Sunday, 1 December 2013

'I've had a ball!' Mark Benton waltzes out of Strictly Come Dancing after losing out to Ashley Taylor Dawson in his FOURTH dance-off

'I've had a ball!' Mark Benton waltzes out of Strictly Come Dancing after losing out to Ashley Taylor Dawson in his FOURTH dance-off 

PUBLISHED: 19:59, 1 December 2013 | UPDATED: 19:59, 1 December 2013

Mark Benton has become the ninth celebrity to waltz out of Strictly Come Dancing. 
The 48-year-old actor and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute failed to survive their fourth dance-off in a row after landing in the bottom two against Hollyoaks' Ashley Taylor Dawson and his partner Ola Jordan. 
Despite being well-versed in the nail-biting dance-off, the Waterloo Road star failed to convince judges Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Toniolo that his samba to I Just Can't Wait To Be King from The Lion King was worthy of him surviving for another week.
Waltzing off: Mark Benton has become the ninth celebrity to waltz out of Strictly Come Dancing
Waltzing off: Mark Benton has become the ninth celebrity to waltz out of Strictly Come Dancing
Tense times: The actor and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute failed to survive their fourth dance-off in a row after landing in the bottom two against Hollyoaks' Ashley Taylor Dawson and his partner Ola Jordan
Tense times: The actor and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute failed to survive their fourth dance-off in a row after landing in the bottom two against Hollyoaks' Ashley Taylor Dawson and his partner Ola Jordan
Reflecting on his run on the BBC One show, he said: 'What a time I have had. I've got to say thank you to my dear friend and fantastic teacher Iveta, she is amazing.
    'I also want to thank my amazing wife and children, the backstage guys, the beautiful band, the judges. They are all amazing. I have had a ball.'
    Meanwhile, Iveta thanked the actor for making her first series on the celebrity dancing show a 'memorable' experience.
    Wild thing: The Waterloo Road star failed to convine judges Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Toniolo that his samba to I Just Can't Wait To Be King from The Lion King was worthy of him surviving for another week
    Wild thing: The Waterloo Road star failed to convince judges Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Toniolo that his samba to I Just Can't Wait To Be King from The Lion King was worthy of him surviving for another week
    King of the dancefloor: Mark said he had had a 'ball' during his stint on the BBC One show
    King of the dancefloor: Mark said he had had a 'ball' during his stint on the BBC One show
    Perfect pairing: Iveta thanked the actor for making her first series on the celebrity dancing show a 'memorable' experience
    Perfect pairing: Iveta thanked the actor for making her first series on the celebrity dancing show a 'memorable' experience
    She said: 'This is my first season and Mark made it so special and memorable. I enjoyed every minute with him, he made me laugh. 
    'I taught him dance and he taught me many more things than that. He is my family.'
    On Saturday night, model Abbey Clancy and her partner Aljaž Skorjanec were given the first perfect 40 score of the series after performing a stunning salsa to Saturday Night Fever as part of Musicals Week.
    Heaping praise on the Liverpudlian model, Len wowed: 'There's fever in this ballroom! That was great!'
    Racy rhumba: The judges praised Ashley and Ola for their electric chemistry on Saturday night's show
    Racy rhumba: The judges praised Ashley and Ola for their electric chemistry on Saturday night's show
    I'm gonna live forever! Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman threw themselves into the spirit of the show by donning Fame-inspired costumes
    I'm gonna live forever! Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman threw themselves into the spirit of the show by donning Fame-inspired costumes
    Stars of the stage: The professional dancers raised the curtain on Sunday evening¿s results show with a special themed dance from the musical Fame
    Stars of the stage: The professional dancers raised the curtain on Sunday evening¿s results show with a special themed dance from the musical Fame
    Bruno added: 'Abbey the disco diva! I could not tell the difference between you and the professional girls.'
    Craig was equally thrilled: 'I thought that was absolutely amazing.'
    Darcey said: 'Mesmerising. You're oozing confidence in the Latin, a five-star routine.'
    The professional dancers raised the curtain on Sunday evening’s results show with a special themed dance from the musical Fame followed later in the evening by Tony Award-winning opera singer Alfie Boe, who sang his rendition of Bring Him Home from the hit musical Les Miserables.
    Next week's Strictly Come Dancing will see the remaining couples will compete in a swingathon.
    Victory dance: Mark and Iveta were positively jubilant as they came off stage on Saturday night, after the judges told them it was the performance of the series
    Victory dance: Mark and Iveta were positively jubilant as they came off stage on Saturday night, after the judges told them it was the performance of the series
    Dancing queen: On Saturday night, model Abbey Clancy and her partner Alja¿ Skorjanec were given the first perfect 40 score of the series after performing a stunning salsa to Saturday Night Fever
    Dancing queen: On Saturday night, model Abbey Clancy and her partner Alja¿ Skorjanec were given the first perfect 40 score of the series after performing a stunning salsa to Saturday Night Fever
    Pouting up a storm! Abbey had her honey blonde locks transformed into a wild mane of tumbling curls
    Pouting up a storm! Abbey had her honey blonde locks transformed into a wild mane of tumbling curls
    Belle of the ballroom: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Brendan Cole opted for a dazzling Viennese Waltz to A Few of My Favourite Things from The Sound Of Music
    Belle of the ballroom: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Brendan Cole opted for a dazzling Viennese Waltz to A Few of My Favourite Things from The Sound Of Music
    From TV to tango: Susanna Reid and her partner Kevin Clifton looked thrilled after performing a quick step to Good Morning from Singing In The Rain
    From TV to tango: Susanna Reid and her partner Kevin Clifton looked thrilled after performing a quick step to Good Morning from Singing In The Rain


