Jaye's Jottings

3BT: Palladium memories are made of this ...

2012-01-04T13:46:00.000Z

Having spent a thoroughly enjoyable two hours in front of the telly last night, watching The Story of Musicals and 100 Years of the Palladium on BBC4, I remembered ...

That the first full blown musical I ever saw was 42nd Street.

Seeing Clodagh Rodgers as the eponymous heroine, with Ronnie Corbett as Buttons, in Cinderella, the Palladium Panto in 1971. Ok, my mum helped me remember that one.

That the first time I visited the Palladium on my own was to buy tickets for my parents to see The Two Ronnies. No credit card back then, so I hopped on the Tube, living, as we did, in the East End. I'd emptied my piggy bank, dumped the assorted loose change into a bag and set off. For Argyll Place, King's Cross. The Palladium, as you may know, is in Argyll Street, off Oxford Circus. Anyhoo, so I get out at King's Cross and ask a nice policeman very nicely, where Argyll Place is "you know, where the Palladium is." He looked me all up and down and then said, in a very fatherly way: "I don't think that's the Argyll place you want, love, get back on the tube to Oxford Circus."

I thanked him, as you do. It wasn't till I got home that I found out what kind of show I might have seen in Argyll Place, King's Cross!

X-Factor - I know, I know ...

2011-12-01T14:53:00.005Z

.. but I somehow managed to catch a bit of it on Sunday and have to say I was impressed with the clip I saw of two of the acts. Marcus singing Stevie Wonder's Lately, the first half a bit dodgy I thought, but from around 1.30, excellent. Think he was holding back a bit at the beginning to maintain control but once he let himself go, wonderful.

And I know one contestant doesn't appear to be very popular, but if Mary J Blige were to do Movie Week *coughs*, this is how it would sound: Misha B with Out Here On My Own from Fame. I'll overlook the wobble at the end, it was the sing off.

And the charity single is out - the final 16, plus JLS and One Direction - and their version of Wishing on a Star. Which is newsworthy because of the charity - Together For Short Lives. The accompanying story was totally heartbreaking: imagine having three children and living with the fact that you may lose all of them within a short time of each other? You can't, can you, it's too awful to contemplate. Donate here to help families make the most of their precious time together.

On a ranty note, Dermot - when a judge has two acts in the sing off, wouldn't it be fairer to leave that one till last? They may not need to make a decision then. It's not rocket science is it?

One final note, if only to self - Beyonce, 9pm ITV Sunday.

Calling all composers!

2011-10-19T10:31:00.010+01:00

Kent Arts are looking to commission an exciting musician/composer to create a 20 minute work celebrating Maidstone's part in the Cultural Olympiad next year.

With £5000 up for grabs, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity!

Maidstone is one of only two locations in Kent that will see the Olympic torch passing through it and the musical piece will premiere at the Olympic Torch event on 19th July at Leeds Castle.

'Maidstone' should be the theme and whilst the Olympics Games themselves need not influence this, the Olympic priorities should. The Arts development team are keen that the piece should be as eclectic as possible to appeal to as large an audience as possible.

Interested applicants should submit a CV, a recent piece of work both on CD/MP3 and scored and a short description of the kind of work they would like to produce for this project. Please bear in mind that this work should be accessible for a large number of performers.

The team will be shortlisting and interviewing in December 2011 and a final decision on the successful applicant will be made in January 2012.

For an informal discussion please call Mandy Hare on 01622 602178. For a full brief on this project please contact – mandyhare@maidstone.gov.uk

3BT: Rochester Castle

2011-10-02T17:37:00.003+01:00

Rochester Castle, and the campaign to restore it, have a busy month planned!

First up, there's a Haunted Tour of the Castle on Wednesday, 26th October. Tickets are priced £7 and the event takes place between 4.15pm and 7pm (leaving you time to check out Late'n'Local in the high street till 8pm!) Only 20 spaces available though, you'll have to beat me to it!

The following evening, it's the Knight of the Living Dead, as Oliver's Wine Bar hands itself over to the Restore campaign for a Halloween party, fancy dress optional but let's make the effort - any excuse to dress up! Tickets for that are just £7.50 in advance, or £10 on the door (£8 if in costume) see more details here.

Finally, on Saturday morning 5th November, there's a sponsored walk in the grounds of the castle - if you would like to take part in the event itself, or help out in some other way, please do contact the group via email or Facebook.

Friday Flower

2011-09-23T21:16:00.003+01:00

The trouble with meandering through your own picture galleries - finding one you like and wondering what to do with it!

3BT: I know what it is! Don’t tell me ...

2011-08-18T17:02:00.006+01:00

You know when you hear a song and you can’t quite place what it’s called or who it’s by? That.

Paul Anka swings rock ...

Alexander Stewart turns blonde ...

re:jazz keep things movin' ...

I know, it's been awhile since I posted here and as you can see the blog has had another re-design! I actually really like this template and background, wishing I'd found them sooner now. Lots of stuff's been happening, England are number one cricketing test team in the world, the McLarens are keeping up in F1 - but it's moving to Sky next year, boo, so we'll forget all about it. C'est La Vie Bernie - you wanna be the biggest spectator sport in the world you gotta be on the station most of us watch - BBC. But then, you're probably veiwing on the way to the bank, so whatever.

Ashes Win for England, Whoop Whoop!

2011-01-07T20:44:00.005Z

Not just retaining, mind, but a proper outright win in Australia for the first time in twenty-four years! That makes it three out of the last four series I believe - and Captain Andrew Strauss reckons they've yet to hit their peak!

The 3-1 victory was sealed in the final test by an innings and 83 runs slaughter; read all about it courtesy of those nice sports people at the BBC!

R.I.P Teena Marie: Long Live the Ivory Queen of Soul

2010-12-27T17:32:00.031Z

I wasn't expecting my first post on this blog in over a month to be such a sad one.

Regretfully it is - Teena Marie, aka Lady T aka The Ivory Queen of Soul and aged just 54, was found dead by her daughter on Saturday night. No cause is as yet known, possibly a heart attack; Teena was also reportedly recovering from a Grand Mal seizure she had last week.

Teena's music first came to my attention in 1980, when Behind the Groove completely sold me on her unique style. I sought out the album, Lady T, and then her previous, first album, Wild and Peaceful, produced by mentor Rick James, also sadly no longer with us. With beautiful ballads and infectiously catchy dance rhythms, I was hooked. Her following Motown albums - Irons in the Fire and It Must Be Magic cemented my appreciation of her soulful yet jazzy, powerful yet gentle, pure and classy angelic vocal.

I'll admit she lost me when she went a bit rocky and the Motown years remained with me as the Epic years passed me by. I was fortunate enough though, and eternally grateful now, that I made the trip to Indigo2 earlier this year to see and hear Teena live: Incredible doesn't cover it. She knew her audience; it was made up mostly of people like me, those who had switched onto her during her early Motown years. Whilst the latest album Congo Square did hark back to her earlier, soulful roots, she concentrated on giving us everything she had on those songs most synonymous with her: Fire and Desire; Portuguese Love; I Need Your Lovin' to name just a few. And her voice was just as stunning live, thirty years later.

I'm not particularly religious, but Teena was devout - so God Bless you Teena, and your family, and may you rest in peace, forever missed but leaving us all the richer for having shared your beautiful music.

McLaren Watch!

2010-11-21T13:42:00.010Z

A terrific 2nd and 3rd place in the final race in Abu Dhabi for Lewis and Jenson respectively wasn't enough to lift them into the top 3 overall, although it gave McLaren 2nd in the constructors championship. Vettel took the win (and will have the mickey taken out of him till the day he dies, for his emotional reaction!) and the title, as Alonso, unable to get past Petrov to mount a challenge, finished in 7th place on the day and 2nd in the championship. Mark Webber took 8th on the day, enough to secure 2nd place overall.

Final leadboard:
Sebastian 256; Fernando 252; Mark 242; Lewis 240; Jenson 214

Constructors:
Red Bull 498
McLaren 454
Ferrari 396

Watch the GP in 90 seconds!

McLaren Watch

2010-11-08T10:48:00.006Z

It's all over for Jenson unfortunately, even with a storming 5th place finish from 11th on the grid, the 1-2-3 for Vettel, Webber and Alonso takes them out of his reach. Lewis was 4th but is also out, bar a miracle (but we know they can happen one in a million! I mean, there's always the first corner, right?) he'd have to win and the other three not finish to take the title.

A shame, but at least they were there or thereabouts. And we can't be greedy, can we? Let Mark Webber borrow it for a year. At least, given the choice from those three, I'd like to see Mark take it!

Leaderboard: Fernando 246, Mark 238, Seb 231, Lewis 222, Jenson 199

In the Constructors' Championship, Red Bull are confirmed as the winners, with 469 points. McLaren currently second on 421, with Ferrari on 389.

See the race in 90 seconds!

McLaren Watch

2010-11-03T20:33:00.005Z

OK, I admit - I forgot the last one! Second place for Lewis in a rain hit and therefore event filled Korea race, in which neither Red Bull finished, put him back in touch for the championship; Jenson, finishing 12th, will unfortunately need to win as well as others not finishing. Likely as not, he'll be wing man for Lewis in Brazil (unofficially of course). Fernando took another win.

The leaderboard then: Fernando on 231; Mark 220; Lewis 210; Seb 206; Jenson 189.

Constructors: Red Bull 426 McLaren 399 Ferrari 374

See the race in 90 seconds!

McLaren Watch - a bit late, sorry!

2010-10-16T23:11:00.003+01:00

But brings you up to date before next week!

Vettel emphatically wins in Japan, team-mate Mark Webber is 2nd and Alonso 3rd - Jenson comes home in 4th, Lewis recovers from writing off his car in practice to bring it home in 5th. It looks like it's slipping away, with only three race left, the championship stands as follows:

Mark - 220; Seb & Fernando both on 206; Lewis on 192 and Jenson on 189. It is going to be tough. McLaren are also dropping back in the constructor's title: Red Bull on 426, McLaren 381, still ahead of Ferrari on 334.

See the race in 90 seconds!

McLaren Watch

2010-09-28T21:36:00.008+01:00

Not such a good weekend for Lewis again, as his overtaking manouvere on Webber just failed him, and though Jenson still picked up much needed points, he's now exactly one win behind leader Mark Webber, with those 25 points covering the top 5 drivers. Alonso is the form man as we enter the last few races.

The race finished: Alonso; Vettel; Webber; Button; Hamilton dnf. The standings now: Webber 202 - Alonso 191 - Hamilton 182 - Vettel 181 - Button 177. See the race in 90 seconds!

The things they say ...

2010-09-22T21:34:00.004+01:00

Sadly, we were watching Eastenders (Matt, for some inexplicable reason, is a fan) and Stacey tells baby Lily that she's the most important thing that's ever happened to her; Matt pipes up: "What's the most important thing that's ever happened to you?"

So I say (naturally): "Why, having you and your brother, of course!"

And he replies: "Well, no - you being born is the most important otherwise you couldn't have had us!

Flash Fiction Friday: Counting Song

2010-09-17T20:36:00.012+01:00

I challenged my writers' group by email on Tuesday night, after being sent this press release by a friend. Come up with something, not necessarily a poem, that has the same first and last line, with the last line of each paragraph/verse being the first line of the next. I wanted results at Wednesday's coffee morning - and promptly forgot to actually write anything myself! Until the coffee was served and Peter was tapping away, making me feel guilty. So I took inspiration from something I think I'd heard on CBBC the day before and wrote this in a couple of minutes! And why am I pleased about this? Because it's the first piece of fiction I've been inspired to write in ages, having been so busy with Rochester People!

Counting Song

One, two, three, four, five
Once I caught a man alive.

Once I caught the man alive
The poor lad had no idea
What he was in for.

What he was in for
Was a major dissecting.
Of the visceral kind.
He looked scared.

He looked scared
So I gave him five seconds
To run away.

One ... Two ... Three ... Four ... Five.

McLaren Watch

2010-09-13T20:27:00.005+01:00

A turnaround for the McLaren boys this week, as Lewis crashes out but Jenson purrs away at the start; unfortunately he's overtaken by Alonso during the pit stops but still finishes in second place - with damage to the car!

Luckily, the Red Bulls didn't take full advantage - see the race in 90 seconds here! It's still anyone's title:

Mark 187 points
Lewis 182
Fernando 165
Jenson 166
Sebastian 163

McLaren Watch!

2010-08-29T17:59:00.011+01:00

Whoop whoop - the return of F1 after the break finds a resurgent McLaren and victory for Lewis Hamilton ahead of Mark Webber at the Belgian GP.

An excellent start for Lewis and a shocking one for Mark saw Lewis take the lead and apart from a little foray, he stayed out of trouble to the flag.

Sebastian Vettel is becoming countryman Michael Schumacher ... at his worst, being responsible for booting various other drivers off track, including our very own Jenson *boo hiss* I wonder if he'll be penalised for it next week, I'm pretty sure the 'new' drivers would be.

So it's a return to the top of the leaderboard for Lewis: he's on 182; Mark 179; Sebastian 151; Jenson 147; Fernando on 141. McLaren are now just 1 point behind Red Bull in the Constructors' Championship.

Your Age in Chocolate!

2010-08-24T09:48:00.015+01:00

It works, honestly, it really works!

Work this out as you read ...Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1760 ...If you haven't, add 1759.

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born. You should have a three digit number

The first digit of this was your original number(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are ... YOUR AGE! This is the only year (2010) it will ever work, so tell your friends while it lasts!

European Swimming Championships

2010-08-19T20:52:00.017+01:00

Great Britain's swimmers returned from Hungary with their best ever medal haul from these championships - 18 in total!

There were 6 Golds:
Hannah Miley, 400m IM
Lizzie Simmonds, 200m backstroke
Fran Halsall, 100m freestyle
Gemma Spofforth, 100m backstroke
Rebecca Adlington, 400m freestyle
Womens 4x1 medley relay

6 Silvers:
Womens 4x100m freestyle relay
Gemma Spofforth, 200m backstroke
Lizzie Simmonds, 100m backstroke
Liam Tancock, 50m backstroke
Fran Halsall, 100m butterfly
Kate Haywood, 50m breaststroke

and 6 Bronze:
Liam Tancock, 100m backstroke
Womens 4x200m freestyle relay
Ellen Gandy, 200m butterfly
Fran Halsall, 50m freestyle
Joe Roebuck, 200m IM
Hannah Miley, 200m IM

For the day by day countdown and quotes, check out the BBC website here.

Sportsnight

2010-08-15T22:41:00.010+01:00

Andy Murray followed his victory over Rafa Nadal to retain his Rogers Cup title in Toronto - with a win over Roger Federer.

A Gold and two Silvers in the World Field Archery championships, as Alan Wills headed a GB one-two in the recurve. And our paralympian archers have won 10 medals, including four golds at the Para-archery European championships in France.

In Equestrian, Emily Parker was a double champion, winning the individual title as well as GB taking the team title at the Young Rider European Championships. And there was a third place finish for Team GB in the Nations Cup series.

Celebrating Team GB's best European Athletics Championships ever!

2010-08-05T22:09:00.025+01:00

The heady days of Split in 1990 have been eclipsed, with Team GB bringing home 19 medals from Barcelona and finishing third in the medal table, behind Russia and France.

Although we won 9 golds back in Spilt, the overall total is encouraging as we head towards London 2012, especially as some of our key athletes are currently sidelined by injury.

The six gold medallists are: Mo Farah (5,000m and 10,000m double); Phillips Idowu (Triple Jump); Andy Turner (110m hurdles); Jessica Ennis (Heptathlon); Dai Greene (400m hurdles);

There were silvers for: Chris Thompson (10,000m); Mark Lewis-Francis (100m); Michael Bingham (400m); Christian Malcolm (200m); Rhys Williams (40m hurdles); Michael Rimmer (800m); Mens 4x400m;

And bronze medals to: Martyn Bernard (High Jump); Martyn Rooney (400m); Perri Shakes-Drayton (400m hurdles); Jenny Meadows (800m); Womens 4x400m; Chris Tomlinson (Long Jump)

And here's what they said afterwards!

A day well spent ...

2010-08-04T09:53:00.005+01:00

Hubby received a Red Letter Day gift and, as is usually the case, it ended up costing us a small fortune!

An Indian Cookery demonstration awaited us at the Zaika restaurant in London’s Kensington High Street and naturally, we didn’t want to travel up during the rush hour for the 10am start time. A bit of searching on-line found us a great deal at the Ashburn Hotel though, which was lovely and also well located, so we could leisurely make our way up town the night before.

Knowing we’d be eating a four course Indian the next day, we settled for a light bite *coughs* at the Garfunkels along the road (there’s a blast from the past!) That's just the starter ...

... oh, well, we did enjoy it! We walked a bit of it off on our way to Zaika the next morning, including a short stroll through Kensington Palace Gardens – an unexpected pleasure, right opposite the restaurant.

Chef Sanjay Dwivedi is so passionate about food – I had the grace to avert my eyes when he ranted about Microwaveable packets of rice – and every morsel he dished up to us was perfect! I’m just waiting to print off the recipe cards now, so hubby can crack on with dinner ...

McLaren Watch

2010-08-01T15:37:00.012+01:00

It's all change at the top, unfortunately. Lewis looked set to gain another podium when transmission problems hit and with Jenson back down the field, the race belonged again to Mark Webber.

It should have belonged to Sebastian Vettel - and he didn't half get the hump when it all went pear-shaped following the safety car! Shades of another racing driver's arrogance creeping into him and Oh! talking of the other racing driver, Old Schuey nearly killed Rubens Barrichello because he didn't like being overtaken! *Tuts* Shades of Australia '94 there, methinks! Only no title up for grabs this time!

Mark Webber is now on 161; Lewis on 157; Sebastian on 151; Jenson on 147; Fernando on 141.Here's a rundown of the race, including the errant tyre!

