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.

By @ItsBizNews @jane9668 @Natalie_Orchard @StrictlySteven @thumperbos

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!

by @elspethandie1

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.

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.

By @elspethhandie1

I'm A Celebrity - Last Night... 20/11

“It's going to be you every day – every day, it's going to be

you.” - Rebecca.

Good to see Rebecca's got the hang of the game. Which is more than can be

said for that hanging bag. God she was rubbish at that, wasn't she? And poor Matthew Wright. Pipped to the post twice by somebody who doesn't know how to blow their own nose. Congratulations Joseph Essex. You have just made me write down a sentence that I didn't actually think was possible. Joey Essex, ladies and gentlemen, cannot blow his own nose. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. And it's not from some medical ailment that means that his sinuses don't do it properly, he just doesn't know how to. I cannot imagine having the flu and not being able to do that.  So, what, he just rams a piece of tissue up there and hope for the best?  But apparently, it's stuff that he doesn't need to know. That and telling the time. Words fail me.

A good show tonight, which fortunately gave us quite a bit from all the camp mates. We discovered that Steve Davis can't stand up for about half an hour after waking up and that Lucy doesn't like mess – which should be interesting once the campmates discover what living as a massive group is going to be like. It's one of my favourite aspects of the show – that moment when the camps merge. Everybody in Croc Creek always say “Well, they'll be living by our rules, it's our camp, they're just intruders.” And to be fair, it's easy to see why. The jungle experience is a unique one – in just a few short days of living together in this strange, surreal environment, bonds are formed and then people come and intrude. People often complain that the format on the show hasn't changed in years – but doing this causes arguments (just look at Antony Cotton and Stephanie Powers) as various routines and habits begin to clash. The trials become more of a pressure too, as there are more mouths to feed, and various different opinions about how well somebody should do or how much effort is acceptable. Interesting times ahead.

Today's trial, Up To Your Neck In It, didn't seem too bad in comparison to others. Matthew and Joey were put into two giant hourglasses and then trapped by sand coming all the way up their necks (These trial titles get better every year.) They were then joined by mealworms, crickets, millipedes, soldier crabs and cockroaches. I love soldier crabs. I'd never heard of them before this show, but look at them. They just do their own thing. Marching around aimlessly. Very much like Matthew in the Camp Battles. And he puts the Camp in battles. Anyway, after Joey had learnt about what millipedes do and Matthew had managed to get a cricket lodged in his ear, it all came down to a tie breaker. Whoever could count closest to a minute would be the victor. Joey (somehow) won this. He's sick at counting, used to do it all the time apparently. Needless to say, Matthew wasn't impressed. I can't imagine being beaten twice in a row by somebody who can't tell the time does that much for your ego.

Back in camp, Joey and Amy got close. Joey pretty much plonk(er)ed himself down in front of Amy and stated that his neck hurt. Rebecca offered to give him a massage but Joey had already basically thrust his shoulder into Amy's hands and before long she was kneading his neck like a really thick piece of dough. And the showmance begins. “It's like watching a porn film with my parents.” Stated Rebecca. We clearly have very different views on what porn is. Meanwhile, the two camps were put against each other in a series of challenges. Snake rock managed to  win  one out of the three challenges, which fortunately for them was actually dinner, leaving Croc Creek to face the arduous task of boiling rice for their sustenance. With some of the characters becoming more established, I do not think it's going to be long before a row is on the way. My prediction? Laila vs Kian. Both are opinionated, both are confident...and both are from different camps. Matthew probably isn't too far from offending somebody either and will David manage to get on somebody's wick with his pretentious views of the world? My thoughts are that David is going first, so let's hope we get some entertainment value out of him before he leave. Tomorrow, Joey (who else) will be facing a nasty little trial called “Sub-murged.” He is to be placed into a small leaking and sinking submarine, hunting around for stars whilst surrounded by an array of aquatic creatures. My judgement on Joey as a campmate will depend on how he performs on this. So there's obviously a lot at stake.

By @RobInnes87

X Factor - Live Shows 'Great British Song Book'

The theme at the weekend was ‘The Great British Song Book’. A fairly vast array of songs to choose from and yet there was a few lackluster choices from contestants this week. It all came together to deliver a rather dreary show with now major stand out moments… apart from two.

