Strictly exclusive: wows galore at Wembley but who was wow-less?

TV presenter Richard Arnold may have gone out this week but who wowed and who let themselves down?

Wow, wow – oooh and did I say WOW!!!! What a night at Wembley, from a flying Indiana Jones and sky-born cycling Olympian to a New York, New York tribute and sensational Car Wash showdown it was out of this world.

What a way to go for Richard Arnold!

And lest I forget an incredible welcome back performance by Girls Aloud as well as, the great pop princess herself (and no stranger to the Strictly Come Dancing set) none other than Kylie Minogue taking the place by storm.

Quite simply Wembley had it all (OK Karen time to take a breath!!!). And if you were lucky enough to have been part of the 6000-strong audience and witnessed it all live for yourself, I know you will be talking about it at work all week!

So, getting down to my weekly analytical review. With so much to talk about, it was interesting to see those who successfully captured the Wembley adrenalin-rush and those whose gambles sadly left them at the bottom of the score board.

It was pretty clear to see that there was one aim only on this special night from our performers. And that was who could get all 6000 people up from their seats to receive the biggest roar of support from the demanding live Wembley audience.

She can samba!

Lisa Riley’s Samba received a standing ovation

There was clearly one dynamic partnership who quite simple took Wembley by storm, as we witnessed Sir Bruce Forsyth struggling to calm the roaring crowd following their dance… that had to be Lisa Riley and her muscle-mania of a dancer partner Robin who successfully delivered the most incredible dance of the night.

The pressures would have been huge for Lisa being the opening act of the night and she didn’t let any of us down. With so much energy and incredible entertainment for the entire Samba it was no surprise to see the audience leap out of their seats and unanimously bring the house down with rapturous applause.

Technically, Lisa wasn’t the strongest on the night and she will have to focus hard on those elements if she is to stay in the game until the end. But she once again well and truly captured the hearts of everyone in true Strictly style.

Some however did take one gamble too many. A case in point would be Louis Smith and Flavia who sadly misjudged what would work well for them on the night.

They chose to perform an American Smooth with a Quickstep as its foundation!

Now I know I may have lost some of you there but in simple terms the American Smooth is only danced with a Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango or Viennese Waltz as its foundation structure. Then you are permitted to break away from each other during the dance and enjoy under arm turns or big lifts, rather than having to remain in the typical ‘body contact’ mode of the classical ballroom dances.

Tacky Tricks

Louis Smith employed ‘tacky tricks’ said Darcey

But sadly we didn’t get to witness what could have been another great night for Louis. And then matters were possibly made even worse when Darcy mentioned his “Tacky Tricks”. Oh dear. I think these two would have left Wembley slightly crestfallen. That said, they know you are all out there to support them. After all we have all misjudged a performance idea once or twice in our lives – it just makes the comeback even sweeter. They’ll be back!

Hook, line and sinker

Michael Vaughan’s New York, New York

But there was someone who completely nailed the American Smooth hook, line and sinker. I am sure no one would have expected the closing performance at Wembley to be from none other than Michael Vaughan!

With a New York, New York tribute at Wembley complete with ‘Tiller girls’ and sensational lights, camera, action… Hollywood Greats themselves would have been proud of this tribute.

Continuing in true Olympic and Jubilee success, there is no doubt that Strictly Come Dancing at Wembley was a truly memorable night.

Victoria Pendleton flew the flag

Speak to you all again next week!

Karen Hardy
Director of the Award Winning Karen Hardy Studios
“More Than a Dance Studio… an Experience”

Winner of Strictly Come Dancing Series 4
World Masters, United Kingdom, International
and British National Champion of Latin American Dance
Carl Alan & BDF Award Winner for Services to Dance

What did you think of the Wembley extravaganza? Let us know below.