Russell's Academy Plans

"There's no business like Show-Business"

All of us at the Oakeley Arms have absolutely loved watching Russell and his fancy footwork and brilliant dance moves every Saturday on Strictly, but even though the fabulous journey has sadly now come to an end, Russell certainly isn't giving up on the business of "showbiz", which is where he first started his career.

It has recently been revealed that Russell is involved with plans to unveil a new Showbusiness Academy in association with nearby Coleg Harlech. Russell, who lives close by, is a loyal advocate of Snowdonia and our beautiful area, and it is hoped that the new academy will bring plenty of opportunities for prospective students.

“Plans for the academy are in the early stages", says Russell, "but the intention is that it would cater for people of all ages. It’s not true that theatre workshops are for young people as everyone, whatever their age, should fulfil their creative potential.”

Although the precise details and curriculum are still being discussed, the proposed academy would be an enormous boost for the area, and will hopefully encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to learn skills or further their careers in the world of entertainment.

Russell has revealed that the course will offer a variety of musical theatre, drama and even broadcasting. He wants the proposed academy to bring something "which has never been done anywhere else - we don't want to cut across anything which is already being offered".

The plan promises to be a great boost for the undiscovered talent of the local area, and what better mentor and specialist than our very own brilliant Strictly star!

We wish Russell heaps of good luck with the plans, and we'll be excited to hear all about it when everything is finalised. You never know, we might even enroll ourselves..... (dig out your ear-plugs....hehe).

Image: ChIandra4U

Strictly Final

Goodbye Strictly!

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! It's strictly the end of Strictly! What on earth will we do with our Saturday nights now?

In his final blog, our favourite Strictly dancer Russell waves goodbye to his friends, co-stars and his spectacular Strictly journey.

We'd like to say a big, big thank you to Russell for sharing his blog with us; we've absolutely loved reading it!

And so we come to the Grand Final in bonny, breezy Blackpool the capital of showbiz where I lived for many years!

Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, the palace of showbiz is probably the only place in the country for such a fabulous entertainment extravaganza to be held. The huge ballroom has always been the people’s ballroom and it holds so many happy memories for millions of people who have danced to the melodies of famous bands and orchestras over the years, not to mention Reginald Dixon at the legendary Wurlitzer.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

What about the countdown to the final?

First of all we had to gather in London for group rehearsals early in the week and what fun it was to meet up with Nancy, Lulu, Audley, Edwina, Dan, Robbie, Holly, Alex, Anita and of course the remaining stars of the show Harry, Jason and Chelsee. We have all been on a wonderful 99 day long “Strictly” journey together and we have loved every nerve jangling, muscle straining, footsore minute.

Thursday brought a few more last minute practice sessions.

On Friday we all had to clamber on the coach for a marathon eight hour journey from London through rain, hail, snow and mist to Blackpool to meet up for a laugh and a giggle with Zoe on “Strictly It Takes Two” and a short burst of “We do love to be beside the seaside”. The rigours of the journey were soon forgotten when we all settled down in the magnificent ballroom to drink in the atmosphere of the place and for one or two sneak previews of what Saturday night holds for us all.

And what a spectacular it was - Harry and Aliona get the full forty points for their Quickstep and 37 for their show dance. Jason and Kristina with a terrific Tango earning them 38 points and a full forty for their scintillating show dance. While Chelsee and Pasha won 39 pints for a jumping Jive and 36 for their superb show dance.

Then we all had to bite our nails while the phones rang and the votes were cast ready for the final of the final!

The “Strictly” results show saw Jason and Kristina bow out with cheers ringing in their ears. They have both done so well and pulled off some remarkable and memorable performances, but as I’ve said before – it’s the nature of the show, someone has to win and it can only be one couple. Jason’s grace, generosity and emotion are always and have always been apparent to us all since September. Well done Jason – you are a Star!

It was great to dance with Flavia again when all the competitors got together on the floor for one last dance together. Robbie and Rory swinging me to and fro and then getting hoisted high by the dancers was a very special experience for me. But then the music, the lights, the crowd and all of us friends together made it a memorable moment for me.

