Anita Dobson leaves Strictly Come Dancing with no regrets

'I am just so glad I did it': Anita Dobson leaves Strictly Come Dancing with no regrets

By Lucy Buckland

Last updated at 8:33 PM on 27th November 2011


She said he was her knight in shining armour but Brendan Cole could have sealed Anita Dobson's fate as she became the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

In the ninth week of the show the former EastEnders actress, 62, was in the bottom two with Holly Valance with partner Artem Chigvintsev.

It was the first week Anita had danced with Cole after her original partner Robin Windsor pulled out with a foot infection.

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'An inspiration': The judges hailed Anita Dobson as a 'wonderful dancer' as she left the show

The couple were second from the bottom on the leader board yesterday after their Cha Cha Cha to 'Uptown Girls' from Billy Joel.

As it was announced both couples were in the bottom two, former Neighbours star Holly looked crushed.

Judge Bruno Toniol said: 'Bitterly disappointed to see Holly in the bottom two. She was sexy, she was sassy. She delivered. What more could she do?'

Moment of truth: Holly Valance, and partner Artem Chigvinstev with Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole wait to hear their fate

Did Brendan seal her fate? Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole dance the Cha Cha Cha to Uptown Girl by Billy Joel yesterday

Last dance: Anita Dobson says her goodbyes to her co-stars

And although the judges commended Anita for adapting to a new partner Alesha Dixon admitted it must have been little difficult but commended the actress for her commitment.

She said: 'It must be unsettling to change dancers but Anita is a great dancer. Anita is an inspiration she is adorable.'

As it was announced Anita was the latest celebrity to leave her former partner Robin came on the phone.

Lucky: Holly Valance and partner Artem Chigvintsev were in the bottom two again but were saved from leaving the show

Tension: Both couples had faced the bottom two before but said as the weeks went on it was more difficult top cope with the pressure

Stunning: All the judges felt Holly's Foxtrot should have been enough to keep her out of the bottom two

Robin said: 'You have been incredible, I am so sorry I couldn't be there for you. It's been a pleasure to work with you. You have been one of the most enthusiastic, hardworking people I have ever met.'

As the couple took to the floor the audience stood up to commend Anita's efforts in the competition.

The actress, who played Angie Watts in EastEnders, said she has no regrets about doing the show.

Great fun: Holly Valance told Claudia Winkleman she had had great fun so far on the show and thought she had performed well

Speaking to presenter Claudia Winkleman on the show she said: 'I have had nothing but great fun. Of course I would be sad [if I left] but I am just glad I did it.'

Next week the theme is Film and dancer Chelsee Healey let slip her and partner Pasha Kovale had picked Shrek as their movie of choice.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2066894/I-just-glad-I-did-Anita-Dobson-leaves-Strictly-Come-Dancing-regrets.html#ixzz1ex6gML2F

Cheeky Robbie Savage drops his trousers on Strictly to reveal a pair of football shorts

It's not a striptease! Cheeky Robbie Savage drops his trousers on Strictly to reveal a pair of football shorts

By Jo Abeyie

Last updated at 12:13 AM on 27th November 2011

Robbie Savage tapped into his inner burlesque dancer, by shedding his layers on Strictly Come Dancing.

The reality contesant stripped off on the dancefloor, peeling off his trousers to reveal a pair of football shorts.

Performing the Samba with partner Ola Jordan, Savage flashed his trademark grin as he removed his black formal wear to expose the blue sports kit with the number eight on.

Cringe! Robbie Savage pulled off his trousers at the end of the dance routine to reveal his football shorts

But despite the comical shenanigans, Len Goodman was quick to criticise.

Goodman said: 'It was a shamba! You got possessed and it turned into Match Of The Day.'

Smooth operator: Robbie started the routine in typical formal attire

Awkward! Bruce Forsyth didn't know where to look when Robbie was in his shorts

And it was double trouble for the seven remaining couples, who had to battle two dances this week including a compulsory Swing-a-thon alongside a regular Ballroom or Latin number.

Each couple were marked out of 40 as usual for their first dance, but their that score was then combined their efforts in the second performance.

Winning moves: Holly and Artem are among the top scorers tonight thanks to successful Foxtrot

The Swing-a-thon rating was then rewarded in order of who got asked to leave the floor one by one, with the first evictee scoring one and the last receiving seven points.

Savage picked up just 25 in the Samba, and was first to be axed second, meaning he has a grand total of 26.

