18.12.13

COMPETITION

Christmas Giveaway Time!

Between now and Christmas Day (including the day itself) we're giving away discount vouchers for all your favourite beauty treatments! So that's a winner EVERY day! 

The vouchers are for FAB Skin and Beauty (check the T&C's at the bottom of this post for more details)


The prizes are...

Wednesday 18th - 15% off voucher
Thursday 19th - 15% off voucher
Friday 20th - 15% off voucher
Saturday 21st - 15% off voucher
Sunday 22nd - 20% off voucher
Monday 23rd - 2 winners, 1 x 25% off voucher each
Christmas Eve - 35% off voucher
Christmas Day - 40% off voucher


To Enter...

Simply Retweet one of the specified tweets from @ItsBizNews (they'll be made very obvious)

Or

LIKE one of the specified posts on Facebook HERE (again, they'll be made very obvious)

One winner will be chosen at complete random every day from entries made that same day at 10pm the winner will be contacted and provided with details on claiming the prize. 

T&C's

Prizes are for Fab Skin and Beauty ONLY... So you need to be able to get there. 
Vouchers must be used during January & February 2014.
Vouchers are valid for use on ONE treatment, EXCLUDING 'packages' and retail items. 
No prize alternative can be offered. 

17.12.13

Strictly Come Dancing - Week Twelve.


The penultimate weekend of Strictly action went by in a flash even with our double dose of glittering performances from each duo. After a bit of faffing the couples eventually took to the floor…

Natalie & Artem
Salsa to ‘Wanna Be Starting Something’ by Michael Jackson

Nipple alert! (Thank you once more BBC costume department) A great dance to start off the semi-final party! There were no props or gimmicks just an abundance of excellent synchronisation throughout. It looked sensational, like 2 professionals thanks to the energy level and how natural it came across. This dance seemed to suit Natalie down to the ground – and it showed, as both of them seemed to really be enjoying this one. Finally, those turns at the end, mesmerising.

Scored | 40 |
Our Score | 10 |

Argentine Tango to ‘Montserrat’ by Bajofondo

Wow, this certainly was a masterpiece of an Argentine Tango, one to rival that of Brendan & Sophies that’s for certain. Another wonderful routine choreographed by Artem, highlighting every musical nuance. The lady and gent in red had us glued to our screens with their precise footwork (and leg work). Every move felt as if it had real purpose and drive. This should have easily booked their ticket straight to the final.

Scored | 38 |
Our Score | 10 |


Patrick & Anya
Waltz to ‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers

Patrick and Anya glided across the floor with such grace and with a lovely flow. The choreography from Anya was lovely and they moved across the floor together full of grace. However occasionally it came across a little rigid and his top line wasn’t quite right which was a shame. Overall the routine felt a bit safe and more drive was needed

Scored | 36 |
Our Score | 9 |

Paso Doble to ‘Because the Night’ by The Patti Smith Group

It turns out Patrick does have a weakness… walking! He needed to take on the macho lead more in this one as it seemed also as if Anya was leading. However he had some fantastic shaping and the whole routine was jam packed full on content.

Scored | 33 |
Our Score | 8 |


Sophie & Brendan
Paso Doble to ‘Montagues and Capulets’ by Prokofiev

We loved this music choice for this Paso (it’s never too late the series to have a first is it) Sophie had wonderful characterisation and maintained it throughout. Right from that wonderful sitting spin at the start, this was full of drama and intent, and Brendan’s choreography was a dream as usual. Definitely deserved a higher score form the judges.

Scored | 35 |
Our Score | 9 |

American Smooth to ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’ by Lisa Stansfield

The lifts in this were absolutely stunning. Effortlessly carried out with no jerks or anticipation, flawless. An 8 from Craig was an insult. It was smooth and graceful, and she oozed glamour. There are still tiny issues she could work on, mainly her posture as the judges commented, but she performed Brendan’s fabulous choreography wonderfully and with apparent ease.

