I am aware that he has a job to do, but so do lots of other people. Andrew seems to manage to fit in his lessons, Christine works every day as well. It could be said that as a self-employed (and already financially secure) person he could have chosen his working hours - therefore he was in the best position to put “real” work on the back burner, and treat this as his main job while he was in it. He chose not to do this, and this is where he fell down.

I felt sorry for Karen from the start. It must be very hard to teach someone whose heart is not really in it.

Why did he go to Dubai instead of appearing on It Takes 2 on Monday? I was of the impression that they were contractually obliged to appear? I can’t remember anyone else not turning up. It also showed very poor manners, leaving Karen there on her own. Mind you, I bet she is glad she does not have to put up with him any more!

Still, I suppose I will miss him from the show, if for no other reason than there was always a good chance of a car crash moment. Also, as for doing Ballroom, you need to have the ability to lead, maybe thats why he wasnt allowed to do one!

Roll on next week. Here come the girls!

Everything was good. Firstly, the fact that the Tango and the Jive are 2 of my favourite dances probably went a good way towards the feelgood factor of tonight, but I think it was good for lots of reasons.

First - well done to Bruce. I thought he was excellent tonight! I felt really bad last week criticising him, its like realising your granddad isn’t perfect, but tonight from the start he was on top form. Bruce obviously knows the press have been gunning for him because he referred directly to them at one point about making mistakes.

Ok heres my critique of the dances

Austin and Erin did a jive to a song off the film Hairspray “you cant stop the beat”. This was excellent, it was everything a jive should be - kicks, flicks and tricks, energy and fun. Loved it! Erin looks so happy these days, and why wouldn’t she, her name may well be getting engraved on the bottom of that mirrorball the way things are going.! Austin even got his “guns” out! COR! Craig said it was “brilliant” - except for his arms!, (there had to be something for him to criticise didnt there)
WINS - “The Zebedee Trophy for best jive
scores 8 8 9 9

MARK AND HAYLEY This tune is one of my tango favourites. I think I can vaguely remember it from a film, (true lies maybe) but more recently from when Anton danced tango with Esther Rantzen. Anyway, back to tonights dance. Mark is quite a gentle type, so struggled a bit through the week with the agressiveness needed in this dance. The dance had more performance than their waltz did, I actually enjoyed it very much. Judges were generally happy with it too except a comment regarding “mincing”, and Arlene asking Hayley to take Mark to an acting coach.
Wins - “The IPOD Plaque” for Best Tune
Scores 5 5 7 7

GARY AND KAREN - Jived to “Lipstick, Powder and Paint” by Shakin Stevens. Gary has also had a dreadful week learning this dance, but I feel he did himself and Karen proud tonight, yes it wasn’t great, but I was expecting an awful lot worse! Gary and Karen are asking for our votes to stay in long enough so they can do a Ballroom dance, and then they say they will be happy to go home?! I had a flashback of Anton and Kate when they were getting their scores! Very funny comments tonight by Craig - Bruce - Bruno tonight about Craig being on his knees (praying) HAHA!
Wins - “The Kate Garraway Memorial Trophy” for Most improved
Scores 3 4 6 5

JOHN AND KRISTINA - Did a most odd tango. I have never seen a smiling teddy bear attempting this dance before. I think it is fair to say that it was not “his” dance. His posture once he was dancing was good, few of the steps were off , but generally good, it was more the “feel” of the dance was wrong for me
Wins - “The Cadbury Rosebowl” for the Sweetest Tango Ever
Score 3 6 6 7

GROUP DANCE Excellent - Christine stood out for me, but tonight I thought Jessie looked really lovely with her fringe off her face. It changed her whole face. HATED those disgusting runners they were all wearing.

ANDREW AND OLA Tango (and headbanging) to T-Rex 20th Century Boy. This had to be seen to be believed! Andrew looked like he was in the grip of a night terror! But he has had a bad week in class as well and we saw in some of the dance it looked like Ola did actually want to kick his head in! Ola had the best dress tonight. I may well see if I can make an approximation of it for my daughter. Andrews bum stuck out far too much though! He told us tonight he dances in the middle of the night in the nude!! oooohhh, matron! B-D-Online house want Andrew to stay purely because we love Ola. Wins - The “Designers Guild Thimble” for Best Dress and the “Jackass Booby Prize” for Funniest move
Score - 4 6 7 5

