Strictly Come Dancing 2009 **could contain Spoiler***

Bette Midler is to perform on this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing.

The 63-year-old American singer and actress, who is currently promoting her Best Bette: Deluxe Edition LP, was confirmed by the BBC One show's official Twitter earlier today.

Saturday's quarter-final will feature the final four celebrities - Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle, Chris Hollins and Laila Rouass - performing two dances.

It will also be the first show this year to include five judges. Ballet star Darcey Bussell will join the regular panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon.

Strictly continues this Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...-strictly.html

I love the divine Ms. M :cheer:

Alesha Dixon is set to sign up to next year's series of Strictly Come Dancing. Skip related content

The BBC said the 31-year-old has been doing a "first-class job" and it is looking forward to welcoming her back.

Alesha replaced 66-year-old choreographer Arlene Phillips on the judging panel of the dance competition, prompting an age row.

There has been speculation that the singer, whose initial appearance as a judge was slammed but who appears to have grown in confidence in her role, may bow out next year to focus on her music career.

But she insisted she would be able to fit both jobs into her hectic schedule.

A BBC spokesman said: "Alesha has been doing a first-class job as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and we look forward to having her back next year."

It is understood that contracts are due to be signed closer to the beginning of the next series.

Alesha, who rose to fame with Mis-Teeq, said: "The series has gone so quickly, I'll be quite sad when it finishes. I would love to do Strictly again next year.

"Obviously music is my first job, I'm making my second album and probably going to America but I can work round it so I can do both.

"I would absolutely love to do Strictly next year and I know they would love to have me back."

Darcey Bussell (the famous ballerina) is going to be a new guest judge for SCD.

Source: Radio Times 5-11 Dec 09

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

Alesha Dixon is set to sign up to next year's series of Strictly Come Dancing. Skip related content

The BBC said the 31-year-old has been doing a "first-class job" and it is looking forward to welcoming her back.

Alesha replaced 66-year-old choreographer Arlene Phillips on the judging panel of the dance competition, prompting an age row.

There has been speculation that the singer, whose initial appearance as a judge was slammed but who appears to have grown in confidence in her role, may bow out next year to focus on her music career.

But she insisted she would be able to fit both jobs into her hectic schedule.

A BBC spokesman said: "Alesha has been doing a first-class job as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and we look forward to having her back next year."

It is understood that contracts are due to be signed closer to the beginning of the next series.

Alesha, who rose to fame with Mis-Teeq, said: "The series has gone so quickly, I'll be quite sad when it finishes. I would love to do Strictly again next year.

"Obviously music is my first job, I'm making my second album and probably going to America but I can work round it so I can do both.

"I would absolutely love to do Strictly next year and I know they would love to have me back."

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Are you kidding me?:rotfl:

Aw poor Anton and Leila went tonight but they were the poorest dancers of the night. Once again Ricky Whittle was in the dance off. No offence I know he's an amazing dancer but he is not going to reach the finale if the public have anything to do with it. The only chance he has are the judges to save him. Ali/Bryan & Chris and Ola for the final. Chris and Ola to win. As Bruce said Chris and Ola are the only couple not to have been in the dance off.

Chris is doing so well but he will never win while Ricky is still in the contest :(

How rude was Alesha last night telling Lelia that she is getting on her wick!!

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Originally Posted by Hannelene

Chris is doing so well but he will never win while Ricky is still in the contest :(

How rude was Alesha last night telling Lelia that she is getting on her wick!!

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I like alesha judging, i like she is telling ti like it is and laila was rubbish last night!

Im not liking darcey bussell at all, i just cant see why they have added her this last in the competition.

I really dont like ricky whittle, i really do like chris and ola, hes not the greatest but he makes me laugh and im enjoying watching him more than Ali!

I'd love chris and ola to win :thumbsup:

Chris to win - Ricky is not very likeable

Chris just cannot help pulling faces like a concentrating toddler when he is dancing. You can see him counting.

I loves the way he went and kissed his wife before listening to the judges comments. I would find it hard having a glamour puss slobbering all over my husband week in week out.

Chris is married?

I think the point of having an extra judge is to avoid there being a draw like last year. It all depends whether the judges have a say in the votes next week. If so they will choose Ricky Whittle over Chris but if it's up to the viewers to decided Ricky won't make the final. He has been in the dance off two weeks on the trott. That's proof that he is not popular with the public.

I like Ricky and I think it's unfair he's been in the dance-off when he's obviously the best dancer. It'll be ridiculous if he goes off next when Chris is nowhere near as good. I think I'll have to start voting!

