Strictly Come Dancing tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2012:/blogs/strictlycomedancing/563 2012-06-23T09:40:25Z Keep up to date with all of the very latest news about Strictly Come Dancing here, with the official Strictly News Blog. Movable Type 4.33-en New professional dancer for Strictly 2012 tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2012:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.308693 2012-06-23T08:30:58Z 2012-06-23T09:40:25Z Karen Hauer, 30, has been confirmed as a brand new professional dancer for Strictly Come Dancing 2012 when it returns this autumn. Most recently Karen starred as a principal dancer in the hit show 'Burn The Floor'. She is... BBC Strictly James https://meleleh.pages.dev/strictlycomedancing/ Karen Hauer, 30, has been confirmed as a brand new professional dancer for Strictly Come Dancing 2012 when it returns this autumn.

Most recently Karen starred as a principal dancer in the hit show 'Burn The Floor'. She is a ballroom dancer from Valencia, Venezuela who moved to New York when she was eight years old.

Karen is trained as a dancer and choreographer and has worked with some of the biggest stars in the world, including Jennifer Lopez. She has won numerous ballroom awards including World Mambo Champion in 2008 and Professional American Rhythm Rising Star Champion in 2009.

Karen Hauer

Karen on joining Strictly: "If I could dance how I feel about joining Strictly - then you'd be able to see how excited I am!"

Karen completes the sparkling line-up of professionals who are: Aliona Vilani, Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Ola Jordan, Anton Du Beke, Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Robin Windsor and Vincent Simone.

BBC's Controller of Entertainment Katie Taylor adds; "We welcome Karen to our Strictly family - we're thrilled to have such a fresh and talented professional join us and I can't wait to see what she will bring to the ballroom this autumn."

]]> Darcey Bussell joins Strictly! tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2012:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.306881 2012-04-25T08:50:10Z 2012-04-25T10:52:29Z We are pleased to confirm that Ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE, the former Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet, is the new judge on Strictly when it returns in the autumn! Darcey is no stranger to the show having appeared as... BBC Eurovision Nora We are pleased to confirm that Ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE, the former Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet, is the new judge on Strictly when it returns in the autumn!

Darcey is no stranger to the show having appeared as a guest judge on the series in 2009 during which she and Ian Waite performed a jive together. Darcey will be joining the panel to sit alongside Head Judge Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Darcey said: "I had such a lovely experience in 2009 when I was a guest judge, that coming on board now feels very natural. Strictly combines quality dance and great entertainment, which is such a positive for everybody involved. I am very excited and really looking forward to being part of the Strictly team."

Darcey Bussell

Welcoming her is Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One: "Strictly Come Dancing is a real jewel in BBC One's crown and I can think of no-one better to join our Strictly judging panel than Darcey, the UK's queen of ballet. Darcey has all the poise and glamour along with the experience and credentials to deliver meaningful and insightful critiques of our couples' performances. She's a huge fan of the show and will be a fantastic addition to the Strictly family."

]]> Thank you and goodbye tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301943 2011-12-26T09:00:36Z 2011-12-20T16:57:33Z We'd like to wave a glittery goodbye to all our users of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing blog as it closes for the current series. Thank you for all of your contributions, from your live show analysis to your support... BBC Eurovision Nora We'd like to wave a glittery goodbye to all our users of the BBC Strictly Come Dancing blog as it closes for the current series.

Thank you for all of your contributions, from your live show analysis to your support of our Strictly teams. Join us again in 2012 as we celebrate an incredible tenth year of Strictly Come Dancing. In the meantime enjoy more Strictly gold with a lookback at 2011...

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]]> Charlie Brooks wins the Christmas Special 2011 tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301949 2011-12-25T21:10:00Z 2011-12-21T12:10:54Z EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks has been crowned Queen of the Christmas Ballroom just a week after the grand finale that saw Harry Judd crowned champion of 2011. The five-star Christmas line-up brought a sprinkling of festive sparkle to Christmas day.... BBC Eurovision Gemma EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks has been crowned Queen of the Christmas Ballroom just a week after the grand finale that saw Harry Judd crowned champion of 2011.

The five-star Christmas line-up brought a sprinkling of festive sparkle to Christmas day.

Former world featherweight boxing champion Barry McGuigan Quickstepped with Erin Boag, comedienne Debra Stephenson and professional dancer Ian Waite performed an American Smooth, Blue's Simon Webbe and his professional partner Katya Virshilas danced a Cha Cha Cha, Hi-De-Hi legend Su Pollard Foxtrotted around the dancefloor with Anton Du Beke, and completing the famous five was EastEnders' prime villainess Janine Butcher, actress Charlie Brooks, who danced a festive jive with Vincent Simone.

