After months of Strictly absence it all kicked off on the 25th of August. Whom will be paired with each other. Will the rumours be true? Finally after waiting it got anounced that for series seven of Strictly Come Dancing Ian is paired up with Jade Johnson. Jade is a two times silver medallist at the European and Commonwealth champion on her speciality the long jump. I always find long jumpers very gracefull the way the fly through the air. Let’s hope we will see some of that flying back on the dance floor.

Jade is no stranger to competitions and by the looks of it will be determent to help Ian finally win that beloved glitterball. She has said she likes to shake her bum, so will this finally be the year in which latin will rule the floor?? We all have to waite and see. The first eight pairs amongst them Jade and Ian will take off on the 18th of September. The couples will have to dance a Waltz or a Tango. Could we finally see Ian dancing a Tango in Strictly again, and in week 1?? We will all find out!

The day after it is time to bring out the sun and dance some Latin. Jade can shake her bum in the Cha cha or they go for slow and smooth in a Rumba. At the end of these two shows one couple will be eliminated. We believe Jade and Ian will make it!

For updates on all the dances Jade and Ian will perform check this page. We hope you will enjoy this new Strictly season. We have been waiting for it all summer and cannot wait(e) any longer..

Week 5

A quick recap to last week, when Jade & Ian got called out as the last couple to go through.. Do you think Ian was nervous?? Oh yes he was!! Was he happy??? Oh yes that too!! :-))

Jade & Ian must have read the last sentence from the last update after having watched that Viennese Waltz!!  Ok first things first....

As mentioned Jades dress looked fabulous in drawing. The real thing was actually even better. Lovely details on the back of the dress. Ian looked gorgeous as ever in traditional tails. They danced to “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” (but it would be nothing... Exactly... ). They looked very graceful and used the floor very well. Loved they way Jade kept her posture and easily moved her head. But the best improvement was the absence of “the claw”!!!!

We all loved it and it brought some of us to tears. The judges loved it too!! Len spotted fleckerls and pivots.. It was everything he was looking for..

Bruno’s comments were so hilarious that I have copied and past them... “Gorgeous! Elegant! Smooth! It was like watching two great birds gliding over the summer ocean into the sunset... take me with you, I'm yours!”

According to Alesha Jades emotions are real, not acted and she and Ian have lovely body contact. The only judge that was slightly disappointed was Craig, a bit too much rise and fall *sight* but still mag-ni-fi-cent!!

Will it be enough for the first 10?? Craig gives an eight, Len a nine, Alesha a nine and Bruno a nine... Which gave them a total of 35 points and puts them second on the leaderboard!! The public wants to see more of our lovely pair so next week it is Samba time!!

In the dance off we almost think Ian has swapped places with James, because Bruno wants to see Zoe & Ian back next week.. We understand that mistake, weren’t Zoe & Ian popular with the judges and not with the public... Could it be all in a name??

Week 6

It is Saturday night 1900 hours and the Strictly tune begins... Ian fans unite, Jade & Ian are up first so a late toilet visit could mean you miss out on the Samba!

First we get to see their training video. The training of the Samba is not going smooth, and Jade & Ian even had a discussion. Jade realised she was being too hard on herself and that it was not Ian to blame. So the next day she gave him a lovely white rose and they hugged and made up. As we got to see on ITT on Thursday they really have a brother-sister connection and it is a great partnership.

Jade says Ian the King of Samba and that she is very happy he is teaching her. She hopes that on the night she can be Ian’s Samba Queen.

Out they come, and they look great. We had seen a drawing of Jades dress, but it was nothing like we had imagined. It has holes that show her athletic figure and only Jade could wear that dress. She really looks like Beyoncé. We cannot forget to mention the outfit of our man!! He looked smooth... Ok we are not all sharing the same opinion trouser wise, but blimey he can wear it! (and his bum looks fab in them too.. :-))) )

Jade & Ian are dancing the Samba on “Independent Woman” from Destiny’s Child and yes that is with Beyoncé. From moment one Jade is in the right atmosphere and she is showing her moves! She does a fantastic “Samba walk” and moves her arms fierce, but with style. They make full use of the floor and it is without a doubt the best Samba (and perhaps the only Samba) of the night. They finish off with a fantastic spin, Jade spins first and then Ian spins on the floor, with Jade spinning him around!!

