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Rebecca Ferguson has picked a surprising favourite from this year's 'X Factor' acts, after meeting the contestants on this weekend's show.

The 2012 'X Factor' runner-up, who has gone on to achieve a platinum selling album with her debut 'Heaven', told The Huffington Post UK she was most impressed with Rylan, whom she met after chatting to the acts over a glass of wine in her trailer.

She said: "I really loved Rylan actually, I got chatting with him and he's a nice person. I like Jahmene too, I liked them all."

Rebecca Ferguson on Sunday's X Factor

Asked if she'd like to see in the final Nicole Scherzinger's camp act, for whom Gary Barlow has openly shown his lack of respect, she added: "I think it would be interesting, yeah."

Ferguson performed her new single 'Backtrack' live on Sunday's results show and admitted to still feeling the pressure of performing in front of the judges: "I was very nervous before I went on. I had a little panic like 'ah what am I going to do'... It's funny, it just brings back all the memories of when you were on it. It feels the same.

Controversial X Factor act Rylan Clark

"I felt more confident but you still feel like you're going to get judged by the judges when you get on the stage. It feels like when you end the song someone is going to say 'Rebecca, that was... ' and that's weird. It's nice not having that though."

Unfortunately, most of the reports about Ferguson's performance on Sunday focused on what she was wearing, not her new single. "I've had lots of comments about my gold catsuit on 'X Factor', but it's just a bit of fun for me," she explained.

Rebecca Ferguson's repackaged debut album Heaven (Deluxe), featuring five new songs, is out now.

'The Vampire Diaries' star Ian Somerhalder has been nominated for the World’s Most Responsible Celebrity Award, in this year's International Green Awards.

Somerhalder, who campaigns tirelessly on topics such as habitat, energy and animals through his IS Foundation, is up against sustainable fashion supporter Livia Firth and Asian star eco-activist Nadya Hutagalung for the title.

Best known as smouldering vampire Damon Salvatore in the hit US show and for his previous starring role as Boone Carlyle in long-running TV drama 'Lost', Somerhalder was also recently honoured at the Environmental Media Awards in LA with the Futures Award.

ian somerhalder

As well as setting up and running his own foundation, he is also an Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where his work has included a video call-to-arms for people to participate in environmental activity.

Talking about his environmental work, he recently said: "I don’t know how to do anything else other than be an actor. If I wasn’t in this, I would be in alternative energy and conservation."

The aim of the International Green Awards is to raise the bar around the 'cult of celebrity' and the award hopes to put the spotlight on progressive individuals who harness the power of the media and challenge conventional thinking on the climate agenda.

The winner, who will take the title from last year's greenest celeb - international supermodel Gisele Bündchen - will be announced on Tuesday 20 November at Battersea Power Station, London.

Who do you think is the greenest celebrity?

Some of the biggest and cheesiest pop groups of the nineties, including Kerry Katona's former group Atomic Kitten, are to reform for an ITV2 show.

Following on from Steps' hugely successful reunion last year, ITV 2 will bring Atomic Kitten, 5ive, Liberty X, B*Witched, 911 and the Honeyz back together for a documentary called 'The Big Reunion', The Sun reports.

The newspaper says the show will follow each act as they rehearse for two weeks before playing to thousands of fans.

Kerry Katona in Atomic Kitten at the 2000 Capital FM Awards

Many of the band members famously fell out when they split, and this series will find out who's still on speaking terms after all these years.

Katona quit Atomic Kitten in 2001 when she fell pregnant after they released their debut album 'Right Now', which went to number one in the UK in August of that year. It was then certified double Platinum with members Liz McClarnon, Natasha Hamilton and Jenny Frost - now in charge of the dance moves and crop tops.

five

Five backstage at the Capital Extravaganza in 1998

Spikey-haired boyband 5ive, who had huge hits with songs like 'Slam Dunk (Da Funk)' and sold 20 million records worldwide, previously reunited in 2006 and 2010, but when another reunion was announced this year band member Jason "J" Brown refused to be part of it. Will he appear on the show? I can't wait to see.

Their songs were cheesy, their hairstyles were full of wet-look gel, but these nineties groups undoubtedly got people dancing. Take a listen to their biggest hits below and relive those golden years of bubblegum pop...

Girls Aloud have spoken of their delight at being back together and confirmed plans for another tour and a greatest hits album, including four new songs.

Cheryl Cole said: "We were all getting dressed this morning and it actually feels really normal." Kimberley Walsh added: "It feels so comfortable to be together, like a comfort blanket in a really nice way."

girls aloud

The girls lined up to face the press for their big announcment

Cheryl and Kimberley sat alongside Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts at a press conference at the Corinthia Hotel in London.

Asked if they will bring out another album full of new songs, Nadine replied: "We'll have to wait and see how the fans react."

And they added that they have already released 10 new tracks since their last greatest hits album.

girls aloud

Cheryl, Nicola, Nadine, Kimberley and Sarah at the Corinthian Hotel after their press conference.

The girls will perform 'Something New', their first single since 2009's 'Untouchable' which leaked on Tuesday, on Children In Need (16 November) and complete a UK tour including London's O2 Arena on 1 and 2 March.

Girls Aloud are celebrating a decade at the top of the pop game, when asked which moment has been the biggest highlight over the past 10 years, Kimberley said: "When we won the Brit award that was a really amazing night for all of us."

The girls tweeted a picture of them having a "last minute huddle" before the conference.

It was also announced today that Girls Aloud have become the biggest selling girl group of the 21st century, based on single sales.

They have racked up sales of nearly 4.3m singles since their 2002 debut 'Sound Of The Underground', which sold over 653,000 copies in the UK. The track is also their fastest selling single, shifting 213,000 copies in its first week.

Over the last decade, Girls Aloud have had 20 top ten singles and four Number Ones, according to the Official Charts Company.

"People say that I'm a silly little boy in a hat, you've got to get that out of your brain," says Dappy, the N-Dubz star who's awaiting the release of his provocative solo debut album.

He is indeed wearing a hat, and is reclined on a sofa in his publicist's office flicking through a gossip magazine. He apologies and puts down the mag, which probably features at least one story about him or his former bandmates Tulisa and Fazer.

Now that I've got his full attention it becomes clear, he's capable of being much more than "silly".

"Hear my lyrics in my songs, you will hear that I'm not a silly boy and I'm giving you something to go home and rewind and think 'wow did he just say that' or 'wow that's got a proper meaning'. It isn't just 3 1/2 minutes of pop cheese," he says.

n dubz

Dappy performing with N-Dubz

Proving his point, he performs the surprisingly political lyrics of his debut album's intro: "When I see Cameron I should grab him by his neck and raise him up like a uni fee, how can these greedy people put our taxes in their pockets, f**king MPs, for me that just stands for maximum profit."

And it's not just the Prime Minister that's angering Dappy. London's Mayor also features in the rap. "I should take Boris on a road test, take him to the traps stick him in a hatch, show him how to plant trees and cook crack, now that's some dope sh*t," goes another line.

The 25-year-old singer won't tell me what political party he supports, but hints: "Put it this way, if they gave me a chance all these poverty driven areas would have half a chance and people would stop robbing things and causing crime."

We go on to discuss what he thinks was the cause of the London riots ("People can't get jobs even if they're smart as hell"). This is not the conversation I was expecting to have.

dappy

The father of two may be keen to change his image, as he says he's fed up of people that don't know him writing about him.

"I hate it when they say little words like 'N-Dubz tw*t' - it's really disrespectful. They don't realise you've got two kids that love you and that you're gold to those two kids.

"I'm not just a stupid dumb little boy, I'm good at what I do... If you chill with me for a week or a couple of days I promise that you're going to love the time that you spend with me and you're going to want to party with me again and again and you're going to see me as a good person to have in your phonebook and call… You have to give me a chance to show you that goodness," he explains sincerely.

Dappy, who happens to be Tulisa's cousin, is well aware about what people think about him. So he was probably just as surprised as the rest of the music industry when Queen rock legend Brian May said Dappy should have won an Ivor Novello for 'No Regrets' and his songwriting.

Spotting an opportunity to branch into another genre, something Dappy's very keen to do, he emailed May and asked him to collaborate: "He's the biggest rock star in the world so I emailed him my 'Rockstar' track and he said he wanted to do it. We went to number two with that track. I was gobsmacked."

What's refreshing about Dappy is he tells you what he thinks, straight up. And the biggest thing on his mind right now is going to number one with his first album...

"I need that number one under my belt, because everyone's said 'no you ain't going to make it, you ain't going to do it'...

"It's the kid thing of it... it's a f**king dream come true," he says, admitting he'd be gutted if it goes to number two. Not many artists are this frank.

"My song dropped out of the charts because of my controversial behaviour so they didn't play it on the radio," he notes. His management also reclaimed his Twitter account off him recently so that can't "send silly things out", he told Digital Spy.

As for an N-Dubz reunion, Tulisa has said it might happen next year, Fazer has said 2014, but Dappy says: "I don't know just yet. I like the success at the moment by myself. I think Tulisa is doing well with 'The X Factor' and I want more number ones by myself, I want to get a number one album, do some great collabs, travel some other countries, try and get some hits elsewhere."

‘Bad Intentions’ will be released on 22 October.

MK1 have become the third act to be sent home from the 'X Factor' after they failed to survive a deadlock against Gary Barlow's act Kye Sones.

Louis Walsh's urban act MK1 performed The Script's 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved' in the sing-off, while chimney sweep Kye Sones sang Bonnie Raitt's 'I Can't Make You Love Me'.

