On winning the competition with his professional partner Ola Jordan, Chris said:

‘I’d just love to thank everyone so much especially you two (Ricky and Natalie) you’ve made it a wonderful final, a very wonderful final. I’d love to thank all our family and friends, our loved ones because without you we wouldn’t have been able to do half the training, and I’d also like to thank all our fellow professionals, they are so generous with their time they are absolutely brilliant! And I’ve got to say last, and definitely not least, little Ola chops – thank you so much for believing in me all the way along, I did test you a little bit, the jive and the quickstep come to mind! Thank you so much you lovely little girl.’

Ola Jordan said of lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy: ‘I just want to say you’ve been the best partner, you’ve been a dream to work with – thank you so much because that experience was fantastic for me.’

Runner up Ricky Whittle said of his Strictly experience:

‘I’ve had an absolutely amazing time; I’ve had the time of my life. I want to thank all of our supporters firstly for getting us here and getting this far – we’ve had a great time and the opportunity to dance on the biggest show out there in Great Britain. I’m going to keep dancing. I want to say thank you to a lot of people, my family here at Strictly, everyone back on Hollyoaks who helped us out – the press team, Vicky, Rachel, Lucy, Anne. Natalie (Lowe) who has been absolutely amazing! My Mum and Dad who are here, my friends, my family.’

In the climax to a thrilling seventh series, both couples performed their highest scoring Ballroom and Latin dances plus a group Lindy Hop and a ‘no holds barred’ show dance in a bid to be titled Strictly champion 2009.

There was a special performance by Strictly’s very own Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon, singing a sparkling rendition of ‘Something’s Gotta Give’.

The final also saw the return of many of this series’ eliminated couples who took to the floor one final time, performing their most memorable dance from the show.

In a poignant moment, athlete Jade Johnson who was forced to withdraw from the competition because of injury, returned to the dance floor with her professional partner Ian Waite to dance the Tango – the fateful dance they never got to perform in the live show.

As an added treat, last years finalists, singer Rachel Stevens and model & presenter Lisa Snowden paired up with their professional partners from last series; Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone to dance a Cha Cha/Tango to ‘Sister’s are doin’ it for themselves’ by Aretha Franklin/The Eurhythmics. As one final Brucie bonus Strictly Professional dancers Kristina Rihanoff and Brian Fortuna dazzled the audience with a magnificent Cha Cha Cha to Lady Gaga’s ‘Just dance’.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for a one off festive Christmas special, featuring previous celebrities’ Rachel Stevens, Austin Healey and Gethin Jones plus this year’s semi finalists Ali Bastian, Ricky Whittle and 2009 Strictly Champion Chris Hollins. Tune in BBC One 7.00pm Christmas Day.

The post Comments from Chris and Ricky, and Christmas line-up. appeared first on Learn To Dance.

After seeing that there’s no doubt that Jade was an incredibly strong contender for this title.

My old teacher Mary (Ian’s step-mum) choreographed this dance and was gutted when they couldn’t perform it on the night.

I feel so sorry for Ian as this was probably his best chance for making it to the final, let’s hope he gets someone equally as good next year.

The post Jade Johnson & Ian Waite Tango appeared first on Learn To Dance.

The former contestant has accused the BBC of fixing his departure from the show, after he made a comment “…worse than a swear word…” about fellow contestant Craig Kelly.

Apparently producers regularly told Joe that he received the highest weekly votes in the show, but then in the week following his comment about Craig he then found himself in the dance-off and out of the show.

Though I do seem to recall that that was the first week when Joe wasn’t actually bottom of the leaderboard – and therefore tugging on the underdog heartstrings!

This follows on the back of complaints about Jade Johnson being allowed to sit out this week’s show due to injury – but I can’t understand the complaints as it’s not the first time a contestant has been granted a by. Jimmy Tarbuck was granted a week’s break in 2006 after doctors recommended he didn’t dance.

Ok so he then pulled out completely (probably the same thing Jade will unfortunately have to do if her injury is as bad as feared) but it’s only fair to give them one week to recover if that’s what it takes.

I don’t believe Strictly is fixed, the only way Joe could have stayed in as long as he did (and Craig too) would be with the public vote supporting them!

Do you agree with Joe, or Strictly’s stance on Jade?

The post Joe Calzaghe has claimed that Strictly Come Dancing is fixed! appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Penny will be teaming up with Strictly professional dancer, Matthew Cutler, to perform a Cha Cha Cha during Rod’s performance.

This will be the first time that Penny has returned to the show since competing in series five in 2007.

Penny didn’t get to perform the Cha Cha Cha when she was on the show so it’s a dance she has waited a long time to do.

Rod and Penny will be flying up to Blackpool in their own private jet, while the rest of the Strictly crew will be travelling up by coach. Strictly professional dancer, Ian Waite, partnered Penny when she was on Strictly so he may try to cadge a lift for him and Jade!

Oh and if anyone fancies getting me in for the show on Saturday I definitely won’t say no – private jet not required!

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