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

I like Ricky and I think it's unfair he's been in the dance-off when he's obviously the best dancer. It'll be ridiculous if he goes off next when Chris is nowhere near as good. I think I'll have to start voting!

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Chris is good but Ricky is better he should be in the final :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by hippychick215

Chris is good but Ricky is better he should be in the final :thumbsup:

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We'd better both get voting on saturday then to help Ricky stay in :)

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

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Originally Posted by hippychick215

Chris is good but Ricky is better he should be in the final :thumbsup:

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We'd better both get voting on saturday then to help Ricky stay in :)

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ye, ive never voted before:hmm: theres alwas a 1st time for everything

This weekend's Strictly Come Dancing semi-final will reportedly not feature a dance-off.

According to The Sun, the judges' scores will be added to the public vote, but the two couples with the highest overall score will reach the final without either having to compete in an additional dance.

It has been suggested that the change has been introduced because Jade Johnson's withdrawal has left one fewer couple in the semi-final compared to previous years.

It has also been claimed that the axing of the additional dance could benefit sports presenter Chris Hollins and partner Ola Jordan.

A source said: "The decision to scrap the dance-off hasn't been taken purely to keep Chris in but it does seem to increase his chances of staying. The dance-off wouldn't be as interesting with only three couples."

In the event of two couples being drawn on the combined judges' scored and public calls, the viewers' vote will be the tie-breaker.

The Strictly semi-final airs on BBC One on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One, with the results show following at 9.30pm.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...emi-final.html

Details about next weekend's Strictly Come Dancing semi-final have been revealed.

The show will see the final three celebrities Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle and Chris Hollins competing for a slot in this year's final. The trio will perform an Argentine tango and one of their favourite routines from the series, Strictly star Erin Boag revealed on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Bastian and her American dance partner Brian Fortuna are expected to dance their Viennese waltz for a second time, while Whittle and Australian Natalie Lowe are rumoured to be re-doing their quick-step.

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan are reportedly going to perform the rumba, which they danced during the first week of the competition.

The Strictly semi-final airs on BBC One on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One, with the results show following at 9.30pm.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...confirmed.html

This Sat should be interesting !!!!!!!
If Ricky is out cos hes lost his popularity with the public, then the public has spoken:searchme:

It's down to the public vote and Ricky will go. Chris and Ali for the final.

I would get rid of Ricky.

Just on the basis of non-dancing news reports.

I love Ricky, hes a amaizng to watch and a great dancer and great in both ballroom and latin
Him or Ali to win

I mean chris has improved but still not as good if you look over the whole thing

Alesha Dixon has reportedly threatened to quit Strictly Come Dancing.

The singer is unhappy that she has not been given the same opportunity to promote her music as her counterpart Cheryl Cole on The X Factor, the News of the World reports.

"Alesha's right on the edge at the moment," a source said. "She feels like the BBC haven't backed her at all this year and she's ready to quit after just one series. When Cheryl started on X Factor she was given a massive fanfare by Simon and the ITV producers. Alesha doesn't believe she's had any of that."

The insider claimed that the main reason Dixon is unhappy is because she wasn't allowed to perform her single 'To Love Again' on the programme.

"The one thing she was really excited about was performing her single on the show," the source explained. "But they refused point blank. She thought being on the show could catapult her into the top ten. Just look what that sort of exposure did for Cheryl.

"But Alesha really struggled in the charts because there wasn't even a mention of her single on Strictly. She's started to wonder if it was all worth it."

The insider added that Dixon is planning to launch her music career in America and is considering leaving the programme.

"Unless she's given cast iron guarantees for 2010 it's highly unlikely she'll sign up for another series," the source explained. "Strictly was never meant as a long-term deal for Alesha. It's been a tough year but she's done a good job and can walk away with her head held high."

Dixon has previously admitted that she might leave the programme, but has also said that she "loves" her judging role. Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that it is likely she will return to the show's panel next year.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...-strictly.html

i cannot belive ricky is still there??? Poor ali! i am really glad chris and old are in the final. i really want them to win!

I was a bit shocked that Ali was voted off, now I am going to ROOT even harder for Chris,,, at the moment to me he is really the underdog,, I just do not like RICKY,, no reason I just don't like the dude:searchme:

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Originally Posted by SUGARPLUMFAIRY KISSES

I was a bit shocked that Ali was voted off, now I am going to ROOT even harder for Chris,,, at the moment to me he is really the underdog,, I just do not like RICKY,, no reason I just don't like the dude:searchme:

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same here jodie, theres just something about him and i CANNOT stand her! I will be voting for chris next saturday

Surely this is supposed to be a dancing competition, not a popularity contest! It'll be a shame if Chris wins, because he is not a good dancer - he just gets by on personality.