Constructors wise, Red Bull take over on 312, McLaren on 304. They're off now for a month, let's hope McLaren come back re-charged!

McLaren Watch

2010-07-25T15:57:00.010+01:00

A low key race for Lewis and Jenson, as they again pulled in a bunch of points in 4th and 5th places respectively. However, a resurgent Ferrari bagged a controversial one-two, taking points from Red Bull, as Vettel and Webber finished in 3rd and 6th.

Talking point was the alleged Ferrari team orders (again!) as Massa's race engineer advised him that 'Fernando is faster than you' and 'can you confirm you understood that message?' followed by 'Sorry' as Massa then slowed to allow his team mate through. None of which I remotely give a flying er, fig for, but it did give us the chance to see the lovely Rob Smedley again ...

The standings then:
Lewis on 157; Jenson 143; Mark 136; Sebastian 136; Felippe Massa jumps up to 123 in 5th. McLaren are still ahead in the constructors though, on 300 to Red Bull's 272, with Ferrari on 208.

Why do all my nights out happen in the last week of the month?

2010-07-24T14:30:00.014+01:00

I'm cruising along quite happily, bang up straight on everything and then, wham! Piles of paperwork and ironing to sort through today!

That's because I finally saw Les Miserables on Monday - which I've wanted to see since I first heard Susan Boyle sing I Dreamed A Dream on Britain's Got Talent (I wonder how many other viewers were inspired to check it out?) I did see the Through The Barricade show in a local theatre a little while after, but Cameron Mackintosh's production at The Queens Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue took my breath away. Jean Valjean and Javert were incredible, whilst Lucie Jones (remember her from X-Factor?) and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers acquitted themselves very well. It's so moving and powerful and while you may think the subject matter a little depressing, the comic relief in the shape of the Innkeepers is brilliant - honestly, the wife could easily be Kathy Burke in character as Waynetta Slob, she was hysterical. GO SEE IT!

Not just nights out either, on Tuesday morning I was attending the How To Do Your Self Assessment On-Line course (I never said it was all exciting stuff) before enjoying a very nice Nibble.101 at a local Chinese buffet - and collaring the teenager to take me there and back (which obviously cost me petrol. But it was nice to have some Tia Maria, I've missed it so ...)

The MumUltrapreneur radio show I was interviewed for was aired on Thursday afternoon and then it was onto the girls-night-in-although-we're-actually-out fun night of the Mums in Biz meeting in the evening. A couple of exciting opportunities arose there, which I'll be exploring further!

Finally, last night was the preview of an exhibition in our local art gallery - local artists creating pictures of each other, which took so many forms it was completely inspiring! Plasticine, film, paint, spam ... yes, spam!

I feel like I'm beginning to catch up - two blogs down, website and one blog to go!

McLaren Watch

2010-07-11T16:29:00.007+01:00

And what an eventful first lap for the British Grand Prix! Mark Webber aced the start; Vettel and Hamilton lightly touched, but it was enough to send Vettel off the track after suffering a puncture, effectively putting him into last place. The safety car gave him the opportunity to close up though, and he rescued a 7th place finish.

Lewis held onto second throughout, unable to catch a seriously motivated Mark Webber (after Red Bull pinched the nose cone from his car on Saturday to replace Vettel's damaged one). He ended the race with a "Not bad for your number 2 driver" barb at the the team, live on the team radio - don't you just love the Aussies!

Meanwhile, from a dreadful 14th position on the grid, Jenson stayed out of trouble and cruised around and up to a fourth place finish, a charge for third hampered by having to conserve fuel. What a guy! It leaves the standings as follows:

Lewis on 145 points
Jenson on 133
Mark on 128
Seb on 121

Teamwise, McLaren maintain their lead over Red Bull, 278 points to 249 points.

Sportsday

2010-07-04T16:33:00.054+01:00

So we didn't win the football or the tennis - there's a lot more to British sport and we know it, even if Mr and Mrs Average Joe Public don't! And did I say we didn't win the tennis - it's GB versus GB in the Boys Doubles today! Lewis Burton and George Morgan play Liam Broadby and Tom Farquharson in the first ever all British boys doubles final.

Here's a headline you won't see often - since it's about squash and not football: "England Dominate World Rankings."

Oh, and look here - more World Number One status for Britain - oh, hang on, still not football. No, this time it's Taekwondo, sorry ...

Have I mentioned that we beat the Aussies in cricket? Again.

Archery: Silver and Bronze for Nicky Hunt and Simon Terry at the World Cup in Croatia.

Athletics: Team GB second in the European Team Championships - beating Germany into third place. Well, fancy that! There were victories over their closest rivals in the European Championships for Dwain Chambers, David Greene, Martyn Rooney, Andy Turner and Mo Farah.

Rowing: Six Golds in Bled; another five Golds in Munich, plus sundry others - only missing a medal in two events!

Sailing: Sarah Ayton and Saskia Clark win World Cup Gold.

Cycling: Emma Pooley is the first British cyclist to win the prestigious Tour de l’Aude in France.

Paralympic sport: New world record for Shelly Woods! Hannah Cockroft sets four! Danny Greaves gets in on the act too, in the discus.

Triathlon: Chrissie Wellington wins, Tim Don also wins, the juniors picked up European Team Silver and the Paratriathletes won too!

Golf: Graeme McDowell wins the US Open! The US Open ... I know, who? He's from Northern Ireland.

Equestrian: Sharon Hunt wins the Classics event in Germany.

And it might not be a world victory but it means as much to handball as world glory to us in football (Ok, more than that!) Well done! Onwards and upwards!

Canoeing: Rachel Cawthorn won two gold and a bronze at the Canoe Sprint World Cup in Germany; Liam Heath and Jonathan Schofield took World Cup Gold in the Kayak double in Hungary, with Ed McKeever taking Gold in the Kayak singles at the same event; Liam and Jonathan followed with a repeat result in Germany, although a bronze this time for Ed. Fiona Pennie has taken silver and bronze in recent Slalom World Cup events.

We're just so terrible at sport, aren't we ;-)

McLaren Watch

2010-06-27T18:32:00.006+01:00

Ok, so, technically it's 2-0 to the Germans today, as Vettel won the European Grand Prix as well as his compatriots proving what we all knew in our hearts - the current England footballers are not as good as the industry would have us believe: The Golden whatevers? Who termed them that, their agents? Give 'em the Golden Boot is all I can say!

Anyway, Lewis survived an early scare to drive to second and Jenson was third, so they maintain their lead at the top of the driver standings, although Vettel has jumped up to third. Webber proved that Red Bull really do have wings - the re-tweeted joke doing the rounds, following his massive accident; how he walked away a testament to the toughness of these cars. Do check the on-board camera!

Lewis is on 127, Jenson 121, Vettel 115, Webber 103, Alonso on 98. McLaren still at the top on 248, Red Bull 218 and Ferrari a distant third on 165.

The things they say ...

2010-06-24T10:52:00.003+01:00

Matt was feeling a little poorly the other day, so along we went to the local surgery. He nudged me once there and said, pointing to the electronic notice board: "He's gonna be a lot later than that, mum, don't they know he's stuck in a box?"

Why we won't win the football ...

2010-06-21T15:19:00.018+01:00

... although, as an Englishwoman, it goes without saying I hope I'm proven wrong.

The distinct lack of heart within the team against Algeria, combined with Rooney's little tirade set me thinking as to why the national football team appear to suffer a lack of motivation. And I'm probably being mean, but I think it comes down to need.

English Premiership players enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle, with money and riches that far outstrip any of our other professional sportsmen and women, many of whom consistently deliver the results at World level: Our triathletes, rowers, swimmers, sailors, cyclists and so on - you know who they are if you're a regular reader of this blog. Even our rugby and cricket teams, vilified if they lose, have both delivered world titles in the past seven years - and seriously, who expects them to win every time out? Except the media, obviously. But the players know they have to deliver consistently or they're out, there's always someone new waiting to take their spot. Where's that strength in depth in football? It's the single biggest sport in this country isn't it? (Apart from fishing and martial arts I believe - and competitors in both deliver on the world stage).

So why? As I say, I think it's need: Individuals in the so-called "unfashionable" sports have to deliver and keep on delivering, to retain funding or attract sponsorship and to keep their place in the squad. Steve Redgrave, from my distant memory, didn't have regular sponsorship until after his third Olympic Gold. His third, for goodness sake! They have to deliver, again and again, to be able to compete at the same level. But our professional footballers don't need to, do they? They've got their £100k a week contract, irrespective of injury or loss of form and seem to retain their place in the national side even if suffering from both. Is there any strength in depth? (My teen son said he'll play for England for nothing, he can at least control the ball! Meiow!) Ian Botham said just pulling on the England shirt was motivation enough.

From being able to name the whole Ashes 2005 side, I'm struggling now to name any (just too busy to keep up, sorry lads!) Likewise the rugby team has changed majorly since the 2003 World victory. But the football team? I reeled off who the squad was likely to be and yet I take less notice of football than I do anything else. So does it come down to media pressure, building them all up so much it gives us false hopes or a management too scared to try anyone new? Everyone has an off day - but the whole team practically at the same time? Something seriously lacking, isn't there? Pride? Desire? Need? We'll see on Wednesday.

The things they say ...

2010-06-15T12:27:00.004+01:00

I bought a new air freshener for the car. And the one I bought was red, to match the car, because I'm very sad like that. But it was called 'Passion' and promised an exotic aroma, musky, enticing.

Matt opened the door this morning and said: "Phew, smells like my old nursery ..."

Unfortunately, I have to agree - I may as well have hung a kitchen wipe off the mirror.

McLaren Watch

2010-06-13T21:17:00.012+01:00

Wow - who'd a thought it! I mean, I did, when Lewis stormed to pole position yesterday, but when he lost the lead today and off went Webber again, I doubted! So I watched - and the boys brought home a one-two result again! Fab-u-lous!

Strategy and luck with regard to tyres played their part in a brilliant result for McLaren - a backmarker gave Jenson the opportunity for a cheeky little pass on Alonso - watch the highlights here. It sees the leaderboard with just 15 points now covering the top 4 drivers.

1. Lewis 109

2. Jenson 106

3. Mark Webber 103

4. Fernando Alonso 94

And at the head of the constructors table, McLaren extend their lead over Red Bull and Ferrari. And I'd tell you by how many points but neither the BBC website nor Teletext have updated the tables yet. I'm assuming Jake is too busy celebrating with McLaren ...

Sportsnight

2010-06-07T20:32:00.035+01:00

Last weekend was certainly a great one for our motorsport boys - as well as the McLaren result, we had a one-two in the Indycar 500, with Dario Francitti and Dan Wheldon. Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mike Conway too, following his spectacular crash in the same race. (And to Valentino Rossi - I know, he's not British but we love him!)

Danny Greaves and Heather Cockroft both set new world records in their respective paralympic sports, Greaves in the Paralympic World Cup. In the same championships, Jason Smyth won 100m and 200m Gold, visually impaired sprinter Libby Clegg won 100m, Tracey Hinton the 200m and Stephen Miller won the club event. The GB football team secured a bronze - our basketball team won Gold! Poolside, Ellie Simmonds broke the World Record.

In the rowing World Cup, another one-two for GB, as paralympian Tom Aggar clinched Gold ahead of Andy Houghton in the men's single scull, with victory for the mixed adaptive coxed four of Kelsie Gibson, James Roe, Naomi Riches, Ryan Chamberlain and cox Rhiannon Jones. The rest of the squad aren't doing too badly either - nine golds, six silvers and a bronze!

World champion Alistair Brownlee picked up where he left off, storming to Triathlon victory in Madrid upon his return from injury. Helen Jenkins took third place in the World Championship in Madrid, while Chrissie Wellington hit the winning trail again.

Sailing - World Cup Gold for Ed Wright, European Silvers for him and Lucy MacGregor's crew. And World Cup Gold for Nic Asher and Elliot Willis, plus silvers for Nick Dempsey and another for Lucy MacGregor's crew, with bronzes for Bryony Shaw and Helena Lucas.

In fencing, Richard Kruse took World Cup Silver, as GB also took Bronze with Laurence Halstead in the Tokyo Grand Prix and Chrystall Nicol in the World Cup in Germany.

Modern Pentathlon European Junior Championships saw an individual silver for Katy Burke, contributing to overall team Gold for GB.

And at the Taekwondo European Championship, Aaron Cooke and Sarah Stevenson both won Gold.

McLaren Watch

2010-05-30T21:10:00.006+01:00

Yee-Haa! Another one-two for the boys in Turkey, this time Lewis taking his first win of the season – not that Jenson let him have it easy!

Even with the Red Bulls coming out ahead of the McLarens after the pit-stop, the speed of the silver cars continued to pile on the pressure until Vettel, overtaking his team-mate Webber, appeared to misjudge how far ahead he was and pulled across, banging his right rear tyre into Webber’s chassis. Or Webber didn’t move across like the team would have preferred. Or Vettel is an over-excited idiot. Or Webber is nuts. Only Christian Horner will ever know for sure!

Anyhoo, it meant that the McLaren boys went steaming ahead and would maintain position to the flag. Or not, as they resorted to giving the fans a real treat of actual racing, as in, wheel to wheel, swapping the lead-type racing – McLaren told them they needed to conserve fuel so they backed off, leaving Lewis ahead. Which seems fair, he qualified higher and stayed ahead in the race – perhaps they need prior agreement that the highest place qualifier or quickest on the day takes it, so we’re spared the anguish of them doing a Red Bull!

Leaderboard then: Webber on 93, Jenson back up to second on 88, Lewis a huge leap to third on 84. Alonso is in fourth on 79, as Vettel slips to fifth on 78. In the constructors, McLaren leapfrog Red Bull by a massive ...er, one point! 172 plays 171, with Ferrari in third on 146.

I just bought a loaf from Sainsburys ...

2010-05-29T15:02:00.004+01:00

... but it is no ordinary loaf: One half is sliced, one half isn’t. One half is brown, one half is white. One half is thick sliced, one half is thin sliced. And another half is medium sliced. Which is strange in itself.

It is a very peculiar loaf. And all I want is my lunch.

I begin to think that maybe I’m dreaming, that, maybe, I haven’t really been shopping at all. But the crumbs are all over the worktop, there’s American mustard staining my top, Branston pickle has dribbled down my jeans and the ham has just taken off out the back door after next door’s b*****d cat, who’s now being subjected to death by breadcrumbed, honey mustard glazing suffocation.

“Good” says the Devil in me.

Ok, so now you’re all thinking I’ve completely lost it, I’ll let you know the reason for such randomness: Sally Walker – it’s her fault, she started it! But the proof is in the **bread pudding - #loaf trended on Twitter!

** See what I did there?

Over The Rainbow: The Final

2010-05-22T21:53:00.011+01:00

Wizard of Oz medley to begin, full production job with all the former Dorothys, the Lion, the witch and the ward ... oops, I mean the Lion, theTin Man and the Scarecrow, a lovely bright start to the show.

Andrew has chosen their opening songs, so we can blame him if our favourite has a duff'un. He says all three are fantastic, he'd be proud to present any of them at the Palladium and he reminds us what we're looking for.

Sophie sings Tomorrow, from Annie, it's touching, emotive (John's getting quite carried away - I thought it's a thing for Sophie, but he's like it all night, with all of them) Sophie has really come through this last couple of weeks. Mentor Ruthie Henshall so proud, watched her blossom. Sheila says she delivered, has true glamour, an old fashioned allure as opposed to the WAG type, amazing transformation, lived that song beautifully; John calls her charismatic, has an open and honest quality, he's very proud, Wales has a winner in her; Charlotte tells her she's taken the biggest journey, always want to believe in her. Andrew agrees she did it beautifully, Wales proud - will have to work at dance (my one concern with Sophie).

Lauren and I Could Have Danced All Night, from My Fair Lady, a lovely performance, as always, very slick, personally I thought there was a teensy slight little wobble on that top note but since I'm not an expert, I'll shut up. Mentor Sheridan Smith is excited for her, you have star quality, knock 'em dead. John tells her she's a leading lady, a producer's dream, sensational. Charlotte says she's undoubtedly flawless, top note gorgeous, unbelievable. Sheila admits that she thought Lauren was eyes, tits and teeth at first "the show's finished now, they can't sack me" LOL but she showed she as better than that, the last note pure joy. Andrew says it's the first top B flat we've ever heard on a reality show, proved he was right with the song, fantastic.

Danielle - liking her attitude but ...76 Trombones? Really? Interesting choice, I can see what Andrew wants to do, showing off her skills but I think it's risky. She delivers though, no doubt. Mentor Tamsin Outhwaite is excited and proud, always thought she'd make the perfect Dorothy. John tells her she never disappoints, was sensational and is a star; Sheila says she's wonderful, great skill, revelation at the workshop, grateful the public has seen what they've seen. Andrew says she conveyed the wittiness even while dancing, a worthy follower of the greats, Minnelli and Garland. I've voted for her twice, because she's worth it.

Side by side with the Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow for If I Only Had A Heart, all are great. Sheila says Lauren fantastic, related beautifully; Charlotte tells Danielle she's one of the most remarkable performers to come out of these shows; John reminds Sophie how unsure of herself she was at first, struggling in those shoes, now dancing around, did really great. Andrew is purring away - all three are extraordinary and could be Dorothy.

Toto is ... all have impressed, Andrew made the call ... oh, come on, who is it? Enter Jodie with ...Dangerous Dave! Why? Because he's consistent and how can you not love a face like that?

Oooh, frozen lines, no warning! Sheila treats all the former Dorothys to a night out at Sister Act and introduces them to former Nancys, who the show helped, opening doors. They all perform Empire State of Mind, lovely when in harmony together, a couple showing they went out at the right time.

This is it moment #1 ... Danielle safely through, woohoo, Graham straight out with it, no messing. Who's joining her for the final sing off? Sophie! Thought that might happen, Lauren third, just too slick. Standing ovation though, and fully deserved. She'll be a star, no doubt. Lauren not too shocked, Andrew not too surprised, the audience went for the younger two. He's got her number. Sophie's confidence just shot through the roof. Lauren's pure voice does Over The Rainbow justice.

Graham starts the final segment descending on the flying bicycle "they couldn't afford a monkey"! Danielle and Sophie will both sing Over The Rainbow, plus their favourite from the series. Before that, we see their final task, rehearsing that iconic scene where Dorothy sings it.

Sophie does it wonderfully well, gorgeous voice; Danielle next and, to me, she is Dorothy, that earnestness that Sheila talked of reminds me of Judy Garland. Sheila said they both captured Dorothy's emotion; John tells Sophie he's bursting with pride, tells Danielle she's a star; Charlotte pronounces that was the best we've heard Sophie, Danielle just captivating. Run nearest and dearest VT ...

Their fave songs, Sophie with Reflection, excellent choice, easily her strongest, John completely under her spell. Gorgeous. Danielle with Mambo Italiano - absolutely fantastic, what a performance, incredbily strong vocally considering the movement. John just can't hide his excitement, great to see the panel relish it so much.

This is it moment #2 ... lines are closed! Oooooh, go the audience, me included! Trip down memory lane while we wait, remembering all the fabulous performances, the tasks, the Totos and the farewells. £430k was raised for the Performing Arts fund.

It's ... Danielle! One happy Lord tonight, says the public never fail to get it right. Danielle didn't bother waiting for him to present the shoes, lol, she just took 'em, far too excited! She sings us out in the ruby slippers and away she goes in the hot air balloon!

England Win 20/20 Cricket World Cup!

2010-05-16T22:31:00.003+01:00

By slaughtering the Aussies, Oh, Yes! With 7 wickets and 3 overs remaining - our first one day title in 35 years! Kevin Pietersen *swoon* (and congratulations to him and Jessica on the birth of their baby son) won Player of the Tournament, with Craig Kieswetter Man of the Match.

Full details on the BBC Sport website.

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-05-16T22:11:00.006+01:00

The usual reprise: As Graham says, it's going to be emotional! Sheila says she's been wrong about the bottom two every week, John says anyone of the four left could be Dorothy, Charlotte praises them all - they're glad it's not them choosing tonight.

Last mash-up medley of the series: Singing In The Rain - Umbrella - I think Andrew's a bit choked at the prospect of having to choose. A quick visit to the Live events with Bronte, Dani, Amy, Emilie and Jodie Prenger, a good time had by one and all.

Sierra Boggess from Love Never Dies imparts some advice: "Play the part as if your life depended on it" then performs the title song and epitomises the whole keepin' it real ethos: beautifully done, simple yet powerful.

Toto's task - his big scene, pulling back the curtain to reveal the Wizard of Oz! Eddie, Spider and Dave nearly got it; Troy and Missy did it, the Lord picks Troy as Star Dog, the panel choose Eddie.

Just moments away *eek* The girls big themselves up, the panel all agree that on this week's performance, Steph is not Dorothy. I thought they'd abstain from that but no. Perhaps it'll make it an easier decision for Andrew if she's in the bottom two.

Safe: Danielle! Lauren - bottom two; Safe - Sophie! Viewer vote would have put her straight out. I'm not going to say it ... who am I kidding - I said pop songs would do for them, didn't I? Not a foregone conclusion, Lauren the star vocalist but sometimes too slick versus Steph the all round triple threat. He tells them to think vulnerability in the Tim Rice written Evita song Another Suitcase in Another Home. Lauren gets his vote, Steph already resigned after the panel's comments. Andrew reiterates that she'll go far.

So now we know: Danielle v Lauren v Sophie for the final. All totally different but equally talented. And it's all up to us!

McLaren Watch

2010-05-16T14:32:00.005+01:00

Well it's all gone a bit t*ts up hasn't it, with Jenson out and Lewis finishing in 5th. I told you I shouldn't watch live, didn't I? I'm consoled myself with a Penguin.

So Jenson is dumped down to 4th in the championship, on 70 pts, below new championship leader Webber on 78 pts, same as team-mate Vettel in 2nd, but one more win puts him ahead. Alonso is on 73 in 3rd, Massa in 5th on 61 and Kubica given 6th ahead of Lewis, both on 59 pts.

Red Bull (156) and Ferrari (134) both leap frog McLaren (129) in the Constructors championship.

Over The Rainbow: Semi Final

2010-05-15T22:09:00.013+01:00

Kicking us off with Together Wherever We Go; Andrew will make his last save of the series this weekend. They all sound terrific there, anyone standing out? Pep talk from Andrew - for the audience - look for the girl who goes on a journey, who keeps it real.

Sophie sings Reflection from Mulan and it's beautiful - well done Sophie, she's stepped up again this week and really brought herself into contention. Nailed it. Steph has Rule The World and, much as I love both her and this song, I'm not so keen on this performance. Round one to Sophie.

Charlotte says they were two outstanding vocals; Sheila tells Sophie it's a big leap forward for her and Steph made the pop song sound like it meant something; John tells Steph she's the one out of the four who's the triple threat and it's Sophie's best performance to date. Andrew says Steph did very well with a difficult song and Sophie turned the corner tonight: "Bravo You" he tells her.

Lauren has Heaven, I'm thinking pop songs at this stage, however well sung, is not doing them any favours - I felt she had to work hard there, although still vocally wonderful. Danielle sings When You Believe from Prince of Egypt and, as in the first two, the musical theatre song gets my vote, she was able to put so much more into it, the full package. Sheila says they were two cracking performances, Lauren showed the wonderment of love, Danielle did it brilliantly, simple and beautiful; John called it The Voice v The Actress, if we could mix you both up, you'd be the perfect Dorothy; Charlotte thinks Lauren is incapable of giving a bad performance and Danielle spotless vocally, a performance of substance. Andrew believes Lauren will always give her best - and of Danielle, he says: "Some actresses rely on the truth within themselves - that's you."

Duets: Every girl for themselves! Sophie and Steph first with I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair from South Pacific Ha, great fun. Even Stevens too, Sophie the vocal, Steph the attitude, but they both came through strongly.

Danielle and Lauren next with Popular from Wicked, it's quirky and fun - and Danielle took it hands down, total presence, comedy, acting, vocal, ease of movement.

John says Lauren and Danielle the best - chose Danielle if pushed; Steph polished choreographically; Sophie so strong tonight; Charlotte picks out Steph but overall Lauren and Danielle outstanding; Sheila says Lauren and Danielle fabulous, but had the slightly wittier and funny song. Andrew's worried that the Wicked producers might pinch them out from under his nose!

They have vocal coaching in how to do a Kansas accent "Ma nayem is Darathy an' ar hayev a dawg colled Todo." That might be Texan but hey ho. Playing the going home scene with the good witch of the North, Andrew almost had a tear in his eye when Danielle was saying goodbye to the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion (Me too - she might well have won it with that.) Lauren so professional, Steph so consistent, Sophie could nick this from all of them.

Sheila can't be bothered with the accent - don't demonstrate just be, was John Thaw's mantra - Danielle has got it. John says all four have developed but Lauren has his vote; Steph stood out for Charlotte, Lauren brilliant. Andrew says they've all upped their game, all have the accent, not going to lead the audience, we've got to make up our own minds who would make the best Dorothy. Tonight, for me, it's Danielle.

Sportsnight

2010-05-09T21:30:00.011+01:00

In Boxing, John Murray added the European Flyweight title to his British belt.

Continuing the excellent gymnastic European Championships, Daniel Keating and Louis Smith took Gold and Silver in the Pommel Horse, with Beth Tweddle becoming double Gold medallist on the floor and uneven bars.

Three Golds and a Silver at the sailing World Cup, for windsurfer Bryony Shaw, 49ers Brotherton and Asquith and Paul Goodison in the Laser class; Charlotte Dobson with the silver in the Laser Radial.

Fencer Richard Kruse retains Copenhagen World Cup title; World Cup bronze for Chrystall Nicoll.

Karina Bryant and Euan Burton win bronze in the European Judo Championships.

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-05-09T20:57:00.005+01:00

Which of the final five will escape the sing off ... again! Graham hopes the mash up will be a spudwehopeulike *Groans* we'll wait and see.

What do the girls need? Andrew says they have to respond to the comedians in the show; Sheila's glad it's us who decide, everybody left has something special; John believes it's anybody's game and it's incredibly important they hold their nerve; Charlotte says it was the right time for Jenny to leave, she couldn't match the others this week.

Joint task this week for the girls and the would be Totos, loving Graham's Miss World commentary as he introduces the dogs, and it's left to them to choose a Dorothy - Jenny still in at this moment means a Dorothy misses out - and it's Lauren. Not only dogs to contend with but kids too, as each partnership takes to the Richmond Theatre stage in front of an audience. Missy and Eddie perform, Troy wanders, Dave's yawning and Spider joins in with the song. Spider gets the panel's vote, Dave wins the kids.

The mash up is almost a mash up, they almost had it, finishing on I Gotta Feeling. Steph and Jessica look the better dancers.

The panel muse on the girls: Danielle really strong, unique quality, a consummate actress; Sophie so beautiful, so natural, nearly there, too sensible but has it in her for the role; Lauren a bit too glib, transformed by bottom two appearance, most professional, delivered week on week, phenomenal vocal range; Jess the obvious choice at first, now not so sure, must be careful not to be labelled the kooky one all the time, Charlotte loves her, the overt features; Steph has blown them away every week, an all rounder who comes up with the goods but needs to keep it up.

A night out at Sweet Charity for the Dorothy's leads into Tamzin Outhwaite performing If My Friends Could See Me Now and if this is live, it's fantastic - it seems to good to be true, with all the choreography, her vocal is faultless.

The girls say why they should be in the semi - and it's time to find out: Safe: Sophie! Danielle, bottom two; Lauren and Steph both safe, it's Jessica versus Danielle - ooh, toughie for the Lord, a dreadful dilemma he calls it. Singing Take That Look of Your Face they both do all they can and Andrew bases his decision on who he feels would be the better Dorothy: Danielle. But he tells Jessica he sees her in a role like Sweet Charity or Funny Girl, she gives an impassioned, positive speech, she's off to train in September unless something comes up. The quirkiest, happiest Over the Rainbow we've heard.

McLaren Watch

2010-05-09T20:49:00.004+01:00

A Spanish GP qualifying dominated by the Red Bulls left our boys in 3rd (Lewis) and 5th (Jenson) but another fine drive from Lewis saw him in 2nd place on the penultimate lap, when unfortunately a left front puncture hoofed him off track and left him pointless. This did do Jenson a favour in moving him up from 6th to 5th though, after trailing Michael Schumacher following his pit stop. The Championship looks like this:

1. JB 70pts
2. Alonso 67
3. Vettel 60
4. Webber 53
5. Rosberg 50
6. Lewis 49
7. Massa 49

Constructors
1. McLaren 119
2. Ferrari 116
3. Red Bull 113

Over The Rainbow: Double Elimination

2010-05-08T22:47:00.011+01:00

The remaining six Dorothys open with Defying Gravity, the fine vocals can't hide the tension of the night as Graham tells us there'll be a sing off tonight with one to go!

It's Musical Theatre songs tonight and someone might pay for having a relatively unknown number - I hope it isn't Danielle, with On My Own, which sounds only vaguely familiar. She's strong vocally and delivered it passionately, but I'm concerned. Jessica on the other hand, is let loose with Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious - how can you not be smiling at that? Wonderful performance, ran out of steam a little towards the end, and why not?

Charlotte really enjoyed Danielle's emotive performance and called Jessica extravagant and fun; Sheila predicts the West End for both of them, though felt Jess could have relished the word more, while Danielle has star quality; John says Danielle performed with grace and sensivity and is right for Dorothy but Jessica is his Marmite Dorothy, sometimes it's a little bit cheesy. Andrew calls them both fantastic, Jessica never ceases to make him smile and he chose that song for Danielle as a complete contrast to Mambo Italiano.

Steph gets the emotional biggie of the night, Somewhere and does it justice, you can see the tear tracks on her face at the end, a moving, real performance. Jenny has Send In The Clowns and it doesn't compare to Jodie's version in the Nancy show, my mind wandered a bit, not her strongest performance.

Sheila says Steph was absolutely wonderful, beautiful, while Jenny had a difficult song, needed more colour, went for sad instead of ironic; John loves Jenny's uptempo stuff but this needed the acting skill and it was half baked. He tells Steph there's a place for her, back here next week, truth and beauty in her performance; Charlotte thought Jenny had moments of real magic and Steph is just special, superb. Andrew says they both did well, Steph got the meaning of the words.

Sophie puts in a good performance on one of those quaint old numbers I Enjoy Being A Girl, strong vocally, a lot of choreography and acting to cope with and seems more relaxed with it, after the judges recent comments I suspect she's letting go and making the most of it possibly being her final week. Lauren, as ever, faultless vocally in another unknown-to-me-song called Being Alive and I don't understand why I don't vote for her.

John says Sophie has an openess and naturalness about her, but it's a TV not a stage performance. Lauren has the best voice in the competition; Charlotte thought Sophie was great , laid it on the line, she tells Lauren "I've got stop fawning over you, it's becoming embarassing" and praised her phrasing; Sheila felt that Lauren needed to cherish the lyrics more and Sophie needed to send her song up more, tells her "learn to make a fool of yourself and you'll be terrific"; Andrew agreed with Sheila.

So the lines are open - voted twice each for Danielle, Steph and Jessica. And while we're doing that, we see the girls' mission - commanding Bobby the Westie as well as the stage, in the emotional scene where Dorothy thinks she's lost Toto but he comes back and they decide to leave. Glad to report my three seemed to do well, plus Lauren was very convincing.

Back to the singing - If I Could Talk To The Animals - and my mum phones in the middle to say that she can't get through, it's telling her the voting line has closed. I quickly ascertain it's because she's dialling 08 at the end for Lauren - and there's only six in it, mum! They're scrolling the numbers across the screen and she's swearing blind it's an 8 when it's a 6 ...

Pep talk to the voters from Andrew "Remember all the performances and tasks to decide on your Dorothy"; A glimpse of tomorrow's Toto Task; A glimpse into the BBC Performing Arts Fund. And the lines are closed!

Charlotte performs solo for the first time in four years, The Actress. Can't honestly say I liked it much, was like she couldn't make up her mind what key to sing in. Just goes to show ...

Who do the girls think will not be Dorothy? Danielle and Jenny say Steph; Jessica reckons Danielle; Lauren thinks Sophie; Sophie and Steph choose Jenny. The panel are split, Sheila and John say Sophie; Charlotte plumps for Jenny.

Safe: Steph! Danielle! Jessica! *Whoop* Jenny in the bottom two, joined by Lauren, Sophie shocked but safe! I begin to wonder if my mum got through ... viewer vote would have put Lauren out! Gasps of shock erupt in the studio! But she'll be safe, The Lord won't keep Jenny instead of her. They sing Bridge Over Troubled Water and Lauren totally outsings Jenny, who has finally succumbed to the pressure, she prepares for the worst and Andrew makes it quick, so he can follow with words of encouragement. Here come the tears but she pulls it together for Over The Rainbow.

But we're not finished yet! The remaining five sing again for our votes, a Wizard of Oz line up; Jessica and Lauren stand out. Andrew and John advise us to pick our Dorothy; Charlotte doesn't want to lose Lauren; Sheila says we only need someone who can sing, dance, act, do pathos and comedy, balance a football on her head and hoover. Simultaneously.

The things they say ...

2010-05-04T14:43:00.004+01:00

We were discussing how some unemployed people may have to resort to that soul-destroying art of telemarketing, you know, the cold-calling, straight out of telephone book to make double-glazing appointments (been there, done that, lived to tell the tale, managed one appointment in four weeks) and Matt pipes up:

"But selling tellys can get you loads of money, they must be able to get at least £300 for each one ..."

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-05-02T22:52:00.008+01:00

Reprise of Don't Rain on My Parade and the panel are all in agreement, anyone's game, only confirmed by the medley (they've cottoned on at last!) of What A Swell Party and Get The Party Started, there are no weaknesses, any of them could be Dorothy.

The Toto's Task in Legally Blonde, Missy and Spider the only two to master their script, Missy is top dog, Spider gave everyone a scare, skidding to the edge of the stage in his excitement!

The girls mission - into the Haunted Forest alone, except for mini Graham, the flying monkey. And their mums. Danielle feels sick but 18 now so going in; Steph says it's horrible; Stephanie is praying; Sophie taking on the challenge; Laurens' hearing noises; they're all jumping. If they chose to go 'home' they found their mum, as Jenny, Steph and Lauren did; Sophie, Danielle and Stephanie bravely went on to Oz; Jessica excused due to her throat.

Group number The Happening was excellent, but showed off the stronger dancers; Jessica, Danielle, Steph. The panel again all in agreement - Danielle stood out. The girls are asked who they think would struggle in the West End: Danielle, Stephanie and Jess reckon Jenny; Jenny, Lauren and Sophie say Stephanie; Steph plumps for Jess on account of her voice problems this week.

Sheila and John say, with regret, that Stephanie isn't Dorothy; Charlotte regrettably says Sophie.

Safe: Danielle; Jessica, Lauren, Jenny, Sophie. It's Steph (dammit) versus Stephanie (noooooo!) and there's going to a lot of upset people who forgot to vote, or thought they didn't need to yet! Had it been down to viewer vote, Stephanie would be gone. Singing Tell Me on a Sunday, both terrific, forced to choose I'd save Steph, her overall star quality and all performances. Yes, she's safe, but sad that Stephanie goes just because of one dodgy performance of a difficult song - remember, little Sarah, another favourite, went out of I'd Do Anything singing the very same song!

I blame myself for forgetting to vote for Steph. Stephanie's overcome, the girls pick up the chorus for her. And OMG, there's two to go next week!

