Alex didn't do any sort of physical activity in Africa. She went over there for a comic relief report on cataract surgery - same time Matt went to visit "Dandelion Time". I don't see Alex as the type to do a big challenge really (she may prove me wrong though...)

The One Show has been involved with CIN most years. The year before Matt joined all the presenters had to do little challenges once a week - people voted for which presenter they wanted to do the challenge (things like cleaning the windows of Canary Wharf). So I expect the show will do something for CIN even if it isn't another big challenge

There was the famous Christine Bleakely waterskiing across the channel of course. The thing that put me off her once and for all because I got so fed up with her daily posing. That's why I said I hoped they didn't overdo the publicity for Matt's RC - which they didn't. You can have too much, even of a good thing!

no idea what they did in previous years as I'd never watched TT or heard of AJ before Matt started

I do remember her cataracts report in Africa though

it does seem to be a TT thing though to do something for CIN so maybe they'll send Giles on a sponsored tour of public toilets in the upper reaches of the Amazon or something....that'll keep him quiet for a bit

Hello everyone – We know CF will be showing the clip of Matt on the family farm in Durham but I really, really want to see the clip of Matt and Meg on Adam’s farm in which Meg was fetching Adam’s sheep. It was Meg returning on telly on CF after her retirement from the celebrity lifestyle on Blue Peter. I wish the CF production team show us again.

I saw Joe Crowley in wetsuit learning water-skiing on this morning Country Tracks. I couldn’t stop thinking that the wrong person in the wetsuit again. And I saw a clip of Matt water-skiing and doing summersault on youtube long ago. It must have been on Blue Peter.

I don’t think Matt would appear on DOI. He seems he loves ice skating though. I still don’t think he will be on SCD as a returning strictly contestant either. He life is pretty full-on and he has his young family to squeeze in his hectic work schedule. But I do think he’d love to dance in every possible opportunity he can have. I mean this includes his availability for training and rehearsal hours which is most important for a contender.

If SCD would like to do Christmas Special for 10 years Anniversary like they did after Alisha and Matthew’s winning the series, they would probably do. But I couldn’t find any reasons yet Matt would be part of it. And the pros have their former winner/runner-up/finalist/semi-finalist partners already. James has Pamela, Erin has Collin, Brandon has Natasha, Flavia has Matt D’ Angelo, Artem has Kara, Pasha has Chelsee, Vincent has Rachael, Ola has Chris, Aliona has Harry, Natalie has Ricky. I am not sure about Robin and Anton though. They can team-up as a pair instead for a comedy act. Paring Matt with one of them would not be a good idea, or may be Matt can teach them some of his iconic dance moves for a change. Or let Scott paring with Matt for Jive and Tango might not be that bad. They could do the double-act, I reckon but Matt dancing the samba with Scott would be a nightmare. Hee..hee..I am only joking.

I don’t really know what Matt’s up to. I am just pleased to see Matt in a great shape looking fit and well. If he or the OS team don’t have any ideas yet for this year CiN, they can produce a shirtless Matt calendar 2013. Let him strike poses on the gymnastics six apparatus for each six months and as for the rest of six months, water-themes on CF would be marvellous.

I was planning to post the screenshots from the gymnastics men’s team final but have been busy the whole morning so I am posting the random pics instead.

I am not sure you all have seen them before or have I posed before either. Behind the scenes pictures were taken by a professional photographer on March 9, 2008 in Solihull, England and this is the brief messages he left on his site:

I’ve been wondering why the BBC no longer broadcast the Crufts anymore. If they still do we would see Matt presenting the show as it’s a seasonal short program like One Man and His Dog so I believe he can manage his time for it.

