Strictly Come Dancing - my predictions for pairings

So tonight is the night! Currently at Television Centre, a new batch of celebrities are filming the moment they find out who their professional partner will be for Strictly Come Dancing. Who will have the gorgeous Artem on their arm, or lock up their daughters when they’re faced with Vincent leading them round the dance floor?!

Time will tell, and the official unveiling this Saturday will solve any unanswered questions about the new series. We’ll also be treated to a dance by new judge Darcey Bussell (who’s doing a Rumba with Ian Waite), and the new celebrities will be doing their first dance as a group. Queue the start of a great series.

So here’s my tips for pairings:

James Jordan and Victoria Pendleton
(He has a fiery personality, she has the determination to win - a winning combo surely. Producers will want to keep him on the show as long as possible after his tantrums with the judges last year, and she’s certainly got potential)

Anton du Beke and Fern Britton


Pasha Kovalev and Kimberley Walsh
(Pasha is likely to get a good celeb again this year after last year’s success, and Kimberley is just as cheeky as him)

Vincent Simone and Dani Harmer
(both are quite small, plus he deserves a good star after going out in the first show last year)

Robin Windsor and Lisa Riley
(I love Robin, but he always gets the actresses. But his bubbly personality would be a good match with Lisa)

Brendan Cole and Denise van Outen
(reckon there could be some fireworks between these two, both strong personalities)

Artem Chigvintsev and Jerry Hall
(he’s previously had two fantastic dancers, so deserves someone who won’t win. But Jerry could be a dark horse. At least she has the glamour!)

Karen Hauer (new dancer) and Nicky Byrne
(the new girl always gets a good one to start with, and Nicky has a good chance)

Erin Boag and Michael Vaughan
(she usually gets a sports star. He might have potential)

Ola Jordan and Sid Owen
(both have cheeky personalities, they’d make a good pairing)

Flavia Cacace and Colin Salmon
(she usually has the ones with interesting personalities, could be a surprise hit here)

Natalie Lowe and Louis Smith
(not sure who could get Louis, but Natalie deserves a good call after the disappointment of Dan Lobb last year)

Kristina Rihanoff and Richard Arnold
(Kristina showed she could do humour with Jason last year, I’m sure she could keep us all laughing again with Richard)

Aliona Vilani and Johnny Ball
(she deserves an oldie after appearing in the final twice!)

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia
　

A perfect end to a perfect Games

It seemed fitting that to mark the end of what has been 16 fantastic days of sporting achievement, patriotism and happiness in London and across Great Britain, the Olympics would go out with a bang. And what an almighty bang it was!

Over 24 million people in Great Britain watched the closing finale to what has been a fantastic games in London, with all the athletes, thousands of fans, Royals from across the world, hundreds of performers and even a handful of volunteers all descending on the Olympic Stadium to celebrate the end of London 2012.

The plans for the ceremony were kept under wraps from most of the media beforehand, but with the theme focusing on the British music industry, it was safe to say we were going to be treated to some of Britain’s most famous artists.

From Ray Davies of the Kinks to Jessie J, the crowd were in for a real treat as stars from across the decades joined together for arguably the biggest party London has and will ever see. Madness, Pet Shop Boys, Taio Cruz, Tinie Tempah and a miming One Direction also performed at the ceremony, which mixed spectacular dance and light elements with fantastic music to create a cheesy, disco atmosphere.

Stand out performances came from a reformed, one-night-only Spice Girls who arrived in style on top of their own black cabs. I admit that I am struggling to get the lyrics to Spice up your Life out of my head!

George Michael, who has just recovered from a near-fatal health scare, performed two songs at the ceremony, later followed by The Who and Take That. My heart went out to Gary Barlow, who performed at the Olympics despite his recent personal problems.

Besides dancing, the spectators were treated to a fabulous display of Britain’s best fashion designers, modelled by stars such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. There were sing-along’s from Eric Idle, surprise appearances from Del Boy and Rodney and Timothy Spall (playing a rather convincing Winston Churchill) and a fantastic ballet display from new Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell.

