Kara dances her way to victory in Strictly finale

With the cold weather setting in again outside, there was nothing better than a Saturday night of Strictly Come Dancing. Oh and it was the glitzy finale as well!

Actress Kara Tointon, presenter Matt Baker and Psychologist Pamela Stephenson all battled it out for the crown but it was ex-Eastender Tointon who triumphed after completing four stunning dances (whilst having just enough energy to lift the glitterball trophy at the end).

In Tointon, the British public chose the right winner (proving how letting just the public decide the winner can be successful, ahem... no hint to other shows needed!). With near professional dance skills and a lovely relationship with pro partner Artem Chigvintsev, Tointon rightly stormed to victory, beating Baker into second place and Stephenson in third.

This year's series has been a raging success after last year's let-down. A snappier format, better mix of celebrities and some inspired partnerships (Ann and Anton looked like they were made to dance together or at least grace the comedy circuits as a superb double-act) have seen Strictly once again hit top-form.

And whilst last night's glamorous finale was a fitting ending, it did disappoint on one count - the showdances. A freestyle masterpiece where anything goes. But unfortunately none of last night's three showdances really dazzled and amazed in equal measure.

Matt Baker was let down by his partner Aliona Vilani reliance on his tricks and flicks and not his dancing whilst Artem and Kara's ridiculously fast routine caught out Tointon a few too many times. Pamela and partner James Jordan's effort lacked any 'show' whilst still being a good dance.

But in the end there was enough sublime dancing on show to glaze over that disappointment. Kara and Artem lifted the glitterball trophy to confirm themselves as one of Strictly's best ever couples and confirm the show's sparkling return to form.

Picture from What's on TV

Strictly Come Dancing - Kara and Ann steal the show

Tuning in to Strictly Come Dancing last night you would be forgiven for thinking that your television had magically developed a split screen effect. Surely you had to be watching two different programs?

One side of the dance floor was ex-EastEnder and model Kara Tointon clad in a skimpy dominatrix swimsuit whilst the other side was former MP Ann Widdecombe in a more respectful and dignified ballroom gown. But these two women showed last night just how good Strictly can be (in very different ways).

Despite catching her foot in the tail of her revealing outfit and falling to the floor Kara gave a spectacular and saucy cha cha cha. Kara is one of those (I will refrain from using the word celebrity) well-known people who clearly knows how to dance and has come on Strictly to help her career.

Before Kara's impressive cha cha cha came a different kind of dancing. Combine John Sergeant's dancing skills and Anton du Beke's cheeky personality and you have Ann Widdecombe doing the waltz. She looked stunning in a full-length gown and whilst little can be said about her dancing skills it was her quick wit when she responded to judge Craig Revel-Horwood's criticism that will make her a strictly star. "If you think that's bad you should see the salsa!" quipped Ann!

Kara should go far in the competition for the right reasons whilst Ann will probably go far for the wrong ones.

Kara and Ann were joined on the dance floor over both Friday and Saturday by former Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien, Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams, actress Patsy Kensit, ex England footballer Peter Shilton, TV presenter Matt Baker, film actor Jimi Mistry, EastEnders actor Scott Maslen, DJ Goldie, actress Felicity Kendal, rugby player Gavin Henson, psychologist Pamela Stephenson and magician Paul Daniels.

Matt Baker shone in a Countryfile themed outfit whilst an extremely nervous Henson and graceful Stephenson were surprisingly good. But performer Michelle Williams was disappointing. Maybe I waited for her performance with an misguided assumption that she could really dance as she used to be in Destiny's Child alongside Beyonce but she struggled with her Cha Cha and looked suitably annoyed after receiving criticism from the judges and a low score.

Last year Strictly struggled in a ratings battle with rival X Factor and lost the sparkle that had made it so endearing to the public. But after one weekend's outing it seems this series of Strictly could be back to its glittery best.

Scores from both shows:

Matt Baker: 31
Pamela Stephenson: 31
Kara Tointon: 30
Scott Maslen: 29
Gavin Hensen: 28
Jimi Mistry: 26
Peter Shilton: 25
Michelle Williams: 24
Tina O'Brien: 24
Felicity Kendall: 23
Patsy Kensit: 22
Goldie: 20
Ann Widdecombe: 17
Paul Daniels: 16

Picture from guardian.co.uk

Ant and Dec, Doctor Who triumph at NTAs

There were few surprises at the National Television Awards last night with TV favourites Ant and Dec and David Tennant both winning 2 awards.

The event, held for the first time at the O2 arena and hosted by Dermot O'Leary celebrated a fantastic year of television across all the terrestrial channels.

Television's favourite duo Ant and Dec won Entertainment Presenter and Entertainment Programme for Saturday Night Takeaway. After winning the Entertainment Presenter award for the last nine consecutive years the pair still managed to look shocked as their names were read out.

The now departed Doctor Who David Tennant triumphed as he won Drama Performance and Most Popular Drama for the iconic BBC1 show.

One of the largest celebrations of the night came when Loose Women won Factual Programme, beating Top Gear, Come Dine With Me and The Apprentice.

Gavin and Stacey, which recently aired its third and final series won the award for Comedy Programme whilst X Factor triumphed over Strictly Come Dancing in the battle of the talent shows.

The multi-talented Stephen Fry won the first ever Star Travel Documentary award for Stephen Fry In America and later was surprised with the Special Recognition Award for his contribution to television.

The surprise of the night came as Coronation Street triumphed over EastEnders in the serial drama categories, winning Serial Drama and Newcomer for Craig Gazey's portrayal of Graeme Proctor. But EastEnders did win one award as Lacey Turner won the Serial Drama Performance award for her brilliant performance as troubled Stacey Slater.

For a full list of winners click here
Picture from Now

Natalie loses her sparkle as she exits Strictly

There were tears on the dance floor last night as Natalie Cassidy and her partner Vincent Simone left Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress and her Italian dance partner found themselves in the dance-off with one of the pre-show favourites Ricky Whittle. Both had performed new dance Rock 'n' Roll but both failed to impress the judges, Natalie was last on the leader board with 26 and Ricky struggled with his lowest ever score of 31.

After continually losing out to X Factor on the ratings bosses for the BBC1 show obviously felt the show needed more sparkle, so not only did the celebrities and their professional partners have to learn a new dance never before performed on Strictly, either a Charleston or a Rock 'n' Roll, they also had to compete in the first ever ballroom competition dance where all five couples took to the floor at once.

The night started with dark horses Chris and Ola wowing the judges and appreciative audience with a cheeky Charleston, a dance well deserving of the 34 score they received from the judges. The sports presenter may have danced under the radar so far but he and Ola are picking up public support and good judges scores at the right time and I wouldn't be surprised if they not only reach the final but also go on to pick up that mirror ball trophy.

As Chris and Ola flourished it was Ricky and Natalie who took one of the biggest dips in form on the night, receiving their first seven and lowest ever score. Mid-week events may have harmed their chances but Ricky and Natalie struggled to get into their stride during their Rock 'n' Roll and at points looked very unstable; their throws and lifts failing to win over the judges or the voting public.

Following Ricky was his closest rival Ali Bastian and her partner Brian Fortuna. The former Hollyoaks and The Bill actress battled through a ankle injury to perform a lively and fun Charleston, the pair once again leading the pack with an impressive 37 and again receiving a perfect 10 for their dance from Alesha.

Next up on the floor was Natalie and Vincent. The EastEnders actress as always entertained the crowd but her bubbly personality couldn't save her from a bashing from the judges for a clumsy routine, scoring only 26.

The final couple were last week's dance off survivors Laila and Anton. Both looked comfortable performing a cheeky Charleston, impressing everyone but judge Craig Revel Horwood who harshly only scored a 6 for what I thought was an enjoyable and well-performed routine. Luckily the other judges didn't agree and Laila went on to score 31.

