Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly got their hands full on this weekend’s final, as three of the celebrity couples are barely speaking to one another.

Insiders say that Lulu hasn’t spoken to her professional partner Brendan Cole since they were voted off the show in week six. Sources say she took offence at comments he made about her soon afterwards, implying that she was perhaps a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde character.

A Strictly source told The Sun:

“When Lulu heard what Brendan said about her she was livid. I’m sure he didn’t mean to upset her but she has been very sensitive about her time on the show and needed more support than he was prepared to give her. He is a very hard taskmaster and this didn’t often sit well with Lulu.”

Dan Lobb was said to be upset when the focus of the newspapers, public and judges centred on his partner Katya rather than him and the insider continued:

“As for Katya, she thought Dan didn’t care. But Dan has been telling people he thought she was getting all of the attention when it should have been about them as a couple.”

Holly and Artem seemed to be fine with each other on Sunday night, before they were voted off the BBC dance series, however some say things are now decidedly frosty between them after the hunk implied that Valance was not putting her best into the routines.

All this friction adds up to one big headache for producers, who somehow have to get all these stars on the dance floor one last time tomorrow evening.

The insider added;

“All these difficulties make bringing together such a huge show like the Strictly final tougher than it should be.

“But all the celebrities and dancers are professional people and bosses are hoping that nothing will spill over into the show.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing: Lulu & Brendan Cole, Holly Valance & Artem Chigvintsev, Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas at war? on Unreality TV

Following Artem’s recent back injury, Strictly Come Dancing contestant Holly Valance found herself in the role of damsel in distress this week, without a dance partner.

Thankfully after his partner Lulu was eliminated last week, Brendan Cole was able to save the day Ho, stepping into Artem’s shoes.

A knight in shining armour, together with his white steed, he rode in to save the day and Holly, ready for their performance on Saturday’s show, when they will be dancing a Rumba to ‘Leave Right Now’

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Aww look at Brendan Cole being Holly Valance’s knight in shining armour! on Unreality TV

The BBC today announced that following an injury to his back Artem Chigvintsev will not dance this weekend with partner Holly Valance.

A BBC Spokesperson said:

“Artem was initially diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine. However the latest medical advice from a spinal specialist following further scans is that he is suffering with a combination of joint and soft tissue injury. While this medical advice is more encouraging he will still need to rest, so will not be dancing this Saturday. Brendan Cole will partner Holly in this Saturday’s show.”

Artem Chigvintsev said:

“Thanks to everyone for all the messages and tweets of support, it really means so much. I’m sad not to be dancing with Holly this weekend, but I’m grateful that Brendan is quickstepping in to fill my dancing shoes, and the two of them will be fantastic. I’ve worked with them all week choreographing the routine, and it will be a great one to watch on Saturday.”

Holly Valance said:

“I’m obviously disappointed I won’t be dancing with Artem this weekend, but his wellbeing is very important to me, and Brendan is an awesome guy and we’re working hard to bring something new and exciting to this Saturday’s show.”

Brendan Cole said:

‘I’m extremely happy to be asked by Artem to stand in for him this week. It is never nice under the circumstances but I’ll do my upmost to help him and Holly out and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to dance with Holly.’

This week Holly and Brendan will dance a rumba to Will Young’s Leave Right Now.

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Brendan Cole will replace Artem Chigvintsev and dance with Holly Valance on Unreality TV

Following the Halloween spooktacular last week, the ten remaining couples took to the dancefloor once again to impress the viewers at home, as well as the fearsome foursome – judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli & Craig Revel Horwood who were joined by Hollywood superstar and Dancing With The Stars USA champion, Jennifer Grey – in the studio.

On Sunday’s results show, the judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes. Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe and Lulu & Brendan Cole were announced as the two couples in the bottom two.

Lulu & Brendan had danced a Tango to Prince’s Kiss, in Saturday’s show, to which the judges commented:

JENNIFER

“Well, how gorgeous are you. That was phenomenal – I was really looking forward to seeing you dance, and I was not disappointed. I just have one question – I don’t know what they’re putting in your porridge… but I want some! I loved it. I mean I know we have little slip-ups, but all-in-all I couldn’t help but love everything about you”.

ALESHA

“Lulu – there always seems to be a little mishap with you, we’re getting used to it! It happens to all of us, it happened to me and I’m sure it happened to Jennifer. What I love about you is that when you have a mishap you just carry on. It doesn’t throw you, so I have to commend you for that. I thought the use of steps was really good, my only criticism was that when it got to half way through the routine you lost a bit of that upper-strength, and I want you to maintain that throughout the whole dance, but I thought the character was present, you are improving, and as Jennifer said it was really enjoyable to watch”.

BRUNO

“LULU! You drive me crazy! You started so well – the Queen of Mean with a heart of stone, looking at him as if he smelled! That is RIGHT for the tango! But then what happened, it started going! Gone. Lost it, and then just the frame went, no the frame went, he was just dragging you around at the end. You’ve got to keep your performance going all the way through because you are able to do it. You did it last week – You have to rehearse more. More hours.”

CRAIG

“The head and neck placement for me was very, very poor. You were looking down an awful lot – I know Brendan has told you about that. Shoulders were very loose and that’s why everyone was talking about the frame. You keep miming, which is driving me MAD… you need to stop that and tell the story. But – I thought you had a lovely moment up on the bridge, a beautiful ronde, I saw what you did there and it was lovely and strong, and I really loved the routine.”

Reflecting back on her Strictly experience, Lulu stated “Oh – everything about Strictly has been amazing. The people in front of the camera, the people behind the camera, the audience – the judges! I would never have missed it for a minute. It is just a lifetime’s very special experience.”

And Brendan added, “This is one of those shows, and I think we’re all so excited to be a part of the experience that it’ll be very sad not being here next week, but – that’s the show, somebody goes each week. I’d just like to say well done to everybody, and Lulu as well, she did great”.

Sunday’s Results show featured a performance from boyband sensation Westlife, singing their classic hit Flying Without Wings, with their exclusive first TV performance following the announcement that they are to split.

Next week’s show will be broadcast on Saturday 10th November 2011 at 6.55pm with the results show on Sunday 11th November at 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC One HD.

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011 Results: Lulu and Brendan Cole voted off! on Unreality TV

Brendan Cole is often thought of as the tough and nasty dance professional on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, however the star is hoping he can show a softer side of himself on this year’s series.

Lulu looked aghast when she was paired with Cole on last Saturday’s launch show and in response he just picked her up, threw her over his shoulder and carried her off the stage.

However, he is hoping that is the last time he will have to manhandle the ‘Shout’ hitmaker, as he thinks she has enough drive to push herself on to give the best performances she can on the reality TV show.

Speaking during their first day of Strictly rehearsals, Brendan said:

I think Lulu is pretty tough on herself, I don’t think I’ll need to be tough with her. I think she wants to be good, she has no problem saying I want to be good, which a lot of people do, so there’s no need for me to be tough. As long as I’m here giving my best to her, hopefully she’ll get that and push herself all the way through.

All you really want from this programme is someone who is excited about learning and excited about doing something which I think is very, very special. Strictly is a big part of my life and if they’re enthused about it it makes my job much easier.

Lulu looked quite comfortable on the dancefloor and seemed to be having a whale of a time, but in a quiet moment alone with a camera, she admitted:

Before I came into the first session today, I was very apprehensive.

Do you think Brendan and Lulu will make a good team? Can they make it to the Strictly final? leave your comments below.

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Brendan Cole doesn’t think he’ll have to be tough on Lulu (VIDEO) on Unreality TV

Lulu has confessed that she was gutted to be paired with Brendan Cole on last week’s Strictly Come Dancing launch show.

The ‘Shout’ hitmaker wanted a more easygoing dance partner, as she feels that Cole is too strict and volatile and viewers saw her looking appalled on Saturday night, as she discovered who she would perform with for the duration of the series.

An insider told The Sun that Lulu didn’t even make a secret of the fact that she didn’t want to dance with Brendan and admitted that she was hoping to be paired with new Siberian hunk Pasha Kovalev. They said:

“She’d been telling people — including Brendan — at rehearsals that she really didn’t want him.

“Brendan has a reputation for being really strict with dance partners and a hard task-master.”

“She wanted someone who’d be softer with her — and had set her sights on Pasha.”

The singer herself added:

“I was in shock.

“I want to stay in the show as long as I can because I want to learn to dance. I am good for a few moves but I am not a dancer.”

Brendan reacted to Lulu’s obvious horror, by lifting her, throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her off the dance floor on Saturday. He explained his moves saying:

“I had to get over the shock of being rejected so harshly.”

However the pair are mismatched in more ways than one, and with him being 6ft 1ins tall, and she only 5ft 1ins, they may make an odd couple on the dance floor.

He said: “I’m the tallest dancer and she is the shortest celebrity.”

“Once we get over the initial shock, I’m sure it will be fine.”

What did you think of this year’s pairings? Who do you think will shine on Strictly 2011? Leave your comments below.

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Lulu didn’t want strict Brendan Cole! on Unreality TV

BBC Announces Strictly Dance Pairings

The pairings for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing have been announced as the show hit our screens in all its glittering glory this weekend.

