Fern Britton's swept out of Strictly Come Dancing as she's voted off in shock dance-off with Kimberley Walsh

By EMMA GRITT

PUBLISHED: 20:00, 11 November 2012 | UPDATED: 20:25, 11 November 2012

Fern Britton might be one of the UK's best loved television personalities, but tonight it was clear she had no fans on the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing.

The bubbly 55-year old was sent home after finding herself in the bottom two alongside Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh.

Fern and her partner Artem Chigvintsev looked nervous as it was revealed that they were going head to head with Kimberley and her partner Pasha Kovalev for a place in next week's show.

Game over: Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev found themselves in the bottom two tonight.

Both couples had to dance again, in an all-deciding dance off. 

The bottom two were worked out using a combination of the judges' scores and viewer votes.

It was then up to the judges,  Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Len Goodman, to decide the tense couples' fate.

Three of the four judges chose to save Walsh, whose position in the dance-off will have shocked many viewers. 

Shimmy: Last night, Fern showed the judges a spicy salsa with her partner, Artem 

Ta da!: Fern and Artem looked confident as they danced again for the judges

Flash dance: Blonde TV presenter Fern showed the judges what she was made of 

Bruno Tonioli said: 'Well with all due respect, I thought one couple was outstanding and that couple is Kimberley and Pasha.'

Scathingly, Craig Revel Horwood described the choice between the two couples as a 'no brainer,' which may have echoed sentiments in living rooms across the country.

Fern, who presented This Morning for ten years, took defeat graciously. 

Flirty: Fern unleashed her inner vixen as she gyrated over the judges' table 

Feelin' it: Fern looked sensational in hot pink, and her hairstyle belied her 55 years. 

Power lift: Artem scooped up his dancing partner for the grande finale of their dance 

She said: This is the best party on the television, it's the best programme in the world, and I'm thrilled to have been part of it.

'My ticket on the train has run out. Everyone else - good luck, good luck, good luck! It's the best party. 

'You've got dancing in the drawing room, you've got snogging upstairs, you've got throwing up in the garden. "It's been fantastic. You really do live that - the throwing up mostly!'

She also took the chance to personally thank her dancing partner for an exhilarating experience. 

Gracious: Last night, Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev performed a Viennese Waltz 

Excuse us?: Kimberley and Pasha were a surprise couple to end up in the bottom two 

Impressive: The judges were delighted with Kimberley and Pasha, which is why they decided to save the couple

Effortless: Kimberley and Pasha made the tricky waltz look easy 

She told the 30-year old Russian, 'Artem, I've loved it. I wouldn't have swapped you for anything. "There have been highs and lows, we've got to know each other pretty well, and I do adore you.

Fern then added, 'and Kimberley and Pasha are fantastic,' as she warmly embraced her rival.

This weekend viewers saw Fern and Artem raised temperatures with a spicy interpretation of the salsa. 

Fern looked sensational in a short, hot pink dress with a sequined sweetheart neckline - even though she began her routine under a blue shirt, which she tore off in front of the judges. 

However, they only scored a paltry 27 points which was enough to leave them at the bottom of the scoreboard. 

However, Girls Aloud singer Kimberley's Viennese Waltz was awarded 34 points, and described as 'achingly romantic' by the usually hard to please Bruno. 

Kimberley and Pasha's survival means that they will be take part in next week's Children In Need extravaganza at Wembley Arena.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2231414/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-Fern-Britton-given-dancing-orders-Kimberley-Walsh-saved.html#ixzz2Bx8fJ0TG
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Denise Van Outen bags four 9s and the highest score of the series with her red hot Spanish style routine on Strictly Come Dancing

Setting the dance floor on fire! Denise Van Outen bags four 9s and the highest score of the series with her red hot Spanish style routine on Strictly Come Dancing

By JENNIFER RUBY

PUBLISHED: 20:33, 10 November 2012 | UPDATED: 23:40, 10 November 2012

They might be at the halfway point but as the competition gets tougher, the Strictly Come Dancing contestants have certainly been stepping up their game.

Denise Van Outen managed to set the dancefloor on fire with her fiery paso doble, bagging four 9s from the judges and the highest score of the series.

