Louis Smith wins Strictly Come Dancing for a second time... as Sir Bruce Forsyth makes his return on Christmas special

By BECKY FREETH FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 18:20, 25 December 2014 | UPDATED: 22:44, 25 December 2014

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith has added another trophy to his collection after winning the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, in which Sir Bruce Forsyth returned to the ballroom.

The 25-year-old competed against fellow contestants from previous series - Rachel Stevens, Lisa Riley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Chris Hollins and Russell Grant - in the TV special.

Smith, who partnered professional Aliona Vilani, was crowned King of the Christmas Ballroom after earning a perfect score of 40 points from the judges for a quickstep, to the song Jingle Bells.

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Big win: Strictly Come Dancing's Louis Smith takes his second win as previous competitors return for the Christmas Day special

The gymnast, who was Strictly champion in 2012, lifted the Christmas Silver Star trophy after the score from the judges was combined with the vote from the studio audience in the BBC One show.

Sir Bruce, who bowed out as the regular weekly host of Strictly this year, returned to present the Christmas show with Tess Daly and sung a version of Winter Wonderland, accompanied by professional dancers.

The Christmas special featured the judges in pantomime costume, with Bruno Tonioli as Buttons, acid-tongued Craig Revel Horwood as The Evil Queen, Darcey Bussell as the Fairy Godmother and head judge Len Goodman as Cinderella's father Baron Hardup.

See Louis Smith's winning dance on the Christmas Strictly special

Making his return: Strictly veterean Sir Bruce Forsyth returned for the annual Christmas Day ballroom treat

'You just gotta train' Louis on getting his HOT BOD back

Contestants also took on the roles of pantomime characters, with singer Ellis-Bextor as Sleeping Beauty and actress Riley as Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz.

S Club 7's Stevens also appeared as Tinkerbell, Smith was Jack from Jack And The Beanstalk, TV presenter Hollins became Dick Whittington and astrologer Grant was the genie from Aladdin.

Smith said of his win: 'It's a nice present, I am not going to lie! We've had such a fun time although the first week of rehearsals was hard. 

Doing the double: Louis with his partner Aliona Vilani scored a perfect 40 score from judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Len Goodman

A warm welcome: Strictly's former winner Sophie Ellis Bextor lit up the dancefloor in powder pink

Bringing it all back: S Club 7's Rachel Stevens slipped on her dancing shoes and received a whopping 38 for her dance

'But since then we have just been chilling out, laughing and giggling, messing around on the dance floor, it's been really good fun.'

The couples also performed a group number to All I Want For Christmas Is You, while the show ended with a pantomime finale featuring professional dancer Natalie Lowe as Cinderella.

2009 winner Chris Hollins and his partner Iveta Lukosiute returned with a charleston to Sleigh Ride first on the night, taking an honourable score of 31.

Bottom of the table: Lisa Riley achieved an honourable score of 32 from the judges, dressed as Dorothy of Oz

Cheeky chappy: Russell Grant had his moment dressed as Aladdin but fell at the bottom of the table with 29

Winning ladies Rachel Stevens and Sophie Ellis-Bextor were top of the scoreboard with 38 and 39 scores respectively when they danced with partners Tristan MacManus and Aljaz Skorjanec.

That was until Louis Smith stepped back onto the ballroom stage with Aliona and quickstepped his way to a  perfect 40 from the judges. 

At the bottom of the table was astrologer Russell Grant with 29 and bubbly TV personality Lisa Riley, who achieved a 32.

Champion: Gymnast Louis followed up his glitter ball with a special festive star trophy

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2887085/Louis-Smith-takes-second-Strictly-Come-Dancing-victory-Sir-Bruce-Forsyth-makes-return-Xmas-special.html#ixzz3MxKwOicB
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Corrie star Georgia May Foote in plunging burgundy gown leads the glamour at Best Bravest Women Award

Corrie star Georgia May Foote puts her lean and slender frame on display in plunging burgundy gown as she leads the glamour at magazine awards

By SHARNAZ SHAHID FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 00:16, 18 November 2014 | UPDATED: 02:40, 18 November 2014

If there’s anyone who knows how to stun in a form-fitting dress, it’s Georgia May Foote.

The Coronation Street actress wore yet another one, sexy ensemble, on Monday night when she attended the Best Bravest Women Awards.

