horwood


Craig RH says that he has told Alesha Dixon to toughen up, nice him giving her some support.

He probably did tell her to toughen up, it's all right for him, he is thick skinned.

Craig is fabulous, Bruno makes me laugh but Len is probably my least fav judge just for the fact he always is so miserable and can't bare it when people dare to disagree with him but he sure knows his stuff.


Alesha still the same bubbly person but glad she's toughened up after all the criticism against her, i'm sure the BBC will bring her back next series as they seem to really like her.

Len is the one that is best able to judge them TBH, I like him, he's like the granddad figure on the team, and usually tries to give positive responses to the dancers.

As to the hairspray, I can totally understand that, I can't have any aerosol sprayed near me as it affects my throat so badly, going to the hairdressers is an ordeal for me with the hairspray and I can't even dust properly because I am not supposed to use aerosols. When they are used here, I have to ask that people shut the door and can't go in the room for a while after they have been used.

Still don't like Ricky W, he is a really good dancer, but I can't connect with his personality, in fact I'm having problems with them all this year, can't really connect to any of them.

Have read an interesting take on the Lailla Anton thing, is it because she is a bit more difficult to deal with than Anton's other partners.  It's strange, it has happened this year as his previous partners have all got on really well with him.

I think Craig is by far the best judge, he can be harsh, but is fair and constructive with his comments and marking. I don't like it when he gets personal but he says what he thinks and when all is said and done he's a softie really.


Len is a nice man but he seems to think because he's head judge his opinion only counts. I take less notice of what he says as I prefer to listen to the others.

So agree with you.

The problem with Len is, he thinks he is judging a load of Professionals from the old days.

He doesn't like anyone to add anything into the dance to make it more interesting for the viewers, someone is going to tell him one day to lighten up and to stop ruining the show.
The others like a little fun added why shouldn't he.


They can do without all Lens rules, it's a darn entertainment show that's all.

I don't think that's it at all.  Each dance has to contain certain steps to a certain rhythm in order for it to BE that particular dance.  I agree with Len a lot of the time, just as I agree with Craig a lot of the time.

When Len goes on aobut heel leads or toe leads, it's because that is what makes a dance a particular dance.  You don't want to see samba steps in the Vienesse Waltz.

Len doesn't want to move with the times, the dancing can be boring and if a few things aren't added it will be even more boring, whenever someone adds something at the start or end to make it more of a show he moans and drops their marks.the Professional dancers know what to do and they produce the dance, it's not up to Len to say anything to the Celeb, it's not him who produced it.So why is Len getting at the Celeb?, it's nothing to do with him.

PS.
They aren't putting on the show for Len, they are putting it on for the public and the audience.

I must admit I am surprised that people dislike Len so, I find him fair and usually constructive in his criticism, Craig, I like as well, but prefer Len.

I totally agree with Suzi and her comments, the programme is about dancing and the dances have set steps which the professionals know about, Len is educating the public and this I enjoy.  I would also like to see Karen or Camilla alongside him to comment on dancers, as much as I like Craig and Alesha, a professional dancer knows where the other professional dancers are going wrong.

A lot of what Len says is very tongue in cheek anyway.

I don't think Len's comments are directed at the celeb, but at the couple and one of them is a professional and knows what steps to do.

The couples only do a 90 second dance.  If half of that time is taken up with posing on the platform, how is anyone able to judge their dancing skills.

I agree it is an entertainment show, but it is an entertainment show about dancing - not singing, not acting and not anything else.  The audience participates by voting for their favourite couple.  Whether they agree or not with the judges comments.

You wouldn't expect to watch a quiz programme where the contestants got through even though they gave wrong answers, would you?

But they are in a way, because he is one of the judges, in fact the Head Judge and surely they are putting on the show to attract the top marks from judges and therefore be in good places on the leader board, then it is up to the public to decide who they like or dislike as a personality.

I happen to agree with him about the props and so on, the paso is a dance where the female dancer is supposed to be the cloak, we don't need the bullfighting stuff at the start of the routines, let the female dancer set the scene of the dance, and sometimes at the start of routines, there is so much going on as a viewer I'm thinking hurry up and bloody dance!! And use some decent music. Some of the music that has been used this year has been dire!!

Suzi, you and I agree on so much about this programme!!

Hi pinky!  It's been one of my favourite programmes since the first series.  I really love it!

Don't even get me started about the music! 

Lots of what Len says is obviously very constructive and fair he is the most qualified to do so I just wish he would ligthen up a bit more. I actually love the use of the props in the Pasodoble, but it should be up to the celeb to set the story of the dance so they have used the required elements for it.


Music wise it hasn't been bad, a couple of tunes which I recognise but the traditional stuff is great, the costumes get even more better lol.

Or, perhaps, the lack of them???

