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Week 13 – The Grand Final!

Merry Christmas, my loves! I hope you’re having a tremendous festive break wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. I wanted to do a final check-in before the end of the year to recap the Grand Final, to thank you all for your support over this series, and to wish you all well this holiday season!

What an adventure the past few months have been! Strictly 2015 is now over, I made it to the Grand Final with my wonderful partner Katie Derham, we had an absolutely incredible journey week-on-week, and I’m delighted to say a very worthy winner won!

What’s most important to Katie and me is the endless support the voting public has given us throughout our thirteen week journey. We are both fully aware that without votes from our fans, we wouldn’t have made it half as far, so a huge Thank You one and all!

That we made it to the final is such a achievement for me personally after all these years in the Strictly competition, and as mentioned in my last post, it’s really been a grand team effort between Katie and her full-on determination and enthusiasm for each dance, and your support in appreciating our efforts. Everything clicked this series, in first rate style!

But what a Final… what Finalists!

Each couple had to prepare three dances for the night: one selected by the Judges as one they’d like to see again from earlier in the series to show how building confidence and experience has helped to iron out mistakes and improve the performance; then our freestyle Showdance – an anything goes affair… and then after the first elimination, a dance of our own choice.

Our Judges’ pick was the Quickstep to ’42nd Street’ from week seven where we scored 26 points. Katie had come a long way since then and we were keen to show this progression. Hats off to her (literally, see below!) for accompanying me on a whistle-stop tour of the ballroom. Speed, accuracy, footwork, performance level (particularly where props are thrown into the mix) were all greatly improved and I felt she delivered a seriously good dance. Flair and panache in spades, I say.

Hats off to Katie for an incredible #Strictly props recovery! 🎩😊 #Strictly pic.twitter.com/ncyLEHuJXk

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

Did @theKatieDerham & @TheAntonDuBeke Quickstep dazzle you like the bright lights of Broadway? #Strictly✨💫🌟 pic.twitter.com/VSrX8CDg0s

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

We had huge grins on our faces as the music ended, and the audience appeared to enjoy it too. As for the judges?… Let’s not forget, marks at this level are docked for mistakes where the expectation is perfection, so they were right to point out a slip here and there. But Darcey said we did a ‘great job,’ Len said he loved her posture and upper body when she danced, Bruno reprised his car analogies complementing her upholstery and suspension of all things (!), and referenced a few bumps in the road but that they were covered up well. Lastly, Craig flagged a few things but did at least say it was a ‘major improvement on the last time’ – and that was simply wonderful to hear.

Was @theKatieDerham & @TheAntonDuBeke’s Quickstep right up your street? 3⃣1⃣ #Strictly pic.twitter.com/fEH6Q2TC5S

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

Going last in the running order whilst inflicting an agonising wait does at least let you know where you stand when the scores are in. Darcey, Len and Bruno each gave us an 8 for which we were very pleased indeed, and Craig gave us a 7, so our total for the first dance was 31. This placed us squarely bottom of the leaderboard. Not the best place to be, granted, but all was not lost with another dance to come.

“Nice work!” @TheAntonDuBeke is happy with his & @TheKatieDerham‘s Quickstep improvement! #Strictly https://t.co/IwYfU00jL0

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

And then it was time for the Show Dances. This had been a very long wait… a thirteen series wait! The rules… there are no rules! Anything goes!

We had just the best piece of music for the job at hand – Carl Orff’s ‘O Fortuna’… such drama, such intensity… the perfect complement to a what had to be a showstopping routine. Transporting us to ancient Rome, the BBC had recreated a scene from the Coliseum, and were ready to make history… a minute and a half of it!

Our routine packed it all in – tango-inspired, it was choreographed to thrill, particularly with the most death-defying lifts and drops – such utter bravery from Katie as she fell backwards into my arms from standing at the end of the routine… what a gal! Epic, indeed!

.@theKatiederham & @theAntondubeke are ON FIRE! 🔥🔥🔥 But will their #Strictly journey end in a blaze of glory? pic.twitter.com/Snir1kE5b0

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it and we both knew that we’d given it our all, without doubt. The crowd roared and rose to their feet!

The Judges overall were positive, but sharp-eyed as ever. They referenced the responsibilities of working with such a huge classic piece of music, but that we carried the story beautifully and gave it a good go. It didn’t particularly work for Craig, worse luck, but to his credit, he rounded up his comments saying that Katie could rest in the fact that she’d done herself proud and given 100% to drive the dance home. Fair play, and I was so pleased to hear Katie’s hard work being acknowledged.