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2516457/Strictly-Come-Dancings-Mark-Benton-waltzes-losing-Ashley-Taylor-Dawson.html#ixzz2mG550Sfz
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    Gary Barlow says Tamera Foster will be the most successful of this year's X Factor contestants

    'I predict big things': Gary Barlow says Tamera Foster will be the most successful of this year's X Factor contestants

    PUBLISHED: 22:41, 30 November 2013 | UPDATED: 10:12, 1 December 2013

    In a wild twist, Gary Barlow told Tamera Foster on Saturday’s X Factor that he thought she would be the most successful out of all this year’s contestants. 
    The troubled teen forgot her words two weeks in a row, but this week proved to the judges she had what it takes to be in the competition – prompting judge Gary to speak about his premonitions for her career. 
    He said: ‘I think a few people are having good nights tonight and you are one. I think, if we look forward five years, you may possibly be the most successful contestant from this year. I predict big things.’ 
    Big beliefs: Gary Barlow told Tamera Foster on Saturday¿s X Factor that he thought she would be the most successful out of all this year¿s contestants
    Big beliefs: Gary Barlow told Tamera Foster on Saturday's X Factor that he thought she would be the most successful out of all this year's contestants
    Tamera performed two songs that evening, and Gary’s comments came after her second song, Roberta Flack’s The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.
      The other judges seemed impressed with the 16-year-old’s flawless performance too, with Louis comparing her to former X Factor winner Leona Lewis. 
      ‘Tamera that was so convincing and conventional. You’ve got it all. You came back fighting. You had a bit of a Leona Lewis moment – she famously sang that too.’
      What a difference a week makes: The singer looked happy as she remembered all the words on this week's X Factor
      What a difference a week makes: The singer looked happy as she remembered all the words on this week's X Factor
      Take that, Tamera: Gary said he believes the 16-year-old will be the most successful from this year's X Factor
      Take that, Tamera: Gary said he believes the 16-year-old will be the most successful from this year's X Factor
      Edit
      Sharon agreed with Louis and Gary, saying: ‘Mrs, well welcome to the race. You are back. Welcome to the X Factor. 
      'Finally there you are. You’re blossoming. Do not lose focus because you’re right where you should be. For the first time you’re here. Congratulations.’
      And finally Tamera’s mentor Nicole Scherzinger said: ‘That tone… everything. You plus this performance is everything. And you look and sound an angel.’ 
      Youngster: Nicolas McDonaYoungster: Nicholas McDonald performed a Gary Barlow song, which the judge loved (thankfully)ld performed a Gary Barlow song, which the judge loved (thankfully)
      Youngster: Nicholas McDonald performed a Gary Barlow song, which the judge loved (thankfully)
      Nicholas McDonald’s second performance was a risky move, with the 17-year-old choosing to sing Gary Barlow’s The Greatest Day. 
      He said: ‘I’ve always looked up to Gary and Take That. But out of all the Take That songs I had to pick the hardest one ever.’ 
      The star was filmed struggling with the performance during rehearsals, but on the night the judges agreed he pulled it out of the bag. 
      Gary, who wrote the song, said: ‘Well done, I’m very honoured to be chosen as your hero. I thought you did really well.’
      Impressive: Every judge was impressed with Nicholas' second performance of the night
      Impressive: Every judge was impressed with Nicholas' second performance of the night
      And Sharon agreed, saying: ‘Well done Nicholas. I could feel and see the passion in your eyes. I could see the inner beast rise within you.’
      Nicholas’ biggest fan on the judging panel, Nicole Scherzinger, said: ‘Nicky, that’s a really big song pumpkin. And you seemed bigger than ever before on that stage. It was shermazing.’ 