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk


Music that has been used so far



Definetly Suzi

Hun, we're never going to agree on this one, and that's the way it should be!!  Be awful if we all agreed.

Yes I wonder why you like the costumes!!

Well, it seems Len has a lot of fans on here, i'm not one of them though.

I still say he's past it the same as Arlyne was replaced by Alesha, so Len might be next, here's hoping.
He's taking the dances far too serious and it's not as if they are dancing for a big money prise, just a trophy.

Len has been the worst for marks this year, the most grumpy and I don't turn on the TV to listen to him moaning every week.
The professional dancers set the dance to the strength of the Celeb and don't need Len to start going on about what they are doing when its the Celeb that's getting marks not the Pro, if he has a problem with the Pro they should sort that out in the week not when they are dancing and been rehearsing all week.

Maybe if he didn't spend all his time in the US earning big money he might know more about what is going on in this country.

Hicky in no way to I wish to appear rude, but I totally disagree with you and your comments, Len is there as Head Judge, a professional ballroom dancer to give comments on the dancing of both celebs and professionals, I do agree that the professional dancers base their routines on the ability of the celebs, but he is judging on both.  He says it as he sees it, if he doesn't like props being used, well that is his opnion, what I found far more objectionable was Arlene and her constant talk of sexiness and the fact that she obviously liked/fancied certain male celebs and invariably marked them higher.  I think Len has a place on the judging panel and he does his job very well.  I also think that next year they may consider having a fourth judge, another ballroom dancing professional, to balance as at the moment Len is the only one who judges on ballroom technique.  Craig and Bruno judge on choreography and actual dancing technique, as does Alesha, who judges from the contestants point of view, again much needed.

I can see we are never going to agree re this subject so this is the last time I shall mention it as I do not wish to upset other FM's.

If any one should go next year, it should be Brucie, he is just embarrassing and I am almost certain that he said he hated it on Saturday as one couple were going backstage to Tess and the subtitles said the same,but then were very quickly cut off, I also find myself watching with a sense of dread, wondering what he is going to say next or that he will just collapse as sometimes he looks very doddery

Can I just point out that when Bruno and/or Craig R-H have been particularly unkind or brutal to a celebrity dancer, it is often Len who comes along with words of encouragement. He realises the contestants won't be perfect in week 1 and acknowledges potential.

 

Well, I guess we all see things the way we want to..
Len isn't there like the others aren't to comment on the professional dancers.
And I don't think he does, he aims all his comments at the Celeb, he isn't there to talk about the Choreography for a start, he is supposed to be judging the Celeb and how he is doing and how he is learning the steps.
You notice that the others don't keep going on about the Choreography so why does Len.
I think he is ruining the show with his petty remarks and should keep to judging the Celeb on what they are doing, and what the professional has chosen to teach the Celeb.

i love len as a judge
alesha is doin my head in and i wajnna jab her in the eye with that friggin pen shes always wavin about

I agree with PB and Suzi - I like Len, and I tend to agree with his comments.  I don't see the point in it being based on ballroom dancing if they're going to move away from the traditional dance 'rules'.    Len's comments have helped me to understand the technicalities of what they do.    I also watch Dancing with the Stars and the American versions are sometimes so far removed from the traditional dance as to be unrecognisable, so although I can enjoy watching a dance just for the sake of it, it doesn't come close to Strictly for me. 

I also like Craig and tend to agree with his comments, and most of his 'personal' comments are tongue in cheek as are Len's - he's the panto villain of the panel.   I didn't see the same accusations being hurled at Alesha when she called Jo a drunken rag doll.   One rule for one anyone?    At least Craig speaks English.

Not like my gobbledegookish

Strictly Come Dancing's new dancers as you've never seen them before

By Charlotte Ward 28/10/2009

Strictly’ s sexy new dancers remind us of another hot trio: Charlie’s Angels. Here we help them look the part, with help from the high street. 

Natalie Lowe and dance partner Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle are already being tipped to win the show, but she’s not counting her chickens just yet.

The 29-year-old Aussie says: “Anyone can win this show but Ricky has such an amazing ability to pick up choreography and deliver on the night!

“He’s a lovely guy and fun to work with. But he has crazy work hours so while we’d normally do six hours a day, because of his filming commitments we only do two hours.

“He’s driven and hard-working. He can see what he’s capable of and if he doesn’t achieve it, he gets frustrated. The harder I am on him, the better he is, which isn’t fun as I want to be nice. But Len said we could be the most formidable couple they’ve ever seen, so it’s obviously working.”

Aliona Vilani and her partner Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding have already been voted off but it isn’t the end for the dancer.

She recently danced the cha cha cha for Amy Whitehouse and her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on the show

She says: “Amy was very sweet and protective of Dionne. It was surprising to see her being so motherly.”