The crowd loves it, there is a huge applause. Then we go over to the judges. Len said that Jade came to grips and that she did marvellously well. Very good. Alesha complimented Ian on giving Jade a great routine. According to her it is gone with messy and they gave Wow! Bruno could not resist himself and screamed out that he thought Jade is a fierce exotic Amazon whom was driving Ian! She is showing beautiful things. Craig thought their Samba was great, absolutely full of attitude and very confident. He only would have liked Ian to make one more revolution at the end on the floor. Little did he knew that he was going to get exactly that. They score a total of 32 points which puts them in the third spot on the leader bord.

In the pro dance Ian and the rest of the pro’s show a freakingly fast Jive.. Ian & Natalie look great together, they show a great routine.

And then it is time for the dreaded results... As more and more couples go through nerves really start to kick in. “They cannot be... Could they??” When Jade & Ian were left with 4 or 5 other couples it became clear that there was a large possibility and as lights went out Jade & Ian’s stayed on, together with Jo & Brendan’s. Time for the dance off... “But how could this be, they were third!” Well Angels the new voting system works. Anyone who can vote needs to vote, if not your favorite could be out.

Jade & Ian come out first and again perform a fabulous routine. Craig gets what he had asked for and Ian makes an extra revolution just for him. Jo & Brendan also dance a Samba, but everyone knows it will be their last one. Craig is quick and clear Jade & Ian should go through. Alesha says Jo was a real sport, but her vote goes to Jade & Ian. Bruno sticks with his Amazon and votes for Jade & Ian.

Pfiieeuuwww... Entertainment television?? Nerve-racking!  

Week 7

Last Saturday Jade & Ian danced the Foxtrot. As we could see in the training video Jade loved the Foxtrot and together with that lovely dress, she should be great. It is clear that Jade is getting more lady like every week and we all know that Ian is fabulous at changing women from tomboys into elegant ladies.

In their VT we see Jade & Ian enjoying a high tea at, as one of our Angels remembered, The Grosvenor House Hotel which is just off Park Lane in London (thank you Christine). Jade & Ian are showing their Foxtrot to what Ian calls “his entire fan base” (thank you Ian… luckily we appreciate your sense of humor..).

When they come out on the floor they look fabulous. The dress and the color suits Jade very well, and Ian in tails is always good. She seems relaxed which is nice to see. They dance the Foxtrot to ‘A Recipe for Love’ made famous by Harry Connick Jr. The routine looks very smooth and very elegant. Jade keeps smiling and her hand is lovely placed on Ian’s shoulder, no sign of “the claw”. Great leg action, fantastic rise and fall and great turns. The only thing that could have been better there was the pointing of the toe. Later in the routine there is a little stumble as the heel of Jade’s shoe gets caught up in the dress. Luckily nothing bad happened and they keep continuing their routine.

Craig says he loved the kick in the over sway, he thought the movement of flow around the floor was gorgeous. Len said that the dress was a trick, but the performance was a treat. Alesha said that she thinks that Jade can make a difficult dance look easy. She also said that Jade & Ian create the most lovely picture together. Bruno just loved it, long, smooth and elegant.

In the Tess pit they talk about coming back fighting and how nerve-racking last week was. Jade says that Ian makes it easy, she loved being on Strictly and is trying her heart out. Over to the judges score.. 8,9,9,9 which is a total of 35!! Their score ultimately gives them the second place on the leader board.

Before we head of to the results we get to see a fabulous Cha Cha Cha in Moulin Rouge style from the professional dancers. Also Matthew and Aliona show their moves in a sizzling Samba with a Hip Hop twist. Last but not least the wonderful Bee Gees. Time for the results.

