Archives for October 2010

Tina O'Brien and Jared Murillo became the fourth couple to leave this year's competition. The former Corrie queen performed an Argentine Tango last night but was written out of the contest by a combination of the judges' scores and the public vote.

We caught up with a host of familiar faces for their reactions to Tina's dramatic exit.  Watch our exclusive video here and let us know your thoughts on tonight's results by leaving a comment below.

Last night's spooktacular Halloween Special saw our remaining eleven couples dance either a Paso Doble, Jive, Viennese Waltz or an Argentine Tango. Scott and Natalie wowed the judges getting the highest score for this series, with Ann and Anton failing to impress with their colourful Paso Doble.

Tonight we learn who will be the fourth couple to leave the contest. Have your favourites done enough to be safe?

We also have a scarily good performance from rock legend Alice Cooper, a group dance to a Halloween classic and the return of the dance troupe with an electrifying Viennese Waltz.

Have you say on all of tonight's action by leaving a comment below.

Welcome to our spooktacular Halloween special. We've been expecting you...

In tonight's scarily good show you'll get to see our Electrifying Eleven take on a total of four dance styles between them - the Paso Doble, Jive, Viennese Waltz and Argentine Tango. Who will rise to the challenge and who will fall by the wayside?

Let us know what you think of all of tonight's action by leaving a comment below.

Hey everyone - some worrying news has come through from Team Brechelle. Although Brendan has returned safely from New Zealand, Michelle Williams has damaged her ankle. Here's some information direct from the Strictly Press Office:

Michelle went to see the physio on Tuesday, after taking a small tumble in the training room. She had thought it was nothing when it happened, but then her ankle had begun swell during the night, so she thought she ought to get it checked out.

The physio started by prodding Michelle’s ankle and telling her that he had to rule out a broken bone, so sent her to have an x-ray. When the results came back, his opinion was that it was ligament damage. He has ordered her not to train until Thursday, and to have regular phsyio. However, he believes it is still touch and go as to whether she will be able to dance on Saturday – the next 48 hours are critical, he says.

We're keeping our fingers firmly crossed that Michelle will be fit and ready to dance for our Halloween Special this coming weekend - we'll keep you updated with all the very latest news as soon as we can.

UPDATE (Friday morning): We're delighted to confirm that (barring any last-minute medical advice to the contrary), Michelle Williams WILL be dancing in this Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing. Hurrah! 

Barrowman, who's probably best known to TV viewers as the dashing Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and its spin-off series Torchwood, was born in Glasgow before emigrating with his family to Illinois at the age of 8. He returned to the UK in 1989, since when he's become the star of countless West End musicals, and presented shows as diverse as Live and Kicking, Animals at Work and his Saturday night entertainment show Tonight's The Night.

A group of brand new celebrities will compete in this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which will be shown on BBC One over the festive period. Press rumours are suggesting that former This Morning presenter Fern Britton may be joining John Barrowman on the dancefloor...

We'll keep you updated with the very latest news and gossip on exactly how this year's Christmas Special is going to work as soon as we get it!

This weekend Strictly is gearing up for a fright-filled Halloween special, so get ready to hide behind your sofas!

Our 11 remaining couples will be wearing chillingly creepy costumes on Saturday and dancing to special spooky soundtracks whilst performing either the Jive, the Paso Doble, the Viennese Waltz or the Argentine Tango. Will our judges and celebs be quaking in fear after their performances? Or will the sinisterly-decorated Strictly studio do that all on its own?

And if that wasn’t a scary enough thought for our competitors, they’ll be shaking in their boots on Sunday when they wait to find out who’s got the chop this week. Plus there will be a seriously scary performance from the legendary king of horror Alice Cooper. That should be enough to make things go bump in the night!

You can catch Saturday’s show on BBC One on 30th October from 6.25pm-7.55pm and Sunday's results show the next day from 7.30-8pm.

Peter Shilton and Erin Boag became the third couple to leave this year's competition. The footballing legend tacked a Charleston last night but was given the red card by a combination of the judges' scores and the public vote.

We caught up with referees, opponents, and the man of the match himself for a post-game analysis. Watch our exclusive video here and let us know your thoughts on tonight's results by leaving a comment below.