After all five couples had performed individually they all took to the floor for Strictly's first ever competition dance. Each couple glided round the floor performing a beautiful Waltz. Ballroom queen Ali topped the score with a perfect 10, followed by Ricky with 9, Laila with 8 and Chris and Natalie both with 7. This new element was a success, adding a new dimension to what was a fading format.

Adding all the individual, group and public voting together it was Rock 'n' Roll dancers Ricky and Natalie who finished bottom. Whilst it was clear who was the better dancer overall Ricky cemented his place in next week's show with a flawless routine whilst Natalie stumbled through her own Rock 'n' Roll performance. Natalie and Vincent had a slim chance going into the dance off but no chance after it.

Picture from What's on TV

Chaos on dancefloor

It was a Strictly Come Dancing full of shocks last Saturday as Phil Tufnell and his partner Katya Virshilas were voted off.

The former Cricketer lost out with his American Smooth in the dance off to Ricky Groves and his partner Erin Boag. Phil Tufnell may have been the better dancer overall but a mistake-filled dance-off routine saw head judge Len save Ricky with his deciding vote.

But the main drama started even before the cameras started rolling. Host Bruce Forsyth was forced to watch the show from home with the flu, so It takes Two host Claudia Winkleman (and briefly comedian Ronnie Corbett) filled the void alongside Tess Daly.

But Bruce wasn't the only pre-show casualty as celeb dancer Jade Johnson and her professional partner Ian Waite were unable to dance after Johnson injured he knee in the rehearsal.

The arduous routines and weeks of training seem to be taking their toll on the celebs. Whilst long-jumper Jade sat out Laila Rouass took the floor with a heavily strapped ankle. The actress courageously tried to dance the Rumba but had to stop near the end as the pain became too much.

Rouass and her partner Anton Du Beke unsurprisingly finished last on the leader board with 22 points, whilst show favourites Ricky Whittle (with his partner Natalie Lowe) and Ali Bastian (with her partner Brian Fortuna) finished joint top with 35 points each.

With the celebrity dancers feeling the pressure the first question won't be who goes next Saturday but if all the celebs and their partners can even make it on the dance-floor and through a routine first.

Picture from Radio Times

Kelly's last dance in Blackpool

Under the chandeliers and glitterballs of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom the voting public finally lost faith with Craig Kelly and his partner Flavia Cacace on Strictly Come Dancing last night.

After getting the former Coronation Street to his home town of Blackpool, Kelly's Cha Cha Cha failed to impress the judges or the public as he lost out in the dance off to Ricky Groves and Erin Boag.

It was a setting worthy of great performances, a glittering 40 ready to grace the floor of this traditional ballroom. And it came as a slight surprise that it was not favourite Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe but last week's dance off survivors Ali Bastain and Brian Fortuna that saw four 10 paddles appear from behind the judge's desks for the first time this series.

After her narrow dance-off escape last week Ali and Brian delivered a faultless Viennese Waltz, gliding around the large ballroom floor with a poise and ease that even lead Craig Revel-Horwood to grudgingly admit that he could find no fault.

Ali's main rival, Ricky Whittle, started off the show with a passionate Tango, earning a respectable but not-quite-as-good-as-last-week 35. Following Ricky and Natalie was the other Natalie, EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy and her partner Vincent Simone who performed a lively Quickstep. She may not match her rivals in dancing technique (receiving a score of 31 on the night) but the sheer levels of energy, excitement and the smile she brings to the floor each week is deserving of a place in the competition.

Next up was Jade and her partner Ian doing the Jive, a possible recipe for disaster for the tall couple. Surprisingly the couple's height seemed not to harm their performance, a energetic series of kicks and flicks left them with 33 points.

After Ali and Brian's perfect performance Ricky and Erin had the hard task of following and actor's novelty seems to be wearing thin with the judges and the public. Ricky and Erin scored a weak 25 for their Salsa, he may come to entertain but whilst others excel Ricky's problems with his dancing technique are becoming more apparent.

