Showing posts with label Strictly Come Dancing. Show all posts

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Strictly Come Dancing beats The X Factor in Saturday night ratings battle... as 2013 launch becomes its most-watched ever

Posted on 11:35 AM by Unknown

Strictly Come Dancing beats The X Factor in Saturday night ratings battle... as 2013 launch becomes its most-watched EVER

Strictly attracted 300,000 more viewers at its peak than The X Factor
Average audience of 8.4m is highest ever, with 2012's Strictly launch drawing just 8m viewers
The X Factor managed to attract a further 500,000 viewers if ITV1+1 figures are taken into account

PUBLISHED: 12:53, 8 September 2013 | UPDATED: 15:05, 8 September 2013

Strictly Come Dancing beat The X Factor in the Saturday night ratings battle this week, as the launch show became the most-watched series premiere of all time.

The BBC TV talent show attracted a significant 300,000 more viewers than The X Factor - with a peak audience of 9.4million compared to the ITV show's 9.1million.

Saturday night's launch show of Strictly saw the celebrity contestants paired up with their professional dance partners, as well as musical entertainment from stars including Rod Stewart and Jessie J.

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Victory: Strictly Come Dancing won the ratings battle against The X Factor on Saturday night

And it seems the format was more than popular with viewers, as the launch was the most-watched of all time.

The episode had an average audience of 8.4million, compared to 8million in 2012, 7.6m in 2011 and 7.1m in 2010.

Meanwhile, despite being beaten by Strictly in both peak and average ratings figures, X Factor did manage to attract a peak audience of 9.5million if the ITV1+1 figures are included.

The tension is mounting! It was a nervous wait for the celebrities as they found out who they would be partnered alongside

The big reveal: Hosts Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly were on hand to reveal the partnerships for this year's show

Star-studded: Jessie J and Rod Stewart provided the evening's entertainment as they took to the Strictly stage

Celebrities eye up their partners for Strictly Come Dancing

Saturday night's episode of The X Factor saw some familiar faces return for another bid at victory.

Jade Richards made it third time lucky on Saturday night when she stunned the X Factor judging panel with a moving rendition of Bruno Mars hit When I Was Your Man.

Having made it all the way to Kelly Rowland's Miami home during the judges house's stage of the competition in 2011, she was left bitterly disappointed when she wasn't selected for the live shows.

A familiar face: Jade Richards, 23, returns to The X Factor on Saturday night

Hopeful: jade made it all the way to Kelly Rowland's Miami home in 2011

The Fife teenager admitted she'd been 'working in supermarkets' since her last appearance on the show in 2012, while her job description flashed up as 'unemployed' as she sang.

The 23-year-old was sent off with four yeses, but she wasn't the only familiar face on the show.

Amy Mottram also returned and was put through to the arena auditions after losing out on last year's wildcard to eventual finalist Christopher Maloney.

Delighted: Amy Mottram was another familiar face to return, and got four yeses from the judges

Another chance: Melanie McCabe wowed the judges with her rendition of Rihanna's Diamonds

Choked up: Louis struggles to contain his emotions as he was reduced to tears by Melanie's performance

Dolly Rockers also returned with a version of Beyoncé hit End of Time and got four yeses for their troubles before Dubliner Melanie McCabe made an emotional return for her fourth attempt to make it through to the live shows.

Clearly affected by Melanie's return, Louis broke down as he assessed her performance.

'I know her family need this, I know you need this and I really want it for you. I really, really want you to do well,' he said. 'I'm saying as very big yes...Melanie this is your time - go for it.'

The X Factor returns to screens on Sunday night for the second round of arena auditions, while Strictly will be back later this month.

Posted in Jessie J, Louis Walsh, Melanie McCabe, Rod Stewart, Sir Bruce Forsysth, Strictly Come Dancing, Tess Daly, Video, X Factor | No comments

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Ashley Taylor Dawson 'faints' with delight after bagging blonde beauty Ola Jordan as his Strictly Come Dancing partner

Posted on 3:39 PM by Unknown

'I couldn't have a better teacher': Ashley Taylor Dawson 'faints' with delight after bagging blonde beauty Ola Jordan as his Strictly Come Dancing partner

By LOUISE SAUNDERS

PUBLISHED: 20:10, 7 September 2013 | UPDATED: 21:20, 7 September 2013

There's no denying she's one of the hottest professionals on the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

But Ashley Taylor Dawson was so thrilled to have bagged a partnership with Ola Jordan on Saturday night's launch show that he promptly appeared to faint on the spot after hearing who he would be learning the ropes alongside.

The Hollyoaks actor dropped to the floor for several seconds, briefly alarming the BBC One show's co-host Tess Daly, while some audience members thought he had actually been taken ill.

Someone's happy! Ashley Taylor Dawson 'fainted' on Strictly Come Dancing's 2013 launch show when it was revealed he would be partnered alongside Ola Jordan for the series

Ever the joker! Ashley collapsed on the floor after he heard who he would be dancing alongside

Cute couple: Ola explained that all the competitive female dancers wanted Ashley to be their partner on the show

After bouncing back up, the 31-year-old star later told of his delight at being teamed with Polish professional Ola, who has already won the contest once in 2009 when she was paired with Chris Hollins.

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Telling Tess he was 'really happy' with his partner, he said: 'I couldn't have a better teacher and I know she wants to be the first one to win it twice.'

Judge Bruno Tonioli said of the pairing: 'Ashley, the bad boy and the sexy, sultry siren. It's going to be explosive.'

And it would seem Ola was equally thrilled, saying in a VT: 'All the female professional dancers are very competitive... and everyone wants Ashley.'

Perfect pairing: After bouncing back up, the 31-year-old star later told of his delight at being teamed with Polish professional Ola, who has already won the contest once in 2009 when she was paired with Chris Hollins

King and queen of Strictly! Ola is married to fellow professional dancer James Jordan

Ready for action! James is partnered alongside Vanessa Feltz for this year's show

The big reveal: Hosts Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly were on hand to reveal the partnerships for this year's show

Hoping for a miracle? Acid-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood joked that James Jordan would be hoping for a 'miracle' after being paired with Vanessa

Meanwhile, Ola's husband James Jordan - also a dancer on the show - has been teamed up with broadcaster Vanessa Feltz.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood said: 'James will be praying for some kind of miracle or divine intervention.'

Tess Daly and Sir Bruce Forsyth introduced each of the 15 stars to their new partners, who will coach them and choreograph their dances over the coming weeks.

Anton du Beke, who has been known for his rather comic pairings after dancing with Jerry Hall, Nancy Dell'Olio and Ann Widdecombe in the past three series, is with actress and former Bond girl Fiona Fullerton this time around.

The tension is mounting! It was a nervous wait for the celebrities as they found out who they would be partnered alongside

Murder on the Dancefloor! Sophie Ellis Bextor was thrilled to be partnered alongside smooth mover Brendan Cole

Thrilled: Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede is with tough taskmaster Artem Chigvintsev

Jumping for joy! Artem whipped Natalie up into the air as they heard they would be partners

From the den to the dancefloor: Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden is being partnered alongside Robin Windsor

A match made in heaven: Countdown maths whizz Rachel Riley will be dancing with Pasha Kovalev, who has made it to the finals on each of the two series in which he has appeared

She said: 'I wanted him. I've said it about eight times in interviews.'

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor is paired with Brendan Cole, while Countdown maths whizz Rachel Riley will be dancing with Pasha Kovalev, who has made it to the finals on each of the two series in which he has appeared.

Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden is being partnered alongside Robin Windsor, model Abbey Clancy will strut her stuff with newcomer Aljaz Skorjanec and BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid is with Kevin Clifton.

Ready for their rhumba! Model Abbey Crouch will strut her stuff with newcomer Aljaz Skorjanec

Belle of the ballroom: BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid is with Kevin Clifton for the 2013 series of Strictly

Double-oh heaven! Anton du Beke, who has been known for his rather comic pairings after dancing with Jerry Hall, Nancy Dell'Olio and Ann Widdecombe in the past three series, is with actress and former Bond girl Fiona Fullerton this time around

Doting husband: Peter Crouch watched with pride from the audience as Abbey took to the dancefloor for the first time

Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede is with tough taskmaster Artem Chigvintsev, and realises he will expect a lot of her.

She said: 'When we first met we were given a task and he told me how strict he was and that if we hadn't worked hard through the week then I couldn't be upset on Saturday night so he set out the stall.'

Fashion designer Julien Macdonald is paired with Janette Manrara, Casualty actor Patrick Robinson is to dance with Anya Garnis and Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers is teamed up with Karen Hauer.

Embracing the sequins! Fashion designer Julien Macdonald is paired with Janette Manrara

Let's hope it's not a Casualty on the dancefloor: Casualty actor Patrick Robinson is to dance with Anya Garnis for this year's competition

Above par! Strictly's 2011 winner Aliona Vilani, who had been dropped from this series but was recalled when Natalie Lowe was injured, is to dance with golfer Tony Jacklin

Strictly's 2011 winner Aliona Vilani, who had been dropped from this series but was recalled when Natalie Lowe was injured, is to dance with golfer Tony Jacklin.

The line-up is completed by former rugby star Ben Cohen dancing with Kristina Rihanoff, and actor Mark Benton performing with Iveta Lukosiute.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One with its first live show on September 28 as the celebrities battle it out in the hope of lifting the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

She's got the moves! Actor Mark Benton will be performing with Iveta Lukosiute for the series

From the bike to the ballroom: Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers looked thrilled as he was teamed up with American dancer Karen Hauer

From the scrum to the samba: The line-up is completed by former rugby star Ben Cohen dancing with Kristina Rihanoff

Star-studded: Jessie J and Rod Stewart provided the evening's entertainment as they took to the Strictly stage

Working the crowd! Jessie J strutted her stuff in a striking sequin bodysuit

That's how it's done! The judges and the professional dancers took to the floor for a stunning routine

Posted in Aliona Vilani, Anya Garnis, Ashley Taylor Dawson, Fiona Fullerton, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara, Jessie J, Karen Hauer, Kristina Rihanoff, Ola Jordan, Rachel Riley, Strictly Come Dancing, Susanna Reid | No comments

Strictly Come Dancing: Professional dancer Janette Manrara admits she recognised 'absolutely none' of this year's celeb line-up

Posted on 12:01 PM by Unknown

Strictly Come Dancing: Professional dancer Janette Manrara admits she recognised 'absolutely none' of this year's celeb line-up

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 16:21, 7 September 2013 | UPDATED: 16:36, 7 September 2013

American dancer Janette Manrara who is appearing on the BBC show for the first time this year, has revealed she had only heard of one of the celebrities in this year's line-up.

The Strictly Come Dancing star told The Independent that she had only recognised Julian Macdonald's name because his clothes had been worn by famous singers.

She added that she 'wasn’t nervous' before meeting this year's crop ahead of the start of the new on Saturday.

Professional dancer Janette Manrara at the launch night for the latest series of the show on Tuesday

When Janette was asked which of the contestant she recognised, she said: 'Absolutely none of them.'

The comment came after presenter Tess Daly told the Radio Times the pool of celebrities was 'getting smaller'.

This year’s contestants include rugby player Ben Cohen, television presenter Vanessa Feltz and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden.

New recruits: The cast of this year's Strictly Come Dancing

The sparkly outfits are back: Dancers Karen Hauer, Aliona Vilani and Janette Manrara at the series launch on Tuesday

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, former Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede and model Abbey Clancy will also be among the group of 15 who will be put through their paces by the professionals.

The Telegraph reported that the BBC had said it was 'really pleased' with the 2013 line-up.

Adding that it was normal that an American dancer might not be familiar with the faces of the mainly UK-based celebs.

Strictly presenter Tess Daly looks stunning in gold and black sequined dress

Co-host Sir Bruce Forsyth gets into the grove ahead of the new series

Janette, one of five new dancers, will find out on Saturday which of the contestants she will be paired with.

It will be a nerve wracking first night for the stars who must perform a group routine before meeting judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli for the first time.

The dancers were all out in force for the launch on Tuesday, where the professionals donned sequined, gold dresses to walk the red carpet.

Last year's winners Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace performing on Strictly Come Dancing

Posted in Aliona Vilani, Flavia Cacace, Janette Manrara, Karen Hauer, Louis Smith, Sir Bruce Forsysth, Strictly Come Dancing, Tess Daly | No comments

Rachel Riley's 6 year countdown to Strictly Come Dancing : Maths whiz joins dance show which inspired her wedding and 21st birthday

Posted on 11:13 AM by Unknown

Rachel's six-year countdown to Strictly: Maths whiz joins dance show which inspired her wedding and 21st birthday

To prepare for the first dance at her wedding she rehearsed with one of the programme’s professional dancers
And she marked her 21st birthday with a party themed around the popular BBC show

By EMMA LOWE

PUBLISHED: 00:51, 7 September 2013 | UPDATED: 00:58, 7 September 2013

Tonight she will swap the word and number puzzles of Countdown for the sequins and sparkly gowns of Strictly Come Dancing.

And looking at these pictures, it’s clear that Rachel Riley has been dreaming of this moment for some years.

Not only did she mark her 21st birthday with a party themed around the popular BBC show, but for the first dance at her wedding she rehearsed with one of the programme’s professional dancers.

Countdown?s maths genius Rachel Riley on the new job that will help her career take off

Countdown's maths genius Rachel Riley said choosing her outfits for the Strictly Come Dancing programme had been 'absolute girl heaven'

The 27-year-old Oxford graduate is pictured below left at the Strictly birthday party she organised with two university friends. She is wearing a black velvet dress which she decorated by hand with silver sequins.

‘We were students, so the girls had a chance to dress up more glamorously and to be in a nice frock and have a good dance,’ she said. ‘For the boys it was a chance to get a bit silly.

‘We had all types of dancing from different genres. I always loved the Strictly dresses, so I wanted to recreate that.’

tdown and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley at her Strictly Come Dancing t

achel Riley shows off her dance moves at her wedding reception with husband Jamie Gilbert Picture:

Rachel Riley pictured left during her Strictly-themed 21st birthday party and, right, during her wedding dance, also Strictly inspired, with husband Jamie

Last year Miss Riley sought inspiration from Strictly again when she married Jamie Gilbert, whom she met when studying mathematics at Oriel College.

To prepare for their first dance at the wedding reception she had an intense one-hour session with Izabela Dance, a professional who appeared in series three of Strictly.

It meant that she and her new husband were able to take a confident spin around the room to the Andy Williams hit Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

Countdown presenter Rachel: 'These dresses are stunning,' she said. 'It's going to be really boring when I go back to Countdown!'

Miss Riley, who will join 14 other celebrity contestants as Strictly returns for its 11th series tonight, said that choosing her outfits for the programme had been ‘absolute girl heaven’.

‘These dresses are stunning,’ she said. ‘It’s going to be really boring when I go back to Countdown!’

But in what could be considered a warning for whoever partners her on the show, she admitted: ‘I’ve never had any grace, I’ve always been clumsy.

‘I have a ridiculous amount of bruises already from kicking myself. I would just like to learn to control my limbs.’

Posted in Rachel Riley, Strictly Come Dancing | No comments

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Sunday, September 8, 2013