The name on everybody's lips IS Holly! Valance the vixen sizzles in the Cell Block Tango for Broadway week on Strictly

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Behind bars: Holly Valance transformed into a murderess to perform the Cell Block Tango from the musical Chicago for Broadway week on Strictly

She's the sunny pop star from Down Under, but Holly Valance was transformed into a murderess for Broadway week on Strictly Come Dancing tonight.

With lashings of fake eyelashes and a jet black bob, Holly was a doppelganger for vixen Velma Kelly in the hit musical.

She wore a sheer black body stocking with black sequinned material covering her modesty to dance the tango to Cell Block Tango with partner Artem.


He had it coming: The pop star started the routine in a jail cell before being unlocked by Artem

Catching her heel in her frock didn't slow her at all, but affected Holly's focus on her character, the judges said.

'I would have liked to see a bit more tension, but I liked how you got out of the costume scenario,' Craig told her, awarding her a seven.

Alesha said: 'You were definitely sexy, but I was hoping it would a bit more feisty.'
'Be still my beating heart,' said Len. A great start and great dance.

Bruno told her: 'Don't worry Holly smoke, you got me going. I want to be criminal, everyone will be lining up.'


Murderess: 'I enjoyed killing him,' Holly said of partner Artem

After the tough love Artem gave her during their week of rehearsals, 'I did enjoy killing him,' Holly said afterwards. Alesha gave them a seven, with Len and Bruno both awarding eights.

The judges gave the couple a total score of 30.

But once again, it was Jason Donovan who was the leader on the score board, getting 36 out of 40 for their Tango to I Will Survive from Jason's old day job, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Clearly at home performing a song he knows so well, Jason danced energetically and mouthed along to all the lyrics.

The couple were awarded nines across the board for their performance which Craig said was 'stupendous!'


Right at home: Jason Donovan was back to his old day job with a routine from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert


Hat trick: Jason received the highest score for the third week running with 36

'An incredible tango with a twist, you keep blowing me away,' Alesha said.
'I'm going to call you the midwife because you keep delivering,' Len exclaimed.
Bruno added: 'You will do more than survive, you will thrive! You were camp as Christmas!'

Another high note of the evening was Alex Jones, who put on a romantic performance with her partner James, dancing the Viennese Waltz to Memories from Cats.
Alesha called Alex 'her most improved dancer.'

The pair received four 'eights' from the judges, giving them a total of 32.
Chelsee Healy and her partner Pasha performed the Cha-cha-cha to Begging You from Jersey Boys.

Craig thought 'it was too disco,' only awarding a six.
The other judges disagreed: 'You come out and you don't mess about, you go for it,' Len said.

'So close to being a great Cha-cha-cha, you just need to tighten up on a few little things but you are a joy to watch,' Alesha said.

Bruno added: 'The Cha-cha-cha is cheeky, playful and rhythmical and you have all of that.'


Chelsee Healy and her partner Pasha performed the Cha-cha-cha to Begging You from Jersey Boys


Tighten up: The judges told the actress there were moves she needed to tighten up but added she was a joy to watch


Awkward: Dan Lobb was told he looked more like 'casual acquaintances with his partner Katya than lovers


Disappointing: The judges only awarded the TV presenter 24 for his Viennese Waltz to Queen's Somebody to Love from We Will Rock You


Upbeat: Anita Dobson danced the jive to You Can't Stop the Beat from Hairspray


Sixties: The actress donned a black bouffant wig and flirty hot pink costume for her energetic routine with partner Robin


Stellar review: Len told the pair, 'Three words: fun, energetic, entertaining'


Dandy: Rory Bremner donned the top hat and tails to dance the quick-step to 'Top Hat, White Tie and Tails from Top Hat


Dramatic: Lulu and Brendan Cole performed the Rumba to All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera


Rule breakers: Craig took issue with the couple's illegal lift, but Len rebuked him, saying 'you have to break eggs to make an omelette, and sometimes you have to break rules to make a routine complete'


Be Italian: Craig told Nancy she looked like a 'plodding mule' for her routine to Be Italian from Nine


Lust: But Bruno called her a 'tempestuous temptress'


