Dancing on thin ice?
I can't believe it, series six of "Strictly" has come and gone - along with the Christmas Day special, its own edition of "Weakest Link" and controversially voting scandal after voting scandal!
Quite honestly I'm not sure what to make of this year's "Strictly".
I am, as you know, a "Strictly" afficianado - but even for a die-hard fan like me this year hasn't been an easy one.
Without doubt the dancing was great and there were some fantastic performances - among my favourites were Cherie's rumba, Lisa's quick step and and Tom's show dance which was just the best of the best ever. But what let the show down badly was the John Sargeant saga and the semi-final/Christmas special voting fiasco.
On the John Sargeant front, I think he was right and the judges were wrong. I see "Strictly" as an entertainment show - and the former political correspondent was definitely entertaining; it's also about letting the public have their say - and they did, keeping him in week after week and let's face it, he was never going to be able to win with the masses whether he stayed or whether he went.
To me the whole saga was just a storm in a teacup, with some of the stars of the show showing themselves up and getting their knickers in too much of a twist and taking the whole thing way too seriously.
As far as the voting goes, this is the first series where not one vote was cast by the Cox household - in fact the only show which has tempted us to pick up the telephone over the festive period was "Sports Personality of the Year" where we cast our votes for Chris Hoy and Ben Ainslie.
But not even our vote would have saved the doomed Tom Chambers from the so-called dreaded dance off at the end of semi final week. When it eventually dawned on the show's producers that their system had gone awry and they then announced that in fact all three couples would go through to the final - Brendan Cole's face was a picture, he couldn't hide his feelings and like us at home obviously felt he'd been robbed of a chance to take the title for a second time.
Whether the right man won in the end or not, I'm not sure. Lisa and Rachel were definitely the best when it came to the two compulsory dances in the final, but as it's undoubtedly women who vote, Tom was always in with a good chance of winning. Lisa was unlucky not to get a place in the top two, but when Tom and Rachel then went head to head with their show dance, Tom's was far and away the best performance of the entire series.
Whilst we nervously waited for the final votes to be "independently verified" a "Strictly" treat was in store - a dance featuring four previous winners - Jill Halfpenney, Darren Gough, Mark "The Ramps" Ramprakash and Alesha Dixon - it was fab-u-lous!
As has happened in previous years, I missed seeing the live final - it clashed with the office "do". The following day we managed to avoid hearing or seeing the result via radio, newspaper and television, but just five minutes before we settled down to watch the show, our five-year-old decided she could keep the secret no longer - despite the fact she had managed to keep mum for nine hours - and told us Tom was the winner - not that we were really that surprised!
Published Date:
29/12/2008
Modified Date:
29/12/2008
Strictly Hamlet
What an amazing weekend we've just had!
It started on Friday night and our date with David Tennant.
Months ago I'd thrown caution to the wind and booked tickets for the so-called "Dr Who Hamlet" currently being performed at Stratford's famous Courtyard Theatre.
It is not often we travel so far afield in search of entertainment. However, we have an affinity with Stratford and more pertinently with "Hamlet". In the days before children my other half and I paid the princley sum of £4 to stand and see Kenneth Brannagh play one of Shakespeare's most famous tragic leads in the Bard's home town.
As you already know from earlier editions of this blog I am a fan of "The Doctor" and having the chance to see him "for real" performing in the same role was simply too good an opportunity to miss.
After some time spent searching the internet for tickets - as the show was billed as a complete sell out - I eventually managed to track two pairs of seats down via a London-based ticket agent - on this occasion paying ten times the sum for the priviledge.
But we were not disappointed.
On arriving at the theatre - following a glass or two of rose wine enjoyed in the convivial company of our travelling companison, all revelling in a child-free overnight excursion - we were slightly alarmed to find ourselves on the front row. As one of our party remarked - it's exactly the seat you'd definitely want to avoid at a comedy gig.