An epic showdance. Was @thekatiederham your Roman Goddess of the dance floor? #Strictly 3⃣1⃣ pic.twitter.com/a2wYbQQBVe

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

With some trepidation we made our way to the Clauditorium to receive our scores. Consistency appeared to be our new theme… a seven from Craig and three eights from Darcey, Len and Bruno giving us another 31. Consistent too, in the fact we remained at the bottom of the leaderboard.

“That was epic!” @thekatiederham & @theantondubeke reflect on their dramatic Showdance! #Strictly https://t.co/RcZ93s3JVy

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

All couples were then on tenterhooks for the next hour whilst we waited for all your votes to come in and be counted and verified. It felt like the longest time! Then all of a sudden we were back on the dance floor, under the spotlights once again, and about to learn who would be the first couple out.

After a reprise of all the dances on the VT, and seeing how incredibly and impeccably the other couples had performed… particularly with all the 10s that were scored, it came as no real surprise when Tess announced our names. We were out… but let’s not be downhearted about this… we reached the Final… and finished in 4th place overall… A tremendous result, truly!!

Katie gave the most lovely summary of her time on the show and it really brought home what a wonderful journey we’d had, and in the broader view, simply how much enjoyment dancing can bring!

What followed were the most wonderful three performances by three superb couples. Jay & Aliona’s Paso, Giorgia & Giovanni’s Charleston, and Kellie & Kevin’s Charleston. Pure joy to watch – technically perfect, performance level through the roof, and these were quite clearly the right couples to have made it through to the very end. Any one of them could have won and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a hair’s breadth between the final tally of viewer votes – I’m sure the Judges were relieved it wasn’t their decision to make!

And so, our three couples took their places in the final line-up, the studio lights dimmed, spotlights focused in, and the results music started to play. You could have heard a pin drop!

“And the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2015 are…” announced Tess, with the required dramatic pause… “Jay and Aliona!”

Roars and applause erupted from the entire studio audience, and no doubt millions of viewers at home too!

Worthy winners indeed, and I’m so very thrilled for them both! Not least Aliona – this being the second time she’s won! Huge congratulations for a very well deserved victory!

The moment that @JayMcGuiness & @AlionaVilani discovered they were the #Strictly 2015 champions! Congratulations! https://t.co/fYA9FlgHZg

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 19, 2015

And so my loves, that brings us to the end of my running commentary on Strictly 2015 for me and my wonderful partner, Katie Derham. We both want to thank you all so very, very much for your support and votes along the way – to have made it through, week after week (and in some cases against the odds!) is purely down to our fans and for that we are extremely grateful and we hope that we continued to entertain right until the very end!

A huge round of applause to you all!

I’ll sign off now, but wanted to wish you all the most loveliest of festive breaks, and to send you all my very best wishes for the New Year to come.

With love, as always,

Week 12 – The Semi Finals!

What a weekend! What an unprecedented weekend! I do believe I’m still getting used to the notion of being a Finalist… hang about, let me say that again… ‘Being a Finalist!’… that’s better… but let me tell, you the rigours of this past week’s training leave me in no doubt that Katie and I are giving absolutely all we have to make our last Strictly dances real showstoppers.

But first, last weekend: the Semi Final was a weekend of lows and highs, there’s no mistaking. With two new dances to perform it had been a particularly full-on week, but exhilaration won over exhaustion, hands down – this is a ride none of us want to get off!

The dress rehearsals went well… here we are in the glitter-booth after practising our Waltz…

.thekatiederham & @theantondubeke are getting happy ahead of the #Strictly Semi-Final at 6:50pm! 😀✨ https://t.co/p7SDQo9xrd

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2015

…and then as time marched on, it was a quick costume change back into our Charleston get-ups and a few last minute moves before we took to the floor and opened the show with the first of our two dances for the night.

Charlestons are such great fun to dance, as I’m sure you can imagine, but they do take boundless energy and sharp-as-a-tack timing to keep them looking slick. They have to be entertaining, first and foremost, and to transport you to a carefree time and place where anything goes…

…Katie’s dress did that for me for a start! Magnificent… tassles aplenty! Perfect for her figure… and of course for the character of the dance. No doubt the costume department included braces with my outfit to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions what with all the leg action involved!

Our dance was fast and frenetic – perhaps the fastest tempo of all our dances so far, and was set to ‘Too Darn Hot’ from that classic musical ‘Kiss Me, Kate’. Very apt song choice once again… boy was it a workout!

