TOWIE's appear in a fantasy world of giant cupcakes for Children In Need

How sweet! TOWIE's Lydia Bright is among the stars who appear in a fantasy world of giant cupcakes for Children In Need

By Marcus Barnes

Last updated at 9:44 AM on 3rd November 2011


Some of the country's more familiar female stars have banded together for a colourful campaign as part of this year's Children In Need.

Elen Rivas, Jo Whiley, Kristina Rihanoff, Gemma Atkinson, Alesha Dixon and Lydia Bright appear in a bright, bold fantasy world entitled The Land Of Cake Believe to aid the charity's forthcoming appeal.

The stars pose with large cakes, gingerbread men and lollipops for the special shoot.

A hole lot of fun: Lydia Bright parks her backside inside a doughnut in her shoot for Children In Need's Land Of Cake Belief campaign

Lydia Bright from The Only Way Is Essex poses in a tiny green spotted top with even smaller blue shorts, yellow sock and red heels - her backside sunk into a doughnut and gingerbread replicas of Pudsey Bear at her feet.

 

While Alesha Dixon sits on a swing made from a large candy cane, wearing a silky pink dress with matching heels that have cakes on the end of them.
Former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson perches herself on a giant cupcake pretending to eat a giant Smartie.

Smartie pants: Former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson puts a huge sweet to her mouth

She wears a glittering red and pink dress, her heels decorated with teddy bears.

Elen Rivas beams as she places a cherry on top of a cupcake in her shot - she wears a blue dress with cherries in her hair.

Kristina Rihanoff plays hostess, carrying her cake with hand - she's the only participant whose outfit is a perfect match for the cake she's posing with.

Highs and lows: Alesha Dixon plays on a swing while Elen Rivas ascends a mini ladder in their fantasy shoots

At your service: Kristina Rihanoff wears a dress that matches her cupcake

Jo Whiley plays it simple, opting to pretend to take a bite from her huge gingerbread Pudsey.

The ladies are helping to promote Children In Need's campaign to encourage the people of Britain to bake goodies and raise funds for this year's appeal.

Many of the sweets and treats in the shoot are giant versions of Asda’s Children in Need baking goodies.

Taking a bite: Jo Whiley goes for Pudsey's head in her shot

This year marks Asda’s eleventh year as BBC Children in Need’s fundraising partner, selling exclusive baking ingredients, Pudsey and Blush products, T-shirts and many more Pudsey goodies to help raise much needed funds.

Asda is aiming to raise a whopping £1.75million this year to support the appeal.

Meanwhile One Direction and Susan Boyle have recently been confirmed to perform at this year's Children In Need.

Model behaviour: Elen and Lydia model Children In Need items that are available from Asda

The X Factor group will open the appeal night programme with their new single Gotta Be You, while Miss Boyle will sing a track from her forthcoming album Someone To Watch Over Me.

They will be joined by JLS, Westlife and The Children in Need Collective, who will play this year's Children In Need single Teardrop.

The Collective includes Gary Barlow, Ed Sheeran, Ms Dynamite, Labrinth and Tulisa Contostavlos.

The show, which is broadcast live on BBC One on November 18, will also include appeal films from Kylie Minogue, Jessie J and Cheryl Cole and Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton and Alesha Dixon will be presenting.

Bags of appeal: Gemma Atkinson and Alesha Dixon also wear items on behalf of the charity

CHILDREN IN NEED VIDEO, BEHIND THE SCENES:

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Strictly sleazy! A pelvis-thrusting footballer, far too much cleavage on display, a knicker-flashing Nancy and threats to sue one of the judges

• Nancy Dell'Olio prepared to contact lawyers over Alesha Dixon's comments
• 'It's like a Christmas tree without the lights' says booted off celebrity

By Sara Nathan

Last updated at 12:11 PM on 2nd November 2011

Nancy Dell-Olio is seeking the advice of lawyers as she is looking for an apology for comments made about her on the BBC show

You might have thought you’d heard the last of Nancy Dell’Olio for a while after she was voted off Strictly Come Dancing.

But given her feisty reputation, she was never likely to go quietly.

She has launched a war of words with Alesha Dixon after the judge described her final performance as ‘unfeminine’.

Yesterday Miss Dell’Olio hit back by calling her ‘vulgar’.

And she has told friends she is prepared to contact lawyers in an effort to get an official apology from Miss Dixon and the BBC.

