Is this the next American Idol winner? Lauren Alaina, 15, emerges as frontrunner after incredible audition

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

You're through: Lauren Alaina wowed the judges with her rendition of Faith Hill's Like We Never Loved At All in last night's American Idol


American Idol contestant Lauren Alaina created something of a buzz in last night's show with her emotional performance - setting her up as a frontrunner to win the show.

The 15-year-old blew the judges away with her stunning performance of Faith Hill's Like We Never Loved At All, with Jennifer Lopez dissolving into tears afterwards.

Already she is being compared to country singer Carrie Underwood on chat forums and blogs. Underwood won six years ago and is the most successful act to have come out of the talent show to date.


Emotional: Jennifer Lopez dissolved into tears after the performance, seen here with Randy Jackson


Lauren, from Georgia, dedicated her performance to her cancer-survivor cousin Holly, who joined her, as she stunned the panel at the Nashville auditions which were screened in the U.S. last night in the second part of this week's shows.

Afterwards, Steven Tyler remarked that he believed they had found 'the one'.

Following her audition piece, Lauren performed Don't Want To Miss a Thing with a little help from Aerosmith's Tyler, having ushered her family in to watch.


Potential: The 15-year-old from Georgia is already being compared to former Idol winner Carrie Underwood


Audition support: Seen here with cousin Holly, who beat cancer and inspired Lauren's performance


Randy Jackson told her: 'Best we've seen today ... I'm blown away.'

'I think you should cry,' Tyler added as Lauren began to get tearful, promoting J.LO to well up.

'You're going to make 40 million people cry tears of joy, baby,' Tyler finished, while somewhat exaggerating Idol's 20million-something viewing figures.

Kicking off proceedings last night was Christine McCaffrey, who entered the audition room singing abysmally.


Family time: Lauren's family joined her in the audition room and she then performed a duet with Steven Tyler on Don't Want To Miss A Thing


'You should do voice overs for cartoons,' Randy Jackson told her.

As she left the audition room she said: 'I got one yes and two nos,' mistakenly thinking Tyler had said yes when in fact he had given her a no.

Nashville ex couple Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks sing a Bee Gees song with their tuneful audition seeing them through to Hollywood week.


Talent: Miss Teen USA 2009 Stormi Henley managed to impress the male judges - but not Lopez - however she just managed to scrape through to Hollywood Week


Making an impression: Nashville ex couple Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks sing a Bee Gees song with their tuneful audition seeing them through to the next round


Miss Teen USA 2009 Stormi Henley was up next and managed to impress the male judges - but not Lopez.

Lacking the pizazz in the voice department, J.LO tells her: 'The voice is not strong enough,' before giving her a no vote.

Steven and Randy say yes, however, promoting Lopez to say afterwards: 'Seriously you two? That may be the smallest voice we’ve ever heard!'


Given a chance: Country boy Matt Dillard was sent through with a cautious yes from Randy and Steven Tyler, but a no from J.LO who said his audition was not good enough


A confident Latoya 'Younique' Moore was in for a shock when she was sent packing by the judges, despite turning up with one of her CDs in hand.

'They see a glow about me,' she said. But her nasal sound did not go down well with the panel.

'Your sound, your tone is not good. It’s like annoying,' Randy said. She left the audition room singing


Deluded: Recording artist Latoya 'Younique' Moore, seen with host Ryan Seacrest, was expecting to go far... but didn't and was sent packing


'Still no,' Randy added.

Country boy Matt Dillard managed to scape through, performing a Josh Grobin track.

'You need to have a better audition,' Jennifer told him, giving him a no. Randy gives him a 'small yes', adding that he is concerned he might get 'swallowed up in the process', as does Tyler.


Calling the shots: The panel were in Nashville searching out talent for the second of this week's shows





source: dailymail [endtext]

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Nice tramp stamp Cheryl! Ms Cole shows off her new tattoo in a backless dress at the NTAs as she masks disappointment over missing out on US X Factor

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By SARAH BULL

Front and back: Cheryl Cole appeared to have chosen her black dress specifically with the intention of showing off the huge tattoo across her lower back at the National Television Awards


- She put on a brave face after discovering she is unlikely to be offered a role on American X Factor

- But smiles all round as X Factor takes home Best Talent Show award


She's the nation's sweetheart who delighted fans with a variety of sexy and fashionable outfits during the last series of The X Factor.