Oh well, here are the pics of Matt (with Ben in a few) on BBC Crufts 2008. FBB looks quite young and lovely as always. They are large pic and directly linked to the photographer's photostream as I'd like to give him full credit for his works.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...in/photostream
There are BBC studio pics (no FBB)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...n/photostream/

These are the direct links to the same pics above:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2027/2...5a847998_o.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3165/2...172479b9_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2366/2...9ac2b7ae_o.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3248/2...b6c1ba53_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2282/2...36ca9233_o.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3041/2...ae196618_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2258/2...b9c0388b_o.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3103/2...27ff78d8_o.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3294/2...6bb085c6_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2099/2...ffc53a7d_o.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3196/2...c558e23a_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2258/2...b9c0388b_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2143/2...a0e5d122_o.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2261/2...a9325239_o.jpg

Credit: William Hook's photostream
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/william...oto_2322474672

Don't think anyone had heard of AJ. Think she was just used because she resembled CB who for some reason the BBC thought would be missed. Think more people know AJ than CB these days

I had never heard of Matt either before SCD. Had no warning whatsoever, which I think was unfair. No idea what was about to be unleashed upon me.

It's because the RSPCA has withdrawn its support for CRUFTS and the type of show dog breeds it favours which they call "morally unjustifiable breeding practices that lead to disability, deformity and disease among show dogs".

Thanks for the pics Emma

I knew who he was but had no idea of the s**y v***p within AJ was chosen as a CB lookalike but the have nothing else in common(not even looks now either).

As the BBC premier magazine show T1S always takes part in CIN in someway so am expecting another challenge , CE is not actionman and uses his car collection to raise funds and AJ admits to not being actiongirl either so challenge Matt sems inetvitable to me.

Perhaps this year it will be something less challenging - Bungy jumping off Niagra Falls perhaps

Oh I see. Thanks for answering Rita.

I’d prefer a big challenge over the little ones because it could draw higher viewing figures if Matt could do it again plus we will have more memorable days of the OS 2012. But of course Matt’s health and safety is important. He can’t do if he is not fit even he is willing to do. Last year he was quite happy when he passed the fitness test. Will he be on the road again is down to the OS production team’s decision as well. When they announced it last year? In September? I can't recall was it before or after Matt and Alex announced the SCD series 9 contestants,


Me too. I liked her before though she became unnatural on SCD that put me off. Matt’s CIN news was mainly reported by the various local news and the members of public who followed him which was why we had the chance to see so many fabulous photos taken by those people. Matt didn’t even attend the PM’s dinner or something; I couldn’t remember what that was.

Evening all

Missed countyT this morning, so didn't see joe in a wetsuit, think i might have a little look. he is sweet.

Lovely matt at home on the farm in cf, was great to see that clip again, sweet little lambs having a nibble of matts nose and team b and a small clip of him with julia with the goats. Fab evening viewing
The summer special tomorrow in a damp windsweep norfolk great cf two night running

Emma love your idea for a matt calendar, i would get one

Well we knew what to expect tonight but still knocks me socks off Now a stetson instead of the flat cap (which I do really like) would have just sent me into thud heaven

And then a brief glimpse of the Matt and Julia show (they are funny) a quick Cmon girls and then they all follow like sheep (well goats).
Perhaps we should all have horns, long beards and a shaggy coat ,,,,,,,,,,,,

Oh well until tomorrow amongst the windswept dunes of Norfolk

A Matt Calender - oh yes!!

Perhaps another of the T1S team will take up the challenge - Giles hanggliding perhaps or Chrisitine W ice skating - you never know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!y

Evening.

Re the OS CIN challenge: I like your thinking Lotus, it really made me laugh! Or we could have Mike D scaling the Shard or Tuffers attempting the walk from John O'Groats to Land's End backwards.....there are all sorts of possibilities! And it would mean that our man could stay safely in the confines of a warm studio, away from danger. Now is that likely to happen......noooo

Very much agreeing to Emma's idea of a Matt Calender....with all proceeds going to CIN. Surely he can't refuse to help raise funds in this way.

Although I had family here tonight, I managed to see most of the cutest footage ever committed to screen, that is, adorable MB on CF with his beautiful Team B down on the farm...with all the sweet nose-nibbling, the swirly Bernard, and general gorgeousness of our dancing farmer. It was utterly splendid......