Scored | 36 |
Our Score | 9 |


Susanna & Kevin
Foxtrot to ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ by Frankie Valli

Prop alert! There’s been quite a bit of seat action this year hasn’t there… Anyway, that aside, Susanna looked well at home during this performance. The technique was all there and performed well. As usual, they sold the dance to its fullest potential – the storyline may have been a little sickly sweet, but it worked for these two! Susanna showed some lovely footwork, with plenty of flair. It was neat, compact and danced beautifully.

Scored | 38 |
Our Score | 9 |

Salsa to ‘Move Your Feet’ by Junior Senior

Susanna looked a little less at home during this one. It all looked a bit messy and unfinished in parts. However that armography section was wonderful, and as usual, she was nowhere near as bad as the judges made out. A great routine performed at top notch speed with mountains of energy.

Scored | 32 |
Our Score | 8 |


Abbey & Aljaz
Samba to ‘Faith’ by George Michael

You can really tell how much more confident Abbey is on the dancefloor now, she has such a natural sense of timing and Aljaz’ choreography was again a joy to watch. She showed great hip action, and we loved the shimmies! There was a lack of double bounce in there, but otherwise it was technically fantastic.

 Scored | 39 |
Our Score | 9 |

American Smooth to ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond

Beautiful and captivating. Abbey showed real flair, and the lifts were to die for!
There were still a couple of issues, like gapping in places, so it wasn’t perfect – but it was pretty near to it! A fantastic way to end this years semi-final.

Scored | 39 |
Our Score | 9 |


Next week, it’s time, the FINAL is upon us! This first ever all-female final too. Who’ll be getting your vote to take over from reigning champion Louis?

16.12.13

CBB - The New House

Images of the newly refurbished house that the next batch of Celebrity housemates will be invading in January have been revealed, check out the luxury...


















Follow us on Twitter for all the CBB gossip throughout the series! @ItsBizNews

10.12.13

Strictly Come Dancing - Week Eleven


Week 11, the quarter final, a swingathon and the Winkleman all rolled into one. Perfect. Things started off fairly well, we had a dose of Claudia, some wonderful choreography and a fair leaderboard. Then came the swingathon, it all seemed a little half hearted, almost as if the judges weren’t actually watching the couples and were just reshuffling the leaderboard to their liking… and no this isn’t James Jordan writing this.

Ashley & Ola
Salsa to ‘Conga’ by Gloria Estefan

The showbiz terminator kicked the show off to a full throttle start. The routine was full of brilliant lifts and super fast footwork, fantastically choreographed by Ola. Timing was lost in the odd blink of an eye but we’ll happily forgive that given the speed they were performing the salsa at. Len commented it lacked a little hip action, we only half disagree… with hip action from Ashley, less is certainly not more. It’s no secret we have a bit of a soft spot for Ashley and we shed a non-literal glittery tear during Sunday’s results show, we’d like to make a joke that merges his showbiz terminator nickname and the infamous catchphrase ‘I’ll be back’ but we’re too sad.

Scored | 35 |
Our Score | 9 |


Natalie & Artem
Paso Doble to ‘El Gato Montes’ by Ramon Cortez Pasodoble Orchestra

Nipple alert! Strictly costume department, we thank you once more. Tradition music for a Paso is always a good start and the from the first beat it didn’t disappoint. Attack, attitude, drama, precision, another clever routine from the book of Artem. It lacked the in-hold passion which is most certainly what stopped this dream team from topping the leadboard once again. Too much faffing according to Len, but then again anything that isn’t a traditional step can be considered faffing in grumpy Goodmans eyes. The flamenco influence gave it a certain edge and gave it a much needed feel of originality.

Scored | 35 |
Our Score | 9 |


Patrick & Anya
Rumba to ‘When I Was Your Man’ by Bruno Mars

A slow, intense and smoldering Rumba. His frame was solid and he displayed some great footwork. You could really feel the mood and the passion oozing from this routine. We couldn’t keep our eyes off this duo during the performance, beautiful choreography from Anya which was complimented perfectly by the music. No real surprise they topped the leaderboard this week. Wonderful.

Scored | 36 |
Our Score | 9 |


Susanna & Kevin
Argentine Tango to ‘Smooth Criminal’ by Michael Jackson

For his first time he certainly did an admirable job, it’s crazy to think that 11 weeks ago he’d never danced… oh wait. There's always a risk when modernising a traditional number, that you lose the feel and atmosphere of the dance and unfortunately we think that was the case here. It lacked that steamy charisma you expect with an Argentine Tango mainly because the music choice was simply bizarre meaning it was missing aggression and intent. However as a stand alone performance the steps were immaculate and the Michael Jackson influence gave it great originality. It certainly didn’t lack passion.

Scored | 32 |
Our Score | 8 |



Abbey & Aljaz
Viennese Waltz to ‘Delilha’ by Tom Jones

They’re certainly picking a brilliant time to step it up a notch and shine. Beautiful, dreamy, quaint and romantic. Gorgeous shaping, perfect timing and lots of spins. Initially we had reservations about the song choice but it complimented Aljazs routine fantastically adding a dramatic feel to the Waltz. Simply stunning all round.

Scored | 37 |
Our Score | 9 |


Sophie & Brendan
Tango to ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna

Another odd song choice for a Tango, this series really has been full of them. She had to perform from the get-go, but with that higher performance level came a few stumbles and a little bit of posture issues on Sophie's part. A master stroke from Brendan, nobody does it better. All season long Brendan has set an enormous standard with his stunning choreography. This was a strong, staccato Tango, bursting with character and so original.

Scored | 36 |
Our Score | 9 |

After the swingathon gave the leadboard an overhaul we saw Patrick go head to head against Ashley in the dance-off. At this stage in the competition and with such high quality dancers left it’s always going to be a bottom two that nobody agrees with. Sadly we waved goodbye to Ashley & Ola and now with only Patrick left it could easily be an all female final. Next week it’s semi-final time and we’ll be treated to two dances each from the remaining duos, we can’t wait.

26.11.13

Strictly Come Dancing - Week Nine.


Week 9, yes you read that right, week 9 already! The weekends dose of Strictly action was full of yet more wonderful dances, Brucie jokes and some fairly odd music choices, but none of those are anything new. Who needs new anyway, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it as they say. Although we really would like the producers or whoever it is that decides on giving the most infuriatingly ridiculous song choices to couples dancing a Paso or a Tango, to fix it. Thanks. Now… let’s take to the floor.

Susanna & Kevin
Cha Cha Cha to ‘Hound Dog’ by Smokey Joe’s Café

Susanna had the Cha Cha this week and it was ‘the one’ she was dreading and unfortunately it showed. For a Cha Cha Cha this was all a bit static. The hips need to flow and she didn’t have that, and her legs need to be straighter and much more sharper. Her timing however was faultless and hers and Kevin’s sparkling personalities shone throughout. For Craig, it did not “pop” or “zing”! And advised that Susanna needs to almost hyper-extend her body. He completed his commentary by saying that the whole dance was a bit mumsie!It was fun and she gave it her all, but not her best.

Scored | 31 |
Our Score | 8 |


Ashley & Ola
Waltz to ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Claudia Streza

We have a slightly soft spot for the showbiz terminator, possibly down to the fact we’ve always loved ourselves a bit of Darren Osbourne but also because he work ethic and commitment is beyond admirable. There was a lovely feel to this dance, he told a beautiful story whilst remaining light on his feet and displaying the required ‘rise and fall’. Ashleys frame was again much much better and we didn't notice the problem with his head which many of the judges commented on. The judges weren’t as complimentary as they perhaps should have been, we  understand we're getting towards the business end of things but still its nice for the professionals to have their hard work appreciated. Regardless it was still a great suave and stylish score.

Scored | 35 |
Our Score | 9 |


Natalie & Artem
Tango to ‘Where Have You Been’ by Rihanna

Every week we look forward to this couple and every week we’re wowed, it was very nearly same again. As a routine it didn’t grab us as we expected and failed to pull us in, after trying to figure out exactly why the only explanation we could muster was the song choice, it didn’t encourage any passion, even Craig commented that the whole thing “lacked drama” which caused absolute uproar from Bruno, who said Craig was talking rubbish! However there’s no denying it was still fantastic, the dancing was clean and crisp, full of sharp movements and staccato, technically brilliant once again.