Chelsee and Pasha, Harry and Aliona both treated us to marvellous, magical magnificent performance. They were stunning, spectacular, stupendous and it was hard to choose between them, but once again there can only be one winner and it was Harry who had captured all our hearts that finally held the triumphant trophy aloft.

I know I will miss everyone involved, of course my fellow competitors, but also Alisha, Bruno, Len and even Craig.

Tess, Zoe and our very own national institution, icon and treasure, one of nature’s true gentlemen and a wonderful entertainer our very own Sir Bruce.

Well that’s it from me – the end of the “2011 Strictly Come Dancing” Blog I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it for you.

Thanks for being there on our journey.

And

KEEP DANCING!

Strictly Semi- Final

Strictly Fantastic!

The competition on Strictly is reaching fever pitch! Here's Russell with an update on Saturday's show.

Remember, don't miss Russell's special guest appearance for the final next week. It'll be one to remember!!

It was Semi Final Night on “Strictly” and didn’t we know it?!

Saturday night’s show was a sheer tour de force from all five couples and that was reflected in the fact that we saw ten fabulous performances and TEN standing ovations. It truly was a night to remember.

Harry and Aliona gave us the Charleston and the Viennese Waltz and they continue to stun and surprise us all with their wonderful performances. “Exquisite”, “Perfect”, “Beautifully executed”, “Dancing Royalty” and “Take him to the Tower – Blackpool Tower” are just a few of the well deserved accolades that so deservedly came their way and to get 78 points out of a possible 80 is just fantastic.

Alex and James offered us the Waltz and the Salsa and were rightfully proclaimed “Totally brilliant”, “Full of gusto and personality”, “Top notch”, “The Belle of the Ball”, they should be proud of their achievement. They have given everything to “Strictly” and we loved them for it.

Chelsee and Pasha entranced the audience at home and in the studio with the Paso Doble and the American Smooth. Chelsee “Glowed like a pearl”, they were “Gobsmackingly good”, “Fantastic”, “Superb”, their performance left Alisha “Speechless”. Len likened her blossoming performances over recent weeks to the Chelsea Flower Show full of colour and truly beautiful. And from now on the Paso Doble will forever be the Pasha Doble!

Holly and Artem gave us a scintillating Argentine Tang and a totally new take on an old favourite – the Charleston which won them deserved praise from the judges. ”Beautiful”, “Stunning”, “Bad, dangerous and coiled to strike”, “Gorgeous” and “Seductive”. I was enchanted by their Argentine Tango and have watched it time and time and again on Saturday Night. 70 points out of a possible 80 is a score I would have loved to have, but it doesn’t seem to have been good enough.

Jason and Kristina gave us a tantalising Tango and a stunning Samba and the accolades flew thick and fast. The Samba was fabulous but the Argentine Tango was truly memorable and must go down in the annals of "Strictly" as something that may be matched but never beaten. It was as the judges say “Wonderful”, “Brilliant”, “Seductive”, “Incredible”, “Superb” and the “Best dance of the series”.

But….. and here comes the BIG BUT….. We have to wave goodbye to not one couple but two this weekend. Sadly it was Holly and Artem along with Alex and James that we have to bid a fond farewell to this week. Let’s not forget this is the nature of the show. Each week couples have been eliminated and to get to the semi final in a competition that has reached such extraordinary standards of performance is no mean feat and is a testimony to the dedicated devotion they have all shown to this competition. I can only stand back in admiration and respect. I know what long hours of exhausting and often painful training and practising lie behind each week’s show and as the tension mounts for the remaining three couples in the countdown to Blackpool I can only imagine how nervous and excited they will be.

We are all meeting up this week to practice for the big final show next Saturday. All the couples will be together again for what is sure to be truly a night to remember.

Finally, if you saw me denying all knowledge of the missing glitterball on Saturday’s show I can tell you that they’ll have to keep a close eye on me and a tight guard on the glitterball after Saturday night’s final.

And so the dance goes on….

Thanks for being there

And

KEEP DANCING!

Strictly Update - Week 10

Quick Step to Christmas

We're all thrilled to hear that Russell and Flavia will be back for a fabulous Strictly Christmas Special!! We can't wait for that!

