Keep Up!

Week 2 – The Charleston

From the Waltz to the Charleston in one week – and (spoiler alert!) with a 4 point improvement – Ruth’s really shaping up to be a very willing and able student and I think we’re on track for some classy performances in the weeks to come! Meanwhile, how about our Great Gatsby inspired cheeky Charleston last Saturday? What a ‘roaring twenties’ triumph!

High drama late in the week though as Ruth pulled a hamstring and was put on bedrest by the Strictly Physio… we missed one of our studio rehearsals, but as I’m sure you’ll agree, you’d never know from her sterling performance! She really was channelling the twenties – my heroine!

Fountains and champagne flutes and feathers for the flappers – all fabulous and very F Scott Fitzgerald as Ruth made her entrance in a wonderful tasseled dress and I with my dapper boater and cane! Hats off to Ruth for her solo spot at the top of the routine (especially after her feeling rooted to the spot with leaden legs at the start of last week’s dance) – what a transformation! I knew that her confidence would grow once week one was under her belt, and there’s the proof!

As Dave Arch and his wonderful band struck up ‘The Charleston’ by Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys, we got into character and flew into action.

With so much content to squeeze into our routine, we needed to be in time, in sync, and in the right positions to keep the flow from one sequence to the next. Honestly, the level of concentration and coordination involved is not to be underestimated, let alone managing the tempo changes… and facial expressions! What tremendous fun, and my goodness, what sensational swivels!

Let party like it's 1922 🎉 @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/DK5vOX8sR7

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 30, 2017

As the music drew to a close and we reached our final places right on time, we were both overjoyed at the eruption of applause and the standing ovation from the audience. Magnificent, I thought, as we soaked it up and made our way over to the Judges.

Ruth’s improvement had been clear to see. Shirley said it was 100% better this week, with her solo pieces not going unnoticed… “You nailed it!” That was music to our ears from the new Head Judge. Bruno said he had no idea Ruth was such a good flapper! “It wasn’t perfection,” he went on to say, “needed to be a little bit crazier but great, great improvement from last week.” More overall positives… but the tune quickly changed with Craig: “This dance needs 80% more energy than you gave it. Very limp, very lame, and very lacklustre.” That rained on our parade, I can’t lie… but at least Darcey shone a ray of sunshine with “The enjoyment, the confidence, the difference – come back next week even stronger!”

Our scores ranged from a three from Craig, to sixes from both Shirley and Bruno and a five from Darcey giving a total 20. A four point improvement from our 16 last week is tremendous – it means we’re well and truly on the right track!

This score, combined with last week’s 16, rocketed us up the leaderboard to joint 11th place alongside Simon and Karen. Apparently Craig had told Ruth, “Darling, it’s the bottom everybody talks about,” but I say that’s no reason to stay there, this is a competition after all!

By the time of the results show, I’m sure all our new celebrities were on tenterhooks, dreading the first elimination of the series. Ruth was no exception… but you can see just how relieved we were when our names were called out as being safe.

Leading lady and leading man @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke make it to Movie Week! 🍾 #Strictly pic.twitter.com/IofY7sKNAB

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 1, 2017

Thank you all so much for voting, I’m sure as the weeks progress and the competition gets tighter we’ll be counting on your votes all the more – so do please keep at it each week!

It wasn’t such good news for Brian and Amy, and Chizzy and Pasha. Both couples were to face each other in the dreaded dance-off: one last chance to perform their routines before the Judges in the hopes of being voted through to next week’s show. I must say I thought they both performed magnificently, especially given the short amount of training these non-dancers had had… and they both danced better than they had in the main show – they really gave it their all.

It was clearly a difficult decision for the Judges as there was some difference of opinion, but in the end Shirley as Head Judge made the final call and voted Brian and Amy through, eliminating Chizzy and Pasha. Chizzy was clearly so very disappointed – all of us felt for her, and for Pasha too of course: being first to go is never easy. We’re all missing Chizzy terrible already – such a personality – I do so hope she keeps dancing.