But tonight at the National Television Awards, it seemed Cheryl Cole chose her outfit just to show off the huge new tattoo sprawling across her lower back.

Wearing a black Versace dress which looked sleek from the front, but featured a strap design on the back, the inking of a large butterfly and tribal design could clearly be seen.

Cheryl, a huge fan of adding various tattoo designs across her body, seemed eager to display the tattoo, which appeared to be slightly smudged at the bottom.


Inking: The design featured a butterfly and tribal detailing


It is thought Cheryl had the new inking in November, when she was spotted arriving at the X Factor TV studios wearing a cropped jacket which gave fans a glimpse of the design.

Cheryl put on a brave face at the ceremony despite having recently discovered she is likely not to be offered a role on the judging panel of the American X Factor.

The ambitious singer thought she was a certainty for a judge’s chair, but TV bosses across the Atlantic now doubt that she is ‘famous enough’.

It has been reported that the 27-year-old’s rivals for the chair include superstars Rihanna and Katy Perry.


Success: Cheryl joins Simon Cowell and X Factor winner Matt Cardle, as well as host Dermot O'Leary, to collect the talent show award


Cheryl has five other known tattoos - her much-copied hand design, barbed wire around her right upper thigh, a large butterfly design on her back, as well as one on the left side of her bottom and 'Mrs C' on her neck - something she is said to be keen to remove.

Cheryl’s right thigh barbed wire marking first appeared when she started dating her footballer ex-husband Ashley Cole, closely followed by the Polynesian tribal sign that adorns the side of her right hand.

When the star married the Chelsea and England footballer and changed her name from Tweedy to Cole, she quickly took the opportunity to brand the new surname on the back of her neck.


Three's a crowd? Cheryl sits alongside Simon and his fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy at the ceremony


She was then known as Mrs C, according to the tattoo, and has decided to keep it despite breaking up with Ashley.

Then came her first lower back design, which again resembled some kind of tribal marking, but the singer has always been tight lipped on the meanings behind the tattoos.

While performing on stage last year, the singer then shocked fans with another tattoo right on one of her bottom cheeks, which she had previously kept hidden.

And, in October, the vine-inspired design appeared on her upper thigh at her wax museum unveiling.





Matt Cardle - When We Collide (National Television Awards 2011)



Stacey Solomon & Shaun Ryder - National Television Awards 2011



National Television Awards 2011 More Red Carpet



Doctor Who National Television Awards 2011 Intro



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Cheryl gets the Cole shoulder in U.S. as Simon Cowell is set to miss new series of X Factor

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On the rocks: Both Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell are facing X Factor strife


Cheryl Cole’s hopes of conquering America have been struck a huge blow.

The ambitious singer thought she was a certainty for a judge’s chair on the American X Factor, but TV bosses across the Atlantic now doubt that she is ‘famous enough’.

It has been reported that the 27-year-old’s rivals for the chair include superstars Rihanna and Katy Perry.

A source close to Miss Cole, who has been househunting in LA, said: ‘It was thought the American job was a done deal but it seems the U.S. executives have had a last-minute change of heart.

'They are now questioning whether she’s famous enough in America.’
According to the source, Simon Cowell is doing ‘everything in his power’ to persuade U.S. bosses that Miss Cole is the right choice to sit alongside him.

Miss Cole’s setback emerged as Cowell, 51, was locked in his own X Factor battle.
The Daily Mail has learned he will miss the majority of the new series of the British X Factor, forcing frantic ITV chiefs into a fight to keep their biggest star.

The network has even offered to pay for a private jet to whisk him across the Atlantic every week.

Cowell was made the offer after he told ITV he would join the talent show for only the live shows and miss the auditions because he will be launching the American X Factor.

A source said: ‘Simon’s biggest priority is the U.S. X Factor at the moment – he has got a lot to prove and he has to make it a hit.’
Cheryl herself admitted last year she wasn't quite sure if Americans would know who she is.

She said on Radio 1's Live Lounge: 'They don't know me out there and I've got this weird accent. I love the thought of it and would love to do it.


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As Coronation Street's Leanne has her wedding blessing to Peter Barlow, will love rival Carla ruin her big day?

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Devastation: Carla Connor (Alison King) is comforted by Maria (Samia Smith) as Leanne's wedding blessing goes ahead


It wouldn't be a soap wedding if there wasn't at least one guest left in tears on the big day.

And true to form, one character in Coronation Street becomes very upset as Peter and Leanne Barlow have their marriage blessed.

New pictures from the filming of the dramatic scenes show Carla - played by Alison King - being comforted by Maria (Samia Smith) during the couple's big day.


Here comes the bride: Actress Jane Danson offered a glimpse of Leanne's wedding outfit between scenes - but it's set to be a dramatic day for her character


And fans are in for another treat with a glimpse of the bride, as Leanne (played by Jane Danson) was spotted on set with a white bathrobe on over what looked like a wedding gown.

Given recent storylines, it would come as no surprise to see Carla having such an emotional response to the events unfolding in Weatherfield.

The character has recently developed feelings for Peter Barlow after he helped her in her fight against alcoholism.


He previously rebuffed her advances, but she confessed to Leanne how she felt about her fiancee, after she has married him at his bedside following the recent devastating tram crash.


However Carla was secretly delighted when, prior to marrying Peter, Leanne confided in her that she was having an affair with her ex-husband Nick Tilsley.

Whether or not Carla has told Peter is unclear but it soon transpires that he knows all about his wife's fling - and that it is his motive for organising the wedding blessing.


The wedding guests: Anne Kirkbride (Deirdre), Kate Ford (Tracy) and Shobna Gulati (Sunita) are all set to share in Leanne's big day


Wrapping up: Samia Smith donned a warm coat and boots between scenes while Allison King kept the cold at bay with a blanket


Peter - who was seen in scenes last week hobbling along on crutches, having sustained serious injuries in the tram crash - has planned the blessing solely to humiliate Leanne after finding out about her infidelity.

Reports suggest that after he has exposed her affair to the guests, he will seek out Nick Tilsley - played by Ben Price - and subject him to a vicious attack with an iron bar, claiming he has 'nothing to lose'.

Viewers will be left in suspense as to whether Nick survives the assault after being left for dead.


Keeping warm: William Roache - aka Ken Barlow, and Anne Kirkbride (Deirdre Barlow) sipped hot drinks as they relaxed between takes


Peter and Leanne married shortly after Peter was injured in the now infamous Coronation Street tram crash.

Desperate to wed her beloved whether or not he survived, Leanne called a vicar into the hospital to conduct the ceremony while Peter lay dying in his hospital bed.

The wedding scenes, which featured in the live Coronation Street episode to celebrate the soap's 50th anniversary, garnered critical acclaim for the actors involved - specifically Danson.


The big day: But Peter Barlow (centre, played by Chris Gascoyne, centre) has organised the blessing only to expose Leanne's affair with Nick Tilsley


The cast singled her out for acclaim after they conducted a poll amongst themselves after filming the episode to find out who they thought the best live actor was.

A source revealed: 'Everyone put their nomination in a box and they could not vote for themselves. Jane won hands down.

'She's a smashing girl and a really strong actress. But they all performed well. Nobody let the side down at all.'

The wedding blessing scenes are scheduled to feature on the soap next month to coincide with Valentine's Day.

source: dailymail [endtext]

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Former Coronation Street butcher Steven Arnold gets the chop from Dancing On Ice

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By JODY THOMPSON

Not enough: Steven danced to DeBarge's Rhythm Of The Night with partner Nina Ulanova - but it wasn't enough to keep them in the competition


Former Coronation Street star Steven Arnold skated off Dancing On Ice last night after getting the lowest votes from both the judges and the public.

The 36-year-old soap favourite - who played Fred Elliot's son, squeaky-voiced butcher Ashley Peacock - was scored just seven out of a possible 30 by the judges for his routine.

He found himself at the bottom of the leader board out of the total 12 competing celebrities - and after the public vote, found himself in the bottom two, alongside former cricketer Dominic Cork.