Scored | 37 |
Our Score | 9 |


Mark & Iveta
Foxtrot to ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’ by Michael Buble

It was evident that Mark had worked on his technique and it showed with his top line. He did move around the floor but it was missing the characteristics that make up the Foxtrot – swing and sway. Darcey said that Mark’s performance had made her smile as it was “very charming” and he had made some good shapes. She continued to say that it did require “more flow”. Easily one of his classiest performances, it contained some fun elements but more weight was given to technique with his lines and improved hold.

Scored | 28 |
Our Score | 7 |


Sophie & Brendan
Rumba to ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ by Amy Winehouse

He’s done it again! Brendan and his breathtaking choreography has us glued to our screens. It was so beautiful, with a gracefully understated sensuality to it. Slow, full of passion and the most glorious lines, you could feel the intensity. We felt Sophie definitely told a compelling and convincing love story, and the routine offered romance rather than raunchiness. It’s as if the judges were watching something entirely different, they completely missed the boat on this one, not everything has to be over sexualised all the time. We’re very glad Brendan spoke up against the judges and their critique on this one. Forget them and their under-marking (for once) paddles, we LOVED it.

Scored | 34 |
Our Score | 9 |


Ben & Kristina
Charleston to ‘No Diggity’ by Minimatic

Imagine if Ben had been given this dance on week 2, now appreciate just how far Kristina has helped him come both in confidence on the floor and in his technical ability. The perfect dance for Big Ben to show-off his muscles with the strongman theme. Ben treated the ladies to a fun, cheeky Charleston, which showcased his ‘strength’ perfectly as once again, he ‘bench-pressed’ Kristina high above his head. Ben can be praised for coping with a routine which contained a vast amount of content, and it was nice to see him fully in character and exhibiting some classic Charleston steps, which according to Len were “right on time!” We’re very sad to see this duo leave.

Scored | 27 |
Our Score | 7 |


Abbey & Aljaz
Paso Doble to ’You Got the Love’ by Florence and The Machine

There’s just something about Abbey & Aljaz that keeps us glued to the screen every weekend. The music, again, didn’t help in the slightest! However, she executed the Paso beautifully; a fabulous routine which was fully loaded with content, ending with “a kiss instead of a kill” according to Bruno, making the routine slightly seductive. Abbey created beautiful shapes especially with her arms but she just lacked control at times and needed to have a little more tension in places. It was full of attitude but lacked a bit of attack. Great choreography from Aljaz and it was a difficult routine. Abbey as ever was stunning and did a very good job overall.

Scored | 32 |
Our Score | 8 |


Patrick & Anya
Viennese Waltz to ‘A New Day Has Come’ by Celine Dion

Great hold, great movement, simply beautiful...until the weird ending. Having been swept along with the gorgeous vibe of this waltz, it then became frantic and lost the feel in the last few seconds. The routine was enchanting, Patrick danced gracefully and throughout the whole performance he portrayed his love for his partner in a compelling tale. Patrick is a convincing story-teller who can be commended for the constant rotation performed throughout this dance. Craig caused his final stir of the evening by stating that Patrick had completed an “illegal lift” as Anya’s foot had come off the floor. Anya looked totally perplexed and the other professional dancers were calling over the balcony that that was simply untrue. We watched it back (the joys of rewind!) and one foot remained on the ground the whole time!

Scored | 32 |
Our Score | 8 |


Next week we have a theme of ‘Musicals’ in itself a great idea for a theme, we just hope some of the more character driven dances aren’t overwhelmed by having to adhere to a certain theme.

It's A Baby - Congratulations Kelly


Congratulations are in order! Kelly Clarkson is having her first baby!

The original American Idol winner has not been wasting anytime as her and her husband Brandon Blackstock only got wed on the 20th of October! After months of rumours the Stronger singer tweeted "I'm pregnant !!! Brandon and I are so excited :) Best early Christmas present ever :)".

Brandon himself has two children from a previous relationship - 11 year old Savannah and 7 year old Steph. The new husband and wife have made no secret of the fact that they desired even more children. Kelly even commented about this on Jay Leno last week saying "We want a baby like now! We do, we do. We're trying, trying, trying. We have two kids and they're so great. I never wanted kids before, but now I want like 5".