Back to training for Ruth and me though: this coming Saturday is ‘Movie Week’! I’ll be James Bond, and Ruth my Bond Girl – we’ve the Rumba… to ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. True class! I’ve got a licence to thrill and you’ll have the best seats in the house. So tune in on Saturday at 6:35pm, and I’ll see you on the dance floor!

Week 1 – The Waltz

After the exhilaration of the Red Carpet Event and the series Launch Show, it must come as quite a shock to the celebrities each year as we go straight into long arduous days of intensive training to make our partners performance-ready. This year even more so, with just two weeks for them to find their feet, grasp the basics, learn the first dance… and steel their nerves!
 

 
Ruth, I have to say, has been a model student, everything I could have wished for: tireless enthusiasm, the drive of a perfectionist, and crucially a very good sense of humour! That’s not so say the Waltz hasn’t presented hurdles for Ruth to overcome – you’ll have seen from the VT that she had ‘looking issues’ – either at her feet, or me! I had to insist that she didn’t gaze into my eyes, but looked away instead – I can’t blame her though, magnetism is a hard force to fight!

I’m sure that, for the celebrities, nothing feels quite ‘real’ until the first weekend of the competition. And with the dress rehearsals done and the clock ticking down to showtime, I could tell the nerves were starting to build. On a first night, they’re quicker to catch than a cold! That said, Ruth and I had a very relaxed and jolly interview with the Radio Times beforehand…



This show was perhaps one of the longest in Strictly history with 15 couples dancing all on one night, rather than splitting the initial group across Saturday and Sunday evenings. Being twelfth in the running order meant that we had an agonisingly long wait… and that’s when nerves often start to kick in. Ruth insisted she’d forgotten all her steps; all I could do was insist otherwise!

At last, our names were called, the lights dimmed, and flutes and strings from Dave Arch’s wonderful band sang sweetly over the applause: it was now or never. Thus began a beautiful moment in dance: I (dressed in my best suit and tie, and all fresh from the barbers) presented myself to Ruth, and she, seated coquettishly there on the posh settee, took my hands and rose to her feet; we embraced… and were off! Our first steps on a magical journey together.

Actual fireworks on the #Strictly dancefloor tonight with @RuthieeL and @TheAntonDuBeke 💥 pic.twitter.com/MeEResLi5S

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 23, 2017

Graceful, elegant, Ruth was simply resplendent in her beautiful dress rippling and shimmering as we traversed the dance floor in a lilting three-four time. I thought she performed marvellously – I couldn’t be more proud of her for dancing so well. Granted, there were a few uncharted improvised moments, only to be expected with the first week’s dance – but like I said afterwards: ‘She didn’t go wrong, she just went different!’ Ruth in fact admitted it was the most nervous she’d been in 30 years of live television, but each week I’m sure it will get easier and her confidence will soar in accord. Truth be told, I think we’re a particularly well-suited couple with great potential in the competition!

Round and round we spun to reach a grand finale with fireworks – no expense spared for what, to my mind, was a simply gorgeous performance for our dancefloor debut!

The applause was loud and wonderful to hear, especially for Ruth. Then hearing Eamonn say how proud he was of her was timely reassurance to her as we took our places next to Tess, bracing ourselves for the verdict from the Judges.

Darcey began by noting the romance in the performance, Ruth’s quality and grace, and that she had a wonderful aura about her. Quite so. She said there was work to do on posture, but what sold it was her smile. Marvellous!

Next up was our new Head Judge, Shirley: “What struck me the most was how you made me feel, you’re definitely a lady, very elegant.” Another first rate appraisal. She said she spotted a few off-time moments, but that Ruth was very graceful nonetheless. Something I shan’t forget in a hurry was the curious analogy of her hand placement being like a butterfly – though not one with ‘concrete boots’ – how fabulous! With constructive critique like that, Shirley gets my vote!

Some things, however, never change… Bruno: “A picture of loveliness and wholesome goodness… it’s just that the feet have a mind of their own!” He too picked up on Ruth’s posture, insisting that she should maintain her frame and not hang on to me. For a first dance I have no problem with that – after all, I can’t blame her for hanging on to me, being all suited and booted and smart!