Over The Rainbow: Big Band Diva Night

2010-05-01T22:39:00.002+01:00

It’s Big Band Night! The girls ask us not to rain of their parade and they all have their moments, very strong.

Steph sings Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend with gusto, strong performing element again, really gels with the dancers, though I felt this compromised her vocal, maybe would’ve been better a tad slower. Jenny with Feelin’ Good and another strong vocal but no interaction with the dancers, could’ve played up to them for a bit more substance.

John says it’s a cracking opening, Steph’s best friends are the Tin Man and the Scarecrow, Jenny got her mojo back; Sheila thinks Jenny could’ve used the lyrics more, Steph could’ve stretched a little further; Charlotte called Steph a diminutive diva and Jenny pulled it out of the bag. Andrew tells us Steph saved the show last week but didn’t elaborate and Jenny did well.

Sophie sings What A Wonderful World and it’s her best performance by far, I found it very emotive, a little nervy which added a vulnerability to a cracking vocal. Charlotte agrees on the gorgeous vocal but says she could’ve pushed it more, a lot more to give; Sheila says it’s a viable interpretation, nerves pull her back; John wished he could’ve seen the colours and felt the sun; Andrew agreed with the panel but believes in her.

Danielle goes for it with Mambo Italiano and it’s fantastic, vocally fabulous, the acting, movement, interaction with the dancers, a brilliant, complete performance. Lauren has The Man That Got Away and with this she has to live up to Jessie’s performance in the Nancy series. Exceptional vocal as ever, possibly a little too slick again compared to Jessie’s rawness and I found it a little overacted.

Sheila calls them two absolutely knockout performances, both girls assume a character and live the roles, loved Danielle, Lauren moved her deeply; John calls Danielle truly sensational, Lauren absolutely fantastic, committed, measured. Charlotte believes Danielle has grown the most, on fire, brilliant and Lauren’s was one of the best performances she’s ever seen. Andrew says two fantastic performances, Danielle full of humour and fun, Lauren made it her own.

Stephanie sings Mr Bojangles, an understated performance with a kick, different interpretation well done, but not my favourite of hers. Jessica has Cabaret and she’s in her element, brilliant vocal considering she’s had a bad throat, full of va va voom, her favourite song, she lives it.

John didn’t like Stephanie’s but that’s what he’s been waiting for from Jess; Charlotte disagrees with John over Stephanie, she likes the interpretation and says all the girls have stepped it up tonight, Jessica’s best vocal, owned the stage; Sheila says Jessica got the context, overall colour bright, would’ve liked Stephanie to have told the story better; Andrew says they both had difficult songs and did very well, Jess got the acting side right.

The Lord isn’t discounting anyone and it’s even harder to choose after the second group number of The Trolley Song, they’re all fabulous again. Wide open tonight – and I forgot to vote! I can’t believe I forgot to vote! If I had it would’ve been Steph, Danielle and Jessica, with an honorary mention for Sophie – I’m not sure whether she can cope with a full on part due to the nerves so far. I’ll be gutted if two of them end up in the bottom two. ‘Til tomorrow then ...

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-04-25T20:40:00.005+01:00

Good showing again from all eight Dorothys in the reprise of "If I Only Had The Part" followed by the recap, after which Andrew tells us there are eight front runners! Then changes his mind and says six, but won't be drawn as to who they are.

John says some of the girls are where they should be, others aren't; it's clearer to Sheila who can deliver in the role - three of them now, the others eventually. Charlotte stays tight lipped other than to reiterate that she'll be singing No More Tears with them.

The Medley is A Fine Romance - Bad Romance - Just Dance - and another Lady Ga Ga song I can't remember the title of: Steph and Stephanie stood out for me.

Toto Time - eleven down to five! And they are: Dave; Eddie; Missy; Spider; Troy. Wish they'd show us a bit more of them though, maybe next week. Especially Eddie in the cinema seat, lol!

The girls' mission, which they chose to accept, although mostly terrified: singing with Charlotte. She's looking for tone, pitch, hitting the note bang on and emotion. She works them all individually and is impressed with all - although says there are four who could be Dorothy.

No More Tears is a Wow - they all stepped up there, Charlotte had clearly filled them with confidence - and a great performance full of attitude from her too. She makes their night, telling them it was a privilege to work with them.

And who do the girls think the viewers favourite is? Emilie & Sophie say Stephanie; Jenny & Stephanie plump for Emilie; Steph says Jess; Danielle and Jess reckon Sophie; Lauren picks Jenny.

The panel are unanimous that Emilie is NOT Dorothy - who's right, them or Jenny & Stephanie? Safe: Steph; Jessica; Stephanie; Lauren; Jenny; they left Danielle till last after telling her she might be in the sing-off - how cruel is that?

It's Emilie versus Sophie, singing I Know Him So Well, The Lord wants to see acting, I want to see Sophie make it through. She does. I said that Cyndi Lauper song would do for Emilie, didn't I? Apart from the slight glitch at the end, Over the Rainbow is Emilie's best solo performance to date. The weakest singer is out - Game On!

Sportsday

2010-04-25T14:21:00.015+01:00

Cycling news - David McCann wins Tour of Philippines; a one-two for Pooley and Cooke in the Fleche Wallonne.

Team GB took the junior gold at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships to retain their position at the top of the European rankings, whilst the Senior Men win Silver in the team event in the Eurpean Championships, a historic first medal for them. And lifted directly from BBC's Ollie Williams Twitter: "GB juniors finish Euros with FIVE gold medals. Team gold, all-around gold (Sam Oldham), floor & pommel (Max Whitlock) and high bar (Oldham)" - he's blogging tomorrow, I'll try to remember to link it. This was shortly followed by "Bronze for Britain's Daniel Purvis in floor event at men's Euros. That's one of the two medals GB coach Paul Hall wanted. Pommel horse next" - excellent service, Ollie! Latest: "Dan Keatings beats Louis Smith on pommel horse - Euro gold and silver respectively. Report appearing on BBC site imminently. Action ongoing!" How fantastic is that!?

A seventh major medal for Karina Bryant, at the European Judo Championships, bagging a bronze, with Euan Burton also securing bronze at the same event.

Wrestler Yana Stadnik took Silver in the European Championships.

Over The Rainbow: Interaction Motivation

2010-04-25T08:57:00.003+01:00

The Dorothys sing a re-written version of the Scarecrow’s “If I Only Had a Heart” – “If I Only Had The Part!” Neat. Sophie and Emilie surprising me there, sounding very strong. The Lord quips about the all the audience voting to avoid a hung Dorothy and moved on - we’re looking for interaction tonight, the girls will be split into two groups later.

Jenny out first with Warwick Avenue and it’s another strong, engaging performance, acting skills coming through, controlled. Emilie has Girls Just Want To Have Fun and whoever chose this for her must want her out badly – nobody has ever pulled this off in a reality show. Even if she was a strong, confident singer she’d have struggled with this. As it is, I’m finding it hard to watch.

Charlotte says Jenny did a good job, got every big note, bit self contained and Emilie was fun and frivolous, but control still an issue; Sheila said she didn’t see anguish with Jenny and Emilie was cute but needed to grow more; John felt Jenny’s vocal was great but needed to push the acting more. The Lord says the panel are spot on, particularly Sheila’s comments to Emilie about being able to take criticism and his tears weren’t as jerked by Jenny as they should have been.

Stephanie and Nobody Does It Better, loved this interpretation, she’s so likeable and so consistent, no matter what type of song, really good job. Lauren with Nobody Knows, the first complete performance of the night, fantastic vocal, emotive, really felt the song.

Sheila is convinced by both, Stephanie needs to act more, Lauren superb at the end, a huge step forward; John wants Stephanie to bring her up-tempo performance skills to the slow stuff and didn’t want Lauren to stop; Charlotte says Stephanie could sing the phone book and Lauren was vulnerable, broken and beautiful. The Lord says they’re both incredibly talented, be happy to see either as Dorothy.

Sophie, with London Welsh, lucky girl. Ouch! Love Song was a strange song, didn’t show off her vocal as much as I’d have liked, bit in and out. Jessica does it her way for There’ll You’ll Be, stayed put, relied on the emotion, one of her best performances.

John tells Sophie she’s going to have to work twice as hard as everyone else, a little understated but Jessica’s was her most truthful, honest performance to date, what he’s been looking for. Charlotte said Sophie had a hard song, struggled a bit, it wasn’t what she did in the masterclass; Jess was magic from the last chorus out; Sheila thought Sophie was terrific and Jessica overacted up till the end when she really felt it. The Lord says there are times in Jessica’s performance when he’s watching a world class performer and Sophie is a talented girl, asks the audience not to punish her for a bad song.

Danielle sings Cry Me A River, great entrance, lowered on a swing – I’m not a fan of the vamp look I have to say, interesting arrangement, all round performance again, still more to come I think. Steph is gaining in confidence every week and delivers again with Use Somebody, she’s one of the most versatile.

Charlotte says they’re both exceptional, Steph sang beautifully, so at home on stage, while Danielle was sultry and vocally perfect; Sheila says these two have the best interpretations, Danielle has a subtlety and gravity, Steph beautifully done; John says Steph was fierce, Danielle so consistent - both girls should make the final! The Lord agrees with John - incredibly strong contenders.

The group songs – the Deadwood Dames (Emilie, Jenny, Lauren, Stephanie) with The Deadwood Stage are all very strong – Emilie again, much stronger than when she’s alone. It’s a shame the mics weren’t working at the start of the Oklahoma Outlaws (Sophie, Danielle, Jessica, Steph) but they got it sorted – but Oklahoma only has one catchy line so they were never going to get the panels’ vote, which goes to the Deadwood Dames. I couldn’t pick anyone out as being less interactive than the others - The Lord says that he wants to cancel the competition and give them all one performance a week!

I voted based on who I don’t want to lose: Steph, Stephanie, Jessica, Danielle. As for the sing off, no-one is safe. Till the morrow ...

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-04-20T10:33:00.017+01:00

A night out at the O2 for the live Dancing on Ice show means this is a little late, apologies for that - but a rundown on the DOI show will shortly appear over on the dance blog, so it's all good!

A reprise of Ease On Down The Road confirms my initial thoughts that Emilie and Sophie aren't the best dancers, nowhere near as fluid as the others. Andrew says the field is wide open, unsure who'll he'll be choosing from in the bottom two; Sheila says the amount they do reveals their stamina; John says he's picked four contenders as Dorothy; Charlotte doubts she'd cope with the amount of routines they're learning - she needs a couple of drinks before she'll dance, lol. I love that fact that she's well aware of her reputation and goes for it before the press do!

The mash-up is still a medley, moving from Losing My Mind to Crazy in Love to Crazy and back to Crazy in Love again - please can someone advise: You have to re-write and mix two songs together, sometimes individual lines with the same backing track to make a mash up. See this, the example I previously gave. And if you're not watching Glee yet, why not? Anyway, back to Dorothy ... I thought Jessica and Danielle both did well there.

The search for Toto promised to be emotional and it is, very much so, for dog loving Jodie. Maybe I'm hard, but get a grip, really, they're well trained dogs. Although I did adore the Great Dane, Strider, thought he was gorgeous. They've whittled down to ten, we'll see them perform for the Lord next week.

Dancing in high heels - John shows how it's done! Adding to the pressure, The Lord turns up with Arlene Phillips in tow. Stephanie's awareness and Danielle's taking on a role to do it impress John most.

The Dorothys perform Buenos Aires from Evita and collectively, they're fabulous. The Lord is very impressed by all.

Who will they miss most? Danielle and Jessica don't want to lose Dani; Emilie would be gutted if Stephanie went and Stephanie reciprocates; Dani would miss Steph; Jenny and Lauren, roomies, want each other to stay; Likewise Steph and Sophie are mates;

Who's not the panel's Dorothy? Sheila - Jessica; John - Emilie; Charlotte - Jenny

Safe: Emilie; Stephanie; Jenny; Steph; Lauren; Jessica; Sophie. It's Dani v Danielle in the sing off and I confess to being a little shocked - Dani's best was least popular; Danielle proves how one slightly off week can have such an impact. They sing Maybe This Time and I've got my fingers crossed for Danielle - Dani is more passionate but Danielle is the overall package and she takes The Lord's decision.

Dani sings us out beautifully, saving her best performance for Over The Rainbow.

McLaren Watch

2010-04-18T14:13:00.007+01:00

I told you, didn't I - a one-two when I wasn't watching means I can't watch again now. But hubby getting up early meant two hours snore-free sleep for me that I simply had to take advantage of.

So, another good call for tyres saw Jenson nab victory in another rain hit race, while Lewis stormed through the field - even with 4 pit stops and a reprimand - in another fantastic drive to grab second place!

Jenson now leads the championship by 10 points from Nico Rosberg (still beating team-mate Michael Schumacher) 60 points to 50, with Lewis in 4th, tied on 49 pts with Alonso in 3rd, due to Alonso's one win.

McLaren are now clear leaders in the Constructors Championship, 109 points to Ferrari's 90.

Over The Rainbow: Dancing Night

2010-04-17T21:55:00.023+01:00

And they're out for a group number to Ease on Down The Road, from the all-black version, The Wiz (of which I have the album, up in the loft - it's fabulous!) And for me, on dance night, I didn't think Emilie and Sophie were as comfortable as the others in that.

Andrew tells us that Bronte has a place in stage school and should get a part from one of the two auditions she attended this week, yay for Bronte!

Dani sings One Night Only, another strong vocal, a bit in and out, no dancing, very confident performance though. Liking the male dancers, lol. Sheila thought she was great but didn't quite get the song; John says she sold it; Charlotte felt she gave it everything; Andrew sensed that she doesn't feel the music so much.

Sophie sings I'm With You and it's her best to date, really connected with the song, again no dancing but well done. John says she could still be Dorothy; Charlotte got all the emotion; Sheila says it's a real breakthrough for her; Andrew says she has music within her.

Lauren has Sway and I admit, I'm comparing her performance to Samantha in the Nancy show, and I don't find it as good. Lots of dancing meant her vocal suffered for the first time - and I felt her dancing was very much learned-by-numbers, it didn't capture the spirit of the song. Finished strongly. Charlotte said she smouldered her way through; Sheila, very tellingly, says it was 'elegant' - should Sway be elegant? John said it's ok to be confident and you're a great dancer; Andrew thought it her best yet. Hm, I really didn't think so, this seems a concerted effort to convince the public.

Emilie has Moon River and she's a little shaky in places, still nowhere good enough vocally to carry a stage show. Sheila says she's great but not enough understanding of the song; John didn't get it at all (but the choreography is hardly her fault) Charlotte says she found her vocal control; Andrew says she's vocally not secure but possibly the best mover.

Stephanie blasts them all offstage with Let's Get Loud, full of energy, attitude, musicality, out of time slightly on one small bit but brilliant performance. Sheila says she was wonderful, moved like a dream; John says she's a firecracker, solid, sensational; Charlotte says she's awesome; Andrew says extraordinary.

Steph is Phil Fearon's daughter! Ah, Galaxy - Dancing Tight. Yes, it's in the loft. Singing Out Here on My Own, it's a moving performance and held the intensity all the way. John is dazzled by her acting; Charlotte says she's a triple threat, acting, singing, dancing; Sheila says it was beautiful; Andrew says she's immensley talented but not sure if this role is right for her.

Jenny has Why Do Fools Fall in Love and she does it again, the most consistent all round performer, strong vocal, confident, great movement. John says he's beginning to think she's faking it???!! Charlotte thought pretty good, overall. Sheila tells her to have more fun with the choreography; Andrew says it was a tricky song.

Jessica sings Crazy Little Thing Called Love and this is a fab performance, she looks daintier alone with the male dancers, she's so much taller than the other girls. The vocal went a little during the jive - terrific kicks though, great fun, full of personality and brought the vocal back. Great stuff. Charlotte said she owned the stage; John wanted to love it but found the choreography laboured??? Sheila threw me because she called her Steph; Andrew said if he was casting Funny Girl she'd be high on the list (a compliment) she works both the live audience and the TV.

Danielle out last with Could It Be Magic, it's Manilow meets musical theatre, her weakest vocally, but still stronger than most. Charlotte says it's a complete performance; Sheila tells her to regard the camera as a friend; John loved the performance but wants to see her take a risk and do something different; Andrew says she's a remarkable performer, he can't wait to work with both her and Jessica himself.

The group performance of America will show us who the strongest dancers are, but we don't see enough of each of them. So I have to say that overall, the one I feel who isn't Dorothy, is Emilie.

Back tomorrow!

Sportsnight

2010-04-12T22:44:00.028+01:00

Mhairi Spence took a Bronze in the Modern Pentathlon, held here in little ol' Medway! Check out the Rochester People site for some pics too :)

Lee Westwood was runner up in the U.S. Masters at Augusta.

Mara Yamauchi won the New York Half Marathon.

The cyclists continue to bring home the medals, finishing top of the table for Olympic disciplines in the recent World Championships in Copenhagen, with more to come.

In the IBSA 6th World Judo Championships, Ben Quilter won Gold, with Silvers for brothers Sam and Joe Ingram and a Bronze for Lesley Reid.

Paralympian Danny Greaves set a new world best for the discus, swimmers Jonathan Fox and James Crisp also set new world records.

In sailing, Ed Wright won World Cup Gold in the Finn class.

Squash world number 2, Nick Matthew won his first ISS Canary Wharf tour title.

The triathletes are off and running (and swimming and cycling) as Stuart Hayes and Liz Blatchford take silver and bronze in the first world cup event of the year.

And at the Curling World Championships in Italy, Scotland's curlers win Bronze.

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-04-11T20:18:00.023+01:00

Reprising The Wicked Witch is Dead and last night's show; Andrew says how high the standard is - and all live to boot.

Mash up time: Well, two song medley - Money Makes The World Go Around and Material Girl. See, strictly, a mash up is like you get in Glee - see the episode with Young Girl and Don't Stand So Close To Me for how it's actually done! Another fine production nonetheless.

The Search for Toto - some are the cutest, some are butt ugly, was that lovely little cute one called Fang? They've got proper experts on it. And Jodie. Whittling down to fifty! Meet them next week. Keep the hankies handy.

Steph happywith tonight, Stephanie over the moon and hoping she doesn't end the night sitting on it!

The acting class - learn the scene where Dorothy meets the Scarecrow. Lauren makes a good impression; Sophie and Dani forget their lines; Jessica, Steph and Stephanie over acted; Bronte, Jenny and Emilie all did well, Danielle stood out most, a considerable actress.

Get Happy - fab performance by all of them, tried to pick out the best but ... Andrew can't single them out either! The girls say who they think may be out: The panel say who is not Dorothy
Sheila - Sophie; John - Jessica; Charlotte - Emilie. Ooh, here we go!

Safe: Stephanie; Jessica; Jenny; Dani; Sophie; Steph! Yay! Danielle *phew* don't mind who out of the remaining two, but would prefer Bronte to make it through. Emilie safe - Lauren, the perceived arrogance puts her in the bottom two. Viewer vote would have put Bronte out.

Singing 'What I Did For Love' from Chorus Line - you're on your own, Andrew. He's gutted, two fantastically talented girls, going on tonight's performances, he doesn't know but has to choose - Lauren takes it. Jessica is heartbroken, you can see her and Bronte had become mates. Andrew tells Bronte to keep in touch, the panel are all nodding. Singing Over the Rainbow, it's Bronte saying goodbye.

Over The Rainbow: Too Close To Call

2010-04-10T21:32:00.003+01:00

Cue lots of horsey puns from Graham! The Dorothys sing Ding Dong The Witch is Dead, no one stands out as better or worse than the rest, a pointer to a close show tonight. Emphasis on acting tonight, Sheila’s given them all a masterclass.

Sophie sings That Don’t Impress Me Much and I’m again sensing that song choices are going to have a big impact in this series. A small stutter, but big on attitude and pretty good overall. Jessica sings The Voice Within, a quiet and emotive performance, very different for her. Sheila disappointed that neither of them picked up on all her points; John found himself looking at the backing dancers instead of Sophie and saw no truth in Jess’ performance; Charlotte enjoyed both; Andrew said neither song was suitable and there’s more to come from both girls.

Bronte has Suddenly I See – I like this song but this performance was too shiny and clean, needed to be more funky, just not raw enough for me to enjoy it. Dani has The Buble’s Home, one little moment but vocally much improved on last week and heartfelt. Not sure she’ll want the public to follow up on that sentiment and send her home though! John felt there was no story arc with Bronte, Dani got stronger; Charlotte thought Bronte was great but could have rocked more, Dani brilliant, lovely, emotive; Sheila delighted with Dani, Bronte nearly cracked it; Andrew agreed with Sheila.

Steph and Oh So Quiet and I wasn’t sure about this song but then ... POW! Brilliant! Loved it, fave so far, what a great comeback, full of zest! The timing in the choreography was terrific. Jenny sings Songbird, completely different to last week but just as effective, wonderful vocal. Charlotte hopes neither are in danger, a fearless performance from Steph, brilliant. Jenny shocks her, beautiful tone; Sheila says they’re two of the bravest girls; John says that that is how you front a number (Steph) liked Jenny’s softer side, maybe a bit more passion; Andrew shares another piece of trivia, says Steph was wonderful and Jenny pitch perfect, an immaculate performance.

Danielle with Just A Little Girl - I really like her voice, she sounds like a West End singer, with the acting skills and presence on stage to match. Another strong performance. Lauren and I’ll Never Fall in Love Again. Not quite sure about the occasional change in accent but what a voice. Sheila pleased with both, Danielle a really good actress, Lauren witty, charming and light; John says it’s Danielle’s best to date, intelligent and sophisticated, Lauren fabulous; Charlotte says Danielle was dynamic, loved the whole performance, Lauren she warned about coming over too arrogant, but then, coming out and singing like that, fair do’s! Andrew praises Lauren and says Danielle fantastic, very impressed.

Emilie with The Boy Does Nothing and it isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, in fact, it’s miles better than I thought it’d be, vocal in and out and needed a bit more attitude, but well done. Stephanie wows with Smile, beautiful performance, very strong. John says Emilie is back in the competition, great performance and loved Stephanie’s softer side; Charlotte enjoyed Emilie’s whole performance but she must learn to control her voice, Stephanie – brilliant, heartfelt, loved it, performance of the night; Sheila felt they didn’t do as well as she’d hoped although Stephanie grew stronger, Emilie could have had more fun with it. Andrew shares another story, says Stephanie did beautifully, Emilie needs more work.

Andrew wants hair and make up to remember they’re casting for Dorothy not Girls Aloud, they’re looking too sophisticated. I have to agree. Lines are open, Steph’s getting a vote tonight because I don’t want her in the bottom two again, but really, there’s nothing between them. I was least impressed with Emilie and Bronte tonight. The Dorothys take to the stage with Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray, Jessica and Stephanie stood out for me, along with Bronte, redeeming herself.

Until the morrow ...

Over The Rainbow Result Show

2010-04-05T11:25:00.005+01:00

Smashing opening, the Lord will be watching very closely, hell have to take everything into account when he makes his choice.

Quick recap, happy birthday Graham. Fantastic mash-up, beginning with Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better going into Broken Heels. Some girls more visisble than others, but not a duff note anyway and great movement.

Off the the farm, with Adam from Live Lambing marking them! No room for any dainty pretties here, they've got to get stuck in. He's judging them and his winner performs again - not sure that's a prize - Bronte gets it and chooses Amy, Emilie and Jessica to take the stage with her, whilst the rest of the girls will provide backing vocals. But they sing Love Machine, not the Smokey Robinson but the Girls Aloud piece of tuneless drivel, what a shame. Full of energy but no chance for a decent vocal.

The panel tell us who isn't Dorothy for them: Sheila - Amy; John - Sophie; Charlotte - Dani;

Safe: Bronte; Dani; Stephanie; Jenny; Danielle; Jessica; Lauren; Emilie; Sophie.

Sing off - Amy and Steph and whilst I'm not so surprised about Amy (it's as much a visual contest as vocal for the public and she's too wordly wise to be Dorothy) I'm shocked at Steph! Singing Whistle Down The Wind and they both sing beautifully, the Lord chooses Steph.

Amy sings goodbye with Over the Rainbow and I don't think any of the girls can hold back their tears, it's an emotional moment.

McLaren Watch

2010-04-05T11:10:00.003+01:00

Bad judgement in qualifying saw JB and Lewis staying in the garage, instead of bagging a banker lap on the damp track. So finally, out on a wet track, they ended up 17th and 20th respectively.

However, a storming first lap from Lewis took him up eight places, eventually finishing in 6th, while JB pulled himself up to 8th. Both declared themselves happy with the race, and the overall standings are probably the closest I've ever seen at this stage.

Just nine points cover the top seven drivers, Massa first on 39, JB in 4th on 35 and Lewis in 6th on 31. Kubica is 7th just one point behind. Team wise, Ferrari are still top on 76, with McLaren on 66 and Red Bull storming up to 61 with the one-two result this week.

This could the be the closest championship ever!

Over The Rainbow: The Wildcard Unveiled!

2010-04-03T22:32:00.007+01:00

The girls choose their own song tonight and out first is Stephanie with Mama Do, great attitude and terrific vocal; she's followed immediately by Lauren with Run, famously covered before - I prefer this, she has the most gorgeous tone to her voice and you can hear the lyrics properly!

Dani with Ego - it's a strong vocal but the wrong choice of song didn't show it off, showed her age instead; Steph sings Michael Jackson's Just Can't Stop Loving You beautifully, made it a show tune, brilliant.

The search for Toto goes on, lol at the doggie vox pops!

The Wildcard is announced: It's Emilie!

Amy next with Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie, not The Four Seasons) a strong vocal and would bring the house down on X-Factor but that's not what we're looking for. Danielle sings Red and again, like Steph, turns a pop song into a showtune fit for the West End. Cracking performance.

Emilie sings Breakaway - she looks the part, quirky but she didn't convince me vocally last week and fails again this week, felt it lacking compared to everyone else.

Bronte singing I Can't Make You Love Me gave me goosbumps, I thought she was awesome - needs to lose the sophisticated look though and stick with carefree Bronte to be a believable Dorothy. Jessica the show woman, full of personality - she reminds me of Connie Fisher a bit. You suddenly realize how crap the lyrics of Rehab are when you hear them sung properly!

Sophie sings Beyonce's If I Were A Boy and it's a cracking vocal, but maybe should've tried it without the American accent to turn it into a showtune. Jenny storms the stage, taking Performance of the Night with Pink's So What, dynamic, vocally strong, full of attitdue and attack. Brilliant.

So since I like too many of them to vote, I'll just have to just say who I was least impressed with, which was Dani and Emilie. But they could be back next week and I'll think they're awesome, which is a measure of how competitive this show is going to be!

Results tomorrrow, see you then!

McLaren Watch

2010-03-28T22:03:00.006+01:00

Victory for Jenson Button at the Australian Grand Prix! After slipping from fourth in a rain hit start, he gambled with an early tyre change to slicks and it paid off! Way to go, JB! Lewis Hamilton had another, er, memorable Aussie weekend and would have possibly made the podium too if not for a pit stop he was unhappy about, not seeing the need. Being hit up the backside by Webber didn't help his cause either, but he still managed a points finish, coming home in 6th.

The result puts McLaren 2nd in the Constructors Championship, with Jenson in 3rd on 31 points in the driver standings, and Lewis in 4th on 23.

Over The Rainbow: Whittling Down to Ten

2010-03-28T13:46:00.003+01:00

Graham makes his entrance to Follow the Yellow Brick Road – he’s a good choice for these shows, genuine enthusiasm with a healthy dose of ireverence – the final twenty are wearing gingham smocks - “not a tablecloth left in the country” he quips!

Andrew sets out who he’s looking for; it seems the older girls will have to really shine to stand a chance. The girls are split into five groups of four, first group: Stephanie, Camille, Jess and Sophie singing Never Forget You, a terrific start, setting the standard, Sophie got stronger, Jess stood out for me with Camille the weakest vocally, Stephanie solid; Sheila loved them all, John says Stephanie and Sophie, Charlotte agrees with John, Sir Andrew says any of them would have made the Maria Top 10.

Group 2 - Dani, Philippa, Sarah and Tasheka next with Love story and collectively it’s a terrific performance, Philippa possibly just sneaking it for me. Sarah thanks whoever put them together, it was a great team performance. John loved Dani, Philippa needs to loosen up; Charlotte agrees with John, Sheila thought Tasheka – Sarah, the weakest vocally, making an impression.

Group 3 - Emma, Tegan, Jenny and Steph with my current fave Cry Me Out and my fave group so far, brilliant, if I was forced to choose, probably Steph. Charlotte – they were all superb, Steph faultless; Sheila has a problem with pop music but thought Steph and Jenny; Jenny blew John away; Andrew says two he’d slightly written off came through!

Group 4 – Lauren, Claire Harbourne, Katie, Bronte with Rain on Your Parade and again these are all so good, really they put the X-factor final 12’s to shame, another strong combination, power and precision vocals. Sheila convinced by them all, particularly Bronte and Lauren; Charlotte says it’s a complete performance by all, singles out Claire and Bronte; John says they could give Girls Aloud a run for their money; Andrews says at least could be Top 5.

Group 5 – Claire Hillier, Danielle, Amy, Emilie have Take a Bow, nerves get to Emilie, a bit shaky, Danielle totally stood out for me, strong vocal from Amy. John commended Danielle, singing on the break; Claire surprised Sheila; Charlotte loved Claire’s voice; Andrew says the need to think of the words more.

Back to the start – this time with West End leading ladies mentoring. Ruthie Henshall has Group One with All that Jazz and they’re all very impressive – sticking my neck out as to who I think could be Dorothy, I’d go for Jess and Sophie.

Mel C with group 2 and Tell Me It’s Not True from Blood Brothers, strong vocals again, but taking into account an overall Dorothy, I’m not so sure about any of them. Sheila liked Tasheka; John said Philippa; Charlotte says Tasheka and Dani. Andrew says it’s very interesting and likes Dani.

Group 3 with Kerry Ellis have Somebody to Love and they really rock it out, Steph (again, she’s consistent!) and Jenny could be Dorothy for me. Andrew very proud of them singing ‘love’ and not ‘lurve’ and surprised by Jenny. John said Jenny is bringing it home; Charlotte – Jenny, effortless, also Tegan; Sheila says Jenny has wit, and Steph, Tegan surpised her.

Sheridan Smith with Group 4 with Legally Blonde and I can see all four of these making it through. Fantastic. Bronte really making her mark, visually she’s quirky, Lauren has the most beautiful voice. Charlotte says Lauren, so too Sheila, along with Bronte, John says Lauren a little too safe; Andrew a little underwhelmed – because they’re all so good they were expecting more. Considering I don’t know the song, I loved it.

Group 5 with Tamzin Outhwaite and If My Friends Could See Me Now and Tamzin says the perfect Dorothy is in this group! Again it’s Danielle for me, and I do like Emilie too. Sheila - all terrific, but Emilie is the only own who could play Dorothy, John loved Amy, Charlotte – Amy pretty slick, Andrew surprised by Emilie.

The panel set off to deliberate, they must have a good idea of who they want because they don't have long. Jodie Prenger performs As Long As He Needs Me for the final time (a little bit manically, if I’m honest!) Mad about dogs, she’s involved in the search for Toto.

The result is in! 5 were agreed on immediately, the other 5 caused arguments! The Top Ten are: From Group 1: Jessica, Stephanie and Sophie; Group 2: Dani; Group 3: Steph and Jenny; Group 4: Bronte, Lauren and finally from Group 5: Amy and Danielle (Amy completely shocked)

The wild cards: Camille, Tasheka, Philippa, Sarah, Tegan, Emma, Katie, Claire Harbourne, Emilie and Claire Hillier. It was between Katie, Tegan, Claire Harborne and Tasheka for my vote, which went to Claire Harbourne. The wildcard will be announced in next week’s live show.

For the biographies and all the info on the show, including clips, check out the official website; they’re on Twitter and Facebook too.

Over the Rainbow: TheSearch for Dorothy Begins!

2010-03-26T22:44:00.015Z

David Grindrod has the task of sifting through the auditionees and sending 110 to the Hackney Empire. Lauren makes a good impression, Olivia not so much; the Welsh Drew Barrymore lookalike does well. The Irish sisters are split up. Well done Jessica, so expressive. Jodie Prenger gets them all in the mood with a sing song.

David is joined at Hackney by Sheila Hancock and John Partridge to whittle them down to the fifty who go to Dorothy Farm. Graham is backstage with the girls, first one out, Katie from Ireland, makes it straight through. Two forget their words, one cracks, one too soulful from what I heard. Danielle is good, she's seriously good. The wide eyed wonder at the Big New World of Theatre. Of course she could be Dorothy. She's brilliant. John said so. They're flooding through now, even the nutter. The Welsh Drew look-a-like does a very different Just Dance. The Liverpool cousins are funny; the dark haired one the better chance.

At Dorothy Farm, four more join the fifty, soon to become 20 after three intense days of acting, singing and dancing. They're split into small groups for the final audition, some practice into the nights, others believe a decent night's sleep is more important.

The panel arrive, John wants all round strength; he's so sweet to the girl who can't dance. Sheila splits them into pairs playing Dorothy and the Lion, looking for character. Charlotte seeks vocal inventiveness and originality.

The final performance is upon them! It's funny, but even with this limited air time there are some I've already warmed to more than others. A platoon of Dorothys, Graham calls them, as they all line up in the barn singing Over The Rainbow; Charlotte has the job of the shoulder tap to tell them they didn't make it. The final 20 left standing, for an audience with the Lord and the studio audition tomorrow, 6.30pm. It'll be brought down to 10 - then we get to choose the 11th Dorothy!

Sportsnight

2010-03-20T23:04:00.016Z

At the World Indoor Athletics Championships, Jessica Ennis won pentathlon Gold, Dwain Chambers the Men's 60m Gold, while Jenny Meadows grabbed 800m silver in another new British record, after beating Kelly Holmes' time in February, and the Men's 4x400m scooped the bronze.

British boxers won seven medals at the Commonwealth Boxing Championships in Delhi, with Iain Weaver, Scott Cardle and Simon Valilly taking Gold, Frank Buglioni a Silver, with Daniel Phillips, Callum Smith and Frazer Clarke all winning Bronze.

In Sailing, British match racers, Lucy Macgregor, Annie Lush and Ally Martin have toppled French skipper Claire Leroy from the World number one sport (she'd held it for four years!) following a silver in the Miami World Cup meet.

Squash World number two, Nick Matthew beat Egypt's world number one, Ramy Ashour, to win the North American Open.

Britain has another new swimming star in Jazmin Carlin beats Rebecca Adlington and Jo Jackson as Britain beat Germany 207 to 109 points. And our synchronised swimmers won silver at the German Open.

McLaren Watch

2010-03-14T16:33:00.002Z

I know, I'm probably putting the mockers on them, but there you go - a British team, with British drivers, it's my duty to watch, even if it does mean the results will be shocking, except for the odd race I'm bound to miss, in which case it'll be a 1-2. I'll let you know in advance so you can place your bets ...

Race One, Bahrain - it's a steady, unexciting start but without any breakdowns, which is always good. Jenson gave the impression that his seventh placed finish (6pts) could have been maybe a little better and that he possibly preserved his tyres in the first stint a little too much. Lewis made 3rd for the podium (15 pts) and with a change in the points and another nineteen races to go, it's all to play for. We'll hope the excitement builds ... if I'm honest, most exciting thing today was meeting Massa's cute English mechanic. Very nice.