Point of order: Steven tried a lift but it didn't land him enough votes from the judges or the public


But after one more turn around the rink, judges Jason Gardiner, Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins unanimously sent him home - and Dominic was safe for another week.

Magnanimous in his defeat, Steven told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby - who looked stunning in a white pleated Grecian-style frock - that he'd loved his time on the show.


On your marks: Co-host Holly Willoughby and judges Jason Gardiner, Robin Cousins and Emma Bunton just before the skate off between Steven and cricketer Dominic Cork


However, he did answer accusations that he'd not shown enough commitment when it had come to rehearsals, due to his role in pantomime over Christmas, as Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk in Southsea.

He said: 'I've put my heart and soul into this. And I just want to say that (Russian skating partner) Nina (Ulanova) has been like a big sister, so thank you very much.'


Unlucky seven: Steven and Nina only scored seven out of a maximum 30 from the judges - and the public vote couldn't save them


Steven's character Ashley was killed off in the Weatherfield tram crash of last month after 15 years on the cobbles.

Earlier, judge Jason Gardiner had suggested that he was as big as disaster on the ice as the tram had been on the Street.

Just before awarding Steven a crushing two points he said: ' You're a natural -disaster. It's like watching someone who's had one to many at a tacky awful seaside resort. Are you going to take this competition seriously?

But Steven bit back, saying:' I am absolutely taking this competition seriously! I've not got the natural ability but I'm giving it my all.'


Moment of truth: The 12 celebrities and their partners lining up to find out from host Phillip Schofield who had ended up in the bottom two - and the dreaded skate off


However, it was too little too late.

It was the first time in this year's series of the show that the judges' votes had influence over who stayed or went - and Steven was the first victim.

The last two weeks were purely down to the public vote - and there were double evictions each time.

First to skate off into the sunset were Angela Rippon and Nadia Sawalha, followed by Elen Rivas and Craig McLachlan.


All smiles: Sam has landed the highest score of the show two weeks in a row now


Top of the leaderboard after last night's show however was former EastEnders star Sam Attwater, 24, who scored a whopping 25 out of 30 - and even left acid-tongued judge Jason lost for words, something he didn't have a problem with for the rest of the show.

Emma Bunton - who announced live on the show that she had just got engaged to long-term partner Jade Jones - described Sam as 'a joy to watch.'

Meanwhile, judge Robin said of their routine to One Republic's Stop And Stare, which included an impressive lift: ' It is incredble to see the power and control you have. Can't wait to see how you're going to stretch yourself. That was a semi-final performance, I can't believe we're seeing this so soon.'


Thrilled: The pair were chuffed to bits with their high score which kept them safe in the competition for another week


Children's TV presenter Laura Hamilton, 28, meanwhile shocked herself when she found herself second in the leaderboard after an impressive turn around the rink to Kylie Minogue's All The Lovers with her partner Colin.

However, the Nickolodeon star fell foul of judge Jason who accused her of having short fat legs, saying: 'Your legs are rather stumpy so you have to point your foot.'

A horrified Holly interjected: 'How can you say she's got stumpy legs? She's got beautiful legs!'

And Emma butted in saying: 'I adore watching you! Once your confidence comes, I think it could just be brilliant.'

In fact, Dancing On Ice's resident coach Karen Barber blasted Jason for his personal comments on the show after he branded Jeff Brazier as skating as if he was 'missing a couple of chromosomes.'

Karen raged: 'It doesn't have to be personal. You get very offensive and you don't need to do that. Nerves have been really bad this week. They know they can do their routines better. But your comments don't have to be so hurtful.'


All smiles: Jennifer seemed delighted with her score - and her hunky partner


There was a frisson of excitement around the rink however when Jennifer Metcalfe and her partner Sylvain Longchambon took to the ice just a day after they confessed the romantic moves on the show had transferred into real life.

Hollyoaks star Jen had also suffered a disaster during training in the week, where a skate gouged a hole in her leg, requiring stitches.

The Bradford-born beauty, 27, powered through the pain however and with her man beside her, landed a joint second mark of 19.5 after a complicated routine to Katy Perry's California Gurls.

Afterwards, a grinning Jen told Holly and Phillip: 'That felt amazing! This is more like it!'