It comes after this year’s series was blighted by accusations of producers introducing ever more revealing costumes and vulgar routines in an attempt to chase ratings.

The BBC has received more than 300 complaints about ex-footballer Robbie Savage’s ‘Michael Jackson-style’ hip thrusts on Saturday’s show, which he directed at judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Many viewers have also complained about the plunging necklines and exposed flesh shown by contestants including One Show presenter Alex Jones, 34, and Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey, 23.

Miss Healey broke down in tears after her low-cut gown slipped when she lost her footing while dancing the tango with partner Pasha Kovalev.

And producers have been criticised for introducing a new camera which focuses on the contestants’ cleavages as they descend or mount the set’s stairs.

Miss Dell’Olio, 50, was widely mocked by the judges for her rumba with Anton Du Beke on this weekend’s Halloween special, in which she wore a revealing white and silver dress and flashed her underwear as she clambered out of a sequined coffin.

Nancy Dell'Olio and Anton Du Beke (left) toppled out of Strictly Come Dancing - and judge Alesha Dixon ripped their performance to shreds

Miss Dixon, 33, a former winner of the show, said of the performance: ‘Nancy, I think you are a sexy woman and you know how to work it but I have to be honest – you are a walking disaster.

‘Your legs are so far apart and that’s not very feminine. You both should have stayed in the coffin!’

On BBC Breakfast yesterday, Miss Dell’Olio said the show had been left bare without her, adding: ‘It’s like a Christmas tree without the lights.’

And referring to Miss Dixon, the only female judge on the Strictly panel, she said: ‘Some of the comments, especially when something comes from a woman to another woman, she has to think about it.

‘She was not elegant, she was a little bit vulgar. There is a fine line between entertainment and then unnecessary comments.’

Host Bruce Forsyth consoles Chelsee Healey left in tears after her dress breaks during her routine

Presenter Sian Williams then interjected: ‘Alesha did say you are very sexy…’ to which Miss Dell’Olio retorted: ‘Well everyone knows that, it’s quite evident.’

But she admitted: ‘If you do a show like this you can’t take anything personally, you have to take a risk for entertainment.’

Seemingly joking, she added: ‘I don’t think it was personal otherwise they would be having legal action immediately from my lawyers.’

Robbie Savage performed odd pelvic-thrusting on the show, much like Michael Jackson use to do

However last night a close friend told the Daily Mail: ‘Nancy was really hurt by Alesha’s comments.

‘The way she looks is, of course, a massive part of her personality.

‘She doesn’t mind her dancing being criticised, but she took Alesha’s remarks about her legs as a massive slap in the face.

'She felt it was really nasty to be trashed in front of millions of viewers and she wants an apology – and she’s talking to lawyers to find out the best way to get one.’

The friend added: ‘Anton is also appalled.’

Miss Dell’Olio had already been ogled by head judge Len Goodman when she danced the salsa in an earlier show, when he told her: ‘The most exciting part was when I took a crafty look up your skirt.’

Miss Dell’Olio’s spokesman said last night: ‘Nancy is now looking at her options as to how to get an apology from Alesha and the BBC.’

Yesterday Savage also hit back at criticism of his routine, writing on Twitter: ‘So some people thought it was inappropriate to do a Michael Jackson move at 7pm on a Saturday night to one of his songs! Why?’

Last night a BBC spokesman said: ‘The judges always look to give constructive criticism and this is often delivered with humour given that Strictly is an entertainment show. Alesha’s comments were not meant to cause any offence.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2056401/Strictly-Come-Dancy-Nancy-Dell-Olio-looks-Alesha-Dixon-apology.html#ixzz1cZXl8P1c

Holly Valance slips to second place on Strictly leader board as Jason Donovan triumphs for second week

'I'm not sexy!' Holly Valance fails to see what the male population does... but slips to second place on Strictly leader board as Jason Donovan triumphs for second week

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 1:05 AM on 9th October 2011


Despite claiming she 'doesn't feel sexy', Holly Valance sizzled on the dancefloor with her sexy Salsa on tonight's episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

The thrilling routine with partner Artem Chigvintsev earned her an impressive 30 out of 40; a two point improvement on her score last week, putting her into second place behind Jason Donovan.

Alesha Dixon, who celebrated her 33rd birthday yesterday, said: 'Please don't question if you are sexy or not. You are a goddess! Don't be afraid, just let go. You could be amazing.'

Girl of the moment: Holly Valance scored an impressive 30 out of 40 for her salsa with Artem Chigvinstev, but she's not convinced by her own sexuality

Hollywood sirens: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff conjured silver screen magic which catapulted them to the top of the leader board with 33 out of 40

She then rewarded her with an eight, as did Bruno Tonioli who also heaped praise on the actress.

He said: 'You are a stunner with a capital S. You're like a Formula car when you put her on the road, you need a few laps to get her going, but you've got plenty of mileage.'



Len Goodman, who offered a seven, joked that the duo looked as if they were working in a garage, saying: 'You flew through Artem's legs, then he flew through yours. It was like a mechanic checking for an oil leak.'

On fire: Chelsee Healey gave an electric performance, while Dan Lobb tried to impress with acrobats

Kristina Rihanoff nearly stole Jason Donovan's thunder as she dazzled in a scarlet dress looking every inch the Hollywood siren.
For the second week running, the former Neighbours star hit the top spot on the leader board with a superb 33 out of 40 - just one point more than his previous score of 32.

Giving her only nine of the evening, Alesha said: 'You are a real showman, you were in character before the music even started. It was a very seductive Foxtrot and you completely seduced me.'


The other three judges all gave Donovan eight points, with Bruno comparing it to the flair of silver screen film LA Confidential and Craig Revel Horwood calling it a 'classy, stylish, magnificent routine.'

Pretty in pink: Alex Jones looked stunning as she started her performance behind giant feathers

Despite the costume doing little to flatter her, Chelsee Healey, 23, still oozed sex appeal with her generous curves and wiggle in her hips.
Wearing white ruffled trousers and a sequined bodice which not-so-modestly covered her upper body, she kicked off proceedings to secured herself 29 out of 40.
While partner Pasha Kovalev criticised her for being 'easily distracted' in rehearsal, she nailed the high energy routine.
Len gave a seven, saying: 'I was little bit chilly around the willy, but you've warmed me up!

Criticised: Anita Dobson lit up the floor in a colourful dress, but Craig Revel Horwood said she looked like 'Bonnie Langford being chased by a barking Dalmation'

'Your hair was flapping around and your trousers, it was almost too full on. You've got to take it a little bit calmer.'
Alesha agreed it was 'fun, flirty and fearless', adding: 'That beginning section was so impressive and I have to commend you for the lifts, they were daring. Overall for me it was brilliant.'
But Bruno Tonioli got straight to the point, saying: 'You have the energy of a wild kitten. Every Tom, Dick and Harrry are very hot under the collar. You put everything you go into it.'

Cheer up, love: Harry Judd was supported by bandmates Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter in the audience, but looked incredibly serious throughout his routine

Edwina Currie was criticised for not doing enough dancing with Vincent Simone, picking up 19 points.
Len said too much of their Foxtrot was spent 'messing around', as the majority of their routine involved galavanting around a restaurant mock-up and serenading each other at the table cloth.

Audley Harrison, however, was praised for his Salsa efforts with Natalie Lowe, gaining a score of 23.

Alesha said :'You lit up the room and put a smile on everybody's face. You're enjoying it and that's what the Salsa is all about.'

Sizzling: Rory Bremner and Erin Boag danced a fiery Salsa, with Len Goodman crediting the comedian for his efforts

Bruno however wasn't entirely sure, adding: 'It looked more like a disco night down the local, but the energy was great.'
Alex Jones was just one point behind Holly, scoring 29 following her Foxtrot with James Jordan.

She looked ravishing in a pink ankle-length frock, signing off the routine by sitting on Bruno's lap.
He awarded her a high eight, saying: 'I had no idea you were such a glamourpuss, like a young Joan Collins.'

Craig and Len both agreed she was much better than last week, while Alesha told The One Show star she was 'understated and charming'.

Taking the easy way out: Edwina Currie was ordered to do more dancing after frolicking around a dinner table while gazing into Vincent Simone's eyes

Dan Lobb and Katya Virshilas had oodles of chemistry as they took to the floor for their Salsa, but scored a meagre 21.

Opened the routing with a front handsrping, Dan donned an baby pink bowtie that co-ordinated with his partner's outfit; but the acrobats did not go down well with the panel.

Craig offered a lowly four, quipping: 'It was unattractive getting in and out of lifts.'

But Len was more positive, adding: 'This is the one dance that will least suit you, and if that's going to be your worst dance then you've got a long way to go.'

