I have watched SCD religiously - and I normally hate TV!

Good morning. Could someone please explain why we cannot post on the Team Blogs????

It was like this a few days agao - the team blogs were closed for comments in the morning and opened later.



Wishing the dancers a good day.

I hope Robbie can produce a good American Smooth 'cuz I'm going to be gutted to loose my favorit...... NO not Robbie but the totally gorgeous Ola. I've never voted for a Celeb....only ever for my lil Ola!!

NatRick, I think I probably have got to the stage of doing something else now -at least you seem to realise that it is disappointment at losing my favourite-ever TV show which drives my comments here rather than being mean for its own sake, though.



I chanced on Strictly by swtiching the TV on just as the final of series 1 was coming to a conclusion, saw Brendan and Natasha Kaplinsky's dance, and was utterly amazed at how good she was and that she had only just started learning to dance. Since then, up until 2010, I watched every programme, including ITT, and the entire weekend was structured around not missing the show, and dsicussing it with other fans afterwards. There was a real sense of anticipation every week, some wonderful dancing, and the actual concept of the show - of teaching beginners to competition standard, with no concessions made to age, sex, weight etc. I think really made the show work.



Last year, when all the "entertainment" changes happened (most of them about as entertaining as a gumboil in my opinion, but I accept that others disagree) I found that I wasn't cancelling things so as not to miss the show, and actually dropped out of watching it at all half way through. But I did miss it, and started watching this year - just the dances rather than the rest of the show - in case the approach had changed back.



Obviously it hasn't, so, yes, I am released from telly duty on Saturday and Sunday once again. But I do still miss the old Strictly.

Come on SCD - get the team blogs up and running again......

What a lovely analysis 2Red_shoes, so much analytical thought was put into that. I agree all the couples have such unique features it adds to the program!

Predictions for this week:



Audley and Natalie to leave.

Unfortunately his latin is not really reaching the expectations. He has been on the show for 7 weeks so he should be proud that he has made it this far.

@26 - 2lipsAmsterdam.

I raised the matter on the Facebook page and SCD replied that they will look into the matter and suggested



https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/2011/11/week-7-backstage-gallery.shtml



for posting messages to the individual teams.

I think sadly that Audley will actually leave this week - I like him very much and think he's done amazingly well but it's latin this week and he's had a bad knee and Natalie has had tummy upset so must have affected their rehearsals. I would have preferred Russell to go as I feel it's now time that the celebs who are the best dances should start to take over but don't think he will - although he may well be in bottom two.



I think Holly and Brendan could well be top of the leader board for lots of reasons - Holly has begun to relax more and Brendan seems in many ways to be a better partner for her i.e height wise etc.,



I'm hoping that Chelsee and Pasha will pull a fantastic foxtrot out of the bag but it depends on whether Chelsee is able to stay focased.



Alex is improving greatly now so looking forward to seeingt her and James' jive but don't think she can improve so much that they can take the top spot.



Jason and Kristina will be fighting hard but he is obviously struggling with the A. Waltz.



Anita I don't think will carry off the A. Tango to a high enough degree this week - but admire her so much and will be in no danger of leaving



Robbie has become a good dancer but finds it so difficult to relax so not too sure how he is going to cope with the American Smooth. Ola has done wonders with him though.



Harry could well do extremely well - again he needs to relax more but he is now improving week on week -



It could welll be a very close thing tonight -



My guesss for top of leader board would be:



Holly and Brendan

Chelsee and Pasha

Jason and Kristina

Harry and Aliona

I would like to see Holly and Brendan top of the leader border but I think there are disavantages -



The judges undermark Holly

The Rumba is a very difficult dance to gain a high score

She danced at the end last week which means she could be first this week even though she has already danced first on two previous occasions! The judges tend to mark lower in the first half than during the second half.



Hope that I am wrong.

I'd tend to side with MargaretB. I still find SCD engaging and entertaining but all of the 'entertainment' additions do nothing to add to the show and are really a distraction. Case in point, Russel can actually dance so why all that pointless messing about on the bull?



Another example - Harry's tango that included no more than 8 bars in hold - wonderful showdance, but not a ballroom dance and should have been marked way down for that.



Let's see what this week brings - if Chelsee keeps up the obvious skill and content she ought to be a winner.



Oh... and hope Artem gets better soon. All the best to you.

Hi Patmil you are right Holly has been undermarked but the reasons why she is not pulling the high marks out of the bag is because she looks down at the floor alot. This is the ultimate rule in dance-if it was occasional that's ok but she tends to do this through the majority of the dance. I noticed she did this alot through the Jive last week (watch it back to see what I mean). Once she stops looking at the floor Im sure she will get 10s

Hi Fergal. I know that while the dance off was in operation Heather & Brian had at least 3 or 4 dance offs and when the voting system returned back to it's original format last year Brendans partner Michelle was on the public hit list quite a bit. It wouldn't suprise me if she was in there at least 4 or 5 times

I have just looked up Heather and Michelles SCD performances on Wikipedia and they were both knocked out at the 4th time of asking. So once you are in the bottom 2 you are on the publics hit list until you depart which doesn't bode well for Audley as he is the only one of the remaining celebs to have been in the bottom 2

Why are the blogs shut again?

