British Boxing: Joe Calzaghe Fights On In “Strictly Come Dancing”

Joe Calzaghe has once again shunned defeat in the dancing stakes.

In the first episode of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, the former boxing champion and his lovely dance partner Kristina Rihanoff failed to impress the judging panel and were bottom of the leader board.

Last week, the dazzling duo were again at the bottom and guess what? Yes, this week they were still hugging the bottom of the board despite a marginal improvement.

Last week, Judge Craig sneered, “It had a lot more movement than a dead man dancing!” Undeterred - Joe was happy with his ’improvement,’ scoring 19 out of a possible 40, which is 3 up from last week!

This week, Joe's father and boxing coach, Enzo, stopped by to give his son some tips and words of encouragement during training, but couldn’t resist doing a little pad-work in between!

Stepping on to the dance floor in this weekends episode, a smart looking Joe - wearing coat tails and white bowtie - fox-trotted to the sounds of ’I’m feelin’ good’. Looking slightly more relaxed - he managed a hint of a smile as he escorted a classy Kristina around the floor.

The judges seemed a little happier with the performance. Judge Len said, “There was improvement - more confidence. You performed it well. You did a good job and it’s your best dance I’ve seen”.

“Get that bum in, it’s sticking out a bit!”, scoffed Judge Alesha Dixon in a cockney drawl before adding, "you had a glint in your eye which made you look like you enjoyed it”.

Judge Bruno was not so pleased, “You got the look of Fred Astaire, but you dance like Fred-a-stiff! You have a terrible disconnection with the music!”, he spat.

And, showing no sign of emotion, or interest, Craig said, “For me, there was absolutely no sign of improvement”.

Oh dear…the not-so-nimble footed Joe was disappointed. After scoring 20 out of 40 (at least it’s getting slightly better each week), he found himself sharing the bottom slot.

Clearly popular with the public though, Joe made it through the telephone vote and will perform again next week.