Bit anxious as OH is driving No 1 daughter plus her family to airport in the early hours of tomorrow...hope the leg bears up OK So I won't be sleeping much tonight but I wish all lovely bakerettes refreshing sleeps (and special thoughts to our wideawake Cass!) ..... :sleep: xx

Hello all, sorry I've not been here for a while, but good to be back. Big thanks to KK and Emma for lovely pics. Emma, you are a fantastic researcher, I used to be quite good at finding new stuff on a certain search engine, but have not found anything new for ages.


Funny thing is, Rita, I knew of Matt through CF which I watched quite often, although its Sunday slot was not the most convenient for my schedule. I liked Matt best of all the CF presenters, but hadn't come anywhere near a thud, how could I have been so blind? It was because of Matt I watched SCD 2010, as I had got quite bored with it, and had not really watched in 2009. I was just interested to see how Matt would do. I didn't know about his gymnastics past, so the tumbles at the start of the cha Cha were a revelation. But my first and possibly biggest thud of all time came at the end of the Foxtrot. Still does it for me every time.

Don't think I'll ever go back to SCD though, unless young Joe C finds himself there!

While I'm here, just a comment on the lean, fit Matt of late. Don't know if there is anything afoot re a new venture, perhaps for charity, but here's my take on it. I guess watching and getting involved emotionally with all that Olympic gymnastics drove him back to the gym. He had a few hours hanging about near the Olympic Park, and it's likely he was in a hotel. Some of the older gymnasts were near his age - one I remember him saying was 37. I reckon he just needed to find somewhere private and 'Swing like there's no-one watching. That's just my view.

Wishing everyone a Happy Bank Holiday, if you live in a place which has one today. I'm off to an annual get together of friends from uni days ( now a bunch of old foagies). Two vicars, four retired teachers, one hospital administrator, one retired social worker and one university lecturer. Wine will be taken. Unfortunately this year I'm the driver. I shall take my iPad and console myself with random loveliness in a secluded place.

Yes, I think the end of the Foxtrot remains my biggest thud too MM, despite of all that's passed since. Never had such a shock in my life!

I did hear a rumour that Ronnie O'Sullivan might do SCD this year. Now that would definitely get me watching again, though I fear he might be knocked out quite early. Bit of a loose cannon is Ronnie. Can't think of anyone else - except of course Roger Federer and I can't seem him ever doing it, even when and if he stops his day job.

I've also thought that Matt's slightly leaner look might simply be due to looking around him at athletic figures and thinking 'I can look like that'. A little extra time in nicely available gyms perhaps.

No bank holiday here as you know. But have a good one everyone. I'm off out to Genthod-Bellevue for lunch with a friend - escaping the heat again. After a relatively cooler couple of days the temperature is predicted to go up again today.

Morning all - no rain as yet. Hoping to mow the lawn before the deluge

MM hands up in agreement. The cha cha was brilliant enough but the bestubbled, hot, s**y look of week 2still gives me shivers every time I see it and as for the ending - unexpected or what. Never in my wildest dreams.................. Have a brill days renewing old accqaintances - pity that you re the chauffeur but there will be other times

The only thing missing was a partridge in a pear tree!

Hello all – just managed to post full screenshots from men’s team final. I’ve been planning the whole week and the first part is here in my earlier post 1983 where Sue Barker asks Matt to sum up the memorable day of the men’s gymnastics qualifications rounds held on 28 July 2012 and Matt says, ‘It was unprecedented. I mean, we’ve never really seen that kind of performance from the Great British with the style of modern gymnastics we know today. You got to think back that time in 1924 when drill was still part of gymnastics and robe climbing. Now gymnastics is changed so much over the years and see the guys performed at the level of they did, for Louis to get that pommel horse final, we got 2 gymnasts in top of the all-around top 24 as well. To be here in the team finals now, qualifying in the 3rd for the final was just an extraordinary performance where we couldn’t believe we were saying in fact.’

