It wasn't a year, but he did, as did Abbey I believe.

But then so would I. The first thing I would do if I signed up to Strictly is take a few months worth so i don't look like an utter muppet. I wouldn't want to learn them all, but just have enough of an idea so my muscles would retain memory of ballroom hold and hips in Latin

I'm not sure if that was ever confirmed, from memory didn't someone claiming to be Gary Rhodes sister start claiming that, after Gary's first dance and again when he was knocked out

And now I'm having Gary Rhodes flashbacks

And now you need counselling and a box of Valium.

I seem to remember Austin denying it on Twitter, which means (if my memory is accurate) it was completely unfounded or Austin's a bare faced liar.

I have a YouTube go to list for when I need cheering up. Those 2 are on as is the oft posted this series "Trains, Toilets and Celebrities", O Fortuna misheard lyrics (& I've played that to MidiDOT so often that we were singing those words along to Anton and Katie's showdance ), Total Eclipse Of The Heart/Billie Jean/Safety Dance Literal Video versions, Eddie Izzard's Beekeepers piece & many others

I am wearing my rant pants, with strop top and grumper jumper/mardy cardi twinset until they fall apart. We were deprived of Helen and Aljaz prematurely (don't really care about Jamelia though I did laugh to see her given better billing and moves than Pondlife) and made to suffer THAT.

The weird thing is though that the majority of posters couldn't seem to give a stuff as to whether they're ringahs or not, we just want then to be honest about it *side eye to DeKnees Von Ringah*. Tbf to DVO though, even if she had've admitted her Ringah status, I still found her personality objectional so I still wouldn't have supported her

I want a set of these clothes with some Grouser Trousers to finish the set.

The way my day has gone, an entire crotchety bitch ensemble would be useful.

Classes, for however long, only get you so far without talent to back it up. I was a big fan of Austin that year, but it's undeniable that with lack of sleep with twin babies and other circumstances, he was overtaken in the series. Maybe in another year when the judges weren't ever going to get rid of Lisa or Rachel, or he would have more time he would have done better, but that year he went as far as he could. No amount of lessons would have got him further that year.

I believe the rumour came about here, with someone who supposedly had an acquaintance who was teaching Austin. Not sure if it was ever verified though.

Zoe supposedly had lessons too.

DonoBOT supposedly had pre series lessons with Shem Jacobs (former Troupe member & Erin Island backing dancer)

I'm definitely in the minority as I didn't like it at all or think it was much good as it unfortunately showed him up against the Hollywood greats it was inspired by (ducks, runs away, pulls bomb proof cover over her head)


Best videos ever!

Gary Rhodes sister, I swear it was someone claiming to be her, who knew it for sure.

Still in Rhodes flashback hell

You forgot the Moaner Mules and Mocking Stockings.

Abbey did pop dance lessons for a girlband she was in as a teenager. Nothing specific to the show itself I don't think.

Brendan taught her how to waltz on Next Top Model as well. The absolute Ringah!!

I said years ago and still maintain that Donnie Burns should have been the ballroom judge rather than Len. At least he was a more successful and knowledgeable judge, that could walk the walk as well

Was it Donnie on ITT a few years ago looking at Claudia like she was mad when she asked him if he thought a dance was marvellous and basic saying not so much, no?

or a Frown Gown

These are not just clothes .....



These are S&M clothes .......



For DOTs and DOFs everywhere.

Thanks guys for the background info.

If I didn't have sooooooooo much to do tomorrow and must go to bed now, I could happily spend ages on youtube following up on some of the names from SCD pre 2012.

I'll be there on Boxing Day.

(Not one prezzie stuck in a festive bag with tinsel on the top.
Not one thing bought for Christmas dinner and dining room looking as though a bomb has gone off in it.)

Night all.
Catch you soon. xx

Perhaps it was brilliantly wrong?

Oh Austinwozrobbed and Erinwizrobbed too!

It was Lisa being saved over and over again while Austin and Erin had one week that didn't suit and they were out that I really, really unappreciated.

Erin was SO upset, even into Monday's ITT - I know Austin can be a bit.... but he was lovely with her in that programme.

I did think Rachel was better than Austin, but Tom didn't shine till the Showdance - maybe.

And remember, you can accessorise with a curse purse*

*other items are probably available - I just haven't thought of them yet*