      And his mentor Louis Walsh compared the young Scottish singer to judge Gary Barlow: ‘It was a risk but it paid off. He’s a better dancer than Gary.’
      In her element: Sam Bailey performed Emeli Sande's Clown, which she dedicated to her daughter
      In her element: Sam Bailey performed Emeli Sande's Clown, which she dedicated to her daughter
      Midlands girl: Sam really gave her everything and performed with passion
      Midlands girl: Sam really gave her everything and performed with passion
      Next it was Sam Bailey’s second performance, and the Leicester singer was left to the fate of the public. 
      We saw Sharon call her contestant and tell her the public had chosen Emilie Sande’s song Clown, to which Sam said ‘I’m so happy’. 
      After her emotional performance, which she said was for her daughter, Gary praised the singer’s ‘superb’ skills. 
      He said: ‘Well done Sam. An hour ago you had us all dancing and now you’ve got us all crying. Your voice goes on and on. Your full voice is so high - you’re a superb singer.’
      Tear-jerking performance: Sam's emotional performance had judge Nicole in tears
      Tear-jerking performance: Sam's emotional performance had judge Nicole in tears
      Nicole Scherzinger said through tears: ‘I just have one word: astounding.’
      Devonshire boy Luke Friend chose I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons as song from a musical hero. 
      After a standing ovation from the judges, Sharon said it was the 17-year-old’s best performance yet. 
      She said: ‘That was your best performance since you have been in this contest. You’ve really, really found yourself.
      ‘It’s the right time for you – I’m telling you, you’re going to be in that final. I know it.’
      Fiery: Luke Friend performed a powerful rendition of Mumford & Sons' I Will Wait
      Fiery: Luke Friend performed a powerful rendition of Mumford & Sons' I Will Wait
      Powerful performance: Devonshire lad Luke performed with vigor and passion
      Powerful performance: Devonshire lad Luke performed with vigor and passion
      And Nicole further gushed about the young boy. 
      She said: ‘Listen Mr Great Balls of Fire – when you perform, you’re unapologetic and you’re unafraid. This is your week, my friend.’
      And closing the show, with their second performance, was Gary’s only group left Rough Copy. 
      Luke Friend: The judges loved the youngster's performance, and Sharon described it as his best performance yet
      Luke Friend: The judges loved the youngster's performance, and Sharon described it as his best performance yet
      The three-piece boy band was given I Believe I Can Fly, a famous R Kelly song, by the public and the boys were over-the-moon about the news. 
      They began the performance with people in the audience chanting their names, and ended it in a similar manner. 
      Nicole got spiritual with the singers and told them they were the best group she’s ever seen on X Factor. 
      Hopping mad: The Rough Copy boys performed I Believe I Can Fly - but Sharon said they moved around too much
      Hopping mad: The Rough Copy boys performed I Believe I Can Fly - but Sharon said they moved around too much
      Sterling job! Rough Copy singer Sterling Ramsey gave his all during the performance of R Kelly
      Sterling job! Rough Copy singer Sterling Ramsey gave his all during the performance of R Kelly
      She said: ‘I saw a little bit of heaven. I think you’re the best group the X Factor has ever seen. You guys are the most sincere and humble guys.’
      Sharon agreed: ‘That was spiritual. You flew like eagles. Three magnificent eagles. Sincerely – well done guys.’
      Joey from the band commented at the end saying: ‘We’re all brothers and we want to share our journey.’
      All the contestants were brought onto the stage at the end and given a round of applause. 
      ITV’s X Factor continues Sunday at 8pm
      Congrats: Dermot invited all the performers out for a round of applause at the end of the show
      Congrats: Dermot invited all the performers out for a round of applause at the end of the show


      Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2516214/I-predict-big-things-Gary-Barlow-predicts-Tamera-Foster-successful-years-X-Factor-contestants.html#ixzz2mFtjcI8K
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      Leona Lewis channels 70s disco vibe in glittering minidress as she and Hannah Barrett perform at G-A-Y

      X-tra support! Leona Lewis channels 70s disco vibe in glittering minidress as she and Hannah Barrett perform at G-A-Y

      PUBLISHED: 11:49, 1 December 2013 | UPDATED: 12:21, 1 December 2013

      Life after The X Factor looks promising for Hannah Barrett after she was asked to support fellow talent show superstar Leona Lewis, on Saturday evening.
      The singers, who both started off on the ITV1 programme but were seven years apart, took to London's G-A-Y stage for a special event.
      Leona, 28, stepped out in a show-stopping dress for her performance alongside two topless male dancer were clad in festive, red trousers.
      Quite the disco diva: Leona Lewis performs live at London's G-A-Y on Saturday evening
      Quite the disco diva: Leona Lewis performs live at London's G-A-Y on Saturday evening
      The Moment Like This singer looked to be having a great time as she paraded around on stage wearing a pair of sexy, over-the-knee boots.
        The London-born star, who won the 2006 series of the show, would hopefully be able to offer Hannah plenty of the advice as the most successful contestant in the show's history.
        Her eye-catching outfit was made up of large, black and silver sequins while her curly blond hair was worn down over her shoulders.
        Leather look: Hannah Barrett supported the former X Factor star during festive event
        Leather look: Hannah Barrett supported the former X Factor star during festive event
        Moment like this: The singer wowed in an eye-catching 70s-inspired silver and black dress
        Moment like this: The singer wowed in an eye-catching 70s-inspired silver and black dress
        Moment like this: The singer wowed in an eye-catching 70s-inspired silver and black dress
        Take a seat! The curly-haired crooner sat on a fake deer during the show
        Take a seat! The curly-haired crooner sat on a fake deer during the show
        While Hannah, 16, opted for a pair of black wet-look leggings and leather jacket, which was cinched at the waist with a large cut-out belt.
        The singer, who was the seventh act to be voted off the show, looked confident after she tweeted about her excitement.
        She told her 111,000 followers: 'Performing at G-A-Y tonight is gonna be outta this world I cannot wait ahhhh!'
        Dear-lightful: The star posed for pictures backstage ahead of her performance with Jeremy Joseph and his cute pooch
        Dear-lightful: The star posed for pictures backstage ahead of her performance with Jeremy Joseph and his cute pooch
        All that glitters: Leona showed off her long pins in a pair of over-the-knee boots
        All that glitters: Leona showed off her long pins in a pair of over-the-knee boots
        Shiny and new: The 16-year-old went for an all-black ensemble, including a pair of wet-look leggings
        Shiny and new: The 16-year-old went for an all-black ensemble, including a pair of wet-look leggings
        She finished off her cool outfit with a pair of chunky black trainers and a monochrome jersey top, before being spotted backstage with Rough Copy.
        Leona also took to Twitter ahead of her performance to say: '#onemoresleep until I perform at G-A-Y who's ready for Santa?'
        The star, who has reached number one in the charts in over 30 countries around the world, recently spent time with X Factor's Sam Bailey ahead of her rendition of Bleeding Love on Saturday.
        It's not Christmas yet! The star was presented with a large gift after her performance
        It's not Christmas yet! The star was presented with a large gift after her performance
        Pals: Fellow X Factor contestant's Rough Copy were on hand to offer their support to Hannah
        Pals: Fellow X Factor contestant's Rough Copy were on hand to offer their support to Hannah
        Leona chatted to MailOnline about coaching Sam and explained that the finalist's main challenge is putting her own unique spin on the song.
        She said: ‘It was cool. It wasn’t mentoring really, just chatting. She has such a good voice. When I first heard her I thought she should be in the final.
        ‘Her main worry about the song was making it her own. It’s such a well-known song and she didn’t want to divulge from the melody. But it’s about having a balance – she didn’t want it to sound like karaoke so she needed to put her own spin on it.’
        Passionate: The singer left the X Factor after taking part in a sing-off with Rough Copy
        Passionate: The singer left the X Factor after taking part in a sing-off with Rough Copy
        Show must go on: Leona was presented with a small stuffed horse which she incorporated into her act
        Show must go on: Leona was presented with a small stuffed horse which she incorporated into her act
        Show will go on: Leona was presented with a small stuffed horse which she incorporated into her act (L) after wowing the crowds with her vocals (R)
        Smart, casual: The young star finished off her stage outfit with a pair of flat lace-up trainers
        Smart, casual: The young star finished off her stage outfit with a pair of flat lace-up trainers


        Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2516350/Leona-Lewis-channels-70s-disco-vibe-glittering-minidress-Hannah-Barrett-perform-G-A-Y.html#ixzz2mF0mvjGb
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        Nicole Scherzinger turns on the retro glamour for The X Factor with a faux bob hairstyle and a slinky sequin gown

        Nicole Scherzinger turns on the retro glamour for The X Factor with a faux bob hairstyle and a slinky sequin gown... while Sharon Osbourne dazzles in sheer lace

        PUBLISHED: 22:09, 30 November 2013 | UPDATED: 01:46, 1 December 2013

        She's rarely put a sartorial foot out of place when it comes to her impeccable X Factor wardrobe. 
        And Nicole Scherzinger scored a style success yet again on Saturday night's show as she turned on the retro glamour in a slinky floor-length sequin gown. 
        Forgoing her usual flowing raven locks, the 35-year-old singer spiced up her stage ensemble by teasing her mane into a Hollywood siren-inspired voluminous faux bob hairstyle. 
        She's definitely got The X Factor! Nicole Scherzinger scored a style success yet again on Saturday night's show as she turned on the retro glamour in a slinky floor-length sequin gown
        She's definitely got The X Factor! Nicole Scherzinger scored a style success yet again on Saturday night's show as she turned on the retro glamour in a slinky floor-length sequin gown
        Hollywood glamour: Nicole showcased her positively jaw-dropping figure in the curve-skimming burgundy number
        Hollywood glamour: Nicole showcased her positively jaw-dropping figure in the curve-skimming burgundy number
        Showcasing her positively jaw-dropping figure in the curve-skimming burgundy number, Nicole's show-stopping choice of gown by Maria Grachvogel featured a flattering asymmetric strap and a daring backless design.
          Letting her dazzling dress take centre stage, the Don't Hold Your Breath hitmaker teamed her striking outfit with a pair of strappy black sandals by Manolo Blahnik. 
          Nicole made sure to offset her dramatic new hairstyle with equally daring make-up, vamping things up with dark berry lips and gothic-inspired smokey eyes as she prepared to see her last remaining act, Tamera Foster, battle it out.
          A new look: Forgoing her usual flowing raven locks, the 35-year-old singer spiced up her stage ensemble by teasing her mane into a Hollywood siren-inspired voluminous faux bob hairstyle
          A new look: Forgoing her usual flowing raven locks, the 35-year-old singer spiced up her stage ensemble by teasing her mane into a Hollywood siren-inspired voluminous faux bob hairstyle
          Dressed to impress: Nicole's show-stopping choice of gown by Maria Grachvogel featured a flattering assymetric strap and a daring backless design
          Dressed to impress: Nicole's show-stopping choice of gown by Maria Grachvogel featured a flattering assymetric strap and a daring backless design
          Dressed to impress: Nicole's show-stopping choice of gown by Maria Grachvogel featured a flattering asymmetric strap and a daring backless design
          Watch out, Nicole! Fellow female judge Sharon Osbourne didn't let the panel down in the sartorial stakes either, and looked equally striking in a black embellished semi-sheer gown with pretty sequin detailing
          Watch out, Nicole! Fellow female judge Sharon Osbourne didn't let the panel down in the sartorial stakes either, and looked equally striking in a black embellished semi-sheer gown with pretty sequin detailing
          Posting a sexy snap on her Twitter page, she said: '(Excuse my Mic pack!) Dress @mariagrachvogel shoes @ManoloBlahnik Jewellery @kikimcdonough & @FolliFolli_uk.'
          Fellow female judge Sharon Osbourne didn't let the panel down in the sartorial stakes either, and looked equally striking in a black embellished semi-sheer gown with pretty sequin detailing. 
          Showing off her slim physique in the glamorous gown, Sharon teamed her X Factor ensemble with dazzling ruby earrings and dramatic make-up. 
          Fabulous foursome! Joining the girls on stage, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh both looked every inch the dapper dudes in their slick suits
          Fabulous foursome! Joining the girls on stage, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh both looked every inch the dapper dudes in their slick suits
          Retro glamour: Letting her dazzling dress take centre stage, the Don't Hold Your Breath hitmaker teamed her striking outfit with a pair of strappy black sandals by Manolo Blahnik
          Retro glamour: Letting her dazzling dress take centre stage, the Don't Hold Your Breath hitmaker teamed her striking outfit with a pair of strappy black sandals by Manolo Blahnik
          Retro glamour: Letting her dazzling dress take centre stage, the Don't Hold Your Breath hitmaker teamed her striking outfit with a pair of strappy black sandals by Manolo Blahnik
          Dressed to impress: Nicole posted a pouty selfie on her Twitter page before heading out on stage for the evening
          Dressed to impress: Nicole posted a pouty selfie on her Twitter page before heading out on stage for the evening
          Joining the girls on stage, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh both looked every inch the dapper dudes in their slick suits as they prepared to go head-to-head as the final of the ITV1 talent show nears. 
          Saturday night's X Factor saw Tamera Foster, Luke Friend, Nicholas McDonald, Rough Copy and Sam Bailey battle it out in the hope of winning a place in next week's semi-final. 
          The group each performed two songs for the first time this series, with Tamera blowing the judging panel away with her flawless rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. 
          Preened to perfection: Nicole made sure to offset her dramatic new hairstyle with equally daring make-up, vamping things up with dark berry lips and gothic-inspired smokey eyes
          Preened to perfection: Nicole made sure to offset her dramatic new hairstyle with equally daring make-up, vamping things up with dark berry lips and gothic-inspired smokey eyes
          Hard at work! Saturday night's X Factor saw Tamera Foster, Luke Friend, Nicholas McDonald, Rough Copy and Sam Bailey battle it out in the hope of winning a place in next week's semi-final
          Hard at work! Saturday night's X Factor saw Tamera Foster, Luke Friend, Nicholas McDonald, Rough Copy and Sam Bailey battle it out in the hope of winning a place in next week's semi-final


          Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2516208/The-X-Factor-2013-Nicole-Scherzinger-turns-retro-glamour-faux-bob-hairstyle-slinky-sequin-gown--Sharon-Osbourne-dazzles-sheer-lace.html#ixzz2mDz7CJpN
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