Last night our twelve remaining couples took to the floor and tried to impress with either a Tango or a Charleston. Your votes have been added to the judges scores and tonight we'll see who will be the third pair to leave this year's contest.

We also have a fantastic performance from American legend Neil Diamond and a couple of stunning group dances from our professionals.

If you want to have your say on any of tonight's action, log in and leave a comment below. 

Last week saw team Pola bow out of the competition as they failed to impress with their Rumba . Tonight our remaining couples will tackle either a Tango or a Charleston. How will your favourites fare?

Let us know what you think about all of tonight's performances by leaving a comment below. 

At Strictly Come Dancing we will be respecting Remembrance Sunday from Saturday 7th November and all members of the show will have the choice to wear a poppy from that date.

As most of you are probably aware, Brendan will not be dancing this week due to the sad loss of his father. In his place, Ian Waite will dance with Michelle Williams.

This is in accordance with the Strictly rules, namely if a professional dancer has to miss one of the live shows then the celebrity with whom they are paired continues to dance with a new pro partner. This can be either a pro who has already left the competition, or a brand new pro (if a pro of the correct sex has not already left).

 

We've just heard from our lovely friends at BBC Comedy that they've put together an amazing online collection of classic video clips - called Strictly Comedy Dancing! Now you can get your dance and comedy fix all in one go.

There's everything from David Brent's cringe-worthy robotic routine in The Office, to the hilarious morris dancing sketch on The Two Ronnies, to Dawn French's brilliant ballet duet with Darcey Bussell on The Vicar of Dibley. Plus there are clips from a host of other shows including Gavin and Stacey, Absolutely Fabulous, Little Britain and Are You Being Served?

It's a veritable treasure-trove of comedy dance clip classics! 

Have you got any favourites that haven't been included in this collection? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Strictly head judge Len Goodman is adding another string to his bow by presenting a new three-part series on Radio 2 from mid November. His radio debut will see him pick out his favourite dance tracks from the last 50 years and explain the stories behind them. Here's an official statement:

Len Goodman’s Dancing Years is a three-part series due to start on BBC Radio 2 in mid November. Len brings his own unique style to Radio 2 as he takes listeners through the music he has loved and danced to over the years, from those first dancing steps as a boy in the 1950s to the Strictly Come Dancing years.  From dancing to Sam Cooke’s ‘Chain Gang’ and chatting up girls at the Lyceum Ballroom on the Strand, to competing at the Royal Albert Hall in the 70s to the sounds of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and Herb Alpert, to his present role as head judge in Strictly with Alesha Dixon’s Cha Cha Cha and Beyonce’s ‘Crazy in Love’…..Len reminisces to the best tunes to dance to ever! 

In these three shows, Len will be dipping into his treasured record collection and playing classic dance music tracks from the past 50 years, that hold a special place in his heart, as well as sharing the intriguing stories that accompany them. The first show is dedicated to songs that are perfect for ballroom dancing, while the second show concentrates on Latin American dance music. The final show of the series will see Len pick his own personal favourite dance tracks from across the musical genres.

Len Goodman says "I’m thrilled to be hosting my own radio show on a subject I feel so passionate about. I know my toes will be tapping in the studio when I play some of these dance greats and hope that listeners will also get their dancing shoes on in their living rooms when they hear the show!"

Looking forward to hearing more of Len's dulcet tones - and finding out what his top tunes are!

We have some excellent news for you - the lovely Tina O'Brien has returned to training after missing last week's show due to chickenpox. She'll be taking on the Charleston with partner Jared Murillo this weekend. Here's what the BBC press office says:

Strictly Come Dancing star Tina O'Brien is back and fighting fit after a bout of chickenpox meant she had to miss last Saturday's live show. On Tuesday, Tina was given the all clear from her doctor and started training again with her dance partner Jared Murillo. Tina and Jared are both extremely excited to be back this Saturday to perform a cheeky Charleston.

Tina says "It is good to be back dancing, and I really want to catch up this week. I am a little tired, but I am so looking forward to Saturday when I will Charleston back to Strictly!"

Welcome back Tina! And good luck with Saturday's show.

Paul Daniels and Ola Jordan became the second couple to leave this year's competition. Was this the right decision or do you think Team Pola still had a trick or two up their sleeves?

We caught up with some of the Strictly Glitterati to see how they took the news. Watch our exclusive video and let us know what you think of Paul's vanishing act by leaving a comment below. 