The decision of who to send home went to deadlock after Tulisa chose to save MK1.

She said: "The second I saw you guys I connected you with N-Dubz... if I don't stick up for my urban N-Dubz routes I'd be lying to myself... I'm sorry the act I'm sending home is Kye."

mk1

MK1 on the X Factor

Eight acts now remain in the competition, including controversial act Rylan Clark who continues to wind Gary Barlow up.

Saturday night's show saw the contestants perform Club Classics, with Jahmene Douglas putting in an emotional performance and James Arthur also wowing the judges.

Overnight ratings figures showed BBC1's 'Strictly Come Dancing' was 1.3 million ahead, as 'X Factor' stumbled by losing 200,000 viewers in a week.

The dance contest maintained its average audience of 9.9 million - the same as last week - while the ITV1 show was at 8.6 million, even including viewers of its catch-up +1 channel.

The 'X Factor' has struggled to match its audience numbers for last year, with last night's show down 1.5 million on the equivalent programme for 2011.

CHART TOPPERS

Calvin Harris and Florence Welch have secured their second collaborative number one single in three months as 'Sweet Nothing' topped the official UK singles chart.

The track - taken from Calvin Harris's upcoming album '18 Months' - reached the top spot exactly three months after their summer smash 'Spectrum' was number one.

The duo knocked Swedish House Mafia off the top of the pile as their track 'Don't You Worry Child' slipped to number two.

Adele reportedly had her first baby over the weekend, so it's unlikely she'll be too worried about the fact her Bond theme, 'Skyfall', which went in at number two last week, has fallen to number five just days before the film's general release.

Meanwhile, Jake Bugg, Nottingham's much-hyped singer-songwriter has denied superstar Leona Lewis her third consecutive number one album by shooting straight to the top of the album chart.

The 18-year-old has seen affectionate endorsements from Chris Martin, Lily Allen and Noel Gallagher, with the latter having roped him in for an extensive US tour along with Snow Patrol.

Lewis was further pipped by Mumford & Sons, whose sophomore release 'Babel' finishes the week at number two, just ahead of the 'X Factor' winner's third album 'Glassheart' at number three.

In a big comeback, Art Garfunkel scored his first solo top 10 in 32 years as new compilation 'The Singer' entered the chart at number 10.

GIGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

In news that was hard to escape last week, Girls Aloud have announced a comeback tour and this week tickets to that tour go on pre-sale.

The girls lined up to face the press for their big announcment

Fans of Cheryl, Nadine, Sarah, Nicola and Kimberley should set an alarm for 9am on 24 October when - if you've already pre-ordered their new greatest hits album 'Ten' - you will be given the opportunity to purchase tickets to the band's forthcoming tour via an exclusive pre-sale window.

Their website says: "The pre-sale will be available for a limited period of time, ending at 8am on Friday October 26th. Each access code will be valid for a maximum of 6 tickets which must be purchased in the same order." For full details click here.

Meanwhile, if you're interested in some more current music, The Maccabees, Michael Kiwanuka and Alt-J will headline Barclaycard Mercury Prize ‘Albums of the Year Live’ gig this Wednesday (24 October).

The shortlisted artists will be playing the event at LSO St Luke’s in London. Tickets for the event are no longer available, but fans will be able to catch tracks and interviews from the event on Channel 4 on Wednesday 31 October ahead of the Barclaycard Mercury Prize Awards Show, which will take place on Thursday 1 November.

OPEN YOUR EARS

Swedish indie pop band Dark Horses release their debut album 'Black Music', produced by Death In Vegas stalwart Richard Fearless, on 29 October. Their toe tapping single 'Alone' is out now, take a listen below:

If you fancy hearing their mellow music live they're doing two shows to support their album release. The first in London at The Lexington on the 22 October and the second, in Brighton at The Green Door Store on Halloween. For ticket details visit the band's Facebook page.

'Skyfall' receives its world premiere at London's Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday and will finally arrive in cinemas this Friday.

The big brassy title track for the 23rd James Bond film sung by Adele has already been revealed, and now The Huffington Post UK can exclusively unveil three tracks from the 'Skyfall' score below.

Titled 'Grand Bazaar Istanbul', 'Jellyfish' and 'Granborough Road' the three tracks range from thunderous and dramatic - perfect for the many action sequences in the film - to broodingly atmospheric, for scenes in which the dark side of the story is at the forefront.

LISTEN HERE:

The score soundtrack is composed by Thomas Newman, who has collaborated on all but one of director Sam Mendes’ films, and will be released on Sony Classical on 29 October.

Newman has scored more than 50 feature films, including 'WALL.E', 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'American Beauty', and been nominated for 10 Academy Awards.

Click here to pre-order the soundtrack.

