What kind of exercise will you do in the gym? If it's running then you can do that outside I'm lucky because my husband is a sports lecturer and plays all sorts of sports so he gives good advice on exercise. He's not a big gym fan and has put me off as a result so feel free to ignore me! He says that pretty much everything you do in the gym you can do at home or outside so you can save money. I entered our local half marathon this year and that gave me great motivation because although I HAD to know I could keep going for 13 miles! I did try running with our dog which was a big mistake. He is a crazy boxer and thought it was just a massive game and jumped up at me and tried to trip me up - little monkey. I know it sounds a bit bonkers but I can't recommend running up stairs enough or even running up and down the first step for ten minutes. Planking is excellent as well for toning up. Sorry, I'm being a bit of a crashing bore (just for a change) and going horribly off topic.

So, back on topic-ish .... one of the many things I love about Strictly is seeing the pleasure the celebs take in seeing their bodies change as they get fitter. Dancing must be absolutely fantastic as a way to get fit.

Well my motivation is my uncle who was a waste size 38 now he is a size 28 he literally looks like a stick but looks so good he lost his weight in a matter of weeks, I remember seeing him a couple weeks before than all of a sudden his like a new person!! I still can not believe his weight loss as well as that he kept it a secret never gave anything away considering him trying to lose weight, I just turn up suddenly and I couldn't even recognise him.. He goes to the gym and has a regimen he follows its worked wonders for him so why not me lool.. But then again for males it could be different

Evening ladies

Pixie's interview on GMB earlier in the week.

I also have a lot of admiration for Lisa

I am convinced it is different (easier!) for men! I also have a FitBit which is good for motivation as you can try and better your step count each day.

Thank you for the link Ochre Must stop talking about weight! This is a bit of a thick question probably but why was there a press night for BAT in the middle of its run?

I'm not sure why the press night wasn't held right at the beginning of the West End run Lou. Pixie sounds very appreciative of what she's learnt from the director and experienced cast

Jeremy Vine's profile has very much been enhanced by him being on Strictly - today the BBC have announced that he will be the new 'Crimewatch' host.

He was great on Strictly his enthusiasm certainly made up for his lack of dancing skills.
He obviously enjoyed the experience as he has kept in touch with the pro dancers and joined the Clifton's Grimsby Show.

Frankie has been partying:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...ight-town.html

Thanks for the link Sarah. I was just watching her Paso that the DM have linked at the bottom of the article, that was one of my favourites of Frankie and Kevin's dances. Frankie looks fab although she did really suit the short cropped hairstyle she had in The Saturdays and on Strictly.

I've got the same age gap as Frankie between my second and third children and third and fourth (22 month gap then 21 months) so I can relate to her comments about a mad house Sounds like she and Wayne are enjoying their boys

Pixie looking beautiful with her natural curly hair (which the DM have called a 'wild perm' and '80s curls'). The comments made me chuckle, I'm obviously one of the few DM readers enjoying the daily Pixie post BAT show pics I like Oliver's comments, having been three times makes him a very good boyfriend indeed lol.

O/T but I've been watching my favourite Strictly pro Viennese Waltz in the Tower Ballroom, the 'princess chandelier dance' as my 6 year old calls it. The wonderful Ian, Natalie, Vincent, Flavia, Anton, Erin, Darren, Lilia, Matt, Aliona, Brendan, Katya, Brian, Kristina, Ola and James

Love that VW - so classy. Wish they would do some more of these dances on the show, but the current fashion seems to be for gimmicky rubbish with as many props as possible.

That was one of my favourites too lol (just wished Aliona and Matt were more at the front though) but that's just my selfishness taking over

BIB While the Blackpool kitchen sink group dance last series was entertaining (and Helen looked stunning and I enjoyed watching Jay too) I thought it was near criminal to move all those props in to the Tower Ballroom. It's the perfect setting for gorgeous ballroom dances such as that VW.


I'm with you on that Ano, if there's one criticism of that near perfect dance it's not enough Matt and Aliona

Interview with Aljaz and Janette in the DM today, a good read.

The reporter accompanied them to one of the Donahey's weekends (Trent was there too but no photo unfortunately, lucky ladies dancing and having breakfast with Trent and Aljaz) and while the tone of the article is a little fluffy as you'd expect it does give some interesting insight in to the type of work the pros can do off the back of Strictly in between series. Some background on how both Aljaz and Janette entered the dance world and great photos.

This from Aljaz made me well up . . . 'The only great sadness for me is that we will never be able to do a perfect romantic ballroom waltz. Janette is too little to partner me. In ballroom, you need to hold each other in a clasp and the height difference should be around six inches. Anything else we can do.’ Awww

Oh and ladies on Strictly Aljaz only fake tans from his waist upwards

Good morning, Ochre . Thanks for that link. I had forgotten about that.
So beautiful.

BIB Totally agree. I would crown that Pro line up as the 'All Star' line up.

IMO, current team is nothing compared to that one.

Ian, Erin, Vincent, Flavia, Matt, Darren and Lilia, please come back.

Morning Sarah BIB Yes please!


Love your description of that pro lineup as the All Stars. They certainly were. If there were any current pros (in addition to Natalie, Brendan and Anton) I could pick to join them it would be Joanne and Aljaz to dance that VW together.

Frankie is the new ambassador of Thomas Sabo:

http://www.cheshire-today.co.uk/4185...bo-ambassador/

Can't believe how different Frankie looks with long hair. Much preferred her with short hair. Not that I am being shallow

Ha ha well I'll join you Huph Frankie's short hair suited her features and she stood out.

Awwww, that is very sweet. Thanks for the link Ochre - I like how "un-grand" they both sound.

I'm also in the Frankie suits short hair boat!

Morning Lou BIB They come across so well don't they.

When the children are older I might have to drag (quite literally) Mr Ochre to one of these Donahey's weekends If Strictly has finished by then () perhaps all the old pros, judges and presenters will still be doing them

I am unbelievably excited the celeb announcements have begun. Sounds like Ed Balls started out with as much Twitter knowledge as I have now lol. I like his sense of humour.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...ght-games.html

Rachel Riley going to Sky to present Friday night football. Which is a bit of a curve ball one

It certainly is, has Rachel done sports presenting in the past? I'll have to look that up.

No, I don't think so - she does support Man U though ...

I hadn't realised she was from London.