Managing to do one better than last week, the former Big Breakfast star wowed with her red hot Spanish themed dance with partner James Jordan.

Red alert: Denise Van Outen sets the studio on fire as she gets the highest score of the series

After getting three nines last week, the pressure was on, especially as James suffered an injury at the beginning of the week.

But the blonde presenter pulled it off, getting a standing ovation from the crowd.

'I though it was fantastic, there was flare in the movement and care with the technique,' said an impressed Len Goodman.

While Craig Revel Horwood had one criticism, he also admitted that the routine was full of 'drama.'

The couple seemed over the moon to have got the highest score of the series so far.

On fire: Denise turns up the heat and gets a standing ovation from the audience

Top score: Denise celebrates after getting the top score from the judges

With Bruce Forsyth off this week, Claudia Winkleman stepped into his rather hefty shoes and presented alongside the statuesque Tess Daly who wowed in a skin-tight black dress complete with white cuffs and collar.

Richard Arnold was in the dance-off for a second time last week so he knew that he had to step up his game this week.

Dressed as a hairdresser he danced the Charleston in true comedic style with partner Erin Boa.

Craig shocked the showbiz reporter by saying: 'It was your best dance tonight.'

While Darcey Bussell had a couple of constructive comments, she agreed that it was a triumph, making Richard the true comeback kid.

The couple were given a 29 from the judges, their highest score of the series, making Richard one to watch.

Having a laugh: Richard Arnold impresses the judges with his comedic routine as a hairdresser

Comeback kid: Richard gets great reviews from the judges as he's dubbed the 'comeback kid.'

Louis Smith didn't get a great score last week and seemed determined to step up his game for his performance this week.

Taking to the floor with Flavia Cacace, the Olympian danced the Waltz to Moonriver and got a standing ovation from the audience but divided the judges and failed to impress Craig.

'I thought it was a bit pedestrian. Also you were getting a little out of time in the middle,' he said.

Len disagreed saying: 'What a load of bolognese. Craig just says things for effect sometimes.'

Darcey and Bruno Tonioli also loved the dance and he came out with high score of 33, getting a six from Craig and three nines from the others.

'You waltzed into the heart of the nation.' said Bruno.

What a waltz: Louis Smith gets mixed reviews from the judges with a lot of criticism from Craig

Causing arguments: The routine caused a bust up between the judges

Bust-up: The judges argue over Louis's performance which split their opinions

Fern Britton might have been distracted by a shirtless Artem Chigvintsev last week but she was more than focused for her salsa this week.

The former This Morning presenter whipped off a shirt to reveal a tiny pink dress as she shimmied in front of the judges.

'You came out and you partied,' said Len. 'This was your best dance so far.'

Flashing the flesh: Fern Britton wears a tiny pink mini-dress for her routine

Getting sexy: Fern removes her shirt to reveal her figure to the judges

Exhausted: Fern looked physically drained after her dance but is happy with her positive comments

Victoria Pendelton and Brendon Cole danced the quickstep.

'I think that coming from a sports background is a hindrance. I'm well aware that I'm not the strongest dancer,' Victoria admitted.

The Olympian invoked an old school Hollywood actress with her amazing dress and retro hairstyle.

The judges were impressed with Victoria's footwork and enjoyed the routine, although they weren't overly enthusiastic, giving her a score of 30.

Old school glamour: Victoria Pendleton got a good review from the judges, earning her a score of 30

High drama: Victoria and Brendan ramped up the drama for their routine

Feeling good: Victoria and Brendan seem pleased with their performance

Dani Harmer showed off her stomach in a high-waisted skirt and crop top for her tango with Vincent Simone, which earned her a standing ovation.

'It was clean, it was precise but it's a shame it finished before the end of the music. But you're a fantastic dancer,' said Craig.

'I didn't like the beginning, you can come across as a moody teenager rather than a feisty woman,' said Darcy.

The judges seemed to like the performance as the child star was awarded a score of 34, their highest score of the series.

