Tag Archives: Cha Cha Cha

Article: Susan Calman asks Richard Branson for help after Strictly partner Kevin Clifton’s flight is cancelled

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“Can I borrow a plane or a helicopter or a train? Just for a day. Thanks.”

Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Susan Calman has appealed to billionaire Richard Branson for help after her dance partner’s flight was cancelled due to storm Ophelia.

Pro dancer Kevin Clifton was due to travel from London to Glasgow this afternoon to practise with the comedian; the duo are preparing a cha cha for this coming weekend’s Strictly live show.

But the cancellation means they will have less than three days to prepare – unless, of course, Branson – who owns Virgin Atlantic Airlines and Virgin Trains – or one of her devoted fans on Twitter, can offer a helping hand.

“Can I borrow a plane or a helicopter or a train?” she asked the entrepreneur on Twitter this morning. “Just for a day. Thanks.”

While Branson has yet to respond, a number of Strictly fans have come forward offering their help, suggesting a chain of relay-style lifts.

 

A #SaveKevin hashtag has started to trend on Twitter, as fans rally to get the duo back together with enough time to perfect the dance.

Will Kevin make it to Glasgow with the help of social media? We’ll have to wait and see…

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC1

Source: Radio Times

Interview: Louise Redknapp jokes she quizzed the wardrobe team on THAT Flashdance leotard

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“How exactly did this happen?!”

Louise Redknapp, Strictly Come Dancing 2016

Strictly Come Dancing star Louise Redknapp has joked that she was cured of her nervousness about the outfits and hair on the show after the wardrobe team put her in a leotard in the third week.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Louise explained that she has now thrown herself into the costumes on Strictly, comparing the show to Stars In Their Eyes (“Who am I going to come out as this week?”)

But she confessed that she had been really anxious about her look before starting the series, saying: “When I first started I was so nervous about the look and what I was going to have to do and what I was going to have to wear. And you really quickly work out that the people who work on Strictly behind the scenes know the formula that works, and you have to embrace it.

“I started off going, ‘Well, I only really like a beach wave or a ponytail and I don’t really wear any glitter and I’m not really heavy on make-up’. And then you realise that you’re playing a character most weeks. I’ve been a million and one characters over the last few weeks so you realise it’s a look and it’s that Saturday night glossy floor thing you would never normally do. I’m here now – I might as well throw myself in hook, line and sinker and go with it, so I think I’ve done that most weeks now.”

But Louise revealed that she was still a bit anxious about her Flashdance costume – and joked that she even quizzed the wardrobe team about it.

“I was really nervous about the outfits and then in week three I had a blooming leotard on and curly hair for Flashdance!” she laughed. “I remember going up to the wardrobe girls going, ‘How exactly did this happen? When did we all agree that this was suitable?’

Louise Redknapp on Strictly Come Dancing

 BBC GUY LEVY

“But I think if you start worrying about what you look like or you feel silly or you don’t feel nice, you’ll lose out what the show’s about. It’s really about throwing yourself into a character and becoming that person for a minute and a half.”

But Louise, who is supporting Small Business Saturday in her role as an American Express Shop Small Ambassador, might have been even more nervous about putting herself in the hands of the styling team as she’s been visiting the same hairdresser for 20 years.

“It pains me to say it but I’ve known him since I did my first music video and I’ve stayed with him ever since!” she said. “I suppose it’s that personal touch which is why you can go to independent stores and shops and you feel like you know people and it becomes more sociable. I think it’s a nice thing to support and I think it’s something that we should all try and do as much as you can.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight (December 3) at 7pm on BBC One. Louise Redknapp is an American Express Shop Small Ambassador encouraging everyone to shop small, particularly on Small Business Saturday on December 3 2016. For further information, visit http://www.amexshopsmall.co.uk.

Source: Digital Spy

 

Article: A night at the movies for our Strictly stars with tears and Salsa

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Strictly

STRICTLY Come Dancing had a night at the movies.

Our contenders flying the flag for Grimsby were Kevin Clifton with ex-Eternal singing star Louise Redknapp.

Kevin’s wife Karen teamed up with another singing superstar, Will Young and Joanne Clifton was paired with BBC sports presenter Ore Oduba.

There was an emotional climax when Ore shed tears after the fantastic rain dance from “Singin’ In the Rain” when he stood in for Gene Kelly.

He wept as he told: “I knew how much she (Joanne) loves the song, so I wanted to do her proud.”

They scored 35 points with high praise from the judges.

Darcey Bussell said: “It took my breath away. It is your best dance so far.”

Len Goodman said: “The routine was fantastic and the interpretation was fantastic. I am astounded how good that was.”