Next up was Laila Rouass and Anton Du Beke with the Paso Doble, a Latin dance more suited to the actress than her poor previous efforts in the Jive and Samba. Laila gave a professional performance, keeping in character throughout but only received 30 from the judges - a score that undeservedly left her near the bottom of the leader board.

Another couple dangerously close to the bottom were Phil Tufnell and his partner Katya. They performed a reasonable Rumba, Phil's cheeky smile once again carrying him through a routine. With only 28 points, Phil's cheeky chappy personality guided him through to the next week but like Ricky Groves, his weaknesses are becoming more exposed as the competition heats up.

Following Phil and Katya onto the floor was Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan, a couple that have been slipping down the leader board since their week one performance. But the couple's Foxtrot re-ignited their Strictly chances, leaving them third with 34 points.

Whilst the night started on a high with Ricky and Natalie it finished, in terms of dancing ability, on a low as Craig and Flavia only scored 17, their worst tally to date that left them adrift at the bottom of the leader board.

After last week's shock dance-off it was the two worst dances, Ricky and Erin and Craig and Flavia who were rightly facing the axe after the public vote. After both couples performed again the judges unanimously saved Ricky and Erin, deservedly sending Craig and Flavia home after weeks of terrible attempts at dancing.

Next week Strictly returns to London and the television studios where each couple will dance for their future. We have now passed the half-way point and after the glitz and glamour of Blackpool the final stages of the competition are in sight.

Whilst there are a few couples struggling near the bottom, the ever-changing top of the leader board shows just how tight and exciting Strictly has become. We may witness a few more dance-off shocks in the coming week as the competition becomes too hard to call - Ali's dance-off drama to dazzling perfection is testament of that.

Picture from BBC

First shock exit of the series as Lucker loses out

With the prospect of dancing at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom on the horizon each couple took to the floor for their ticket up north but Footballers Wives actress Zoe Lucker and her partner James Jordan fell just short as they became the next couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

In the series' first shock dance-off pairing, which saw Zoe and James face high-scoring Ali and Brian it was Zoe and James who were voted off by the judge's panel.

Earlier that evening Ali and Brian scored an impressive 33 for their Paso Doble, a commendable mark especially as Ali was clearly suffering with a stubbed toe. Zoe and James received 32 for their Samba. Zoe was clearly not completely comfortable with the Latin moves but her and James have performed consistently throughout the seven weeks, their mark never dropping below 30.

Neither pair deserved to face the dance-off and judge's votes. Both struggled with either injuries, disappointment or nerves as they danced for their survival but the judges saved Ali, the right decision purely because whilst both couples are consistent it is Ali and Brian that can deliver that wow factor on the dance floor.

Elsewhere Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe once again stole the show with a breathtaking Quickstep, scoring a series-high 39 from the judges. Whilst one Ricky soared at the top of the leader board it was the other Ricky, Ricky Groves and his partner Erin who were left at the bottom of the leader board with Craig Kelly and his partner Flavia Cacace after both scored just 24 points.

Ricky and Erin performed an uncomfortable Rumba whilst Craig and Flavia once again struggled as they performed a Waltz. But despite poor scores and harsh criticisms from the judges both couples will join Ali and Brian, Ricky and Natalie, Laila and Anton, Natalie and Vincent, Chris and Ola, Jade and Ian and Phil and Katya in Blackpool - where if possible, Strictly will be even more glitzy and glamorous than before!

Picture from The Mirror

Jo and Brendan axed after 'dance disaster'

Jo Wood and her partner Brendan Cole became the next couple to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing last Saturday.

Jo and Brendan received the lowest ever samba score on Saturday with a terrible mark of 14 from the judges, leaving her bottom of the leader board. Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli called their performance 'a dance disaster' and 'samba hell'.

Not surprisingly Jo and Brendan found themselves in the dance off. They were joined, more surprisingly by athlete Jade Johnson and her partner Ian Waite, who scored an impressive 32 out of 40 for their samba earlier in the evening. Both couples danced again and as expected the judges choose to save Jade and Ian, meaning rock-chick Jo and feisty partner Brendan had to leave the competition.