Mamma mia! Robbie Savage and Ola performed the tango to Gimme, Gimme, Gimme from Mamma Mia and received warm remarks from the panel


Improving: Robbie received 30, as Alesha said he was 'fast becoming one of the strongest contenders in the competition'


Last and not least: The final couple onstage was Harry Judd and his partner Aliona, who did the jive to Grease Lightning from Grease


Jive: The judges asked for a little less 'messing about' but liked the performance


Low score: Audley only received 24 for his routine to Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate




source: dailymail

Furious Nancy's threat to sue over champagne jibes after taking exception to Strictly judge Bruno's put-down

By BEN TODD and PAUL REVOIR

Salsa: Nancy Dell'Olio with dance partner Anton Du Beke (left) and on the judges' table (right)

Given her fiery reputation, it perhaps wasn’t the most sensible thing to say.

Unsurprisingly, Nancy Dell’Olio took great exception to being described by Bruno Tonioli as looking as though she had 'inhaled two gallons of Veuve Clicquot' during her latest Strictly performance.

She was so furious that she told friends she was considering legal action against the judge.


Elegant: Nancy and Anton dance the waltz in an earlier episode. She is said to have told friends she was 'furious' over Bruno's comments

Miss Dell’Olio, 50, claimed that although her penchant for champagne is well known, she did not drink at all before the live broadcast.

And she insisted she does not keep ten to 15 bottles in her dressing room at any one time, as has been rumoured.


Jibe: Bruno's comments were tongue in cheek and not meant to cause offence, a BBC spokesman said

Instead, she said a case of champagne in her room was for stylists and other production staff, to show her gratitude.

Miss Dell’Olio performed at the weekend despite having a torn ligament in her knee. She received the lowest score from the judges, but viewers kept her in the show at the expense of Edwina Currie.

'To then have Bruno accuse her of being drunk, she found very upsetting. She has considered legal action – but everyone’s been calming her down.'

It was believed last night that the American-Italian had been persuaded against suing.

A BBC spokesman said: 'The judges always look to give constructive criticism to all of our dancers and this is often delivered with humour, given that Strictly is an entertainment show. Bruno’s comments were tongue in cheek and not meant to cause offence.'


Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton Du Beke - Salsa -Strictly Come Dancing 2011


Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton du Beke - Slow Waltz - Strictly Come Dancing 2011


Strictly Come Dancing 2011 - Professional Cha Cha Cha (Edge if Glory)



source: dailymail

Waterloo Road's Chelsee Healey leads the ladies with most revealing outfit of Strictly Come Dancing - saying she is 'single and ready to mingle'

By NADIA MENDOZA

Strictly Come Undressing: Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey stole the show in her revealing outfit on the launch of series nine of Strictly Come Dancing 2011

Twinkle toes and jazz hands at the ready, Strictly Come Dancing 2011 launched tonight with more glitz and glamour than a night at the star-studded Oscars.

And Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey will certainly have left male viewers across the nation blushing with her incredibly daring outfit.

The 23-year-old showed off her feminine curves and generous bust in a two piece turquoise costume that left little to the imagination.


Flirting? Ola Jordan came over all coy during Robbie Savage pairing, saying her husband would be jealous


The young star obviously has other intentions for appearing on the show other than to win, declaring: 'I am single, and ready to mingle... it's a treat to be paired up with a hunky dancer.'

She then looked elated as it was announced she would be competing with this year’s only new professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, 31, who replaces Jared Murillo.

Early sparks also seemed to fly with former Premiership star Robbie Savage and his partner Ola Jordan - despite both of them being married.
When host Bruce Forsyth said, 'Who's a lucky guy?' Ola quipped, 'Who's a lucky girl!'


Blondes have more fun: Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan looked elated to be teamed together


The 28-year-old, who is the wife of co-star and professional dancer James Jordan, added: 'My husband's going to be so jealous.'

Although she may change her mind soon, with the blond hunk revealing: 'People call me the Marmite man, you either love me or hate me.'

The 6ft 1in sportsman also said his greatest loves are 'my hair and teeth'.