She pulled out all the stops in a burgundy coloured number, which highlighted her lean and slender frame in all its glory as she made her red carpet arrival at St. James' Court Hotel in London.

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She's a knockout! Georgia May Foote made a stunning appearance at the Best Bravest Women Awards in London on Monday night 

The 23-year-old star – who plays Katy Armstrong in the popular ITV soap – added height to the proceedings with a classic pair of black heeled courts by Christian Louboutin, while keeping her accessories to a minimum with a designer handbag.

Wearing her glossy dark locks in loose and relaxed waves, Georgia accentuated her pretty facial features with a heavily lined eye and rouge that was the same deep crimson shade of her dress.

During the evening’s event, she tweeted: ‘An amazing night at the #bestbravestwomen awards! 

‘What inspirational people! I am in awe of these beautiful women’

Body confident! The Coronation Street actress pulled out all the stops in a burgundy coloured number, which highlighted her lean and slender frame in all its glory

Final touches: The 23-year-old star added height to the proceedings with a classic pair of black heeled court, while keeping her accessories to a minimum with a designer handbag

Meanwhile, former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James looked sensational in an elegant pleated flared skirt, which she teamed with a matching ivory coloured blouse.

She accessorised her demure ensemble with black suede leather high heels and various colourful bracelets.

Other guests at the event included former X Factor winner James Arthur, TV personality Kate Garraway and Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan.

City chic: Former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James looked sensational in an elegant pleated flared skirt, which she teamed with a matching ivory coloured blouse

Classy! Wearing her blonde locks in loose waves, she accessorised her demure ensemble with black suede leather high heels and various colourful bracelets

Coleen, 49, was pictured arriving at the star-studded bash with co-anchor Andrea McLean, who turned heads in a vixen red knee-length number.

The former singer opted to rock a smart black skirt and a sequined blouse, while covering up in a matching jacket, which boasted silver studs on the sleeves. 

Here come the girls: Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan was pictured arriving at the star-studded bash with co-anchor Andrea McLean, who turned heads in a vixen red knee-length number

Make way: The former singer opted to rock a smart black skirt and a sequinned blouse, while covering up in a matching jacket, which boasted silver studs on the sleeves

Red-dy to party! Lizzie Cundy flashed her toned legs in a thigh-high split gown

Monochrome: Other guests at the event included TV personality Kate Garraway, who kept things simple, yet, chic in black skintight jeans and a white furry coat

Strictly sizzling! Professional dancers Kristina Rihanoff (left) and Camilla Dallerup (right) turned heads with their bold and colourful style choices

Rock royalty: Jo Wood made a glitzy appearance with a long shimmery overlay and black leather pants

Reunited! Robin Windsor and Lisa Riley appeared to be in high spirits as they arrived together

Very smart! Craig Revel Horwood looked handsome in a deep blue two-piece tailored suit and black shiny shoes

Thumbs up! Jahmene Douglas rocked up in an all-black ensemble, consisting of tailored trousers and a slick blazer jacket 

X Factor stars: James Arthur (left) opted to wear skintight jeans and a deep red T-shirt, while Matt Cardle (right) looked smart in a checked three-piece suit

Lovebirds: Carrie Grant took her husband David as her date at the event on Monday night

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2838614/Corrie-star-Georgia-Foote-puts-lean-slender-frame-display-plunging-burgundy-gown-leads-glamour-Best-Bravest-Women-Awards.html#ixzz3JPCf5Djz
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Comic Relief's Let's Dance

'You were born for this': I'm A Celeb's Rosemary Shrager dresses as Jane Russell as she teams up with Kim Woodburn for Comic Relief's Let's Dance

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 21:27, 23 February 2013 | UPDATED: 23:04, 23 February 2013

She lost a huge amount of weight during her time in the jungle, so it's no surprise that I'm a Celeb's Rosemary Shrager wanted to make the most of her new trimmer figure on Comic Relief's Let's Dance.

Dressing up as Marylin Monroe and teaming up with How Clean Is Your House's Kim Woodburn, the TV cook embraced old school Hollywood glamour as she danced to Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend.

The ladies were competing against acts including the cast of Waterloo Road who formed a Spice Girls tribute act, Corrie's Antony Cotton who showed off his tap dancing skills and comedienne Katherine Ryan who donned a fat suit for her Nicki Minaj impression.

