Reality weekend round-up

For the first time this year both X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing broadcast live as two more contestants got voted off the shows.

The X Factor's final 12 performed live for the first time on Saturday evening and the first show didn't disappoint with it's usual tears, drama, controversy, star performances and obligatory judge's fighting.

The standard of the performances on the first week this year was notably better than last year, with each performance (even the twins, John and Edward) entertaining the audience and most showing their strong vocal abilities (namely Danyl, Stacey and Lucie).

It took no longer than a week and around 20 minutes for the judges to start bickering between themselves. Cheryl and Dannii took an instant dislike to the attire of Kandy Rain (above), whilst Simon (much to Cheryl's dislike) strongly disagreed. Simon then added more fuel to the fire when he called two of Miss Frank's members bookends, before politely admitting he didn't know their name.

But it was judge Dannii Minogue who took the headlines at the end of the show when she made a unnecessary comment about Danyl's sexuality after the singer performed. You would have thought that TV personalities would avoid creating a stir by making controversial comments after the Strictly row involving dancer Anton Du Beke but it seems reality TV can't keep out of the headlines for the right and wrong reasons. Like Du Beke there were calls for Dannii to be sacked but ITV have decided to stand by the Australian judge after she apologised on air.

Back to the singing (which the program and my post was supposed to be about!), and the two acts with the least votes, Kandy Rain and Rachel faced the judge's votes on Sunday night. Expectantly Dannii and Cheryl voted to send home Kandy Rain, whilst Simon sent home Rachel (Rachel received another vote to leave from the absent Louis). Kandy Rain left the competition after the subsequent deadlock as they received the fewest public votes.

The end result was no surprise but going by the standard of the first week's performances this year's competition may be closer than I first thought.

The celebrities and their professional dance partners lined up for another week on the dance floor as Strictly Come Dancing continued on Saturday night.

Lynda Bellingham (and her partner Darren Bennett) became the next unfortunate celebrity to leave the competition after her low-scoring Foxtrot left her in the dance-off with Craig Kelly and his partner Flavia Cacache, who performed a uninspiring Salsa.

Whilst surprisingly favourites Ali Bastian (and her partner Brian Fortuna) and Ricky Whittle (and his partner Natalie Lowe) faltered slightly it was the ex-Footballer's Wives stars Lalia Rouass (and her partner Anton Du Beke) and Zoe Lucker (and her partner James Jordan) who shone on the night.

Lalia and Anton but the troubles of the past week behind them to produce a gorgeous Foxtrot whilst Zoe and James produced another composed and stylish routine in the same dance.

It may be only the fourth week, but like X factor, Strictly will be a close competition and one of a high standard as many of the dancers and their partners continue to improve to impress the public.

X Factor picture from Digital Spy

Strictly Come Dancing picture from The Mirror