Saved: X Factor bosses were under pressure to disqualify contestant Katie Waissel after it emerged she has recorded a jazz album in the US, but the decided to keep her in the competition
X Factor hopeful Katie Waissel has learned she will be allowed through to the next round of the hit talent show, the Daily Mail has learned.
The 24-year-old Madonna lookalike wowed the audience and won over Cheryl Cole in the opening episode, securing a place in the next round – despite the fact her nerves nearly got the better of her.
But X Factor bosses came under pressure to disqualify her after it emerged she actually had a record deal in America that she had signed earlier this year under the name of Lola Fontaine.
At the time, a man claiming to be her manager called Jason Silverman revealed that she was signed to a two-record deal with Chamberlain Records and was about to release a record in Los Angeles.
This prompted fears that the hair salon receptionist from Harewood, Herts, would be banned from judges houses auditions – the final round before the live shows next month.
Katie scraped through to boot camp after performing At Last by Etta James after originally fluffing her lines to Queens We Are The Champions after begging Simon Cowell to give her another chance.
US deal: The Madonna lookalike signed a two-year contract under the name Lola Fontaine. Her album is due to be released shortly
When Cheryl Cole asked her what experience she had, Katie replied: 'I sing all the time... anywhere that will have me I sing. I sing on trains with my guitar... I sing in the salon,' but failed to reveal her substantial professional experience, that also included her own YouTube show.
The X Factor has strict rules about contestant’s previous musical work – they face disqualification if they have a music management contract.
At the time a spokesman said: ‘We are looking to the whole thing to see if a contract does exist and if there is found to be one, what the wording is.'
YouTube star: Katie also appeared in her own series, Green Eyed World, which showed her moving to New York to sing. It received 155,000 views
But show bosses were today able to come to an agreement with her record company and gave the 24-year-old the news that she would be going to the judge's house stage with the other hopefuls.
In addition to her recording deal, Miss Waissel also appeared in YouTube show Green Eyed World last year, as Katie Vogel.
The 14-part series followed Katie travelling to New York to pursue her dream of singing.
It was produced by Sprite and received 155,000 hits. But canny viewers on YouTube were sceptical of the singer long ago, with one commenter posting 'this is just a fake show on YouTube'.
Difficult position: Pixie Lott was forced to choose whether to end a teenager's dreams when she sat alongside Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh
There are just four seats on the X Factor panel, but it was thanks to a whole roomful of judges that one teen made his way through to the bootcamp round on tonight's X Factor.
Tom Richards, 16, was initially told he'd be going home when Simon Cowell and guest judge Pixie Lott rejected his 'dated' dance moves.
But the audience loved the talented Welsh singer, and their chants of 'Pixie say yes' persuaded the teen pop star to change her mind.
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High hopes: Tom, 16, was saved from elimination from the X Factor when the audience started chanting 'say yes' and convinced Pixie Lott to change her mind Pixie, who replaced Dannii Minogue for the auditions in Cardiff, was given the casting vote when Tom's version of The Scripts song Man Who Can't Be Moved divides the judges.
Cheryl Cole labelled his act is 'a little bit contrived' but admitted he was one of the best singers they had seen all day.
Cowell was unimpressed while Louis Walsh told him to cut out the 'silly stage antics.'
Dancing boy: But while his singing was impressive, Tom's stage moves left the judges cold But after lobbying from his family backstage the shaken teenager ignored their advice and sang This Is The Moment from the Jekyll and Hyde musical, only for Cowell to tell him he could not 'have chosen a worse song.'
The vote was split with Louis and Cheryl giving him the go-ahead and Cowell saying no, telling him: 'That was what I would call a boyband performance from five or six years ago.'
Pixie admitted it was a 'really hard' decision.
She said: 'I find this really hard as I don’t know where I’d put you in the music industry today. It feels like you were...not dated, but not right for this time.'
She decided to go with her 'gut instinct and say no', but was left with Louis and the audience pleading with her to change her mind.
As the chants of 'Pixie say yes' grew louder, and the crowd got to their feet, she bowed to the pressure with a smile.
Also on tonight's show was Kash, a phone salesman, who left Pixie speechless with his version of Ne-Yo's Closer.
Flash man: Mobile phone salesman Kash during the Cardiff auditions
So bad: Bun nd Cheese have an 'attitude', but Simon likes them
The show then moves on to London where one of the highlights is girl group Bun Nd Cheese.