That said, this wasn't comedy, but quite the opposite. "Hamlet" is of course one of the Bard's best known tragedies, but in the hands of David Tennant, Patrick Stewart - he of Starship Enterprise fame - and other notable thespians, many of which we recognised from television land - we were treated to an amazing three-plus hours which included many a comic scene. David Tennant - although I am biased - was brilliant!
We carried out our post-theatre analysis over dinner at the nearby and well-known Dirty Duck and on leaving, found Horatio, Ophelia and Laertes enjoying a quiet drink out fron in the beer garden.
Already on a high from seeing Dr Who in real life we headed home where the younger members of the clan were keen to find out whether we'd seen any Daleks or the Tardis!
It was then on to the second treat of the weekend - series six of "Strictly".
The children were as excited as I to see the start of the new series, and as usual we all gathered round to see who was set to impress.
As last year, the first programme featured just the boys - they weren't as bad as last year's lot, but some definitely showed slightly more promise than others. I just hope Mark Foster gets better, although I have a feeling he'll secure the female vote and be around for a week or two, and Tom from Holby started well, with his hips catching Arlene's eye!
Unfortunately the BBC has stuck with the same format as last year, showing the results on a Sunday night. This means I have to watch it twice - once live and again with the kids later in the week - it's a shame but someone has to do it. On this occasion we agreed with the judges, Don did deserve a second chance.
So here's looking ahead to next week when the girls take to the floor. I'm looking forward to seeing Cherie Lunghi, who seems to have got the measure of her dance partner James Jordan, and the without-doubt beautiful Rachel Stevems strutt their stuff.
But, enough of the girls, and back tot he boys.......
Published Date:
25/09/2008
Modified Date:
25/09/2008
Justice for Jodie!
I realise it's almost a fortnight since the "Nancy" results were announced, but bear with me while I step back in time.
As with the final of "Any Dream Will Do", we missed seeing the live show as at that very hour we were jetting off to Menorca for a week's family holiday. But before we had set off I had made sure our old fashioned video recorder had been set - and that my Dad had set his too, just in case - to record events as they happened. The question was, would be able to avoid discovering the answer before we came back into the country?
As it turns out we did and on Sunday evening settled down for a "Nancy-fest" and watched back to back shows.
From the outset it was obvious that Cameron Mackintosh and the Lord himself were championing Jessie, but like us John Barrowman and Denise Van Outen were in the Jodie camp.
Like the Lord had been in a previous show, the Cox clan were a bit "angry" at the way the final played out.
After Jodie's first song, Graham Norton only asked John Barrowman for his opinion without consulting the rest of the panel (as he did with the next two would-be Nancys). Cameron then claimed she had won him over, but I don't really think we believed him, and even the Lord was hedging his bets. Some panel members then made it all too clear who they wanted to win, but this was a show where ultimately the public had the final say.
As you know I think Jodie was always going to be a popular choice - she had a great voice and popular personality, and was probably one of the only contestants with the stamina required to sing in eight shows a week.
On the night the right two girls made it through to the final stage - neither Jodie or Jessie had ever been in the bottom two. It's only fair to say that on the night Jessie was better in her duet with one of the Olivers and in the joint solo "As long as he needs me" she was definitely more dramatic. But it seemed wholly unfair for both Cameron and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be so open with their feelings, especially when the show's producer declared that Jessie had been born to be Nancy!! How would that have made Jodie feel - always knowing she was his second choice.
When Graham went along the panel asking them to name their Nancy we cheered when John Barrowman and Denise Van Outen - who had both had concerns about Jessie's consistency and inability to take direction - both chose Jodie.
Throughout the marathon session we had kept our fingers firmly crossed for Jodie, suffering the added frustration of not being able to add our support to the vote.....or we would have been charged and our vote would definitely not have been counted!!
There was delight in the Cox household when the result was revealed - and now I can't wait for the follow up show to see Jodie in action.