WATCH: The 'Skyfall' premiere red carpet live stream

WATCH: Wayne Rooney stars in alternative 'Skyfall' trailer

VOTE: Which actor could replace Daniel Craig as Bond?

VOTE: Is Ursula Andress still the best ever Bond girl?

REVIEW: Something old, something new, a lot of things borrowed

One fourth of boyband JLS, Oritsé Williams, has revealed the band are no longer focusing on cracking America.

The 25-year-old singer told The Huffington Post UK: "Anywhere in the world would be amazing for us."

Unlike fellow former 'X Factor' acts, One Direction, who have become huge sensations Stateside, the 'Everybody In Love' singers have had a lukewarm reception across the pond.

"I don't think we're going to say one place, America would be amazing, but we've already had a top 5 in the dance charts there and we go from strength to strength.

"We'll have a victory somewhere."

The Brit and Mobo Award-winning group, consisting of members Oritsé, Aston Merrygold, J.B. Gill and Marvin Humes, have sold more than 3 million records worldwide since appearing on the 'X Factor' in 2008, where they were mentored by Louis Walsh.

And they show no sign of slowing down, their fourth studio album, 'Evolution', is released on 5 November.

"You've got to be keep it moving and keep it rolling," said Oritsé and he promised that 'Evolution' will be their most honest album yet.

oritse

Oritsé Williams on the red carpet

Talking about how the band have changed over the past four years, he said: "We've developed a lot.

"We are in a better place than we were before and soundwise we've grown and I think if you're an artist you can't be stagnant."

JLS's new single 'Hottest Girl in the World' is out now and although Oritsé wouldn't say which woman inspired the song he did name 'So What' singer Pink as his hottest girl in the world right now.

"She's very very sexy," he said.

PICTURES: This year's X Factor hopefuls - will any of this lot become as big as JLS?

The wait is finally over as the latest 007 blockbuster made its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

'Skyfall' is the 23rd instalment of the James Bond franchise - now in its 50th year - with leading man Daniel Craig admitting how 'proud' he was of the movie.

Speaking on the red carpet outside the Albert Hall, the suavely-attired Craig said: "I've never been to a premiere like this in my life.

"I'm just incredibly proud, the film is for the audience - we tried to make it for these people."

Also attending was director Sam Mendes, who said he was "thrilled" with the "unbelievable" number of people waiting to catch a glimpse of the stars.

Daniel Craig on the Skyfall red carpet

Praising tonight's lavish launch, Craig told the BBC: "There's nothing quite like it. This feels even more special than the ones that have gone before for me."

The leading man was joined on the red carpet by Dame Judi Dench (M), Naomie Harris (MI6 field agent Eve) and Javier Bardem (villain Raoul Silva) as well as Ralph Fiennes (British government agent Gareth Mallory), Berenice Marlohe (Severine), Albert Finney (Kincade), Ben Whishaw (Q), Rory Kinnear (Bill Tanner) and Helen McCrory (Clair Dowar).

To help celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary were some very special guests of honour and I'm not talking X Factor finalists - although some of them were indeed there and strutting their stuff - but his Royal Highness Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall.

SLIDESHOW: See all the red carpet pictures below...

WATCH: The 'Skyfall' premiere red carpet live stream

WATCH: Wayne Rooney stars in alternative 'Skyfall' trailer

VOTE: Which actor could replace Daniel Craig as Bond?

LISTEN: Three exclusive tracks from the Skyfall score

VOTE: Is Ursula Andress still the best ever Bond girl?

REVIEW: Something old, something new, a lot of things borrowed

CHART TOPPERS

Simon Cowell's 'urban' act Labrinth is celebrating his first number one hit, after his duet with Emeli Sande 'Beneath Your Beautiful' (sic) topped the official UK singles chart.

The British rapper and record producer knocked Calvin Harris and Florence Welch off the summit, as their track 'Sweet Nothing' slipped to number three.

Labrinth's song, which was at number 85 in last weekend's charts, enjoyed a massive sales boost after he and Emeli performed it live on last Sunday's 'X Factor' results show.

Meanwhile, American pop-country artist Taylor Swift topped the album charts with her fourth LP 'Red'. The album, which features the single 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together', was reportedly outselling its nearest rival, the deluxe version of Emeli's 'Our Version Of Events', by two to one this week.

British rockers Lawson also made an impact on the album charts with their debut 'Chapman Square' at four, while Jake Bugg's eponymous debut is at three and Mumford And Sons' latest 'Babel' is at five.

And former N-Dubz star Dappy won't be in a good mood after his debut album 'Bad Intentions' charted at number six. He recently told me he would not be satisfied with anything less then a number one spot.

GIGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Celebrated electric guitar player Joe Satriani, fresh from appearing as himself in Brad Pitt’s Oscar-nominated baseball film 'Moneyball', will undertake a 10-date 2013 UK tour starting on Saturday 8 June at the Manchester Apollo.