Eurovision: Your Country Needs You

2010-03-12T21:21:00.006Z

Graham Norton hosts, to find the performer for the Pete Waterman/Mike Stock song 'That Sounds Good To Me'. Check their resume! Jade Ewen and Bruno on the panel, Bruno's past comes back to haunt him!

Karen first, she can't project her voice enough, lacking charisma but on the playback at the end, she sounds stronger than some of the others!

Alexis, a Kent lad, nice looking *crosses fingers* Never Gonna Give You Up, he needed a cheek microphone, he keeps forgetting to keep the hand held one close - but great other than that. Good interpretation.

Uni5 have a Banarama song that I don't remember, a bit underwhelmed so far, to be honest. Pete also unimpressed.

Esma and This Time I Know It's For Real, I love this song, please don't murder it. Bit ungainly, gave it her all, needs polishing, couple of wobbles, on balance, losing stamina by the end ... Jade must have wax in her ears.

Josh from Basildon has a Jason Donovan special and it's easily the best vocal so far, by a mile and he can perform too, likeable, confident performer. Yeah.

Ooh - Miss Fitz, the return of Gemma, cool. A guaranteed vocal, yes? A Steps song, out of their comfort zone? These are the girls that gave us a swing version on Britney's Toxic. Better The Devil You Know - quite prophetic really, shouldn't have messed with the vocal arrangement, it didn't do them justice. Disappointing.

All of them for an Abba medley, bit messy, I'm thinking the two boys, Alexis and Josh and A.N. Other. They're bringing the professionals in to write and produce, I'm thinking it's time for professional performer too.

Pete's choices: Esma! Alexis! Josh!

Graham tries to keep a straight face when assessing the competition.

The Song itself, Alexis out first, it's a grower, I think, bit like all SAW's were. His voice a bit in and out again, he's working very hard.

Esma forgets the words, vocal uninspiring, needs time to mature.

Josh again with the best vocal, very laid back, needs a bit of oomph in the performance but they can work on that.

On the recap, Alexis has the charisma, Josh the vocal. Hm, maybe they should have just brought back Rick Astley.

Alexis could nick this for his comments. The Sugababes live, showing why most pop stars mime, no, they were ok really. I see the appeal of the Norwegian bloke, happy shiny fella, very charismatic.

Results: Esma third, not a surprise - Josh takes it, sings again, mum is beside herself. I'm assuming that's his mum and not an older woman stalker.

The things they say ...

2010-03-05T22:23:00.004Z

A couple of weeks ago, Matt complained that his Friday fish school dinner, whilst very nice, didn't have enough chips. After special coaching from dad, he proudly announced that he followed the advice and told the dinner lady:

"Come on, don't be shy, load some more on."

"Eh?"

"Please may I have some more?"

"Erm ..."

"Can I have some more?"

"More?"

"O.M.G, don't worry about it. Hopefully I'll get me pudding a bit quicker ..."

He reckons even the Head Teacher was laughing, luckily.

Sportsnight

2010-02-23T21:23:00.007Z

A little late, I know, sorry!

The big BIG news of course is Amy Williams storming to Olympic Gold in the Skeleton! Yay, way to go Amy!

The BBC are making a movie charting the rivalry between Seb Coe and Steve Ovett, possibly being released before th 2012 Olympics. I knew someone would beat me to it, my screenplay is still up here *taps temple* waiting for a chance to be written.

In Boxing, Nathan Cleverly won the European Light Heavyweight title ... Peter Norfolk is still World Number One in Wheelchair tennis ... Greg Harlow won the World Indoor Bowls title, with Stewart Anderson and runner-up. In women's bowls, Debbie Stavrou beat Alison Merrien in the World Matchplay Championship final.

PopStar To OperaStar: The Final!

2010-02-20T17:49:00.012Z

Bernie versus Darius, two solos, two duets and a group number! She looks amazing in dangerous red; he, dashing in uniform!

Darius out first, a quick recap reminding us what a fabulous performer he is; he's chosen Non Piu Andrai - the one where he falls in love with his hand (anyone see TV Burp, lol!) He does even better this time, interacting well with the supporting cast, great timing! Loved it! Afterwards he said: “I wanted to see if I could get through this performance with my flies up, I did ask if I could wear a kilt but that’s not very Italian. It’s been such an honour to perform with the orchestra and I just want to thank everyone who’s voted for me.”

Katherine said: “The song was in good hands. When you came in you had the heart of a tenor and when you sang that song for the first time you settled much more into a baritone. You always come out and deliver a great performance, it was brilliant.”

Laurence said: “l loved the singing very much. It was very cheeky, very sexy, very Darius.”

A Bernie recap of her chacka chacka performances, the stunning vocal gymnastics. Les Fille De Cadiz her choice, full of character, very cheeky. Even stevens so far! Afterwards she said: “I had such fun singing the original, I really enjoyed it. I loved singing in French and all those things made me choose the song. I had a high note which I hoped would give me a ‘chaka chaka’ from Rolando.”

Rolando said: “I am very happy Bernie changed the choreography so that she stayed still and it allowed her to have a great vocal performance, it’s not a chaka chaka, it’s a chaka chaka plus.”

Meat Loaf said: “I want you to know, you’re hot.”

Laurence said: “You more than anyone bring a new audience to opera. You’re making opera the new rock and roll.”

Katherine said: “I’m really pleased and really proud of you, you created a real performance.”

Darius duets with Rolando on The Impossible Dream and I have to see past the cheesy Elvis impersonators I always imagine when I hear this song. And see past it I did, impressive. Bernie with Katherine sing Somewhere, which I also love, goosebumps on that, so Bernie just sneaks ahead for me, she threw everything into that. Afterwards Darius said: “I just found out that ten years ago in this studio I did my first final in Pop Stars, then two years later I was in the final of Pop Idol, tonight, to be here with my family, means so much, thank you so so much.” Bernie said: “I enjoyed every single moment, I loved it.”

Then the group song, all four of them with Brindisi - loving the banter beforehand, thoroughly enjoyable, excellent performance, it must be very hard to concentrate where you are when surrounded by all those powerful voices.

My heart still lies with Bernie, but, I was out and therefore couldn't vote (watching on ITV player!) The recap shows how Rolando has really stolen the whole show! It's an incredibly close vote, so now I feel really guilty as the winner is announced: It's Darius! Sorry, Bernie! She said: “Everyone has been amazing, thank you everyone.” Darius sings us out with his solo, which I think is probably what won it for him.

A lovely show, will they do another next year? I hope so!

PopStar To OperaStar

2010-02-12T21:15:00.029Z

Semi final night and Marcella's wearing a red waterfall - wardrobe have had a lot of fun on this series. Mylene's the opposite extreme in black leather mini-dress. Meanwhile, Meat Loaf is doing his now usual, now embarrassing boycott of Alan, by appearing to urinate at the back of the panel's box.

Only two going through to the final! But public vote only, no judges decision. Who's it gonna be?

Kym out first, with little Gwion from the Oliver show accompanying her for Pie Jesu. Beautiful, she does bring so much heart and warmth to it, even if the vocal isn't completely perfect, she sells it.

Afterwards Katherine Jenkins said: “I was worrying all week that it might fall flat but that is best you have sang it, well done to you. I think you are right, I don’t think you have strongest voice but you sing from the heart.”

Meat Loaf said: “It was a really tough song because it was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber about the death of his father so imagine how he must have been feeling at the time and I thought that you did really well.”

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said: “That’s the kind of song where there’s nowhere to hide, it’s very very difficult but you got right more than you got wrong.”

Rolando said: “Overall it was a good performance.”

Darius was a naughty boy and didn't learn the aria they gave him, Fin Ch’han Dal Vino (Champagne Aria) before finally deciding he would and so not having as much practice as he should, tut tut. But you wouldn't know it - if you're a layman like me - so confident a performer is he, if maybe not as vocally spot on as it should've been. Afterwards he said: “I have to admit I can’t thank the judges enough for giving me the biggest challenge of my vocal career and when you stand up to it you learn more and whether I made it or not is up to the viewers at home.”

Rolando said: “The good news is you managed to sing all of it, with almost all the words, and you were giving a performance, you’re a very good actor, but the bad news is, not always kept operatic voice and at the end you made a little mistake but probably nobody noticed.”

Asked by Alan if he thought the performance was a success, Meat Loaf said: “He had eight women on stage with him with low cut dresses and managed to keep my attention away from them, so yes.”

Laurence said: “I think we saw the best of you last week, this week that sounded to me like badly done, hastily done, handed in late, homework.”

Marcella and another assured, fantastic vocal, interacting well with the cast, lighter than some of the other arias, this one Mein Herr Marquis (The Laughing Song) from the operetta ‘Die Fledermaus’ composed by Strauss. Afterwards she said: “I was nervous but also excited and wanted to enjoy it and I kept telling myself, ‘Enjoy it, enjoy it,’ And push through all the cr*p in my head.”

Katherine said: “It was completely different to last week and it was so nice to see you do something happy and fun and get the opportunity to act and move around the stage. I really enjoyed it and it was great to see those vocal gymnastics again.”

Meat Loaf said: “If you weren’t married I would take you home. The high notes were fantastic, if you were nervous, I didn’t know it and if some guy had their head in my breast I would knock him to the floor.”

Rolando said: “You really had fun with it, obviously the audience had fun, the high notes were great, overall much more happy then last week.”

Bernie and I'm lol-ing at the 'Look of Love' between her and Rolando. She really is just the business - vocally she's as hot as Marcella but also sings with the heart and soul of Kym, she's awesome. Honestly, it's not because of the name, really. I voted three times for her. And I'd like Kym to go through too. Afterwards the preformance of Je Veux Vivre Dans Ce Reve (Juliet’s Waltz) from the opera ‘Romeo and Juliet’ she said: “I just felt so nervous and was determined not to be nervous then when it started I felt so much love for the song I wanted to scream I was so excited.”

Rolando said: “This was a hard one, the hardest aria you had to sing, lots of high notes. The good news is it was really well performed, the bad news is I don’t have my phone or I would vote.”

Laurence said: “You never ever disappoint, every week your performance grows and grows. Whatever is thrown at you, you deliver and that was marvellous crescendo.”

Katherine said: “I can tell you’re not completely happy with that but that for you, Bernie, is eight out of 10 but for me it was the performance of the night.”

Meat Loaf said: “If you’re not in the finals, no disrespect to the other contestants, but if you’re not in the final it’s a crime.”

Vote lines are open!

Meat Loaf does Bat Out of Hell and not being a fan, I'm completely distracted trying to see if that's Tommy Blaize backing, as in, nose against the telly, but every time the camera goes near, it veers away again at the critical moment - that's Dave Arch on piano isn't it? Worst vocal of the night far as I'm concerned - Meat, not Tommy. Didn't think their voices married together at all well. Horrible.

Votes are in! First through - Bernie! Yay - longest scream ever! (Her not me!) And Darius with her! Aw, bye to Kym, really enjoyed her performances. Incredible Marcella will keep singing, Alan won't let her stop.

On hearing the news, Kym said: “I can’t wait to see my kids. I will listen to opera now but I don’t think I’ll sing it again.” Marcella said: “I’m a little bit disappointed but I’m ok.”

Final next week! Who's your favourite or are you waiting till the night?

The things they say ...

2010-02-10T20:37:00.003Z

In the car, on the way home from school, Matt says:

"We're holding the funeral for the teacher's monkey on Friday."

Oh! Really - the teacher's monkey?

"Yes. It's a big chocolate one she got for Christmas and it's going to be eaten on Friday. She's going to chop the head off and pour contented milk in it ..."

I'll be honest, it took me a minute...

Rochester Local People

2010-02-09T21:28:00.003Z

If you read the Daily Scatter, you'll have seen my exciting news. Not so exciting for you, I know, but for me, I'm thrilled! I always hoped that the blogging would pay off and that someone would come along and decide I was good enough to write for them - and the lovely www.localpeople.co.uk have done just that! I'm now the Community Publisher for www.rochesterpeople.co.uk so do please come along and visit me there - if you are a local, register and join in. If you're not, you can still register and join in! You might be planning a trip to one of our many festivals or coming to Medway for some of the sporting events due here in the run up to 2012 - so visit the site and make the most of the local knowledge! Write a review of a local business or restaurant and we'll even give you a £10 M&S voucher!

It's only just gone live and I've been neglecting the blogs - but now I'm getting into the swing of it, normal service will be resumed shortly!

PopStar To OperaStar

2010-02-05T23:07:00.016Z

Finally - I'm in! The blog threw me out last night and it just didn't want to know again until now! Anyway, here we go ...

Tussling tenors, bruised baritones and scrapping sopranos was how they billed it, and they weren't wrong - what a tough choice! Observation: Is Darius actually a giant or are the rest particularly small?

Bernie out first with Les Filles de Cadix - she's loving being the flirty vamp with the sexy male dancers, she can barely keep the grin off her face. Another storming performance, she's fantastic.

Referring to her stunning final note Rolando said “That C sharp was fantastic.” And Meat Loaf said “She came bursting through those doors like The Terminator. You owned that stage.”

Danny has Funiculi Funicula which I adore. LOL at the McFly guy having a go, next year, sonny, next year! And then Rolando and Katherine doing the Macarena! There's even a hokey cokey air about it - Pavarotti meets the Tiller Girls says Alan. Danny's best yet, slight wobble but great stuff, huge fun.

Katherine said “It was a really good performance. I agreed when I watched it (your performance) last week it was not good. But I kept you in because I could see the potential in you and I’m so glad I did.” Laurence said ”The worse thing you can do is take it too seriously and you turned it into a football chant. And that’s great.” “Absolutely” agreed Meat Loaf. And Rolando said “He had fun with the piece. It was yabba dabba doo!”

Kym with Nella Fantasia and they don't tell us exactly why but it's very emotional for her. Beautiful song, beautifully sung; she's got everyone sobbing now. I'm voting for everyone so far ...

Laurence said “That was terribly moving.” Katherine said “I know what you’ve been going through and you held it together and I’m so proud of you for doing that.” Meat Loaf said “I just love it when people just feel songs so much and you did and you’re making me cry and I loved it.“ Rolando said “You started flat but the emotion and the breathing but I have to say you put everything together.”

Darius' poor kid brother, how underwhelmed is he? Darius completely at home on the stage again, even makes a chair a good foil, loved the falestto bit, singing to his hand! His kid bro still not looking happy, leave him alone Darius! Cracking performance of Non Pui Andrai, but his flies are undone - the cameraman a lot more discreet than Meatloaf!

Rolando said “That’s where your voice should be singing. I appreciate you create a performance and you gave a very good performance. Really good. Congratulations.”
Meat Loaf said “3 out or 4 weeks you’ve got the character.” Katherine said “Now I know why you were looking. I really enjoyed it. When you’re singing in the right register it’s so lovely. Well done. It’s brilliant.”

Marcella sings Ave Maria, it's all about the voice, nothing but her and the harp. No tricks, just quality and simplicity - I do find the constant quivering a little off putting, I find her less watchable than the others.

Meat Loaf said “That was a really hard song but Katherine said it’s all about the note and I said no it’s about the emotion and you’d the notes and the emotion.” Katherine said “I think your worry was there weren’t the fireworks to show your voice off but you didn’t need that. You wouldn’t have been able to sing this in week one.” Laurence said “It’s a terribly minimalist piece I liked the way you did that. It was soulful and quite earthy.” And Rolando said “I have to say physically she was very quiet and she had to control her voice. It was a tremendous performance.”

Mika and Danielle (not sure we need to see her tonsils, Mr. Cameraman) perform - Popstar and Operstar, don't know the song - sounds familiar of course, but very enjoyable.

First through: Kym! Bernie! (I restricted myself to just Bernie, bearing in mind you don't actually have time to vote for any more!) Last place: Darius! I think it's bye bye Danny in that case. A shame but going on a high ... oh, but hang on, based on tonight Rolando and Laurence have gone for Danny ... 2 votes each - Katherine clearly struggling to decide and sends it back to the public. Good call, fairest way - Marcella is safe! Danny joked “I’m going to have a holiday!”

Teena Marie - Indigo2

2010-02-02T19:02:00.015Z

My favourite singer and I'd never seen her live before Saturday night! That's an outrageous admittance isn't it! Not my fault though, the last time she appeared here I was either heavily pregnant with the Hobbit, or had just had him - approximately 18 years ago. So to say I was looking forward to this was a bit of an understatement.

There was a DJ warming up and he played to the crowd - the eighties throwbacks, mainly, much like myself! He said there was an after show party till 2am; dammit, I thought, we've only paid for parking till midnight! There was a lot of grooving in the seats to In and Out, Circles, You Know How To Love Me ...we knew we'd ache next day!

The Lady Tee didn't disappoint; in fact, she was even better than I thought she could be live - amazing, her vocal is incredible, each song delivered with the sweetness and purity I fell in love with back in 1979 - and what a trip down memory lane it was, with songs from that classic '79 album, Wild and Peaceful - I'm Just A Sucker For Your Love and De Ja Vu, plus a Rick James tribute (of course!), I Need Your Lovin', Square Biz, Behind the Groove - she did Milk and Honey (her daughters joined her on stage) and You Baby off Congo Square, every uptempo song had the audience on it's feet, the ballads offering the chance to savour every note of that awesome voice. Two words: Portuguese Love.

I've never seen a star involve a band so much - and the backing singers (including her nephew) weren't just that, they had a share of the stage with Teena accompanying them - on percussion; such is her talent she frequently had guitar in hand too.

I've only one criticism - and that's not of the Lady - but some of her noisy, fidgety "fans", who I can only assume just wanted to be able to say "I was there" since they didn't shut up or keep still, they were driving me nuts! I'm pretty sure they were the same ones who didn't take their seats until she was well into her second song! They'd have been chucked out back in the day ...