(Mc)Flying solo: Harry Judd was doubled up with his very own Ariel mermaid lookalike Aliona Vilani


Hostess with the mostess: Tess illuminated the screen in canary yellow, interviewing the stars backstage


Ola previously triumphed in series seven, partnering with BBC Breakfast's Chris Hollins to beat Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe to the 2009 title.

McFly drummer Harry Judd looked a little flustered as he was paired with Aliona Vilani, but greeted her with two hugs as bandmate Tom Fletcher watched on enviably from the audience.


Nervous: New contestants looked anxious before the pairings were announced


Familiar faces: Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli return


The One Show host Alex Jones doubled up with James Jordan, but Edwina Currie stole her moment as she wandered over to Kara Tointon's other half Artem Chigvintsev to throw her arms around him.

Sadly for the former MP, she was later paired with Vincent Simone instead while Holly Valance won the hand of Artem.

The Australian beauty joked she still has the figure to rock her former Neighbours costume, in which she played school girl Flick.

She said: 'I still rock that uniform... actually, I don't think it will fit. I might get one leg in.'


Everybody needs good Neighbours: Holly Valance dazzled in a silver dress as she waved to the crowd


Twinkle toes: Anita Dobson beamed with delight as she threw her arms around Robin Windsor


Anita Dobson, former EastEnder and wife of Queen guitarist Brian May, joined forces with Robin Windsor, while singer Lulu burst into giggles as Brendan Cole flipped her over his shoulder and swept her away.

Kristina Rihanoff could barely contain her excitement when she landed Jason Donovan, and Erin Boag clasped her hands and said 'thank you' to the heavens as she was partnered with comedian Rory Bremner.

Astrologer Russell Grant, who lost ten stone in weight to take part in the BBC One show, was rewarded for his efforts with Flavia Cacace.


Defying her years: Despite being 62, Lulu impressed partner Brendan Cole as he whisked her away


Match made in heaven: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff were over the moon to be teamed together


While Nancy Dell'Olio, who not-so-modestly stated, 'After Sophia Loren, I am the most famous Italian in the UK,' was teamed with Anton du Beke.

Daybreak presenter Dan Lobb was paired with Katya Virshilas and Olympics boxer Audley Harrison grinned as he embraced Natalie Lowe.


All right on the night: Host Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly kicked off proceedings for the ninth series


Judge Alesha Dixon said: 'They'll be scared! Petrified! Nervous! You just want to get the first dance out of the way and blow away the cobwebs.'

Fellow panellist Bruno Toniolo added: 'This is the most tasty pick 'n' mix I've ever seen. Have fun guys and make it a great show.'


Strictly Come Dancing Launch Show - Pasha Kovalev



source: dailymail

Practising your footwork? Nancy Dell'Olio risks gravity-defying heels ahead of Strictly debut

By IONA KIRBY

Fancy footwork: Nancy Dell'Olio wore dangerously high heels

With her stint on Strictly Come Dancing starting tomorrow, it would be a terrible time for an injury.

But Nancy Dell'Olio bravely decided to defy gravity in a dangerous pair of high heels as she left her home this evening.

And despite their perilous height and spindly heels, the flamboyant 50-year-old walked effortlessly in the black shoe boots.


Strictly glamorous: The Italian donned a sequinned dress in the spirit of the dance show


She has clearly been embracing the spirit of Strictly and was sporting a short black sequinned dress ahead of her dancing debut tomorrow.

The Italian also donned a pair of dark glasses and lashings of jewellery to complete her glamorous look.

Nancy appeared on daytime panel show Loose Women yesterday, where she confirmed that her relationship with theatre director Sir Trevor Nunn is still going strong - despite stating at the Strictly launch: 'I'm not interested in men anymore.'


Chat show: Nancy appeared on Loose Women yesterday


The ex-girlfriend of former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson added: 'I've just come here to focus on something new. It's all about the dancing.'

She also said: 'I will be bigger than the X Factor - this is the biggest show on TV, that's why I've always wanted to do it.

'My dance partner is going to have to be patient because I'm going to be hard work, and since he's now the only man in my life he'll have to learn to live with it.'