This will be Satriani’s first UK tour since 2010’s Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards tour and will feature blues guitarist Matt Schofield as a special guest.

Satriani was recruited by Mick Jagger as lead guitarist for Jagger's first solo tour in 1998 and went on to become the lead guitarist for Deep Purple. He's currently playing in supergroup Chickenfoot consisting of former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar (vocals) and Michael Anthony (bass), along with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

Tickets go on sale Friday 2 November and can be booked online from www.ticketline.co.uk or call 0844 888 9991 or the venue direct. The tour coincides with Satriani’s new solo album released by Sony worldwide in May 2013.

OPEN YOUR EARS

Charlie Brown, who has written with the likes of Wiley, Jay Sean and The Script, is being tipped as one to watch for 2013. Take a listen to his smooth and catchy single 'Dependency', out on 2 December, in the video below:

The singer/songwriter has spent the last decade learning his craft and has worked with high-profile hitmakers including Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Ellie Goulding), RedOne (Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Usher) and FutureCut (Lily Allen, Wretch 32, Rizzle Kicks).

Megan Hilty has revealed she was shocked to find out just how alone Marilyn Monroe really was, during her research for her part in 'Smash'.

In the video interview above, Hilty, who plays beautiful blonde musical star Ivy Lynn in the US drama about a Broadway production (based on the life of screen legend Marilyn), also reveals what she'd say to the iconic star if she could meet her now.

The first series of 'Smash' saw Hilty as "super ambitious" Lynn go up against part time waitress Karen Cartwright, played by 'American Idol' finalist Katherine McPhee, for a big musical break.

The show received mixed reviews Stateside but a second series, starring Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson, has been confirmed.

Developed by Steven Spielberg, the ensemble cast also includes British talents Jack Davenport as unsympathetic director Derek Wills and Raza Jaffrey as Karen’s boyfriend Dev.

Smash Season One is available on DVD now.

'Smash' does a Bollywood number...

Derren Brown has responded to allegations that his latest TV stunt Apocalypse is fake, by posting a video interview with the show's 'victim' Steve Brosnan.

Derren Brown has posted a video where he asks Steve Brosnan whether he is an actor or not...

Viewers of his mind-boggling show accused Brosnan of being an actor, after his profile was discovered on a casting agent's website. However, in the video interview ABOVE, Brosnan tells Brown he was only briefly on that website, when he was looking for something to do after finishing school, and he revealed that he didn't even get round to completing the agent's application form.

Yesterday, viewers voiced their disbelief that Brosnan was a real 'victim' of Brown's hoax after watching the show, which revealed Brosnan looking dumbstruck with the belief that the earth had been struck by a meteorite and peopled with only zombies to keep him company. Read here for more about why many doubted the authenticity of the stunt...

You can watch the concluding part of Derren Brown: Apocalypse on Friday 2 November at 9pm on Channel 4.

The price for a ticket to this year's 'Sports Personality of the Year' live show has been ramped up to £50 by the BBC.

The price increase, which follows the success of the London Olympics this year, has angered sports fans. Last year, the tickets were free, although they were £40 the year before.

MP Philip Davies, a member of the culture media and sport select committee, told The Sun: "It will be tickets for the rich."

Jessica Ennis, one of this year's victorious British Olympians who have generated increased interest in Sports Personality

However, the first wave of tickets for the show still sold out in 30 minutes when they went on sale on Tuesday morning.

Do you think this is a reasonable price? Vote below...

Fans will have another chance to buy tickets when a second wave is released in late November, while some are already being resold on Ebay at a higher price.

Gold medallists Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis are all contenders for this year's top prize. The always popular event will be held at the ExCeL in East London on 16 December.

Last year's winner was Mark Cavendish

Last year the competition, won by road racing cyclist Mark Cavendish, ran into controversy when Britain's sportswomen reacted angrily to the complete absence of women on the shortlist.

The shortlist for the awards is collated from nominations by the sports editors of newspapers and magazines.

Good Charlotte star Benji Madden has sent his condolences to Suicide Silence after frontman Mitch Lucker was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Madden tweeted: "My Heart goes out to @SuicideSilence today, their Families, Friends and Suicide Silence Fans. Sad News. My thoughts are with you guys today."

On Thursday night a candlelight vigil was held for Lucker in California and a message was sent from Suicide Silence's Twitter account to thanks fans for their support:

Lucker, the lead singer of heavy metal band who were given the Golden Gods award for best new talent by Revolver magazine in 2009, died in Huntington Beach, California, police said.

Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence

Lucker, 28, was on a new Harley Davidson motorcycle driving in the Orange County city on Halloween night when he lost control and crashed into a light pole, according to a statement from the local police department, Reuters reports.

In 2007 the band came out with the album 'The Cleansing' and followed that up with the 2009 'No Time to Bleed' and last year's 'The Black Crown,' which made its way to No. 9 on the Billboard hard rock chart.