Craig & Flavia get called out first, which brings me in such an outrage that I just start screaming and nearly miss Jade & Ian going through to next week. They both look very happy to go through and in the capital of Ballroom dancing, Jade & Ian will be performing the Jive.

Ali & Brain and Zoe & James have to face the dance off. Both couples are not dancing their best dance in the dance off. Ali because of nerves and an injury and Zoe misses some steps. For the judges it is the hardest decision ever, since both are and certainly could be eventual finalists. The judges are unanimous Ali & Brian go through to next week and Zoe & James are out of the competition. Next week BLACKPOOL!

Everybody is excited and the crowd is going wild. The Tower Ballroom is looking like a ballroom one would only find in ancient castles. The couples that dance before Jade & Ian all talk about the atmosphere in on the floor. It is electric... Sounds like a perfect night for a Jive. It is time for Jade & Ian.

Bruce makes a joke on how Jade decided to go for a paddle in the sea. When she came he asked her whether she had a nice paddle. She said “Yes but I only went in up to my knees.” Bruce then asked her how far she got. She said: “Ireland”. :-) We then get to see their VT. First we have a recap of last week and after that we go back to Jades old school. Outside school there are six life size Jade Johnsons hanging. Ian jokes that only one is tough enough and apparently Jade was not one of the easiest students.

The pupils find it an honour Jade is back and they are all screaming! Jade & Ian teach them the Cha Cha Cha, and everyone is having a brilliant time. There is one boy that breaks my heart with his wise words...

Craig has a smile on his face, he is surprised. That was the girliest he had ever seen Jade dance. He thought it was wonderful to watch. She needs to remind herself not to look at the floor when she is doing the kicks and she need to point her toes. But that was all. Wonderful, wonderful stuff. Len starts off with how his chair was bouncing. He enjoyed it and thinks she did a great job for a tall person. Alesha gasps “Your legs are amazing Jade, I am not being funny” She says it was a really good Jive, quirky and cute. It really showed how fit Jade is. Ian then tells the judges that he is more out of breath then she is. According to Alesha Jade is Miss Consistency and the dark horse of the competition. Bruno thought Jade moved like a whipped and that the timing was very good. He agrees with Craig on the toes, she needs to point them in the kicks and flicks. Ian tries to explain that it is an athlete’s problem, but the judges do not want to hear it, work on it.

In the Tess pit Jade gets asked how it was. Jade tell Tess that competing at the Olympic for thousands of people was amazing, but this was even better. Ian hopes they get through to next week because they will get to dance the Tango. A dance he has not danced on Strictly since Zoe Ball. We all know it was Sharon really to be honest... Scores are in... 8, 8, 9, 8, a total of 33!! Tess jokes and says: “If it was a competition of legs you would have won already”. “Thank you”, Ian replies. “You will get the cleavage”, Tess jokes back.

The show moves on with a very graceful Viennese Waltz from the professionals which was choreographed by Ian. The celebrities and their pro’s show a Remembrance Swing with a special guest performance by Jill Halfpenny and Bruce singing. The artist of tonight is Mr. Rod Steward he is singing “It’s the Same Old Song” and opinions may differ, but I think he can still perform. Penny Lancaster makes a comeback on the dance floor and shows a Cha Cha Cha with Matthew Cutler. She is really enjoying herself that is for sure. Nice performance and good to see Matthew.
After all this entertainment it is time for the results. Jade & Ian get called out as couple number three and they are so happy. So were we, finally after years we get to see Ian dance a Tango with his celebrity partner. Having seen Jade dance for several weeks now, I think she can nail this. Will it be 40 points next week?

In the dance of we see Ricky & Erin and (finally, sorry Flavia) Craig & Flavia. It is quite obvious what the judges vote will be and so it happens. The boy from Blackpool does not have to go back on the bus, he stays where he is. Craig & Flavia are out of competition.