We went for it, and Katie danced up a storm. With the Charleston, not only is there so much content to learn, but the timing aspect is particularly crucial here: the dance contains lots of side-by-side sections which not only require the moves being perfected, but the two dancers must be in sync too. On top of that, there’s all the characterisations and doing one’s best to present real personality, and indeed comedy, in the performance. There’s a lot to concentrate on, without looking at all like you’re concentrating! No mean feat.

I thought Katie delivered a tremendous Charleston, one she should be proud of – not to mention taking some dare-devil lifts and drops in her stride – and both of us had an absolute ball dancing it.

Will @TheAntonDuBeke be lifting @thekatiederham to the #Strictly Final after that Charleston?… pic.twitter.com/fkfScx8X5g

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2015

The Judges, let’s be frank, didn’t share our exuberance. Len said “The song was hot, you looked hot, the dance was not.” Ouch! He went on to say, “It was a struggle, not slick enough,” and that we were outside our comfort zone; he said it wasn’t our best moment. Bruno used the phrase ‘Loosey Goosey’ and demonstrated with his arms; it seems this wasn’t a positive comment! Craig held nothing back, saying “The swivel was non-existent, awkward, too placed, stiff-looking at times… kicks out of time. Had better hope your next dance is perfect.” But at least Darcey brought some positivity by saying “It was absolutely charming,” though went on to say that the energy faded and we got out of sync.

Was @thekatiederham & @TheAntonDuBeke's Charleston too darn hot, or did it leave you cold? 2⃣5⃣ #Strictly 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/F3Q3cbjyXL

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2015

Well, that hadn’t gone to plan! The scores kicked off with a 4 from Craig (yes, there were gasps all round) and sevens from Darcey, Len and Bruno for a total 25. And after the other four competing couples had danced, we’d landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with a resounding wallop.

"It wasn't very Semi-Final spirited!" @theantondubeke and @thekatiederham react to a 4 from @craigrevhorwoo… https://t.co/EINumq5Gyo

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2015

I said to Katie to forget the first dance and focus on the next – we had a Waltz and it was set to the beautiful aria ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ from Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’ – a timeless classic, and all the right ingredients for a performance surely capable of keeping us in the running.

…And we so very nearly nailed it!… Katie was a dream partner for this dance – her frame, her lines and shaping, her musicality, and the simply delightful way she moved around the floor with such a degree of ease and sophistication made this a very special dance for me. I must also mention the incredible job Hayley did of performing this soaring aria. Like I said – it had all the ingredients to make magic.

O Mio, oh my! What a wonderful whimsical Waltz @theKatieDerham @TheAntonDuBeke! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/cVDgeiQYJb

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 12, 2015

Admittedly, there were a couple of slight departures from the choreography to keep us all on our toes, and, this being the semi final of course, were what the Judges homed straight in on.

Back for round two, we so hoped this wouldn’t be a knock-out. Bruno kicked off by saying “To capture the power and beauty of Puccini’s divine music through dance is a tall order – the phrasing and emotion you have to portray has to be perfect… and it wasn’t.” After Craig’s ‘4’ in the past round, hearing this, I felt that our fate was sealed. But then Craig stepped in and said “I totally disagree with Bruno, couldn’t disagree more… I really enjoyed it and thought you redeemed yourself.” Well, well, well… maybe all wasn’t lost after all!… Darcey kept our spirits up, too: “You did such a better job in this, well done, you’ve done wonders with your ballroom…. Overall a lovely dance.”

Len’s lens saw things differently; he said “It was nice to see something quiet and understated, but that a waltz is slow and needs great control… unfortunately you somehow got on the wrong foot and that created mistakes… This is breaking my heart, I know it’s breaking yours. It was just unstable and I’ve got to say that. I’m sorry.”

All respect to Len for the honest feedback, of course… feedback, as it transpires, that would stand us in good stead.

Somewhat crestfallen, we headed up to the Clauditorium with less than a spring in our step. The scores were good, in fairness: sevens from Len and Bruno, an eight from Craig, and a very gratefully received nine from Darcey. Total: 31. Position: bottom of the leaderboard!

We knew the dance-off would be an inevitability – the standard of all the couples being so tremendously high, particularly this series – so it came as no surprise when we were plunged into the dreaded red light in the Results Show.

Sad to see @thekatiederham & @TheAntonDuBeke heading to the Dance-Off. Good Luck guys! pic.twitter.com/bLLEb0D6Ly

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 13, 2015

We were pitched head-to-head against the incredible Anita & Gleb who chose to reprise their Salsa. We were prepared for this… we’d had opportunity to steel our nerves and focus on delivering a faultless performance. We elected to Waltz for our place in the Final, we knew we could do it justice. But would it be enough?… Pitched against such a fast and athletic Salsa, we had to hope that technique would see us through.