The rise… and fall of the dance was in sync with the critiques by the time we reached Craig: “It really was the stumble and grab dance, hope you can do better next week, darling.” Ah, enough said!

The scores, I feel, could have been a tad better: a mere 3 from Craig, 4s from both Darcey and Shirley, and a welcome 5 from Bruno for a total 16. Sadly, by the end of the show, this placed us joint bottom of the leaderboard along with Brian Conley and his partner Amy. A very good place to start week 2 though – after all, the only way is up!

"She didn't go wrong, she just went different" @TheAntonDuBeke on @RuthieeL @TheAntonDuBeke pic.twitter.com/jWRU28KVAZ

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 23, 2017

Very much undaunted, and in fact rising to the challenge, our next dance is the Charleston. Ruth has a very good face for the Charleston, and the acrobatics… oh just you wait! I think you’ll be able to see how excited we are from our lovely chat today on ‘Loose Women’:

Thank you to the @loosewomen panel for having me. Always a pleasure!#loosewomen #live #talkshow #strictly #strictlycomedancing pic.twitter.com/0wa9p8cFUJ

— Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) September 26, 2017

As for our Charleston… It’s so fast I’ve had to undo my top button in rehearsals. That’s all I’m saying… so make sure you tune in on Saturday night! Remember, one couple will leave the competition this weekend – hopefully an improved score will lift us out of the danger zone and keep us from the dreaded dance-off, but your votes, as always, will truly count!

Until then my loves,

Week 5 – The Tango

Well, my loves, as I’m sure you’re all aware, Lesley and I bade our Strictly farewells last weekend as our Week 5 dance became our Last Tango in Elstree. Lesley had the potential to go much further in the competition, of that I’m sure, so to say we were disappointed is of course an understatement. Nevertheless, what a wonderful five weeks we’ve had dancing together on the show – truly tremendous and thoroughly good fun. And so, for my final blog post this series, let’s have a recap of last weekend’s tumultuous events…

Spirits were certainly high before the start of the show last Saturday, confidence too, each couple starting to build on their performances week-on-week. There’s always a ‘bedding-in’ period whilst the celebrities find their feet, so to speak, Lesley included – especially after the success of the previous weekend’s Charleston – we were both on a high, and ready to channel that into the high drama of the Tango.

"I can see Craig smiling. Oh no the glass has cracked" @TheAntonDuBeke #Strictly pic.twitter.com/pFsQr1vo7Y

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 22, 2016

The weekend delivered drama indeed, more than we’d anticipated… and more than either of us saw in the tea leaves, tarot cards or crystal ball which were all used to set the scene for the dance.

‘Whatever Lola Wants’ was our tune to Tango to – modern but with those traditional overtones of the bandoneon sharing the melody with, and winding around, the vocals. Lesley, as Madame Lola, was at her table gazing into the crystal ball as I arrived for my reading. Whatever premonition she saw in the crystal had her leaping out of her seat, over the table, and falling from on high into my arms. My goodness, what an opener!

Now, the Tango is a particularly tricky dance for the celebrities to master – the sharp moves and staccato rhythms are all at odds with the flow and motion of the other ‘swing’ dances, and as Lesley herself pointed out in interviews, to maintain a ‘passionate detachment’ is incredibly difficult to do! (Not least when in my arms, I’m sure!) Technically, it becomes a dance of contradictions and may explain why three of the four departures so far this series have been on the Tango.

Does #Strictly fortune favour Lesley and Anton? 🔮 We foresee they will smash it at the end! pic.twitter.com/X6cF6SmVgg

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 22, 2016

That said, Lesley performed a very good tango indeed – I was thrilled to bits. Our dance was packed full of content – a great deal for her to learn and deliver, plus drama – she maintained great characterisation throughout, all the while conveying a strong sense of the key elements of the dance.

In a finalé almost as dramatic as the opening, I smash the crystal ball to the floor – clearly no longer needed as our dance had brought Madame Lola’s vision to life! The audience were on their feet. Brava!

