Russell Grant is a charismatic cannonball as Strictly takes over Wembley Arena

Dumbo springs to mind'! Russell Grant is a charismatic cannonball as Strictly takes over Wembley Arena

By Holly Thomas

Last updated at 11:07 PM on 19th November 2011


He may be the least technically skillful dancer left in the competition, but there was no doubt who won the heart of Strictly's Wembley audience tonight.

Despite hitting the bottom of the leader board again, Russell Grant received a standing ovation for the thrilling routine, which kicked off with him shooting from a cannon on a glittering red sleigh.

He and his partner Flavia Cacace then launched into an energetic Jive to S Club Seven's Reach For The Stars.

The sky's the limit! Russell Grant kicked off his routine by shooting out of a cannon ball at Strictly's live Wembley show

Dressed in eye-catching yellow embellished with blue stars it was clear that Russell's lack of dancing ability hadn't affected his confidence as he threw himself about the stage- which was six times larger than their usual dance floor.

Alesha started the commentary with: 'Just when you think you've seen it all... definitely the Best entrance I've seen yet. For what you lacked in jive technique you certainly made up for in entertainment.'

An thoroughly excited Bruno gushed: 'Russell the magnificent flying machine, soaring into an orbit of madness! It had nothing to do with jive but I loved it!'

Dancing to their own beat: Bruno said that Russell and Flavia Cacace's routine had nothing to do with the jive, but he loved it anyway

Full of energy: Even Craig was lost for words, and murmured that the performance was 'revolutionary'

Craig was brief, murmuring 'Dumbo springs to mind', before adding as the crowd's boos died down: 'revolutionary.'

Len: I don't care how many great dancers they have, and how many series there are, people will always remember this routine!'

The pair were awarded a modest 24, with Bruno's seven being the highest score from the judges- 'for the pure madness.'

Taking it in good humour: Even though Craig Revel Horwood said Russel reminded him of Dumbo, Russel took it with a smile

First up dancing the salsa were Robbie Savage and his partner Ola Jordan, who achieved their best ever score of 31 last week.

With hopes high to best their record, the pair hit the stage to Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You with a energetic routine, Ola sporting a sexy backless purple catsuit, and Robbie baring his chest with blue trousers and a matching (unbuttoned) shirt.

The audience responded with uproarious applause, however the judges were slightly less impressed.

Let Him Entertain You! Robbie Savage took to the stage to perform the salsa to Robbie Williams' classic

On home turf: Robbie was more than comfortable in the familiar setting, though Bruno thought his performance was too 'savage'

Len started the commentary with: 'You treated this like the FA Cup Final, it was like you were trying to straddle a goal post! You were all wild and savage! 7

Alesha was more positive, saying: 'You opened the show like it was your own rock concert, the lifts were crazy! It didn't have the salsa feel I'm used to, but it was great entertainment.' 7

Bruno remarked that the performance could have used more 'refinement' as it was supposed to be a dance of courtship- whereas Robbie was throwing Ola 'all over the place'. 7

Working the catsuit: Ola Jordon bared her back in her sexy purple outfit

And Craig gave a mixed critique, calling Robbie 'flat-footed', but complimenting him on his well-shaped upper body.

The couple picked up a score of 26.

Alex Jones and James were next up, taking to the stage with a tango to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood classic Relax (Don't do it).

Pulled it off: Alex Jones and James Jordon took to the stage with a tango to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood classic Relax (Don't do it)

Confidence performance: Alesha said 'From a happy-go-lucky jive to a seductive tango this week'

The One Show presenter continued the bare-backed theme with a glittering black and silver upper half, teamed with a long pale purple skirt.

Alesha went straight in with a glowing critique, enthusing: 'From a happy-go-lucky jive to a seductive tango this week. It was really believable, good job.'

Bruno gushed: 'You got it absolutely right, I love your look Alex, 'You may touch me.'

Reunited: After they were parted by Artem Chigvintsev's injury last week, Holly Valance was back with her old partner for a fun routine to Amy Winehouse's Valerie

Nearly there: Bruno described Holly as a 'thoroughbred who hasn't been broken in yet'

And even Craig had something good to say, commenting: 'I believe we may be seeing some improvement, it was staccato, it was great.'

Len finished with: 'That's just what I like, a lovely tango danced beautifully. Relax!'

The pair picked up a 35, their highest ever score.

Mixed response: Craig said it was a 'good job' and fantastic routine, but remarked that Holly needed to find her centre

Artem was injured last week, so Brendan had stepped into his shoes to dance with Holly Valance.