From week 9 onwards

Week 9 was supposed to be Tango time, after years of Ian not dancing the Tango on SCD, it was finally ‘that’ time. On ITT we had a glimpse of Jades dress, which looked hot and stunning. Hillary described it as “Boudoir meets Ballroom”, very sexy, very dramatic.. Little did we knew that drama would be lurking around the corner...

On ITT Jade & Ian are full of the Tango, Jade loves it and the VT looks FAB!! Jade picked up the routine very quick and Ian “comes out of the closed” by saying that he and Jade want to get to the final.. The look on Claudia’s face when Ian said “Well, I want to come out of the closed..” Priceless!! Ian is also very excited about dancing the Tango, since has not danced it on SCD since Zoe.. (we all know it is Sharon.. :-)) )

Then Saturday afternoon the 14th of November, dress rehearsal.. Jade & Ian perform their Tango. They finish with Jade sitting on the floor. As we learn later, during the training's Jade got up herself, which looks rather ungraceful. So Ian decided at the dress rehearsal to help her stand up. What happened was Jade pulling one way,  Ian another, Jade heard her knee pop and seconds later she was in agonising pain. Jade described it as “the worst toothache and headache you have every had, joined together and multiplied by ten”. Ian felt terrible and kept apologising, but Jade it not blaming him for anything. It quickly became clear that Jade was not able to dance that evening and by the look on Ian’s face you could see he was gutted and sad. If only TV's existed in which we could jump and be there I think everyone would have jumped in to give Ian a hug.

The next couple of days there was no update, we in the meantime kept everything crossed in the hope the injury would not be too bad and Jade would be able to perform on Saturday. Brain and Kristina both state that if Jade & Ian would have danced that Tango, it would have been the best dance of the night.

On Tuesday Jade had a MRI scan and it revealed that Jade had sustained a partial tear to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which runs from the end of the femur to the to of the tibia on the inside of the joint. It is an injury she is familiar with and she immediately started a combination of intensive physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, friction massage and a new treatment called Hilotherapy.

Her physiotherapist told her she would be dancing by Friday, but later in the week it became more and more clear that the BBC physiotherapists thought otherwise.

On Friday the 20th of November Jade & Ian joined Claudia on ITT. There was still no update on whether Jade would be able/allowed to dance Saturday. She told Claudia how much she would love to especially after all the support she has had. We look back at what has happened and keep on hoping the BBC gives her the all clear for the show the next day.

Saturday the 21st of November... Angels anxiously wait in front of their televisions hoping and praying they will see Jade & Ian coming down the stairs.. As Tess calls out “and our last couple, couple no 6...” we all know it is over, Jade & Ian are no longer in competition. Even writing this down makes me feel sad.. Tess goes over to Jade & Ian and we can see the sadness in both their eyes. Jade keeps her emotions under control (unlike some of us... :-)) ) and explains how she has been in and out of physio this week, even up to Friday it was not sure whether Jade would be able to dance. She is very upset not being able to dance and she says she has has a wonderful time. She will miss it.. And we will miss you.. Tess asks Jade if she wants to dance the Tango in the finals of she is fit... She shyly says “yes”, let’s hope Jade is fit enough in time!! (and just give them that glitterball) According to Len Jade was the only one fighting the current leaders.

Basically the rest of the show goes by, for the first time in years I could not really be bothered anymore.. We see Jade & in the beginning also Ian in the audience. Ian is clapping to some dances, but Jade looks like she is not there. Honestly I think they should have let her go backstage after that interview and not make her go through all the dances.. We get to see Jade in a shot whilst Bruce is announcing dame Shirley Bassey. She looks so sad and her heavy sigh when Bruce talks about which couple will go through to next week breaks my heart. Luckily the highlight of that evening follows soon after Ian & Natalie dancing to Shirley Bassey. They perform an amazing Waltz, which actually put a smile on my face (ok Natalie's hair took credit for most of that), it was great to see Ian enjoy that dance so much, it must have been a hard time for him too.. So close, but yet so far...