The judges’ critiques certainly weren’t as glowing as they were last week. Bruno opened by referencing a few slips here and there and that the dance seemed ‘skippy’, but he loved the intensity and the acting throughout. He did say he felt Lesley was hanging on to me a little too strongly – so I quipped in about my eyeliner making me irresistible! Craig too flagged the slips, that the shaping wasn’t quite there, and concluded that it wasn’t her dance. Thankfully Darcey enjoyed the amount of dance content and praised Lesley for her energy and how much she had managed to pick up in just one week, but again referenced her frame and shaping. Len rounded up more positively, he said “it was all there: steps, moves, staccato, musicality; unfortunately there were a few little incidents along the way… Well done Lesley!”

"The energy was there! You did a really good job" – Darcey on Lesley and Anton. https://t.co/osmung2Ron

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 22, 2016

I had reservations that our upward trajectory score-wise was about to take a dive, and my fears were borne out with the scores.

A five from Craig, sixes from Darcey and Bruno, but a good ‘ol seven from Len. Total: 24. As the evening’s dances progressed and the scores tallied up, the leaderboard wasn’t looking as rosy for us as last week’s: we were close to the bottom, joint with Greg & Natalie, just above Ed & Katya. Precarious indeed.

Our nerves didn’t abate and despite keeping everything crossed, the Sunday night results show was to bring the news neither of us wanted to hear. Our names were announced as the first couple to face the dreaded dance-off.

Oh no! The first couple in the Dance Off is Lesley and Anton! #Strictly 😞 pic.twitter.com/615JHhn9nW

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 23, 2016

When we learned in the second half that we’d be dancing against the wonderful Daisy & Aljaz, I think there was a tacit understanding that this might be our last Tango on Strictly. Undaunted, we approached the challenge with true gusto and danced our dance as if it really were the last dance – no holding back, and giving it everything. I’m quite sure Lesley in fact relished the opportunity to have another go with the Judges’ feedback fresh in her mind – ever the perfectionist!

It's Lesley and Anton and Daisy and Aljaz in the Dance Off. Who do you think the Judges will save? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/rgg5Sd79ds

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 23, 2016

But alas, our best wasn’t quite enough against our worthy rivals with their fabulous and inventive Charleston, and the Judges were unanimous in their decision to save Daisy & Aljaz, ending our Strictly journey there at week 5.

As Lesley and I went over for our final words with Tess, the audience were on their feet and we knew we were going out on a high.

Lesley was so very kind when she said her Strictly highlight was working with me and us learning a new dance each week. We really did laugh during our time together – it’s been such an uplifting series! I said that Lesley had pushed my boundaries too – quite so – I was blessed with a partner who was already a performer, who was no stranger to fast-paced learning and who knew how to face the nerves and stage-fright of filming live television. With ticks in all those boxes, I was able to increase the content in each week’s dance knowing Lesley would be more than capable of delivering the performance itself. I must also mention her remarkable energy, flexibility and enthusiasm – my goodness me – she’s a real life dynamo! And whilst it wouldn’t really be proper of me to mention a lady’s age… I think we should all marvel at the all-round ability of this utterly inspirational 71-year-old.

Hats off… Round of applause… Standing ovation!

Lesley, you’re a superstar. Our Strictly time together has been a real and rare treat, I simply couldn’t have wished for a more fabulous partner. You have been a pleasure to work with and simply joyous to dance with.

And as the programme drew to a close, I scooped my partner up in a fireman’s lift and we took to the floor for our Last Dance.

She was a true #Strictly inspiration! RT to say goodbye to Lesley and @TheAntonDuBeke! pic.twitter.com/j0raPy8356

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 23, 2016

Lesley and @TheAntonDuBeke, you will be missed! The #Strictly gang are very sorry to see you go! pic.twitter.com/mz8TNLgvTH

— BBC Strictly 🕸 (@bbcstrictly) October 23, 2016

And so, my loves, here ends my Strictly 2016 instalments. Lesley and I had a jolly good run at the glitter ball, and I think we surprised a few people too at how good our partnership turned out to be! But alas, all good things must come to an end and we bid a sad farewell to this year’s competition.

Huge good luck to all the other couples – there’ll be some tremendous entertainment in store over the coming weeks no doubt as the competition gets even hotter – and I look forward to watching the best dancer lift that ever elusive glitter ball in the Strictly 2016 Grand Final.