Following a tense week practicing with both dancers, a relieved Holly took to the stage with her old partner to Amy Winehouse's Valerie.

Bruno 'Holly Holly, at times you're thrilling and at times you're maddening! You're like a thoroughbred who hasn't been broken in yet, at times you're wonderful and at times you make me so angry!'

No slowing her down! Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor were up next, dancing the Samba to Queen's Don't Stop Me Now

Craig said it was a 'good job' and fantastic routine, but remarked that Holly needed to find her centre.

Len agreed that Holly had lost control now and again, but complimented the good use of space.

And Alesha also picked up on Holly's loss of control, but said that she had like the routine nevertheless.

Something lacking? Craig was quite picky in his critique with the semi-finals looming

The couple won a respectable score of 31, putting them comfortably in the middle of the leader board.

Anita Dobson and Robin were up next, dancing the Samba to Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

Craig said of Anita's efforts: Your shoulders were hunched, it was very muddy and murky footwork. We're getting very specific now, the semi-finals are coming up. On a good note, your timing was very good.'

Enjoyed herself: Anita clearly had a fantastic time on the Wembley dance floor

Alesha on the other hand thought that Anita had lost some timing, but loved her spirit.

Bruno said: 'You did well, but sometimes we all have dances that don't come out quite as we expect.'

The couple received a score of 27.

Harry Judd and his partner Aliona were up next with the Salsa, with expectations high having topped the leader board with their Argentine tango last week.

Oozing sex appeal: Harry Judd and his partner Aliona were up next with the Salsa, which they danced to I'm Still Standing

The couple stormed onto the stage to I'm Still Standing, with sexy performance that had the audience clamouring for more.

Len said: 'That was what I'd call a full-on samba, you went for it lock stock and barrel. The lifts were good, but I'd like a little more hip action. It should have been slightly more compact, and more clubby.'

Alesha continued with: 'You handled that with ease, I thought you had a bit of hip action going! Good job.'

Hard to fault: Craig said he 'loved the routine, the lift was spectacular', but Harry's hips were found lacking

Bruno gushed: 'Flirtation, sexy, vibrant! A little work on your bum, but we can talk about that later.'

Even Craig was impressed, saying: 'I loved the routine, the lift was spectacular, but it needed the groove, and as Len said there was a desperate lack of hip action.'

Chelsea Healy danced the samba with her partner Pasha, starting with a sexy silhouette solo routine.

Ball of energy: Chelsea Healy danced the samba with her partner Pasha Kovalev to the Spics Girls hit Spice Up Your Life

The actress then emerged from behind the screen in a pink union jack dress to the Spice Girls Spice Up Your Life.

Bruno was You're so rhythmical, you little ball of fire. You made a little mistake, but it was near perfect.'

Craig said: Your finished are generally excellent, all the way through the spins were fantastic.'

Full of fun: Jason Donovan and Christina Rihanoff were last on, dancing the jive to Wham's Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

'I thought you were brave doing that section alone at the beginning,. That spiced up my night,' added Len.

Alesha finished with 'A very strong opening, you had the spirit you had the bounce, and I think you're really coming into your own,' and the couple nabbed a score of 35.

Jason Donovan and Christina were last on, dancing the jive to Wham's Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.

Craig said: 'That would have been phenomenal if it weren't for the last move, but an amazing amazing routine.'

Len followed, saying 'I am really disappointed for you, I can tell by the foot placement the bounce, that you've been working your socks off.'

Youthful energy: Bruno said to Jason 'you were like an energetic spunky teenager, it was magnificent'

On a more sombre note, he added 'I'm issuing a warning though as I am starting t see more lifts kick in. Everyone's doing it, but I will start knocking off points.

Alesha said: 'It's such a shame Jason you were doing so well, and you should be proud because it went wrong and then you picked yourself .'

Bruno added 'You were like an energetic spunky teenager, it was magnificent. I think the occasion overwhelmed you and you lost timing a little, but still a-ma-zing.'

The couple went home with an impressive 34.

WEEK EIGHT LEADER BOARD

Alex Jones and James Jordan: 35

Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev: 35

Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff: 34

Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani: 34

Holly Valance and Brendan Cole: 31

Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor: 27

Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan: 26

Russell Grant and Flave Cacace: 24

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2063708/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Russell-Grant-charismatic-cannonball-Wembley-Arena.html#ixzz1eD8Hjrbn