Surprised: Harry and Aliona are shocked at getting the highest score of the season

Swing-a-thon: Harry and Aliona prove they have stamina tonight after scoring the highest in the group dance off

Yet it seemed nothing could pop Savage's bubble, as he gloated about his Wembley Arena performance last week, saying: 'I felt like Robbie Williams.'
Harry Judd dominated the leaderboard with his double victory.
The McFly star scored top mark for his energetic Swing-a-thon, and secured three tens for his Quickstep and a result of 39 - meaning a combined score of 46.

Helping hand: Anita Dobson dances with Brendan Cole after partner Robin Windsor suffered a foot infection

Chelsee Healy and Pasha Kovalev came second, with an original score of 35 and then a Swing score of six, resulting in a total of 41.

Dressed in a sparkly, slashed red dress, Holly Valance stole the show in the beauty stakes with her electrifying performance with partner Artem Chigvintsev.

The Australian beauty, 28, has been under constant pressure from judges to 'let go' in her performances and it seems she finally has, with Alesha Dixon saying: 'You totally owned it tonight.'

Hats off to them: Alex Jones and James Jordan juggled dancing and props

Sealed with a kiss: James plants a smacker on Alex's cheek

However, they crept in at fourth position with a total of 37, behind Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff in third with 40.

The One show presenter Alex Jones and her partner James Jordan came up against criticism from the judges, scoring fifth of the night.

Their first dance achieved a lowly 29, but they boosted it with a total of 34.

Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole were second from bottom with 32.

Sensual: Chelsee Healy showed off her curves in purple dress

Not bad considering they have not danced together before though.

Cole stepped in after Dobson's original partner Robin Windsor pulled out with a foot infection.

The fall from grace came after stealing the show at last week's Wembley Arena performance.

But the couple were slammed by judge Craig, who branded their dance 'mediocre'.

Alesha was a little more encouraging, adding: 'I thought it was quirky, funny and sweet. You've developed a great partnership.'

Battling for survival: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff are hoping for a place in the final

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2066647/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Robbie-Savage-drops-trousers.html#ixzz1ernyFr00

Strictly's Knight in shining armour Brendan Cole rescues Anita Dobson when her partner Robin Windsor falls ill

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 8:47 PM on 21st November 2011


Just over a week ago, Brendan Cole came to the Holly Valance's rescue when her partner Artem Chigvintsev fractured his spine.

And it looks like the New Zealand dancer is turning out to be this series' knight in shining armour after stepping in to practise with Anita Dobson this week.

Dobson's professional partner Robin Windsor has contracted an infection in his foot and has been ordered to rest and go on a course of antibiotics by his doctors.

Knight in shining armour: Brendan Cole is being partnered with Anita Dobson this week while her partner Robin Windsor is ill

So while he is getting better, Cole will rehearse the swing and another dance with the EastEnders actress ahead of Saturday night's live show.

And living up to his reputation, Cole dressed up as a knight in a suit of armour as he posed with the 62-year-old brunette.

Dobson said: 'I am utterly distraught that Robin is laid up sick at home in bed, but hopefully he will be back on his feet soon.

Can you dance in that Brendan? The Kiwi dancer may struggle to tango in the armour

'I'm really excited at the prospect of dancing with Brendan though - it's a fantastic opportunity.'

Windsor lamented: 'I am devastated that I am unable to dance with Anita this week. I have amazing faith in Brendan to look after Anita and do a great job this coming weekend.

'I can’t wait to get my dancing shoes back on and get back to fighting for that glitterball trophy!'

Two Saturdays ago, Cole and Valance received a score of 34 for their rumba.

Ailing: Dobson performed with Windsor on Saturday's live show at Wembley Arena

He was partnered with the Australian singer/actress just a day after he and celebrity partner Lulu were voted off the series.

Cole added: 'I'm chuffed that both Artem and now Robin value and trust me enough to ask me to step in and help them with such an important job.

'I'm very excited to be working with Anita and hope to do her and Robin proud this week. I will be doing my utmost to get her through to next week.'

No doubt Dobson and Cole will be hoping to avoid ending up in the bottom two again after previously ending up in the position two weeks ago.

Strictly saviour: Cole danced with Holly Valance when her partner Artem was injured on November 12

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2064449/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Brendan-Cole-rescues-Anita-Dobson-Robin-Windsor-falls-ill.html#ixzz1eNxWX9GE