And lastly, but by no means least, thank you all so very much for your continued support this series – it’s kept us in the competition all the way to week 5 and it’s meant the world to Lesley and me. Truly, it has.

As always, Keeeeep Dancing! (And if you’re missing me already, don’t forget to get your tickets to my 2017 tour with Erin!)

Much love,

Week 4 – The Charleston

From ‘Birds of a Feather’ rehearsals, to soaring as my Maltese Falcon, Lesley truly took flight this week!

As many of you will already know, Lesley is recording a Christmas Special of the hit show ‘Birds of a Feather’ at the moment, and last week, as if our combined schedule wasn’t hectic enough, the ‘Birds’ had to film on location… in Malta! A hardship indeed, but I of course had to join them… after all, we had a Charleston to learn!

Now, admittedly, we couldn’t be dancing all the time and though there were delightful amenities and facilities all on hand… rest assured, whilst Lesley was filming, I was thoroughly occupied with creating and refining the choreography!

Even despite Lesley’s gruelling schedule, the warmer climes and change of scene were in themselves energising, and our rehearsals went particularly well. Heading back to the UK with a spring in our step, excitement was also building as Friday was Lesley’s birthday and the wonderful It Takes Two team surprised her with a fabulous cake and balloon – both with my face on! Remarkable! Lesley roared with laughter, as did I! It was the perfect end to a perfect week… but would the celebratory mood continue through the weekend?

A cake with @TheAntonDuBeke's face on it? Just what you've always wanted, eh #LesleyJoseph?#ItTakesTwo 🎂 https://t.co/kCVk4drbPY

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 14, 2016

The Charleston is fabulous to perform – full of fun, it’s frenetic and fizzing with energy – and we had a blinder of a dance lined up! “Won’t you Charleston With Me” from Sandie Wilson’s musical, “The Boy Friend”, was a number set in the roaring ’20s in a villa on the French Riviera. I was Bobbie and Lesley was Maisie, both dressed to the nines with tassels and spats – the works!

The music started, I leapt down to the ballroom floor from the staircase, and with the delivery of the opening line, Lesley leapt to her feet, and we were off! And for a minute and a half, we didn’t stop! What a dance! Lesley was absolutely remarkable. The pace, the precision… the flicks, kicks, characterisation and control… the synchronised steps, the slapstick… not to mention the swivel! My goodness me, Lesley gave a sensational performance!

As we caught our breath, we realised the audience were on their feet – tremendous!… The judges were brimming with enthusiasm too!
“Shocking… Shockingly good, I mean,” started Craig, the audience erupting again. “I could never keep that much stamina going for that length of time… It’s incredible, you shock me each time… I loved it!” Then Darcey: “You bring such a cheeky, fun, naughty little girl to this… and the confidence… those high kicks – absolutely gorgeous, really!” Len’s comments were music to our ears too: “Definitely your best dance to date… and if you keep that up, on Strictly you’re going to to have Many Happy Returns, well done!” The compliments kept coming: Bruno said “Ah Lesley always delivers… you looked like a 20-year old out there! Your timing was right on it, performance value was very, very high all the way through – I’m astounded, I think you did a fantastic job!”

"You looked like a 20 year old out there" – Bruno on Lesley Joseph! https://t.co/wjqmF6d7qW

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 15, 2016

Lesley is simply a dream partner – a joy to dance with and I – like the judges – continue to marvel at her energy, concentration and stamina!

The scores were in: a 7 from Craig and 8s each from Darcey, Len and Bruno. We were both over the moon to have totted up 31, including our first 8s in the competition… and most importantly an increase over last week with our highest score to date.

As for the leaderboard, by the end of the show, for the very first week, we were on the upper half! Hurrah!!

As always, it wasn’t until the Sunday night Results Show that our Strictly fate was revealed, and knowing how the leaderboard can turn on its head when combined with the public votes, we weren’t counting any chickens. But lo and behold, our names were called out first! Just the most wonderful feeling! We were safe… we’d made it through!