It didn't detract from a blinding show - no fancy costumes or dance troupes, no flashy lighting, no pretence - just the stage with the band, the singers and the Lady herself in complete harmony. In the last few months we've seen 'Mimegate' a number of times in relation to so-called stars: Teena Marie puts them to shame. She's coming back in the summer; I'll keep you posted. To see more rave reviews, log in to Facebook if you can and join the group 'Get Teena Marie in London' or just follow the links from each of those Youtube clips (in all honesty, the quality of the uploads from the Indigo2 don't do her justice) and hear more - enjoy!

PS - must say a big THANK YOU to the lovely man who gave me change for the car park and thus helped me avoid a tutting queue!

PopStar To OperaStar

2010-01-29T22:40:00.027Z

Mylene wearing her hair in tribute to Rolando; Jimmy displays his wonderful attitude again; Darius, international man of language.

Kym up first, singing Habanera and wearing a lacy bedspread. No, it's lovely, really. She's flirting - I get why the bedspread now. She became saucier as she went along, the last part was steamy. She's done it again, a deserved standation. There's a woman in the family enclosure all stoney faced and not clapping! Bad form, what? I didn't notice the wrong words, neither did Meat Loaf, lol! Rolando just, well, see the quotes, ha ha. Afterwards she said: "It’s difficult because I’m so busy and I’d love to be able to spend more time on the songs. I got a few words wrong but I did my best.”

Laurence Llewellyn Bowen said: “That was Kym playing the joker as far as I’m concerned. That was your pitch for the top spot, I thought it was wonderful but I’m a mere man and I’m a push over for a woman with a fan. But that’s really Katherine’s opera song, so it’s really Katherine that you’ve got to impress.”

Katherine said: “I loved the performance, I really did, in fact I might have to steal that fan, but you did get some of the words wrong and you could have been more sexy in the performance, the music could have been more sexy.”

Meat Loaf said: “lt worked for me, I’ll tell you what, that was like sex. Forty-five seconds of pure ecstasy.”

Alan replied: “We really must get you out more.”

Rolando said: “Acting and singing are quite different and it’s difficult and the voice wasn’t always there, the character was in and out, in and out.” *add that last bit to Meat Loaf's comment and you understand the hilarity!

Next to perform was Jimmy Osmond with Amor Ti Vieta He's eating, drinking, sleeping opera, crikey they've set me off now, his best yet, he makes everyone smile ... and cry.Afterwards he said: "I just got through it. What a beautiful experience it’s been this week to uncover emotions. Everyone should go to the opera.”

A dewy-eyed Katherine said: “I think this has been a turning point for you, it’s the first week where you’ve had a proper aria and it’s forced you to sing in an opera style and something clicked, I hope you preferred it because I enjoyed that.”

Rolando: “It was very, very touching. Technically there is so much to work on but the one thing an opera singer should never lose, and you didn’t, and that is the connection with the emotion and that is fantastic.”

Marcella is given Queen of the Night. Goodness! Or, WTF as Marcella put it! The Magic Flute song with the very high very quick notes, she's looks fabulous in a stunning blue floor length gown and hair extensions, the set is amazing, plenty of character, awesome performance. Afterwards she said she was glad to have her husband and son in the audience.

Meat Loaf said: “That was difficult but I’m going to quote Shakespeare and say, ‘Call out the dogs of war.’”

Rolando said: “That was a challenge and, technically, the most difficult thing to sing, but I have to say, yes, yes, yes.”

Laurence said: “I’m agreeing with Lord Meat of Loaf, wonderful, absolutely wonderful.”

Katherine said: “Who’d have thought anyone would be able to sing this song in this competition, let alone in the third week and, character wise, I would not mess with you.”

Danny has Time to Say Goodbye - I love this song! Tips from Russell Watson but he's taken Danny's phonetic phrase book away. Hope he gets it back - wobbly start, became stronger, went for it big time though!
Danny said: “I think it was a tough one but I did my best. It was nerve wracking but nerves are no excuse.”

Katherine: “Sometimes you haven’t had the energy levels but you found the energy and came out with some guts but I know you can do better.”

Rolando said: “I have good and bad news. The bad news is that technically you were struggling all week and it was sometimes too much pop, but the good news is you were nervous and you were still big on stage and that says a lot.”

Laurence said: “I’m a huge fan of your voice and of most of your performances but that was B side - you didn’t engage with it in the same way but, as Rolando said, you fought so hard to make something of it and I’m extremely grateful.”

Darius has Granada, I know this, I do ... what is it ...ah, this is going to wind me up - it's an advert isn't it? Is it? Or is it something I know in English. That's Amore? Is that it? Another strong overall performance from him. Afterwards he said :“I salute the mentors and opera singers who spend their lives learning to sing like this. This is a dream come true for me.”

Meat Loaf said: “I believe that you love Granada and if you were selling real estate there I’d buy one from you.”

Katherine said: “This is a completely different – what was all the fuss about this week? I don’t understand. You even did a little twiddle that I didn’t hear in rehearsal. It was brilliant.”

Rolando said: “You surprised everybody and improved to grow in the performance. Your Spanish is better than your French. Thank you very much, it was a beautiful act, thank you.”

Laurence said: “There was a great bit where sounded like you’d been gargling women. It was a great performance, a very great performance, some wonderful noises there.”

Finally, Bernie with Voi Che Sapete, singing as a teenage boy! Gary from DOI helps with character. In a tough week, Bernie wins my vote again - stunning. She's got the vocal, but also captures the emotion and is animated throughout, watchable and well as listenable. Afterwards she said: "I would love to continue singing like this and I really hope we’re bringing this to wider audience.”

Katherine said: “It was outstanding Bernie, honestly. What I love is that when we gave you this song you didn’t know it and I’m not sure you liked it, but you attacked it and you came out here and gave a marvellous performance.”

Rolando said: “I was very impressed, really. What you sang last week compared to this, it’s a different world. It was really believable and I enjoyed it immensely.”

Meat Loaf said: “Peter Pan don’t ever grow up, don’t ever grow up, don’t ever grow up.”

The girls outsang the boys tonight, I think they'll all be safe and it'll be a boy going! Not much time to vote is there? Rolando takes the stage; they make him bring it back, he has to sing ... his eyebrows have a life of their own, don't they? Mesmerising. (The voice, not the eyebrows!) Here we go: Safe - Marcella; Kym;Darius; Bernie. Jimmy v Danny, tough for the panel. Or maybe not - it's unanimous for Danny! Jimmy said: He said: "My opera dreams have just begun. What a blast and now I get to go home and see my beautiful wife and kids, that's opera for me. It's empowering and exciting and I have fallen in love with everyone in this contest."

Down to just five! Same time next week, 9pm ITV1 on Friday, see you then :-)

Sports Day

2010-01-26T14:51:00.005Z

Shelley Rudman claimed a Bronze in the Skeleton European Championships, which secured her the runner up spot in the overall World Cup, keeping up her impressive form in the run up to the Olympics.

Speed Skaters Elise Christie and Jon Eley won silvers in the 1500m and 500m respectively, at the European Championships in Germany, with a bronze for the men’s relay team in the 5000m.

Sailors Ian Percy and Andrew Simpson have added the World Title to their Olympic one!

Paralympian Sean Rose takes downhill World Cup Gold in Sestriere, becoming the first Briton ever to do so.

Greg Harlow won the World Indoor Bowls title.

Disabled sailor, Geoff Holt, has become the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the Atlantic.

PopStar To OperaStar

2010-01-22T23:02:00.023Z

Rolando's looking for "Chaka Chaka" in the performances tonight. Should be interesting - an opera version of I'm Every Woman!

Darius, singing a Spanish song in French - he's feasting on ass at the moment, as Katherine and Rolando argue (very genteely) over pronunciation; Dave Arch is cracking up. Confident, real stage presence, who'd have thought, he's come a long way since that Britney classic hasn't he! The song: Votre Toast from Carmen. He said: “It was the most wonderful, wonderful experience working with Rolando and Katherine and you have to learn to sing in French with Italian overtones and a different vocal but it’s such a privilege…it’s a singers dream, I’m really enjoying it.” Rolando said: “You gave energy to your performance…but the French, aye aye aye, there was a moment when you wobbled.” But Laurence Llewelyn Bowen liked the performance and said: “l think we can out you as secret matador.” Afterwards Darius said: “I was confused by the different directions, I must admit.”

Kym has the drinking song, ideal for barmaid Michelle! But she hasn't had much time - on stage though, it's a mini production. I know nothing about opera, obviously, but I thought she was brilliant! Staggered actually, wasn't expecting that! The official song title: Brindisi/Libiamo Ne’lieti Calici. Afterwards she said: “I find it really hard. I’m tired, working and I have my children. It’s harder then I thought it would be, it’s so difficult.” Katherine Jenkins said: “There is such a massive improvement on last week, that was just wonderful. I think when you have a setting and your character, you’ve got into it and with it being a drinking scene you can use your character. You tend to go flat but didn’t do that this week, but I’d still like to make it stronger next week.” Meat Loaf said: “I think you have a real problem and that is that you’re going to be invited to every party in London from now on.” Laurence Llewelyn Bowen said: “It was sophisticated and very sensible. The song is about requiring money from gentlemen callers to go upstairs for fun, but you made it elegant and sexy.”

Danny has a beautiful but tragic song, Caruso, showing his serious side, even with the tongue tied Italian, terrific performance, very emotional, I loved it, his mum's crying and Katherine swooned! He said: “Oh my God, I’m so happy it’s over. I nearly cried, especially with my mum sat there.” Rolando said: “I have to say that Danny worked very hard and had real concentration. It was a dangerous piece for him because he could bring his pop voice out but he really kept his opera voice.” Laurence said: “It was an incredibly mature performance. It would have been absolutely so easy for pop Danny to come out and play but you kept him back. It was fabulous.” Meat Loaf said: “I applaud you, son, you were there, every moment. That was love song and I believed every moment that you sang.” Katherine simply said: “I have one word, swoon.”

Marcella had Un Bel Di Vedrimo from Madame Butterfly, dramatic and emotional, terrified but not crying. She's very hard on herself, a great job, didn't quite get the raw emotion. She said: “I can’t remember how I felt, I was definitely struggling. There’s so much to think about. I didn’t really connect as much as I wanted, it’s the old story about the nerves.” Katherine said: “I think you are far too hard on yourself. You, by far, have got the hardest song this week, and last week, but you come in and work really hard and, technically, everything we asked you did, it was outstanding.” Meat Loaf said: “She was singing about a lover coming back across the seas and if I was him I’d have been swimming to you darling and I want you to know, God willing, and the creek don’t rise, you’ll be back next week.” Rolando was not so impressed and said: “You tried to get the emotion but when a technical part arises you can’t connect the emotion and we didn’t hear that extra magic moment we had in the rehearsal room, but, as Katherine said, it was an incredibly difficult piece.” Laurence agreed and said: “The butterfly was clear for takeoff and I was worried it wouldn’t leave the runway, but, on the plus side, you’ve pulled Meat Loaf.”

Vanessa and there's still no let up in The Saturdays schedule, so she suffered again this week, still breathy - don't think it will do her any favours, the song not being something in Italian we've never heard of - Summertime in English and I'm thinking, I prefer Ella. She said: “I am a little torn but I am still putting 100 per cent into this and I do want to be here.” Rolando said: “Well, you know, one thing is to say you want to put 100 per cent into something, the other thing is to work like that and perform like that - you did it.” Katherine said: “That was a really good performance, but, in fairness, quite an easy song. It’s in English and so not as complicated and I think you got away with it. But, if it was more difficult, it would have been more worrying.” Laurence said: “There’s a fragility to your tone that I find endearing, but, what I would suggest, is that you run because Rolando is going to bag you up and make sure you make it to rehearsals.” Meat Loaf said: “I have to disagree with Katherine, it is an easy song but it’s also hard because it’s English and so well known and everyone has heard it, so to come out here and to nail it, the audience knows when you’ve nailed it, but in French they wouldn’t have an idea and I think you did very, very well.”

Bernie's got the Love Theme from The Godfather, Parla Piu Piano, she's going for a big note at the end "Oh, S***" she says. "Where's it say that?" says Rolando! Passionate, it's a Wow - she nailed it, I'm actually welling up, there's a standation in the audience I think. From a batch of excellent, moving performances, she just nicked a vote from me. And not just because there's a chance we're related. A Chaka Chaka performance! And not a Rufus in sight (just a private little 80's soul joke there!) She said: “I was so, so nervous.” Katherine said: “That ending blew everyone away, I wished I had that note. It was so beautiful, you were so into the passion of it. You were slightly ahead of the orchestra but I’m going to forget that because it was brilliant.”
Meat Loaf said: “Hit men all over the world are in tears now, sweetheart, you killed it.”
Laurence said: “It is incredible to hear the noises you make so and even though you were running fast, it gave it added energy.” Rolando said: “You took breathes in strange places, but that’s what I call a chacka chacka performance.”

Jimmy sings Volare, a flirty song, he'll sing to the missus. Had a lot of fun with it. He said: “I blew the words but I had so much fun. If I’ve gotta go, what a way to go. It was do much fun. What a great song, what a great opportunity. I’m still working on it.” Rolando agreed and said: “You said it, the words were not there. I think this is the problem of pop singers, your voice was tired it was not there, you were struggling, but you tried very hard and when your voice is tired there’s nothing else you can do.” Meat Loaf said: “Jimmy in the middle of the stage you did something with your hand and it was sexy dude.” Laurence said: “Last week the song was ice cream, this week I thought it was a little bit of cheese, very nice and lovely but next week let’s have opera.”

Katherine shows them all how it should be done, seemingly so effortless and a jolly song! Well, it was! Lots of tra la la ing.

Decision time: Safe are Darius - Danny - Bernie - Kym - Marcella. It's Jimmy v Vanessa.

Meat Loaf and Katherine chose to save Jimmy, with Katherine saying: “Vanessa has the God given voice, but, Jimmy, you come in here every week prepared, so I have to save Jimmy.”

Laurence and Rolando chose to save Vanessa, so the decision went back to the public voting figures and Vanessa was announced as having the least amount of votes and therefore left the competition.

She said: “I feel like gave it my all and I just want to thank everyone who voted.”

Down to six! Same time next week: 9pm, ITV1.

Hint: In Strictest Confidence

2010-01-21T21:58:00.002Z

Swearing upon the bible, the doctor convinced others but not herself. The eyes of the dead man’s daughter impressed their will upon her; she fought them and won.

Rise to the Challenge: Sport Relief Weekend

2010-01-20T20:48:00.011Z

Hot off the press ... or rather, the email alert!

It all kicks off on Friday 19th March with a day of fundraising fun at home, at work and at school, before a night of special Sport Relief telly on BBC One, packed full of celebrity performances and moving documentary films.

Then, of course, there's The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 21st March, where hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets to raise money and change lives. You'll be able to see all the action on The Sport Relief Mile Show on BBC One later that day.
The best bit is, all the cash you raise will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living unimaginably tough lives, both in the UK and across the world.

And, after last week's truly devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last week, which shocked and saddened us all, we'll ensure that some of the Sport Relief cash you raise will help to rebuild the lives of those most affected.

Whether it's to support poor and disadvantaged people at home, or further afield, with loads of ways for you to get involved in Sport Relief 2010, we hope you'll do just that.

Registration is open for the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile as we gear up for a weekend of fun and games on aorund 19-21 March. Find your local mile here.

Visit the Sport Relief website and follow them on Twitter to keep up with all the action.

PopStar to OperaStar

2010-01-15T23:01:00.013Z

I tuned into this out of curiosity, thinking it might be a bit car crash ... how wrong could I be? The show is an absolute delight - the popstars enjoyed every second, ergo, so did we - the panel (Meat Loaf, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Katherine Jenkins and Rolando Villazon) are all so totally different and compliment each other perfectly - the presenters are probably two of the nicest we possess - Alan Titchmarsh and Mylene Klass - Katherine and Rolando strike the perfect balance in mentoring the popstars - a very warm hearted show. I'll be tuning in (see what I did there?) again next week, Friday, ITV1! Here's the stats:

After a mere seven weeks of training and rehearsing, eight popstars have taken to the stage for their first performance in front of a live studio audience.

Performing to mentors Katherine Jenkins and Rolando Villazon as well as critics Meat Loaf and Laurence Llewellyn Bowen the popstars sang accompanied by a live orchestra.

Jimmy Osmond was first up singing O Sole Mio. After singing he received a standing ovation and said “It’s been so much fun.”

Meat Loaf said “Jimmy, that dog was hungry. You’re Jimmy os-solo mio!”

Katherine said “I loved that. I’m so pleased. There are still some things we need to work on, still a bit of Italian and you need to sing through your phrases. You start in your opera voice and finish in your pop voice but I loved it.”

Rolando said “You did a great job. Sometimes you uncover your sounds but most of the time you were covering the voice which is why you were able to sing the high notes.”

Laurence joked (referring to the song’s use in a famous ice cream advert) “If nothing else you’ve sold millions of tonnes of ice cream. I’d stop you and buy one!”

Next to perform was Kym Marsh singing Si Un Jour in a stunning silver dress. Greeted afterwards by her ex band mate host Myleene Klass she said “It was great. An amazing feeling. The orchestra are fantastic.”

Katherine said “I loved your performance and your interpretation. I know you’ve been ill but I thought you did really well.”

Laurence said “I loved the way you trickled down that staircase. I think the nerves got to the French but I don’t care. We won the Battle of Waterloo anyway.”

Next to perform was Alex James who sang Largo Al Factotum. Afterwards he said “My heart is beating.”

Rolando said “That was as far as opera singing can be but I saw you from the beginning and you have to enjoy the performance and you obviously did and the audience enjoyed it and that is also opera.”

Meat Loaf said “That was like watching two women kissing in the subway. That was the best opera by a bass layer in the world.”

Laurence said “You are such a scamp. I don’t know that Rossini envisaged that being done in the style of Dennis The Menace.”