Margaret B. So appreciate your post as I come from exactly the same school of thought. Didn't watch Series 1 as I thought it SO wouldn't be my thing. Then my mother told me about Brendan and Natasha and I have been hooked ever since which is why I feel so passionately about them not ruining what has always been a fantastic show and a rare thing - genuine family entertainment. But I've been getting the same treatment as you recently so haven't posted this week. I objected to the infamous performance from Robbie Savage because for me it personnified everything that has gone wrong with the show - dumbing down big time, the emphasis on making everything so-called sexy when what they mean is crude, the props, the ludicrous VT's. Like you I was told to go away and watch something else which has been upsetting. I haven't suggested that people who like the stuff I complain about should go away, but my point is that there are plenty of shows on lots of other channels that feature all the things that are now wrecking Strictly so why do we have to alter the only show that has mass appeal on a level of beauty and people making a journey simply to make our beloved Stricly like everything else on television - tawdry.

T&G... I can only speak for myself but I'm sorry you've been upset by remarks on this forum.

I hope you will keep posting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

I like to hear what everyone has to say. It makes for a better forum ☺☺

Of all the times for the team blogs to go down - Saturday has to be one of the worst !



Would rather be posting on Team Hartem blog - but in the meantime:



♥ Good Luck Hartem (or should it be HAB tonight !) ♥

Boys and Girls from all the Team blogs. BBC James has just posted on Backstage Gallery that there is a tech issue with the team blogs. On which page should we start our Saturday party?......

Strictlycharlie - as you know I am the biggest Artem fan in the universe. I rather like the temp name of Team Brolly although to include my man I do agree Team HAB is rather fun!!!!



.......And here we go waiting for the 180 seconds to pass.......

Hi 2lips - this page is as good as any I guess - will be the biggest party ever with all fans on one site !!!!!!!!!

I guess we will need to move over to the "Live Show" blog once it is up and running.



I therefore propose as experienced hostess (with the mostest!!) we prepare for a large party tonight. Lets get everything prepared (ala Masterchef) and move it all over to the big kitchen in time for the show.



Hampered by an injury but like the goooorgeous Artem and the lovely Russell I shall prevail - alcohol is a medicinal remedy after all!!!! Champers is in the fridge and I wanted to treat team Casha to a Dutch smorgebord tonight but since I buy for hoard usually there will be enough for all Strictlyites tonight!!!

Oh no, sorry to hear you have an injury 2lips - strong cocktails are certainly called for - and champers for when our favourite teams get through tonight - a busy night awaits us !!!!

OK I've just created a new cocktail called 'HAB' (Holly Artem Brendan) - it consists of Australian lager, vodka and kiwi fruit - hope you like it !!!!!!!!

SC - I SO wish that we had a "like" button as on FB. I would click on it - and before the 180 seconds also!!!



Got White Russian ingredients and the infamous "ginger vodka" cocktail that was passed round copiously at Team Kartems parties last year! Have to be honest, the ginger cocktail though delicious, is a bit hard to get pass my lips now - bit of a session at Team Kartems party during the semi final last year that I just about had me on the floor!!!!

Wonder if Kara will sit with Artem in the audience tonight ? Wonder which celeb Holly will have invited too - Princess Bea 2 weeks ago, David Walliams last week ....

Hi 2Lips... Very generous of you to cater for everyone ☺☺☺

Hi Ojtocs! anyone is always welcome to our SCD parties!!! We normally cater for the team blogs. But just like Nigella I always have something up my sleeve to pass out to extra guests!!!

good evening PasoPeter & Fergal re being often in bottom two and when they bow out; the amazing Team Natalie & Ricky were in dance off twice for some unfathomable reason yet still they went all the way to the final. Granted the TV viewers then saved Team Cola's skin so in a way Natalie & Ricky "went home", but still... Here's hoping that Team Audalie gets another week to proove themselves, a week free of injury and tummy bugs! :)



My favourites for this season are Team Hali, Hartem and Audalie :) Hali & Hartem for being really good celebs and Audalie for the warmth and sincere love for the show from both Natalie and Audley.



Good look to all couples though! :)

Why can't we get on our team blog page to write? What's going on? I've been out all day and came on here, found we had a team name - Chasha - loving it, and now I can't comment!! I've got the oven on ready for the vol au vents and getting excited about the party. Just poured a glass a bubbly and I'm ready to go. Going to take note of everything on the show tonight so I can hopefully get ten out of ten in the quiz on Monday!! Happy viewing one and all. Go team Chasha!!!!

Evening DDD!!!!! there should be a live show blog starting any moment now. I am moving the drinks and hor's derves (you know I cant spell it even after all these years!) over to it once it is up and running!!! Apparently accordring BBC James has advised there is a tech hitch!! Hey ho....

LOVELY PEOPLE - THE PARTY IS MOVING OVER TO THE "STRICTLY LIVE SHOW" PARTY PAGE.



hOPE TO SEE YOU OVER THERE.... PLENTY OF DRINKS AND NIBBLES....!!!!

Why is Tess Daly not wearing a poppy on tonight's show?

Well said MargaretB @ 11.



I agree. Strictly this year has been very disappointing and I much preferred the old style. Like you, I think I shall vote with my feet and this will be the last one I watch.

Does anyone agree that Holly seemed more relaxed dancing with Brendan? Perhaps Artem doing the choreography but dancing with Brendan is the answer. For one they definitely suit each other height wise but I also wonder with them both coming from Australia/New Zealand(?) maybe they are both on each other's wave length as well.

MargaretB @ 11



I agree with what you say but can't see 'Strictly' returning to the old style of 2 or 3 years ago. I suppose I just enjoy the programme in a different way and have lower expectations. To be fair to the celebrities, I don't think props, themed shows, lifts, out of hold ballroom and general faffing around has helped them to develop the basic skills. The blame for that lies with the producer of the programme.