The traditional handover to Brazil also gave us a taste of what’s to come in four years time, as dancers and performers from Rio demonstrated the party atmosphere that Brazil is known for in a colourful, samba-enthused sketch.

But even Brazil looked in awe at the fantastic spectacle of London’s closing ceremony. With the cauldron burning for a final time, the fireworks lit up over London in a spectacular display that symbolised everything these Games have been; exciting, spectacular and full of surprises. With a tearful tribute going out to all the athletes, volunteers and the public, Lord Coe was not the only one who was wishing the whole two weeks of sporting legacy could happen again.

London will miss the Olympics, but the legacy has been laid and in true British fashion, the closing ceremony certainly showed the world that we Brits know how to throw a good send off party!

Compare the closing ceremony with my review of the opening ceremony.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Strictly Come Dancing: Latest line-up rumours...(the men)

So the Olympics have dominated our TV for the last few weeks, but with the end of the summer on the horizon, it means out tv screens are going to be dominated by one thing; celebrities covered in sequins trying to do their utmost to dance gracefully on tv. With the rumour mill going into overdrive, I thought it was time to give you a rundown on the rumours of who could be stepping on to the dance floor for Series 10 of the hit BBC show.

Nicky Byrne
The Westlife singer has a lot of spare time on his hands after the band’s recent farewell tour and seperation, and having appeared on the show with the band last year, has Nicky set his sights on the glitter ball too? The papers seem to think so, and he’d be a popular choice with viewers.

Ronnie O’Sullivan
Another name who keeps on popping up in the papers for a stint on Strictly is the former World Snooker champion. With retirnement beckoning, Ronnie would be a fantastic addition to the numerous sports stars who have competed on Strictly before. A pin-up, he’d get the women’s vote too.

Michael Vaughan
The only confirmed celebrity for the show is former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan. The Ashes winner, who is now a pundit for BBC Radio 5Live, has been confirmed by BBC’s Newsbeat to be appearing on the show, and could be the third cricketer to win the trophy.

Chris Evans
If the rumours are true then Strictly has bagged itself a fantastic coup in the shape of Evans. The famous broadcaster and media personality has millions of fans, and would definitely add a comedy touch to show. Personalities often make the show, and Chris would be a fantastic addition. I just hope it’s true!

Ken Livingstone

Although the paper’s haven’t mentioned him in the rumours columns, I have my eye on the former London Major to be making an appearance on the show. He made a remark earlier this year on Have I Got News For You about joining the show, and would certainly be another Ann Widdecombe-like character that would keep audience’s entertained. But would he get your vote?

Lemar and Craig David have both said they’re not interested in joining the show, both citing their music careers as the reason for being too busy to compete. But who knows, maybe they’ll be tempted.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

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

What the Tweet? Why Twitter is the new global phenomenon

It is hard to imagine that I have been on the Twitter scene for just under 18 months. 18 months to write countless crappy tweets, follow hundreds of vain celebrities telling me what they are having for lunch and re-tweeting loads of statuses about being unlucky in love and why I hate you. Which is why, after tweeting my 4000th tweet yesterday*, I thought it was time to reflect on my, very personal, Twitter experience.

In all honesty, I love Twitter. I love the excitement of receiving a tweet through my phone or checking out who is kind enough (or mad enough, in some cases) to follow me. It is highly addictive, time consuming and generally of little importance to your own personal development, but it is a real catch, despite the time it takes to get settled into Twitter (I have really only started using it regularly since I started uni last September.)

I see Twitter as an opportunity for me. On one hand, it is a great way to socialise. Whether it be people you don't necessarily know, or people you did not talk to that much at college, it is really helpful and so easy to communicate with new friends. In fact, I probably use Twitter more than I do text, Facebook chat or email. On the other hand, it is really helpful for my course. As a journalist, catching all the latest news is vital to being in-the-know. By following various news outlets, broadcasters and reporters, it is essentially your primary source for news gathering. The London riots of last year showed many, for example, of just how important Twitter is in trending news stories.