'Strictly Come Dancing' saw its remaining 11 stars take to the ballroom for a bonfire night special on Saturday.

The celebrities were back in their glitzy dance attire, as the gimmicks of recent Hollywood and Halloween-themed nights were put back into the 'Strictly' store cupboard for another year.

But were there still fireworks on the dance floor? And who failed to sparkle? See the best of the judges’ feedback, pictures and all the scores below...

Kimberley & Pasha - Salsa to 'Naughty Girl' by Beyoncé

"It was a sparkler," said Len. Bruno added: "Yes, tease me to death, so naughty, so saucy, so fiercely sexy."

Score: 33

lisa

Lisa

Lisa & Robin - Tango to 'Let's Stick Together' by Bryan Ferry

"Glued together you were," joked Bruno. After criticising most of the dance, Craig said: "It's nice to see you doing something seriously."

Score: 27

Richard & Erin - Foxtrot to 'Big Spender' by Shirley Bassey

"A complete dance disaster," said Craig after Richard forgot his moves. Darcey added: "You're a bit wooden."

Score: 17

Denise & James - Viennese Waltz to 'At Last' by Etta James

"More turns than a Catherine wheel," cried Len. "That was so pretty," gushed Bruno.

Score: 35

Victoria & Brendan - Samba to 'It's Not Unusual' by Tom Jones

"I think you've come out of your shell," said Len. Bruno called it "Victoria does Vegas... with a hangover".

Score: 23

strictly

Victoria and Brendan

Louis & Flavia - Samba to 'La Bomba' by Ricky Martin

"These Latin dances suit you perfectly," said Bruno. Darcey added: "It was too calculated for me."

Score: 29

Colin & Kristina - Foxtrot to 'Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive' by Aretha Franklin

"It was like you were dancing on a shag-pile carpet," said Len. But Bruno praised Colin, calling it "a great performance".

Score: 27

Nicky & Karen - Rumba to 'I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing' by Aerosmith

"This is the dance of love... I would have liked you to seduce Karen," Darcey commented. "I felt there was a lot of chemistry," said Bruno.

Score: 27

nicky

Nicky and Karen

Fern & Artem - Paso Doble to 'Espana Cani' by Ross Mitchell Orchestra

"This fizzed but it never exploded," said Len. "I was slightly distracted by Artem's chest," joked Craig. Darcey added: "I think there was a fire, Fern."

Score: 24

Michael & Natalie - Foxtrot to '(I Get the) Sweetest Feeling' by Jackie Wilson

"You just need to add style, swing and sway," said Len. "For me you shine at ballroom," complimented Darcey. Len called it "the best Foxtrot of the night".

Score: 31

Dani & Vincent - Jive to 'Dance With Me Tonight' by Olly Murs

"You need to keep your feet together when you go under his legs... I copped a massive eye-full," cried Craig. Len called it "crisp as a Pringle and absolutely fabulous".

Score: 33

'X Factor' is halfway through its live shows and this week the remaining contestants were tasked with singing 'number one' songs well enough to get them votes from the public.

After the unexpected departure of show favourite Lucy Spraggan due to illness, there was very much a "the show must go on" attitude about Saturday's episode.

Glossing over the incident, show host Dermot O'Leary explained: "Sadly Lucy isn't well enough to perform so she's decided to withdraw from the competition."

Her mentor Tulisa added: "She is an amazing person to work with... this is not the end of Lucy, or the last you are going to see of her."

rylan

Rylan Clark performs

Rylan Clark kicked off the show, determined to prove to Gary Barlow that he could sing. His song choice? Madonna's 'Hung Up' mixed with Abba's 'Gimme Gimme'. He dedicated the song to Lucy, shouting "this one's for you Spraggan, I love you." Should someone tell him it's not a radio request show?

"It was camp, it was over the top and you always put a smile on everyone's face," said Louis.

"I have a feeling that may be your last performance on the X Factor," Gary warned.

Rylan's mentor wasn't happy. Reciting what she learnt on a trip to Essex this week, Nicole Scherzinger told Gary: "Shurrrup... you're well jel." It's worth noting that not everyone in Essex speaks like Rylan and has orange tans, ITV.

Next, Louis Walsh's boy band Union J sang Taylor Swift's 'Love Story', which was perfect for their teen fans. And then it was time for Gary's act Kye Sones to prove his doubters wrong, singing New Radicals' 'You Get What You Give'. Tulisa said: "You rocked it" and even Louis praised his performance by comparing him to Robbie Williams.

x factor

Union J

James Arthur gave another emotional performance, when he took to the stage to sing No Doubt's 'Don't Speak'. Getting all Professor Green on us he threw in a rap, which left me wanting to give him a hug. "You deserve a record deal," said Louis.

