I think we need to start a campaign for the best Strictly pro ever (I'm lookin' at you Aliona) to go to one of Giovanni and Laura's rehearsals (c) Sarah's idea! Hashtag ideas anyone?

Much and all as I like Aliona, I think it's best that Gio and Laura are seen doing it all by themselves.
They are a good team with good chemistry. I think they might make it to the Final.

Ohhhh I know what you mean but I would love to see her again.

am not a dog person but it's a lovely picture of Gio and Aliona, I went along to the opening of Matthew's dance school several years ago and Aliona was there for most of the evening, she was very friendly does anyone remember the fabulous hip hop samba they did on Strictly ?


have to disagree there, Matthew was the best Strictly pro ever and the thought of him and Giovanni in the same room would be too much for me

I wouldn't want to do that to you so we'll forget the idea

The people who put those videos together are so talented. Love this one.


Do you mean this one? Great isn't it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ3z1zwp67E

Hi dippy

BIB Completely agree with what you've said there. The progression Laura has already made and has the potential to make is a big part of her developing Strictly story, as is the chemistry between them on the dancefloor. They have a special something when they're dancing together that I find captivating, they're an exciting partnership.

I also love that Laura is a superfan of Strictly and you can see how much it means to her to be taking part. She's keen to learn as much as she can and clearly very hardworking. She has such a fun, bubbly, feisty personality too.


BIB Absolutely and Laura's the same.

Lovely photo of Aliona with Gio, I'm another that misses her and am appreciative of her vocal support for L & G.

As an aside talking of support did everyone else notice last Saturday Jo go out of her way to walk round the Clauditorium and pat Gio on the back as they came to the top of the stairs after dancing their Waltz? She looked so proud and then says something smilingly to Katya.

I also think Laura & Gio have a chance of making the final fatskia. The potential is definitely there. I certainly hope to see them go a long way in the competition

If anyone can bear it, Laura is in the You magazine this Sunday!

https://twitter.com/YOUMagSocial/sta...97143149383680

Gorgeous photo of Laura, thanks Lou.

I'll be reading! They'll have performed their Salsa by then eeeeek Getting all the housework done so I've got lots of Strictly time over the weekend

A lovely informative answer LL- thank you for taking the time; it's great to see a forum doing what it does best- answering questions and sharing accumulated knowledge
So she's someone who's always been interested in fitness and physical expression and has as much dance experience as me, which is to say an everyday enthusiast but not as much as your average singer/actor. I'd say it puts her behind all the obvious contenders, on a par with Naga, Ore & Melvin and ahead of Ed & Greg; not that I like to compartmentalise!
I can very much identify with her. Minus the looks and the legs


Thank you And to Ochre too.

[quote=dippydancing;84135451
I'd say it puts her behind all the obvious contenders, on a par with Naga, Ore & Melvin and ahead of Ed & Greg;

.[/QUOTE]

Am enjoying the positive vibe of this thread as well! Agree with your ranking. Mind you, Greg's long term partner is a trained dancer.... I do wonder if a bit of salsa-ing around the kitchen has happened on the quiet

I would definitely do the salsa with Greg!

It was this morning I read the comment about no one liking her. On another appreciation thread!!

As it's not about Laura or Giovanni though maybe we should not talk about it. I was just so pleased to see the pic of them after having read the post Sometimes I have just got to have a little rant.

You are very organised I am having a lazy day, well more lazy than usual

I was a fan of Jay and Aliona last year and after the stress of that I said I wouldn't get involved in another couple, that didn't last long

Thanks, Lou . Laura does look absolutely stunning. Love the whole look.

I think people are over analyse everything. I want Aliona to stand there and pick up
on things like, Laura's posture, gapping, arm extensions etc, just like Ian. Nothing like another woman standing and telling you how to do it. Nobody is asking Aliona to choreograph.

Good Lord- if they have children, they will take over the world with their combined performing, athleticism, and legs that can do unfeasible things...

BIB I do tend to get invested quite early on if I see that something special in a couple. Last year Helen and Aljaz, this year while I am also enjoying his partnership with Daisy it's Laura & Gio I'm the most taken with..

Well if they've got food in the cupboards, clothes in the wardrobes and a clean house (even if it looks like a bomb site with toys everywhere) then Mr Ochre and the kids don't need me for the weekend right? It is Movie Week after all


I think it'll be great for Laura having Jo on hand for advice too, particularly for ballroom.

No gapping during their Waltz already though, locked together, good frame and the most beautiful arms, posture and backbends from Laura

Wonder if we'll get a sneak peek at Laura's Moulin Rouge inspired costume on ITT tonight with Vicky, hope so.

Looks like Aliona or Joanne won't be needed after all...Gio is handling it 😂😂
https://twitter.com/bbcstrictly/stat...85340034330624

Edit: Spoke too soon, they have been joined by Jo and Ore
https://twitter.com/oreoduba/status/784080519571054592

Unlike last year, Jo is taking part this year, so they need someone who has time in their hands, just like Aliona.

OMG that gif is hypnotic 😳😍😱

Laura's outfit for Saturday has just been on ITT- spectacular!👏😍

She will look amazing!

Love her dress!! She will be stunning.

Brilliant, Laura saying that on ITT made me laugh out loud

Thank you for the links jivingmissdaisy, love Gio and Jo's friendship and Laura has seemed to get on well with Ore from the beginning too.

ITT training clip again looking good and Laura's dress is divine, very Nicole Kidman inspired. Zoe is taking it home after apparently

I am a small dissenting voice that says the costume is fab for the dance but too 'skimpy' (said in Ola Jordan accent) for the standing around sections. Needs a bit of chiffon skirt. I don't want to see any celeb woman feeling rather self-conscious and grimly clasping her hands in front of her all evening.

The training clip was hilarious and its the first decent VT out of Gio - he looks much, much better this week. I thought he was looking, quite understandably, a bit run-down/stressed in the earlier weeks.