Trends, in particular, can be a bit of a mix bag when it comes to information which could be relevant. On one hand, the current affairs trends are excellent at providing you with the latest stories, whereas #iloveJustin or #1Drockmyworld are just some of the more annoying ones. Various 'amusing' trends provide a little escapism, which include #animalsongs or #eastendersgameshows, where you swap say the first word of a song to form an Animal song. If enough people re-tweet your tweet, then your tweet could essentially trend worldwide.

But Twitter should not be focused on trying to gain the most followers, or write the most tweets. It might seem pathetic to have under 100 followers, but in reality, the best way to use Twitter is to follow more people. By following more people, and tweeting them on a particular issue etc, you are bound to get more followers with an interest in that field. Rather than trying to pine for followers, as some people do. Twitter really is perfect at making new friends, whether they be half way round the world, or just across the street from you. Depending on your privacy settings, you can choose who follows you and who does not. It is not like Facebook, where adding people you do not know is deemed weird and stalker-like. The Twitter community is generally one of friends and openness. People you can actually have a decent, meaningful conversation with, not one that consists of "brb" and "ly xxx".

So who to follow? Well, start off with a few celebrities. Comedians usually provide decent enough entertainment, everyone else is either promoting themselves or so vain they feel it is their right for you to reply to their tweet of: "I just bought a D&G coat, now I am off to some glitzy bash in a low cut dress so I can get papped. You're all fucking losers". Companies, businesses and experts should also be top of the agenda. I have entered so many competitions and prize draws, as well as gaining promotions and discounts on clothes and other exciting opportunities, just from clicking on a few tweets. Just be suspicious if you get any sent to you personally. Then you know they are spam.

For sharing content, it is a doddle. Once you have worked out how to keep your statuses short and concise, then literally Twitter is your oyster. You can share dozens of photos, videos, website links and loads of other stuff to your friends and the global community at the click of a button. None of this "I have to tag such and such" nonsense. Just simple upload and share. Easy peasy.

Ok, it has its flaws. As my followers list grows - I have a moderate 188 last time I checked - so do the spam tweets, with their free giveaways and weird links. Ignore these. You also get the random porn stars. who seem to disappear before I even have chance to see their profile. And yes, to some extent, I like the fact that it is still quite new in the social-networking world, and that many people do not use it. It is the only way I can slag off my family without them noticing. Once my Mother starts following me, that will be it.

So if you tire of Facebook, want to meet new people and learn interesting, and sometimes odd, new things then Twitter is for you. It takes time getting used to, but the benefits are great. It has changed my life, no matter how sad that sounds. So I can say, with pride, that I am now a a firm, proud member of the Twitteratie, along with 300 million others. Long Live Twitter!

You can follow me at: http://twitter.com/kieranwatkins or just search @kieranwatkins

For a basic guide, the dedicated Wikipedia page has all the information needed to get cracking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter (including what a hashtag, trend and DM means, if you did not already know!)

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

*in the space of 24 hours, my tweet total has increased by 200, and counting!

Top Ten: Celebrities in the news this week

OK, so love them or hate them, celebrity inspired news stories create massive profit for all newspaper owners - despite what their editors or critics might say. Whether it's a quick glance at Page 3 of the Sun, a snippet from the Daily Express or a flick through glossy OK Magazine; we love to talk about them, know what they are wearing, doing, dating etc...so it seems only fair to create a Top Ten for Tuesday on the glitzy world that is, Celebrities. Here are ten celebs who are in the focus of the press this week:

1) Sir Jimmy Saville - after his death last month, his funeral last week touched the hearts of many a fan of the former 'Jim'll Fix It' host. The TV legend will be missed by all, whether it be his trademark clothing or trademark catchphrases. So when I read the news this morning that 'Jim'll Fix It' is making a comeback this Christmas,  I was shocked. Has he come back from beyond his concrete-filled grave, or was it a hoax? No, it's Alfie from 'Eastenders' (Shane Richie) presenting a one-off Christmas version of the show, in dedication to the late star. I'm sure plenty of fans will be pleased that his memory lives on for future generations

2) Pudsey Bear - he might not be 'real', but he is the face of possibly the best and most popular programme of the year, as well as one of Britain's most loved charities. Yes, it's that time of year again. 'Children in Need' is back this weekend, with a live show on Friday that promises to showcase some of the best TV talent the UK and worldwide has to offer, all for a fantastic cause - and that's just the BBC newsreaders! You can expect to see Pudsey everywhere; from the local cake sale, to the Manchester Rocks! concert. Not bad for a teddy bear, who counts Gary Barlow, Alesha Dixon, and of course, Sir Terry Wogan, as his friends!

3) Ant & Dec - the delightful-but-heavily-used-by-ITV duo are back on our screens this week, presenting the new series of 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here'. It's a show which gets a bunch of z-list stars, throws them in the Ozzy outback and feeds them on a diet of insects and kangaroo testicles, for those of you who didn't know. It's trash TV at it's best, but without their comic take on the days events, it would hardly be successful. After all, the boys are perhaps the best presenting duo on the box.


4) Rihanna - away from the land of telly, pop pin-up RiRi is dominating the charts right now. Her endless music duets and collaborations seem to getter better and better, with her current single, 'We found love' featuring Calvin Harris, top of the charts in the UK. Her new single, 'Talk That Talk', promises to be just as good as her predecessors. I for one cannot wait!


5) Kim Kardashian - yes, a name that keeps on appearing everywhere. But who is she? Well, in my own opinion, she's an American version of Katie Price, but more classy, more famous and more prettier! She came into the spotlight for producing a sex tape, appearing in a number of reality shows (most of which she stars with her family in 'Keeping up with the Kardashians'), releasing a perfume and perhaps her most famous asset being her *ahem* derriere! More recently, her very public marriage with NBA player Kris Humphries ended after just 72 days, causing many media outlets to deem the wedding a publicity stunt. Hoax or no hoax, it's proving her popular with the press - and if you really don't know who she is, you're not watching the news for long enough!

6) Beyonce - another debate being staged across the Internet, is whether singer-actress-goddess Beyonce is faking her pregnancy. Pictures emerged over the weekend of an apparent 'flat-chested' Beyonce singing on 'Tonight with Jimmy Fallon' in the US. Although reports suggested the performance was recorded in July - it is not the first time Beyonce's pregnancy has come into question.
I guess we'll have to wait for the birth of destiny's child soon! (Couldn't help myself with that joke!)

7) Lindsay Lohan - moving over to the acting world, she's another star continually in the spotlight, all for the wrong reasons of course. Lohan, who starred in 'Mean Girls' before her life spiralled out of control, is again in and out of court and prison, this time for stealing jewellery. As the world tires of praying for her to recover, let's hope she can really sort her life out. Although I don't hold your breath on it.

8) Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart - teenagers across the globe are sobbing as the King and Queen of the vampire world perform one last time as vampires Edward and Bella in the last film from the 'Twilight' franchise, 'Breaking Dawn'. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the on-screen and off-screen couple are adored everywhere, and will be sadly missed from our screens.

9) Dawn French - comedy genius Dawn has been out and about showing her dramatic new weight loss, and what a transformation. Deciding not to go for the Fern Britton treatment, opting instead for natural dieting, Dawn has shed the pounds in the last year, and looks fantastic. Her 'French & Saunders' co-star Jennifer Saunders even said "she was not the larger one" of the pair! Well done Dawn.

And finally....

10) Doctor Who - OK, so again like Pudsey, not real, but character aside, this promises to be the biggest storyline of this month, and looks to be debated, argued and supported by fans. Yes, the big news this week was the announcement that the BBC, together with 'Harry Potter' director David Yates, are looking to produce a big-screen adaptation of Doctor Who in the next few years. Hooray! Hold on though. They want to create a brand new movie, away from the current TV series, and launch it separately? Well that is the idea, and one that has got fans of the Doctor up in arms about the plans. How will it work? Will they cancel the 'Doctor Who' series on TV, which saw a reduction in ratings this year? Who knows, but keep watch for that blue police box Britain, it could be appearing in the media soon!

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia