On the subject of accents by the way... I am not really appreciating Zoe /ITT producers thinking that 'foreigners talk funny' is a good joke to make endlessly. Are they going to try that line with e.g. Oti Mabuse I really, really hope not.

I think the world has moved on a bit from finding Irish accents inherently funny (or Italian or Spanish or Ukrainian etc etc). I'll get off my soap box. But I do think that ITT should try a bit harder.

Does your dog like Sean Connery?

BIB Yes he does, great interview.

Lovely write up Ochre. Gio did seem genuinely appreciative of some of Laura's positive comments about the Waltz, didn't he.

The lady from Sicily said, I think, the town she was from, and Gio replied that he was from Palermo.

The difference in him is quite noticeable. He's not the newbie so obviously has more confidence.

Love the relationship the two of them have.

Ditto Ochre, thanks for the recap.

See that's why I need the subtitles lol, thanks LL

Just caught up. Energy between them is really good. Laura's intelligence and sparkiness are a real asset to keep things lively. Their training room must be interesting.

I am nosy though. The most interesting people-watching bit was where Gio said that how they worked that day depended on the mood she brought to rehearsals. Want to see THAT. The learning process is what fascinates me in Strictly because it always has to be individual if it's going to work. And it's a leveller too. The pro has to work out how to get inside the head of the contestant, so they're learning that, while their partner is learning the dance.

Gio's pretty woman was priceless!

Line of the night though is Will's enjoyment of the shouted 'Cheek':

'Heckled by body parts'

Just caught up too!

Relieved to see Laura looking so upbeat (especially with all those bruises!) and both relaxed and having a laugh at the end of a physically tough training week. Three lifts...gulp! Hopefully all the hard work will pay off. She'll look amazing and hopefully take that confidence from the Waltz into her performance too.

It's also noticeable how much Gio's English has improved from being on ITT last year...that must help with his confidence and getting his personality across. I read somewhere that when Len gave him that ticking off after last year's Rumba he didn't really understand what he was saying! I'd also like to see more of the training room dynamics too - for all of the couples, but especially these two

It was a great interview - very natural, funny, interesting, likeable.

Maybe there is still a bit of work on technique that could be done - a bit more figure 8 in the hips? - but the song should work OK. It does seem to be quite a difficult routine, but a lot of the others are looking good in training, so they have to go for it. They may have more Salsa content in theirs, so I hope the judges take that into account, but there is a risk in Movie Week, that they wont.

It's impractical to draw firm conclusions on how everyone looks because they may show the best bit from some and not others.

Laura was so comfortable dancing the Waltz, and I think she can sell the Salsa well too. With the Salsa, getting the mood right is a big help, and I think they will have fun.

I thought they would triple-dip Laura... but ... this is a whole new level of Ronseal

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

Eating popcorn with an open mouth...why? Just why? I blame Karen Hauer (for those who saw yesterday's ITT).

Nice to see Gio, Laura and Jo Clifton in the same taxi - clearly all very friendly which is lovely. Gio being a gentleman and taking the jump seat so the ladies can sit in more comfort. Thoughtful.

Training video, Laura and Giovanni at approx 2mins 40 seconds. Laura mentions a "big entrance" that they can't practise in the training room.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04bc488

Very lovely And totally agree about the popcorn

Morning everyone .... it's SHOWDAY

Something like this perhaps?

Wowzers!! That would be amazing Ochre

Yes!!! Bound to be!
She'll look amazing and hopefully that will inspire confidence. Fingers crossed for both of them.

Oooh hope so. Yes - it must be something like this. Wow indeed.

O/T From the In Training video - looks like Tameka and lovely Gorka are having a bit of a moment. I like both of them individually but have noticed that Tameka never thanks him - don't think that they are getting on.

Laura & Gio's Strictly Movies Poster . . . Welcome to the Moulin Rouge

Sooooooooo excited

WOW!! This will be impressive

Never seen the film.

If anyone is interested in the weekend's obligatory 'leaving hotel going to Elstree' snaps.

Apologies - its the Sun. More might pop up in the usual daily papers later.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbi...of-movie-week/

Laura has a feather boa style jacket on with leggings - and still manages to look good.
Gio in the usual dancer casual gear.

Interestingly, the Sun will have been offered, I imagine, a bigger set of celeb pics but have bought in only Daisy, Laura and Gio.

Edit: And here is the Mail's version:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...-Giovanni.html

Yes, a couple of rags have spun it like Laura and Gio were sneaking out of the hotel when they know fully well that most, if not all, the celebs and pros stay there ahead of the show. Usual tedious excuses for journalism. Perhaps they should all leave in a group next time?

Anyway time to get the Prosecco in the fridge...enjoy the show everyone

I love Laura's sparkly headphones!

You have just put an idea into my head Got a small bottle of prosecco (probably 2 small glasses) as a gift, think I will have that tonight.

I really am living life in the fast lane

Two glasses is my limit these days (she says )...enjoy!

Yes ... push the boat out Huph!