Stunning: Natalie Lowe stole Audley Harrison's thunder as she took to the stage in a white dress and a cheeky smile

Bruno, however, said: 'Mr Lobb, it rhymes with Bob. You were like Bob The Builder, you were swinging her around like a bag of cement. Good effort but not a good result.'
Lulu and Brendan Cole gave an elegant Foxtrot to The Script's weepy Falling To Pieces, scoring 25.





Alesha thought it was 'atmospheric', while Bruno said: 'You played it with the emotional fragility of a teenager in love whose heart is about to be broken. It needs polish but you can dance if you want to.'

Comedian Rory Bremner and Erin Boag scored 22 for their Salsa, with Craig slating it: 'It was like a rat caught in a sticky strip.'
Len defended him however, telling Craig: 'Now you know how I feel sitting next to you every week.'

Elegant: Despite her 62 years, Lulu was told she looked like a teenager as she danced to The Script's tearjerker Falling To Pieces

He added: 'This is not a natural dance for an Englishman in his fifties, having said that it had high energy and you gave it a go, and that's what you got to do in the Salsa.'
Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan scored 29 for their Foxtrot, with Len saying: 'You little beauty! The more you give, the more marks you get and you're giving plenty and you're going to get plenty.'


Bruno adored it, saying: 'Robbie Savage has gone to Hollywood; teeth like piano keys. What a transformation.'



Looking a little garish in her multi-coloured outfit, Anita Dobson had support from husband Brian May in the audience.

Umbrella, ella, ella: Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan spiced up the Foxtrot using a prop and had clearly improved on last week

Partner Robin Windsor scooped her on his shoulder as if she was a teenager which grew smirks from the judges - apart from Craig - and earned them 28.
While Alesha grinned, saying: 'You put us all in the mood for cocktail!', miserly Craig said: 'It was like Bonnie Langford being chased by a barking Dalmation.'



Nancy Dell'Olio stepped onto the judging table, before Anton du Beke picked her up and proceeded to throw her around despite her sprained ankle.
She marginally improved from her abysmal score of 12 last week, with a not-so-splendid 14.

Dancing Queen: Russell Grant ended the show on a high with his final performance causing hysterics as he danced to Abba with a feather boa

Bruno said: 'Have you had any champagne? It looks like you've have two gallons. I think you broke records how many times someone went wrong, but you did it with glamour!'



Alesha disagreed, giving her a shabby two points, while Len confessed to looking up her dress.
Harry Judd, who scored 27, was supported by McFly bandmates Dougie Poynter and Tom Fletcher in the audience, but barely managed a smile.



Alesha advised him: 'I think you move brilliantly and let's be honest, you're one of the best dancers in this competition, but because of that, the judges are harder.'

Must try harder: While she improved on last week's lowly 12 out of 40, Nancy Dell'Olio only increased her score by two points to 14

Russell Grant and Flavia Cacace put on a decadently camp routine to Abba's Dancing Queen to finish of the programme.
The 60-year-old astrologer pranced around with a pink feather boa for most of it to earn 25 points.
His accessory poked fun at Nancy's efforts last week when she tripped up over boa on live TV.
Alesha said: 'You are adorable and you are cleary having the time of your life. You light up the room.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2046853/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Holly-Valance-fails-male-population-does-slips-second-place-leader-board-Jason-Donovan-triumphs-second-week.html#ixzz1aIUnf3iD

Do It Like A Goth: Jessie J goes to the dark side as she scoops four prizes at the MOBO Awards

By Emily Sheridan and Marcus Barnes

Last updated at 10:44 PM on 5th October 2011


The MOBO Awards are the biggest night of the year for the urban music scene.

But nominee Jessie J's risqué Goth outfit looked better suited to a metal ceremony as she made a dramatic entrance at the Glasgow ceremony tonight.

The 23-year-old singer looked striking with her short bob replaced with tumbling dark curls and lashings of red lipstick as she posed on the red carpet outside the SECC.

Going Goth: Singer Jessie J makes a dramatic entrance in a transparent lace dress at the MOBO Awards at Glasgow's SECC

We can see your pants! The delicate dress featured a cut-out back and sheer lace panels around the bottom and arms

After being nominated in five categories, Jessie J ended up being the big winner of the night, taking home Best Newcomer, Best UK Act, Best Album for Who You Are and Best Song for Do It Like A Dude.

