Here we go.....
We arrived at TV centre late due to the snow (but so did lots of the audience). Our phones were taken away from us and we got our all important wrist bands
We had to go straight to the studio as recording was meant to start at 6 but was late starting.
There is a warm up guy who tells you all the rules and reg and does some jokes. Five minutes before the start Bruce came out and was great, told some jokes (quite naughty and funny actually) and sang a warm up song with the band. Three judges are in place but Craig is running late, due to the snow (we heard later that he was on the motorway coming back from panto in Wales and got out of the car in the snow and walked the last two miles
).
Obvously you're not allowed to take photos during the show but I sneaked these two at the end.
The second photo is a very good indicator of where we sat and my view for the show (three rows back).
Then we went and got our phones back and with our wrist bands gaining us entry, into the wrap party we go......passing the BBC news room on the way
After about half and hour the producer gives a speech, then Tess, then Bruce. Chris and Ola get big congrats as do the pro dancers and Tess makes a joke about Ali and Brian getting married....
We stand with Darren and Lilia and Austin most the time, but at various times we are joined by, Erin and Ricky Groves, Bruno, Brian and Richard Dunwoody.
Quite a few of the pros are there but they seem to stick to their groups, James and Ola spend most of the time in a booth in the corner. I was disappointed not to see Anton there, D&L told us why and I can understand why he wasn't!!!
I've met Darren and Lilia a few times before but not really for any length of time and I am surprised how open and "gossipy" they are infront of me
Austin doesn't hold on to his opinions either
Austin is partnered with Lilia on the tour so lots of banter (and lots of swearing) goes between them about what two dances they are going to do for 45 performances! He wants to do the jive as he gets to slap her!
I had two glasses of champagne courtesy of the BBC.
Next to the buffet Chris is there with his mini take-home trophy (they get one each), so Jayne introduces herself and we get a photo and give a congrats kiss!
The disco is in full swing now but lots of people are leaving, the pros and celebs had a really big night on saturday and most are looking to go home. The crew are still in full party mode though.
On the way out Ricky is at the bar and another photo is in order....
Quite a few of previous celebs are at the party but don't stay for long either.
We hadn't eaten since lunch time so stopped for a cheesburger and a milkshake on the way home, very glam, and arrived home just after midnight.