Relief: Chloe said she had been 'petrified' of the move as she spoke afterwards to host Phillip and coaches Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean


Chloe Madeley, 23, meanwhile was watched by her mother Judy Finnegan, who was sat in the audience cheering her daughter along.

She was attempting the dangerous frog lift where she would be standing on partner Michael Zenezini's thighs - one that Sinitta had failed at on last year's show. Film of presenter and model Chloe in training showed that she was terrified, though she insisted: 'I can't let the fear take over.'

But it was alright on the night and skating to Miley Cyrus's version of The Climb, she managed to pull it off and managed to score 19 points - three higher than last week.

However, again, Jason chipped in with a personal comment, criticising her for sticking her bottom out as she skated:

He sniped: 'You had what I call a babboon bum, as it was sticking out. It was unsightly and in your face.'

But rounding up the scoring Phillip Schofield chipped in with: 'You have a lovely bum by the way.'


Middling: The pair were given a very average mark considering the highs and lows of the leaderboard


Vanilla Ice had a good week, dancing to Minnie The Moocher and landing a respectable 16. The rapper donned a sparkly top hat and tails for his jazz-style routine.

Afterwards, he said: 'Jason said he wanted to see me out of my element and he got it tonight. It was just awsome.'

Kerry Katona, 30, however put in a resolutely mid-table performance last night dancing to Aretha Franklin's Respect with partner Daniel Whiston.

Though she received positive comments from all the judges, they had negatives too and her score remained exactly the same last week, showing a lack of progress.

But her partner Daniel was full of praise. He revealed: 'I have absolute respect for Kerry. She kept going even though she thought her boobs had fallen out at one point.'


Foiled again: Denise Welch was trussed up like a turkey in her Abba-style gold lycra catsuit but failed to cook up a decent score


Second from last at the bottom of the table however was Denise Welsh, 52, who failed to impress with her routine to Abba's Gimme Gimme Gimme while dressed in an awful skintight gold catsuit.

After last week being told that she skated like partner Matt Evers's mother, this week, Jason bitched: 'It should have been so much more camp than just your costume.'

However, Denise did feel she had let herself down after 'having a senior moment' in the middle of her steps.


Shock: Comedy Dave Vitty (R) and partner Frankie Poultney (C) were shocked to be put through to next week's show after their low marks


Survivor: Johnson Beharry made it through his routine despite a broken finger


Despite being arguably the most wooden on the rink, Radio 1's 'Comedy' Dave Vitty, 36, survived for another week, despite having as confessed, a 'Weeble wobble.'

Jason seemed to surprise himself with his reaction as he said: 'Dave, you can't dance, you can't perform and you can;t find a beat. But I can't stop looking at you.

I find you entertaining and I don't know why I like watching you as technically, it's a disaster.'


Pointing the finger: Some viewers felt that Jeff Brazier was having a gay jibe at judge Jason Gardiner after his routine, which he has strenuously denied


Military veteran Johnson Beharry, 31, meanwhile bravely battled on despite broken finger scoring 13, and Jeff Brazier, 31, made it through to another week despite getting a disappointing 11 despite spinning around the rink to I Want You Back by The Jackson 5.

There were also fears that he was making a gay jibe at Jason beforehand when he said: 'I want to say JG, before he rains on my parade, the boys are in the audience over there. They are experts in group insemination, I mean group interrogation, so just watch out.'

But Jeff's PR Sean O'Brien said the comments were not meant to be homophobic. He said: 'Jeff gets his words wrong sometimes, it was not on purpose'





Comedy Dave dancing on ice - Week Two



Dancing On Ice Week 1 Laura Hamilton



Dancing On Ice Week 1 Chloe Madeley



Dancing On Ice Week 1 Vanilla Ice



Dancing On Ice Week 1 Sam Attwater



source: dailymail [endtext]

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Simon Cowell tells Oprah of the day he was kicked out of a US TV network after bosses dismisses American Idol pitch

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By LARA GOULD

Exit Factor: Simon Cowell tells Oprah of the moment he was kicked out of a US TV network after a failed American Idol pitch


He's the most powerful man in TV and poised to launch a £150 million version of X Factor in America to a predicted 30 million viewers.

But life wasn’t always so rosy for Simon Cowell, who has revealed he was once thrown out of a meeting with US television executives after pitching the format for Pop Idol, his first reality series.

The show, a precursor to X Factor, became an overnight hit when it aired on ITV in 2001.

So encouraged by its success, Cowell and his then-business partners Simon Fuller and Simon Jones flew to Los Angeles to sell the format.

But the 51-year-old mogul has confessed to Oprah Winfrey on her Master Class show, which will screen in America tonight, that he left the US with ‘my tail between my legs’.

Recalling one meeting with a senior executive from an unnamed network, Cowell said: ‘It was so bad that a minute into the pitch the guy said, “No.”



Embarrassed: Simon confessed to Oprah that he was left waiting outside the building after he forgot to hire a car


Wind up: Simon refused to be silenced and couldn't resist cracking a joke at the TV executive who shunned the American Idol pitch


To wind him up, I said, “So, it sounds like you’re interested?” He said “Get out” and we were thrown out of the network.’

But the humiliation didn’t end there – the group hadn’t booked a car to pick them up, so they were left red-faced sitting on the steps outside the building.

‘I turned to the other Simons and said, “The good news is, it will never get worse than this.” ’


Success: Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson sit on the panel for season 10 of American Idol


Cowell, who became an international star when the Fox network bought Pop Idol and turned it into American Idol, used the interview to fuel speculation that he will quit the British X Factor to focus on the US show.

He has homes in London and Los Angeles and had planned to fly between the two cities twice a week when both series are on air in the autumn.


Swan song: Simon Cowell gave the interview as he prepares to quit American Idol amid speculation that he may launch The X Factor in the US


Moustache: Simon looked horrified when Oprah produced a photo of him in his 20s with long bushy hair, a moustache and wearing a short t-shirt


But it seems Cowell has now had a change of heart. He said: ‘I asked a successful guy, “What’s the best advice you can give me?” He said, “Simon, know when to leave the fair.”

‘I think that’s good advice – one year, I actually found myself thinking, “I’ve run out of insults, I don’t know how I’m going to tell people they suck.”
‘Something inside you says, “You know what, it’s time to go.”

‘I’ve enjoyed myself, I mean it’s not the most difficult job in the world, is it?’

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Elen Rivas and Craig Machlalan fall at the first hurdle as they are voted off Dancing On Ice before the real competition even begins

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By SARAH BULL

Time to say goodbye: Elen Rivas and Craig Machlalan were voted off Dancing On Ice after the skate-off


Elen Rivas and Craig Machlalan were voted off Dancing On Ice tonight, failing to even get through to the real competition which begins next week.

In a brutal cut which saw only six of eight celebrities competing to make it through, the public voted for former WAG Elen and partner Lukasz Rozycki and ex Neighbours star Craig, as well as partner Maria Filippov, to leave the competition.

A clearly upset Elen said she had enjoyed the process 'very much', while Craig added: 'I've had the best time with this bunch and this woman, Maria, is my absolute treasure.'


Tense: Craig, Jennifer and Elen wait to hear who has been voted off the show


Following a tense skate-off, Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe and her partner Sylvain Longchambon narrowly made it through to the next show after receiving the most votes from the public.

Also through is 'Comedy' Dave Vitty and partner Frankie, Sam Attwater and Brianne Delcourt, Dominic Cork and Alexandra Schauman, Chloe Madeley and Michael Zenezini and Denise Welch and Matt Evers.

Discussing the couples in the skate-off, Jane Torvill said: 'We're very surprised. Jennifer is a great skater, she had a little slip but other than that she's got a lot going for her.'


We're safe! Jennifer Metcalfe and partner Sylvain Longchambon find out they are safe for another week


Craig and Maria were first up, with the Australian actor saying before taking to the ice: 'Now that I've come this far I would love the opportunity to push myself further.'

After the performance, Craig said: 'It was good. Interestingly enough, once you get the first one out of the way, it's amazing how much more settled you are the second time around.

'I know it's not perfect to be in the bottom three but it's certainly an experience.'


