Ben has presented on many well known ITV shows, but this will be his first foray into the world of BBC primetime.

Shephard told the Manchester Evening News: “I feel like someone’s going to pinch me at some point and say, ‘We were only joking, Graham Norton’s going to come and do this one. He’s had a few weeks off!’

“It’s very daunting in a way, because you think about the rich history of light entertainment, the sort of stuff I watched as a kid, the sort of stuff I still watch now. It doesn’t feel real.”

View the original post Ben Shephard Delighted To Host DanceX on Unreality TV

Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli first met in 1976 when Bruno came to England from Italy to pursue a career in dance – with little grasp of the English language.

Arlene was Bruno’s first dance contact in the country and he attended dance classes at her studio. Shortly afterwards, he became involved with the dance group Hot Gossip, inputting his thoughts on their unique sexy style. Arlene went on to choreograph the video for I’m Still Standing, by Elton John, which heavily features Bruno and is the only one in which Elton dances.

Having worked together on numerous occasions over the years, Arlene and Bruno first came together on TV as judges in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. In 2004, Bruno started working on an idea for DanceX and approached Arlene with it. Together, they planned to create a fresh new format for the TV talent show.

According to Bruno, in the past dancers have remained in the background and, with very few exceptions, had only a supporting role to a leading artist. “We want to put dancers in the foreground,” says Bruno. Arlene adds: “In DanceX, we want the dancers to be the stars.”

DanceX sees a very different side to Arlene and Bruno’s relationship, as they come out from behind the judging desk and take a more hands-on approach as mentors to their own teams of dancers and singers. They are going head-to-head for the first time, putting their reputations on the line. Only one can be victorious, so viewers should be prepared for legwarmers at dawn!

View the original post Dance X: Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli, The Judges Story on Unreality TV

Two giants in the world of choreography come face to face across the dance floor in the biggest clash of dance titans British TV has ever seen. Spurred on by host Ben Shephard, top choreographers Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli strut back on to our screens and go head-to-head as they search for a sensational new dancing and singing group in DanceX.

The story so far (programme one)

Town squares across the UK become engulfed in a sea of leg warmers and Lycra, as hopefuls turn up in their thousands for a series of open-air auditions. As Arlene and Bruno battle the elements and scour the country for the nation’s hottest talent, dancers and singers compete for the chance to perform in front of the renowned judges.

From break dancing pensioners to nimble-limbed teens, auditionees freestyle their way into the judges’ hearts with styles ranging from bangra to ballet. Arlene and Bruno are forced to make some tough decisions as they whittle the dancers and singers down in a series of gruelling call backs.

Every day the remaining contestants are faced with a new challenge, and the pressure mounts as they get increasingly close to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As the decisions get tougher, Arlene and Bruno enlist some additional help and hold the curtain at a leading West End theatre. The final 20 hopefuls must up their game and win over the 2,000-strong audience with a live performance.

The journey proves emotional for both contestants and judges alike as the finalists are chosen. Thousands audition, but only 16 can go through to appear on the live TV shows.

Arlene v Bruno – round one (programme two)

The live shows are in sight and the finalists embark on a rigorous training schedule at the house they will share for the duration of the series. For some dancers, the thought of singing will be a terrifying ordeal and, for the strong singers, the strenuous dance routines will add stress to an already challenging schedule.

The excited contestants enter the DanceX studio for the first time, and must give their all if they want Arlene and Bruno to make their dreams come true. Going up against each other for the first time, the judges take turns to fight for their favourites and create the group they believe will lead them to victory. By the end of the programme the teams are formed, but two unlucky contestants will go home without the chance to perform in the live shows.

The eliminations (programmes three to six)

The pressure is really on as the live shows commence. Every Saturday, the programme kicks off with a spectacular opening number and Arlene and Bruno’s group members fight for their chance to dance another week. With a new theme for each show, the groups must bring the judges’ interpretations to life by performing three numbers – one as a dance act, one as a singing group and one in which they must dance and sing simultaneously.

Their fate is in the hands of the DanceX viewers, who vote for their favourite group. The judge from the least popular group faces the dilemma of having to choose one of their own performers to hang up their sweat bands and go home.

The final (programme seven)

Only one group can leave the show victorious, and, in the final programme, Arlene and Bruno battle it out for the very last time. This is the groups’ final chance to win over the voting public, and they must give their all if they want to be crowned DanceX champions. The viewers’ favourite group will be catapulted to fame and have the chance to begin an illustrious career as part of a brand-new, all-dancing, all-singing act.

View the original post Arlene And Bruno Go Head To Head In Dance X on Unreality TV