After watching all dances, the studio audience cast their vote for their favourite and the champion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2011 Christmas special was Charlie Brooks.

Reflecting back on the results of tonight's show, Charlie stated "I've absolutely loved it, I've had such a brilliant time, Vincent has been amazing. I've made such a good friend here".

Of course, we were behind the scenes getting you all the best, exclusive pictures which you can see below.

Merry Christmas!

Santa costumes backstage at Strictly

Pink shoes backstage at Strictly

The Strictly stars take part in the group dance

Charlie and Vincent on the Strictly dancefloor

Debra and Ian on the Strictly dancefloor

Barry and Erin on the Strictly dancefloor

Su Pollard takes to the floor in her sleigh

Simon and Katya on the Strictly dancefloor

]]> EXCLUSIVE: Christmas messages from It Takes Two! tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301903 2011-12-20T11:48:21Z 2011-12-21T12:33:40Z Well, what a corker of a series it's been! Zoe played host to a dazzling array of Strictly celebs this year as the cast of 2011 popped into the glitter-filled studio every weekday to give the lowdown on their Strictly... BBC Strictly Kirstie Well, what a corker of a series it's been! Zoe played host to a dazzling array of Strictly celebs this year as the cast of 2011 popped into the glitter-filled studio every weekday to give the lowdown on their Strictly experience.

Zoe couldn't let you go without a special thank you message for all your support this year and a few more familiar faces chipped in too from the bustling It Takes Two green room... Enjoy - and see you in 2012!

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]]> EXCLUSIVE: Jason's unperformed routine tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301879 2011-12-19T18:26:17Z 2011-12-19T18:38:33Z We at SCD-HQ have been constantly searching out exclusive content for you throughout the series and this time we have quite the treat for you! Jason and Kristina were sadly voted off before being able to perform their grand final... BBC Eurovision Gemma We at SCD-HQ have been constantly searching out exclusive content for you throughout the series and this time we have quite the treat for you!

Jason and Kristina were sadly voted off before being able to perform their grand final dance routine in the results show on Saturday night and I bet you thought it had been lost forever? Well not at all! We have an exclusive recording of the Salsa from dress rehearsals...

Enjoy!

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]]> Harry is crowned Strictly Come Dancing Champion! tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301824 2011-12-17T21:32:36Z 2011-12-18T17:44:50Z Harry Judd has been crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion 2011! The McFly drummer and his partner Aliona triumphed in an evening that saw them perform a dazzling display of four different routines including a sizzling showdance which finished with Harry... BBC Eurovision Nora Harry Judd has been crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion 2011! The McFly drummer and his partner Aliona triumphed in an evening that saw them perform a dazzling display of four different routines including a sizzling showdance which finished with Harry back banging out a beat on his drum kit.

Len Goodman told him fittingly for the Blackpool final "If you were a stick of rock you'd have talent written right through you".

Harry also danced his way into the hearts of the other judges and the whole country with Alesha remarking ""The nation has fallen in love with you" whilst Craig Revel Horwood added "Harry I've fallen in love with you too..."

We were first on the dancefloor to film an exclusive interview with Harry and Aliona after the result was announced.

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]]> The Grand Final - Results Show! tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301825 2011-12-17T20:18:45Z 2011-12-17T21:48:00Z Who will be crowned Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2011? In tonight's show Chelsee, Harry and Jason were tantalisingly close to glitterball glory as they each gave two spectacular routines. In a show where only the viewer vote counts, the judges... BBC Eurovision Nora Who will be crowned Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2011? In tonight's show Chelsee, Harry and Jason were tantalisingly close to glitterball glory as they each gave two spectacular routines. In a show where only the viewer vote counts, the judges were full of praise for their performances, after a storming start Bruno said to Harry "You came and you danced and you conquered Blackpool." Alesha said to Jason "If it was a marathon Jason you would have already won." And Len told Chelsee "I've judged in this room many times, judging a girl like you with no experience is as good for me as judging the world championship."

Is it too close to call? It seems like it, stay right here as we crown the winner and runners up of Strictly Come Dancing 2011!