Woo! Dancing another week, it's Lesley and @TheAntonDuBeke! 🎉 #Strictly pic.twitter.com/xdSHSvYiAb

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 16, 2016

There’s of course no escaping the rules to the show, so one couple was sadly destined to leave. This weekend’s dreaded dance-off pitched Naga & Pasha head-to-head against Anastacia & Brendan – a result none of us could have predicted. After two very strong performances, both couples dancing with more confidence than they had in the main show, it was clearly no easy decision for the judges. But after a particularly good Rumba, Anastacia was saved, and we all had to say goodbye to Naga. Such a lovely contestant, and a promising dancer too – she’s very much missed by all already.

Now, before I sign off this week, I should make special mention to the weekend’s Group Dance. Once again, a true spectacle and a feat of choreography, but I must say I found it particularly fulfilling to be able to demonstrate my wider repertoire!… ‘Busting my moves’ I believe you could say!

Have a watch of the rehearsal video, and then the actual performance below. Enjoy! What a fantastic weekend, all round!

Get on up and get ready for a very special Pro group dance to James Brown classics. Tonight. 7.15pm. @BBCOne. #Strictly 🎤 pic.twitter.com/GhXZk2cUW9

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 16, 2016

And so to this weekend’s dance… it’s The Tango. Ah yes! And my word have we a dance in store for you!

Until then, my loves, thank you all so much for your continued support… Lesley and I both appreciate it immensely!

Much love,

Week 3 – The Quickstep

Lights, Camera… Action! This weekend saw the culmination of ‘Movie Week’ on Strictly, and my word was it a Saturday night showstopper! From the overture to the grand finalé, Strictly brought the magic of so many favourite silver-screen blockbusters to the Strictly ballroom in what must be just the most fabulous episode to date!

I’m going to raise the curtain on this week’s blog post with the tremendous opening number from Saturday’s show. Just the most wonderful medley and a blockbuster number in its own right – quite the feat of creativity and organisation, so hats off to all those involved!

This week, Lesley and I were to feature in our own screen classic… and I don’t mind saying we were both near delerious to learn we’d be channeling Fred Astaire and Judy Garland for that iconic number ‘A Couple Of Swells’. Featuring in the 1948 hit musical film ‘Easter Parade’, this timeless Irving Berlin song would require actions, costumes, characters and make-up, we were in our element! The dance? Our old friend the Quickstep! The stage was, as they say, set!

Our routine was based on the original number, a sketch by our characters Don Hughes and Hannah Brown from one of their theatre shows in the movie’s story. It revolves around them working out how they’d travel to meet the Vanderbilts at their Club, somewhere along ‘The Avenue’. Drive, skate, cycle, sail, ride a horse or take a trolley car… they’d end up walking… we, on the other hand, would Quickstep up The Avenue!

Lesley learned the steps like a dream, including the Fishtail you may recall Len pointing out on the show, and of course, the comedy skits timed with the phrasing of the music and lyrics all came second nature to her. More than that, the Quickstep needs a level of performance rare in our celebrity partners in these early weeks… it needs velocity to give it that lighter-than-air feel and to achieve the travel across the floor… and that in turn requires confidence. It also needs split-second timing, too, not to mention energy and stamina. Lesley was an all-round marvel, truly, a marvel.

You can see from the photos that nothing was held back costume-and-make-up wise… what a transformation! I’m sure Lesley had initially thought all the Strictly dances would involve some degree of sequinning… but not this week. After all, our characters were tramps, and the BBC went so far as to give me a wig, and Lesley a missing front tooth! I was even under special orders not to shave all week for the full effect. (I’m sure none of this was what Lesley envisioned when I said she’d be playing Judy Garland!)

Well, as far as I’m concerned, it all worked! Everything came together beautifully and it was one of my favourite ever Strictly performances, and Lesley had an absolute ball too.