What was interesting about "I'd Do Anything" compare with its forerunners "How do you solve a problem" and "Any dream will do", there was no obvious front runner. After the first couple of shows of the previous two series' you just knew that Connie and Lee were going to win, no matter how hard the others worked. But with "I'd Do Anything" it was definitely a closer call. Let's face it, any one of the top four would have made a good go of it and frankly some of those voted out earlier in the series could have made interesting leading ladies.
One of the most telling quotes of the final came from last year's winner Lee Mead who said the winner could look forward to lots of hard work - at last, an honest insight into what was in store for the West End's next leading lady, a world away from the glitz and glamour of the television shows.
Last night we tuned into the final "Apprentice" of the season to see Sir Alan select Lee as his next leading man. A good choice I think. Again he'd been consistent throughout the show and, as with Jodie, had proved popular among his contemporaries. That said, based purely on their performances in the final show, we thought Claire would have been in with the better chance for her slick presentation and the professional way in which she had dealt with some tricky questions from business leaders in a cool and calm way.
Having previously picked both Jodie and Lee to win their respective shows, perhaps - at last - my luck has changed!
And, before I go - here's food for thought - in just over a week's time we will mark the half way point of the year. On June 21st the longest day will come and go. As a colleague said this week, that means the nights will start drawing in as the end of the year approaches - which means, not long to go until Series Six of Strictly!
Published Date:
12/06/2008
Modified Date:
12/06/2008
I'd Do Anything
I'd do anything - well almost anything - to see Jodie crowned as the new Nancy this weekend.
The Cox household has stuck with the show week in, week out and we have seen Nancys come and Nancys go.
The singing standard has been, to quote John Barrowman, "fantastic, fantastic, fantastic" and unlike the show's two predecessors picking the eventual winner has been far more tricky.
A couple of weeks ago my prediction for the final three was Sam, Jodie and Jessie, but after Rachel's performance of "Come to the cabaret" on Saturday night I almost waivered and thought maybe it was Jessie's turn to leave the show. But "The Lord" came good and sent Rachel on her way.
So when it comes to this Saturday, who will become the West End leading lady?
My heart says Jodie. She's never been in the bottom two and has come across in the film clips as having a vibrant personality and no pretensions to be anything that she isn't. My head however says Sam. She is the one who has been on "the journey" and has won the panel round. Although Jessie has a fab voice, the fact that she hasn't improved over the past few weeks and seems unable to do what she is directed to do does not bode well when the prize at stake is to be directed on stage in order to perform eight shows a week.
But as we know from my previous predictions, I am bound to be wide of the mark.
Whilst we're on the subject of television, the latest "Dr Who" series has been great, but I am disappointed that they are bringing Rose Tyler back. How they are going to get her back from her parrallel universe remains to be seen, but personally I wish she'd stay there. As I've said before one of the reasons I enjoy "Dr Who" is because of the underplayed comedy and that has been evident in some of the recent episodes. And although I was wary of her at first I'm warming to Catherine Tate's character and think the duo work well together. It's nice not to have an assistant who is drooling over the "Doctor", for once that can be left to me alone.
As with "I'd Do Anything", Sir Alan's search for his next apprentice has been a tough one to call. At first I thought Lucinda, then Lee and now I'm thinking perhaps Claire has what it takes. While I enjoy the show, the continuous review of past episodes at the start does get a bit annoying as I am sure the majority of those who watch will have been with the show since the series started and are all too familiar with the ups and downs of its wannabe entrepreneurs. I'm looking forward to next week, when the final five get a grilling from businesses bosses. With no team mates to hide behind this will really sort the wheat from the chaff.
Published Date:
28/05/2008
Modified Date:
28/05/2008
New season...new programmes!
After an enforced winter break, due to a complete lack of any telly to tickle my tastebuds, I now find myself with almost too many programmes to choose from.