On Monday Jade & Ian join Claudia on ITT for the final time. First Craig comments on how he thinks it is the right decision. He know how upset she is. Knowing the dances they would have to perform that weekend a Charleston and the Rock & Roll it is the best decision. Both dances are heavy for the knees and could have damaged the knee even more. Since Jade is an athlete and therefore relying on her body, mainly legs, no risks should be taken.

When Jade & Ian are on we get to see their final VT. It was the best VT ever. It showed the great partnership Jade & Ian had. Jade says how happy she was with Ian from moment one. “He is so gorgeous!” Jade wants to train 10 hours a day, and we can completely understand. Ian was very happy with Jade, he says she is very enthusiastic and keeps on going. “It is not rhythm is a dancer, but Jade is a dancer... If she lets her shoulders down.” We also see Jades sister and dad, whom both were amazed by her performances and her change. “Ian is teaching me to be a different and better person”.

Jade is overwhelmed by all the love and support she got throughout the series. And we did it again another Angel got her message read out on ITT, congrats to Obtuse Angel aka Lavengro! So thought no one would vote for her, since she was not that well known. She loved all the support and thanks the fans. Not dancing felt like letting people down. We end with Claudia asking how the journey was, and Jade ends it with the lovely words “I turned from a girl into a woman..”

Week 4

After a week in which Jade hurt her back while practicing the Salsa with Ian, it was finally time on Saturday to show they routine. And what a performance it was!! On ITT we learnt that Jade would be dancing in the most expensive dress, and she looked gorgeous in it. However it was our mans outfit that caused quite a stir, RED TROUSERS & CHEST!!! For many people it was too much to bear... We know Ian and that he likes his share of fun, and fun it was.. They were the best dressed and they genuinely had fun!

It must be said though that their dance was not 100% Salsa, they had Samba steps in them too, so there we are a ‘new’ dance is born... Salsamba.. :-)  

The routine was great though and very energetic and the end.... The ‘Isle of Man’ which will go into the Strictly history books and it’s story shall be thought to all new Strictly pupils!!

Craig loved the final position, and thought the energy was spectacular! Bruno said it was an explosion of colour and spice, but that she needs to watch her control. They were the best dressed couple of the evening according to Alesha. She also thought that they captured the energy. Len said is was fun and it was a job well done.. But hey, Len and Salsa.... Not a perfect match, and he shows it.

Listening to what the judges had to say the total score of 29 is under marked. Ian made it clear that he thought that too. It is a shame, but it might give them that bit extra for next week Saturday when Jade & Ian will perform a Viennese Waltz.   

7-9th of October

Jade & Ian are currently practising the Salsa. In the training video we can see them practising. Everything seems to go fine, but then Jade hurts her back massively. It hurts so much she has to cry. On ITT she says that this is not the first time something like this has happened and that she is being treated for it. The day after Ian tweeted that Jade’s back was better, we keep our fingers crossed for the rest of the training week!

Today Jade took Ian to the track and Ian wore the outfit to match... If only Jade had borrowed him some of her fishnet socks... ;-)

Update from cha cha cha week 1 until Tuesday 6th October

So here we are with a complete update on everything that has happened after the first Friday show.

Saturday it was time to shake some bum and dance the Cha cha cha. Ians shirt will be in our thoughts forever! ;-0 Jade looked ready to hit the dance floor in her yellow dress. The music of Christina Aguilera’s song Ain’t no other man (and how right that is..) suited them perfect! They showed energy, fun and a fab bodyroll! They end was very surprising with Jade in a split, only one word r e s p e c t !!

The judges has some comments about Jades legs and feet, but they all loved the routine, the energy and thought that the Cha cha cha really suited Jade. Bruno spoke from the heart: “You are fit! Those tights could crack wallnuts! He is jealous.” He thought is was nasty and naughty. Craig loved the split and the bodyroll. Their dance was full of energy.

