BBC bosses faced fresh fix allegations after its Breakfast host Dan Walker survived another week on Strictly.
Dan, the bookies' favourite for the chop, swerved the dance-off on Saturday despite flak from judge Craig Revel Horwood. Instead, Tilly Ramsay, 20, and Rhys Stephenson, 28, went head to head ? with Tilly bowing out.
Craig told Dan, 44, on Saturday his rumba was "jolty". He added: "Yeah, you wiggled your hips but anyone can do that. You were marching it and stomping on every two and stopping still rather than doing the dance."
But Dan and partner Nadiya Bychkova got enough marks from Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas, Cynthia Erivo and viewers' votes to be safe.
One viewer asked: "How is Dan Walker still in this competition?" And another wrote: "Is Dan Walker the biggest ever fix on Strictly? He shouldn't be there anymore."
Read our Strictly Come Dancing live blog for the latest news and gossip…
- Adriana Elgueta
When is the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?
The Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final will air on BBC One on Saturday, December 18, 2021.
This means one contestant will be celebrating Christmas as Strictly's fiercest dancer.
The series will have been on the air for three months when the finale will hit the screens.
The finale will then be available for viewers wishing to catch up with the programme on BBC iPlayer.
While the competition has accustomed viewers to separate results shows on Sunday, the final result is expected to be revealed on the Saturday night.
- Adriana Elgueta
Judge Craig says watching the show 'strange' experience after Covid diagnosis
"It was really strange for me but I really enjoyed it and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the show because I was watching it not as a judge but as a punter, a normal person just watching it.
"It's funny because when I'm at work, I'm really looking at it technically and I'm concentrating only on the technique and only on how the dance is presented in a professional fashion. So for me, watching it at home was amazing.
"Plus, when we're judging we're judging the full body and when you're at home you see cutaways. You're not necessarily watching the footwork all the way through because you can't see it. So I can understand people at home thinking, 'Oh, I missed that heel lead'."
- Adriana Elgueta
Craig on why people vote for Dan
"You're more involved in the celebrity's story at home," he says. "Whereas at work I'm not as influenced by the VTs or anything, because I'm just there to judge that 1min 30 dance and not the actual story that surrounds it. Whereas when I was sat at home, you do.
"And then I see why people vote for people like Dan. It's interesting, isn't it? Because he's probably one of the weaker dancers out of everyone that is left in this programme but you still feel for him.
"So you sort of invest in that. It's a totally different sort of experience so I understand now why the audience are given 50% of the vote. I'm just there to uphold and wave the dance flag professionally, but then the people at home, they've invested in the human being themselves and their story and journey throughout it.
- Adriana Elgueta
Craig Revel Horwood's Top three finalists
He says: "For me, out of everybody that's left who should be in the final it should be John and Johannes, because they've been consistent all the way through. I think Rose and Giovanni, because they've been consistently good at every different form of dance. AJ I think is fantastic.
"I think I can see those three celebrities definitely in the final – from a professional point of view, whether they're loved at home is completely up to the public.
"They've all been really good. Obviously AJ had a rough week when she had to do the Paso Doble but she excelled in something like the Charleston, which is just amazing.
- Adriana Elgueta
Max Bowden not doing great but being supported by colleagues
Eastenders' Max Bowden is being supported by the BBC soap's crew as he "isn't doing great" after three friends tragically passed away.
The 26-year-old star has endured a difficult few months, and is understandably struggling following the bereavements.
Taking to his Instagram Story last night, the Ben Mitchell actor shared a photo of a handwritten note he'd received, captioning it: "I work with some amazing people".
The sweet message read: "Hey Max, just wanted to say we know you're not great at the moment, but we are always here if you need a rant or a cry."
- Joseph Gamp
Strictly pro Amy Dowden moves in with Tom & Giovanna
Giovanna Fletcher said her family has "gained a new member" after Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden, who was partnered with her husband, McFly star Tom, moved into their family home after suffering a flare-up of her Crohn's disease.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, she said: "It is more of a hostage situation possibly. But I do think that is something that is not focused on – the friendships that can be made through Strictly.
"We absolutely adore her. For us it is not a Strictly curse. We have actually gained a new member."
Speaking about Dowden's recovery, she said: "She is good. She was sat on the sofa last night. The colour is back in her cheeks.
"She has still got her hot water bottle and every now and then you can see she is in pain. People with Crohn's are living with pain. But it is nice to see the pink going back into her cheeks."
- Milica Cosic
Strictly's John Whaite forced to rest as he's in 'so much pain'
Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite was forced to rest after being left in 'so much pain'.
The 32-year-old and Johannes Radebe are currently in training for the BBC dance contest's quarter-finals.
The dancing pair made it through on Sunday night after getting a near-perfect score for their Argentine tango.
But on Tuesday, John had to leave rehearsals early, telling his Instagram followers he was off to rest.
He took a snap of himself in the back of a car, and said: "Going home to rest. My hip flexors are in so much pain and the physio has recommended a day of rest.
"I'll watch Christmas films all day and eat Haribo."
- Milica Cosic
John Whaite topped the leaderboard
Topping the scores this weekend were John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe who scored a near perfect 39 points for their Argentine tango.
Craig was full of praise for the “fantastic” routine – although still scored a 9 – while Shirley described the performance as “fabulous”.
AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington ranked in second spot with 36 points and bouncing back from the dance off last weekend, Rhys Stephenson scored 35 points for his waltz with pro partner Nancy Xu.
- Milica Cosic
Dan forced to hit back at critics before
Dan has been forced to hit back at critics several times throughout the series.
On Sunday night he took to his social media page yet again to remind fans it’s just a TV show.
He tweeted: “Thank you to everyone who is sending lovely messages & enjoying us having fun on #Strictly and to the few who say…
“‘Just leave’. ‘Aren’t you ashamed?’ ‘You’re a disgrace’. ‘It’s a fix’ (which I don’t get). or ‘Who is voting for them?’ IT’S A TV SHOW! See you in the 1/4 finals.”
- Milica Cosic
Motsi Mabuse may miss a SECOND week
STRICTLY fans fear Motsi Mabuse will miss a second week of the show following the government's updated travel rules.
The show judge shared a video from Berlin hotel on Instagram today after completing her isolation period following contact with someone who had Covid.
Motsi was replaced by Cynthia Erivo on the Strictly panel on Saturday while she quarantined until today's date.
However, on Sunday, following the discovery of the Omicron coronavirus variant in South Africa, Boris Johnson moved quickly to introduce a new rule whereby any one flying into the UK needs to take a PCR test within two days of arrival and must isolate until they receive a negative result.
It means if Motsi flies to the UK tonight she will have just 72 hours to prove she is negative.
- Milica Cosic
Tilly's dad overwhelmed with pride for her
GORDON Ramsay heaped praise on daughter Tilly Ramsay following her exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
Tilly, 19, just missed out on the quarter finals of the BBC competition after she and professional partner Nikita Kuzmin were sent home on Sunday night.
But proud dad Gordon, 55, had only good things to say about the pair, writing on Instagram: “Words can’t describe how proud I am of these 2, hard working polite humble and incredibly down to earth.
Most of all well done and what a celebration of youth and how happy it makes me feel. The future is bright and you 2 will continue to shine lots of love dad.”
- Milica Cosic
When is Strictly next on?
Strictly continues on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 6.55pm.
The results show will air the following day at 7.20pm on Sunday, December 5, 2021.
The final is on December 18, 2021.
You can also catch any missed episodes on the BBC iPlayer.
- Milica Cosic
Another week, another complaint
Fresh fix allegations have been thrown at BBC bosses after its Breakfast host Dan Walker survived another week on flagship show Strictly.
Dan, the bookies’ favourite for the chop, swerved the dance-off despite criticism from judge Craig Revel Horwood.
But Dan and partner Nadiya Bychkova got enough marks from Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Cynthia Erivo and viewers’ votes to be safe.
One viewer tweeted: “Craig is right. Shame on the others.”
Another asked: “How is Dan Walker still in this competition?”
And a third wrote: “Is Dan Walker the biggest ever fix on Strictly? He should not be there anymore.”
- Milica Cosic
Who is in the Strictly final? (Continued…)
Only three couples will be competing in December due to Robert Webb's unexpected exit following an injury.
In October 2021, the Boston-born comedian shared a powerful tango routine with his dance partner Dianne Buswell.
Although his performance was praised by the Strictly judges, Robert took to Instagram after the show to tell his fans he suffered from achilles tendinitis after the dance.
But it was not until Robert paid his heart specialist a visit that he decided to step away from the competition.
Robert, who underwent open heart surgery in 2019, had an urgent consultation with the specialist after experience symptoms.
Despite his departure, Strictly bosses were adamant that the show went on.
- Milica Cosic
Who is in the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final?
During previous editions of Strictly, four couples have competed for victory during the final episode.
However, the 2021 instalment of the show will only feature a trio.
As of November 30, 2021, the three contestants include: EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, John Whaite, TV host AJ Odudu, Dan Walker and Rhys Stephenson.
Rose has been paired up with Giovanni Pernice, while John dances alongside Johannes Radebe and AJ trots with Kai Widdrington.
Dan Walker, on the other hand, can count on Nadiya Bychkova's support, much like Rhy can rely on Nancy Xu.
Tilly Ramsay and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin took a final bow on Sunday, November 28, and were the latest contestants to leave the competition.
- Milica Cosic
Recap: Who has left Strictly so far?
Here’s who has left the show so far:
- Week two: Nina Wadia and Neil Jones
- Week three: Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez
- Withdrawn: Robert Webb and Dianne Buswell
- Week four: Greg Wise and Karen Hauer
- Week five: Ugo Monye and Oti Mabuse
- Week six: Judi Love and Graziano di Prima
- Week seven: Adam Peaty and Katya Jones
- Week eight: Sara Davies and Aljaz Skorjanec
- Week nine: Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden
- Week ten: Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin
Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong leaves fans ‘gutted’
LISA Armstrong left fans ‘gutted’ when she confirmed some sad career news on social media.
The make-up artist, 45, reposted a string of messages from her followers, all enquiring about the future of her collaboration with Avon.
But Lisa confessed the partnership had come to an end and that her make-up rage has been discontinued.
One Twitter user wrote to Lisa: “Morning why am I being told Avon are stopping stocking your range?”
Lisa replied: “Because they are hun… x.”
Responding to the news, another follower said: “I’m gutted as Iove all about the base primer, amazing product. Thank you @LisaAmakeup for introducing it to my make up routine.
“I just hope I’ll be able to get it once AVON have sold out.”
Louise Minchin & Dan Walker supportive of each other
It's clear they support each other in their respective careers, with Louise encouraging her social media followers to vote for Dan in Strictly Come Dancing.
But, as is protocol for I'm a Celeb, Louise couldn't tell Dan she was moving into the castle this year. She said: "I didn’t tell Dan Walker I was doing I’m A Celebrity before coming to Wales but I don’t think he will be surprised.
"He knows me well and I think he will be both excited and nervous for me. I have been voting for him on Strictly so fingers crossed he will vote for me a lot."
Dan reacted to the news on social media, promising his "phone bill is going to be enormous".
Louise even has hilarious nicknames for the two of them: Little and Large – but Dan is Little!
Inside I’m a Celeb’s Louise Minchin’s friendship with Strictly's Dan Walker
THEY'RE taking part in rival reality shows right now – but there's no denying the friendship between Louise Minchin and Dan Walker.
Louise, 53, and Dan, 44, hosted BBC Breakfast together for six years before she quit in September after two decades on the programme – something Dan compared to a break-up.
As Dan took to the Strictly dancefloor for the first time weeks later, he showed just how close the pair are when he dedicated his performance to Louise.
After his debut dance, host Claudia Winkleman said: "You wanted to dedicate that dance to someone very special…"
Dan replied: "Yes, I've got a new breakfast sofa partner but that was actually for Louise Minchin.
"Any Breakfast viewer will know that Louise left the sofa last week, hopefully she's watching – Louise that was for you, we miss you, we love you and we wish you all the best away from the sofa."
But Louise had her own surprise for Dan, appearing on a VT to say: "Hi Dan, I cannot believe that you dedicated your first dance on Strictly to me – thank you so much.
"I really miss you on the BBC Breakfast sofa but I'm so excited because I will watch you every Saturday night on Strictly, I think you're going to be amazing, good luck, go for it and have fun."
Amy is 'still in pain'
Giving a health update, Giovanna acknowledged that Amy is "still in pain", but it'd been "nice to see the colour come back in her cheeks".
Tom previously revealed that he had to carry Amy to the ambulance as she battled the extreme pain, and she has been wearing his and Giovanna's clothes around the house since being discharged.
Amy shared on Instagram: "The Fletchers made sure I had everything and more at the hospital, have brought me back to theirs where the whole family are giving me all the love, care, burnt toast (Tom), unlimited supply of @mrsgifletcher clothes along with @tomfletcher sock choice😜 you could possibly need, lots of drawings and pretend injections from my new doctors Buzz, Buddy and Max.
"Thank you, they really were sent to me 💖💖"
Reason Amy Dowden moved in with Tom (Continued…)
Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Rob Rinder, Giovanna Fletcher explained that as Amy is a Strictly pro she is still appearing on Saturday live shows – and is in a strict Covid bubble as a result.
This means that she isn't able to travel to stay with family members, which is why Tom and his wife have taken her in as they were her original bubble for the series.
Gi shared: "Everyone in Strictly is in bubbles, she can't travel to the Midlands or Wales – we just want her with us."
Rob replied: "So it's the opposite of the Strictly Curse – you've moved in with each other!"
The I'm A Celeb champ giggled: "Exactly – it's more of a hostage situation, possibly. But that's something that's not focused on – the friendships that can be made through Strictly, we absolutely adore her.
"For us, it's not a Strictly Curse – we've actually gained a new member."
- Milica Cosic
Surprising reason Amy Dowden moved in with Tom
GIOVANNA Fletcher has revealed the surprising reason why husband Tom's Strictly Come Dancing partner Amy Dowden was forced to move in with them after her hospital dash.
The 31-year-old professional dancer told followers that she was being cared for by the couple at their family home following a severe flare up of her Crohn's disease.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Giovanna shed some more light on the situation – and revealed that Amy and Tom were on a walk near their home with fellow Strictly 2021 contestant Sara Davies when she fell ill.
- Milica Cosic
Tilly on her ‘positive journey’
When the judges voted to save Rhys and Nancy, Tilly thanked everyone who’d been involved in her Strictly journey.
She said: “I’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has made this an amazing, positive journey for me.
“From everyone here to backstage, wardrobe, make up and camera crew. It’s just been the most extraordinary time.
“I found out something about myself that I didn’t know I could do, I didn’t know I could dance and have fun like this.”
Praising Nikita, Tilly added: “I really meant it when I said I made a best friend for life. You’ve just been incredible.”
- Milica Cosic
Fave for the Xmas special
Betfair – Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2021 winner
- Anne-Marie: 6/4
- Fred Sirieix: 5/2
- Mel Giedroyc: 11/4
- Jay Blades: 5/2
- Moira Stuart: 20/1
Explained: What to expect from Strictly next week
The road to the Glitterball Trophy begins in earnest as the remaining couples take to the ballroom floor live for the quarter-final.
The show opens with a dazzling group number from our Strictly professionals before the couples make their bid to secure another week in the competition with some first class performances.
JLS also reported to be doing a guest performance.
Source: Read Full Article
