91Èȱ¬

Hold onto your sequins, what an emotional rollercoaster of a show we had on Saturday.

After being subjected to the judges, stating that her moves were more at home on a football pitch than a dance floor, a tearful Jessie exited the competition. Bottom of the judges' leader board, this time sadly Jessie couldn't count on the public to save her. Her exit was particularly poignant, since she had told us that Strictly was the best thing that had ever happened to her and she certainly didn't want it to end.

After the dance-off, Heather and Brian breathed a collective sigh of relief as three of the judges saved them. Brian's relief was even sweeter since his Mum and Dad were there watching the show, having flown in especially from the U.S. The first time in years his Mum had been in a plane, she braved her fear of flying to watch her boy wowing a British audience in the ballroom, and fortunately for Mrs Fortuna, Heather and Brian were saved.

It was a night of highs and lows for our ladies. Cherie dazzled with her Rumba that literally took our breath away and almost brought a moved Arlene, to tears - now that's a record in itself. Not even the Ramps (Mark Ramprakash) managed that.

An ecstatic James realised his ambition of making it past week 4 - historically his exit point from the competition. With a student like Cherie by your side James, I predict you'll be in for the long haul.

Lisa's Rumba fair sizzled too, leaving her and Brendan well up the favoured end of the leader board. But Jodie's failed to ignite the judges. Although the rest of us backstage were yelling encouragement, since their improvement and hard work were clearly evident to see. Surely that's what this competition is all about?

Jodie herself was devastated by the judges' comments and crumbled in defeat backstage, convinced that she would be the one to leave. Proof again that you never can predict which way the cookie will crumble in this show. Isn't that just why we love it?

Despite having a new found confidence on the dance floor, an uncharacteristically quiet Christine was nervous about going first. But she managed to charm all with her Quickstep, emulating a young Audrey Hepburn while she was at it.

The Italian Stallion's little princess, Rachel, didn't let us down, with a breathtaking Quickstep. I bet her Nan was proud. Mind you, I for one would have loved to see her Rumba - all sensual curves - I think those two would pull off the perfect packaged Rumba and I live in hope that it may still happen…

And our men, safe from eviction, weren't allowed to rest on their laurels, oh no. They pulled it out of the bag with the group Rueda. And was more fun had during a Strictly group dance? I think not. Having had a blast in training, in their 'kids from Fame' gear - John in a headband and midriff skimming vest anyone? Sheer genius - I wonder whose idea that was (..Austin).

Austin kept his now famous "guns" under wraps and I think, dear readers, he may need a few words of encouragement if we are to be treated to the sight of them again. What are you waiting for? I'll set up the petition. On a brighter note, he did threaten, or you could say promise, to outdo Mark in terms of final outfit of swimming trunks. How do you upstage that I ask? Two things he said - thongs and feathers. Arghhhh! I can hardly wait…

And perhaps in an attempt to appear more streamlined on the dance floor, Mark was sporting his second haircut in as many weeks. And Tom was still threatening to bring his Stag do to next Saturday's live show. Help! Ladies, run for cover - and let's not forget it's a live show, anything could happen.

This week saw me put on my very first pair of dancing shoes, as I took my first dance lesson with Anton (Du Beke) in preparation for our dancing debut in Children in Need. Terrified? Me? Why - should I be? A complete novice, with feet that are a little shy of co-ordination.

Help! The pressure is well and truly on… take a deep breath - it's all for charity after all.

Dear, patient, lovely Anton - I am truly hoping that I am not the straw that breaks the camel's back - you deserves so much better. But I will try my best, I promised you that much.

On to next week and I'm literally holding my breath with anticipation at finally seeing the girls and boys going head to head. At last we can compare them directly for the first time on the dance floor. Something tells me that the fun has only just begun.

Tess' Take - week three

Tess' Take - week two

Tess' Take - week one