Aliona, 25, was born in Kazakhstan and this was her first stint on Strictly and a dream come true. She and Rav were surprised to be voted out in week three. “It was a shock and Rav was gutted.”

Aliona admits to having a sweet tooth, so it’s amazing she can get into those Strictly dresses. “I love all naughty foods, especially chocolate – I eat it all day every day!”

Having worked with stars such as J-Lo and Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas is now being twirled round the floor by Phil Tufnell.

“I got lucky but he’s also very challenging,” she says.  “He doesn’t like all work, he likes to play. You must have a balance with him and keep him in check.”

The bum-wiggling during their salsa was a big hit. “I was amazed when I looked back on the tape. His hips were incredible! Phil is a very good dancer and he’s got a great sense of humour.”

Katya, 26, who was born in Lithuania but moved to Canada, taught celebs to dance for film roles. “J-Lo is a bit of diva but also has respect for dancers because that’s her background. It was great to dance with Antonio. He’s short but very sexy.”

When she’s not dancing with Tuffers, Katya’s professional partner is Brendan Cole. “He’s is a sweetheart. They make him out to be this meanie but he’s really not.”

Not loving the new girls at all, I liked Hayley Holt from N.Zealand but they didn't ask her back.

Katya and Natalie are nice. Brian and Kristina still the best choice they ever made to bring here I think they are brilliant.

I agree with Fairfax - I'm not terribly keen on the new girls.
I agree with darlo - I think Brian and Kristina are great.

Love Brian too. I have to say that I have allowed myself be swayed about Kristina (too much tabloid fodder) but I agree she is a great dancer.
I really cannot take to Aliona and Natalie but Katya seems nice.Feel sorry for her having to put up with 'cheeky chappie' Tuffers.

Team Cola on ITT now, yeah baby


Cha Cha Cha for them next

Laila and Anton on now, glad they got their highest Latin marks of the competition with their Samba. They're improving in terms of progress.


Viennese Waltz for them next, could be interesting.

Those dresses that they showed us are good, how on earth do they come up with great designs out of their head all the time.

You don't get dresses this good on the normal catwalk.

Should be some great dances Saturday from what we have seen.

Think all the Pro's are great, they are only doing a job and think they are all about equal
.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole coming to the Liverpool Empire

Oct 29 2009 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Brendan Cole will bring his first live stage show to the Empire in January.

He will demonstrate his brilliant execution and superb choreography in a dynamic dance show that ranges from the sensual moves of the tango, rumba and cha cha, the elegance of the foxtrot, quickstep and Viennese waltz, to a red hot blast of paso doble, salsa and jive. Set to songs from musical legends including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Whitney Huston, Michael Bublé, and Michael Jackson, the show gives ballroom a modern edge.

Cole says: “My wish is to share with the audience the emotion and feeling dance gives me and bring performance to a whole new level.

“I hope that everyone who gets to see the show enjoys it as much as I have enjoyed creating it.”

Joining him are championship dancers Brother Scott, Andrew Cuerden and Hanna Haarala, Izabela Hannah and Nicole Cutler.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon has emergency treatment on her neck injury before Liverpool Philharmonic gig

Oct 29 2009 by Dawn Collinson, Liverpool Echo

STRICTLY judge Alesha Dixon was able to give a sparkling performance in Liverpool thanks to the help of Liverpool Wellbeing, the holistic health centre in Hope Street.

Alesha is continuing her national tour despite an accident on the first night which has left her with a painful neck injury. Liverpool Wellbeing received a call during the late afternoon requesting that therapeutic massage treatment be delivered at the Phil before Alesha’s performance.

The Centre’s massage team immediately went into action and a clinical treatment room was set up backstage. It was decorated and scented with candles and rose petals to help Alesha feel comfortable and relaxed during her treatment.

Two experienced masseurs from Liverpool Wellbeing were able to treat the injured area of Alesha’s neck and back and were each given a free seat for the show by her grateful manager as thanks for saving the day.

When Catherine Mitchell of Liverpool Wellbeing asked Alesha how she felt after the treatment, the reply was “wonderful!”.

Insider hears Alesha also wrote “Thank you for my wonderful massage!” across a photograph of herself, which is now displayed at the centre alongside another photograph of Sir Ian McKellen, who came for massage treatment when he was performing at Liverpool Playhouse.

Helen Clarke, director of Liverpool Wellbeing, tells Insider: “We know that when top performers need treatment in Liverpool to enable them to ‘go on with the show’, they can rely on us.

“So we are launching a clinic specifically for performers and performance students throughout the city, in order to offer preventative care and treatment for performance injuries.

“We’re delighted that Alesha knew the best place to come for treatment!”

Glad Alesha got the treatment and managed to perform.


richard gere



How class if this was to happen.