Matt’s answer to the question of what is the chance of the Team GB to get medal as even they finished ahead of China and Japan, who is expected to be a lot better in the men’s team final. ‘To be honest you, Japan in qualifications were kind of laughing their way round, kind of misfortune that were happening. They knew they were qualified, they knew they will get a chance to be here in this team final.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-036.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-038.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-041.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-042.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-043.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-044.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-046.jpg

‘I think Japan could actually get gold. I mean this gonna be really battle out between the USA and Japan but I think Japan will edge.’ (USA was knocked out due to a gymnast’s unfortunate dismount from the vault cost heavily the team’s chances as he landed on his back.)
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-047.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-049.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-050.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-051.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-052.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-053.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-054.jpg

‘I think China will be trying to get their nose in where they can. As far as the place down below is concerned, it’s gonna be tussle between Great Britain and Germany and Russia.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-056.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-057.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-058.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-059.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-060.jpg

‘You do have to remember that the Great Britain were crowned the European Champion just a month or so ago so really is all to play. I honestly think Sue; this competition is gonna be one on lost on fold.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-069.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-070.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-071.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-072.jpg

Sue mentions Louis in tears asking Matt is it possible for Louis to win gold medal so here is Matt’s assessment on what he sees on the qualifications rounds. ‘Of course no doubt about it; I mean, he can actually go harder routine from that he performed in qualifications. Interesting to see if he does it harder routine here in the team final and gives the lads those extra tenth they need but I think for him it was just release of four years expectation. He knew that he could do well himself.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-074.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-076.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-078.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-080.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-081.jpg

‘But he got to come over against Kriztian Berki who has been his nemesis all the way through. Berki was really tetchy in qualifications. He bent his legs. He splayed his legs wide and he qualified down in fifth so it’s gonna be really interesting but so far Louis has one nil on Berki.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-082.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-083.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-085.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-087.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-088.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-089.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-091.jpg

As far the pommel horse is concerned, Sue asks whether it is good news for Britain as Max and Louis competing in the team.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-093.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-094.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-095.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-096.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-097.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-100.jpg

‘That’s a very interesting point because in qualifications they actually started on rings which isn’t one of their strongest points but they actually hit every single point of the routine and that set them off the momentum to go all the way round. Pommel horse is actually their best piece of apparatus; so let’s hope they are feeling comfortable and they are feeling confident and not too hesitant on that piece of apparatus. Hope they get big scores and you can expect it actually to contend with that of vault which is a very big contender within the team final as well. And we see the scores jump up soon as the gymnasts go on to vault. But let’s just hope they get up to the really confident start.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-102.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-103.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-104.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-105.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-108.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-109.jpg

‘Just a word on how the competition actually works, because it is quite complicated. All the gymnasts that have happened now the slate is wiped clean. Every team start with the zero. They put 3 gymnasts on every single piece and every scores counts because the team total on each piece of apparatus added together at the end. So like we said it’s gonna be one on lost on fold.’
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-110.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-111.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-113.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-114.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-117.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-118.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-120.jpg

Final words from Sue before she let Matt down to the commentary box with Mitch and Christine
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-121.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-122.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-123.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-124.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-126.jpg

PS. Quotes are what I've heard and the way I key in. Accuracy, I wouldn’t guarantee as I have limited listening skills.

SkyBlue, Louts, SG would you dare to hang the shirtless Matt calendar on the wall at your home?

Interesting ideas, re – Giles, Christine, Mike and Phil to up against the OS CiN challenges as they the OS family after all. But as for Giles, sponsored silence on SR would be more challenging for him.

Good afternoon....waiting for the sogginess to start at 6!! Therefore an early dinner is on the cards

Thanks Emma for your latest screencaps....

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...300712-041.jpg

Did Sue B just thud there??