Going glam: Former I'm A Celeb contestant Rosemary Shrager dresses as Jane Russell for Let's Dance for Comic Relief on Saturday

Unfortunately for them, Rosemary and Kim didn't receive enough votes to go through to the final, with Antony winning the most public votes and Katherine being saved by the panel.

First up were the cast of BBC school drama Waterloo Road, in an act that saw the students join forces with the staff to create a Spice Girls tribute band.

Dancing to the group's hit Spice Up Your Life, the stars vamped it up in glitzy outfits, with two of the boys dressing as Mel C and Victoria Beckham.

They even got judges Paloma Faith, Lisa Riley and Jason Manford involved, making them shake maracas during the vivacious performance.

'What a great way to start the night. You literally did bring some spice. I feel like a proud mother,' said Lisa.

Spice Up Your Life: The cast of Waterloo Road are the first to perform dressed as the Spice Girls

Hold tight! The boys dress as Mel C and Victoria Beckham, putting on an energetic performance, all in the name of charity

Spice Girls reborn: Even the boys embrace their feminine side for the show, as everyone gets into the spirit of things

'It's like they were in the room - but the boys were enjoying it a little bit too much,' joked fellow judge comedian Jason.

Impressionist Jon Culshaw was the next star to take to the stage to show off his dancing skills, dancing to Fatboy Slim's Praise You.

Starting out in the BBC reception, the man of many faces dressed as a cleaner for his routine, and flanked by fellow dancers, he ran into the studio.

Wearing a wig and retro pair of glasses, the impressionist went to town with his dad dancing, putting his boundless energy to great use.

'I thought that was brilliant, I thought the place might go up with all the nylon being rubbed together,' said Jason.

Eclectic mix of judges: This week's judges are Lisa Riley, Jason Manford and Paloma Faith, who all seemed impressed by the routine

Creating an impression: Jon Culshaw impressed with his dance to Fatboy Slim's Praise You, running through the studio

Dad dancing: Jon put on an interesting outfit as he showed off his impressive dad dancing on stage

I was really impressed with the styling - it's so now. Brilliant images,' said a typically quirky Paloma.

'It was like a party in a charity shop. I really, really enjoyed it though, well done,' said Lisa, who recently wowed on Strictly Come Dancing.

The next act was the slightly intimidating pairing of presenter and cleaning expert Kim and TV cook Rosemary, who dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell from Diamonds Are A Girls' Best Friend.

Slipping into tight, pink satin gowns, the TV stars embraced their inner Hollywood stars and were lifted into the air by a number of suave young men.

'I love you both, You are both now my pin-ups. I can't say anything bad and I'm very envious of their costumes,' said an impressed Paloma.

Here come the girls: Rosemary and Kim squeeze into tight pink gowns for their performance, proving what a good comedy duo they are

Making the most of it: Rosemary, who shed a lot of weight in the jungle, showed off the fruit of her labour in the glam gown

Giving it their all: The two TV stars put on an impressive performance, but don't get enough votes to make it through

Up in the air: Rosemary is lifted off the ground by a team of young dancers during their comic dance routine

'I was...I can't even...I don't know how you did it - but you were born for it. You're wasted doing cooking and cleaning,' said Jason. 'I don't know how that was allowed to be pre-watershed.'

'I have to tell you I didn't think that I was going to get into the air,' admitted Rosemary.

Canadian comedienne Katherine Ryan was up next, dancing to Nicki Minaj track Starships.

Taking the micky out of the singer's curvaceous figure, the star wore a fat suit with comically large bottom and thigh area.

Next up was Corrie's Antony Cotton, who performed to Anything Goes, in a retro routine set inside a care home.

'It was proper dancing, proper tap, proper choreography - what are you doing on this show?' joked Jason.

Sending her up: Comedienne Katherine Ryan dresses as Nicki Minaj, wearing a body suit, for her routine

Bootilicious: Katherine plays on Nicki's curvaceous figure as she dances to Starships

Through to the final: Thanks to the judging panel, Katherine will perform her routine again in the final

'I'm just astonished. I expect Coronation Street the musical is going to be in the pipeline next,' said Paloma. 

I can't be biased because you're my best friend, but that was amazing. I've seen you dancing after a few G&Ts but this was nothing like that,' said Lisa.

Former Corrie star Suranne Jones and current co-star Jennie McAlpine were there to support him.