The trio - Pinky, Patty and Peas - have been singing together for two years and claim their karaoke versions of Beyonce, Mary J Blige and the Sugababes have won over the crowds.
Their version of Beyonce's Listen does not impress the judges but their attitude does, with Cowell telling them: 'Your attitude is so bad I actually quite like you.'
Diva? Nicolo, 21, impresses the judges, and thinks 'I'm amazing'
One act who does impress is 21-year-old Nicolo with Cowell and Walsh agreeing they could have 'a diva' on their hands.
He tells the presenters: 'Nobody has everything – the look, the style, the attitude and the voice.
'I think I could be that guy. It’s time to shake things up a little bit. What I think truly is that I’m amazing.'
Other contestants include a McDonald's worker who could have a future away from flipping burgers if her voice impresses the judges and a cinema usher looking for stardom.
'I don't like burgers': McDonlads worker Raquel wants to do more with her life
I did it: Brian Dowling celebrates winning Ultimate Big Brother with the help of host Davina McCall, who earlier announced he was her favourite housemate
His cheeky personality and Irish charm made him a favourite of both the nation and his fellow housemates, never once facing nomination.
And now Brian Dowling has been named the Ultimate Big Brother champion.
The former trolley dolly was the bookies favourite from the moment he returned to the house, proving the 32-year-old was still as popular as when he first won Big Brother 2.
But the real star of last night's five-hour final show was host Davina McCall, who has been with the series since the very beginning back in 2000.
He's done it again: Former trolley dolly, 32, first came to fame when he won Big Brother series 2
Davina laughed and cried as Channel 4 made the most of the final night with an all-singing final show, marking the end of a 10-year reality television partnership.
The channel announced last summer it would not be renewing its deal with programme-maker Endemol.
The reality show may not end, however, as media tycoon Richard Desmond said he was thinking of reviving it when he took over the Five TV network in July.
They're out: Blonde housemates Chantelle and Nikki came third and second
The evening included an emotional video montage to late housemate Jade Goody, who died of cervical cancer aged 27 in 2009.
Davina was moved to tears by the tributes from the reality star's family and friends, saying simply: 'How could we not remember Jade?'
There was also a half-hour tribute to Davina, who revealed her REAL favourite housemate - eventual winner Brian. He's 'kind, funny, naughty,' she said.
She later ended the show by saying: 'I hate to say goodbye so I'm going to say night night.'
Jade Goody remembered: A tearful Davina was comforted as a tribute was screened to the late housemate, who died of cervical cancer
Memories: A fan shows her love for Jade 'the ultimate housemate'
With seven housemates still remaining at the beginning of the night, it was an action packed evening, culminating in Brian's coronation.
Brian looked shocked to triumph again, beating Nikki Grahame in the public vote.
He burst into tears and shouted 'Thank you so much' before dancing down the stairs to greet Davina as fireworks exploded.
He then joked: 'I'm sure you've got it wrong.'
The final fling: Brian celebrates with the help of former housemates Preston, Makosi, Nick, Michelle Bass, Craig, Pete Bennett, and Nikki
Speaking about the impact of the show, he said: 'It's one of the best things I could have ever done. It allowed me to be myself and allowed other people to accept you for who you are.
'The show is also about hope, in the sense that it gives people the opportunity to make their life that little bit better.
'I owe everything to the show, everything.'
Chantelle came third, while Victor, Nasty Nick, Preston and Ulrika had earlier been evicted.
Is love in the air? Both Preston and Chantelle faced uncomfortable questions about their relationship after the divorced couple bonded in the house
Tantrum queen Nikki, who first entered the house in 2006 dressed as a Playboy bunny, told Davina taking part in Ultimate Big Brother 'has meant the absolute world to me'.
'I'm so honoured to have been part of it,' she said.
Nikki said she had now learned to contain her legendary temper, adding: 'I have had to bite my tongue lots of times but I kind of erupted inside.'
One-hit wonder: Samuel Preston, known as Preston, waves to his 'fans'
In third place was Chantelle, who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 despite being the only housemate who was not famous.
The Essex glamour girl, who had to pretend to be a singer with fictional pop band Kandy Floss, fell in love with Ordinary Boys singer Preston in the house.
The couple married but split after 10 months and later divorced.