Actress Ali Bastian and her partner Brian Fortuna received the highest mark of the night and the series so far of 37 for a beautifully performed American Smooth.

Off the dance floor Strictly Come Dancing once again lost out in the ratings war to ITV rival X Factor, for the sixth week in a row. X Factor averaged an impressive 10.9 million viewers whilst Strictly struggled with an average of 7.6 million.

The two shows will a avoid head-to-head clash next weekend because BBC bosses have moved Strictly to an earlier slot of 6.25pm so they can broadcast the annual Festival of Remembrance.

Picture from TV.com

Ricky waltzes to top marks as Joe gets the KO

Five weeks in, five weeks of gyrating hips, nervous celebrities and many mis-placed steps - and we have our first ten on Strictly Come Dancing!

Competition favourite Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe (above) waltzed their way into Alesha's heart as she gleefully thrust the number ten paddle into the air. There is no doubting that it was a enjoyable and well performed Viennese Waltz but a ten at such an early of the competition was a hasty judgement of a good, but not perfect dance.

Whilst Ricky and Natalie danced their way to the top of the leader board, boxer Joe Calzaghe and his partner Kristina Rihanoff (above) that unfortunately were left jiving uncomfortably at the bottom.

For the first time this series they weren't actually bottom after the judge's marks (that honour fell to Flavia and Craig - whose Jive reminded me of the stereotypical embarrassing dad at the wedding) but the British public finally ran out of sympathy for Joe's awkward dancing as they lost out in the dance off to Zoe Lucker and her partner James Jordan .

Elsewhere last week's leaders Laila and Anton plummeted to the bottom half of the leader board with a terrible Jive, Ali and Brian slipped further from the top with a clumsy Jive routine and Jade and Ian finally showed their potential by gaining 35 points for a beautiful Waltz.

Picture 1 from Mirror
Picture 2 from BBC

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

Du Beke drops Strictly in hot water

Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into controversy this week over an alleged racism row involving pro-dancer Anton Du Beke and his celebrity partner Laila Rouass.

Du Beke, a regular fixture on the show after appearing in all six series, allegedly used a racial slur towards Rouass after she received a spray tan. Even though the reported incident happened weeks ago in training it only hit the headlines following last week's show.

Du Beke later apologised and said he was 'mortified' after making the remark. Despite Rouass publicly accepting Du Beke's apology there have still been calls for the dancer to be sacked after the BBC received complaints about his behaviour.

Current Strictly host Bruce Forsyth backed Du Beke, calling for the public to have a 'sense of humour' but he later stated that the pro dancer's behaviour was 'wrong' and that he does not 'excuse or condone the use of such language'. Despite publicly backtracking on his comments Forsyth himself was criticised for backing Du Beke and trying to defuse the situation.

Although the BBC are sticking by Du Beke for now it remains to be seen how far he and his partner Rouass will last in the show or whether Du Beke will be back to dance in next year's competition.

Picture from Daily Express

Dunwoody thrown out at first hurdle

Jockey Richard Dunwoody and his partner Lilia Kopylova were booted out of Strictly Come Dancing last night after losing the dance-off to Craig Kelly and his partner Flavia Cacace.

Dunwoody becomes the second celebrity to leave the show after tennis ace Martina Hingis was voted off the show last week. The Champion jockey's exit came as no surprise after a mediocre set of scores for his Waltz on Friday and a lively yet technically poor Cha Cha last night. His poor set of scores and non-existent fan base meant it was inevitable that he would face the judges in the dance-off.

Whilst Dunwoody and the other celebrities had to face the judges stinging criticism it was one judge herself who was also being scrutinised by the public and the media. New judge Alesha Dixon came under fire last week for her poor performance when commenting on the dances but this week Dixon had improved and was offering some constructive points to the celebrities (even at one point openly disagreeing with head judge and dancing expert Len Goodman).