Hannah Barrett

‘Satisfaction’

After her second time in the bottom two the previous weekend you’d forgive Hannah for opening the show with a huge power ballad that would normally secure a few votes, but there was no chance of Hannah Banana (nope, sorry Nicole, it’s not going to catch on) playing it safe. Incredible and vocally flawless, her performance was full of energy, however forcing planning forced audience participation isn’t the way to connect we’re afraid. Gary was clearly impressed though as he said she gave another “incredible performance” and he’d vote for her.

Luke Friend

‘Your Song’

We initially thought, fantastic song choice! However in our head Abi Alton/Ellie Goulding was singing it, Lukes’ version was definitely more Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge. Not a bad thing. But not our preference. We’ve had issues in the past with Luke and his shouty emotion and it popped up again this week. He was a hit with the judges though as Nicole remarked that his voice has grown throughout the competition and his voice reminded her or his hair ‘just enough girt and dirt’. Not our favourite but he’s still growing on us week by week. Luke found himself facing Sam in the sing-off but was saved unanimously by the judges. Hopefully next week he’ll come back fighting.

Sam Bailey

‘Something’

This song didn’t pop into our head when we read the title and although it clicked once Sam began singing we wouldn’t have this in our great British songbook. There’s no denying she delivered another breathtaking vocal performance but much like Nicole we wouldn’t want it on her album. Her voice is bigger and better than that song choice. Before she hit the stage we saw an adorable VT where she gave home a visit and did a spot of baking with her children, it gave us a little insight into her life and allowed us to connect that little bit more… Hannah, take note.

Rough Copy

‘Viva La Vida’

Another lackluster song choice. We want Big Band Rough Copy back! There’s no denying they’re fantastic singers with great charisma but as the weeks go by we feel they’re losing their identity more and more. Way back in the audition room they were cheeky, spontaneous and original, now they’re tamed, over rehearsed and almost blend into the shows background. The themes haven’t helped but we want the original Rough Copy back on our screens, now those guys could be finalists. The judges were keen though, Louis thinks they tick every box and admitted that he loves their style and swagger - yes Louis said swagger - first snazzy now swagger, what ever next?!

Sam Callahan

‘Faith’

Sam took a risk this week and decided to play along with his guitar, against the advice of the sol called ‘experts’. We’re glad Sam went with his instinct this time as some of the advice he’s clearly been given in the past regarding his song choices have been more hindrance than help. A little blip at the start but he soon recovered, moved around the stage effortlessly and put on a great show. The judges commended Sam’s attitude and work ethic behind the scenes, it was nice to see his handsome happy face during judges comments for once. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough this week and he found himself in the dreaded sing-off, singing ‘Iris’ Sam filled the stage with pure emotion and talent, parting on his best performance of the series. We’ll miss him.

Tamera Foster

‘Diamonds Are Forever’

We admit it, we expect Tamera to be in the sing-off after this performance. We didn’t like the new ‘modernised’ arrangement (what was with the strange accent she sang in?) and her memory of the lyrics was nowhere to be seen. However when she was singing actual words she did sound bloody fantastic and looked like a true star. We need a true wow moment from Tamera though to win us over completely.

Nicholas McDonald

‘Someone Like You’

Finally! A fantastic song choice! A brave decision to take on Adele, although perhaps made easier by the fact he’s male and only 16 (did you know, he’s only 16?) making it a little harder to compare them. Flawless, his performance stole the show by a mile. Full of emotion and passion yet controlled he made sounding perfect seem effortless. We agree with Gary (it doesn’t happen very often) a little bit more individuality wouldn’t hurt but that’ll come as he grown even more in confidence.