Next up was Marcella Detroit singing Casta Diva. After her performance she said “I felt nervous. Sometimes it inhibits me. I don’t need anyone to tell me how bad I am.”

Laurence said “That is the holy grail of divadom. You were nervous but when you brought in the heavy artillery it exploded.”

Katherine said “The think about your voice, the top notes are just stunning and I feel relaxed listening to them. I do worry about the low notes. You need to support them a bit more.”

Meat Loaf said “That song is a prayer and darling your prayers were answered. Hallelujah!”

Next to sing was Danny Jones who sang La Donna e Mobile . It’s an honour and it was amazing and I enjoyed myself. I tried to be relaxed about it. It was hard but amazing.”

Rolando said “You tried to be relaxed and that’s not bad. I think you started a bit weak because you were nervous but you started to be confident and that is why you were able with the energy of this audience to sing from beginning to end.”

Laurence said “A rocky start but by the end you were the playboy Duke of Mantua.”

Meat Loaf said “All of these beautiful young ladies. You gave them a kiss. Commit to that kiss!!”

Vanessa White from The Saturdays was next to sing the classic O Mio Babbino Caro. After singing – and reducing her bandmates to tears - she said “I’m so nervous but I’ve got the girls here. It was so much fun but I was so nervous.”

Katherine said “The thing is about this aria is its really long phrases and you have to have the breath and control to get to the end of the lines. You did it better in the sessions. But your voice is beautiful and we can work on that. Well done.”

Rolando said “The reason you need to take more breaths is that you don’t concentrate on the sounds in the lower notes. When you sing the high notes you sound really beautiful. We need to work on concentrating that sound in the middle.”

Next up was Darius Campbell singing Nessun Dorma. He said “I didn’t know a week ago if I could sing this. I have to thank the mentors. Being a bass baritone I didn’t know if I could do it.”

Meat Loaf said “Dude you were locked in. He was so focused and locked in. It was about this!”

Rolando said “I have to say it’s not easy in a short period of time to work with hall these things like covering and placing your voice. Without a microphone we wouldn’t have been able to hear the first few notes in a theatre. It’s important to raise your voice.”

And finally Bernie Nolan sang Nuit D’Amour in a sparkling black dress. She said “I was nervous but towards the middle and end I started to enjoy it. I didn’t realise until this very moment how I felt about my mum.”

Katherine said “I thought you did so well. I think you’ve got a lovely voice. There were a few problems with the breathing but I think it must have been the nerves because in the sessions you did it really well.”

Laurence said “One of my favourite performances of the evening. It was like a huge embroidered shawl that you just wrap yourself in.”

Rolando “I think you were thinking about everything we have worked on. That’s what’s needed and why you got through the performance. You have been a very hard worker and I was very happy with your performance.”

Meat Loaf said “You were a lady in Venice and you were singing to the sky. I will be your sky darling.”

After all of the popstars had sung, guest classical singer Camilla Kerslake performed alongside Gary Barlow who was playing the piano.

No one wanted to be the first to go but it was Alex and Vanessa who found themselves in the bottom with the lowest number of votes from the public. The panel were divided after Rolando and Katherine chose to save Vanessa and Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and Meat Loaf chose to save Alex, with Meat Loaf saying: “You know what? I’m staying with roots, I’m staying with the low end, I’m saying Alex.”

As the panel failed to reach a unanimous decision, the choice went back to the public vote and Vanessa was announced as having the most votes out of the two and therefore stayed in the competition.

Asked about his dreams of winning, Alex said: “Dashed. It was great, what a blast thank you very much. I enjoyed every minute and I’ll never stop singing.”

Winter Sportsday

2010-01-15T19:24:00.008Z

Shelley Rudman continues her strong season in the run up to Vancouver, with victory in the World Cup skeleton race at St.Moritz. This follows a bronze in Germany and places her only 34 points behind current series leader, Canada's Mellisa Hollingsworth.

Kristan Bromley took a silver in the men's event, while British sliders gained world rankings points and a brace of medals in the Intercontinental Cup events in Lake Placid. Ant Sawyer took silver in the mens' event, with Donna Creighton the bronze in the women's race. In the subsequent meet at Calgary, Adam Pengilly also secured a silver.

Hands off Cadbury!!

2010-01-12T13:04:00.009Z

People of Britain - are we really going to let one of our National Treasures be lost? I hope not I really do - for all we know the Managing Director of Kraft may hate Creme Eggs and you know what that means. As in, Nestle took over Rowntree Mackintosh - and when was the last time you saw Toffos? Hm? When? Exactly! And with Easter on it's way, can we really take the risk? (Especially as they're now putting miniature Twisteds in Heroes.)

People of Britain, I urge you - tell the suits: Hands off Cadbury!

I'll start the Facebook group - no, there's one already there - and get the #handsoffcadbury going on Twitter! Join me - don't let the faceless fat cats take our chocolate!

Sportsday

2010-01-07T12:02:00.008Z

Athletics - our 4x400m relay team will finally be awarded their Gold Medals from the 1997 World Championships, following the American's being stripped of the title, due to Antonio Pettigrew admitting he was on drugs. So that's Team GB, World Champions twice in the 4x4 - 1991 our other glory year - Roger Black the only athlete in both teams. Double world champion - doesn't that have a lovely ring to it!

Swimming - Hannah Miley won 400m IM gold in the European short course championship. What is it with us and the 400m distance! We seem to have always done well, be it running or swimming!

The Winter Olympics begin on 12th February, good luck to all our competitors - particularly the bob skeleton guys, fingers crossed you get more sliding time! It's a shame, they could've all stayed here a bit longer! *peeks out window* Brrrrr.

'A' List? 'Z' List?

2010-01-04T19:39:00.057Z

It set me thinking, the hyping up of celebrity unveilings for the reality shows - who's 'A' List and who's 'Z' List? Can it be quantified? My beloved Strictly has come in for criticism, with a BBC personage saying they'll pay more for "bigger" stars next year. Do they really need to? I'd never heard of Tom Chambers or Ricky Whittle or Alesha Dixon beforehand - it didn't stop me enjoying them. Would I have enjoyed who the media tell us are the 'A' Listers: Sharon Osborne, Richard Madeley? I doubt it.

From my perspective, they don't come more 'A' List than an undefeated World Champion boxer - but then I'm a sports fan; any one in the world of sport who reaches the pinnacle will be a major celebrity as far as the fans of that sport are concerned.

So how to measure? Well, in the world of sport 'tis easy peasy - are they a world/Olympic champion/number one in their sport? In film and television, are they an Oscar winner/BAFTA winner, do they have the respect of their peers? They to me would be the 'A' Listers. But that's not to say that others without the trophies aren't as valued - that's what lifetime achievement awards are for. And then there are those deemed National Treasures - do they not automatically qualify as 'A' List? The thing is though - they simply don't need the exposure or the money - Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Helen Mirren are never going to take part. Ever. In the days of old they'd have allowed Morecambe and Wise to send them up, that's as far as it would have gone; M&W themselves the 'A' Listers of their day.

The media however, measure differently - Angelina Jolie is more likely described as sexy/pouty/voluptuous/designer clad Brad Pitt's partner, rather than the award winning actress she is. The Rooneys, the Coles, the Beckhams - all would be considered 'A' List by our press - and all of whom would suffer the same fate as Jordan in the jungle, at the hands of a wickedly vindictive and funny British public! That's the only reason many of us would want to see them in it!

To anyone who isn't into sport or film, whose life may revolve around the music scene now, the names Redgrave and Mirren may mean nothing - but they might adore Lady Sovereign. So is it a purely personal thing?

Tweeting Celebrity Big Brother t'other night showed me this was the case - whilst most of my generation were all for Stephanie and Vinnie, there were a few in my timeline cheering on said Lady Sov - and I'm thinking: Who is she? So a producer for I'm Strictly a Celeb Dancing on Ice has to cast their net wide to appeal to as big an audience as possible - which means you are not going to have heard of everyone.

The questions I ask myself are: Are they unique? Have they achieved something not many others, if any at all, have achieved? Or are they a dime a dozen (wags, topless models - possibly one and the same - soap stars, rich people famous for being rich and famous - you know the sort I mean) or do we prefer familiar faces who have been there, done that and have nothing to prove, who give us good value?

Who I would like to see on Strictly doesn't neccessarily equate to the media vision of 'A' List - I just think they'd be a lot of fun: Gary Barlow - technically an 'A' Lister but a seemingly very down to earth one; Adrian Chiles - the dry wit, the journey man, probably; Sue Barker, giggly but determined sportswoman and Fiona Bruce - who's shown during the newsreader segments in Children in Need that she would be so up for it! I'm sure there'll be more ... feel free to add your own suggestions!

3BT: Scenes we'd like to see ...

2010-01-03T14:38:00.009Z

... improbable TV listings.

Sunday 3rd January

3.00pm: David Attenborough's Life
Ecologists, palaeontologists and conservationists gather to celebrate their spiritual leader and God of Man.

3.30pm: Antiques Stage Show
Members of the public challenge Fiona Bruce to utilize their old junk in a tableau homage to Broadway.

4.00pm: "Don't You Know Who I Am?"
The ancestry programme moves to London's West End, as a minor celebrity tries to charm bouncers with their best drunken dialogue and fanny/pecker flashing skills. Spin off show "WhoThe F**k Do They Think They Are?" follows on BBCITV4 at 3.00am.

Sportsday

2009-12-29T12:08:00.014Z

Athletics - and Hayley Yelling claims a shock win in the European Cross Country Championships! In Boxing, Lee Haskins claims the Commonwealth superflyweight title. Our disabled swimmers again took their place on the world stage, with an impressive 46 medals in the IPC World Short Course championships. The US won the Duel in the Pool - but our lad Michael Rock beat the legend-in-his-own-lifetime that is Michael Phelps! More Triathlon world champions for the media to ignore - Jodie Swallow and Julie Dibens. And a bronze for paralympian slalom skier, Sean Rose in the European cup, adding to the silver and two bronzes from last weekend.

Hint: Next

2009-12-28T14:44:00.003Z

They shuffled or were dragged. Some fell and rotted; the better option.

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas ...

2009-12-22T22:50:00.008Z

...and a happy New Year! And thank you for visiting my jottings - I know I've been a little less active on here recently (due to a certain dance show!) but I'm hoping to pick things up again in the new year. I do seem to have a bit of an issue sometimes accessing this particular blog, so there'll be a bit of a tidy up, moving the dance list over, compact the music vids all into a Blip.fm link maybe, something like that, to see if it helps. And I'm going to nab myself one of those 'how much have I written' widgets and make a proper start on my screenplay - if you see it not moving, feel free to nag! In the meantime, here's a heartfelt plea from the animals to spare a thought for them in this eco-threatened, global warming *glances out of the window: yep, snow's still there* world of ours!

Sports Personality of the Year?

2009-12-15T09:33:00.013Z

Ryan Giggs? And he was surprised. When Jenson tootled up second I was convinced it was David Haye. I take it the whole of Manchester, sorry, obviously not just Manchester, had their phones on redial. Jessica Ennis took third, in front of a very supportive home crowd.

Yes, I know - Ryan's won everything (and been rightly recognised in the footballing world) - except a World Cup or European Championships - and that's my criteria I'm afraid. Number One (not number two and not a grand slam in sight) top of the tree, king of the whatevetver, you get my drift - in the World. I suppose we should be grateful that Alistair Brownlee and Chrissie Wellington at least warranted a mention.

And don't get me started on Team of the Year. Yes, we won the Ashes and Strauss is a fantastic captain. So what does that make Charlotte Edwards then? Retains the Ashes, wins the World Cup and the World 20/20 Series. Oh, hang on, a thought just struck me. They're women. And before you argue with me, look up the phrase "it's all relative". Likewise, until Capello actually wins something ... do Alistair and Chrissie have coaches? The rowers, swimmers, cyclists, sailors?? Just askin'. Seems to me the "experts" are all bloody obsessed with football; any excuse ...

But Tom Daley, Young Sports Personality of the Year, was a no-brainer. An emotional outpouring too for Phil Packer, recipient of the Helen Rollason Award and he's going to continue - keep up with his next challenges here.

Another fab show though. Sue, Gary and Jake for Strictly, I say!

The things they say ... or, how to make you feel old!

2009-12-10T14:22:00.006Z

As usual, there's a question and answer session on the way home from school.

"Mum, tell me the names of two Man Utd captains."

"Er, Bryan Robson?"

"Someone I might know."

"Peter Schmeichel?"

*Tuts* "I said, someone in the modern era ..."

'Scuse me while I just pull over and park me zimmer frame.

Cutest Kitty Video Ever!

2009-12-07T21:45:00.002Z

3bt: Observations

2009-12-03T22:10:00.007Z

So if FIFA are retrospectively investigating the Thierry Henry handball that knocked out the Irish, will they be doing the same to Diego Maradona for the Hand of God moment in '86?

Our sailors who strayed into Iranian waters did so due to a mechanical failure - so when they were released and the news said they were being towed back into international waters, was I the only one thinking: "Well, hang on, it might happen again if they haven't fixed the boat!"

When the Sex Pistols burst into our lives in the late 70's, did anyone seriously think, 30 years later, that John Lydon would be appearing on the Culture Show?

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009

2009-12-01T12:45:00.012Z

This is the list in full - the nominations that the final shortlist was taken from - links to the individuals making the final cut are on the right. More deserving but less high profile sports have been completely ignored - there's no way I'd have Andy Murray in there at the expense of Alistair Brownlee (who doesn't receive a single vote from the newspaper 'sport' journalists unlike Wayne Rooney. Wayne *&*^%& Rooney? You're having a laugh. Murray might have had his best year ever, but he still hasn't won a major title *rolls eyes*. And frankly, with all the Individual World Champions we have this year, why do we have a footballer in there who has only won domestic trophies? Pitiful when compared to Gemma Spofforth, Chrissie Wellington and Jo Jackson, not to mention the countless sailors, rowers etc. Yes to the England cricket team as Team of the Year for regaining the Ashes, no to Strauss individually - maybe it should be Claire Taylor from England's women - first woman named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year. But on the whole, I'd say the rest deserve their spot.

Jenson Button - Jessica Ennis - David Haye - Beth Tweddle - Tom Daley - Philips Idowu - Mark Cavendish - Andrew Strauss - Ryan Giggs - Andy Murray. That's pretty much my order - I hope they have a parade of all those missing though, let's at least try to show your average member of the public that Andy Murray isn't the pinnacle of British achievement.

Pavement Artist 8

2009-11-30T20:30:00.001Z

3BT: Scenes we'd like to see ...

2009-11-29T12:19:00.005Z

... lines you wouldn't find in the Bible.

The Lord had said unto Abram: "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you, where the women are easy and the booze is cheap."

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He obliged and showed them the one he'd nicked off the mens' toilet door, just before the club closed down.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by the yoke of reality tv.

3BT: Best of Brits

2009-11-24T11:40:00.007Z

The awesome voice of Miss Lisa Stansfield - Set Your Loving Free

Soulsista Corrine on lead for Swingout Sister - Butterfly

A Matt Bianco one I missed - Cha Cha Cuba - which sits nicely with my dance obsession!

Sportsday

2009-11-22T15:58:00.021Z

Cricket - England take a one-nil lead in the series against South Africa; Golf - Lee Westwood wins the Dubai World Championship, thus ending the season as Numero Uno in Europe!

Cycling - Wendy Houvenhagel takes Individual Gold in Melbourne World Cup and a team silver; Silver for Team Pursuitists. Matt Crampton took the bronze in the Men's Sprint.

Boxing - Rendall Munroe retains his European super bantamweight title.

Wheelchair Tennis - Peter Norfolk becomes World Number One, after winning the Quad Singles at the Wheelchair Masters.

Skeleton Bob - Shelley Rudman wins Silver in the World Cup. Wish they'd make their minds up as to whether it's Bob Skeleton or Skeleton Bob. Bob Skeleton doesn't sound as good, but Skeleton Bob sounds like a Krusty the Clown sidekick.

Bowls- Paul Foster wins six World Tour titles, beating the record of fellow Scot, Alex Marshall.

Taekwondo - 18 year old Aaron Cook won the 80kg Gold at the World Taekwondo Tour Event, beating the reigning World Champion and triple Olympic medallist Steven Lopez! *Gets even more excited about 2012* 18 years old and already taking scalps like that!

Chrissie Wellington is the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year.

3BT: They say things come in threes ...

2009-11-18T23:56:00.007Z

And how very right they are! I opened up my emails at work this morning to find I'd won a tenner in the Sports and Social draw! Lovely start to the day - then a lovely finish to the day at our department quiz night. Firstly, we had a Head and Tails game - you know, where they flip a coin and you either have your hands on your head or your bum - last one standing wins half the pot - and it was me! I had a game plan too - I went: heads heads tails heads tails tails - and it worked! And then my team only went and won the quiz itself - and the other half of the pot and, more importantly, a huge tub of Celebrations. Unfortunately, I won't be in the office again till Friday, by which time they'll all be gone. But that's probably a good thing. We're not sure how we won, having guessed at a very random selection of questions, but happily snatched that trophy back from the Post Room by two clear points! Awesome.

The things they say ...

2009-11-15T14:25:00.003Z

Grandad was telling Matt not to wrestle.

"You'll get cauliflower ears."

"Will I get broccoli eyes and a carrot nose too?"

Invisible Man 3

2009-11-11T22:43:00.002Z

Sportsday

2009-11-10T12:34:00.013Z

Major contender for the Sports Personality of the Year, David Haye, staked his claim by winning the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the World!

And the cyclists must be up for Team of the Year again, following this little haul at the World Cup: Ten Golds! With the paralympic cyclists following in their tracks at their World Championships! Golds for Fachie and Storey and Darren Kenny on Day 1, plus two silvers; Five Golds, three world records on Day 2 and three more Golds and a bronze on the final day! Awesome!