Showing posts with label Michael Vaughan. Show all posts

Sunday, 2 December 2012

Michael Vaughan sambas out of Strictly Come Dancing after ending up bottom of the leaderboard

Howzat! Michael Vaughan sambas out of Strictly Come Dancing after ending up bottom of the leaderboard

PUBLISHED: 19:57, 2 December 2012 | UPDATED: 19:57, 2 December 2012

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has become the eighth celebrity to be voted out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The 38-year-old and his partner Natalie Lowe said farewell to the series after a dance-off with Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer.

Ahead of the decision, Michael and Natalie repeated their samba from Saturday's show, which left them bottom of the leaderboard with 24.

Bowled over... and out: Matthew Vaughan and partner Natalie Lowe in the dance off before being voted off Strictly Come Dancing

I've had a ball: Michael and Natalie accept their fate after nine weeks on the show

However, all four judges opted to save former Westlife singer Nicky and Karen following their Argentine Tango.

After learning of his fate, Michael said: 'I've had a ball. Nine weeks ago I had never been on a shiny floor, and I've got to December.

'September, October, November and still dancing in December. I've drained every ounce of dance ability out of my body because of this lady...everything about this show, the judges and everyone backstage, all the contestants have been great, I've got new friends that I've made for life.

Tension: Natalie and Michael lost in the dance-off against Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer

One last samba for the road: The pair prepare to say goodbye to their Strictly co-stars

'Nicky thoroughly deserved that win, he wiped the floor with me! I've had a ball, and the real winner for me is this one (Lowe). She got me to the ninth week, which is quite remarkable.'

Australian professional Natalie praised her partner: 'Words can't describe how incredible you are. Thank you so much for making this dream come true.

'I'm sorry I couldn't have taken you further.'

Disappointment: Natalie and Michael backstage after Saturday's live show

Craig Revel-Horwood praised Nicky and Karen: 'Well this couple were absolutely sensational, the second time round. That couple was Nicky and Karen.'

Darcey Bussell agreed: 'Well they both upped their game tonight. It's really difficult, but I'm going to save Nicky and Karen.'

Bruno Tonioli said: 'Well I really have to go for the couple who for me had the licence to thrill...and that was Nicky and Karen.'

Celebrate: Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace are thrilled to be through to next week

We're through: Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor celebrate getting through

Matthew's exit means there are six celebrities in the competition, with just three weeks in sight until the final.

Meanwhile, boy band JLS performed their single Hold Me Down, while West End star Alfie Boe also sang.

Singing their hearts out: JLS performed their new single Hold Me Down

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Victoria Pendleton is next to leave Strictly and then ...cries

Cry me a river: Victoria Pendleton booted off Strictly as viewers find her emotional outbursts 'beyond annoying'

By ALASDAIR GLENNIE

PUBLISHED: 20:00, 25 November 2012 | UPDATED: 20:15, 25 November 2012

The tears have sprung thick and fast since she joined Strictly Come Dancing.

But despite another display of raw emotion, Victoria Pendleton could not save herself from elimination on Sunday night.

The retired track cyclist and her professional partner Brendan Cole have been culled from the BBC1 show after finishing bottom of the leader board for the third time.

She's out: Victoria and her partner Brendan Cole have been kicked off Strictly Come Dancing

Tears: Victoria was seen dabbing her eyes as she got kicked out of the competition

Miss Pendleton appeared to alienate some viewers who said her constant crying was ‘beyond annoying’ and called her ‘whiny.’ As a double Olympic gold medal winner and world champion, the 32-year-old is certainly not used to losing.

But she proved an athletic physique is not enough to ensure success on the dance floor with a series of disappointing performances.

Judge Bruno Tonioli was scathing on Saturday night’s show, giving her five points out of ten for her salsa to Robbie Williams’ song Candy.

He said: ‘When you stand still you are fabulous. You have so much to offer and you still don’t deliver. Salsa was all in the rhythm and it wasn’t there.’

Craig Revel Horwood added: ‘Darling, the prop candy sticks had more fluidity.’

Miss Pendleton was so upset after the dance, presenter Tess Daley had to hand her a handkerchief to dab away her tears.

She said: ‘I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I know, it’s tragic.

‘I’m not a sexy latino dancer. I haven’t had the best results in my Latin dances. I know my dances are quite weak.’

Bottom two: The Olympian was seen in the bottom two with Michael Vaughan

Mr Cole, who was reportedly exasperated by Miss Pendleton’s tearful outbursts during training, could be heard urging her to rein in her emotions.

He muttered: ‘No more tears. Come on, look alive.’

The pair finished last in the leaderboard, which is decided by combining the judges’ scores with the public vote.

On the results show screened last night (25), they lost a dance-off to former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and professional Natalie Lowe.

Afterwards Mr Cole said: ‘It’s been an emotional roller-coaster but I said from the start I was so excited to be paired with Victoria and I haven’t changed my mind - she has been a diamond to work with.’

Time to say goodbye: Victoria was seen hugging and kissing the other contestant safter being booted off the dancing show

Losing his patience: Brenda seemed to be frustrated with Victoria's efforts

Some viewers were less impressed with Miss Pendleton’s histrionics.

The cyclist famously burst into tears after missing out on a gold medal in her final race at this summer’s Olympic Games.

And the waterworks continued on her debut Strictly appearance, twice during the third episode, and again on Saturday.

Before her final performance, viewer Indi Shambi wrote on Twitter: ‘I swear whiny Victoria Pendleton best get voted out this wk on Strictly SHE CANNOT DANCE her constant crying is BEYOND ANNOYING!!’

No rhythm: Victoria admits she isn't the best dancer, particularly with Latin dances

Twist and shout: Brendan is said to have lost his patience with his partner

Louise Youngs added: ‘Victoria Pendleton cannot take criticism at all, it’s annoying how she always cries.’ Daniel Parker said: ‘Victoria Pendleton. A good looking girl. A very athletic body. An Olympic legend. A truly awful, awful dancer.’

Last month, Miss Pendleton denied she was a ‘sobbing wreck’, saying: ‘I am thick-skinned and being judged on my dancing is not something that cuts that deep.

‘Strictly definitely does put you in a situation where it is fight or flight - you’re either going to learn and get better or crumble.

‘But feeling my heart pounding out of my chest and adrenalin coursing through my veins is something I’ve experienced many times before.

‘And the more I perform, the more I hope people will see that I’m not some sobbing wreck.’

Disappointing! Brendan seemed frustrated to have been booted out of the competition but Victoria admitted she knew dancing wasn't her strong point

A Strictly insider said: ‘For Victoria to stay for eight weeks is an incredible run and she should be proud of herself. But she was kept in above her ability. She lasted longer than other, better dancers such as Richard Arnold and Colin Salmon. The public wanted to see her do well in the show, but there has been a change and people are now voting for dance ability.’

Strictly Come Dancing continues to thrash The X Factor in the ratings, with in excess of two million more viewers last night.

The BBC1 dance show landed an average audience of 10.3 million on Saturday night - the second highest of this series. ITV1’s singing contest pulled in an average 8.2 million - even including viewers of its +1 catch-up channel - continuing its lacklustre ratings for this year.

Showing them how it is done: Flawless took to the stage to perform

What a show: The Script also took to the stage to perform

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Victoria Pendleton lands at the bottom of the Strictly leader board with her Salsa

Has her ride come to an end? Cyclist Victoria Pendleton lacks spice as she lands at the bottom of the Strictly leader board with her Salsa

By KIMBERLEY DADDS

PUBLISHED: 20:13, 24 November 2012 | UPDATED: 20:47, 24 November 2012

She had a shaky start when she first competed on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

And it seems Victoria Pendleton's future on the show could be in jeopardy this weekend as she landed at the bottom of the leader board on Saturday night.

The Olympic gold medallist admitted before her dance that she didn't have a great 'track record for Latin dancing', in fact describing it as 'appalling'.

Setting out to impress: Victoria Pendleton was hoping to impress the judges on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing but walked away with the lowest score of the evening

Not what she was hoping for! The Olympic gold medallist was only given a four by harsh judge Craig Revel Horwood

So she was, of course, dubious about taking to the dance floor with her partner Brenda Cole to take on the Salsa.

Victoria bared her midriff in a bright pink ensemble with her hair in large curls as she set out to impress judges Len, Darcey, Bruno and Craig.

And while she looked confident showing off her choreographed steps, the feedback couldn't have been what she was looking for.

Latin moves: Victoria admitted she wasn't sure about the dance before hitting the dace floor but still gave it her all

Taking her position: She looked radiant in her pink outfit but failed to make waves with her moves on Saturday night

Daring: Bruno told her she looked fabulous... but only when she stood still

Don't look, Victoria! She only managed to get a total of 21 points, although her fate will be decided on Sunday night's results show

Pendleton received low scores from all four judges, even being marked with a lowly four from Craig Revel Horwood, while she only managed to notch up 21 points overall.

And she received a cutting remark from Bruno as he told her: You look fabulous... when you stand still.'

It left her trailing behind her fellow contestants, although there were a few other disappointments throughout the evening as well.

Outraged: Her dance partner Brendan Cole didn't look impressed by the judges' comments

Struggling? The pair were seen trying to get to grips with the moves in rehearsals

Whoops: They seemed to be having fun during practice but they failed to get it right on the night

Normally Lisa Riley and Louis Smith are up amongst the higher marked dancers.

But on Saturday night's show the judges were left unimpressed with their latest efforts.

Goodman told Lisa that the feel of her Rumba 'wasn't exciting', while Bruno agreed: 'It was nice but it was quite understated for you.'

Lady in red: Show favourite Lisa Riley received 27 points for her Rumba after the judges complained of it being understated and not as exciting as they'd hoped

Disappointed: Len Wiseman admitted he was hoping for more from the actress, who has previously been hailed for her dancefloor talents

The verdict: Lisa didn't look too pleased as her dance was critiqued

Paso Doble: Louis also failed to ignite with his dance, which Darcey complained didn't have enough attitude

And Louis failed to ignite with his dance, with Darcey telling him: 'The attitude just wasn't there for me.'

Both had scored 27 overall.

Although it was a good night for Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh who scored a dazzling 34, while Dani Harmer notched up an impressive 36.

Ouch! Denise Van Outen was dropped in rehearsals by her partner James Jordan but battled through it to become top of the board again

'Graceful': Denise hit the top of the leader board with 37 after Bruno gave her a 10

Feeling peachy: Denise wowed the judges and the audience yet again with her foot work

The scores: Victoria and Brendan were placed bottom, while Denise was Saturday's score winner, although the next one to leave will be announced on Sunday

Westlife's Nicky Byrne also had a big night - getting his biggest score of the series so far with an astonishing 36 after pulling in nines from all four judges.

But it was down to Denise Van Outen to top the leader board once more after getting a total of 37.

Darcey told her: 'That was graceful, you are a pleasure to watch.'

Bruno added: 'Smooth and weightless.'

Personal best: Westlife's Nicky Byrne also received his own highest score with all nines thanks to his energetic number

Electric: Kimberley Walsh also stunned with her dance, receiving a total of 34 from the judges

Giving it his all: Michael Vaughn also took to the dance floor to battle it out for his place in the competition

Shake it: Dani Harmer opened the show with her own energetic routine, setting the bar high with 36 points, one of the highest of the night

Saturday, 10 November 2012

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

KATCHING MY I

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