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Week 8 – The Foxtrot

Well my loves, the glorious heights and twinkling lights of Blackpool Tower may well have been in our sights, but alas, t’was not to be! Our Week 8 Foxtrot was unfortunately to be our swan song in this season of Strictly Come Dancing, but for my part, dancing with the wonderful Ruth Langsford has been thoroughly uplifting, and we absolutely ended our time on a high!

Ruth and I were both thrilled to be able to dance a Foxtrot to the wonderful Bobby Darin version of ‘Mack The Knife’. A classic tune, and one with particularly strong emotions for Ruth – it being a favourite of her Dad’s – so this dance became something of a tribute to him, and all the more special.

Training during the week went well…

.@RuthieeL and I are working hard on our choreography for Saturday. Who's excited about #Week8 of @BBCStrictly? #SCD #Strictly pic.twitter.com/ewUHNuR3yZ

— Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) November 8, 2017

…with some moves which made the cut… and some which didn’t!

Hats & canes this week! Do you think we should put this bit in?!!! @bbcstrictly @TheAntonDuBeke @strictlycomedancing #foxtrot #rehearsal pic.twitter.com/yOMNay42yQ

— Ruth Langsford (@RuthieeL) November 8, 2017

That’s our last full day of rehearsals done for this week 😅 Ready to Foxtrot our way into the weekend!! Ruth’s worked very hard & we can’t wait to perform Saturday. #scd #bts #foxtrot #dance #dancing #video #rehearsal #learning #practice #partner #strictly #saturday @ruthlangsford

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Nov 9, 2017 at 8:13am PST

When it came time for costumes, we knew this was going to be a corker – a proper suit for me, and hats and canes for us both. Classy, and just the ticket!… Though, as it turned out, not the right ticket for the Blackpool Express!

I for one thoroughly enjoyed our performance – how could I not? With a wonderful partner, wonderful music, wonderful staging… I was in my element! And although the showtime nerves crept in a little for Ruth, I know she enjoyed every second of it too. From our side-by-side intro section, with jazz hats and cane action… through to the our time in hold as we glided across the dancefloor… Joyous!

No tumbles tonight… @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke are hot to Foxtrot! ✨ #Strictly pic.twitter.com/hsI70e8sxK

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 11, 2017

Admittedly the tempo was somewhat animated and our Foxtrot had elements of mild gallop at times but we found that keeping things moving along was a good way of managing the timing – Ruth will admit that counting wasn’t her strong point! But catching props on live TV certainly was – who knew?! What a star; is there no end to her talents?!

Something of a result was that I managed to remain upright at the end of the number – I was determined not to repeat my indecorousness of last week! But I think as we approached the Judges for their critiques, we both felt we may not have quite captured the magic of our bewitching Quickstep, our tumultuous Tango, or indeed the roof-raising finalé of our Paso (indecorousness aside!). Had this week’s dance out-foxed us?

It came as no surprise that Craig didn’t enjoy the opening sequence, said the routine was like a horse trotting and pointed out a number of errors. Darcey like the amount of content though said there was no glide, and that Ruth was ‘swimming’ in hold and “out of her depth” in this dance – to which I disagreed, of course. Shirley was firm (with Blackpool on the horizon) and was put off by the quicks versus slows; she said it wasn’t her favourite. Bruno said “It was the fox that lost the trot… it turned into a gallop,” and that the timing was out… Oh dear, it didn’t go too well in their eyes… though given the Foxtrot is no easy dance, I still hold that Ruth performed amazingly well.

The scores confirmed our worst fears… Fours from Craig and Shirley, and fives from Darcey and Bruno for a total of just 18. “Undermarked,” I hear you cry! We certainly got that sinking feeling, especially when, by the end of the show, we were once again at the bottom of the Leaderboard.

Well done Ruth. I am so proud of you. I thought you danced beautifully and it was a lovely tribute to your dad x #scd #dancing #dance #special #partner #foxtrot #saturday #show @ruthlangsford

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Nov 11, 2017 at 11:38am PST

The Sunday night results show was an event in itself. I simply must mention the beautifully poignant and powerful Remembrance Day tribute dance that us professional dancers had the honour of performing. I’m not sure if there was a dry eye in the house by the end. So very fitting for such an important day when we think back to those who gave their lives for our freedoms. We were thrilled to be accompanied by the RAF Spitfires Choir, and to have so many servicemen and women join us in the audience. Huge and heartfelt thanks to all of them.

#LestWeForget a powerful and touching #RememberanceSunday routine from our Pros. #Strictly pic.twitter.com/uujbWkCY97

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2017

The wonderful performances didn’t stop there… Seal was here to perform his new song, and Nadiya and I were thrilled to accompany him:

Tonight's show is a real bobby dazzler – and @Seal's joining us for a sing song! ✨ @BBCOne, 7.20pm #Strictly pic.twitter.com/Z0XHofZpyp

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2017

But the evening remained unforgettable for yet more reasons… As one by one the couples were saved, for the first time this series Ruthie and I were bathed in the dreaded red light… we were in the Dance-Off.

Red light alert 🚨 Ruth and Anton are in the Dance Off. #Strictly pic.twitter.com/erUGRaLauQ

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2017

Testament to how tricky the Foxtrot can be, we were pitched head-to-head against Jonnie & Oti who’d also fallen foul of this dance. Suddenly the distant glow of the Blackpool Illuminations was becoming dimmer and dimmer with every passing moment.

We danced our dance as if it were our last, and once again, I was so proud of Ruth for giving us such a fabulous performance… and, let’s not forget, catching the hat and cane again at the end! What a pro!

Credit where credit’s due, Jonnie & Oti delivered a wonderful dance, and the Judges were unanimous in saving them. Understandably, Ruthie and I couldn’t hide our disappointment – we were of course utterly heart sunk not to be heading to Blackpool, but at the same time thrilled and so very thankful to have made it this far in the competition and to have had eight wonderful weeks performing together on the Strictly dancefloor.

Their Blackpool dream has been cut short 😢 RT to send @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke some love 💗 pic.twitter.com/Hz3pgNBtxk

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2017

We took to the floor one final time for our last dance, which became something of a spectacle, ending in what’s become a ‘signature move’: the ‘Pile on’… I’m under there somewhere:

There's only one way to give @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke a proper send-off… #Strictly pic.twitter.com/dBWvF1zcfH

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2017

✨ @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke are a real class act. You'll be missed! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/tItNEI9ysM

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2017

We had our last ever It Takes Two last night 🙁 Thank you for having us @zeebeezoobee we always have a great time!! #ittakestwo #scd ・・・ #Repost @ruthlangsford Our last #ItTakesTwo last night….boo hoo😪 @mrantondubeke & I LOVE you @zeebeezoobee ❤️❤️ X X @bbcstrictly #strictlycomedancing

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Nov 14, 2017 at 12:07pm PST

Even after Strictly, they couldn’t keep us apart, such was our partnership! Here we are on Loose Women… watch and enjoy – we even have one last twirl at the end!

Tens all round from the team – and rightly so – what an absolute dream this series has been. Full on entertainment – I’ve had a ball, and if Ruthie has had half as much fun as I have, I’m over the moon. What a delight she has been to work with these past months, truly a privilege. Not only to be able to spend so much time with such a wonderful person, but to share the highs and lows of the training process – the kinds of things that make friends for life. To see her talent, abilities and confidence grow has been such a thrill, and I do so hope that she continues to dance – it’ll be such a waste if she doesn’t! (I wonder if Eamonn could be tempted to give Strictly a go next year?!)

Well my loves, there ends my Strictly journey for this year – eight wonderful weeks with a truly tremendous partner – what an experience. This series has been simply joyous and I couldn’t have wished for a more entertaining, more enthusiastic, more sympatico partner. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve had thrills… and spills, we’ve danced and danced and danced some more… but most importantly, we’ve had just the most fun! Hats off Ruthie, you’re a star!

Ruth and I would also like to convey our heartfelt thanks to you for all your love, your unending support, and for being so generous with your votes each week – you’ve been instrumental in enabling us to keep dancing all this time, and we are so very, very grateful. You’ve helped make Ruth’s Strictly dream a reality, and we so hope we’ve entertained in return.

Until next time, and with all my love,

Week 7 – The Paso Doble

The competition is certainly hotting up – ever more so for us this week with a hot-blooded Paso Doble to ‘The Shady Dame From Seville’ – a very entertaining number from the Julie Andrews classic movie ‘Victor/Victoria’. Whilst parody formed a good part of our performance, content must always be king and we knew we had to deliver a delicate balance between the two… a balance maintained through to the very end… almost!

Positions please! The wonderful flamenco guitar started, Hayley passed me a red rose as cue to start the routine, and I addressed the floor in just the most wonderful matador get-up – frills, sash, flares, ruff and felt boater – I must have been a vision. (And I bet you thought they couldn’t top those pink sleeves!)

I was certainly a vision to my sizzling señorita up on her balcony fanning herself in the heady Spanish evening air… She spied me down below and her heart was all a flutter. I took my lead and went up the ladder, rose in teeth, whilst she came down the stairs, missing each other with comic timing. Ruth continued to fan herself whilst I came down to join her, at which point we had a scene-setting side-by-side moment before we cast away our props, took each other into hold, and we were off!

With a flurry of footwork, this next section was filled with many of the dance’s core steps, made all the more difficult against the changing tempo of the music. I must stress here that it was a real accomplishment for Ruth to be able to pull that off – we’d worked so hard to get it right and whilst our theme required a peppering of humour, there was to be no doubt in the Judges’ minds that this was a real Paso!

Then came a wonderful sequence with our parallel stalking kicks – again superbly done by Ruth, with Hayley’s soaring solo vocals scaling the heights to a top G Julie Andrews would have been proud of.

Just when you thought @TheAntonDuBeke couldn't out-do *that* pink Salsa shirt… @RuthieeL #Strictly pic.twitter.com/fFSN9c97sA

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 4, 2017

We were off again, this time spinning and traversing the floor at breakneck speed and with such gusto as the music rose to its finale… Our momentum matched the crescendo, and we’d built up so much that by the time we arrived at our final positions I was literally bowled over! Carried away, you might say – I just went! …And unfortunately I took Ruth with me!

Name a more iconic couple. I'll wait. #Strictly pic.twitter.com/EZFdjU7awh

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 4, 2017

After such a wonderful, fiery, passionate routine, what a fall from grace. My goodness me – we’d maintained our delicate balance almost to the end! Unfortunately, it being live television, the image was well and truly captured for posterity. (In more ways than one, as Ruth tried to restore some symmetry to our pose by climbing atop me!)

#Strictly pic.twitter.com/4hapb18suD

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 4, 2017

The audience erupted, Eamonn’s face was priceless as he looked on, and even the judges couldn’t contain themselves (well, all bar Craig, who continued to take notes).

Such was the disarray, Tess had to hurry us across to the Judges so we could keep the show on schedule!

Bruno was quick to tell me that I looked like Manuel from Fawlty Towers on Spanish night… “Murder on the dancefloor,” he said, “What more do you want?!” We weren’t quite sure if any of that was good or bad! Craig made it quite clear; “This number is essentially a drag act, which is what we got tonight. It’s entertainment vs technique. At least the people at home will vote for it, but I can’t possibly.” Ouch.

Conversely both Darcey and Shirley found merit in the performance. “If you can hold on to a narrative like that all the way through a dance… I want to watch it every time,” said Darcey, “You came alive… Wonderful, controlled stalking kicks. Don’t give up on the content, don’t give up on the technique – you’re going somewhere!” That’s more like it… and then Shirley “Ruth, you represent absolute joy and I’m sure there isn’t a household in England who didn’t enjoy what you just did. I rather liked it. I’ve never seen a Paso Doble so humorous. I’m not laughing at you – I’m laughing with you. Syncopation separation, grand step… that was a very interesting Paso Doble.”

Thank you very much! Of course, I’d have preferred it if the judges were unanimous in their appreciation of our artistry, but we’ve long-since learned you can’t always please everyone!

The scores sang an all-too familiar tune: a four from Craig, and sixes from Darcey, Bruno & Shirley for a total of 22. The same as last week; we’re nothing if not consistent!

I’m so proud of you again @ruthlangsford you did so well!! Please help us stay in so we can have even more laughs next week !! #strictly #scd #live #dance #partner

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Nov 4, 2017 at 1:17pm PDT

By the end of the night we ended the show once again at the bottom of the leaderboard. But now with only ten couples remaining it was getting especially tight, not least having the wonderful Aston & Janette placed immediately, and precariously, above us.

The results show came as a surprise for everybody. No wonder it was November the 5th – there were certainly fireworks at Elstree. Ruth and I were simply overjoyed to make it through – once again, thanks to all of your votes, every single one of them – your support is just tremendous and means the world.

Looks like the rise comes after a fall for @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/JTySaBJLO9

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 5, 2017

Wahoo! We are SO HAPPY! Thank you all so much for voting for us. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it! Love to you all ❤️ #scd pic.twitter.com/pJkyfttK02

— Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) November 5, 2017

What none of us were expecting, however, was that the Dance Off would be between Mollie & AJ and Aston & Janette. Nothing’s ever a foregone conclusion with Strictly. After both couples danced their wonderful dances once again, Darcey and Bruno both voted to save Aston & Janette, but Craig and Shirley with her deciding vote saved Mollie & AJ based on seeing greater technique and accuracy.

A shock result indeed – we were all knocked for six. None of us wanted either of them to be in the dance off, let alone to leave the competition, but with placements so close on the leaderboard, it’s never been clearer how important the public vote can be.

And so, we bade a very sad farewell to Aston. I’m sure you’ll all agree that he simply must continue dancing – that boy’s got real talent!

This week Ruth and I have stepped it up even more. There can be no mishaps Saturday night. It’s the Foxtrot – my all time favourite dance – a proper dance, and we’re all set to do it justice.

Tune in tomorrow at 6:45pm and watch the action unfold!

I’ll see you on the dancefloor my loves,

Week 6 – The Quickstep

After the frills… and spills of last weekend’s in-flight Samba, week six of this season’s Strictly was Halloween week with a ‘Bewitched’ theme for our Quickstep. Would it be all toil and trouble, or would Ruth work her magic, cast a spell on the judges, and levitate us back up the leaderboard?…

Training and rehearsals went well during the week – I could tell Ruth’s confidence, technique and ability were all on the rise, and after making it through this far (and being spared from the dreaded dance-off each week, too), I do believe she’s starting to believe in herself as a dancer. That’s a tremendous accomplishment, and I’m so, so proud of her! In fact, she’s getting so good that we can even film ourselves in training!…

Bring on the Quickstep! It’s been a hard week of rehearsals but we’re ready and excited for Saturday! P.S. 57 but still great!! #halloweenweek #quickstep . . . #Repost @ruthlangsford I think @mrantondubeke is trying to kill me! Could someone please remind him I'm a 57yr old woman with no dance experience! @bbcstrictly #quickstep #strictlycomedancing #antondubeke

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Oct 26, 2017 at 10:18am PDT

As always, the weekend was upon us before we knew it, and with all the tricks and treats of Halloween Week to add to the production, it was a full-on lead-up to showtime.

And what a show it was – the Strictly team went all-out to create what must be the most spine tingling episode ever! Whilst for our routine, our costumes weren’t as chilling or macabre as some of the other contestants’, they were just as bewitching nonetheless! To fans of the original 1960s sitcom (Ruth and myself included), they couldn’t have been more perfect – and after all, Halloween doesn’t have to be all fangs and frights!

Well, I can honestly say I don’t believe I’ve ever begun a routine as a rabbit before. Now there’s a first! Sat there quietly on the kitchen table as Ruth descended from on high on her broomstick (not the easiest of entries to settle one’s nerves), then, with a twitch of her nose and a puff of smoke… I was summoned literally by magic to the dancefloor as Darrin to her Samantha! (The magic may need some practise though as you may have spotted I was still sporting a very perky cottontail as I made my way over to join her!)

My, didn’t she look wonderful – such a spookily strong resemblance to the wonderful Elizabeth Montgomery from the original sitcom, so elegant in her glittering gown… and I cutting the charming dash of an American ad exec. with my horrifyingly 70s waistcoat!