I have been suffering my seasonal "Strictly" withdrawal symptoms and despairing at the disappearance of "Dr Who". Although I have found some solace in "Torchwood" and even my long suffering other half who generally hates all things sci-fi related has almost (not quite) but almost turned into a "Torchwood" fan.
Now, just as the nights are getting lighter and the urge to sit in our telly-free conservatory and enjoy the open aspects of the surrounding countryside gains momemtum, I find that many of my favourite shows have returned to the small screen.
We are almost into our third week of "I'd Do Anything" and "Dr Who" starts on Saturday, combined with the third week of "The Apprentice" I'm finding myself more often than I'd like turning on the TV. "Turn if off" I hear you cry, but when you've spent a busy day at work, followed by a busy evening providing a parental taxi service, actually a bit of telly to take your mind off life is not a bad thing.
The Cox household is a recent convert to the world of "Sir Alan" having started by watching the Katie Hopkins' series. This latest batch of wannabe entrepreneurs are already making for great Wednesday night viewing. With two programmes gone I've decided that I prefer the lads to the ladies and particularly the quartet who this week kept the laundry going and turned the boys into the winning team. As for the eventual winner - at this stage I'm not sure, but I do like former soldier Simon who so far has just rolled his sleeves up and got on with the job in hand.
We have also started our Saturday night sing-a-long in the company of Graham Norton and "The Lord" as they search for the next West End leading lady. Like "Strictly" the show has decided to show its results on Sunday, rather than Saturday, but I wish they hadn't as it's so much better when it all takes place on the one night. Of the would-be leading ladies Jodie from Blackpool has so far had our vote - she has bags of personality, can belt out a tune and has a smile and laugh that could light up the Golden Mile.
This Saturday sees the return of David Tennant's "Dr". We've already been promised the appearance of three assistants - Rose Tyler, Martha Jones and Donna Noble - and, according to what I've been reading this week, I need to start paying close attention to all the action, the scenes, the words to see if I can pick up on the seeds that are sown for the season's climax. We'll just have to see whether I succeed in my quest.
And just so that you don't think I spend all my spare time telly-watching, we have decided this year to venture back into the world of live theatre. So far we've booked tickets to see the touring production of "Joseph" on its Blackpool leg. The show stars some of the "almost Josephs" from the "Any Dream Will Do" series and in particular has the Cox's favourite - Craig Chalmers in the lead role.
For a more grown-up outing we're heading to Stratford in the late summer to see David Tennant in "Hamlet". The last time we went to the home of Shakespeare was in the "days before children" and because we could we decided on the spur of the moment to pay £4 to stand for hours watching Kenneth Brannagh play the part, this time we are paying a lot more to see sit down and see the "Dr" do his bit.
Published Date:
03/04/2008
Modified Date:
28/05/2008
It was a dream come true!
I need pinching.
I can't actually believe that I have seen the "Strictly" experience first hand.
For the record my weekend visit to Manchester for my much anticpated date with "Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour" was fantastic!
As I settled myself into my seat high in the MEN Arena, I could hardly believe my eyes. Despite a very last minute booking our seats were fanastically located - up in the gods but looking right down the dance floor.
After a short, but sweet warm up it was on to the main event of the day as the lights dimmed, the familiar theme tune played and we were introduced to the dancers.
For the next couple of hours I was entranced - it was just like it is on the TV.
Each couple - to live music provided by the real life "Strictly" singers - danced a ballroom number followed after the interval by their Latin routines.
In between times we were also treated to a group Vienesse waltz, a professionals Latin medley, a group "Dirty Dancing" tribute, as well as dances from James and Ola Jordan and one of the highlights of the afternoon - Vincent and Flavia's amazing Argentine Tango.
First on the floor was series three champion cricketer Darren Gough with Lilia Kopylova, then followed Denise Lewis and Matthew Cutler, and, in no particular, order - Zoe Ball and Ian Waite, Letitia Dean and Darren Bennett, Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace, Louisa Lytton and Vincent Simone, James Martin and Camilla Dallerup and Christopher Parker and his professional partner Nicole Cutler. What more could you ask?