Ella Henderson, the last remaining girl in the competition, was back at her best tonight as she sang a slow version of Katy Perry's 'Firework'. "Simplicity is really the key for this competition for you," praised Gary.

District3's performance of 'Dynamite' by Taio Cruz was rubbish, and all the judges agreed, except their mentor Louis of course.

Jahmene Douglas belted out Beyoncé’s 'Listen' and while it didn't reach the superstar's singing standards, it was still pretty damn good. Gary said: "It's an enormous song with an enormous range, you killed it tonight." And Nicole called the shy singer "a slice of heaven."

Last to perform was Christopher Maloney, with a shockingly impressive rendition of Eric Carmen's 'All By Myself'. Where has he been hiding that voice?

CHART TOPPERS

Robbie Williams is celebrating his first solo UK number one hit for eight years with 'Candy' topping the official singles chart.

It is the 14th number one of his career - including with Take That - meaning he has drawn level with his friend and bandmate Gary Barlow, who co-wrote the song.

Some 137,000 copies of 'Candy' were sold this week according to the Official Charts Company, making it the fastest-selling single by a male artist this year.

The track is from his new album 'Take the Crown', which is released today.

robbie

Robbie Williams goes to number one

Williams told OfficialCharts.com: "Good work Team Williams and thanks to everyone who got it there. I'm so excited about this album and this is a great start."

Last week's chart topper Labrinth featuring Emeli Sande dropped to number two with 'Beneath Your Beautiful'.

Robbie Williams looks at his 'Take The Crown' album sleeve after the release of his latest album

Meanwhile, in the album charts, Scottish DJ, songwriter and producer Calvin Harris secured his second number one with '18 Months', keeping Kylie Mingoue's 'The Abbey Road Sessions' in second place.

Emeli Sande dropped one spot to number three with 'Our Version of Events', while 'Some Nights' by Fun rose from 33 to four.

Last week's number one, Taylor Swift, fell to number five with her fourth LP 'Red'.

GIGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

It's that time of year when tickets for festive gigs start to be released and first up is Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball. It's a pop-lover's perfect Christmas present.

Cheryl Cole will perform at the Jingle Bell Ball

Cheryl Cole has just been confirmed for this year's lineup, alongside Bruno Mars, One Direction and Little Mix. The event takes place at London's O2 Arena on December 8 and 9, the same dates as the 'X Factor' final. If you do go along, make sure to take some ear muffs, not just for the cold, but for all of those screaming teenagers.

OPEN YOUR EARS

Noir-pop band MS MR, comprising London-born Lizzy and Seattle native Max, are endorsed by the likes of Jay-Z and Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw and are quickly making waves in the music scene.

They've already released two underground EP's but are now preparing to release their new single ‘Fantasy’, self-described as "a huge rush of cinematic electronic pop", in March 2013.

The song is written and produced by the band and mixed by Tom Elmhirst (Adele, Amy Winehouse) and will be followed by their debut album in May.

Take a listen to some of their tracks below...

MS MR embark on their second UK tour as part of a European tour this November with the following UK shows:

Wednesday 28 November: Manchester Soup Kitchen
Thursday 29 November: London Electrowerkz

After 12 years of shunning football, bickering with boyfriends for choosing matches over dates and enjoying Saturday morning lie-ins (usually with a hangover), I've stepped back onto the pitch.

Many eyebrows were raised when I announced I had joined a women's football team. Never had I once expressed an interest in the sport since giving it up at the age of 12, primarily to spend my weekends shopping with friends rather than stumbling around a muddy field, being shouted at from the sidelines.

"Why?" many of my female friends cried, while the guys laughed, "you can't play football!" and my mum fretted, "please be careful, you'll get injured."

The impression of women that play football is they are 'butch lesbians'. I say this because 99% of the people I told that I was going to start playing again said that's who I'd be playing with. Those impressions were wrong.

I think it's fair to say that outwardly I'm a 'girly girl'; I like making an effort with my appearance. But, I also like exercise and being part of a team, which is where football comes in.

Bored with jogging around a tiny part of South London on my own, stopping every 10 minutes to play with my iPod and with no one encouraging me to keep going - and having given up on the dull environment of the gym long-ago - out of nowhere, joining a football team sprang into my mind.

A bit of inspiration: Team GB women's captain Casey Stoney is congratulated after scoring a goal during their match against Cameroon on day one of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A quick search on GumTree later, I'd found a local women's team to join who play in a friendly league. Shopping for my kit was interesting, I had to choose between boys' and men's shorts and it took me a good hour to find a pair of boots in my size while the male shop assistants looked bemused. I asked which type of studs I needed and one replied: "Well you're probably just messing around, so these will do."

I couldn't make any of the training sessions, bar a few kickabouts with some encouraging male friends, so it was straight into a game.