Showing off her figure: Dani Harmer wore a high-waisted skirt and a cropped top for her performance

Good comments: The actress got some great comments but Darcey had a few criticisms

Rave reviews: Dani gets great comments despite being likened to a 'moody teenager by Darcey

Westlife's Nicky Byrne had bandmate Shane Filan in the audience, meaning that he had to step up his game.

After a disappointing week last week, the popstar danced the foxtrot to a Michale Buble song, and Craig admitted to seeing a 'vast improvement' in his dancing.

Nicky bagged a score of 30, his best score of the series so far.

Having a ball: Nicky Byrne performs in front of Westlife bandmate Shane Filan

Best score: Nicky bags his best score of the series so far for his foxtrot

Kimberley Walsh, who has been busying recording her fist solo album, also had a bandmate in the audience to impress.

Cheryl Cole wore a sophisticated shift dress as she sat in the audience and gave her friend a standing ovation.

'Such an emotive performance. You really moved me. A wonderful performance, well done.' said Darcey of her Viennese waltz.

'More spins than Alistair Campbell,' joked Len. 'I really, really enjoyed it.'

'It was near perfection apart from a tiny wobble,' added Bruno.

The popstar also bagged her highest score of the series with a 34.

What a score: Kimberley Walsh gives an 'emotive' performance with her Viennese waltz

Best friends: Bandmate Cheryl Cole looks on as her friend gets great comments

Michael Vaughn got great comments from the judges last week and this week he danced the salsa with Natalie Lowe.

He hasn't got great comments in the past for his Latin dances but he did much better this week, although he ended up being bottom of the leader board.

'I think we can now say that you bat for the Latin team as well as the Ballroom team,' said Bruno.

'It went horribly wrong in the centre of it. You didn't recover from that. But I love the lifts, I love the energy and I love the commitment,' said Craig.

Bottom of the board: Michael Vaughan gives Latin a go but comes out bottom

Made mistakes: The couple made a few errors but seemed happy with their overall performance

Lisa Riley was on top comic form for her foxtrot with Robin Windsor, sporting a top hat and cane.

'As always impeccable timing and ferocious footwork, darling,' said Craig.

The much-loved actress had a great time and earned their highest scores yet.

Top comedic form: Lisa Riley proved that she's still got it with a top hat and cane

Over the moon: The actress looks happy to have received another round of great comments

Pucker up: Lisa plants a smacker on partner Robin Windsor as the scores come in

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2231049/Strictly-Come-Dancing-Denise-Van-Outen-bags-9s-highest-score-series-red-hot-Spanish-style-routine-Strictly-Come-Dancing.html#ixzz2BrruKLLL
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Denise Van Outen waltzes into the top spot with romantic Viennese dance on Strictly

'A-maz-ing!' Denise Van Outen waltzes into the top spot with romantic Viennese dance on Strictly

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

PUBLISHED: 20:30, 3 November 2012 | UPDATED: 10:00, 4 November 2012

He's undoubtedly the harshest critic on the judging panel. 

But Craig Revel Horwood was left gushing over Denise Van Outen after she performed an impressive Viennese waltz on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing Show. 

The former Chicago star received high praise from the Australian-British judge who told her simply: 'A-maz-ing'. 

Scroll down for video

Oh so elegant: Denise Van Outen and her partner James topped the leader board with 35 after performing an impressive Viennese waltz

Craig's sentiments were echoed by the rest of the judges and Len gushed: 'You had poise posture performance,' adding, 'You had more turns than a Catherine wheel.'

Denise and partner James Jordan's flawless performance bagged them the highest score of the evening an impressive 35, which left them sitting pretty at the top of the leader board. 

VIDEO: Denise waltzes into top spot... For more Strictly Come Dancing click here... 

The show opened with Kimberley Walsh and her partner Pasha Kovalev performing the salsa to Beyonce's track Naughty Girl. 

The Girls Aloud star looked sensational in a plunging red number and she danced the routine with aplomb.

She's on fire! Kimberley Walsh performed the samba to Beyoncé's track Naughty Girl

Len noted: 'The return of nimble kimble it was a sparkler.'

He added: 'You came up and flaunted yourself at me do that every week and you would get an extra mark.'