TOM AND CAMILLA - Jive to Sam Sparro’s Black and Gold. Another top performance from T&C. It was a relatively slow jive, so to the casual observer (me) it looked lazier than Austins for example but you have to keep with your music. Camilla always seems to get hunky men (wonder if it something she had written into her contract after going through the first series with with David Dickinson?! Query - why are people wearing boots these days. Loads of people have them on DWTS as well? I dont like them!
Wins - “The Capo Di Monti Bookends Set of figurines” for balanced partership
Score 7,8,9,9

DON AND LILIA Tango This was definitely the dance for Don. I think it was the best tango of the night. He was able to bring his acting skills into play and really be a gaucho. He had an amazing presence. I love the song they danced to “Whatever Lola Wants”

Wins - “The Rudolph Valentino Shield” for Best Tango
Score - 7788

OH YES NEARLY FORGOT - A special award is going out to a man who looks totally hot now that he has made a visit to Sweeney Todd’s Yes, James Jordan, looking good!!!!! winner of the
“PUDDING BOWL” for Best Haircut

In a shock result, the couples were called to dance off against Ian and Jodie. What upsets me the most about this was the fact that neither of them were the worst - in my humble opinion there were at least two other couples who performed worse on the night. I think it says a lot that it was 2 foxtrots that were done again - viewers prefer latin. Wonder if everyone should do the same dance or would that be too boring to watch?

I was actually very impressed with Jodie and Gillian, both danced a lot better than I expected. Neither of them had the potential to go on and win though - maybe the voting public saw something I didnt in the others who did not peform to their expected standard.

Anyone that knows me will know that I hate the dance off more than anything, and I pray for the day the BBC realise their mistake and go back to how it used to be.

A lot of people are going to miss Anton. Me included.

Jessie and Darren:
Lowest score of the night. I think Jessie suffered a bit from being the first to dance, it must be difficult for the judges because even if someone danced well, the earlier they are dancing, the more likely it is the judge will keep their higher scores “just in case” I thought she probably could have danced better, but all things considered it was not too bad. I am a bit biased against Jessie because of all the stuff written about her in the papers, which is a shame, because probably most of it is not even true!
Judge’s score: 20

Matthew and Christine:
I was very pleased to see Christine dancing well tonight, as she was my tip for the top! Thought her topline a bit sloppy, and i was a bit distracted by her fringe flopping about. But if thats all there is to complain about, then she is doing a grand job!
Judges Score: 27

Lisa and Brendan:
It was okay, but I was expecting an awful lot more. Her right arm looked like it was broken at times. Loved the spins - would have liked to see a bit more actual salsa. I kind of expected a bit more to be honest….
Judges Score: 22

Jodie and Ian:
I actually clapped for Jodie and was really pleased for her. The first dance that “moved” me. I loved her kicks. Probably will be the one I vote for tonight.
Judges Score: 25

Heather and Brian:
Heather was lucky that this was the first dance for her, what with Brian being the king of salsa! You could tell as well! They have an amazing partnership, I have taken to Brian really quickly and i think they will go far. My favourite dress of the evening
Judges Score: 26

Gillian and Anton:
GO GILLIAN AND ANTON!!! That was great! Much, much better than i thought it was going to be. Keep giving us the old razzle dazzle!
Judges Score: 22

Rachel and Vincent:
loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Thought the beatles song in spanish? was genius! There was some very tricky steps, but out of all the girls, I think Rachel is the one best placed to carry them out from this current bunch. Vincent has struck gold me thinks! Best salsa of the evening.
Judges Score: 31

Cherie and James:
Best foxtrot of the evening methinks. Cherie has true style. Get yer hair cut Mr Jordan!!!
Judges Score: 33

Critique of the Boys Merengue Gary has improved, yes! Best: tom - worst:John (sorry!)

Foxtrot was given to us by a man called Mr Fox, its his “trot”! Here is what to look for on Saturday – think effortless elegance and look out for Heel Turns!

Foxtrot is danced using a normal ballroom-style closed position dance hold. This typically includes the use of body contact. In closed position the man and lady stand in front of each other, slightly offset to the left. The lady’s right hand and man’s left hand are joined in an upper-hand clasp at approximately the lady’s eye level. The man’s right hand is placed on the lady’s shoulder blade, with the lady’s left arm resting easily on his right. The resulting dance “frame” should be held sturdy, but relaxed and absent of tension or strain.

Footwork: Forward walking steps are normally taken with the heel first in contact with the floor, with the toe lowering as the body moves over it. Backwards walks are taken with the toe first, with the heel lowering as the body moves over it. At the same time, the toe of the forward foot should release from the floor as the body moves away. Side steps and chasses normally use the toe first.