Here's Russell with another busy week........

 

Although I am no longer part of the Saturday night fun and games this has still been a very busy week for me and all the competitors, past and Present in the “Strictly” line up.

IT was wonderful to be invited back for The “Strictly Christmas Special” and for Flavia and me to be announced as ‘special guest stars’ was just so amazing. It is going to be an essential “Don’t Miss” in the festive Christmas TV schedule. There is so much skill and dexterity to admire mingled with a few laughs along the way. So don’t miss it – you’ll love it.

Once again I cannot write the blog without mentioning all the drawings that are flooding in from the four corners of the country. I am surprised and touched by all the youngsters who are taking the time to draw pictures of Flavia and me and then send them to the BBC.

I don’t know if this sneezy, chill and coldy-fluey thing is down your way, but I think I might have picked up something nasty while I was down in London. I got home to Wales in the middle of the week, headed for the Lemsip, lit the fire and put the telly on.

One thing is certain the cool, clear, mountain air of Snowdonia will do me a power of good.

Now, what did you think of Saturday’s show? It was full of surprise and, of course, the expected. I think many people could have predicted that Harry and Aliona’s Paso Doble would be top of the leader board after that sizzling, sexy performance, but maybe quite a few folk were surprised that Jason and Kristina came so far down the board after they produced such a special moment to entrance and enchant us.

Chelsee continues to go from strength to strength although I much prefer Pasha without the green tinge.

With so few couples left in the contest the scoreboard gets shorter and shorter each week so even the very best that any couple can produce means it has to find its place on the board.

And so Robbie and Ola’s Quickstep after having reached such a high standard of energetic, entertaining performance and winning so many new friends and fans bow out of Strictly. Of course we shall all be meeting up for the final on December 17^th in Blackpool and there’s the “Strictly Christmas Special to look forward too.

I don’t know about you, but I think the standard of dancing and performance is getting stratospheric. I know firsthand just how much time, effort, energy, concentration and stamina goes into each of the week’s training and performance. I take my hat off to everyone who is pulling all the stops out to make our Saturday night’s viewing complete.

And so the dance goes on….Thanks for being there

And

KEEP DANCING!

Strictly Update - Week 9

Happy Memories

Russell may have sadly been evicted from Strictly Come Dancing, but that doesn't mean he has time to kick back and relax!

Although he's busier than ever, Russell still finds time to write up his fabulous blog, and here's what he's been up to this week.....

Although I am no longer dancing the light fantastic with the rest of my friends this has been a far from quiet week.

Monday evening saw me once again on the couch with Zoe for “It Takes Two” and a chance to talk about Saturday night’s show. The Golden Shot from the big cannon and my flight through the air on what felt like a very small tea tray! Big hugs, big kisses. I love Zoe and I enjoyed every minute of our time together on the show.

Later in the week I was signing the new “Strictly Come Dancing” book in a West End bookshop and we were all amazed by the sheer numbers of people who turned out to snap up a signed copy.

More interviews, more photo-shoots and I think you’ll be amazed by some of the stuff the glossy celebrity magazines had in store for me.

I spent time with the Daily Mail who wanted to talk to me about my career and all the wonderful things I have done in the theatre over the years. It really is amazing when I pause for breath and look back over the years and think of all the wonderful people I have met, the places I have seen and the things I have been up to.

One of the wonderful things I simply have to mention is the number of children who have sent me their drawings of Flavia and I strutting our stuff. It’s so kind of everyone to send those lovely drawings in especially as they all show Flavia and me getting 10 points from all the judges! They are all on my fridge (I have a very big fridge!)

Lots of texts and calls from the gang on Saturday afternoon. Everyone is being very nice and saying how much they miss me, but “Strictly” is a competition and the standard is soaring to stratospheric levels that only the very best can hope to achieve and maintain.

So what did you think of Saturday’s show? Just as good as ever, in fact it just gets better and better doesn’t it?

I loved Alex’s cheeky Charleston and thought Holly was just mesmerising. Robbie and Ola pulled off an exciting Samba in more than one way while Chelsee delighted us all with a wonderful performance. What can I say about Harry and Jason? They are just so good, such great energy and movement, such entertainment. Just marvellous.