Kimberley explained that she thoroughly enjoyed the performance and added that she felt much more comfortable with the dance compared with last week. 

Purple haze: Lisa Riley and her partner opted for vibrantly coloured costumes to dance to the Tango

The Girls Aloud star managed to gain 33 points for her performance and up until Denise was at the top of the leader board. 

Next to take to the dance floor was Lisa Riley who strut her stuff to the tango. 

Craig was left less than impressed and his scathing critic left Len and Bruno confused. 

Len told her: 'You come out and perform whatever dance you get you for for it 100%, I thought that was sharp.'

Bad reviews: Richard Arnold failed to impress with his foxtrot and he knew he had messed up the dance

Lisa and partner Robin Windsor racked up a respectable 27 points.

Not everyone impressed the judges and Richard Arnold was left apologising to his partner at the end of their dance. 

Craig told him: 'Complete dance disaster' while Len described him as the 'Clogfather.'

His mistakes cost him dearly and he only managed to win 17 from the judges which left him at the bottom of the score board. 

Victoria Pendleton and Brendon Cole were next to step out onto the Strictly stage to perform a sexy Samba. 

Pedalling backwards? Victoria Pendleton did her best to make her samba sexy

While The Olympic gold medallist tried her best to pedal to victory her performance was somewhat a little lackluster. 

Len told her: 'It was occasionally a little bit unstable in places.'

Bruno noted: 'It was all very very promising,' before adding it felt like: 'Las Vegas with a hangover.'

Darcey told her: 'You started so well but you lose your focus at the very end.' 

Despite the criticism Victoria managed to pick up 23 from the panel, not a great score but not her lowest. 

Louis Smith

Fellow Team GB star Louis Smith performed next, with high hopes after his top score performance last week. 

His Samba went down well with everyone bar his biggest fan Darcey Bussell, who was seen admiring his muscles last week. 

The ballerina told him: ' I was a bit disappointed it was a little bit safe it was too calculated I wanted it to be free. 

Crag, Len and Bruno loved it and Louis walked away with a 27 score. 

Salmon all round: Colin performed

Nicky Byrne and his partner Karen Hauer

Colin Salmon and his partner Kristina Rihanoff also achieved a 27 score while Nicky Bryne managed a 25. 

During Fern Britton's performance all eyes were on her shirtless partner Artem Chigvintsev, whose buff body had everyone, including the judges, captivated. 

The TV presenter bagged 24 while Michael Vaughan's efforts with the bagged himself 31.

All eyes on Artem: Fern Britton's partner had the audience, and the judges, captivated with his shirtless appearance

Bruno told him: 'I hope that this dream will continue for you.'

Dani Harmer was the last to perform on the show and she took to the stage with partner Vincent to demonstrate her fancy footwork to the jive.

Len told her: 'Clean as a whistle, crisp as a Pringle and absolutely fabulous.'

Craig made a rude critic about seeing her underwear but thankfully host Bruce Forsyth failed to hear the quip. 

The Tracey Beaker star was given 33 for her efforts and she was delighted with the score. 

Strictly returns to screens on Sunday night at 7.20pm on BBC One. 

Tap to it: Dani Harmer and Vincent Simone performed the jive

Strictly Score board 

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan - 35

Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev - 33

Dani Harmer and Vincent Simone - 33

Michael Vaughan and Natalie Lowe - 31

Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor - 27

Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace - 27 

Colin Salmon and Kristina Rihanoff - 27

Nicky Bryne and Karen Hauer - 25

Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev - 24

Victoria Pendleton and Brendon Cole - 23

Richard Arnold and Erin Boag - 17

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2227430/A-maz-ing-Denise-Van-Outen-waltzes-spot-romantic-Viennese-dance-Strictly.html#ixzz2BFPu6To4
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Backstage reactions of Strictly Dancers captured

The joy and pain of competing on Strictly: Dancers reactions captured backstage show the highs and lows of being on the show

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 17:39, 28 October 2012 | UPDATED: 19:30, 28 October 2012

We see their performances on TV every week, but it's once the camera's turn off that the real emotions come out.