Last night twelve couples danced either a rumba or a quickstep. Did your favourites do enough to guarantee themselves a place in next week's live show?

Watch with us and let us know your thoughts as tonight's drama unfolds.

With our first couple leaving last week, the competition is well and truly underway.

Tonight our intrepid dancers tackle either a quickstep or a rumba - how will your favourites fare?

Watch along with us and tell us what you think by leaving a comment below.

Can you believe it's already the THIRD week of our live shows on Strictly Come Dancing 2010? Doesn't time fly by when you're having fun!

Our celebs and their pro partners have been hard in training all week, as you can see from the Training Video below (plus a glimpse of Tina and Jared's Chicken Pox-cancelled routine!).

So as the celebs and their partners arrived in TV Centre today (Friday) for final rehearsals, how are they feeling ahead of Saturday's live show? Watch our brand new video below.

 

 

 

Tina O'Brien and Jared Murillo - aka "Team Jarina" - have been receiving heaps of praise from our Judges so far this series.  Is Tina's dancing right up your Street? If so, you should become a member of TEAM JARINA!

Why not show your support for Team Jarina on this Blog?

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Jarina' by posting your comments below, there's plenty of useful links below to keep you ocupied with all things Jared-and-Tina-related. So join us on this blog and show your support for Team Jarina!

Tina's biography page

Jared's biography page

Tina's Training Diary

Tina's Launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team Jarina wallpaper  

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Tina O'Brien and Jared Murillo to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Jarina. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

Unfortunately Team Goldina stumbled at the first hurdle and despite a valiant effort Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff found themselves heading for home after their Foxtrot.

Do you think Team Goldina were robbed? Should they still be in the competition? If you want to show some love for the ousted couple then leave your comments here.

We've also got a host of links to background info on Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff - so even though they're no longer on our screens you needn't miss them too much.

Goldie's biography page

Kristina's biography page

Goldie's training diary

Goldie's launch Interview

Celeb team name ideas for 2010

 NEW Official Team Goldina Wallpaper

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Goldie and Kristina Rhianoff to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Goldina. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.  

 

Web EXCULSIVE!!!  Check out comments 176 and 1858 for Kara and Artem's latest messages to you in the comments section below!

"The picture of sophisticated elegance," that's how Bruno describes Team Kartem - otherwise known as Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev.

 

Are you convinced that this ex-EastEnder has the power to make it all the way to the final? Or do you just love the chemistry between Kara and Artem?

 

If you'd like to share some love for Team Kartem then how about posting your comments below? If that wasn't enough you can also find out everything you ever wanted to know about Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev from our collection of links below.

Kara's biography page

Artem's biography page

Kara's  training diary

Kara's  launch Interview

Celeb team name ideas for 2010

NEW Official Team Kartem wallpaper 

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Kartem. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.  

 

Are you mad for the moves from our Independent Woman, Michelle Williams? Is it your destiny, child, to follow Brendan Cole's every move? If you, you need to be part of TEAM BRECHELLE!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Brechelle' by posting your comments below, there's plenty of useful links below to keep you ocupied with all things Michelle-and-Brendan-related. So join us on this blog and show your support for Team Brechelle!

Michelle's biography

Brendan's biography

Michelle's Training Diary

Michelle's Launch Interview

Celeb Team Names discussion

NEW Official Team Brechelle Wallpaper

PLEASE NOTE:  This blog is an area for fans of Michelle Williams and Brendan Cole to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Brechelle. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

Judge Alesha Dixon reckons that Jimi Mistry and his dance partner Flavia Cacace - aka 'Team Flavistry' - are "one to watch" in Strictly 2010. Are YOU watching them?

If so, why not show your support for Team Flavistry on this Blog?

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Flavistry' by posting your comments below, there's plenty of useful links below to keep you ocupied with all things Flavia-and-Jimi-Mistry-related. So join us on this blog and show your support for Team Flavistry!

Jimi's biography page

Flavia's biography page

Jimi's Training Diary

Jimi's Launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team Flavistry wallpaper 

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Jimi Mistry and Flavia Cacace to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Flavistry. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

After seeing Peter and Erin's Salsa, Strictly legend Len said he reckoned the pair had "chemistry" and thought some bits were "very rhythmic".

 

If you agree with Len and fancy throwing some support behind Peter and Erin - aka Team Perin - then look no further than this page!

 

Not only can you chat about anything and everything Team Perin by posting your comments below, you also can sit back and enjoy our handy links to Peter and Erin info.

Peter's biography page

Erin's biography page

Peter's training diary

Peter's launch Interview

Celeb team name ideas for 2010

     

NEW Official Team Perin wallpaper  

 

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Peter Shilton and Erin Boag to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Perin. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

According to judge Bruno Tonioli, Team Mattiona - aka Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani - were so good that he's "never seen a Foxtrot danced with so much passion!"

If you agree and want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it! Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Mattiona' by posting your comments below, there's plenty of useful links below to keep you ocupied with all things Matt-and-Aliona-related.

So join us on this blog and show your support for Team Mattiona!

Matt's biography page

Aliona's biography page

Matt's Training Diary

Matt's launch Interview

Matt and Aliona's Cha Cha - Week 1 

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team Mattiona wallpaper

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Mattiona. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

Our Strictly judges have been pleased to see Patsy and Robin, aka Team Robsy, "take command of the floor".

If you agree and want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Robsy' by posting your comments below, there's plenty of useful links here to keep you in the loop with everything Patsy-and-Robin-related. So join us on this blog and show your support for Team Robsy!

 

Patsy's biography page

Robin's biography page

Patsy's training diary

Patsy's launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team Robsy wallpaper  

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Patsy Kensit and Robin Windsor to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Robsy. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

 WEB EXCLUSIVE!!  - Watch Scott read and respond to your comments!

Web EXCULSIVE!!!  Check out comment 78 for Scott's latest message to you in the comments section below!

According to our stern Strictly judge Craig, Scott and Natalie , aka Team Scottalie, are "flamed, grilled, and red-hot".

If you agree and want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Scottalie' by posting your comments below, there's plenty of useful links below to keep you ocupied with all things Scott-and-Natalie-related. So join us on this blog and show your support for Team Scottalie!

 

Scott's biography page

Natalie's biography page

Scott's training diary

Scott's launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team Scottalie wallpaper

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Scott Maslin and Natalie Lowe to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Scottalie. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

WEB EXCUSIVE!!  

Watch Pamela and James reading and responding to your comments!

See comment 183 below for Pamela and James’ latest message to you!

Pamela and James also liked this spoofed up Strictly clip on the BBC Comedy website. Why not join them in leaving your comments on there too!   

Pamela and James, aka Team PamJam, have so far impressed the judges with their "correct balance of rhythm and fluidity".

If you want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team PamJam' by posting your comments below, we've put some handy links to Pamela and James' extra features around the site. So join us on this blog and show your support for Team PamJam!

 

Pamela's biography page

James' biography page

Pamela's Training Diary

Pamela's launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team PamJam wallpaper

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team PamJam. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

Unfortunately due to diagnosis of Chicken Pox, Tina O'Brien cannot participate this week. In accordance with our rules and contingency plans, Tina will be given a bye through to next week's show. If she is unable to dance next week she will have to leave the competition.

Tina says: "I am devastated. I was so looking forward to this week's show. Jared and I have spent so much time and effort on a really fantastic routine and I just couldn't wait to perform it on Saturday.

Hopefully I will bounce back quickly and be on top dancing form soon, ready to come back straight into the next routine. I will be watching them all this weekend!"

This Saturday all the other couples will dance as usual for the judges's scores and the public vote and one couple will be eliminated in the Sunday night Results Show.

Everyone here at Strictly wishes Tina a speedy recovery and we hope to see you and Jared dancing next week!

 

The competition is heating up for Gavin and Katya, aka, Team Gatya. They've got instructions from Strictly Judge Craig to work on Gavin's "timing, rhythm and hips" and it's clear he's got real potential.  

If you want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Gatya' by posting your comments below, you can also find useful links to Gavin and Katya related special features. So if you want Gavin to win Strictly 2010, show some Strictly ♥ for Team Gatya!

 

Gavin's biography page

Katya's biography page

Gavin's Training Diary

Gavin's launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team Gatya wallpaper 

 PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Gavin Henson and Katya Virshilas to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Gatya. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

For all you fans of the magical Paul Daniels and Ola Jordan, aka Team Pola (team name approved by Ola herself from your suggestions)...

...If you want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team Pola' by posting your comments below, you can also find useful links to Paul-and-Ola-related-dancing-bits-and-bobs! Team Pola have got some big challenges ahead of them, so they'll be very grateful for some Strictly ♥ from their fans!

Paul's biography page

Ola's biography page

Paul's training Diary

Paul's launch Interview

Celeb team name ideas for 2010

 NEW Official Team Pola Wallpaper  

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Paul Daniels and Ola Jordan to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team Pola. Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

 

 LATEST CELEB BLOGGING CLIP!!! - Ann and Anton read and respond to your comments!

Web EXCULSIVE!!! Watch Ann and Anton responding to YOUR COMMENTS and writing their first blog post!!!

And check out comments 88, 300, 502, 825, 847 and 1221 for their latest messages to you in the comments section below!

                                                                                 ........................

We're loving Ann and Anton, aka.......Team A² (a little team name chosen by Ann herself)!

If you want to show your support for this couple during the series, there's no better place for it!

Not only can you discuss all things 'Team A²' by posting your comments below, you can also find useful links to Ann-and-Anton-related-dancing-shenanigans! So don't be a 'square', show some Strictly ♥ for Team A²!

Ann's biography page

Anton's biography page

Ann's training diary

Ann's launch Interview

Celeb team names discussion

NEW Official Team A² wallpaper  

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is an area for fans of Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke to share their enthusiasm and show their support for Team A². Overly-negative and critical posts will be removed as Off-Topic.

So, Goldie and Kristina became the first couple to leave this year's competition after a combination of judges scores and viewer votes put them at the bottom of the table.

We caught up with the golden boy himself and a host of Strictly faces to get their thoughts on this weekend's departure.

See their reactions here and let us know what  you think by leaving a comment below.

Last night our couples danced their hearts out to either a Foxtrot or a Salsa.

Tonight, things get serious as we find out which couple will be the first to leave this year's contest.

Have your say here as the drama unfolds - and keep your fingers crossed that your favourites are safe.

And if you missed any of the action, watch "Strictly in 60s" - our bite-sized guide to this weekend's shows.

Here we go. It's the second week of the live shows and the pressure's on as one couple will leave the competition this weekend.

So if you've something to say about tonight's "Famous Foxtrots" or "Celebrity Salsas", leave a comment here. 

And don't forget, we'll be backstage with exclusive pictures and first reactions from tonight's couples throughout the show. Head over to the Backstage Gallery and take a look.

As our pro dancers and celebrities arrived at BBC TV Centre on Friday for their final run-throughs and dress rehearsals, we decided to ask them how they're feeling about the live show on Sat 9th October. This is what they said...

We're rapidly approaching the second weekend on Strictly Come Dancing 2010, so we thought now would be a good time to remind you about the times of the shows - just so you can rearrange your social life appropriately!

Saturday's show will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One/BBC HD from 5.45 -  7.40pm - so that's nearly 2 full hours of glitter and glitz to brighten up your screens! All 14 couples will perform either a Foxtrot or a Salsa, and once everyone has performed, you will be able to VOTE for the couple (or couples!) you liked the most.

Sunday is the day of our first dreaded Results Show of 2010 - presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. And this year, we're going back to the way we USED to reveal the results in the first 4 series of Strictly... in short, the couple with the lowest combined score from judges and public will automatically be going home. There's no dance-off, and the judges can't save anyone!

There's another special treat during the Results Show - when he was here last week with his pal Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams kindly recorded a special performance of one of his classic hits. And he's joined on-stage by our gorgeous female professional dancers, too!  Oh, and there'll also be an incredible Quickstep performed by our new Strictly Showdancers troupe, too. So make sure you don't miss the first Results Show of 2010 - Sunday, 7.30 - 8.00 pm on BBC One/BBC HD.

And then, every weeknight at 6.30pm, Claudia Winkleman will be back as usual with the very latest analysis, gossip and special guests on Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two on BBC Two.

Aren't we good to you? :)

You've probably already heard about the exciting series of 'Strictly Get Dancing' events that are happening around the UK in October - if not, you can read more HERE.

Then of course there's also the brilliant opportunity to come down to BBC Television Centre in West London and perform a massive group dance alongside 500 other people on Sunday 7th November. But what about the dance, I hear you ask? How do we learn it?