The night marked Jessie J's first event without her cast, which she had been wearing since she ruptured several tendons in her foot earlier this year.

Accepting the Best Single award, Jessie J said: 'If you hear Do It Like A Dude at the party afterwards, do me a favour and get your d**ks out for me.'

Big winner: Jessie J took home four awards, including Best Album (pictured) for Who You Are

For her performance, Jessie changed out of her floor-length gown into her usual stage ensemble or shorts and a cropped top.

Rapper Tinchy Stryder also had a successful night, picking up Best Hip-hop Act and Best Video for his duet with Dappy, Spaceship.

Teen singer Dionne Bromfield performed a moving tribute to her late godmother Amy Winehouse, singing Love Is A Losing Game against a backdrop of a video montage of the tragic star.

Colourful: TV presenter Myleene Klass went for a garish strapless dress, while former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan went for tight-fitting mini

Hosts with the most: The star-studded ceremony was hosted by American R&B singer Jason Derulo and Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon

Jessie J's former Brit School classmate Adele, who didn't attend, was named Best R&B/Soul Act, while Rihanna missed out on accepting her Best International Artist accolade.
Kanya King, founder of Mobo, said: 'It's been a great event that has welcomed some exciting new award winners to the Mobo roll of honour including the global superstar Adele, the UK's hot talent Tinchy Stryder and of course the fantastic Jessie J walking away with four awards.'
As expected, there was plenty of glamour at the ceremony, with female celebrities flashing plenty of flesh despite the chilly 13C temperatures.

Braving the chill: Rapper Ms Dynamite wore an eclectic monochrome Romero Bryan T-shirt dress, while Katy B wore a blue jumpsuit

All grown up: Teenage jazz singer Dionne Bromfield arrived in a colourful top and mini, before changing into a glamorous black mullet dress for her performance

Tribute: Bromfield sang Amy Winehouse's Love Is A Losing Game in tribute to the singer, who died in July

TV presenter Myleene Klass was going for a rockier look than normal in a shiny animal-print strapless number.
After arriving in the Scottish city, Klass complained the bad weather was ruining her hair: 'The heavens have opened! Red carpet's awash with fake tan and my hair is frizzing. Women of Glasgow, how do you do it?'
Teen singer Dionne Bromfield opted for a colourful top and blue mini skirt, before changing into a black mullet-style gown for her performance.
Brit chart newcomer Yasmin looked striking in a plunging monochrome dress by Julien Macdonald.

Glamour girls: (L-R) Model Jourdan Dunn looked statuesque in a sparkly nude gown, chart newcomer Yasmin looked stunning in Julien McDonald, while American singer Alexis Jordan wore a LBD

Meanwhile, rapper Ms Dynamite went for an eclectic monochrome number by Romero Bryan.
The annual MOBOs - which stands for Music Of Black Origin - is being held in Glasgow for the first time.
Tonight's ceremony is being hosted by Alicia Dixon and American singer Jason Derulo.
Watch the MOBOs tonight on BBC3 at 10pm.

Back in the day: Nineties R&B group Boyz II Men (L-R) Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wayne Morris received an Outstanding Contribution To Music honour

Dapper: Double award winner Tinchy Stryder looked smart in a black suit (left) while rapper Professor Green arrived with newcomer Emeli Sande

Mobbed: Aston Merrygold (left) and Marvin Humes from JLS caused a frenzy on the red carpet, with security stepping in to calm down the over-zealous teens

Winners of the MOBO Awards 2011

Best Song: Jessie J - Do It Like A Dude

Best Album: Jessie J - Who You Are

Best Video: Tinchy Stryder and Dappy - Spaceship

Best International Act: Rihanna

Best R&B/Soul Act: Adele

Best Hip-Hop Act: Tinchy Stryder

Best UK Act: Jessie J

Best Newcomer: Jessie J

Outstanding Contribution To Music: Boyz II Men

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2045724/MOBO-Awards-2011-Jessie-J-comes-Morticia-goes-dark-side.html#ixzz1Zwu4E4hx

Waterloo Road's Chelsee Healey leads the ladies with most revealing outfit of Strictly Come Dancing - saying she is 'single and ready to mingle'

Lock up your sons: Waterloo Road's Chelsee Healey leads the ladies with most revealing outfit of Strictly Come Dancing - saying she is 'single and ready to mingle'

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 6:23 PM on 11th September 2011

Twinkle toes and jazz hands at the ready, Strictly Come Dancing 2011 launched tonight with more glitz and glamour than a night at the star-studded Oscars.

And Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey will certainly have left male viewers across the nation blushing with her incredibly daring outfit.

The 23-year-old showed off her feminine curves and generous bust in a two piece turquoise costume that left little to the imagination.

Strictly Come Undressing: Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey stole the show in her revealing outfit on the launch of series nine of Strictly Come Dancing 2011

Sex kitten: Chelsee looked nervous before she was paired with Pasha Kovalev, but he grinned leading her away

The young star obviously has other intentions for appearing on the show other than to win, declaring: 'I am single, and ready to mingle... it's a treat to be paired up with a hunky dancer.'

She then looked elated as it was announced she would be competing with this year’s only new professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, 31, who replaces Jared Murillo.


Early sparks also seemed to fly with former Premiership star Robbie Savage and his partner Ola Jordan - despite both of them being married.

When host Bruce Forsyth said, 'Who's a lucky guy?' Ola quipped, 'Who's a lucky girl!'

Flirting? Ola Jordan came over all coy during Robbie Savage pairing, saying her husband would be jealous

Blondes have more fun: Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan looked elated to be teamed together

The 28-year-old, who is the wife of co-star and professional dancer James Jordan, added: 'My husband's going to be so jealous.'

Although she may change her mind soon, with the blond hunk revealing: 'People call me the Marmite man, you either love me or hate me.'

The 6ft 1in sportsman also said his greatest loves are 'my hair and teeth'.

(Mc)Flying solo: Harry Judd was doubled up with his very own Ariel mermaid lookalike Aliona Vilani

Hostess with the mostess: Tess illuminated the screen in canary yellow, interviewing the stars backstage

Ola previously triumphed in series seven, partnering with BBC Breakfast's Chris Hollins to beat Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe to the 2009 title.

McFly drummer Harry Judd looked a little flustered as he was paired with Aliona Vilani, but greeted her with two hugs as bandmate Tom Fletcher watched on enviably from the audience.

Nervous: New contestants looked anxious before the pairings were announced

Familiar faces: Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli return

The One Show host Alex Jones doubled up with James Jordan, but Edwina Currie stole her moment as she wandered over to Kara Tointon's other half Artem Chigvintsev to throw her arms around him.

Sadly for the former MP, she was later paired with Vincent Simone instead while Holly Valance won the hand of Artem.

The Australian beauty joked she still has the figure to rock her former Neighbours costume, in which she played school girl Flick.

She said: 'I still rock that uniform... actually, I don't think it will fit. I might get one leg in.'

Everybody needs good Neighbours: Holly Valance dazzled in a silver dress as she waved to the crowd

Twinkle toes: Anita Dobson beamed with delight as she threw her arms around Robin Windsor

Anita Dobson, former EastEnder and wife of Queen guitarist Brian May, joined forces with Robin Windsor, while singer Lulu burst into giggles as Brendan Cole flipped her over his shoulder and swept her away.

Kristina Rihanoff could barely contain her excitement when she landed Jason Donovan, and Erin Boag clasped her hands and said 'thank you' to the heavens as she was partnered with comedian Rory Bremner.

Astrologer Russell Grant, who lost ten stone in weight to take part in the BBC One show, was rewarded for his efforts with Flavia Cacace.

Defying her years: Despite being 62, Lulu impressed partner Brendan Cole as he whisked her away

Sophisticated: Alex Jones added a touch of class to the ladies line-up

While Nancy Dell'Olio, who not-so-modestly stated, 'After Sophia Loren, I am the most famous Italian in the UK,' was teamed with Anton du Beke.

Daybreak presenter Dan Lobb was paired with Katya Virshilas and Olympics boxer Audley Harrison grinned as he embraced Natalie Lowe.

Match made in heaven: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff were over the moon to be teamed together

Power vocals: Dolly Parton provided entertainment with her song Together You And I from her new album

Judge Alesha Dixon said: 'They'll be scared! Petrified! Nervous! You just want to get the first dance out of the way and blow away the cobwebs.'

Fellow panellist Bruno Toniolo added: 'This is the most tasty pick 'n' mix I've ever seen. Have fun guys and make it a great show.'

All right on the night: Host Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly kicked off proceedings for the ninth series

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2035975/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Waterloo-Roads-Chelsee-Healey-wears-revealing-outfit.html#ixzz1XgqRwHkq