Westlife star Nicky Byrne leaves Strictly as former favourite Denise Van Outen scrapes into the semi-final

By DONNA MCCONNELL

PUBLISHED: 19:38, 9 December 2012 | UPDATED: 19:59, 9 December 2012

Former Westlife star Nicky Byrne became the ninth star to leave Strictly Come Dancing after the judges chose to save competition favourite Denise Van Outen. 

Nicky, partner Karen Hauer and the six remaining couples took to the dance floor in a final bid to book their places in the semi-final but a combination of viewer votes and the judges scores left Byrne, 34, and Denise, 38, at the mercy of the judges as the lowest scoring couples.

The handsome father of two's exit came after he found himself in the bottom two for the second consecutive week. On Saturday night he failed to impress judges with his fusion dance to Olly Murs' song Troublemaker.

Programme Name: Strictly Come Dancing his way out of there: Nicky Byrne and his partner Karen Hauer were kicked off Strictly on Sunday night's show

The singer looked suave in a pin-striped suit as he performed his combination of the Quickstep and the American Smooth but judge Craig Revel Horword said: 'There wasn't any bounce - your posture was awful in the American Smooth.'

And he prophetically added: 'I suspect that we're going to be seeing that dance again.' With just a score of five from Craig, Nicky found himself at the bottom of the leader board.

Denise got her heel caught in her dress during her routine with partner James Jordan which was a combination of a Jive and a Quickstep. Head judge Len Goodman loved the routine: 'The quickstep had show and the jive had go.'

We had a ball: The Westlife singer was seen hugging Louis Smith as he bowed out of the competition

Tough spot: Nicky find himself in the bottom two along with Denise Van Outen

'You were going at the speed of light. Apart from that moment when you caught yourself, it was superb,' said Bruno Tonioli.

But the viewer votes and combination of judges' scores was not enough to save them from the dreaded dance-off.

After both couples had performed for a second time on Sunday night the judges unanimously chose to save Denise and partner James Jordan.

Showing off his moves: The singer's efforts in the dance off didn't win over the judges

Putting her best foot forward: Denise was disappointed to be in the bottom two but the judges chose to save her

Darcey conceded: 'They were both very strong performances but I’m going to save Denise and James.' As did Bruno calling Denise and James 'the outstanding couple.'

Nicky said of his Strictly experience: 'It has been just so much fun.  It is the biggest and best show in the world. To come out every Saturday night is hard but it’s playing a different character, doing a different dance – it’s just been amazing.  

And he paid tribute to his dance partner: 'Karen, every week, every day has been incredible.  We had a bit of a shaky start in terms of judges and stuff, but we just seemed to improve.  

Emotional: Nicky's partner Karen became upset when the judges failed to save them following the dance off

'I have to say thank you to the judges – you have been absolutely amazing with all your advice, all the people backstage – even the people that get you your coffee - I am going to miss the whole thing it’s been an amazing experience.'

Karen who joined the show this season, described dancing with Nicky as 'amazing' and said she could not have wished for a better celeb [partner].

Denise faces strong competition from Olympian Louis Smith, actress Dani Harmer and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh who bagged a perfect score of four 10s from the judges, the highest score of the series so far.

The Girls Aloud star got a standing ovation from the audience after her combination of the Chachacha and the Tango to It's Raining Men.

Described as 'the dance of the season' by Bruno Tonioli, the singer topped the leaderboard.

On Sunday’s Results show, Grammy award-winning singer Michael Buble performed It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.

Next week Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturday 15th December at 6.30pm with the results show on Sunday 16th December at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC One HD.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2245502/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-Nicky-Byrne-leaves-Strictly-favourite-Denise-Van-Outen-scrapes-semi-final.html#ixzz2EbGkjkcp
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Kimberley Walsh gets the highest score of the series and four 10s from the judges in Strictly Come Dancing quarter final

'The dance of the season': Kimberley Walsh gets the highest score of the series and four 10s from the judges in Strictly Come Dancing quarter final

By JENNIFER RUBY

PUBLISHED: 20:24, 8 December 2012 | UPDATED: 21:12, 8 December 2012

She's had ups and downs during her time on Strictly Come Dancing.

But Kimberley Walsh certainly proved her dancing credentials on Saturday night's show after bagging four 10s from the judges and the highest score of the series so far.

The Girls Aloud star impressed all four judges and got a standing ovation from the audience after her combination of the Chachacha and the Tango to It's Raining Men.

Highest score: Kimberley Walsh wowed the judges, bagging four 10's

Described as 'the dance of the season' by Bruno Tonioli, the singer found herself at the top of the leaderboard.

But while the singer got the highest possible score that she could get, Westlife star Nicky Bryne languished at the bottom of the leader board.

Things certainly heated up on the Strictly dance floor this week as the contestants had to combine two different dances into one routine.

Vying for a place in next week's semi finals, the stars were given the challenge of pulling off two completely different styles.

Wowing the crowd: The pair got a standing ovation from the crowd and a perfect score from the judges

Elation: Kimberley couldn't stop screaming as the their dance was described as the 'best of the season'

Top score: The Girls Aloud star got the best score of the entire series the week before the semi finals

Denise Van Outen kicked off this week's Dance Fusion themed show with the combination of a Jive and a Quickstep, after their troublesome performance last week.

The TV presenter looked like she was heading back to the 1950's during her fast-paced dance, wearing a prom style skirt.

Len Goodmen loved the routine, saying: 'The quickstep had show and the jive had go'

But the Essex girl got her heel caught up in her dress, causing a bit of a slip up.

She's got the moves: Denise Van Outen went back to the 1950's for her combination of the jive and the quickstep

Back on form: After a slip up last week, Denise and James got a better score for their dance fusion on Saturday

'You were going at the speed of light. Apart from that moment when you caught yourself, it was superb,' said Bruno Tonioli.

Despite the problems, they did better than last week, bagging themselves a score of 35.

Lisa Riley was next up, giving her performance her usual enthusiasm, hoping for a place in the final five.

Her combination of the Chachacha and the Tango impressed the judges as usual, although they all preferred one style to the other.

'Lisa I love the way you expose yourself, said Bruno.

Mixed reviews: Lisa Reilly impressed the judges with her enthusiasm but had a little slip up

Still popular: Lisa brought her unique brand of enthusiasm to her fusion performance

'For me, I though you tango was the stronger one. I though the Chacha got loose, you needed sharper and stronger legs,' commented Darcey Bussell.

'For me it was all a bit too predictable,' said Len. 'However, for enthusiasm, you are the kid.'

The much loved star managed to get a respectable score of 30 from the judges.

Westlife's Nicky Bryne was in the bottom two last week, so he knew that he had a lot to prove with his fusion dance to Olly Murs' Troublemaker.

Failed to impress: Nicky Bryne didn't impress Craig during his dance fusion performance

In trouble: Nicky found himself at the bottom of the leader board after his dance

Giving it his all: Nicky put his all into the fusion dance, but still failed to impress Craig

Worrying position: With just one more week until the semi finals, Nicky is trying to hold on

The singer looked suave in a pin-striped suit as he performed his combination of the Quickstep and the American Smooth but unfortunately he failed to impress the judging panel.

'There wasn't any bounce - your posture was awful in the American Smooth,' said Craig Revel Horwood. 'I suspect that we're going to be seeing that dance again.'

'I though you came out and did a good job,' admitted Len.

With just a score of five from Craig, Nicky found himself at the bottom of the leader board.

Dani Harmer, who has admitted to giving up drinking for the rest of the competition, put her all into her routine.

Flapper style: Dani bagged an amazing score of 38 for her fusion dance

What a score: Dani bagged a great score from the judges, coming second on the leader board

Dancing the Charleston and the Quickstep fusion, Dani and partner Vincent Simone embraced the 1920's in flapper style and got the first standing ovation from the night from the audience.

'You upped your technical ability,' said Darcey. 'It was a cheeky, fun, sweet Charleston.'

'Stylistically it was absolute perfection,' said Bruno.

Impressing the judges, the pair bagged a score of 38.

Olympian Louis Smith, who got two 10's last week, tried to up his game on Saturday night.

The sportsman admitted that he had to up his sex appeal if he was going to make the semi-final.

Embracing the romance: Louis Smith wowed the judges with his performance, after trying to embrace his sexy side

It's looking good: The Olympian managed to impress all of the judges, putting him towards the top of the leader board

In a spin: Louise spins partner Flavia around the floor during his fusion performance

'I need to some across as some kind of Romeo - it'll be a miracle. Girls don't even notice me,' he admitted.

Combining the Tango and the Rumba, the pair impressed the judging panel, getting a ten from Len and an overall score of 37.

Kimberley Walsh was the last to perform in a bright red ballgown.

'Now that is dancing,' is all that a stunned Craig had to say after the knockout performance.

'I loved it and you made it your own - really well done,' said Darcy.

Beating her highest score of 34, she bagged a ten from all four judges, making it a full house and the highest score of the series.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2245162/Kimberley-Walsh-gets-highest-score-series-10s-judges-Strictly-Come-Dancing-quarter-final.html#ixzz2EV0Y43oQ
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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

By EMILY SHERIDAN

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

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2241914/Strictly-Come-Dancing-Michael-Vaughan-sambas-Strictly-ending-leaderboard.html#ixzz2DwI4Hspz
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Strictly see-through! Nicky Byrne's partner Karen Hauer sets temperatures rising in a barely-there dress

By EMILY SHERIDAN

PUBLISHED: 20:20, 1 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:10, 1 December 2012

Karen Hauer is the newest member of the Strictly Come Dancing professionals as she partners Westlife singer Nicky Byrne.

However, the Venezuelan pro certainly stood out from her peers on Saturday night's show as she raised temperatures in a very risque dress.

The 30-year-old dancer left little to the imagination as she performed the Argentine Tango in a tiny lace dress.

Scroll down for video

Sizzling: Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer performed the Argentine Tango on Saturday night's episode pf Strictly Come Dancing

The sheer lace panels and the high hemline barely covered her super-toned physique as she strode across the floor.

At one point she wrapped her legs around Nicky, nearly flashing her derriere to the cameras as they performed to Adele's James Bond theme song Skyfall, ending up with a score of 30.

Her dress certainly got a good response on Twitter, with many viewers remarking how sexy it was.

Setting temperatures rising: The sheer grey lace dress showcased Karen's stunning figure

It's a sheer thing: The Venuzuelan dancer's revealing dress showed off her derriere

Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede tweeted: 'I'm not sure about Karen's dress going to a point at the crotch. Must ask for a 'strictly' next time I go for a wax. #scd @bbcstrictly.'

One Twitter user tweeted: 'Blimey... there doesn't appear to be much of Karen's dress... but it looks gorgeous.'

Another wrote: 'Wow can see Karen's dress properly now - skimpy ain't the word! Perfect Bond girl lol #scd.'

A male Twitter user wrote: 'Karen Hauer - almost pornographic there! Hot Hot!'

'Skimpy ain't the word': Some viewers took to Twitter to comment on Karen's saucy outfit

Following their sizzling performance, judge Darcey Bussell said: 'The intensity was perfect... I would have liked a more lustful Nicky towards Karen in those moves... You can get a little bit hard and it has to be a bit more sensual.

'Think about your pecs. Definitely a great performance.'

Len Goodman added: ''The overall feeling of the dance for me was too much ballroom-y tango... It could have been a bit more fluid in the movement... I loved all the lifts.'

Leggy: The judges told Nicky he should have been more lustful towards Karen during the dance

Bruno Tonioli remarked: 'I think a lot of people like it that hard. You have the license to kill... You put so much power into it.'

Karen only joined Strictly Come Dancing this year, but has previously been seen on the US show So You Think You Can Dance.

She originally participated with her then-husband Matthew Hauer in the 2009 series, but was eliminated in Week 5.

Disappointing: The couple ended up with 30, despite a standing ovation from the crowd

Hailing from Venuzuela, it's no surprise Karen is a Latin dance specialist and was a former World Mambo champion.

She started off her debut Strictly series in Week 1 with a ticking off from judge Craig Revel Horwood for an illegal lift in her and Nicky's waltz.

She defended her choreography at the time, saying: 'I don’t think it was a mistake. We take risks as performers and artists and it was a learning experience.

'I am new to this so I had to learn the ropes. It was just a shame Nicky did a great waltz and all of the focus was on those two seconds where my feet left the floor.'

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

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2237926/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-Cyclist-Victoria-Pendleton-lacks-spice-lands-the-leader-board-Salsa.html#ixzz2DAwHbTen
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