We waltzed as if it was our last. The Judges’ feedback rang in our ears as we focused on phrasing, balance and footwork. We followed the natural rise and fall of Puccini’s beautiful melody, driving through the spins to build momentum and lift the dance …it all seemed to click into place. We had done all we could. But so too had Anita and Gleb.

Katie Derham and Anita Rani are dancing for their place in the #Strictly Final. Who would you like to go through? pic.twitter.com/x1XL37UaAb

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 13, 2015

It all came down to the Judges opinions: Craig saved Anita, but Darcey saved us… then Bruno saved Anita… meaning it all hinged on Len’s vote. And we can only presume that technique ultimately won out, as Len miraculously saved us!

We were through!… To the Grand Final!!!!

It was a incredibly bitter-sweet moment though, as we had to say goodbye to Anita & Gleb – a fantastic partnership with some mesmerising performances under their belts. At this stage of the competition with Judges looking for mistakes in order to separate the couples, simply having the wrong dance in a crucial week can spell one’s downfall, and I believe we were lucky with our Waltz. Anita and Gleb have been wonderful competitors, and I truly hope Anita keeps up the dancing – she’s a born natural!

And so, the Grand Final of Strictly Come Dancing 2015 beckons… and Katie and I are in it!!! It’s been a long time coming, and I am beyond ecstatic – Katie too! I’m as proud as can be of her – she’s done so very well, working tirelessly each week to give her all to each dance and this just goes to show that hard work and dedication really does pay off!… Dreams can come true!!

.@theantondubeke takes a moment for it to sink in that he & @thekatiederham are IN THE FINAL! #ItTakesTwo #Strictly pic.twitter.com/mnpOIJX1lT

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 15, 2015

Being in the Grand Final of course means… Showdance …my first Strictly Showdance, ever! As Katie said on It Takes Two, I’ve been cramming 13 series’ worth of choreography into one and a half minutes of ‘O Fortuna’. We’ve had a very busy week as a result, and it’s going to be a belter of a Saturday night… just you wait and see!

My wonderful professional partner, Erin Boag, will be live-blogging the final over on bt.com, so you can follow her expert opinion throughout the evening at this link.

Once again, and as always, a huge Thank You for your votes. Don’t let them stop now though: the result on Saturday is purely down to the public votes so every last one will count. I can hardly believe it… the Glitterball Trophy is at last within reach!

See you in the Grand Final, my loves,

Week 11 – The Foxtrot

Week eleven… the quarter finals… dancing in December… who knew?! This series of Strictly has really taken a turn, and I am simply overjoyed to still be dancing each weekend! All credit where it’s due of course: Katie has proven to be the most wonderful, and crucially, talented partner – and of course, our fans and the voting public have helped keep us in each week (we all know how the leaderboard can turn on its head!). Truly a team effort all round!

So, after the rigours of the week 10 where we had two dances to perfect, you’d be forgiven for thinking we could take it a bit easier… not so! Everything is ramping up week-on-week, and this was no exception. We had the most marvellous theme to work with: ‘Musicals Week’, and as production levels went through the roof, performance levels had to, likewise!

‘Cabaret’ was our musical, and we were to dance a Foxtrot to the wonderful emotive ballad, ‘Maybe This Time’ – perfect choice, on so many levels! Hair, make-up and costumes did another inspired job on Katie, transforming her into Strictly’s own Liza Minnelli as she emerged through the silvery curtain at the top of the number, stepping onto the stage as though channeling the fabulous character, Sally Bowles. We were at once in early 30s Berlin with the studio transformed into the infamous Kit Kat Klub… Welcome to the Cabaret!

Katie set the scene with a confident introduction section, starting with a wonderful swaying move with our backing dancers before descending the steps to the dancefloor where she gestured over to me. Resistance was futile, of course, and we took each other in hold and thence to the floor. What followed was, for me, a triumph.

.@theKatiederham: the cabaret star!🎩💎💃Maybe this time, @theAntondubeke might make it through to the Semi Finals?!… pic.twitter.com/fum0uDBIcz

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 5, 2015

The foxtrot as you may well know, is my favourite of all the dances and that made this week’s performance all the more special. Katie had such grace, such style, such sophistication, such long flowing moves as we covered the floor. The promenades, turns, her kicks, and the pivots – the choreography and drama building with each key change in the music.

Performing it felt like one of those numbers where everything comes together in a way you can’t predict but can only hope for, and it creates a ‘moment’ between you and the audience. I was Cliff Bradshaw to her Sally Bowles. The finale had Katie return to the stage, recreating that iconic pose on the chair whilst the audience rose to their feet. Tremendous!