As for the judges… well, Darcey captured it marvellously: “Such a treat – spirited, fabulously cheeky, the character came alive, and so much dance content all the way through. So many beautiful moments… such a gorgeous surprise, I loved it.” Len said there were lots of references to the film, but also that we “blended it with proper quickstep content, which [he] thought was fantastic,” and complimented us on our Fishtail step. “You’re a golden oldie from the silver screen and I thought you were great.” Bruno said there was plenty of spring, and “loved the role-play and quirky character,” but also spotted a slight mishap in the far corner… but apart from that, “it was wonderful.” Craig said the footwork wasn’t quite compact enough at times, but went on to say that “the energy and characterisation were absolutely brilliant and I hope, darling, that when I’m your age, at 70, that I can whirl around the floor like that.” Marvellous indeed – I thought we were a hit! Plenty of positives, and again, some constructive points we can work on for next time!

"I hope when I'm seventy I can whirl round the floor like you darling" – Craig #Strictly https://t.co/9dzcbgKzfs

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 8, 2016

The scores were in… a six from Craig and sevens from Len, Darcey and Bruno. Total: 27… more than last week, so we’re still on the up! As for the overall leaderboard, we were still perilously close to the bottom: joint tenth alongside Anastacia and Judge Rinder, just inching ahead of Naga and Ed.

The Sunday night results show had us on tenterhooks throughout as we awaited the verdict on whether we were through, but it was also another big show as regards group numbers – did you see my directorial debut in the routine at the start? Not to mention my dance with Joanne Clifton to a very moving West Side Story duet by Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.

October 9, 2016

As for the results, we were left right until the end. I thought we were out – I’m sure Lesley did too. Even when Tess announced Tameka would be in the dance-off and not us, the penny hadn’t quite dropped…

That's right, Lesley – you and @TheAntonDuBeke are through to Week Four of #Strictly! pic.twitter.com/e5uC0dr89Y

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 9, 2016

So once again we were saved – hurrah! We couldn’t be more thrilled to have made it through, and bowing out this week would really have rained on our Parade! Sadly, of course, two couples had to dance again to stay in: this week it was Tameka & Gorka, and Laura & Giovanni – a result none of us had expected.

After valiant performances by our couples, the judges were divided in their opinion, but ultimately it was Tameka & Gorka to whom we bade farewell. Such a shame, Tameka as I’m sure you’ll agree was particularly entertaining! But as Len said, it’s the nature of the show.

On those parting words, I’ll sign off myself… We’ve a very busy week ahead with Lesley filming ‘Birds Of A Feather’ in Malta – our training will be hotting up, that’s for sure!

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for news of when we’ll be on #ItTakesTwo this week, and of course, tune in next Saturday to see our next performance!

Much love,

Week 1 – The Waltz

And we’re off! After our initial 3 week training period, Lesley and I took to the dancefloor last weekend for our very first performance in the competition: no turning back now… Lesley’s Strictly journey has well and truly begun!

For our dancefloor debut as a competing couple, Lesley and I were given the Waltz. Nice and leisurely, you might think… an easy introduction perhaps… You’d be forgiven for thinking that gentle flowing triple-time rhythm would carry one along effortlessly… Well, let me tell you, that elegant top line and posture is underpinned by lots going on at ground level: precision footwork, turns, as well as the crucial rise and fall. With a slow dance, everything is on show… and with Len’s Lens and the eagle-eyed judges, there’s nowhere to hide!

Our music gave some comfort from the outset – ‘What’ll I do’ – which of course was the theme tune to ‘Birds Of A Feather’. This was a great help really, as Lesley was already familiar with the phrasing and dynamics of the piece. And knowing ‘what comes next’ in the music is a great help when memorising steps.



As training began I was quickly flabbergasted not only by her enthusiasm, dedication, professionalism, perfectionism and speed of learning (all marvellous traits)… but also her energy too! Now, there’s been much chatter about Lesley’s age with respect to that of the other competitors, and I being a gentleman of course shan’t refer to it beyond stating: my goodness – she’d give someone half her age a run for their money! I’m quietly confident as to her Strictly potential. Can you tell?