First out: Ulrika Jonsson is interviewed by Davina; despite winning an earlier series she only received a tiny fraction of the vote
They remained friends and viewers hoped they would reconcile during their second stint inside, especially as they marked what would have been their fourth anniversary.
Chantelle, who admitted she still had feelings for Preston, told Davina: 'It's a different outcome now. Obviously we're not going to be together.'
She was often tearful in the house and said: 'It's such a sad situation. I don't think I realised how sad it was until I spent so much time with him.
'I hadn't ever really got over what happened between us.'
Preston remained oblivious to her misery until yesterday when she confessed, anxious that he would hear about it during his post-eviction interview.
'Everyone knows, and even Preston now knows, how I feel,' she said, adding that she planned to 'talk to him properly.'
They're out: New best friends 'Nasty' Nick Bateman and Victor, who bonded inside
Preston, the second to be evicted last night, told McCall Houghton was 'a flipping great girl' but he still remembered why they split up
'It wasn't a Mickey Mouse glossy magazine break-up. It was really dark for both of us and messed us both up quite a lot.'
The now-solo singer, whose full name is Samuel Preston, said the house was not the ideal environment to talk things through but admitted there were 'strong feelings' between them
He told Davina he would also need to talk to his current girlfriend and had 'no idea' how his stint in the house might have affected the relationship.
It's only a gameshow: Nasty Nick makes his point
Celebrity Big Brother 2009 winner Ulrika Jonsson was first out during last night's two-part finale, followed by Preston then 'Nasty' Nick Bateman, who was asked to leave the first series in 2000 for trying to manipulate fellow housemates' eviction votes.
Bateman, wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan 'It's only a gameshow', said: 'The show has been amazing and I'm very sad this is possibly the last time it's on TV.'
Victor Ebuwa, best known for a huge argument with fellow housemate Emma Greenwood during Big Brother 5, was fourth to leave.
I'm the REAL star: Davina rejected her usual style in place of a glittery red dress; she later changed into a more typical black outfit
Going stratospheric: Christine Bleakley leaving the ITV Daybreak studios after her debut on the show last Monday
Some people just can’t stop themselves.
Eamonn Holmes infamously called his GMTV co-star Anthea Turner ‘Princess Tippy Toes’.
Now he has struck again – this time against his breakfast show rival Christine Bleakley.
Holmes, 50, archly described the host of ITV’s Daybreak as ‘Miss Stratosphere’.
Sofa wars: Eamonn Holmes filming for This Morning earlier this month
He called on the popular 31-year-old – whose show competes with his own Sky News Sunrise – not to ‘forget the little people’.
Holmes, who had been in talks with ITV before Adrian Chiles and Miss Bleakley were poached from the BBC, also accused the broadcaster of ‘stealing’ from his show.
He said: ‘I haven’t seen a minute of it and I won’t be watching. I’m far too busy on my own show, although I take it as a compliment that they like ours so much they decided to steal elements from it for theirs.’
And, in an apparent reference to weathergirl Lucy Verasamy, 30, being poached from Sky Sunrise, he sniffed: ‘And they even tried to steal some of the team.’
Asked about fellow Northern Ireland native Miss Bleakley, he told the TV Quick awards: ‘Oh yes, Miss Stratosphere. So pleased for her, let’s just hope she doesn’t forget about the little people as she continues to rise.’
Holmes was said to be ‘spitting feathers’ after Miss Bleakley failed to turn up to his wedding to Ruth Langsford in June.
Morning has broken: Adrian and Christine on Wednesday's edition of Daybreak
She instead chose to go to the World Cup to see her boyfriend, England star Frank Lampard.
It is far from the first ‘sofa war’ Holmes has waged.
He presented GMTV from 1994 to 1996 with Anthea Turner, but their relationship was frosty.
Hungry, young and ambitious: Holmes with then co-presenters on GMTV Anthea Turner and Fiona Phillips in 1997
It was dealt a final blow after Holmes publicly described her as ‘Princess Tippy Toes’.
More recently, Holmes called in lawyers after he was satirised on the BBC’s The Impressions Show as a chronic over-eater.
Last night Mr Holmes insisted he had meant his comments about Miss Bleakley as a joke.
He said: ‘I simply said she was going to be the biggest TV presenter in the UK over the next three years...her career will hit the stratosphere, that’s all I meant.