Having a relatively OK sort of day....friend came with me to see my Mum this morn and this afternoon had a rather fruitless afternoon shopping with OH....shopping/men....does that combo ever ever work Still managed to buy new cover for me IP*d2 so a small result......

Hope the reunion day went spiffingly MM I hope your teetotalism was duly noted and grateful thanks was proffered for your sacrifice Twas very noble of you!

Think we are in agreement that, for most of us, the totally thudalicious ending to the foxytrot left us gasping for breath and that of the audience! I had seen a similar move performed in a music v/t so perhaps Aliona had perhaps decided to take an SCD dance to another level by shocking us into submission And boy, did she succeed.

Better go and put tatties on....hope everyone having a super bank holiday Monday. Weather surprisingly has behaved itself so it's all good.....

Great Countryfile Summer Special tonight in rather unusual ways. Here, a sneaky peek views of FBB before KK’s proper picspam. He looks lovely.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-001.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-003.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-006.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-004.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-005.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-007.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...pecial-008.jpg

Maid Marian, I started know Matt on Countryfile, the Secret Britain and pre-strictly the OS. I never was a fan of Countryfile until he has joined the team. The reason I started watching him on Countryfile and Secret Britain was I found him very natural, very adorable, and very charming and he appears as the sweetest guy on telly. At that time I thought he has some attractions too but not knowing that he would have turned out into a man with very strong attraction.

When he signed up for strictly I didn’t know he was in the line-up because I couldn’t recognise him in that awful air-brushed strictly promotional pic. I didn’t know his gymnastics background either. But he became a big surprise on week one as he wowed me with his confidence, ability to dance solo sections and fluidity of wiggling his bum. I’ve never seen a male celeb danced like that from week one. I’d say I was impressed massively rather in the state of thud. His Foxtrot was another surprise as it was his first ballroom and he was so elegant and graceful yet so masculine and sexy. Just within 2 weeks, he showed us his dance abilities in Latin and ballroom but I didn’t thud until Argentine Tango. Just seeing him in guyliner and red highlighted hair that matched the colour of Aliona’s was initial thud. I love the opening sequence that Aliona put in the routine and I thought it is unique and that was another thud-worthy moment. If Aliona’s dress wasn’t caught up in her heel, they wouldn’t miss out a whole section of intrigued footwork they had to perform. Their scores would have been more than what they got for week five. And I found the same to Aliona. I thought she is a beautiful girl but I didn’t find her very glamorous and sexy until Argentine Tango. The sexy vamps really rocked me since.

Hellaw.

A very very good cf tonight, the main members of the gang together, looks like they had a fab time over the couple of days they filmed, what a mixed bag of weather they had, sun and heavy rain, cloud and more rain
Matt looked lovely in his checked shirt, and really wrapped up in his orange rain mac playing frisbee with julia. Wonder which one of the peeps on the prom watching them play frisbee was the local b'ette
He is bad suggesting that they should hide julia painting at the back of the shelter Some good close up of him painting and sawing at the shelter.
A good bit of action man matt, trying to saw down the awk tree. he was very interested in how the mill worked and a bit of matt dancing with julia at the end to the sea shanty. Fabulous.



Oh yes, i would, i have a perfect place for it in the bedroom

Well what can one say Lovely Lovely CF tonight - the whole gang together playing beach games, having a barbie and just generally having fum.

As per usual the Matt and Julia show took centre stage and their lovely working realtionship really shows. One of the best programmes to date IMO

Not in the habit of visiting seaside shelters but one must make an effort to admire the artwork

Totally agree with everything you have said about Matt in Strictly - love your wording about the Foxtrot which is one of my fave ballroom dances from the sexy vamps along with the Tango and the American Smooth.

From Hayley

A lovely pink/lilac shirt, really needs that top button undone

Great pics emma, like the way he makes himself at home on the sofa, leaning back and tucking his leg up on the sofa, nice standing up and knee hugging going on

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ernoon-015.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ernoon-017.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ernoon-051.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ernoon-101.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ernoon-118.jpg