And Strictly Come Dancing's official Twitter page captures every moment of blood, sweat and tears this year's dancers pour into the competition.

Capturing each dancing celebrity's emotions backstage, the pictures show the relief and the disappointment after the contestants hear their score.

Corpse bride comes alive: Victoria Pendleton can't hide her delight after getting a high score from the judges

Puppy pout: Meanwhile, Kimberly Walsh is disappointing with her score

Victoria Pendleton couldn't contain her joy as she heard her positive scores and she leaped into the arms of her dance partner Brendan Cole, dressed in her corpse bride outfit for the Halloween themed episode.

But at the same time, Kimberly Walsh showed off her best pout as she licked her wounds when judge Len gave her a bad review, even though she still came into shared second place.

But it was the star of the evening, Louis Smith, who looked the most delighted as he returned backstage after his show-stopping performance.

Shake it baby: Louis Smith is caught mid-dance as he celebrates his successful routine

Scooby boo: Not the best, but not the worst, so a careful smile for Dani Harmer

The behind the scenes photo shows the Olympian mid celebratory dance after he received a score of all nines from the judges.

The Olympian came top of the leader board with 35 points, impressing with his routine to Rihanna's Disturbia, which was described by Darcey as the 'best Tango of the night.'

'I wish the clocks could go back right now so I could have another look at that because it was fabulous,' said Len after his performance.

Dani Harmer, dressed as Velma from Scooby Doo, and dance partner Vincent Simone displayed a careful grin after getting mixed reviews for their Cha Cha Cha.

But Darcey Bussell loved the dance, telling the pair: 'If you can dance that fast and achieve that many moves, then that's just fantastic.'

High five: Nicky didn't crash and 'Byrne' during Saturday's performance

Oh Ola: Ola Jordan can't hide her disappointment as Sid gets a bad score

Nicky Byrne also looked thrilled, after getting some positive critique after harsh words in the past.

Dressed in his mad scientist costume, the former Westlife singer can be seen high-fiving partner Karen Hauer after their successful tango to the theme tune from 80s film Weird Science.

Sid Owen however can be seen laughing off the disappointment after his failed performance, while dance partner Ola Jordan can't hide her emotions ands pulls a pained face.

The EastEnders star had fun with his glitzy Ghostbusters routine, dancing the Cha Cha Cha, but the judges were less then happy with the routine.

Craig described the dance as a 'Halloween nightmare' while Len Goodman criticised the performance as being:'Too safe, you need to go for it more and take risks. If you're going to go down, go down fighting,' he said.

So happy I could twirl: Matthew Vaughn won over the judges with his latest dance

Bad acting: Isa Riley as Disney's Ursula was not too happy with what Craig had to say

Meanwhile Matthew Vaughn, who was saved by the skin of his teeth last week, shocked everyone by getting a standing ovation after his routine.

He celebrated by picking up his partner and twirling her around.

But Lisa Riley looked pretty glum as she received her criticism from Craig after her Charleston.

'You acted well but danced poorly,' he told her to her disappointment. 

Why the sad face? Fern Britton wasn't happy with her feedback after working hard all week to perfect the dance

Got something to hide? Denise van Outen lifts up her skirt, after Len called it 'too short'

Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev were left very sad faced, after dancing the American Smooth in ghoulish attire, but not getting any positive feedback from it.

Len was a bit disappointed, saying: 'Fern, I wanted a bit more from you,' while Bruno said: 'It was all a bit too plain, it didn't have the impact that it could have had.'

And Len didn't seem to pleased with Denise van Outen either, who sported a tiny skirt during her saucy dance.

'It you're going to wear a short skirt than you really need to have really fabulous leg action,' he said, after the musical star admitted she tripped up three times during the routine. 

Richard Arnold looked seriously ghoulish dressed as a matador as he danced a scary Spanish pasodoble with partner Erin Boa, but it was to no avail. 

That's better: The showbiz journo was pleased with himself after he redeemed himself from last week's performance

Nerve-riddled: The tension and nerves backstage are epretty evident in this picture

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2224403/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-reactions-captured-backstage.html#ixzz2AcxCPTpU
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