The judges, I am thrilled to say, loved it too! Len said the intro was a bit long, but worth the wait… and then complimented Katie on “fabulous movement, beautiful lines… a very, very accomplished performance.” Bruno compared Katie to a classic luxury sports car, “trixie but under expert guidance able to give a fantastic ride. Beautiful. Once you started moving: stunning – it was a beautiful dance.” Craig, wait for it, said “It looked very good,” and he even said he “loved the choreography,” ending with “I thought it was really, really lovely.” Hurrah!! Darcey summed it up by saying “Katie, that’s exactly what we want from you – the confidence you oozed, it was brilliant.” My sentiments exactly!

The scores cemented my delight – an eight from Craig, and nines each from Len, Darcey and Bruno. Nines! Three of ’em… getting to be a regular occurrence! We totted up a grand score of 35 – matching that awarded our American Smooth in week 9, and still my highest ever on Strictly. We were beside ourselves!

Will @theKatiederham & @theAntondubeke have an encore next week after their fab Foxtrot? 3⃣5⃣ #Strictly pic.twitter.com/E3pYaVpJLc

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 5, 2015

Introducing a rising West End star after a fantastic Foxtrot! 😂@theantondubeke @thekatiederham ✨⭐️🌟 #Strictly https://t.co/nwNaLSOUOA

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) December 5, 2015

By the end of the night, we placed 4th out of six on the leaderboard. We knew that everything could change with the viewers’ votes, but I think given our reaction on the Results Show, you could appreciate just how surprised and delighted we were to make it through. Thank you all so very much for your votes and continued support… it’s keeping us in the show!

There was a bigger surprise to come: the dance-off pitched Helen & Aljaz against Georgia & Giovanni who had placed second on the leaderboard. This was very unexpected, and served to drive home to us all how quickly our place on the show could be lost. Both couples danced incredibly well, yet again, and I don’t envy the judges having to make such a difficult decision. They saved Georgia & Giovanni and so we all bade a moving farewell to lovely Helen & Aljaz after their epic ‘Les Mis’ number. None of us expected that, and Helen is very much missed already as our Strictly family gets ever smaller.

I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but we’re all set for week 12… the Semi Finals!! The Semi Finals!!! We have two dances to perform this weekend: a Waltz, and the Charleston. Something of a polar combination, but a great way to showcase Katie’s growing versatility and showmanship. We’ve got some wonderful music to dance to, too, so we’re both looking forward to a very exciting weekend!

Hats off to you all, my loves, and see you on Saturday!

Week 10 – The Argentine Tango

Week ten of Strictly this year has been a landmark week in many respects, not just for being relatively uncharted territory as I’ve mentioned in previous weeks’ reports, but this year, with my very first Strictly Argentine Tango… What a series this is turning out to be!

This dance used to be reserved for the semi-finals as it requires a good deal of dancefloor experience to even attempt it, let alone do it justice. Katie and I were the second couple this year to take those bold steps, after Jay & Aliona in week 8. Added pressure came from Katie telling me that it was always a dream of hers to dance the Argentine Tango, so I knew there was a lot riding on this to make it extra special!

Appearing late in the Strictly syllabus due to the mastery that one must already have on the floor, this is a dance quite different to the ballroom tango – different embraces, steps and moods, and has an intensity and passion all of its own. I think it’s this which makes it such a compelling dance to watch, and one which can so often inspire people to take up dancing.

Packed with strong emotion, suspense, drama, and requiring simmering chemistry, it’s a dance ‘in the moment’ and many say takes a lifetime of experience to truly perform. Striking to watch, and striking to practise, too, particularly where throbbing shins and Ganchos are concerned! Such precise timing and placement is required for the intricate leg actions of this dance; the carefully placed kicks, turns, hooks and interweaving moves, but the results can be mesmerising and very moving.

And so, Katie and I took flight from Blackpool to Buenos Aires for Saturday night’s performance, landing us in a dimly lit bar, me drying glasses whilst a devilishly demanding customer commanded my attention. But not to refill her glass… no, this lady had dance on her mind!

We took each other into hold and I immediately started proceedings by raising her into a tremendous scissor kick lift. We can all then appreciate how truly stunning Katie looked – beautifully turned out, and with another svelte dress with breathtaking splits almost everywhere – and her figure already creating superb lines from the get go.