Rise & Fall The rise & fall action is present in Foxtrot, although it is more subtle than that of Waltz.

Contra-Body Movement Typical of the smooth and standard ballroom dances, contra-body movement is used to commence most rotational movements.

Sway Sway is defined as the inclination of the body to the left or right, usually accompanying movements to the side. Sway is present in Foxtrot, particularly in the Silver and above levels, where movements tend to be fuller and more sweeping.

Continuity Continuity is defined as the continuous passing of the feet from step to step, without any closing or chasse actions. Typically, a series of three or more passing steps constitute a continuity action.

Foxtrot is probably the dance that people struggle with the most. It is notoriously difficult to get right, but a good one is a magical thing to behold!

I only know two of them, Toni Braxton and Cody Linley. But I am sure you will get to know and love each and every one of them.

Brooke Burke (TV presenter) Derek Hough
Lance Bass (Singer N’Sync) and Lacey Schwimmer
Toni Braxton (Singer) - and Alec Mazo
Misty May-Treanor (athlete)and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Warren Sapp (NFL footballer) and Kym Johnson
Kim Kardashian (reality tv) and Mark Ballas
Cody Linley (Actor “Jake” from “Hannah Montana) and Julianne Hough
Maurice Greene (athlete) and Cheryl Burke
Ted McGinley (actor) and Inna Brayer
Cloris Leachman (actress) and Corky Ballas
Susan Lucci (actress) and Tony Dovolani
Rocco DiSpirito (chef) and Karina Smirnoff
Jeffrey Ross (stand up comedian) and Edyta Sliwinska

So, the public spoke and the 2 couples to undergo the dance off were Flavia/Phil, Don/Lillia.

I think this was a very difficult call for Len, but have to agree with his decision. Phil’s ballroom was stiff, and that was enough to make me think that he would struggle even more in latin, but Don’s ballroom should be better than Phil’s was (he has a great deal of gravitas) I felt sorry for Phil, because he was obviously very nervous - sometimes people forget to breathe when they get in this sort of state. Also, Craigs “common” comment would not have helped matters at all - that was a particularly stupid thing to say, how can a waltz (of any standard) be described as common????

The person who should have been sent home was of course Gary. Shame for Karen, but there you go!

Take a look at her dress, I made that myself!

I was sat by the tv from about 5.50pm awaiting that siren call - and can you believe it, within minutes of the first dancer appearing my sky box did its usual trick “no satellite signal is being received” - WHAT NOOOOOO………… it cant be playing up - i have been waiting for this for weeks!

Had to go back to Terrestrial (which has been switched off here on the Isle of Man - so it was like watching something through a psychedelic haze - made me feel quite dizzy… thankfully sky sorted its act out just in time for Lilia and Don to finish their cha - cha.

Anyway - my critique:- I am unsure of everyones names off the top of my head so bear with me

Camilla and Tom - excellent, what can I say! everything about this guy is great! I was highly impressed. One to watch. Bet Camilla cant believe her luck Best Cha-Cha

Flavia and Phil - I thought Flavia had the best dress of the night. As for dancing, hardly saw their dance, thanks to sky playing up!

Lillia and Don. Okay in parts. This is probably the kind of standard we would usually see on week one. I loved the snake thing they did in front of the judges, and there was a few steps that I struggle with, but I think it is fair to say that Lillia has her work cut out, but you never know, his strength could be in Ballroom.

Erin and Austin. Definitely my favourite dance of the night. I loved the A shape they did. Erin is looking pretty good with her fair hair and new veneers. Her teeth match Antons now…. I hope they do well, and they are getting my vote tonight. I loved the song they danced to, “the rainbow connection” don’t know who sang it, but I remember Kermit singing it on the Muppet film also it is used a lot for under 8s to dance to in competition.

Hayley and Mark - I think nerves got to him too much. looked a bit stiff to me. But he is very good looking. I had higher hopes for him tonight. Hayley’s dress was gorgeous too, that style is becoming very popular I notice. If Mark is reading, close your right fingers together at least!

Gary and Karen. Will Gary be the one who stays in because of the sympathy vote? At least he looks like he knows how to enjoy himself?! Not sure how Karen will feel about tonights result, especially after being the first one voted out last year. Personally, I did not think it was a Michelin star performance, more of a dog’s dinner to be frank. Craig’s score was ONE! I cant remember anyone getting a ONE before?