Later, in the show's backstage pub Shenanigans, Rosemary and Kim showed off their singing skills with a spot of karaoke, belting out Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer.

Thanks to the public, it was Antony who won the most votes and was put through, with Jon and Kim and Rosemary getting the least and automatically leaving the show.

Then Paloma and Jason chose to save Katherine over the cast of Waterloo Road, meaning that she too goes though to the final.

Winning performance: Antony Cotton wows as he shows off his tap dancing skills, gaining him the most public votes

Dapper dancing: The Corrie star swaps his overalls for black tie as he continues his routine

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2283442/Im-A-Celebs-Rosemary-Shrager-dresses-Jane-Russell-teams-Kim-Woodburn-Comic-Reliefs-Lets-Dance.html#ixzz2LlexWpkb
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Lisa Riley leaves Strictly Come Dancing...

'She's shown you don't have to be a certain size to dance': Lisa Riley leaves Strictly Come Dancing... as Denise Van Outen scrapes a place in the final

By LOUISE SAUNDERS

PUBLISHED: 19:30, 16 December 2012 | UPDATED: 19:47, 16 December 2012

She's kept television audiences entertained for the past 10 weeks with her energetic routines and can-do attitude. 

But Lisa Riley has now performed her last tango on Strictly Come Dancing after narrowly missing out on a place in the grand final of the BBC One show next weekend. 

The former Emmerdale actress was voted off the series after losing a dance-off to former favourite Denise Van Outen.

The last tango: Lisa Riley narrowly missed out on a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final after losing a dance-off against Denise Van Outen

Despite receiving a standing ovation from Craig Revel-Horwood, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell for her American Smooth with partner Robin Windsor, the judges chose to save Denise and James Jordan.

Bruno said: 'First I have to say you’ve both done so well to come this far, great dancing, great entertainment but I have to go for the best dance and that was delivered by Denise and James.'

Darcey added: 'This is so hard but yes, technically, the ones I’m going to save are Denise and James.'

Emotional: Lisa broke down in tears upon hearing she would be leaving the competition

Tension: Both Lisa and Denise seemed to be on edge as they waited to hear their fate

Hearing that she would be the tenth celebrity to leave the competition, the 36-year-old actress broke down in tears as she admitted the experience had been 'the best' of her life. 

Lisa said: 'It’s been the best time of my entire life, I can’t thank you enough. From the costume to the makeup, everybody backstage is just beyond belief, and all the judges, I’ve had the time of my life. And one person has made that and that’s Robin Windsor. He has just been amazing.

'What you don’t all know is having me as a partner is a really, really tough ask and every week, week in week out he’s done it…and he’s helped me through one of the toughest times of my life. I owe every inch of Strictly to him, he’s just amazing.'

Comforting: The 36-year-old actress and her partner Robin Windsor sobbed on host Tess Daly

Time of her life: Lisa admitted participating in Strictly Come Dancing was the 'best experience' of her life

Robin was also visibly fighting back the tears, telling the audience that curvy Lisa has proven you don't have to be a 'certain size' to be a great dancer. 

He said: 'I just want to say from day one this whole experience this year has been absolutely amazing, and Lisa has come out and shown you don’t have to be a certain size to dance, and she’s inspired so many people around the country. She is one of the loveliest, nicest people I’ve ever met.'

In one of the most emotional exits the show has ever seen, the pair then took to the dancefloor for one last time, with Lisa turning the tables and giggling away as she lifted Robin into the air. 

At their best: Lisa and Robin kept audiences entertained with their comical routines, particularly on Saturday night's show when Robin struggled to lift up his partner off the floor

During Saturday night's semi-final, the couple ensured they kept viewers smiling with their comical routine that kept the audience chuckling for all the wrong reasons. 

As the duo performed a Salsa centre stage to Best Years Of Our Lives by Modern Romance, Robin awkwardly attempted to lift Lisa into the air - much to the amusement of the viewers. 

Next week's Strictly Come Dancing final will see Denise Van Outen, Kimberley Walsh, Dani Harmer and Louis Smith battle it out in the hope of lifting the Glitterball Trophy.

'Inspiring': Robin explained Lisa is one of the 'loveliest' people he has ever met

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2249032/Lisa-Riley-leaves-Strictly-Come-Dancing--Denise-Van-Outen-scrapes-place-final.html#ixzz2FFVyrOuK
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