The 14 celebrities were partnered up with their professional dancers in front of the cameras allowing viewers to see their uncensored reactions for the very first time.

Lulu looked more than a little apprehensive about drawing Strictly bad boy Brendan Cole, jokingly backing away from him, before he threw the musical icon over his shoulder in a fireman’s lift to lead her off stage. Rory Bremner on the other hand was clearly delighted to be paired up with Strictly stalwart Erin Boag.

Strictly favourite Anton du Beke will be dancing with Italian temptress Nancy Dell’Olio, whilst Robbie Savage hit the jackpot with his partner Ola Jordan.

Former MP Edwina Currie is partnered with Vincent Simone and Jason Donovan will be taking to the floor with Kristina Rihanoff, who was clearly delighted by the partnership.

Australian actress and singer Holly Valance will be competing for the title with last year’s winner Artem Chigvintsev whilst The One Show host Alex Jones is sure to put up some stiff competition with her partner James Jordan.

Russell Grant’s partnership with Flavia Cacace was clearly written in the stars as was the pairing of towering boxer Audley Harrison and statuesque dancer Natalie Lowe.

McFly drummer Harry Judd will be dancing with Aliona Vilani, Dan Lobb has won the hand of Katya Virshilas while Anita Dobson will be waltzing with Robin Windsor.

Completing this year’s line-up is the “single and ready to mingle” Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey with this year’s only new professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.

The couples will now have three weeks to practice before their first live performance on either Friday 30th September or Saturday 1st October. Half the couples will take to the floor on the Friday with the remaining seven dancing on the Saturday. The couples will perform either a Waltz or the Cha-cha-cha.

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Pairings revealed – Lulu & Brendan Cole, Anton du Beke & Nancy Dell’Olio on Unreality TV

Strictly Come Dancing is about to launch again and the show’s most famous professional dancer Brendan Cole has admitted that he would have no problem dancing with an older contestant.

The feisty, bad tempered expert has confessed he wouldn’t be at all upset if he was paired with unpredictable former Tory minister Edwina Currie, most likely hoping that she will become the next Anne Widdecombe, charm the viewers and keep him in the competition.

Speaking to Bang Showbiz, Cole was asked if he would have a problem partnering Edwina and if he thought she could win at 63 years odl. he replied:

“I don’t mind who I’m partnered with, to be honest, young or old.

“I’ve won before with Natasha – although it was a long time ago, I still won – so I’m not bothered about winning. It’s the taking part! I’ve had great partners in the past.”

Brendan went on to reveal that he can’t wait until he finds out who he will be competing with tomorrow and for the series launch this Saturday. Predicting that it’s going to be a ‘great’ run, he added:

“I’m raring to go. I can’t wait until Wednesday to find out who I’ve got. It’s going to be a great series.”

The identities of the thirteen celebrities taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year is to be confirmed by the BBC later today.

To see the rumoured Strictly Come Dancing 2011 lineup, click here.

View the original post Brendan Cole wouldn’t mind dancing with Edwina Currie on Strictly Come Dancing 2011 on Unreality TV

He said, “I would love to have Pippa on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Obviously I would have to snap her up first. There are a few moves I could definitely teach her.”

Despite Pippa being one of the world’s most sought after women, Brendan’s wife Zoe Hobbs insists she wouldn’t mind him dancing with her.

She added to the Daily Star, “I would be fine with Brendan dancing with Pippa. She seems like a lovely girl and she is very popular at the moment.”

BBC bosses have reportedly offered Pippa a “five-figure sum” to appear on the talent show, with executives keen to bring in high ratings.

An insider said, “Pippa has become almost as famous as Kate since the wedding. It would be a huge coup to get her and give the show global appeal.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Brendan Cole wants to partner with Pippa Middleton on Unreality TV

Brendan Cole has defended Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecomeb.

Many viewers have called for the former Tory MP to voluntarily leave the compeititon, as John Sergeant did in 2008 but Brendan insists that she should stay purely for the ‘comedy value’ she and Anton Du Beke bring to the show.

Speaking on Lorraine, the New Zealand professional dancer said:

“People are going to hate me for saying this, but Ann Widdecombe is actually brilliant in many ways.

“Okay, she’s not the best dancer out there but this competition is not just about that, it’s become very much an entertainment show and I look forward to seeing her on the show – she’s brilliant. The pair of them, [the] comedy value is just priceless.”

On whether Ann should now follow John Sergeant’s lead, especially after the shock elimination of Jimi Mistry last week, Cole added:

“I hope not, because John Sergeant , for me, was a bit of an idiot on the show. He didn’t try very hard, he took the mickey out of it and then he left halfway through for no reason.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Brendan Cole ‘Ann Widdecombe is actually brilliant!’ on Unreality TV