Whilst Alesha's performance and place on the judging panel will still not please all the pro-Arlene fans it seems, like the celebrities, she too is becoming more comfortable with her new role on the dance floor.

Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle was the star performer over the two nights as he scored an impressive 33 for his beautiful Waltz and 32 for a raunchy Rumba. With such high scores early on Whittle could be the one to beat as the competition progresses.

We have now seen all the celebrities and their pro dancers perform and next week the fourteen remaining stars will go head-to-head on the dance floor with either a Quickstep or a Paso Doble.

Picture from Telegraph.

X Factor beats Strictly in ratings war

After my speculation on who would come out on top in the Saturday night viewings figures and the much-publicised 'ratings war' between X Factor on ITV and Strictly Come Dancing on BBC it was Cowell's X Factor that triumphed.

The talent contest averaged at 9.27 million viewers, peaking at 10.72 million at 8.55pm. Whilst Strictly, on it's second night back averaged only 7.72 million viewers, with a peak of 8.68 million at 9pm.

One show was bound to suffer due to the head-to-head schedules and Strictly received the first blow in the Saturday night ratings battle that will continue over the coming months.

Picture from Mirror

The sequins and celebrities are back!

Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens tonight with eight of the sixteen celebrities waltzed and tangoed their way round the ballroom. But how did the first show shape up?

Well firstly after watching the full 90 minute programme I am still not sure which celebrity looked more awkward, nervous and out-of-place; World Champion boxer Joe Calzaghe or new judge Alesha Dixon?

Whilst Joe Calzaghe sat at the foot of the leader board after a terrible tango with partner Kristina Rihanoff, Alesha also put in a disappointing first showing as Strictly's new judge. Her comments were vague and lacked any technical expertise and whilst she seems a nice girl, with an endearing personality surely Arlene Phillips or ex-pro dancer on the show Karen Hardy would have made a more suitable inclusion?

Just like the nervous celebrities, I am prepared to give Alesha time to settle into her new role but she will need to improve if she is to win over myself and the hoards of fans who were left angered by Strictly's decision to install her over tough-talking Arlene on the judging panel.

Anyway back to the dancing and Strictly didn't disappoint with an opening night mix of the good, the surprising and the awkward. Ali Bastian and Brain Fortuna were clearly the best on the night with a beautiful waltz, whilst Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan passed my early expectations with an enjoyable routine.

Whilst Hollins was surprising in a good way, boxer Joe Calzaghe surprised me with a boring Tango. He seemed awkward and struggling with the basic moves throughout but with Rihanoff at his side and the potential I hope that he can find his feet quickly for the Latin round tomorrow. The rest including presenter Rav Wilding and tennis star Martina Hingis were unremarkable, each putting in a good effort but at the same time all needing to show more.

I have been eagerly waiting for Strictly's return and tonight's showing didn't disappoint. Some celebrities made a good start but others, including the one occupying a seat on the judging panel will need to improve to impress me tomorrow night in the always-more-exciting-than-the-ballroom Latin round.

Pictures from Mirror

Reality TV wars

The battle between the two biggest reality programmes on TV re-ignites this weekend when Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 on Saturday night (7.25pm) to go head-to-head with X Factor (Saturday, 8pm).

The popular dancing show, which sees celebrities paired with professional dancers returns to our screens tonight but only clashes with X Factor tomorrow night. Many TV viewers, like myself, are avid fans of both shows so many across the country will have to decide whether to go with Simon Cowell's singing stars or Brucie and his band of dancing celebrities.

Broadcasting clashes have occurred in previous years between the two shows but last year Strictly suffered after being shown in an earlier Saturday evening time slot. This year though it seems both shows with regularly overlap as ITV and the BBC head for a ratings war.

Sky+ will save some fans from not missing both shows (including myself) but one show will undoubtedly lose out as the two try to pull in viewers on a Saturday night.

Strictly picture from Broadcast
X Factor picture from Guardian