Darcey Bussell joins Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC announced today that Darcey Bussell would be joining the judging panel for their hit dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

Replacing the gap left by singer-songwriter Alesha Dixon, who was poached by ITV and Simon Cowell to appear on Britain's Got Talent, rumours were rife with who was going to replace the former Strictly champ.

Hot favourite Karen Hardy, a favourite with viewers, was supposedly leading the race to fill the shoes left by Alesha. Karren, who has previously been a professional on the show and had recently been covering the show's red button coverage, certainly has the skills and dance knowledge that Ms Dixon lacked.

Other contenders included 2010 winner Kara Tointon, choreographer Karen Bruce and former professional Camilla Dallerup.

Even Arlene Phillips was suggested as a possible contender, despite the fiasco surrounding her exit from the show in 2007. The star, who was a judge on the recently axed So you think you can dance? was again, a firm favourite with fans, but was unlikely to be reconsidered by the Beeb, who were heavily criticised for sacking her in the first place.

But eventually, the role went to Darcey Bussell. The ballet star, a former principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, was hotly tipped for the role after impressing producers back in 2007, when she was a guest judge.

The 42 year-old star, world-renown for her ballet and performances, has the experience, the knowledge and the expertise on dance. A favourite with the judges, Craig Revel Horwood recently revealed that if he could pick anyone to join him on the judging panel, he would pick Darcey.

Yet, I was surprised with the reaction from some fans. It seems that despite her expertise, the fans feel she won't fit on the panel.

This seems slightly hypocritical. When Alesha Dixon replaced Arlene Phillips, fans were in uproar about the judging changes. Not only did they criticise the new judges expertise - lets be frank, she didn't have any - but they called for her to be replaced even before Alesha was given screen time.

During Alesha's three year stint, the show has seen a ratings boost, thanks to an improved set, new professional dancers and a much high calibre of celebrities. Some viewers even started to like Alesha, who it has to be said did improve each series, if only by a fraction.

So why the anger over the new signing? The fans wanted expertise and knowledge over looks and age, and they got it. The BBC delivered, but it seems some people just aren't happy.

So what if she's a ballet star? Watch some of her clips online, especially Viva la Diva - I think you'll realise how much dance knowledge she has. And for those that criticise her tv manner - give her some time will you. Yes, I admit she was boring when she did the guest stint, but that was three years ago! The Beeb obviously know what they're doing, because she went through a vigorous screen test along with Hardy and Bruce.

So please, you hypocritical bunch of old bats, stop moaning about the same old thing. I personally think she'll be FAB-U-LOUS!

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Friend for Friday: Jason Passingham

This weeks Friend for Friday is Alton Assembly Rooms manager, Jason Passingham, a local resident with plenty to say and reveal on one of Alton's cherished buildings:

What Part do the Assembly Rooms play in a town like Alton?
The Assembly Rooms in Alton is a great focal point for the town, being situated right in the centre of Alton amongst the high street names, local traders and tourist interests. We offer to local Altonians and others from across Hampshire a number of Halls and Rooms for events and activities for all ages – varying from Drama and Dance, to Arts and Crafts. The Assembly Rooms allow young and old, disabled and well bodied people to try something new and get involved with their local community.

How have the rooms changed over time, seeing as they were founded in 1880!?
Yes, with our 130^th Anniversary two years ago, it does show what a reliable and accessible focal point the Assembly Rooms have created. The rooms have been occupied by Dance Halls, Cinema, Council Offices and even a hospital! Elaborating on this – we have been well known in the Dance Community – with classes ranging from Folk to Street Dance, however we have strong mediums in our Drama, Art and Horticultural sessions too.

You mentioned you have a range of activities and interests for young people – so what do you actually offer for students like us?

Most of our activities may have certain target audiences; however we have many Groups that offer student participation. For example, our Art Groups have been running competitions recently for young aspiring artists, and the Alton Operatic Drama Society (AODS) continually present Alton with a mix of young and old performers and actors. I do admit though, that our demographic has been aimed more to an older generation, considering that many people in the area are of an older age – however we are working to create a more integrated society by mixing the young and old together. That’s one of our main aims at the moment: to encourage the whole community to come together, instead of being pigeonholed into different categories.

How will you get more young people inspired in the Assembly Rooms?

Well, we have many rooms holding many different organisations and events, which are mostly free or cost a limited amount of money. Our dance and drama programmes already accommodate young people, and this is increasing with out horticultural and art groups. The recent production of Dracula, although expensive, successfully targeted and reached a young audience – and we hope to offer more of these productions and events in the near future.

Elaborating on the future – what events/ plans have you got in the pipeline?

One of the main things we have had through response and surveys is the inclusion of a professional pantomime, which many Altonians would like to see in the Assembly Rooms.
We are looking into many new ventures, as well as keeping up our ties with local establishments like Holybourne Theatre and the Community Centre. We are also trying to create more of a presence through advertising. We have plans, like talks on dinosaurs or special art days, but we need to get this known to people. The recent creation of a Facebook page and our continued communication through the local press are helping spread the message. I understand and relish the fact that the youth are the way forward and that we need to incorporate more students and young adults into the Assembly Rooms!

So all in all, how would you sum up the Assembly Rooms?

Alton Assembly Rooms has and will always try to integrate the community of Alton through the various mix and diversity of productions, events and activities available for them; by working on our ties with Alton College and the students of Alton, we hope to embody a mixture of ages into the rooms.

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins and Clare Vigers

You can find out more from Jason Passingham and the Alton Assembly Rooms on their website.

Blog of the Week: Tasha on TV

It is a necessity in the winter, if not all year round, to stay in on a weekend, curl up on the sofa and watch the latest tv shows, flicking through various channels until you find the one that is perfect for you. But it can be monotonous, frustrating and rather tiresome, to the point where you just give up and settle for a DVD.

Which is why this week's Blog of the Week is so helpful at picking the choice that is right for you. Tasha on TV offers a review of many of the UK's top reality TV formats, currently including Dancing on Ice and Let's Dance for Sport Relief, to favourites like Strictly Come Dancing in the autumn.

Natasha, who writes the blog, is a self-confessed telly-holic, with an array of knowledge ranging from the nations favourite soap operas, to the newest television dramas. Often opinionated, her posts not only inform, but entertain too. As a fellow blogger, and friend, her blog never fails to inspire me.

Accompanying her blog, is her fabulous Twitter account, where she tweets regularly, usually as she watches the programme. Boasting a following of over 1,500 - she is followed by celebrities including Phillip Schofield and many of the Strictly professional dancers - she offers a unique opportunity for television fans to catch up and communicate about their favourite shows, giving Harry Hill a run for his money!

So if you want to find out the latest on anything TV, whether it be the latest news or whether you just fancy slating the most recent episode of Dancing on Ice, Tasha on TV is for you.

 You can read her blog by following the link: Tasha on TV. You can also follow Natasha on Twitter: @tashalouise6 or @tashaontv

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings