BB FANS

Gavin Henson receives little backing

Gavin Henson has little reason to worry about a clash between Strictly Come Dancing and the Barbarians, according to people betting on the BBC One show.

The Wales international has revealed an announcement suggesting he will make his rugby comeback for the Barbarians against South Africa on December 4th was premature.

'I haven't committed to the Barbarians, I think they've just used my name for a bit of publicity. I'll just look at that, I'll just see where I am in Strictly,' said Gavin.

Metro

Pamela Stephenson and Matt Baker wow the judges

Not The 9 0'clock News star turned psychologist Pamela and partner James Jordan performed a waltz that even Craig Revel Horwood found difficult to criticise.

Strictly's Mr Nasty described it as 'dreamy, romantic', while Alesha Dixon gushed that the dance was 'breathtaking, absolutely breathtaking'.

Head judge Len Goodman added: 'You can't win Strictly Come Dancing in week one. What you can do is make a fantastic impression on everyone and that's what you did.'

Her score matched that awarded to Matt and Aliona Vilani for an inventive Countryfile-themed cha cha cha.

Bruno Tonioli described the ex-Blue Peter host as 'brilliant', while Craig declared: 'You sir, are one to watch.'

EastEnders heartthrob Scott Maslen also impressed, scoring 29 for a sexy waltz with Natalie Lowe, described by Craig as 'dangerously romantic'.

Felicity Kendal and Vincent Simone opened the series with a cha cha cha that earned them a standing ovation, but only 23 points.

That was still good enough for them to finish above Patsy Kensit and Robin Windsor (22) and Goldie and Kristina Rihanoff (20).

Paul Daniels and Ola Jordan closed the show with a dance that suggested they won't last long, as they scored only 16. After watching them perform a cha cha cha to Could It Be Magic, Bruno joked that the song should have been called 'Could It Be Tragic'.

Fortunately for the ageing magician, nobody will leave Strictly this week.

The other seven couples will perform their first dances on Saturday, with the show airing on BBC One at 6pm.

Metro

Ann Widdecombe 'like the Ark Royal'

The famously formidable former Tory MP showed every sign of enjoying herself as she joined Anton Du Beke for a cumbersome waltz and then sparred with the judges.

Bruno Tonioli struggled to keep his face straight as he delivered his verdict, opining: 'It was like watching the Ark Royal taking on the stormiest of seas. The ride was bumpy but you made it into port.'

Metro

Kara Tointon trips over her 'dominatrix' outfit as 'Ark Royal' Ann Widdecombe refuses to be sunk on Strictly

By Lizzie Smith Mail

Paul Daniels sausage quip sparks homophobia storm

Paul Daniels conjured up a storm of protest as the new series of Strictly Come Dancing got underway at the weekend. Responding to criticism of his performance in the cha-cha-cha with partner Ola Jordan, Daniels bitched at Craig Revel Horwood not to give up his "day job tasting sausages".

Daniels later used his Twitter page to blame the press for the grilling he'd endured: "Media this morn trying to make me homophobic. Crazy. Why do journos and editors want to live in a nasty world of their own creation?"

And Revel Horwood was quick to leap to the defence of Daniels – even though he'd awarded him just two points out of a possible ten for his cha-cha-cha – writing on his own Twitter page: "Paul Daniels was naturally referring to my being crowned King of the Sizzle for sausage week!"


The First Post

Strictly Come Dancing Closest Competition In History!

Matt Baker was the stand out performer over the two nights of Strictly this weekend and William Hill have him as their 9/4 favourite to win the show, but there are at least nine genuine contenders.

"It is the most open strictly that any of us can remember and we are seeing cash for the top nine in the betting," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

William Hill Strictly Outright: 9/4 Matt Baker; 7/2 Kara Tointon; 6/1 Jimi Mistry; 8/1 Scott Maslen; 10/1 Michelle Williams; 12/1 Gavin Henson; 12/1 Felicity Kendal; 14/1 Tina O'Brien; 16/1 Pamela Stephenson; 33/1 Patsy Kensit; 50/1 Ann Widdecombe; 66/1 Peter Shilton; 66/1 Goldie; 100/1 Paul Daniels

WilliamHillMedia

Arlene Philips' funny praise for Ann Widdecombe

Arlene Philips has compared 'Strictly Come Dancing' hopeful Ann Widdecombe and dance partner Anton du Beke to legendary comedy duo Morecambe and Wise.

Femalefirst

Strictly Bruno: I'll never quit

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has revealed he will NEVER quit the show despite his anger about salary cuts.

The flamboyant choreographer, who accepted a 20 per cent pay drop last year out of loyalty, admitted he could not leave because he would feel too guilty.

He said: I am definitely not {doing this show for the money I took a big pay cut and none of the extra money spent comes to the judges. But I'm not forced to do the show, I enjoy it. And whats more, it was only after appearing on Strictly that I got a place on Dancing With The Stars in America.

So if I wasn't on the show I would feel guilty. And I would hate to see someone else sitting on my seat.

He admitted he would feel p****d off if he got the axe but would accept it as part of showbiz.

Sharp-tongued Bruno also gave some predictions for this years contestants. He said: It is difficult to predict how people will react dancing in front of millions but of course there are expectations.

Gavin Henson is very fit and competitive. Kara looks fantastic and she will have lots of chemistry with her partner. And as for that Ann Widdecombe she may become the next John Sargeant.

People

KARA TOINTON IN ‘QUIT’ RUMOUR

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Kara Tointon has sparked fears she may have walked off the show after failing to turn up for rehearsals.

The 28-year-old ex-EastEnders actress is rumoured to have enjoyed a romance with the Russian professional dancer, also 28. Sources claim he has cooled on their relationship and told her to focus on winning the BBC show, prompting her to withdraw.

Express

Gavin Henson's mind and body 'not in sync'

Gavin Henson has revealed he is not confident about his salsa for Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing.

Metro

Ann Widdecombe renders judges speechless with her salsa

It seems that many of you are only watching Strictly Come Dancing to see how Ann Widdecombe tackles her dance routines and to hear how she quips with the judging panel.

UnrealityTV

Pamela Stephenson upstaged by Ann Widdecombe

--------------

Anne Widdecombe was an inspired signing for the hoofing contest and once again stole the show tonight. Not with her dancing, of course – she forgot her steps, got a record low score and is propping up the Strictly leaderboard – but with the pure entertainment value of her sort-of salsa.


Telegraph

Ann Widdecombe dances Goldie off the floor

She may have danced an unusual salsa, but ex-Tory MP Ann Widdecombe has nevertheless squeezed through to the next round of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, beating musician Goldie.

The former MP for Maidstone and the Weald came bottom of the judges' scoreboard, but the show's fans voted to save her last night.

Goldie and partner Kristina Rihanoff were praised by the judges but came last when the panel's scores were combined with viewers' votes. Goldie took the bad news with good grace, saying: "It's all right. I've had a great time and been superfit, so I'll keep that."


Guardian