I'm A Celebrity - Last Night... 18/11

“Everyone pees in the pool.” - Rebecca Adlington

The camel toes are out already and it is only day two. On more than once occasion we were hiding behind our Australian cork hats, yes we may take our viewing a bit too far, we admit. Delia (or Nigella, which ever takes your fancy) should be worried because Geordie hosts Ant and Dec had a sweet selection of the most appetising treats for this years unlucky rivals, Joey Essex and Matthew Wright. On the gruesome menu this year were: ostrich penis, pig brain, a scorpion (which for a few seconds whilst it’s in your mouth tastes like Marmite apparently), a turkey testicle and our old Aussie mate the camel toe. Joey must have been at least a little bit relieved when he discovered he'd be facing an eating challenge after yesterday's trial, where he was joining pieces of a star together and treating it like he'd just been asked to split an atom, he couldn't have been given a simpler task. Stick it in your mouth and chew; similar to how the lizard sat on his crotch was trying to do yesterday. 

Unlike most unlucky campers that are faced with this trial Joey and Matthew managed to describe the flavours (inbetween gags) according to Joey the ostrich penis tasted like “a school rubber with wee, tomato sauce and vinegar on it”, one can only imagine. Even Matthew’s pallet declared that the turkey testicles “had a hint of Turkey but wrong”. Both did fantastically well, and it was only through a photo finish race of drinking pulped up cockroaches that Joey managed to bring the food home to camp, much to Matthew's dismay. Matthew then made a massive error by saying to the public that he hoped that his performance in the trial would be enough to prevent him being picked again. Wrong Wright...wrong.

Back at camp we found out another fact about Joey, we don't know if we're surprised or not, he cannot tell the time, the hands confuse and scare him apparently. Amy Willerton sat down and had the job of at least trying to teach him. Joey seemed genuinely keen to learn, perhaps if he’d had a teacher in school that looked like Amy he could be rivaling Stephan Fry these day… maybe

We also learnt something new about Rebecca, it seems the key to Olympic success is peeing in the pool! Who knew?! By the time she leaves the jungle she’s going to be known as the tampon burning, pool pisser… what medals?

Tomorrow's trial (by tomorrow we mean Wednesday, even though it happened yesterday. damn football.) will involve Matthew and Joey - because who else would it have been – standing in huge hour timers whilst an array of sand and critters is dropped on them. Who's going to win that is anyone's guess, but my guess is it's going to be interesting viewing.

By @elspethandie1 & @RobInnes87

Images From ITV.com

Strictly Come Dancing - Week Eight

Oh we all love to be beside the seaside! Week 8 and we were live from the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. The perfect opportunity for the judges to bring out their 10 paddles, you’d assume, as did they, 10’s left right and centre! The show opened with possibly the biggest routine we’ve seen on strictly, the ballroom floor was awash with dancers, professional, celebrity, young and old. Camp, fun, energetic and a little bit wild, the perfect way to start the show. Then it was time to take to the floor…

Sophie & Brendan

Quickstep to ‘The Lady Is a Tramp’ by Shirley Bassey

Sophie and Brendan were the first to take to the dance floor this week, and boy did they fly around the Blackpool Tower ballroom with their extremely fast Quickstep! It was fast, clean and precise. The energy flowed and was kept throughout. We especially loved the little touches, the use of the space and the dancing around the table. Craig “loved the story” but warned Sophie that her top-line became “loose and jagged at times”, whilst Darcey praised Sophie for capturing the spirit of the Quickstep with her high energy routine and claimed that Sophie had “come alive!” It would have been an even more impressive score if Craig hadn’t been so mean giving them a 7!

Scored | 34 |

Our Score | 8 |

Patrick & Anya

Samba to ‘Copacabana’ by Barry Manilow

Such a huge, huge shame for the costume malfunction. Timing was lost and confidence did seem to be knocked somewhat, but, they did recover. However it was a truly rhythmic performance with such a variety of dance steps exhibiting Patrick’s amazing hip action and fluid body rolls which, by-the-way, he conducts with such ease. Bruno described the dance as a “blistering hot Samba” claiming that it was “close to perfection”. Bruno also stated that Patrick was “one of the best Samba dancers” Strictly had ever seen! The last couple of weeks these two have gone from passing us by slightly, to wowing us! I true testament to Patricks hardwork and Anyas choreography.