The judges scored the Cha cha cha with a total of 27 points. Together with the  Waltz they scored 52 points, which puts that third at the leaderboard. The publics wants to see more of them and they go through. Unfortunately Martina & Matthew have to go.

Week 2 it was time for the other 8 couple to shine. Jade & Ian however did not stand still. They had to practise for their group dance which would be choreographed by Karen Hardy! How happy we all were to see Karen back with Strictly Come Dancing. Not only as a choreographer but also weekly on ‘It Takes Two’ giving comments about the choreography.

The group dance was a tribute to Michael Jackson, with Rav Wilding performing a perfect Moonwalk! Jade & Ian looked great and danced very well together. Karen knows how a group dance works, but the tallest people in the front! It was a better group dance that the first week. For Jade & Ian it looked very promising!   

Last Saturday both groups got together. A total of 14 couples came down the stairs to perform either a Quickstep or a Paso Doble. For Jade & Ian tension was high. After week 1 and the group dance people had expectations. Would they be able to pull it off in the Quickstep? We would soon find out. Both of them had a bit of flue, but that did not stop them.

My personal favourite Quickstep song of this time was used. ‘Fascination’ by Alphabeat, a fantastic song, quick, very quick for a Quickstep, but if it works.. It feels great..

Jade & Ian are up halfway through the programme. Jade & Ian look stunning and elegant. She in fuchsia pink and sparkling! As soon as the music starts they fly into it. They make some lovely and difficult long jumps, and all the steps are very fast. They look like they are having a great time, and are using every space on the dance floor. After the performance Ian is out of breath. Not strange knowing they both had a bit of a cold during the week.

The judges loved the performance. Len could have done with a bit less long jumps, but Bruno can not get enough of Jade’s long legs. He said she had been listening and her top line was much better than the week before. Alesha loved the routine. It looked like they were flying across the room.

Still on a high from the dance they get to Tess very quick. Ian is still out of breath and Jade says she has already dropped one dress size. Time for the score.. They score a total of 31 points, which puts them 3rd at the leader board. Finally after 7 couples have been announced Jade & Ian are saved by the public and go through to next week.

Week 1

Finally after months of waiting Strictly Come Dancing kicked off yesterday! And what a kick off it was! In the pro dance we saw Ian dance with Natalie, and they looked very good together, looking forward to see future pro dances.

Jade & Ian were couple number four and their first dance was the Waltz. Jade looked very elegant in her light pink dress and Ian looked gorgeous as ever. You could see both were a bit nervous, but when the music started Jade & Ian gave it their all! The dance wasn’t flawless, but it looked elegant and very promising for future dances! Jade kept smiling throughout the routine, which was absolutely fabulous. The audience loved it, since they gave Jade & Ian a huge applause! After the dance you could see they both had expected a bit more and it was time to face the judges. Alesha thought Jade & Ian looked great together and have great potential. Bruno said they could go very far and he cannot wait to see the Latin According to Len they both looked very elegant ad Craig thought it was a first class routine! They all also commented about posture, how Jade needs to relax her upper body and get rid of the ‘claw’.

The total score of their Waltz was 25 points, which currently puts them number 3 in the leader board. Tonight it is time for the cha cha cha...

Update on Jade & Ian - 15th September

With only a couple of days to go before Strictly starts it is time to update on Jade & Ian. As you all might have read in the papers Jade is supposed to have an advantage because she appeared on Sports Relieve does Strictly. As a result of that Jade & Ian had to start their training a week later. Knowing Ian and having read about Jades past, we can be more than sure that they will take that up as a challenge.

Ian has been very positive about Jade, we all could read that on his Twitter page. They have banded, and seem to have loads of fun, besides working hard. Speaking of which, Jades blisters have healed, so she can fully move her feet, and she will need to!!

Friday Jade & Ian will start off with the Waltz, and Saturday they will dance the Cha, cha cha.. Jades chance to shake her bum!! We are sure that they can pull it off, now it is time to convince the rest of the public!