That initial period of training has a tendency to fly by, particularly towards the end when the buzz starts to build. Here we are when we appeared on Loose Women (and had a rather marvellous time there, too)…

Behind the scenes @loosewomen with the lovely @LesleyJosephTV and Maureen Lipman. pic.twitter.com/tFU6WIXqZR

— Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) September 21, 2016

Then, all of a sudden, the weekend was upon us. We’d been scheduled to dance in the first of the two shows, airing late on the Friday night, so very quickly everything stepped up several gears. It’s at this point the celebrities are taken from the training rooms to the actual ballroom… with costumes, cameras, dress rehearsals… everything timed to the nines with an orchestrated schedule that leaves no margin for error. The pressure’s certainly on. Lesley handled it with aplomb.

Before we knew it we were live to the nation. Strike up the band! The show got off to a flying start – we were fourth in the running order, and had already been keenly making mental notes about the other competitors as they performed before us one-by-one. Then our names were called!

We took our positions, the studio dimmed into monochrome as Lesley got into character for our performance and that familiar lilting refrain drifted across from Dave Arch’s band. Lesley held aloft a framed photo of a lost love, deep in reverie, and I emerged from the shadows to take her in my arms and restore her world to technicolor for the fleeting two minutes of our waltz.

I thought it was glorious. This was no straightforward routine: I’d included a lot of content, and I’m sure Lesley scarcely put a foot wrong. Such a delicate, tender tune, perfect for the lightest of steps across the dance floor – and my word, was Lesley light on her feet. As far as first week dances go, this was top class and I couldn’t be happier with her performance.

Familiar territory for Lesley… BUT @TheAntonDuBeke will have to play both Sharon AND Trace #Strictly ✨ pic.twitter.com/8Jp6DSs7rG

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 23, 2016

Now, admittedly, there’s a slight height difference between us, something which requires some negotiation and I’d proffer that this, combined with first night nerves, likely accounted for the posture issues the judges rightly raised. That aside, they gave very favourable reviews indeed, much to our great relief!

Darcey said Lesley was “sophisticated, romantic, elegant.” Marvellous, and quite right, too. She said there was “great control throughout”, and then gave her a warning about getting lost in my chest. Ah, easily done! (Though I’m not sure quite how best to work on that one!) Posture was indeed raised, but Darcey’s quite right, once the nerves subside, so too will the raised shoulders. Len complimented us both on our proper presentation, but also on Lesley’s “very clean, very precise footwork.” Praise indeed, especially as he went on to say “I thought you danced it beautifully.” Result! Bruno said it was lovely, touching and moving, and very well acted. Both he and Craig referenced posture, but Craig very eloquently concluded by saying Lesley “danced it with ease and some sort of delicious flow.”

All in all, I’d say that was a resounding start! The scores were in… with sixes each from Len, Darcey and Bruno, and a five from Craig, giving us a total of 23.

Surreal is the only way #LesleyJoseph can describe dancing live on #Strictly with @TheAntonDuBeke! https://t.co/qEoJY1iqZf

— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 23, 2016

Although this did place us joint bottom on the Friday night leaderboard, it’s still a very respectable first week, first dance score, and with very positive comments to build on, too.

With just six couples dancing on the Friday night show, the remaining 9 performed on Saturday night. Another spectacular show, start to finish, top notch entertainment and fine performances from the rest of our celebrities. As expected, a range of abilities was demonstrated across the board with some standout performances.

As the overall leaderboard was revealed, it turned out that we’d gone up in the pecking order, finishing joint 12th with Naga & Pasha, ahead of Melvin & Janette, and Ed & Katya, and with Daisy & Aljaz ruling the roost up at the top with 32 points.

Everyone was very relieved not to be facing a dance-off situation this week – the scores are to be combined with next weekend’s to determine who’s at risk of being first to leave the show. Phew! And with the debut dance under their belts, the celebrities now have a clearer idea of how the show works and what to expect each week – this can make a real difference in combatting nerves and in helping them deliver that perfect performance.

And so, it’s back to training for me and Lesley. A busy week ahead with lots of ground to cover. With Lesley’s marvellous attitude, and her remarkable abilities, I’m very excited at the opportunities each new dance will bring. Onwards and upwards… and here’s to this weekend!

Tune in on Wednesday evening, 6:30pm to see us on It Takes Two, and of course this Saturday at 6:20pm to see us, and all the other couples, dancing to stay in the competition!

Much love,