I thought Anita and Brendan’s cha-cha-cha was simply spectacular. Anita is such a lovely person her exit from the show will leave heart-shaped hole in the “Strictly” line up. Nevertheless, it is the nature of the show that one couple must leave the competition every week.

I am meeting all the gang again next week because we are all starting our rehearsals for the “Strictly Christmas Special” It will be fabulous to see everyone again and it will definitely be a “Must See” in everyone’s Christmas viewing schedule.

Thanks for being there

And

KEEP DANCING!

Strictly Update - Week 8 Show

Strictly Come Cannon!

What a show it was on Saturday! Russell, we really thought that was the best yet - what an entrance, and we agreed with Alisha!

We're so so sad to see you leaving the show, but thank you, thank you, thank you for entertaining us and lighting up our Saturday evenings. It's been a joy, and it seems you feel the same. Please pop into the Oakeley soon and teach us some moves!

Over to you to say Strictly, farewell.....

Well…. There we are - all good things must come to an end.

Saturday’s Wembley show was an exhilarating, exciting exit for me and I couldn't have asked for a better send off.

The Big Bang theory saw me flying through the air with maybe not the greatest of ease and then landing to jive with the fabulous Flavia. It was all great fun, but you know and I know that each week one couple flies through the air and lands with a bump!

Even so the audience gave us a standing ovation. Sir Bruce claimed I had “Done it again!” Alisha said “Just when you think you’ve seen it all – that was the best ever entrance on Strictly” Bruno claimed it as an “Incredible or bit of madness” and he “Loved it!”

Craig was reduced to a “Revolutionary!”

Len added that whenever people talk about the history of “Strictly” they will always say “Do you remember when Russell Grant flew out of that cannon at Wembley?”

In many ways it is sad to go; I will miss the other dancers and all the wonderful people who have helped me backstage and away from the camera’s lens in production, wardrobe and make up. In other ways it will be nice to catch my breath before the final show and spend more time at home in the mountains of Wales and of course in the Oakeley. I must also start learning the lines for my pantomime season in Milton Keynes.

We have waved goodbye to some lovely people and there will be more sad moments before the final in Blackpool but that’s what the show is all about.

Well Good Luck to all those still on the floor. They are all fabulous dancers. Each one of them deserves to win. I will miss you all, but I won’t miss those long practice sessions or those nerve racking results shows!

Finally I have to say a sort of goodbye to all you faithful followers of this blog from now on the blog will have to be once a week just after the show. It has been a joy to write for you and I know by the many messages you have sent in that you have enjoyed reading it.

I shall end where I started – All good things come to an end! See you soon my friends

And

KEEP DANCING!

Strictly Update - Week 8

Wales at Wembley!

Well, the big day has very nearly arrived! As we speak, we're sure Russell is super busy with some last minute preparations and practices!

We think it's brilliant that Russell is flying the Welsh flag for all of us, and we wish him ALL the luck in the world for Saturday evening.

We'll be watching, and cheering, as always. Have a ball Russell, or should that be, a jive?

Over to you for an update on your hectic week.......

This week I have spent all my time down in the Big City rehearsing for the Wonderful Wembley Whizz Bang! Of course every silver lining has a cloud and my cloud this week has been not being able to go home again to Wales and catch up with all the local news.

Now, I must start the blog with a big thanks to Billy and Ezra. Who are Billy and Ezra you might ask? Well they are the guys who were waiting behind the screen on last Saturday’s show with the golden glittery “Ferrero Roche” suit. That quick change was a real show stopper! Thanks guys.

As you might expect its been another busy week practising for what looks like being a real blast. Flavia and I have been getting into jive mode and the Wembley show needs a much bigger performance to fill that huge space.

The press interest has been phenomenal so there have been loads of interviews and photo shoots for Flavia and I to get along to in between our jive sessions and the most wonderful news of the week for me was that Radio 2 are putting together a special “Strictly on the Radio” show I will be presenting the show and you can hear it at 10.00pm on December 30^th so reach for your diaries now and make a note.

Wednesday night Flavia and I were off to catch up with Zoe on “Strictly It Takes Two”. We always love dropping in on Zoe because we have such a good time.

I listened to Ian Waite and took on what he said about my head and kicks. I know I can sometimes have a bit of a nodding dog look when I am on the floor so I appreciate what he had to say and I aim to get a thumbs up from Ian for Saturdays show.

The real high spot of the show was the wonderful message from the fabulous Kylie. I have been a fan of hers for years and now, it seems, she is one of mine! Simply stunning and such a surprise I found myself welling up. Thanks Kylie.

Thanks too to Alex from Surrey for her lovely message of support and encouragement. It’s great to know the next generation are enjoying “Strictly” and that I am putting a lovely smile on their faces. Another very BIG thank you to James from Stockport and Madeleine from Retford who both sent me their drawings of me and Flavia. James seems to think all the judges are about to give me 10 points. Let’s hope that’s an omen for this week’s show.

More from me on Monday about how the Wembley show went.

Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement you send. It means so much.

If you are one of those who have sent me a message I must ask for your patience. Usually I deal with them all straight away, but the BBC have sent all the messages to my home and because this week has been so busy I have had to stay in London so I won’t be able to deal with the post until I get home again hopefully next Monday.

“Thanks for being there!” and Keep Dancing!

Strictly Update - Week 7 show

Way to Wembley!

Well, Russell has only gone and done it! He's made it to the fantastic Wembley show next Saturday, and we are thrilled to bits for him.

He totally deserved it after his excellent performance on Saturday. Over to you Russell for a glimpse into your busy week..... and good luck with the rehearsals for this week's coming extravaganza. When you've a spare minute, you'll have to pop to the Oakeley Arms to teach us some moves!

It’s been a busy time since I last had a chance on Thursday to update my blog. A busy, but an exciting and even exhilarating time.

The days have passed in a melee of press interviews, practice sessions and preparations for the big show on Saturday. I have even had a couple of photo shoots for the glossy, celebrity magazines so I hope you’ll have as much fun seeing the photos as I had during the shoot.

Saturday night was a real high. Great dancing and great scores for Harry and Aliona and don’t they deserve their place at the top of the scoreboard. They are just so fantastic on the floor the rest of us just look on in admiration.

Chelsee and Pasha’s Foxtrot was “Elegant, graceful, gorgeous and sophisticated” and it earned them a well deserved second place with only one point behind Harry and Aliona. Holly and Brendan shared third place Jason and Kristina and once again they bring that special starry something to the evening.

It fell to me to bring the show to an end with one of my favourite songs “I am what I am” from the hit show - La Cage aux Folles. Well I was what I was and I had the greatest time dancing the American Smooth with Flavia and I think I did pretty well all things considered. Did you like the quick change? I have never been in and out of my clothes quicker! A standing ovation thrilled me to bits. The audience loved it. I loved it and I hope you loved it too.

Len dubbed me “The Giant Ferrero Roche” and followed it up with a “Well Done!”

I took Alisha to a “Fun Place” and Bruno thought I “Couldn’t wait to get out of the closet”

A single “Immortal” from Craig crowned my night.

Did you like the video before the dance with multiple me’s coming out of the woods to serenade the fabulous Flavia. We had some real fun and laughs doing that with the BBC crew up in the beautiful hills of my home in Wales.

Sunday brought us together for the results show and we had to say good bye to the Big Man with the Big Heart. Audley and Natalie bowed out with their usual grace. We will all be sad to see them go, but that’s the way the show goes and sooner or later we will all go except for the wonderful winner of this year’s show.

Now I have a very busy week ahead of me. The Wembley show looks like being a true extravaganza. There are extra practice sessions built into the schedule. In between rehearsals there are more interviews and photo shoots to keep me busy. Whatever you do don’t miss Saturday’s show I can promise you it will be something special and you’ll see things you never thought you’d see and I can promise you, you’ll never see again! Intrigued? Tune in and watch!

More from me on Thursday about how the week has gone.

Thanks to everyone at The Oakeley Arms, sorry not to see you this week - The BBC film crew will miss the special ribs that are the talk of the BBC.