We think Kelly and Brandon will make the best parents, just imagine how wonderful the lullabies will sound, we wish them all the best!

23.11.13

INTERVIEW - Sam Callahan


For a few months now Sam Callahan has been invading our living rooms (if only) and keeping us entertained week after week. Having received possibly the harshest critiques from the judges this series Sam gained the support of viewers only leaving the competition in a sing-off last weekend. We had a chat with Sam about all things X Factor, what's next for him and played a little game of snog, marry, avoid. Read what he had to say here...


Hi Sam, how’s the past few days been since Sunday’s results show?


Obviously leaving the show as gutting but more than anything its been the most amazing ride of my life, it’s just been the most amazing experience. I’ve made some amazing friends and memories I’m never going to forget. It was gutting but at the same time it was kind of like a massive weight had been lifted of my shoulders that I’m not going to be judges every weekend. I’m going out into the big wide world now with an amazing platform that the X Factor has offered me. So it’s exciting as much as it was disheartening.


Everyone said (including us) that your sing-off performance was your best throughout the whole series, do you think that’s a good way to leave the show?

Yeah of course. I thought that you know what if I’m going to go out, I don’t want the reason that I’m leaving to be that I did a bad performance. So I just gave it absolutely everything. The song was 100% my choice and it’s the sort of music I like to do anyway, so I kind of thought this will suit me and obviously when you’re kind of on your last legs and you’re on thin ice your passion comes out more than any other time.


Which was your favourtie performance from throughout your whole time on the show?

Probably my favourite performance that I did, for how well it went, was that one (Iris), but at the same time obviously there was so much going through my head I felt physically sick whilst I was singing it and it was scary. I think I enjoyed singing ‘I won’t give up’ on week 2, that was fun.


What was your favourtie moment from the whole series, bootcamp, judges houses…?

That’s a hard question, I get that quite a lot, there’s been so many amazing moments that is literally the truth. Judges house was awesome to be there with those guys and go away to another country. Living in the X Factor house was amazing, it was like being at uni without all the written work. It was hard work all the time, non-stop rehearsing and trying to get the best out of ourselves, but at the same time that’s what we all love doing, that’s what I want to wake up every day and do for the rest of my life. Probably the live shows were a stand out, where you’d got further than any other contestant, you’re in the last twelve, it’s amazing.


Do you think the weekly themes hampered what you got to show the audience in terms of your ability in any way?

I don’t think it hampered anything, it’s part of the show, I went into the X Factor knowing that they do that. It’s not that they held me back, as much as the show gives you a massive opportunity to show everybody what you can do it does limit you as far as showing yourself and your own kind of music which you’d probably sing when you’re not on the show. It makes things difficult but that’s what its all about, you take on whatever you’re given and you make the best of it.


If you had chance to sing one more song on the show, what would it be?

That’s a really good question, I think it would all depend on the theme. What would have been cool was if there had been another round before judges houses, where you’re a bit more free I’d have probably done one of my own songs, but I decided not to do one and it got me all the way to live shows so I don’t regret that at all.


What was it like having Louis Walsh as your mentor?

Yeah cool, Louis is a really funny, nice guy and you can always get hold of him. When you need to pick his brains, which you do a lot during the show because it’s something none of us have ever experience before where as he’s been doing it for ten years so its good that we can just give him a buzz every know and then and he’s always there.


Since your first audition was shown how’s life changed for you? What’s it like having all these fans on twitter?

It’s mad! It’s a bit strange to be fair, seeing other artists and being like ‘wow I’m becoming like one of these artists’. Today I was in the services and someone shouted ‘Alright Sam’ and you’re like ‘do I know… oh wait you know me because I’ve been on telly’. You just forget, that I’m a normal kid from Essex growing up like everybody else then all of a sudden you do the show and people know who you are.


What made you audition for X Factor over any of the other talent based shows?

Because I believe that the X Factor is about more than just a voice, it’s about having the X Factor, you know the charisma, your own style, your own niche and knowing yourself. I believe that I have that (so do we). Everyone in the last twelve has the X Factor, there’s so much talent in the show.


Would you recommend auditioning for the X Factor to any budding singers?