Piazzolla’s ‘Libertango’ with its hypnotic, driving rhythm gave the perfect soundtrack for our Tango as we started out across the floor, Katie’s legs taking on a life of their own. Such control, refinement and flair through the dance, not to mention perfect timing and sharp footwork with the complex sequences of interlocking moves; perfect balance scribing circles in the floor, and poise in holding her position in those dramatic spinning lifts… each move completed with elegant extension through to the tips of her fingers… The intensity between us was palpable. This was an advanced dance, and I was simply thrilled with how well Katie performed it. For me, it was just perfect and I was so glad to have been able to share my first Strictly Argentine Tango with her.

Have @theKatieDerham & @theAntonDuBeke raised the bar with that amazing Argentine Tango? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/E96ixioMsB

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015

The audience were moved to a standing ovation and, exhilarated from the performance, we were both eager to hear the comments as we headed over to the Tess and the Judges.

“Drop dead gorgeous,” exclaimed Bruno to start off proceedings. Hurrah!!! “Some of the best lines you’ve ever done… a beautifully choreographed routine,” he went on to say, and could only find the sharpening-up of the hooks as points for improvement. That’s what we like to hear!! Craig flagged a few more elements, including telling Katie that her Ganchos ought to bounce off my inner thigh (!) but “apart from that it was wonderful.” Heavens above! Darcey said it was “very beautiful” and like Craig, raised a few points to improve on such as exaggerating the still moments, but said how she could see how much work had gone into it. “There’s no doubt about it,” started Len, “a fantastic dance!” Praise indeed! “The amount of work and choreography was wonderful.” He too had a few points to take on board, and though he said he wasn’t quite transported to the quayside in Buenos Aires, he wrapped up with “Overall, a great job, well done.” We’ll take that!

Will @thekatiederham & @TheAntondubeke’s exquisite leg work carry them to the Quarter Final? 🔥🔥🔥 #Strictly pic.twitter.com/hZlbGh6b42

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015

"I enjoyed that!" says @thekatiederham to @theantondubeke post Argentine Tango! #Strictly https://t.co/BUZxicp3bg

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015

The scores weren’t half bad, too… A seven from Craig, eights from Darcey and Len, and Bruno came out tops giving us a nine. Total… 32! Granted, a slight dip from last week, but a very respectable score without doubt. It placed us in the middle-zone on the leaderboard once all couples had danced, 5th out of seven so we knew we were by no means safe. But, of course, there was more to come… the Quickstep-a-thon!

After a quick change (very quick for Georgia and Giovanni who had barely completed their main dance), all seven couples took to the floor in wonderful get-ups – you couldn’t miss Katie in her fabulous candy-striped skirt (perfect for drawing the judges’ attention) and all the gents were suited and booted in fine style. ‘Sing Sing Sing’ started up – fast and fabulous, transporting us all back to the thirties as we wheeled around the floor trying to pack in as much content, concentrating on our steps, avoiding bumping into the six other couples, all the while trying to catch the eyes of the judges – just like a true professional competition!

Congestion on the #Strictly dance floor as the Quickstep-a-thon hits full swing! pic.twitter.com/Y7sf1KvUEt

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 28, 2015

It could have been mayhem, but it actually went rather well. So much so that we placed 3rd, and after a slight leaderboard reshuffle, nudged up 1 place to finish 4th overall for which we were very happy indeed.

The results show came, and there was real tension in the air – no couple considered themselves safe, all felt in jeopardy. To hear our names called out to be going through was such a joyous moment! We were triumphant – thank you all so very much for your votes, once again. Week after week, you’re doing us proud!

.@thekatieDerham & @TheAntonDuBeke are relieved to be through to the Quarter Finals! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/F6iTBR4xZU

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 29, 2015

This week’s dance-off was between Peter & Janette and Kellie & Kevin. As is generally the case with the dance-off, both couples perform better given the added pressure, and this week was no exception. Hats off to both couples, truly. But a decision has to be made, and the judges decided it was Peter’s time to leave the competition, saving Kellie. What a tremendous performer he is, and all of us are really feeling his absence from the show – just the most delightful, positive, enthusiastic chap you could ever hope to meet.

And so to week eleven. Week eleven! The Quarter Finals no less. Well, this is something else! It’s ‘Musicals Week’ and we’re in our element. We’ve got the Foxtrot – my favourite dance – and boy are we gonna put on a show! Our music is ‘Maybe This Time’. Couldn’t be more apt!

It's Musical Week next week!!!!!! @TheKatieDerham is very excited! #Strictly 🎩 pic.twitter.com/uYaCQBQDLw

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 29, 2015

See you Saturday on the dancefloor, my loves,

Week 9 – The American Smooth

Ah, Blackpool – one of my most favourite places in the whole wide world… the Vegas of the North and the true spiritual home of Ballroom Dancing – Blackpool’s like a good ol’ friend to me. And to have made it to ‘Blackpool Week’ in this series of Strictly after the rollercoaster ride Katie and I have had up and down the leaderboard, it’s a huge achievement in itself. That said, the true thrill was to come: performing to the nation with Katie on that world-renowed dancefloor in Blackpool’s majestic and resplendent Tower Ballroom.