Ali Bastian said she was "going out on a high" as she and her partner Brian Fortuna were voted off Strictly Come Dancing tonight.

The former Hollyoaks star and Fortuna had earlier been awarded a perfect 50/50 for their American smooth and 42/50 for their Argentine tango.

Craig Revel Horwood described their waltz as "Fab-u-lous", while Bruno Toniolo proclaimed: "The ballroom dazzler is back." However, Bastian was warned by judge Len Goodman that her nerves had been apparent during the tango.

"If you want to be here next week kissing that mirror ball trophy you have to kiss goodbye to your nerves because I think they really inhibit your performance," he said.

Hearing the result, the 26-year-old said: "We are going out on the most tremendous high and it has been the most incredible journey and I have loved every minute of it."

Bastian, who overcame an ankle injury to take to the floor, thanked fans at home for their support, before giving Fortuna a peck on the lips as she voiced her immense gratitude to him. Host Bruce Forsyth described the evening as the "best semi-final" in Strictly history.

The departure leaves presenter Chris Hollins and Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle in the running to take the crown in next week's grand final.

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

Surely this is supposed to be a dancing competition, not a popularity contest! It'll be a shame if Chris wins, because he is not a good dancer - he just gets by on personality.

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I totally agree
Im devastated that Ali is good but I will voting for Ricky again next week, he has to win

Ali so should have been in the final she got full marks for 1 dance fgs, Chris should have been voted off, Ricky to win:)

I'm glad Ricky's got some other supporters here :cheer:

Chris and Ola to win :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Dancing With The Stars professional Derek Hough has been tipped to join the Strictly Come Dancing team in 2010.

According to the Daily Mail, the 24-year-old Utah-born dancer visited the UK to watch the show being filmed and is currently in talks about being added to the professional roster on the BBC One show.

Hough previously starred as a judge on Bruno Tonioli and Arlene Phillips's 2007 BBC series DanceX.

He has appeared on four series of Dancing With The Stars, performing with celebrities including Jennie Garth, Shannon Elizabeth, Brooke Burke and Lil' Kim. In series nine he partnered model Joanna Krupa and reached the semi-final stage.

The Strictly final airs on Saturday at 6.35pm on ITV1.


http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...-strictly.html

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Originally Posted by Dazzle

I'm glad Ricky's got some other supporters here :cheer:

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:D I will be voting for him loads

Hooray :thumbsup:, me too!

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan have been crowned the 2009 series champions of Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC Breakfast reporter and his professional partner beat Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe in tonight's live final on BBC One.

Whittle and Lowe scored more points from the judges across the evening, totalling 190 to Hollins and Jordan's 186, but they lost out in the public vote.

Hollins's performances included a foxtrot, a head-to-head Lindy hop, a show dance and a Charleston, which the journalist scored full marks for. Darcey Bussell claimed that Hollins and Jordan were "perfectly in tune" for the dance.

Whittle and Lowe danced a quickstep and a cha cha cha along with the Lindy hop and show dance. The pairing received full marks for the quickstep, which Alesha Dixon said was "one of the greatest dances in Strictly history". Head judge Len Goodman told the Hollyoaks actor after his show dance that no matter what happened, he was "the best dancer in the competition".

Speaking after the results were announced, Hollins said: "Thank you to [Ricky and Natalie]. You have made it a wonderful final. Thanks to all our family and friends and our loved ones for helping us find time to train. And thanks to all the professionals, who were so generous with their time, they are brilliant."

He added: "Thank you Ola-chops for believing in me. You are such a lovely little girl."

Entertainment during the evening came from host Bruce Forsyth and Dixon singing a duet, a performance from professionals Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff, and a group dance featuring 2008 finalists Lisa Snowdon and Rachel Stevens.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...-strictly.html

I am glad that Chris won. It isn't just a dance contest in the same way that the x factor is not just a signing contest. Personality counts for a lot.

I see Chris as this seasons John Sergant - only this time he can dance!

Well done Team Cola :cheer: :cheer:

Well done Chris and Ola! They were deserving winners despite the fact that I supported Ricky throughout. Although I previously complained that Chris couldn't dance, he really upped his game last night and proved once and for all that he can dance. The great thing about his Charleston and show dance was that they were fun as well as well-danced.

At least Ricky can go away knowing that Len said he was the best dancer.

I thought it was a great final, so glad Chris and Ola won.