Ruth certainly got into character, as whatever magic she was channeling had us flying round the dancefloor! The quickstep is such a fabulous dance – it’s one of my favourites (Foxtrot aside), and I was so thrilled to have been able to dance it with Ruth particularly at this point in the competition where the celebs have enough technique under their belts to keep up with the delivery of a dance like this – it makes it all the more fun.

They really pulled a rabbit out of the hat tonight! 🐰 Magical moves from @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke #Strictly pic.twitter.com/tSbzyLcE2D

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 28, 2017

I thought our dance was frightfully good! For me, Ruth nailed it – she’d certainly worked her magic on me – and on the audience too as they rose to their feet at the end of the routine! Tremendous!… We just had to hope that the judges wouldn’t be too ghoulish with their scores.

Bruno began lyrically: “I was bewitched by the elegant look… slightly bothered by the frame … and bewildered: you went off on the wrong foot, but you brought it back… well done!” Ah, what a shame he’d spotted it! Craig took the week’s theme to heart and gave a truly gruesome verdict: “It lacked any style, too heavy, too sloppy… for me, the antithesis to light and bright.” Full marks for getting into the spirit of the theme, Craig! Darcey brought some light to the gloom: “It was perfectly charming – you became the character. You were light on your feet, you’ve gained such confidence. You’ve made a wonderful improvement so be proud.” That’s the ticket, and a sentiment echoed by Shirley: “You’ve made strides but you did make several mistakes. Nice free flowing, not bad with the frame, but a good effort… Besides the mistakes you’re actually improving – I feel it’s going in the right direction.” That’s what we want to hear – and such a fabulous boost for Ruth.

The 6’s are 9’s in my eyes! Well done @ruthlangsford…you were amazing once again. Loved dancing Halloween week with you! 👏🏻🎃 #scd #bts #dancing #halloween #partner #strictly

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Oct 28, 2017 at 11:31am PDT

The scores were in: a dastardly 4 from Craig, followed by three sixes, giving us a very devilish total of 22. Our second highest score so far, so by the law of averages we are indeed making some progress, and it put us in 8th place – 4th from the bottom.

In Sunday’s results show, a particularly deathly chill drifted across the dancefloor when all the couples lined up to learn their fate. No need for any additional Halloween special effects either – with the dwindling number of us left, it was quite scary enough! Thankfully, this week, our names weren’t left to the very end… we were absolutely thrilled to bits to be put out of our misery and hear our names called as being saved!

.@TheAntonDuBeke is pleased to say the least! 😂 He and @RuthieeL are safe #Strictly pic.twitter.com/wsHA0RLnrG

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 29, 2017

Hurrah! What angels you all are for voting for us and ensuring we made it through! Thank you thank you thank you!!

SO HAPPY! 😃 Thank you thank you thank you is all I can say. We are so grateful you all voted for us again. Can’t wait to start rehearsals tomorrow 👏🏻🕺🏻 #scd #strictly #dance #partner #results #sunday

A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke) on Oct 29, 2017 at 1:08pm PDT

But as always, the truly horrifying part of the weekend’s events was yet to come – the elimination. This week’s demonic dance-off was between Simon & Karen and Mollie & AJ. Sadly, despite Simon becoming something of a pro at the dance-off, Strictly’s grim reaper tapped him on the shoulder: his time had finally come as the judges were unanimous in saving Mollie. How he’ll be missed – what a true pleasure he’s been to have on the show, Simon really embodied Strictly and I so hope he’s been an inspiration to lots of viewers to give dancing a go! What a gent!

A haunted ballroom, a coronation for Debbie, and Aston reaches his Paso Nirvana. See the ghastliest bits from #Strictly's Halloween week 🎃🕷✨ pic.twitter.com/wTdFJzC9BF

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 29, 2017

No rest for the wicked, as they say… Ruth and I were straight back into training for this coming weekend’s Paso Doble. You’ll have to wait and see what capers we’ve got in store! Not long to wait though, tune in tomorrow at 6:50pm for Strictly week 7 – and with just nine couples left, your votes will count all the more!

Oh, and if you haven’t already heard, I’ve a wonderful album being released very soon – you can pre-order it now! Click through to learn more…
 

Meanwhile my loves, I’ll see you on the dancefloor tomorrow!