If you are one of those who have sent me a message I must ask for your patience. Usually I deal with them all promptly and reply straight away, but the BBC have sent all the messages to my home and because this week is so busy I have to stay in London so I won’t be able to deal with the post until I get home again next Monday.

Just one special mention – thank you to young James in Stockport for his drawing of Flavia and I getting 10 points from each of the judges and thanks to Madeleine and Violet Karczewski for her drawing and her kind words. They are both up on the fridge!

“Thanks for being there!” and Keep Dancing!

Strictly Update - Week 7

Ribs O'Clock!

Goodness me, it's been another busy week for our dancer Russell. It's the American Smooth dance this weekend, and we too are hoping that Russell and Flavia will storm the score boards and make it through to next week's show from Wembley!

As always Russell, we'll be cheering you on. Over to you for an update, while we get busy making some more stocks of our famous ribs! They are certainly proving a BIG hit........

This week has been rather different and difficult.

Poor Flavia was due to travel from London to North Wales for our usual practice sessions, but with one thing and another the whole day was lost. Delayed leaving London Flavia travelled with the BBC film crew and got tangled up in traffic so she didn’t reach North Wales until 9.30 at night.

Not only that but because we had lost so much time the film crew decided to do some interview sessions straight away so filming began about 10.00 at night at The Oakeley where the crew are staying. After such a long day Flavia was her usual cheerful, charming self but I am sure she must have been tired out. We left the crew tucking into The Oakeley’s famous ribs that are rapidly becoming a legend amongst BBC film crews!

So a whole day was lost and so was our first practice session for the American Smooth. One thing it did give me a chance to do was to reply to all the kind and thoughtful messages, letters and emails people have sent. There were so many it took me most of Monday, but it’s always good to hear from everybody.

Wednesday was another busy filming day with some unusual shots that I am sure you will really enjoy on Saturday night’s show. You won’t want to miss it.

The American Smooth belies its name; it’s really quite demanding being a blend of Foxtrot and Quickstep but Flavia has made it all go as smooth as possible and I hope you will enjoy our interpretation and our dance to one of the big show stopping songs of all time.

Thursday was an early start. Down to London for a series of press interviews, photo-shoots and preparing for TV appearances on “It Takes Too” with the lovely Zoe and “This Morning” on Friday.

For those of you who don’t know I am an avid football fan. Mostly non-league club football. I have regularly been on Radio 5 Live and Talksport. Coming up soon is the first round of the FA Cup and so I am adding my thoughts on who might be the clubs to watch on Football Focus. If you’re a footy fan like me be sure to tune in.

Then it will be heads down and dancing shoes on for some last minute practice sessions ready for Saturday’s show. I am hoping to make it through to the following week’s big show from Wembley. That will be something well worth watching. From what I hear it will be a real spectacular!

More from me on Monday about the Saturday’s show and what the next dance will be.

Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement and generous support you send me.

“Thanks for being there!” and Keep Dancing!

Strictly Come Dancing News - Week 6

Pase Doble Success!

This week was another success for Russell and Flavia - they Pasa Doble-d all the way into next week's show, hurrah!

We were watching Russell, and cheering you on as always! We loved the radical interpration - what a great surprise!

Over to you for an update - hope the nail varnish remover did the trick!

So…… The Paso Doble was my passport to another week in “Strictly Come Dancing” I hope you enjoyed the comic interpretation of this dramatic dance that Flavia and I produced on Saturday night.

From Anita’s Charleston to Chelsee’s Charleston we were treated to a spectacular evening of ever rising standards and styles. As the weeks fly by I am sure you’ve noticed the work levels rising and the performances becoming more and more exacting and exhausting.

We are all hoping Artem’s painful injury will ease over the weekend. I feel sure his determination to carry on will carry him through, but we all have to be careful and it just goes to show that even the fittest of and even the most highly trained can sometimes be taken by surprise by our bodies. Nevertheless Artem danced his way through the pain barrier and carried on to produce a “Cool and sophisticated” jive that captivated us all with its energy and intensity. Holly and Artem deserved every one of their 34 points.

Topping the score board were Chelsee and Pasha with a “Pleasing, teasing” brilliant performance that our Craig proclaimed “FAB-U-LOUS” and so it was!