However she contradicted herself by confessing to the Loose Women yesterday that she is still with Sir Trevor, despite rumours of a split


Girl talk: Nancy contradicted herself by saying she is still in a relationship


Dancing queen: Nancy chatted about her appearance on Strictly


Glitter bomb: Nancy at the Strictly Come Dancing launch


On or off? Nancy with Sir Trevor, who she now claims she is still dating after insisting she is 'not interested in men anymore'

Strictly Come Dancing starts at 6.10pm on BBC One, Saturday 10th September.


source: dailymail

Strictly Come Under The Sea! Eye-catching ocean colours on display as celebrities sparkle in blues and greens at the launch party for this year's show

By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN

Somewhere, beyond the sea: Strictly Come Dancing contestants Alex Jones and Chelsee Healey make a splash in their aquamarine outfits as they arrive at the show's launch party

It's a theme that has been used for many a high school dance and fancy dress party throughout the years.

And while it might not have been intentional, it was a theme that also seemed to have been adopted by the stars of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.


Ocean-inspired: Nancy Dell'Olio, who looked very mermaid-like, and Anita Dobson gave their younger counterparts a run for their money in the glamour stakes in their aquamarine and sea green dresses


Glittering in aquamarine and sparkling in sea blues and ocean greens, stars including as Alex Jones, Anita Dobson and Chelsee Healey arrived at the launch party for the upcoming series which starts this weekend.

And Nancy Dell'Olio looked as though she'd been inspired by mermaids as she posed for the cameras outside BBC Television Centre in a stunning asymmetrical sea green dress.

One Show host Alex, 34, showed off her legs and cleavage in a very sexy and very short light green sparky dress which was also decorated with gold tassels.


The light and the dark: Edwina Currie also opted for aquamarine while Lulu plunged to new depths with her dark ocean blue frock


Legendary EastEnder star Anita Dobson looked much younger than her 62 years in an asymmetrical aquamarine dress, which was daringly split right up her right thigh, and Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey, 23, kept it fun and flirty in a neon blue jewelled two-piece.

Former Conservative MP Edwina Currie, 64, also adopted a water theme as she arrived in a flowing aquamarine dress while singer Lulu decided to sink deeper in her sparkly dark ocean blue outfit.


The boys in blue: Jason Donovan and Dan Lobb opted for royal and neon...


... while Robbie Savage and Harry Judd went for light and deep sea greens


Not to be outdone by the ladies, some of the male celebrity contestants also got in on the oceanic theme, with Jason Donovan, Robbie Savage, Harry Judd and Dan Lobb stepping in in sexy blue and green shirts.

Not all of the celebrity contestants followed the colour theme of the evening however, as actress Holly Valance arrived in a barely-there, teeny-tiny thigh-skimming silver sparkly number which showed off her curves.


All that glitters: Holly Valance flaunted her pins in a very short silver tasseled dress


Bronzed beauty: Alesha Dixon looked super sexy in her strapless dress that fanned out beneath her


Mamma mia! The flamboyant Bruno Tonioli waves at the crowd as he poses with Alesha

Astrologer Russell Grant looked every inch the stargazer in his midnight blue, sparkly top, while satirist Rory Bremner who larked about for the cameras in a mustard yellow while Audley Harrison looked smart and dapper in a crisp white shirt.

Of course, it wouldn't have been a Strictly party without its hosts Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth and its long-suffering judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revell-Horwood, Len Goodman and Alesha Dixon, who wowed the crowd in a stunning strapless bronze dress that fanned out beneath her.


Cute as a canary: Tess Daly looked gorgeous in a yellow flared jumpsuit

Even some of the professional dancers got in on the aquamarine theme as they arrived to check out the celebrities who will be joining them this year even though they won't be paired up until the weekend.

Claudia Winkleman will also be supporting Tess on the nail-biting Sunday night results show.


Here come the boys: Audley Harrison, Rory Bremner and Russell Grant looked smart and dapper for the party


Back by popular demand: Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Len Goodman are joined by hosts Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth

This year's series will feature the biggest scale live programme so far, with a broadcast from Wembley Arena in front of around 6,500 fans for Children In Need.

Strictly starts at 6.10pm on BBC One, Saturday 10th September.


It's the pros: Artem Chigvintsev, who won last year with Kara Tointon, poses with Aliona Vilani while Natalie Lowe and Brendan Cole get ready for another series


source: dailymail