Absolutely! But the thing is, it’s not the faint hearted, it’s very very very stressful. It’s not a walk in the park, its very hard work. You’re up very early, you go to bed last at night and in between that you’re working non-stop. The pressure and the change in your life is a real thing some things can hurt you so you’ve got to toughen up very fast and grow-up. But at the same time as I’ve said before, it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever done, the most exciting time of my life and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I don’t regret anything and I would do it all again if I had the opportunity.


What’s the best thing you’ve learnt, other than how to do your washing, during the series?

That’s a good question, there’s a lot of different things you have to cope with so I’ve learnt to deal with different things like press for example. You get a lot of pressure from press and a lot of bad press that sometime isn’t true, along with people saying things. Someone on the show said to me ‘wear your press, don’t read it’ which basically mean, the more you get, the better. Obviously you don’t want to be in the papers for doing something really terrible but what they’re saying is don’t read it and if people are talking abut you that’s good, so that was something that made me deal with all that side of things a lot easier. With music I learnt to really just be myself and stick to what I know because I do know myself. Out of all the critique I got I think the one thing is that I know full well what I stand for and what I’m about, if you go into it knowing that then stick to that, don’t let anyone push you around.


Are you single?

Yes I’m single. I’m very single.


Snog, marry, avoid. Sharon, Caroline, Nicole?

I’m going to do this one first, I think I’m going to avoid Sharon, I love Sharon, I think she’s a lovely woman but I think she’s more of like a mother figure to me, she nurtures me and she’s lovely. So between the other two, I think I’d marry Caroline because I reckon she’s be a right laugh, she would go for a beer with the lads. Whereas Nicole is absolutely stunning but she’s probably scare me a bit, she’s so perfect it’d probably make me feel a bit inadequate.


If you could sing with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

I’d like to sing with Robbie Williams because he’s been my idol since I was about 9 years old and I think he’s the ultimate showman. If we’re talking about collaborations I think it’d be amazing to do something with a girl like an RnB artist.


And finally, what’s next for you Sam?

Before I even went into the show I recorded about three quarters of an album, I’ve been writing since I was 13 years old so I’m continuing that and I want to finish the album and get it out next year. I think I’ve got two days off between now and Christmas so I’m gigging, sometimes three of four gigs in a day so I’m all over the place. Then we’ve got the tour just after Christmas so it’s not like it’s all dying down for me which is good news. That’s always the fear I think, because its been so amazing and for it to all just go flat would be horrible.


To find out what Sam's up to check out his website www.samcallahan.co.uk
Follow Us @ItsBizNews & Sam @samcallahan94 on Twitter.

22.11.13

I'm A Celebrity - Last Night... 21/11


Tonight's episode of I'm A Celebrity was an absolute stonker! Packed with tears, tantrums and terrible trials, it was the best yet. After proving himself in 3 challenges now, the spotlight was taken away from Mr Essex and in fact changed to fellow Red team members, Rebecca Adlington and Amy Willerton.

HMS Jungle sailed along with it's captain Joey and some cadet critters, our I'm A Celebrity Friends, the crocs. As the sub submerged, Joey didn't seem worried in the slightest and collect 7 stars for his newly formed camp.

In last nights show, we finally found the whole cause of female objectification, it was all Amy Willerton apparently. For Adlington and Pargeter, this was a subject close to their heart and boy did they make it known. Throughout the years  both have received tragic comments from trolls due to looks. The determined duo set out to tell us how disgusting pressure put in young girls in today's society really is. It was rather inspiring how two women from different women from totally positions did this ,however it seemed rather unfair to generalise Amy as the stereotype models who supposedly triggered this.

The model seemed to deal with debate with a calm head and attitude. Although she found fame on a model reality tv show, Amy was fully in control of the situation.

Next we saw Adlington being forced to recollect the hatred and comments she received in the Olympics in the Bush Telegraph. I would love to have that girls ability and figure, it's despicable in this day and age how an Olympic gold medalist is made to feel so small.

After all that deep insight into such a hard hitting current topic, we were relieved when David Emmanuel came to liven us up. He brought us a good doze of campness to the Dingo Dollars challenge. We hope we see a hell of a lot more of him and his inner diva.