Harry and Aliona are off to get changed

Chelsee and Pasha fresh from the dancefloor

]]> Strictly - the story so far... tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301821 2011-12-17T19:30:00Z 2011-12-17T16:12:47Z Tonight plays host to two of the most tense and exciting shows in this year's series; one has just passed, the other will start at 9pm. In the meantime, if you still have Strictly fever and you need a remedy,... BBC Strictly James https://meleleh.pages.dev/strictlycomedancing/ Tonight plays host to two of the most tense and exciting shows in this year's series; one has just passed, the other will start at 9pm.

In the meantime, if you still have Strictly fever and you need a remedy, just watch this look-back at Strictly Come Dancing 2011. Side effects include: tapping feet, singing outbursts, severe smiling and goosebumps.

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All Strictly fever symptoms should subside when the Results show starts at 9pm.

]]> Grand Final - Strictly Live Show tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301822 2011-12-17T17:55:00Z 2011-12-17T20:16:58Z It's finally arrived, after surviving eleven gruelling ballroom battles, Chelsee, Harry and Jason have come to the spiritual home of ballroom, Blackpool, to fight for the chance to lift the Strictly 2011 glitterball trophy. It's the one night where the... BBC Eurovision Nora It's finally arrived, after surviving eleven gruelling ballroom battles, Chelsee, Harry and Jason have come to the spiritual home of ballroom, Blackpool, to fight for the chance to lift the Strictly 2011 glitterball trophy. It's the one night where the judges' scores won't count as our couples will ONLY be performing for the public vote. So it's your chance to make your favourite team the ultimate champions.

Expect spectacular routines, thrilling new showdances and for the last two remaining couples, a completely new dance, never performed. We'll be right by stage door at the Tower Ballroom reporting with exclusive backstage pictures and quotes from each dancing duo. Join us at 7pm for the first show and then again at 9.05pm for the all-important results...

Harry: "I've wanted to cry all day. Now I can't stop smiling"

Jason: "I wanted a good start and I really really enjoyed doing that dance!"

Chelsee: "I'm so nervous about the showdance. I'm just going to go all out"

Harry: "Wow that was awesome!"

Kristina: "Even I'm tired now!"

Chelsee: "I've just done my showdance and I loved it"

]]> Final - Backstage Gallery tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301819 2011-12-17T14:00:00Z 2011-12-17T15:07:44Z Strictly Come Dancing 2011 is now at the apex. 14 couples entered the ballroom back in September, but tonight, only one pair will leave as Strictly 2011 champions. The atmosphere and energy have reached new heights as our final three... BBC Strictly James https://meleleh.pages.dev/strictlycomedancing/ Strictly Come Dancing 2011 is now at the apex. 14 couples entered the ballroom back in September, but tonight, only one pair will leave as Strictly 2011 champions.

The atmosphere and energy have reached new heights as our final three couples - Chelsee & Pasha, Harry & Aliona and Jason & Kristina - will be dancing up to FIVE different routines. All three celebs will be making their Strictly debut in one of Britain's most prestigious dance arenas - The Blackpool Tower Ballroom - which can only add to the excitement.

The dress rehearsals will start momentarily and we'll have EXCLUSIVE backstage pictures for you...

Best seats in the house?!

Best seats in the house?!

The SCD stage is set - are you ready for the Grand Final?

The SCD stage is set - are you ready for the Grand Final?

The judges' desk made it to Blackpool! Wonder who'll get the first 10?

The judges' desk made it to Blackpool! Wonder who'll get the first 10?

What a view! Can you spot Tess' area in the corner?

What a view! Can you spot Tess' area in the corner?

Just waiting for the dress run to begin -sound check!

Just waiting for the dress run to begin -sound check!

Chelsee and Pasha run through their jive

Chelsee and Pasha run through their jive

Jason and Kristina try out their Tango

Jason and Kristina try out their Tango

Harry and Aliona Quickstep it round the Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Harry and Aliona Quickstep it round the Blackpool Tower Ballroom

]]> Backstage at It Takes Two in Blackpool tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301757 2011-12-16T17:04:21Z 2011-12-16T19:21:02Z Can you believe we're just one day away from the Grand Final?! To guide you through with a very special hour-long episode is Strictly super-presenter Zoe Ball with a live edition of It Takes Two straight from Blackpool at 6pm... BBC Strictly Kirstie Can you believe we're just one day away from the Grand Final?! To guide you through with a very special hour-long episode is Strictly super-presenter Zoe Ball with a live edition of It Takes Two straight from Blackpool at 6pm on BBC2.

Keep checking back here for up-to-the-minute backstage pictures of tonight's guests, which include all 14 of our fabulous couples, choreography queen Karen Hardy, ballroom king Ian Waite AND the delectable Alesha Dixon!