Scored | 35 |

Our Score | 8 |

Ben & Kristina

American Smooth to ‘Fallin’ by Alicia Keys

The backing dancers probably should have remembered the word ‘backing’, towards the start it felt as though they were taking over slightly, it worked with the story of the dance but you can’t blame us for wanting more Ben Cohen action! Ben displayed great dramatisation and his lifts were ‘out-of-this-world’. Darcey described Ben as an “attentive partner” but warned him that when he is out of hold, he “must choreograph his moves”. Craig was thankful that “Big Ben was back in the ballroom”, although Len disagreed and said he didn’t know what Craig was going on about, as Ben had never left! Big Ben is back!

Scored | 32 |

Our Score | 8 |

Ashley & Ola

Paso Doble to ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ by Bon Jovi

Showbiz terminator with a dash of cowboy this week, and odd mix, but we liked it. Ashley showed off his ‘macho’ demeanour and remained focused and in character throughout the entire dance. A few people moaned that the theme took away from the Paso vibe, lets just be clear, the theme wasn’t Ola or Ashleys choice, and you’re wrong, if anything it added to the powerful story. Despite there being other professional male dancers as part of the routine, Ashley was not over-shadowed by them at all, if anything, as Bruno commented, Ashley managed to ensure that all eyes were on him.

Scored | 35 |

Our Score | 8 |

Fiona & Anton

American Smooth to ‘Come Fly with Me’ by Frank Sinatra

Let’s all take a moment to congratulate Anton on making it to Blackpool! It was a nice dance - the pace was rather stately but it was smooth and full of charm and style.

However, the lifts were a little clunky - along with a few other tiny mistakes, the routine did feel it was missing a bit of 'oomph'! Nevertheless, Len felt that Fiona’s attitude was “First Class”, her movement around the dance floor was “Business Class” but unfortunately, her lifts were more like “Economy Class”.

Scored | 29 |

Our Score | 7 |

Abbey & Aljaz

Quickstep to ‘Walking On Sunshine’ by Katrina and The Waves

A 7 Craig, really? Sensational. All the energy from last weeks Charleston and more. Super fast footwork and this Quickstep had soooooooo much content and was executed with such pace and precision. OK, there were some ‘gapping issues’ but considering everything else about the performance was ‘top banana’, I think she can be forgiven. . Only negative is her footwork could be a little more precise in places. But otherwise, a fab-u-lous performance! We have a real soft spot for this couple, bring on next week!

Scored | 37 |

Our Score | 9 |

Mark & Iveta

Jive to ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ by Hairspray

The routine was full of content, had lots of Jive moves and it was literally like watching a West End show! Mark was clearly enjoying himself throughout and although his movements lacked bounce and his kicks and flicks could have been sharper, it was loaded with characterisation and energetic flair. It was much-improved on last week, which is great to see! Mark was given a delightful birthday treat by receiving his highest score to date.

Scored | 29 |

Our Score | 7 |

Susanna & Kevin

Paso Doble to ‘ Los Toreadors’ by Carmen

The perfect Paso! Fire, passion, perfectly executed footwork, quick spins, skirt swashing, this had it all. A Paso Doble in every sense. Susanna danced beautifully and created such drama and characterisation; a truly dynamic performance. Susanna danced with such conviction and precision it was hard to believe that she wasn’t a professional dancer herself. Kevin choreographed a fantastic routine and showed the Tower Ballroom how it’s done!

Scored | 39 |

Our Score | 10 |

Natalie & Artem

Charleston to ‘Bang Bang’ by Will.i.am

We won’t mention the band on this one… After all the drama and disappointment last week, what a brilliant come back and a finale to the show! The whole routine had a real Gatsby feel and the choreography Artem created complimented this wonderfully, a clever fusion of the traditional Charleston and of the contemporary. Natalie performed her Charleston with ease and finesse, and embraced the true spirit of the dance, smiling the whole way through. Despite the speed of the dance, Natalie remained light on her feet throughout a fun-packed, content-laden routine and this time the backing dancers really added to the performance rather than distracting from the main duo. Back with a ‘Bang Bang’ indeed.

Scored | 39 |

Our Score | 10 |

A week of high scores, most deserved, fantastic choreography and the Tower Ballrom magic. Bring on next week!

By @ItsBizNews @jane9668 @Natalie_Orchard @shnicky4eva @StrictlySteven