Strictly Come Dancing 2011 is hotting up and Harry Judd has replaced Jason Donovan as the favourite to win the BBC show
There is a new kid in town, as the Eagles wistfully once crooned. And talking of musical heavyweights - McFly drummer Harry Judd is our new Strictly favourite at 3.15 on
betfair. I was hoping for someone (or in the case of Nancy, something) to come out of the shadows and take on Jason. We had it last weekend, and it's very much game on.
The Juddmeister showed his class in the ballroom once again, picking up an impressive 35 point waltz. His timing is being honed to almost perfect, and Len was close to giving a top mark 10. The choreography went a bit awry with the whispering, a tactic which divided the judges and prompted an angry response from professional dancer James Jordan. Basically, it all kicked off.
However, he is a serious player. And unlike dear old Ringo Starr, a drummer with great rhythm.
Meanwhile Chelsee Healeywas a big mover with her quickstep. A smashing dance that gained top marks of the week with a 36. Her chemistry with partner Pasha is electric, and she is another contender to take on the market leaders.
My gut instinct about Jason Donovan's price after two weeks has proved correct. Strictly is notorious for throwing up dramatic improvers, and Donovan has drifted out to 3.5. His paso doble was slightly unsure, and lacked a bit of oomph. He gleaned only 27 points, and once again quoted: "It's been a tough week". His fifth straight usage of that catchy phrase.
And what of Lulu? Her samba reminded me of a night out in a London nightspot called 'Entice'. It was an interesting evening, and I found myself fascinated by the 66-year-old granny dancing to Prodigy's Firestarter. A feat never equalled nor ever repeated, despite her efforts to 'Dirty Cash' at around 2am. Lulu is full of beans and has great energy, but she might find herself in a bit of trouble this weekend - much like I could have been during that evening on the dancefloors of the capital.
The Saturday show is the dreaded Halloween week, my least favourite. Although luckily for Nancy Dell'Olio, she can arrive ready to go. The gorgeous Karen Hardy warned on Tuesday's SCDITT the importance of not falling into the costume trap and get the content right.
I thought Robbie Savagewas a goer in the top score market last weekend, although his jive was not bad, I was a bit disappointed he missed a couple of steps. However, the great thing with Savage is that he goes for it, and gives it his all. If Valance had his zip, she would be hitting 35s. The former footballer has the paso doble for the live show, and this could suit his style. It's the masculine bullfighter dance which needs a bit of machismo. He again is interesting at around 13.0 to be this week's top scorer.
And what about the cat with nine lives? Much to my delight, Nancy survived yet again, despite being backed at around evens for two consecutive weeks. She is 2.22 for the chop again, but as I have said before, she is the one selling the papers and the one who entertains the most. Dell'Olio was filmed down on the farm last week, wearing leather trousers and pink boots - no one else can do that. Apart from Russell Grant, maybe.
She is a more wild version of Ann Widdecombe and John Sargeant, and slightly more glamorous. But can we last one more week by laying her? If so, then Audley 3.2 and Lulu 5.8 are the contenders to go. And how pleased I am to see the excellent 'Bottom Two' markets up and running. Nancy is nailed on once again for the danger zone, but the public seem to vote for her. She has the rumba this Saturday, a dance famed for its sexy moves. Can she do it? Oh yes she can.