Bruno Tonioli said: “Gene Kelly would be proud. Your personality (Ore) shone through. Credit to your for splendid choreography.”

Craig Revel Horwood said: “The routine was fantastic.”

Joanne, from Grimsby had prepared Ore by taking him to a fountain in Olympia, London where they wore Grimsby trawler fishing-style yellow sou’westers and wellies with an umbrella.

Karen and Will performed a spellbinding salsa to the sound of Jai Ho from “Slumdog Millionaire.”

They took expert advice from Bollywood dance expert Arshina Trivedi.

There was a tense clash for a moment between Will and judge Len Goodman over the number of salsa moves.

Len said he only spotted a few but Will corrected him to say there were plenty, Bad-tempered Len told Will “Turn up, keep up and shut up.” He later said he was only joking and praised the couple for “entertaining fun” and said Will was “a terrific dancer.”

Bruno Tonioli said: “it was exotic, uplifting and joyful. the whole thing was wonderful.”

Craig Revel Horwood said: “I adored the mix it was brave of your to attempt it.2

Darcey Bussell said: “How strong you effortlessly got Karen through those lifts. It was really fabulous.”.

The couple scored 31 points, their highest score of the competition thus far.

the last of Grimsby’s trio, Kevin Clifton took to the stage with Louise.

Presenters joked at the start it was “Fishdance” referring to Kevin’s Grimsby fishing roots. But their Cha-cha-cha dance from “Flashdance” was a superb showstopper.

Bruno Tonioli said: “It was so good it took me back to the Eighties.”

Darcey told Louise she looked a lot more confident.

“I really enjoyed it,” she said.

Craig said: “I loved the routine, well done.”

They scored 31 points, putting them joint fourth with Karen and Will and Joanne and Ore were third.

Keep checking for the results tomorrow.

Source: Grimsby Telegraph

Keith Clifton’s SCD Column: Strictly dance stars head to the movies

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  • Theme week: Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton will be dancing the Cha Cha to Flashdance … What A Feeling.

 

  • Paired up: Karen Clifton with Will Young.

  • Currently eighth: Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton.

IT’S here again!

Another couple will be voted off Strictly Come Dancing today – and we are all hoping the elimination won’t involve a Clifton.

Kevin, Joanne and Karen will be taking to the dancefloor once again with their respective partners Louise Redknapp, Ore Oduba and Will Young.

It’s Saturday Night At The Movies for the series’ first theme week.

Louise and Kevin will be dancing the Cha Cha to Flashdance.. What A Feeling by Irene Cara from Flashdance, Ore and Joanne will be dancing the American Smooth to Singin’ In the Rain by Gene Kelly from Singin’ In The Rain, and Will and Karen will dance the Salsa to Jai Ho by AR Rahman and the Pussycat Dolls from Slumdog Millionaire.

Kevin and ex-Eternal singer Louise Redknapp topped the leaderboard last weekend after scoring 32 points, and Karen and partner Will Young were fourth thanks to their score of 27.

Joanne and Ore are currently eighth, having scored 27 both weeks.

Strictly is on BBC1 at 6.45pm tonight and the results show is on at 7.15pm tomorrow.

Do you like seeing the quality, the fun or the journey, asks Keith Clifton.

That’s what I love about Strictly Come Dancing and I’m sure most others do too.

Here you have a competition, played out over a number of weeks, where every participant is a winner.

There are no losers or failures, just talented friendly people going on a journey of discovery, giving us, the viewing public, a chance to dissect, comment upon and enjoy their progress. Every celebrity dancer will come out of Strictly with a new found skill, bundle of new friends and a story to tell.

Of course it’s sad to see the first person leave, or any of them at any time, especially if that couple is your favourite. We didn’t know him before but what a nice guy Melvin is and he really did take the Strictly experience in both hands (and feet!).

We are now all getting to know the celebrities, their personalities and their strengths and weaknesses.

Is your particular favourite someone with a little past experience of dance or performance who is showing early amazing quality, or do you prefer the unexpected revelation of a ‘funster’ giving us plenty of lol moments.

Or is your interest more in those with no dance experience but having serious potential who will be transformed from zeros to heroes through sheer hard work, soaking up knowledge like sponges and making a later charge for the final?

One of these celebrities and their talented professional partners will become your favourite for whatever reason and it’s your choice who you want to see progress through the competition.

Or is your interest more in those with no dance experience but having serious potential who will be transformed from zeros to heroes through sheer hard work, soaking up knowledge like sponges and making a later charge for the final?

