Showing posts with label Greg Rutherford. Show all posts

Sunday, 20 November 2016

Greg Rutherford is voted off Strictly in Blackpool... after an Olympic battle in the dance-off with gymnast Claudia Fragapane

'This is truly one of the best things I've done': Greg Rutherford is voted off Strictly in Blackpool... after an Olympic battle in the dance-off with gymnast Claudia Fragapane

PUBLISHED: 20:00, 20 November 2016 | UPDATED: 23:18, 20 November 2016

He's been one of the most improved contestants on this year's series - transforming from a clunky athlete to a dapper gentleman on the ballroom floor.

But sadly it was Greg Rutherford's turn to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night, as he became the ninth celebrity to be voted off the competition.

It quickly became a battle of the Olympians during the results show, which took place at the famous Blackpool ballroom, as the 30-year-old long jumper was pitched against fellow athlete and gymnast Claudia Fragapane in the dreaded dance-off.

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Farewell: It was Greg Rutherford's turn to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night, as he became the ninth celebrity to be voted off the competition

Despite dazzling with a toe-tapping Quickstep on Saturday night, the athlete found himself second from the bottom of the leader board.

However the viewers' vote had not been enough to save him either, landing him and partner Natalie Lowe in the bottom two for the second week in a row, alongside gymnast Claudia Fragapane and partner AJ Pritchard.

Both couples then took to the Blackpool floor once again in a bid to remain in the competition - but it was Claudia's jive which ultimately impressed, securing a clean sweep of votes from the judges.

Fight to the finish: His Quickstep had not been enough to save him, landing him and partner Natalie Lowe in the bottom two, alongside Claudia Fragapane and partner AJ Pritchard

Kicking off the feedback, Craig said of the tense battle: 'Well both couples I thought improved enormously and I don't really want to say goodbye to either of these couples.

'I have great respect for them but the couple closer to perfection for me and that I'd like to save, Claudia and AJ.'

Darcey followed suit, admitting: 'It's really tough to see both these couples in the dance off and they did such a better performance tonight, but the couple I'd would like to save for the stronger technique, Claudia and AJ.'

Improved: The judges acknowledged that Greg had 'improved enormously' and performed a 'much better performance' than on Saturday

Pipped to the post: However it was Claudia's jive which ultimately impressed, securing a clean sweep of votes from the judges

It was Bruno Tonioli who secured Claudia's survival with a third vote for the young pair, declaring: 'Well first let me say it was so much fun watching both of you tonight.

'You have brought so much energy and fun to both dances but I have to pick the couple I thought was stronger both content wise and performance wise, Claudia and AJ.'

Head Judge Len then agreed and said he would have voted for Claudia and AJ too if the former judges had been split in their decision.

Emotional: Talking to Tess about his Strictly experience, Greg gushed: 'It's been one of the most of incredible things in my life'

Friends for life: Meanwhile partner Natalie called him 'an amazing man' and admired him for 'getting out there and showing the world that you can dance'

Talking to Tess about his Strictly experience, Greg gushed: 'It's been one of the most of incredible things in my life.

I've been very lucky in my life and I've done some amazing things but this is truly one of the best things I've done,' before bringing blonde beauty Natalie in for a cuddle and adding: 'I've much such a good friend here.'

Natalie had nothing but praise for her redheaded partner in return, emotionally telling him: 'You are an amazing man. You've never had any dance experience and you got out there and you've just shown the world that you can dance.'

Better than a gold medal? Greg added on the experience: 'I've been very lucky in my life and I've done some amazing things but this is truly one of the best things I've done'

'Honestly this has been the most incredible experience of my life performing and dancing every Saturday night with you; I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Sorry I couldn't get you any further.'

Despite being disappointed by the prospect of leaving, Greg also waved goodbye to the competition with a sense of pride after reaching the annual Blackpool milestone.

Taking to the famous ballroom floor on Saturday night, the gold medalist matched his highest score so far of 32 with his bouncing Quickstep to Hand Jive by Cha Na Na.

The famous ballroom: Despite being disappointed by the prospect of leaving, Greg also waved goodbye with a sense of pride after reaching the annual Blackpool milestone

The dance had been met with high praise from the judges, even though he had made a few mistakes during the routine.

Bruno called the dance 'sporty, bouncy and bubbly' and admitted it was 'good to see a brighter side of you', while Darcey acknowledged he had 'natural spring and no problem travelling' but did 'lose control and make little mistakes'.

Meanwhile notoriously critical judge Craig confessed that he had 'danced it brilliantly', after he received a standing ovation from the audience.

Out on a high: The gold medalist had matched his highest score so far of 32 on Saturday night with his bouncing Quickstep to Hand Jive by Cha Na Na

Happy: Greg and Natalie were thrilled after their performance, with Bruno calling it 'sporty, bouncy and bubbly' while Darcey acknowledged he had 'natural spring'

Claudia and AJ however did secure a place in next week's show - alongside Ore Oduba, Judge Rinder, Louise Redknapp, Ed Balls and Danny Mac, who secured the first perfect score of 2016 with his Charleston.

The couples will be feeling the pressure this coming week however as next Saturday's episode will feature a never-before seen feature - taking shape as an extra dance competition for the contestants.

All six hopefuls will be taking to the floor at the same time for a Cha Cha Challenge - where extra valuable points from the judges will be up for grabs.

Getting playful: Claudia and AJ however did secure a place in next week's edition of the beloved show - alongside Ore Oduba, Judge Rinder, Louise Redknapp, Ed Balls and Danny Mac

Upping the stakes: However the pressure is on for all six hopefuls next Saturday as they will be taking to the floor at the same time for a Cha Cha Challenge - where extra points from the judges will be up for grabs

Monday, 14 November 2016

Smiling Daisy Lowe flashes her toned abs in a crop top as she puts on a brave face after Strictly elimination

'I'm heartbroken, but proud of myself': Smiling Daisy Lowe flashes her toned abs in a crop top as she puts on a brave face after Strictly elimination

By JJ NATTRASS and JOANNA CRAWLEY FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 12:38, 14 November 2016 | UPDATED: 16:31, 14 November 2016

She was a favourite to win the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing at the outset.

But a 'heartbroken' Daisy Lowe found herself putting on a brave face as she headed out into London on Monday, less than 24 hours after getting the boot from the show.

Having been up early to tell her pal Nick Grimshaw and his Radio 1 listeners about her exit, the model, 27, then headed out for a stroll in an ab-flashing ensemble.

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Down and out? A 'heartbroken' Daisy Lowe found herself putting on a brave face as she headed out into London on Monday, less than 24 hours after getting the boot from the show

'I'm pretty heartbroken but I'm really proud of myself because I actually managed to survive eight weeks of it,' Daisy told her BFF on his breakfast show.

'I loved every minute of it and I'm never going to stop dancing. It created the most mental adventure of my whole entire life.'

Following her morning with Grimmy, Daisy headed out into the capital and braved the cold weather in a casual yet chic affair.

Teaming a cropped white jumper with a pair of high-waisted denim skinny jeans, the face of Triumph lingerie flaunted her envy-inducing flat tummy.

Putting on a brave face? Having been up early to tell her pal Nick Grimshaw and his Radio 1 listeners about her exit, the model, 27, then headed out for a stroll in an ab-flashing ensemble

Kitting herself out with a snazzy pink mac to combat the rain, Daisy ensured had a seasonally swish edge to her look.

She rounded her wardrobe off her trademark biker boots, which she wore laced-up tight to the top.

The newly-single star, who split with boyfriend Bradley 'Frankie' Wade just a week before her exit, hid her gaze under a pair of over-sized black sunglasses.

Heartbreaking: 'I'm pretty heartbroken but I'm really proud of myself because I actually managed to survive eight weeks of it,' Daisy told her BFF on his breakfast show

Ab-flashing fashion: Teaming a cropped white jumper with a pair of high-waisted denim skinny jeans, the face of Triumph lingerie flaunted her envy-inducing flat tummy

Wearing her raven locks in her customary tousled and teased manner, the ballroom vixen left her hair free to blow in the breeze.

The billboard beauty allowed her naturally striking looks to shine through, with Daisy opting for a minimal palette of make-up.

Despite having bombed out of the show in the dance-off against Olympian Greg Rutherford, Daisy was able to muster a big beaming smile.

Rain, rain, go away: Kitting herself out with a snazzy pink mac to combat the rain, Daisy ensured had a seasonally swish edge to her look

Natural beauty: Wearing her raven locks in her customary tousled and teased manner, the ballroom vixen left her hair free to blow in the breeze

However, she looked utterly devastated to be leaving the competition just one week before the vaunted Blackpool special, on Sunday night.

The model's Saturday night salsa to Groove is in the Heart with Aljaz Skorjanec failed to win over the public.

And the couple found themselves in the bottom two, for the third time in as many week, against Greg and Natalie Lowe.

Out: She looked utterly devastated to be leaving the competition just one week before the vaunted Blackpool special, on Sunday night

Bottom two: The model's Saturday night salsa to Groove is in the Heart with her pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec failed to win over the public

After hearing she was facing the dreaded dance off yet again, Daisy told host Tess Daly: 'I'm just hoping it's not the third and final one! I love that dance,' before turning to her partner Alkaz and telling him 'I'm sorry.'

'I think you did an incredible job', he told her. 'And we're gonna do it again.'

Judge Darcey advised Daisy to soften her knees and work on her balance issues but mostly to 'sell it and embrace it with that wonderful confidence you gave on Saturday night.'

First dance off: he couple found themselves in the bottom two against Olympian Greg Rutherford and Natalie Lowe, with both couples receiving the same score the night before

Greg meanwhile looked relatively calm ahead of his debut dance off where he performed his Pasa Doble again, telling Tess 'we'll hopefully get through any of the mistakes we had during the first try.'

Both Daisy and Greg got emotional as they expressed how much they wanted to make it Blackpool, with Greg saying 'it's hard to put it into words. It would be amazing to make it to next week.'

In the end the judges vote saw Craig and Darcey vote to save Greg, with Craig exclaiming that he and Natalie had 'totally and utterly nailed the dance,' the second time around.

Emotional: After hearing she was facing the dreaded dance off yet again, Daisy told host Tess Daly: 'I'm just hoping it's not the third and final one!'

Second time around: Greg meanwhile looked relatively calm ahead of his debut dance off, telling Tess 'we'll hopefully get through any of the mistakes we had during the first try'

Tense: Daisy, Aljaz, Greg and Natalie waited nervously after their dances as the judges voted

Bruno though voted for Daisy, declaring the dance off to be a 'clash of titans,' which resulted in head judge Len having the casting vote.

Len explained: 'Obviously because it's a split decision that shows the closeness of this competition. However I have to go with my brain and not my heart and my brain says the most polished and technical performance is Greg and Natalie.'

'I've loved every minute,' Daisy said after the decision. 'Thank you so much for everything...and this one, my dear friend,' she added as she hugged Aljaz, who told Daisy:

Close call: In the end the judges vote saw Craig and Darcey vote to save Greg, while Bruno went for Daisy, leaving the casting vote with head judge Len who voted for Greg

Going out on a high: 'I've loved every minute,' Daisy said after the decision. 'Thank you so much for everything'

Saying goodbye: Daisy hugged Greg as she prepared to head to the dance floor one last time

'Thank you, you've been the most joyous in rehearsals, you've taught me so much. You're the most beautiful person inside out, you're a beautiful dancer..

'Thank you for making this Strictly experience unforgettable for me.'

Meanwhile Ed Balls exclaimed 'we did it' as he and partner Katya Jones made it through after leaving viewers, and the judges, speechless with their Gangnam Style salsa the night before.

Flower power: Daisy ensured she gave it her all as she performed an energetic salsa to Groove Is In The Heart on Saturday night

Impressive: Tied with the same number of points was Greg and Natalie who performed a powerful Pasa Doble

Daisy ensured she gave it her all as she performed an energetic salsa on Saturday night.

After Aljaz warned 'we're both quite tall so its sometimes tricky to get the lifts quite right', viewers were watching with baited breath, but needed not to worry.

Despite some wobbles, their salsa proved to be drama free and they recieved positive comments from the judges.

Head judge Len Goodman was particularly positive, exclaiming: 'Who better to give us some flower power than a Daisy!'

Crowd pleaser: Meanwhile Ed Balls exclaimed 'we did it' as he made it through after leaving viewers, and the judges, speechless with their Gangnam Style salsa the night before

He continued: There was a little mistake but you carried on so well done to you!'

Meanwhile, Bruno referenced the fact the BBC's most beloved baker in the audience as he said: That salsa... I'm sure Mary Berry would approve wouldn't you darling!'

Craig Revel Horwood wasn't quite as forthcoming, pointing out: 'The footwork was haphazard and continually disjointed, the lifts were great but transitions were sticky.'

He did heap on some praise, however, as he continued: 'My darling, you are so supple, I love those leg extensions!'

Lost for words: The standout moment of Saturday night went to Ed

Tribute: Sunday's show also featured a moving dance telling the story of Madge and Basil Lambert, who met and fell in love during WW2

And whilst it may not have been her best score, Daisy still earned a respectable 31 points.

Danny Mac's Argentine Tango with Oti Mabuse which some of the judges deemed too 'aggressive', was the top performing routine of the night.

Whilst Darcey and Craig believed the dance had too much attack and scored the pair nine points each, Len and Bruno were in awe of the routine, both scoring 10.

Closing the show was Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton, who outdid themselves with their American Smooth.

Too much? On the other end of the spectrum was Danny Mac's Argentine Tango with Oti Mabuse which some of the judges deemed too 'aggressive'

Bruno remarked: 'You looked the part and the danced the part!'

But whilst Len remarked that they could expect a 'big score' the pair failed to top the leaderboard with just 37 points, which lead to their fellow dancers screaming the pair had been 'undermarked'.

The standout moment of the night went to Ed Balls, who performed a show-stopping salsa to Gangnam Style with Katya Jones.

Claudia announced after Ed had made it through that during next week's special in Blackpool, the former MP will jive to Great Balls of Fire, after being lowered from the ceiling playing a piano.

Dancing duo: Closing the show was Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton, who outdid themselves with their American Smooth

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Sunday, 20 November 2016

Greg Rutherford is voted off Strictly in Blackpool... after an Olympic battle in the dance-off with gymnast Claudia Fragapane

'This is truly one of the best things I've done': Greg Rutherford is voted off Strictly in Blackpool... after an Olympic battle in the dance-off with gymnast Claudia Fragapane

Monday, 14 November 2016

Smiling Daisy Lowe flashes her toned abs in a crop top as she puts on a brave face after Strictly elimination

'I'm heartbroken, but proud of myself': Smiling Daisy Lowe flashes her toned abs in a crop top as she puts on a brave face after Strictly elimination

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