Talk about rollercoasters though, we were both hoping this week wouldn’t be a Big Dipper. Leaving the competition in Blackpool last year with Judy, and in Series 8 with Ann, left a spectre of doubt in one’s mind and added extra pressure. But, if anything, it steeled us both with the determination to deliver a first rate performance and break through the Blackpool barrier.

As mentioned last time, it’s been a while since I’ve made it this far in the competition – and all praise must go to Katie for this – it’s like going up to the top of the Tower: the air is somewhat rarefied! And with that subtle Rat Pack reference, let’s talk about our dance this week: the American Smooth to Dean Martin’s classic ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’.

It couldn’t have been more perfect. The Tower Ballroom, the American Smooth, a tremendous Fred & Ginger-inspired routine (with some top technique tips from my wonderful professional partner, Erin Boag), a sassy song, backing dancers, me dapper in top hat & tails and Katie, ‘rocking’ the most wonderful feathered frock! As the song goes… “How lucky can one guy be?”

Hair: ✅ Makeup: ✅ Costume: ✅ Let's go! #strictly @thekatiederham https://t.co/K7JHH7Pxhb

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 21, 2015

The production this week was phenomenal, and quite simply, Katie and I felt like we were stepping out onto a Hollywood movie set in the golden age of film. Spectacular! Katie started the number solo, and our dancers and I made our entrances from behind the screens. She took my arm, and we were off! After some lovely formation steps to set the scene, we were in hold and traversing the grand ballroom apace – the moment swept us away, it was like dancing on air.

.@thekatiederham & @TheAntonDuBeke, kicking up a storm in the Blackpool Ballroom! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/Ehc6wMsPid

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 21, 2015

Katie’s frame, lines, posture… all just wonderful. Her smile was even more glittering than her dress and it didn’t leave her face throughout. She completely owned that dancefloor. The turns, the spins, the lifts… and as the music crescendoed to the end, Katie spun from one dancer to the next with split-second timing, finally being held aloft like a screen siren with a true golden-era flourish, and to a standing ovation from the audience. Tremendous!

The Judges were equally as enthusiastic! Darcey said it was “exquisite” and that Katie had “pure film star style from beginning to end… with plenty of wow factor!” Len said it was a “fitting dance for this wonderful ballroom… elegance, glamour and sophistication. Your best dance, no question!” Bruno said “stylistically it was impeccable… a great tribute to the dancing queens of the Hollywood golden age,” with Katie being “absolutely fantastic in hold,” and “looking a dream.” Craig said Katie “certainly had the elegance we expect,” and that with some of the slight slips ironed out (he’s a hawkeyes!), it’d be “absolutely gorgeous!”

Did you get a kick out of @thekatiederham & @TheAntonDuBeke’s American Smooth? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/N0frEYRCLH

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 21, 2015

What wonderful comments! …And the scores were just as fabulous: an eight from Craig, and… wait for it… nines from Darcey, Bruno and Len for a grand total of 35!! What’s more, I’ve checked back and this is my highest ever Strictly score! All credit to Katie – what a record breaker! (I think I’m still in shock!)

We placed fifth out of eight, midway up the leaderboard, with Georgia & Giovanni at the top with 38, and Peter & Janette at the bottom with 29. As we all know, halfway up is still not a safe place to be, but once again, thanks to our wonderful voting fans, we promenaded through to week ten – hurrah! We’d made it to Blackpool… and beyond!

Someone is happy after that American Smooth! @TheAntonDuBeke & @TheKatieDerham #Strictly https://t.co/9CPO54y3uP

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 21, 2015

The results show saw Jamelia & Tristan go head-to-head with Peter & Janette. Three of the judges voted to save Peter but in the first dance-off panel split this series, Len said he would have saved Jamelia. It was a close call – to be expected at this stage of the competition of course with both now being such capable dancers. But with three votes to one, Jamelia sadly left the competition after a Quickstep she should be very proud of. Having already survived the dance-off four times, Blackpool was to become the final destination in her Strictly journey and we’re all truly missing her infectious smile and energy.