One of these celebrities and their talented professional partners will become your favourite for whatever reason and it’s your choice who you want to see progress through the competition.

Do you like seeing the quality, the fun or the journey? It’s up to you.

I thought all our couples were amazing. Thank you for your support.

They were all happy to get through the first elimination. They all showed they had bucket loads of talent.

Joanne, with Ore Oduba, opened the programme with a Cha Cha Cha, both dressed as firemen, it was fabulous.

Kevin, and Louise Redknapp were amazing with a beautiful Viennese Waltz and Karen with Will Young conquered a wonderful energetic jive. We are excited to say the least.

Strictly is an amazing window into a parallel universe which everyone can enjoy; a captivating look at a group of people learning a new skill, daring to offer up their souls for the scrutiny of others.

Please don’t be ultra-critical or vitriolic, it’s not necessary.

Just enjoy the magical mystery journey.

Source: Grimsby Telegraph

 

 

Article: Kellie Bright defies hip injury agony to make the semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing

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The plucky EastEnders actress has been on strong painkillers for 12 weeks

Strictly star Kellie Bright has revealed she’s been battling through the pain barrier to make it through to the semi-final.

The EastEnders actress has been on strong painkillers for the past 12 weeks after suffering a hip injury during training.

The problem has plagued her throughout the series – but she has refused to mention it until now.

It makes her reaching the semi-final of the BBC dance competition an even bigger feat.

Last night saw the final five celebrities battle it out for a place in the final next week.

Kellie – who danced American Smooth to Let’s Face The Music And Dance with partner Kevin Clifton – got 39 points from the judges.

But she admitted she’s struggled with her hip injury since week 2 of the competition

“I’ve had a left hip issue since the cha-cha in week two and it’s never really gone away,” said Kellie, 39. “And I don’t think it will really until I stop and rest. I am having physio for it, yes. My body isn’t used to it.”

BBCKevin Clifton and his dance partner Kellie Bright during a dress rehearsal recording for this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing
Dance face: Kellie and Kevin shone brightly, but she admits she’s in agony

Putting it down to her age, mum-of-one Kellie, who plays Linda Carter in the BBC soap, said: “If you are dancing every day, this is week 14, so of course my body has changed. I’m much more toned than I as – but I’m in much more pain! Everyone says, ‘You’re so fit,’ and I’m like, ‘Well… not necessarily so.”

But her injury hasn’t stopped professional dancer Kevin pushing her to the limit.

“With Kellie’s hip problem, I should probably be cutting down on the number of lifts I have been doing with her, but I definitely haven’t! I probably should be taking things out but I tend to keep pushing!

“Kellie winces every now and again and I try to be sympathetic and say, ‘Are you okay? Are you okay?’ And she says, ‘Can I have another painkiller?’”

Juggling Strictly and EastEnders has taken its toll on Kellie – who says the process has been so tough she can now sleep standing up!

She said: “This week has been difficult as I had a lot of toing and froing. I would start EastEnders, meet Kevin for a few hours and then go back to EastEnders and then met him again in the evening.

BBC
Class act: Sharon, Laetitia Dean with Linda, played by Kellie, in EastEnders

“Next week I will be at EastEnders all day and meet him in the evening. It’ll be a bit easier. But I am taking it week by week. And it’s almost a surprise to us that we are here every week. You have to approach it like that. It’s the healthiest way to approach it.

“I haven’t done much else apart from Strictly or EastEnders for the past few months, but I don’t feel I have really sacrificed anything. But we knew what it was going to be like before I started.

“I also knew it wasn’t going to last forever – at the most just over three months. So I don’t feel I have lost my friends or anything in that time.

“My husband is also an actor. We are sued to working intensely and not seeing each other much and then have the luxury of being together a lot for six months. That’s the way our relationship works.”

Guy Levy/BBCvKellie Bright and Kevin Clifton on Strictly Come Dancing
Winning smiles: Kellie and Kevin last week when they topped the leaderboard

Kellie praises Kevin for standing by her – and says it’s him who gets the bum deal.

“As hard as I am working with my hours, Kevin is there with me doing those hours too, and having to choreograph the routine and doing his pro dances,” said Kellie.

“It’s not just me who’s had a tough time! In fact, I said to him when we first were paired together, ‘You do know that you have drawn the short straw because you’re going to have to work ridiculous hours to fit around my filming schedule!’

“He’s been so brilliant to dance with and accommodating and encouraging. Honestly, there have times when I have literally been asleep standing up and if I had been dancing with anyone else I don’t think I could do it. But he’s kept the whole thing so joyful it has made the whole experience for me.”

Source: The Mirror