As the whistle blew I quickly realised I didn't actually know any of the rules. "Just shout at me and tell me what to do," I told my teammates. It didn't matter, I was running around a field pumped with adrenaline and a feeling of competitiveness rarely achieved in day-to-day life.

Ninety minutes later - we had no subs - my legs would barely move any more. That was nothing compared to the pain I woke up in the next day, every single part of my body was stiff and sore. I expected my legs to hurt, but I never knew simply getting out of bed and moving my arm would be so hard. My sister had great fun laughing at me shuffling around Soho the next day.

I've gained a whole new level of respect for footballers. I use to think it was pathetic that grown men were so obsessed with chasing a ball around a pitch, but now I can see the skill, fitness and expertise involved and even enjoyed watching Man United v Arsenal in the pub this weekend. Trust me, that's a sentence I never thought I'd write.

Three games on, I've met a great new bunch of women, I stay in on Fridays excited about the fun I'll have on Saturday mornings, and feel noticeably more toned. If only I hadn't given myself a 12- year break from the game, maybe I'd be on my way to Rio 2016...

"I want to see every person here jumping with me tonight," superstar Gwen Stefani shouted out at her first No Doubt show in three years.

And the fans who'd crammed into the La Maison de la Mutalite in Paris on Tuesday night for the exclusive private showcase were more than happy to oblige.

Gwen Stefani was on top form with her band No Doubt, on stage in Paris

The legendary California ska-punk group, who've sold more than 22 million albums and picked up four Grammys, have at last reformed after going their separate ways in 2004.

Since then, Stefani has released two solo albums, becoming a massive star in her own right. But on Tuesday evening, it was clear she was happy to be back with her guys, as she jumped around the stage in her trademark high-energy, tomboyish way.

Stylistically speaking, the band have evidently picked up where they left off, and Stefani has long eschewed her Harajuku doll-inspired costumes in favour of her ska getup and red lipstick.

Dressed in knee-high black boots, tartan trousers draped with chains and a high-necked velvet crop top, which showed her very impressive athlete's stomach, Stefani was mesmerising.

It's been said before, but it really is shocking how Stefani can be 43 and have had two children - her body is better than that of any twenty-somethings I know.

Kicking off with 'Sunday Morning', a song from their 1995 third album 'Tragic Kingdom', they moved effortlessly through their impressive back catalogue, throwing in a few tracks from their new record 'Push and Shove'.

It took no time at all for the three peroxide-loving front members of No Doubt to get everyone in the packed out venue dancing as they moved onto party staple 'Hella Good', from their last album 2001's 'Rock Steady'.

No Doubt were back to their good old ska selves in Paris

And the crowd sang back at Stefani as No Doubt broke into their reggae-inspired hit 'Underneath It All', followed by the energetic and defiant anthem 'It's My Life' and 'Hey Baby', which featured some obligatory booty shaking from Stefani.

"Anyone buy the new record?" she chirped before grinding to their sunny dance jam and first new single in over a decade, 'Settle Down'.

Then it was time for the track everyone at the concert had really been waiting for.

Camera phones were raised, alongside the more traditional lighters, as No Doubt performed their 1996 number one smash hit 'Don't Speak'. Not a single person didn't know the words or didn't look like they hadn't wailed them hundreds of times before in their bedroom.

It was like a teenage dream coming to life and as I looked around at everyone yelling "don't tell me cause it hurts" it seemed like everyone felt just as lucky as I did to be there at that moment. The song still sounds as good now as it did back then, something which I fear won't be said for the likes of 'Gangnam Style'.

It was quickly back to jumping around as the band burst into their first commercially successful song 'Just a Girl', after which Stefani brought a fan on stage to meet the band. Despite her Hollywood status, Stefani seemed completely at home interacting with her audience in this intimate gig, comparable to those times before No Doubt sold out stadiums across the world.

The frontlady, guitarist and keyboardist Tom Dumont, bassist and keyboardist Tony Kanal and drummer Adrian Young, supported by trumpeter Stephen Bradley and trombonist Gabrial McNair who've been with the band for live performances since the mid-1990s, put on a fantastic show, which was organised to celebrate the launch of HP Connected Music.

The product (a launcher embedded on Windows 8 HP PCs) is in partnership with Universal Music and will give users access to exclusive music showcases, meet and greets with artists and VIP trips as well as streaming access to Universal Music's entire catalogue, which includes artists ranging from the likes of Rihanna and Lady Gaga to The Beatles and Marvin Gaye.

As I left the concert I was handed a copy of No Doubt's new album 'Push and Shove'. While I don't think they'll yet produced a hit that will match 'Don't Speak' and all the nineties memories it evokes, they've certainly proved they've still got a lot to offer.

In Pictures: Gwen Stefani in stunning form on stage in Paris...

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Back in the Game

Concert Review: Gwen Stefani Defies The Years With An Energetic No Doubt Reunion Performance In Paris