Well former Strictly Come Dancing champion (and long-time friend to the series) Karen Hardy has choreographed a routine for you to learn. If you want to apply for tickets to the Strictly Get Dancing Event in TV Centre, you'll need to learn this routine before you show up.

To apply for tickets for this extra-special event, please visit the BBC Tickets and Events website. Before applying for tickets, you should check the important Terms and Conditions for the Strictly Get Dancing Event.

UPDATE!!!

 

Further to our lively discussion below about team names, we have some new developments to report!

 

During the backstage excitement of week 2's live show, BBC Strictly Emily tracked down all celebrity couples and showed them your comments!

 

Much hilarity and debate ensued. Suffice to say the couples were all pretty intrigued by your suggestions. For example, Michelle Williams loved 'Destiny's Cole' and 'Team Brechelle', Artem Chigvintsev was charmed by 'Team Toi Choi' and Felicity Kendal LOVED the suggestion of 'Team Kendal Vince Cake', saying she thought it was "cute".

 

Amazingly, each couple did manage to make a decision AND entertain us on the dance floor! So, thanks to you all for your fab, funny and fair suggestions and to the celebs for getting involved too.

 

Here's the full list of official Strictly Team Names for 2010 with links to each team fan page where you can comment and encourage!

 

So which (dance) camp will you be in?

 

 

Team Pola                                 Team Gatya

 

Team A²                                      Team PamJam

 

Team Perin                                Team Kendal Vince Cake

 

Team Scottalie                          Team Jarina

 

Team Brechelle                        Team Goldina

 

Team Robsy                              Team Flavistry

 

Team Mattiona                           Team Kartem

       

 

Look out for more 'team' features coming soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We’ve noticed that some cool Strictly team names have started to emerge for the celeb couples (as happened last year)!

Below are some of the team names which we have seen you create so far on various Strictly-related online spaces.

If you have an opinion about these – now is your chance to let us know! We need your help to decide on which names you think will stick. 

We’ve got some fun new features on their way to the Strictly site and we want to include the most popular team names, as long as we can all agree on our favourites!

So here’s what we’ve found so far. Leave a comment below if you have any suggestions!

Paul Daniels and Ola Jordan

Team Pola

Gavin Henson and Katya Virshilas

Team Gatya

Team Katalarrrr (Gavin & stacey reference apparently!)

Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke

Team Widdibeke

Team Annton

Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan

Team Pamjam

Team Pames

Team Jamela

Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev

Team Kartem

Team Go-Kart [Kara and Artem]

Scott Maslin and Natalie Lowe

Team Scottalie

Tina O'Brien & Jared Murillo

Team Brillo

Team Teeny

Team Ted

Team Jerina

Team Murillo

Michelle Williams and Brendan Cole

Team Brechelle

Team Brichelle

Team Wilco

Goldie and Kristina Rhianoff

Team Gristina

Team Krisdie

Team Goldie

Patsy Kensit and Robin Windsor

Team Kensor

Jimi Mistry and flavia Cacace

Team Flimi

Team Jammie

Team Flavistri

Team Javia

Team Flistry

Felicity Kendal and Vincent Simone

Team Kendal Vince Cake

Peter Shilton and Erin Boag - Need suggestions!

Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani - Need suggestions!

Some amazing Strictly news that's just been announced by the BBC! Here's the press release:

As this year’s Strictly celebrities are locked away in training studios preparing for their second live dance, the BBC today opened up the Strictly floor and invited the whole of the nation to dance by hosting five new Strictly themed events at BBC big screens around the country.

 

Throughout October, the BBC will be taking Strictly on the road to Leeds (9th Oct), Edinburgh (16th Oct), Norwich (16th Oct), Plymouth (23rd Oct) and Swansea (23rd Oct) where fans and families can dress up and take to the floor like their favourite Strictly stars, take part in special dance rehearsals and watch show dances performed by local dance companies.

 

Katie Taylor, Head of Entertainment and Events said:

“This is our eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing and we know there are lots of Strictly fans around the UK that love the show as much as we do. Each year, there are huge demands for tickets to the live show, so these events are a great way to give audiences up and down the country a real opportunity to have first-hand experience of the glitz and glamour of Strictly”

 

As part of this year’s series, the BBC is also offering the chance for up to 500 lucky fans to take part in an exclusive Strictly event to learn and perform a new group dance within the iconic “doughnut” at BBC’s Television Centre in November. Choreographed by Strictly alumna Karen Hardy, the mass group performance, also featuring some favourite Strictly faces, will then be filmed and feature on BBC One as one of the channel’s famous idents over the next 12 months as the famous building celebrates its 50^th anniversary

 

Fans of the show will be able to find out more information including how to apply for tickets by visiting the BBC Tickets and Events website.

We were backstage again tonight catching every couple as soon as they came off the dancefloor. Exclusive pictures, video (featuring Bruno and Craig!) and first reactions here:

 

 

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Artem: "I'm so proud of Kara"

Ann: "The audience were lovely" Anton: "I can't wait for the salsa!"

Jared: "I'm going to push Tina a little harder next week"

Jimi: "I saw Craig write something down and thought oh no, here we go"

Gavin: "The competition is on"

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Michelle: "We had such a great time despite the judges comments"

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Peter: "Its probably the most nervous I've ever been but I enjoyed myself"

So that's what they had to say for themselves. Let us know what you thought of tonight's performances by commenting below.

Ding Ding! Round Two! After a fantastic first live show last night, the remaining seven couples will take to the floor tonight to perform either a Waltz or a Cha Cha Cha.

Tonight you'll get to see how Ann and Anton, Kara and Artem, Michelle and Brendan, Peter and Erin, Jimi and Flavia, Gavin and Katya and Tina and Jared cope with their first live dances of the series.

Then there's Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams performing together as this series' first musical guests. We really are spoiling you.

So watch along with us and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Friday night's first live show was a real smash hit - not just in the ratings (which were huge!), but also with the critics and public. Over 9 million people tuned in to see our first 7 couples take to the dancefloor - and the vast majority of the comments from the public on Facebook, Twitter and our own News Blogs have said just how impressed they are at the overall standard of the celebrities.

The press agreed too - "There was plenty to get excited about," gushed the Telegraph.  Matt Baker, according to The Guardian, "is the surprise of the night, a beautiful natural dancer who annihilates all-comers and with whom the audience falls completely in love."

But the excitement doesn't stop there - oh no! There's another LIVE show tonight at 6pm, when the remaining seven couples will perform either a Waltz or a Cha Cha Cha. The phone lines won't open this week - all 14 couples will return NEXT week to perform another dance, so you'll see all of the couples perform both a Ballroom and a Latin routine before you have to make your mind up who you're supporting.

Oh, and there's another couple performing on the show tonight - Messers Barlow and Williams, who'll be singing their brand new duet, "Shame". Here's a sneaky peak from the sound-check they performed in the studio earlier this afternoon...

It's finally here! Our first live show of series eight. Cue suitably sparkly fanfare!

You'll get to see half of our new line up of celebrities dance with their partners tonight, with the other seven couples performing in tomorrow night's show.

So, if you have any thoughts on (deep breath) Felicity and Vincent, Scott and Natalie, Goldie and Kristina, Patsy and Robin, Matt and Aliona, Pamela and James or Paul and Ola's performances, share them here.

It's a very wet afternoon here in London, and the eager members of the live studio audience for tonight's Strictly Come Dancing have been braving the weather.

We thought it's only right and proper to show our admiration to the people who have spent so long waiting for tonight's show - so we went outside and had a quick chat to them all!

Len's Dance Clinic is almost open and ready for business! 

Do you need a dancing diagnosis? Does your Foxtrot need a new injection of enthusiasm?  Is your Cha Cha Cha in need of a dose of technical knowledge? Maybe you've got two left feet on the dance floor or you're the mockery of your dancing chums?  Well look no further - Len's Dance Clinic will save the day!

Send in your dancing woes, whether be they're technical queries, step confusions, choreography conundrums or song uncertainties and hear wise old Len's helpful advice on It Takes Two.  We want to hear from you whatever your problems - it could be that you want some helpful steps for your wedding first dance - even a music suggestion or two.

Maybe you want to know how best to do a bouncy Jive when you've got flat feet, or perhaps you want to find the perfect style of dance to tempt your couch potato husband into accompanying you onto the dance floor...

Let us know your dancing dilemmas and Len will do his best to help.