It's been fun: The voted off celebrities reminisce about their time on the ITV programme


Jennifer and Sylvain were second to perform, with Jennifer saying before the skate: 'Me and Sylvain have grown so close. He's a good coach, he doesn't tell me off too much, he's perfect for me. He's put so much time and effort into it and I don't want to go yet.

'To go out before the competition starts is definitely unthinkable - I just want to stay in. I feel like I've found where I should be and that's on the ice.'

Afterwards, talking to Phillip, Jennifer said: 'I loved every minute of that. I enjoyed it and I liked the lift too. I'm much happier with that performance.'


Opening the show: Hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby dressed for the occasion in stunning evening wear


And finally, it was the turn of Elen and Lukasz to skate.
Beforehand, Elen said: 'This experience is amazing, I'm learning a new skill and Lukasz is amazing. I don't want to be leaving this week. If I do well in this competition, my little girls will be so proud of their mummy.

'If I go out now I'll be totally devastated - I think I'll cry.'
Following the performance, Elen said: 'I think it went very well. But I'm gutted though, I'm really sad to be here.'


First up: Former Neighbours star Craig Machlalan and skating partner Maria Filippov were first to take to the ice


In the first show of the evening, the remaining eight celebrities battled for the final six places in Dancing On Ice.

And, with the outcome of the show solely dependent on viewers' votes, with the judges having no sway over who stays and who goes, there was everything to skate for.

Before the contestants took to the ice, mentor Christopher Dean said: 'I think they're all really excited to get out there now.'


Green goddess: Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe was up next, performing with partner Sylvain Longchambon


While Jane Torvill added: 'I can feel the tension tonight because our skaters tonight know that one of our strongest skaters, Laura Hamilton, was in the skate-off last week.'

First up to perform was former Neighbours star Craig McLachlan, who danced with Maria Filippov.

However, Craig struggled to get to grips with the difficult routine, before he had to fly back to Australia for work commitments.

His skating partner Maria then had to fly Down Under to teach Craig the routine, but complained: 'It's a super crash course, I've never done this with anyone else before!'


Pretty in pink: Elen Rivas performed with dance partner Lukasz Rozycki, and tried to keep the smile on her face


Before starting the routine to the Rolling Stones' Sympathy For The Devil, Craig said: 'I'm in Aussie - in the winter the pond out the back doesn't freeze over! But I've got blades of glory - they'll call me Blade McLachlan.'

But later, Craig admitted he was feeling nervous, adding: 'I just want to do it justice - I don't want to let Chris and Jane down.'

After a relatively successful dance with just a few mistakes, it was time for the judges to pass their judgements.


Stunned: But Elen was less than impressed with the scores she received from the judges


But the judges weren't too impressed, giving Craig nine out of 30.

Robin Windsor said: 'We know you haven't had the time to put in yet and it sort of shows. But I think you have the chance and you've got a big fan base so if you come back you'll have to give it your all.'

While Emma Bunton added: 'I think you've got so much more to give. I want you to feel less inhibited though.'


Feeling blue? Dominic Cork had been nervous about dropping partner Alexandra Schauman before the show


And, ever-caustic Jason Gardiner rounded off the comments by telling Craig: 'The costume covered a multitude of sins for me tonight.

'There were moments from the waist down you moved quite gingerly - it sort of looked like you were wearing a soiled nappy. You need to bring the showman onto the ice.'

However, undeterred Craig said: 'I don't think I'm ready for Olympic selection just yet!' Maria added: 'He did really well. He was really nervous going out first but really well done.'


Hopeful: This week's celebrity contestants line-up for the cameras after their performances


And mentor Christopher said: 'I think there is much more potential to come'.

Next up was Jennifer Metcalfe, who shone in a revealing and sparkly green outfit as she took to the ice with partner Sylvain to perform the routine to Madonna's Crazy For You.

As she was shown getting ready for the difficult routine, Jennifer said: 'I'm really excited but just nervous, I don't know what to expect. I'd like my dance partner to be strong and muscly so I feel safe in their arms.'

And after meeting French charmer Sylvain, Jennifer said: 'Is he straight and single?'





Comedy Dave Dancing on ice Qualifier


Ellie Goulding Performing 'Your Song' on Dancing on Ice (16-1-11)



source :dailymail [endtext]

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