As all "Strictly" fans know since it started five series' ago the programme has been faithful to its format - and the live show was no different, complete with clips of the couples in training, the judges' gold paddles, etc. It was as slick and professional a production as I'd hoped.
The whole thing was just fantastic, from the first second to the last. The costumes were dazzling, the live music great, there was plenty of humour, but best of all were the dances.
What I appreciated more from seeing the show live was the amazing intricacy of the footwork and the speed at which the dancers cover the floor - even in the slower numbers. As the audience was reminded by head judge Len - what we tend to forget is that these celebrities are not dancers, but you'd never know.
Denise Lewis' danced an unbeliveably fast quickstep, Zoe Ball's tango and samba were amazing, and Darren Gough performed his famous paso doble. I even thought Christopher Parker was great - admittedly he can't dance but all credit to him for continuing to go out there and try.
Seeing the show has made me even more of a "Strictly" fan than I was before.
Now not only do I have my annual to look through until the start of series six, but also my very own programme too!!
Published Date:
04/02/2008
Modified Date:
05/02/2008
Strictly Live!
I can't believe it - I've watched the show, read the books and now am about to go and see "Strictly Live"!
Think of it - that theme tune, some of my favourtie celebrities, the glitz and glamour of the professionals, the dances and Craig, Arlene and Len - I am in heaven.
I saw the Manchester show advertised some months ago, but only decided a few weeks ago to see if tickets were still available and luckily for me they were and now this weekend, I will be heading for the bright lights of the big city and my dream day out.
Some of my colleagues are bemused at my excitement and even my husband is in despair as I am more thrilled about the impeding adventure than my four-year-old daughter who will be joining me on my journey
But, will the show live up to my expectations?
I certainly hope so.
Surely with all the key ingredients included in the live show it can't go wrong.
So, the countdown is on, just four days to go until "dut, dut, dut, dut , dut, daa, dut, dut, dut, dut, daa...."
Published Date:
30/01/2008
Modified Date:
30/01/2008
The right dancer won!
HURRAY - despite my earlier prediction that Gethin would be crowned as this year's "Strictly" champion, Alesha actually deserved the title and I am glad she won.
She has been consistent since dance one and in all the clips we have been shown throughout this series of "Strictly" she has come across as a genuinely nice person with a great sense of fun.
After the semi-finals, I was disappointed that Gethin had not get through as he had been great and did dance a powerful Argentine tango. However I will admit that Matt did pull it out of the bag with an amazing waltz and it would have been a disaster if his tango had been anything other than fantastic as his partner is world champion!
Last Sunday's dance off then gave us our two finalists - Matt and Alesha.
It was with anticipation that the Cox clan then took their seats for Saturday's show down.
We decided to let the youngest two decide who we should vote for and at the end of part one, their decision was unanimous. For the sake of fairness the two older members of the team then decided to add their own vote - and as a result Alesha got another two votes.
Being six and four, the youngest two were then dispatched to bed enabling us to watch the final show dances in peace without their constant commentary and comment which had previously added to the atmosphere (not!).
I loved both show dances, the music was great, the lifts and spins daring and we both agreed they were better than previous finals.
After the Spice Girls had done their bit, we sat and waited - would our votes have helped?
Following the usual nail biting dramatic pause, we felt justified when Alesha was crowned the queen of the ballroom, as we punched the air and clapped along with those in the studio (I just hope no one saw us!)
Ten hours later, we had to feign suprise when the other Cox children came bounding in to tell us who had won!
Roll on series six - I for one can't wait!
P.S. I would just like to say thank you to Father Christmas for making sure I got a copy of the official Strictly Come Dancing annual 2008!
Published Date:
24/12/2007
Modified Date:
27/12/2007