Rory Bremner and Erin Boag

Rory and Erin try to warm up backstage in the Blackpool green room

Audley Harrison

Audley is wrapped up warm for Blackpool! See him on the show later

Robbie Savage

James and Ola Jordan

Ahhh... It's Ola and James backstage before It Takes Two

Brendan Cole

More Cole for the fire?

Robbie Savage and Dan Lobb

Robbie and Dan make a lovely couple

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace

Vincent and Flavia watching the ballroom action

Russell Grant

Russell's back in the ballroom

Alesha Dixon

Alesha Dixon awaits!

Nancy Dell'Olio, Edwina Currie, Lulu, Audley Harrison

Nancy, Edwina, Lulu and Audley

Ian Waite and Karen Hardy

The very lovely Karen and Ian try out the judges' desk in Blackpool

Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani

The gorgeous Harry and Aliona wait to join Zoe on the sofa

Anita Dobson and Holly Valance

How fab do Anita and Holly look?

Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev

Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff

Jason and Kristina after their chat with Zoe

Zoe Ball and the Strictly 2011 cast

Zoe and the Strictly gang sing out the last episode

Zoe Ball in a coffin

It Takes Two may have finished, but here is our very own Zoe Ball in an unusual location!

]]> Final pre-show nerves tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301795 2011-12-16T15:40:00Z 2011-12-16T15:49:35Z Our Blackpool ballroom battle is almost upon us, and our three plucky finalists are tantalisingly close to basking in the glow of the Strictly glitter ball. We caught up with Chelsee, Jason and Harry backstage in the Tower Ballroom to... BBC Eurovision Nora Our Blackpool ballroom battle is almost upon us, and our three plucky finalists are tantalisingly close to basking in the glow of the Strictly glitter ball. We caught up with Chelsee, Jason and Harry backstage in the Tower Ballroom to test their pre-performance anxiety with a special Blackpool Illumination-themed 'nerve-o-meter' ahead of the Strictly grand final...

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]]> Final - Rehearsals tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301676 2011-12-15T13:00:00Z 2011-12-15T14:12:56Z After fourteen weeks of hard graft, spray tans and sequins, our finalists will be performing four routines under the glitter ball at Blackpool Tower this Saturday. Each duo will be making their debut in the grand ballroom by showcasing a... Suzy Grant After fourteen weeks of hard graft, spray tans and sequins, our finalists will be performing four routines under the glitter ball at Blackpool Tower this Saturday.

Each duo will be making their debut in the grand ballroom by showcasing a variety of performances, including a specially choreographed show dance, in the hope of being crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2011.

With three amazing contenders for the trophy this year we are definitely in for a fantastic finale - we caught up with Chelsee & Pasha, Harry & Aliona and Jason to enjoy a sneak peek at their showdance training.

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Here is a full list of dance styles and music that our teams will be performing in the final:

  • Chelsee and Pasha
    Judges' choice: Jive to 'I'm a Believer' by Smash Mouth
    Show dance to 'One Night Only' by Beyonce
    New dance: Rumba to 'Because Of You' by Kelly Clarkson
    Favourite dance: Quickstep to 'Sing Sing Sing' by Benny Goodman
  • Harry and Aliona
    Judges' choice: Quickstep to 'Don't Get Me Wrong' by The Pretenders
    Show dance to 'Great Balls of Fire' by Jerry Lee Lewis
    New dance: American Smooth to 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Michael Buble
    Favourite dance: Argentine Tango to 'Asi Se Baila El Tango' by Bailongo
  • Jason and Kristina
    Judges' choice: Tango to 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor
    Show dance to 'Dancin' Fool' by Gary Wilmot
    New dance: Salsa to 'Hard to Handle' by Tom Jones
    Favourite dance: Quickstep to 'Bewitched' by Steve Lawrence
]]> What are your Strictly party plans? tag:www.bbc.co.uk,2011:/blogs/strictlycomedancing//563.301731 2011-12-15T12:25:40Z 2011-12-15T13:05:38Z Saturday 17th December will see the ballroom showdown of the year as the Strictly Grand Final heads to Blackpool. Are you planning the perfect party to celebrate? Let us know your plans below! But first, if you need some inspiration,... BBC Strictly Kirstie Saturday 17th December will see the ballroom showdown of the year as the Strictly Grand Final heads to Blackpool. Are you planning the perfect party to celebrate? Let us know your plans below!

But first, if you need some inspiration, here's some advice from glamour queen and Strictly star Nancy Dell'Olio...

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