John and Kristina- I enjoyed this very much and was really happy for him. It reminded me of a sweet and tender moment between a dad and his daughter on her wedding day. Wonder what happened between Bruno and Bruce to account for the comment about slapping Bruce in the face??? I am glad that John did so well, purely because everyone assumed that he would be rubbish and would be getting sent home first. He did himself and his teacher proud tonight. I can’t get over how much he looks like his cousin Jo Brand.

Andrew and Ola - surprise surprise, the man can move! I had suspicions about Ola’s costume being a smokescreen to hide Andrew’s awfulness, but thankfully he showed himself as being the GMTV Groover! Mind you, its not like there is that much competition for that award. Noticed there was a “lift” in this routine, naughty naughty!!!! Hubby sloped off to a different room to play X box once he had watched “his” girl!

Judges Rating

1st Austin, 2nd Tom, 3rd Andrew, 4th Mark, 5th John, 6th Don, 7th Gary

Judges tonight were excellent. Nearly all criticism was constructive - except for Craig’s saying D-U-L-L…

THE GIRLS - Poor Gillian - that would be my luck, to make my mistake when the camera was on me! My favourite from this little piece would have to be Lisa Snowdon. Don’t worry though Gillian, nobody looked like they knew what they were doing!

Thankfully the hip sliding and rolling came a bit easier to me, thanks to the time spent on my Wii fit doing “hula hoop” - figure of 8, yes i could do that kind of! , then we went onto a hip drop thing………………. wow! that is hard as well!

The funniest thing was half way through the lesson there was an almighty wolf whistle, and we all got excited thinking someone was admiring us from outside - until someone piped up very embarrassed “thats the ringtone on my mobile” darn!!!!

There’s us all thinking we had a fan club!! I am glad to say that i will be going back next week.

Shows that I am not an Eastenders viewer!

IT’S BACK!!!!

A new gaggle of celebs take to the floor for the sixth series of SCD Here are my thoughts about them.

Christine Bleakley - One Show host. Will have a considerable fan base – and of the type of people who vote! Should be a good bet, very keen on running apparently? Partner – Matthew Cutler

Andrew Castle - GMTV presenter, and former tennis player – will this “couch potato” fare any better than his illustrious colleagues Fiona and Kate? Partner Ola Jordan

Tom Chambers - from Holby City. Good looking boy – Bruno will no doubt take a shine to him! - Partner Camilla Dallerup

Phil Daniels - Eastenders. Hard to tell – maybe his acting skills will carry him through. Wonder if he got extra lessons from his “daughter” in Albert Square? - Partner Flavia Cacace

Mark Foster – Swimmer. Eye candy for Arlene. Will deffo. have the fitness levels required, not sure about grace or natural rythmn though.- Partner Hayley Holt

Austin Healey - rugby player. Named after a car. Remember the other “car” bloke, Quentin?
Partner Erin Boag

Jodie Kidd – model. Models never do very well. In the US show, they are always voted out first, regardless of skill, purely because the voters don’t know who they are! – Partner Ian Waite

Cherie Lunghi - actress: The Manageress, coffee adverts, Victorian matron. Attractive lady of a certain age, will probably stay in until about week 6. – Partner James Jordan

Gary Rhodes – chef, mainly became famous for his hair. One of the first “celebrity TV chefs”. Can “use” a whisk, but can he “do” one? – Partner Karen Hardy

John Sergeant - former BBC political correspondent. Ah, bless him. BBC Equal Opps. Casting at its best. Good luck John. – Partner Kristina Rihanoff

Heather Small - M People singer. I can only think of two of her songs, and that she had a Marge Simpson hairdo…. Will keep an open mind on this one. – Partner Brian Fortuna

Lisa Snowdon –another model – hmmm, Britain’s Next Top Dancer? Famous as the ex-squeeze of George Clooney. – Partner Brendan Cole

Rachel Stevens - formerly of S Club 7, FHM favourite. Has said she won’t wear skimpy dresses though… that might cost her some votes. Mind you, young teenage girls will remember her as their favourite “SCLUBBER” and will no doubt vote in high numbers! – Partner Vincent Simone

Gillian Taylforth – Eastenders. Infamous for a Motorway Incident! An actor, who will no doubt give it all she has. – Partner Anton Du Beke

Jessie Wallace – Eastenders. Already the papers are full of her moaning about the other girls having better dresses, and is making eyes at Vincent! - Partner Darren Bennett

Don Warrington - Rising Damp, New Street Law. Another actor. Have to wait and see about this one. However, he does have – Partner Lilia Kopylova!