Rick & Erin

Training
Rick and Erin are dancing the Cha Cha Cha this week. Erin tells us “Rick certainly has some moves, but he just needs to try and become more confident. I really can’t wait to show off what we have though!”

Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Michael Jackson - Black Or White

Comments
Craig - A ghastly combination of campness and cheesiness.
Darcey - Oh Rick I loved that, wow! Your dance might prove to be marmite on the panel, but I’m sure the public loved that!
Len - At times your timing was a little bit out, but it looked a hell of a lot of fun and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Bruno - It wasn’t technically all there but you can tell you were having fun and we all had fun with you.

Scores
Craig - 4
Darcey - 7
Len - 6
Bruno - 6

Total - 23/40

"A bit of disagreement with the judges there" says Tess. Too true, Tess.

Now we have Sue and Artem!

Sue & Artem

Training
This week, Sue and Artem have the Waltz. “You’d think that the Waltz would be nice and simple because it is so slow”, says Sue, “but because of the speed, it’s really easy to spot mistakes… so that is definitely rather worrying!”

Dance
Waltz - Celine Dion - Love Is On The Way

Comments
Craig - I’m actually quite surprised - it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
Darcey - I loved this Sue! A very sweet performance and it told a lovely story.
Len - Definitely not a bad performance for week one. You should be proud of yourself; you could be one to watch.
Bruno - Wow Sue you really showed that you have musicality! You kept in time, you got the steps right - well done!

Scores
Craig - 6
Darcey - 6
Len - 6
Bruno - 6

Total - 24/40

"I am very proud of Sue's performance tonight", says Artem.

Next up is Frida and Pasha!

Frida & Pasha

Training
ABBA’s Frida Lyngstad has been paired with Pasha Kovalev, and this week they have the Cha Cha Cha. “I’m really excited to perform our routine because I have really enjoyed training”, says Frida. “Frida has shocked me, she has a fabulous rhythm in her!” Pasha tells us. Will she bring out this rhythm tonight?

Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Kylie Minogue - Better The Devil You Know

Comments
Craig - You obviously need to work on your hip movement for the Latin numbers but if you keep this up you could go far.
Darcey - Sometimes I felt it was a bit stompy and laboured - you just need to try and be lighter on your feet.
Len - Yes, it did feel a bit heavy footed and clumpy, but keep trying and you will get there!
Bruno - Fridaaaaaaa! What a feisty performance, I loved it!

Scores
Craig - 6
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 6

Total - 22/40

"We are delighted with those scores" says Frida.

Performing now are Ronnie and Ola!

Ronnie & Ola

Training
This week, Ronnie is dancing the Waltz, and training is not going as well as Ola had hoped. “Ronnie is struggling a little. He is finding it hard to remember all the steps and is struggling with the hold position. Hopefully he will improve come Saturday.”

Dance
Waltz - John Mathis - Foolish

Comments
Craig - Dull, dire and disastrous, darling.
Darcey - Oh come on Craig! Ronnie, just try to get into a routine in order to remember the steps and hold, it will help you a lot.
Len - Well I for one enjoyed it, Ronnie. Your hold does need a lot of improvement, but I’m sure Ola will help you get there.
Bruno - It could have been a little more entertaining, and you could have remembered the steps, but it wasn’t that bad.

Scores
Craig - 3
Darcey - 5
Len - 6
Bruno - 4

Total - 18/40

"I feel like I've let Ola down" Ronnie tells Tess.

Next up are Marco and Iveta!

Marco & Iveta

Training
Chef Marco and his partner Iveta are dancing the Cha Cha Cha to one of Marco’s favourite songs this week. “I’m looking forward to dancing our routine because it’s one of my favourite songs. Hopefully it won’t be much of a car crash!”

Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Billy Joel - Uptown Girl

Comments
Craig - Oh dear. Things can get worse.
Darcey - It was an endearing performance, Marco. Try to extend your lines fully, your dancing will look much better.
Len - Well this is an entertainment show, and most people watch so they can be entertained. I can tell you, you certainly entertained me tonight.
Bruno - Oh Darcey, I know you try to be constructive, but there was so much more worse than Marco’s lines in this dance!

Scores
Craig - 2
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 3

Total - 15/40

"Eek... not too good" an awkward looking Tess tells Marco

Next to dance are Lisa and Brendan!

So now that we're half way through the show - how are you all finding it?

Lisa & Brendan

Training
Lisa and Brendan are dancing the Waltz this week. Brendan is positive about Lisa’s ability, saying “Lisa is a very able dancer, she has the technical ability and can also perform. For this Waltz, we aren’t going to go over the top with entertainment value, but we’ll see what Lisa can do in the Latins later.”

Dance
Waltz - The Commodores - Three Times A Lady

Comments
Craig - There was a slight wobble over there, and you need to try to tighten your frame, but I really did like it.
Darcey - Lisa, you really moved me tonight. Your frame was rather loose but I believe you can work on it and improve it.
Len - Wow, I think the choreography was fantastic, well done Brendan. I liked how you were moving in time with the music - it was fabulous.
Bruno - Lisa, what is there to say? You certainly can dance!

Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 6
Len - 7
Bruno - 7

Total - 27/40

"I'm very pleased with that!" Brendan exclaims after receiving their scores.

Jake and Natalie are next to dance!

Jake & Natalie

Training
Sports presenter Jake Humphrey and Natalie Lowe are dancing the Waltz for their first dance. Training is going well, but Natalie is getting frustrated because of Jake’s heavy feet. “We’ll work on it, but trust me - I’m not happy!”

Dance
Waltz - Faber Drive - When I'm With You

Comments
Craig - It didn’t feel much like a Waltz to me, there wasn’t any emotion in it, but you do show some promise.
Darcey - I thought it was a great Waltz, you were a bit heavy footed but that will get better as time goes on.
Len - I agree with Craig, I didn’t like the song choice, it felt too rocky. That aside, you need to get lighter on your feet.
Bruno - It was quite stompy and out of control, but as the others said, you will improve.

Scores
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 6
Bruno - 6

Total - 25/40

"It felt like a Waltz to me!" Tess tells Natalie after her criticism.

Now we have Julie and Vincent!

Julie & Vincent

Training
Julie Hesmondhalgh and partner Vincent are dancing the Cha Cha Cha this week. “I’m so excited to hit the dancefloor with our dance. Our song is a little cheesy but I know we’ll have so much fun out there. Hopefully the public will also enjoy our performance!”

Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Comments
Craig - This was almost as camp as me, darling. It really wasn’t good.
Darcey - I didn’t think much of it to be honest - technically it was very bad!
Len - Julie, I definitely enjoyed your performance, a big ball of fun it was!
Bruno - It was stompy and full of mistakes, but I couldn’t stop laughing, Julie!

Scores
Craig - 3
Darcey - 4
Len - 5
Bruno - 5

Total - 17/40

Vincent asks "there is nothing wrong with a bit of camp, is there?"

Dancing next are Robert and Flavia!

Robert & Flavia

Training
Actor Robert Lindsay and his partner Flavia Cacace will be taking to the floor with their Waltz this week. Flavia tells us she is surprised, saying “when I was paired with Robert I didn’t think he’d have much musicality, but he has shocked me. Hopefully he will surprise some viewers too!”

Dance
Waltz - Andy Williams - A Time For Us

Comments
Craig - I found it a bit bland but it wasn’t as bad I thought it would be.
Darcey - You two look really cute together on the floor. Robert you should be really proud of yourself, you did a good job.
Len - Well you weren’t the best tonight but you were far from the worst. An okay dance.
Bruno - Oh Robert that was like one big dream! It was a bit of a snooze fest, so please show us some more action next week!

Scores
Craig - 5
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 5

Total - 20/40

"We're going to double that score next week!" Flavia jokes, perhaps.

Karina and Ian are up next!

Karina & Ian

Training
Olympic Judoka Karina is used to making the podium, but will she do well with partner Ian Waite? Their first dance is the Cha Cha Cha, but Karina is finding it hard to cope. “We have quite a fast song, so it’s all pretty tiring, which is weird considering what I did at the Olympics!”

Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Pixie Lott - All About Tonight

Comments
Craig - There was no light, bounce action, it was so heavy, you looked like you were doing your day job.
Darcey - Karina I do feel sorry for you! Please work on your footing, you need to get it lighter or things won’t get better.
Len - Well, this is week one, and I say this every year, but you trying so hard did make me smile. Good job.
Bruno - It wasn’t technically perfect but I love it when people like you come into the competition and really give it their all.

Scores
Craig - 2
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 5

Total - 17/40

"I'm not over the moon with that but I'm going to work hard this week!" Karina proclaims.

Our penultimate couple tonight is Natasha and James!

Natasha & James

Training
Singer Natasha and her partner James are expected to do well with their Waltz this week, but how is it going? “I’m so in love with our routine and the song, it’s quite different but I just adore it!” says Natasha, “our routine is quite dark and mysterious, but hopefully that won’t put the judges off.”

Dance
Waltz - Hayley Westenra - Dark Waltz

Comments
Craig - Curiously cryptic. I am excited to see what you will do in the weeks to come.
Darcey - Oh Natasha this was phenomenal! For week one, you show so much potential, I can’t wait for your next dance!
Len - It was slightly spooky, but that’s what I loved about it. Undoubtedly the best of the night so far.
Bruno - This dance sent shivers down my spine, it was so haunting. Fantastic.

Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 8

Total - 31/40

James yells "I'm flabbergasted! Eights!"

And finally tonight we have David and Katya!

David & Katya

Training
This week, David Witts and Katya Virshilas are dancing the Cha Cha Cha. When finding out he was closing the show, David seemed worried. “There’s going to be so much expectation surrounding us, I just hope it all goes well and we can pull it off.”

Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Vengaboys - Shalalala

Comments
Craig - That was one hot dance. What a great way to close the show!
Darcey - I loved how you found the correct levels of entertainment and technicality. David, you’re also one to watch!
Len - I don’t want to put you down on your first week, but it was far too boyband-ish for me. Too much faffing about, I want more Cha Cha content!
Bruno - Oh stop being a grumpy so and so Len! You two look fantastic together and should be thoroughly proud of yourselves.

Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 8
Len - 6
Bruno - 8

Total - 29/40

Katya says she thought Len wouldn't like the routine, but is glad the other judges did.

Hope everyone enjoyed the first show

[LIST][*]Show 1 - 28/09/13 - 14 Couples - 1 Dance - Cha Cha Cha, Waltz[*]Show 2 - 05/10/13 - 14 Couples - 1 Dance - Intro. Foxtrot, Jive, Rumba, Tango[*]Show 3 - 12/10/13 - 13 Couples - 1 Dance - Intro. Samba, Viennese Waltz[*]Show 4 - 19/10/13 - 12 Couples - 1 Dance - Intro. Paso Doble, Quickstep[*]Show 5 - 26/10/13 - 11 Couples - 1 Dance - Halloween Week[*]Show 6 - 02/11/13 - 10 Couples - 1 Dance - Intro. American Smooth, Salsa[*]Show 7 - 09/11/13 - 09 Couples - 1 Dance - Armistice Week[*]Show 8 - 16/11/13 - 08 Couples - 1 Dance - Intro. Argentine Tango, Charleston[*]Show 9 - 23/11/13 - 07 Couples - 1 Dance + Swing A Thon[*]Quarter Final - 30/11/13 - 06 Couples - 2 Dances[*]Semi Final - 07/12/13 - 05 Couples - 2 Dances[*]Final - Stage 1 - 14/12/13 - 03 Couples - 1 Dance + Fusion Dance[*]Final - Stage 2 - 14/12/13 - 02 Couples - Redemption Dance + Favourite Dance[/LIST]

[LIST][*]David & Katya - 7/4[*]Natasha & James - 3/1[*]Lisa & Brendan - 11/2[*]Jake & Natalie - 9/1[*]Peaches & Robin - 9/1[*]Sue & Artem - 12/1[*]Rick & Erin - 16/1[*]Frida & Pasha - 24/1[*]Karina & Ian - 24/1[*]Brian & Kristina - 34/1[*]Ronnie & Ola - 34/1[*]Julie & Vincent - 40/1[*]Robert & Flavia - 50/1[*]Marco & Iveta - 80/1[/LIST]

[LIST][*]Marco & Iveta - 9/10[*]Robert & Flavia - 9/4[*]Karina & Ian - 7/1[*]Julie & Vincent - 9/1[*]Brian & Kristina - 14/1[*]Frida & Pasha - 18/1[*]Ronnie & Ola - 20/1[*]Rick & Erin - 24/1[*]Sue & Artem - 30/1[*]Jake & Natalie - 34/1[*]Peaches & Robin - 34/1[*]David & Katya - 50/1[*]Lisa & Brendan - 50/1[*]Natasha & James - 50/1[/LIST]

David is my favourite. For dancing reasons, obviously.

Of course

Please vote in this poll

Cha Cha Cha[LIST][*]Lisa & Brendan[*]Ronnie & Ola[/LIST]
Foxtrot[LIST][*]Frida & Pasha[*]Marco & Iveta[/LIST]
Jive[LIST][*]Brian & Kristina[*]Natasha & James[*]Robert & Flavia[/LIST]
Rumba[LIST][*]Jake & Natalie[*]Sue & Artem[/LIST]
Tango[LIST][*]David & Katya[*]Julie & Vincent[/LIST]
Waltz[LIST][*]Karina & Ian[*]Peaches & Robin[*]Rick & Erin[/LIST]

This week David and Katya are dancing the Tango. Training is going well and David seems to be picking up the routine quickly, despite only having one training day so far. Katya says the main problem with the Tango is that it has a different hold position to other Ballroom dances, and David is finding this difficult. David says the story behind their dance is seduction, leading to a fight between the pair. Who will win this fight? Tune in to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday at 5.00pm, and keep an eye on this thread for more training updates throughout the week!

@natashabdnfield

"Ahhhh.. dance #2 is a hard one, and it doesn't get easier when James speeds the music up!!"

@ronnieo147

"Thanks for all the support so far. Training for Cha Cha Cha is getting there."

@juliehes

"this week me and Vince are doing the TANGO to one of my fav songs ever!!"

Karina and Ian are dancing the Waltz this week. “You’d think I’d find it easier after the tragedy of last week but, my god the Waltz is difficult!” Karina says she is struggling massively with having to be elegant, whilst balancing all the technicalities out with it. “Obviously dancing is alien to Karina so it is perfectly normal for her to feel this way,” says her partner Ian, “being graceful and elegant doesn’t come naturally to her, but I know there is something there. It might not happen this week, but I know we will get that inner Ginger Rogers out of her some day!” Behind The Ballroom returns tomorrow with a visit from Craig to give us the lowdown of Saturday’s performances and Anton to tell us how our couples are getting on in training.