Now at week ten, the competition is becoming fierce. Not only are the calibres of the other couples as high as can be, characterisation, musicality and interpretation are all being polished and showcased beyond the underlying technique. It’s getting serious. And not just that… this coming weekend we’ve all got two dances to perform: aside from our main routine, it’s the Quickstep-a-thon! All seven couples will be hot-footing it around the dancefloor trying desperately not to collide at breakneck speed. It’s like a semi-choreographed group dance… we’ll all need our wits about us!

Our main dance this weekend is the Argentine Tango: high drama at its best. Cue lights, cue music… cue Tango face. Tune in on Saturday night and let’s face the music!

Week 8 – The Rumba

From the moment the studio lights dipped and the opening bars of Dame Shirley’s wonderfully seductive ‘Never Never Never’ gently drifted across the dancefloor, all eyes were on Katie. And what a sight she was to behold. With a dress which demanded a score of its own (legs-11!) Katie was a rare vision, confidently opening the number with a sensuous solo section, inviting me to the floor to take her in my arms and lead her in the dance of love: the Rumba.

This week was one of those glorious weeks where everything seems to click into place, creating a performance rather than mere moves to music – a synergy between partners, and one of those magical ‘moments’ which feels like dancing on air.

I couldn’t have wished for a better performance from Katie. Such a hard dance to deliver convincingly – being so slow and measured, it leaves everything exposed for the Judges’ scrutiny, hence why Rumba week is often so make-or-break. We worked hard to incorporate some lovely Rumba choreography, including the Aida step which I suspected might ‘pickle Len’s walnuts’!

Katie clearly connected with her inner dancing diva, creating some wonderful shapes, moving with balletic fluidity and embracing the dance to give a beautifully expressive, romantic and intimate performance. Brava!

A raunchy Rumba from @thekatiederham & @theantondubeke, but will it lead to a romantic Blackpool getaway? #Strictly pic.twitter.com/exqU7KdeWJ

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2015

The audience… and judges… were in agreement! Hurrah!!

Len had spotted the Aida and said it was one of his favourite steps – so it had been well worth working on that… and to our delight announced that the performance was “Fantastic.” Off to a great start! Bruno said Katie looked “supremely elegant” and after a somewhat “hit and miss” track record to date… “tonight was a hit!” Darcey called our routine “One classy love story… not sensual and sweaty… this was perfect!” She praised Katie for her growing understanding of what the judges were looking for in a performance, which was tremendous to hear. Craig began by saying it was “a little melodramatic” but conceded better to have drama than not; he then left us speechless when he went on to say it was “so nearly brilliant… I absolutely loved it!” We were, as you can imagine, flabbergasted!

What wonderful comments from the judges – such an uplift, and great affirmation for Katie that she really is improving in her technique – and particularly given this is such a difficult dance to pitch correctly. I’m thrilled!

Will their Rumba get them to Blackpool or will @theAntondubeke never, never, never go? #Strictly @thekatiederham pic.twitter.com/k9YHLBe0kk

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2015

We almost didn’t mind what the scores were, such was our elation, but we knew a trip to Blackpool – the spiritual home of Ballroom Dancing – was at stake. Hearing the judges call out three 8s, and a 7 from Craig, we were jubilant! 31 points – back in the game, and placed 6th out of 9 on the final leaderboard. It turns out 31 is my highest ever Rumba score, so Katie truly did me proud!

Celebrating the highest Rumba score of the series! 3️⃣1️⃣ @thekatiederham @theantondubeke #Strictly https://t.co/u5idY9o4Qq

— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2015

The Results Show saw our names called out unexpectedly early in the running order – a very rare and welcome treat, and we were so relieved and excited to think that our scores plus the very kind votes of all our fans would enable us to dance in Blackpool’s legendary Tower Ballroom. Thank you all, so very much! The Blackpool show is such a landmark in each series of Strictly, it’s the one us dancers all aim for so that our partners can experience the true grandeur and atmosphere of the ballroom, and that wonderful sprung floor! I know Katie is thrilled to bits.

It’s sad, as always, to say goodbye to one of our couples. This week Jamelia and Tristan went head-to-head with Jeremy and Karen in the dance-off. After valiant performances, the Judges granted Jamelia passage to Blackpool, and we all had to bid a very fond farewell to Jeremy who had entertained us royally during his time on the show and will be very sorely missed. What a gent!

The competition is really hotting up now. I’ve reached Week 9 twice before, in series 7 and 8, so this will be slightly uncharted territory for me, but I’m ready for it – bring it on! The stats also reminded me that I left the competition last year with Judy in Blackpool week, so the pressure’s on!

After a very busy week – including a road-trip up North – this Saturday evening, live from Blackpool Tower, Katie and I will be performing the American Smooth! Quite simply, we couldn’t be any more excited!

See you on the dancefloor!