So far as points are concerned it wasn’t Jason’s week and it wasn’t Robbie’s either but we all know that there are some dances that bring out our best and some we find more difficult and challenging. Even so both gave us wonderful performances and both were receptive to the advice and guidance of the judges.

Flavia and I were the eighth couple to take the floor in a light hearted interpretation of the Paso Doble. Last Thursday I blogged “our version will be very, very different” and I am sure you agree now you’ve seen it. Once again Craig was reduced to a single “ASTONISHING!”. Jennifer, standing in for Len thought it “Entertaining” Alesha “Loved it”. Bruno caught the essence proclaiming: “It was a Benny Hill version of a Paso Doble – demented and fabulous.”

Sadly, each week we have to say goodbye to one of our company. This week it was my friend Lulu and her partner Brendan. We will all miss them and we will remember her stunning Halloween performance.

Back to Wales for a short rest. Tomorrow I shall be catching up with Flavia in the afternoon, that will give me a little time to write some horoscopes, catch up with the fan mail and, I believe, there are one or two newspapers who want to speak to me about Saturday’s show.

It’s a long journey each week from north Wales to London and back again, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There really is “No place like home” and the mountain air of Snowdonia, the company of friends and neighbours and the chance to chat with people at our local shops make the trip worthwhile.

Thanks to everyone at our local Porthmadog supermarket who turned the store upside down searching for nail varnish remover! My wonderful make-up department gave me black fingernails for the Pasodoble. Rushing for the car I forgot to take it off before leaving Television Centre. Amazingly I had none at home. My god-daughter Lucy came to the rescue in the end – you can always rely on her!

More from me on Thursday about the week’s practice session - the next dance? American Smooth to I Am What I Am - rather me don't you think! Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the encouragement and generous support you send me.

“Thanks for being there!”

Strictly Update

Strictly Saturday

What would our Saturday evenings be now, without Russell and Flavia to cheer on, and cheer us up? We're wishing you lots of luck this week with the tricky moves Russell.
Over to you to find out what you've been up to this week.......

It’s been an interesting and inspiring week so far.

First of all, Monday morning brought a flood of emails to be dealt with and later that morning the postman arrived with a bundle of fan mail. On top of all that there are all the wonderful messages on Twitter and Facebook. I am totally bowled over by all these messages. Many of them tell me a little about people’s own history and how “Strictly” cheers them up at the weekend and how much they love to see Flavia and I take to the floor.

Talking about Flavia - we have been working on the Pasa Doble and practicing hard each and every day. Flavia really is a joy to be with. At once uplifting, motivating, inventive and with a total focus on what needs to be achieved each week.

I am finding the Pasa Doble is quite a difficult dance, it has its roots in the intense colour and drama of the Spanish bullfighting arena and is based on the type of music played at the entrance of the matadors. The bullfighter’s role is played by the man and traditionally the woman takes the part of the matador’s cape. But our version will be very, very different. I won’t say too much now but watch us on Saturdays show and I am sure you will be surprised, even amazed!

Wednesday evening saw me down at the local rugby club and if you think you will be surprised by our Pasa Doble wait to see what the rugby club get up to! As you can imagine there will be some hilarious moments.

Something a little different is in the offing! You may not know it but I am often on BBC Radio 5 Live talking about non-league football and sometimes cricket. I take a deep interest in all sorts of sport but especially non-league football and always have done, so it comes as a surprise to a lot of people to hear me talking footy. 5Live and Talksport are two stations who interview me regularly to get my thoughts on various matches and clubs. This time around I will be chatting about next weekend’s FA Cup 1^st round and what surprises it might hold.

I shall be joining Zoe again on “Strictly It Takes Two”. It’s always great to see Zoe, she is such fun and the show is one of my favourites.

I am looking forward to Saturday’s show so much. It’s great to be dancing to the wonderful music and genuine joy to meet the rest of the gang. They are really wonderful people. Isn’t it a pity that at the end of each weekend we have to say goodbye to a couple. That’s “Strictly”!

More from me on Monday about how Saturday’s show went. Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and the affection and generous support you are giving me. You’ll never know how much it means to me.

“Thanks for being there!”