‘When I said I hope she remembers us “little people” it was a completely self-deprecating remark meaning that her career will probably surpass that of mine.’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JglWZ-wC3Vkendofvid [starttext] By Sara Nathan
Wowing the judges: Cher Lloyd's audition impressed the panel
She exuded a confidence far beyond her tender years as she strutted around the stage during her X Factor audition.
But Cher Lloyd is the subject of concern among show insiders, who fear the teenager may not be tough enough to cope with the demands of the contest.
Fellow contestants have worries for the size six singer's health after she appeared 'frail and vulnerable' at the second round of auditions, Boot Camp, which has not yet been screened.
Cher, from Malvern, Worcestershire, was 16 when she auditioned for the ITV talent show earlier this year.
She sang and rapped to Turn My Swag On by Soulja Boy, and was put through to the next round after judge Cheryl Cole enthused: 'You are right up my street! You are actually my favourite audition so far.'
But a source told the Daily Mail of the boot camp auditions: ' Everyone was worried about Cher, she was extremely nervous and shaking at some points.
'She is quite bolshy on stage, but she sat by herself at lunch. She didn't eat much and looked frail and vulnerable as she was accompanied by a member of production.
'If she gets through to the live shows next month - which she is a shoo-in for - she will have to be given a bit of extra special attention. She is very young.'
All X Factor hopefuls meet a psychologist and are forced to undergo a detailed medical examination at the boot camp stage.
A production source insisted: 'We take great care with our contestants and ensure that they can cope with the strain that comes with taking part on the X Factor.
Difficult decision: Cher has the talent to be considered a 'shoe in' for the next stage, but show insiders are mindful of other concerns
'Yes, Cher is small, but we would never allow anyone on the show who we have concerns about. When the contestants are that bit younger, we do realise we have to take that bit of extra care.'
Mental health concerns: Shirlena Johnson was rejected by the show
X Factor chiefs are being extra vigilant after being forced to axe mother-of-one Shirlena Johnson from the show because psychiatrists said the pressure could be damaging to her mental health.
Cher, who is now 17, was watched by 12.5million people on Saturday and is already the 5/1 favourite to win the series, but has admitted she fears that her nerves will wreck her chances.
She said this week: 'I always get nervous before I sing, to the stage where people think I am not going to be able to do it.
'Then when I get on stage normally I am fine.'
Her grandfather John Lloyd yesterday revealed Cher had been rejected by the X Factor for the past two years. She did not even make it in front of the judges.
Mr Lloyd told the Mail: 'At this time she was influenced by the likes of Beyonce and Whitney Houston and sang ballady-type songs but she has found a niche and reinvented herself.
'She would want to be in Cheryl's group as she idolises her and the way she rose to fame.'
Looking cosy: Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley cuddled up on the sofa to kick of their new ITV breakfast show Daybreak
After leaving the BBC one after the other in spectacular style, Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley looked very happy to be sitting next to each other once again as they kicked off their new ITV breakfast programme Daybreak.
Looking incredibly cosy as they sat inches apart on the sofa, the pair started the show with the words 'Dawn is happening, day is breaking here behind us,' gesturing to the sunrise behind them.
The London weather cooperated for the show producers, putting on a glorious sunrise behind the presenters as they opened the show from a new state of the art studio at Southbank.
'We spent good money bringing this view to you so I'm glad you can see it,' joked Adrian, gesturing to the London skyline behind them.
The pair were at pains to show off their new studio. 'I've work in some really sh.... shoe-cupboard-like places before' Adrian joked, to laughter from the crew. 'This is a huge, state-of-the-art studio.'
They pointed out their enviable view, which takes in St Pauls, the Oxo Tower and the Shell building. 'We'll have to do something about those cranes though,' Adrian said. 'They ruin the view a bit, can we have a word?'
They stumbled over a word or two, but it was mostly smooth sailing for the pair, who appeared very comfortable in each others company.
Good morning: The presenters did not appear to struggle with their new 4am call time
Relaxed and at ease, Christine lounged at one point on the sofa and didn't seem to struggle with the early call time, while Adrian was clearly attempting to heed his new bosses' instructions to to 'brighten up his serious onscreen demeanour and ' look as though he is enjoying himself on the programme.'
Miss Bleakley's much talked about tan has been toned down for a more natural looking skin tone. She looked elegant in an above-the-knee taupe dress and nude heels.
The 31-year-old's hair looks as though it has been darkened slightly and chopped into a sleeker style.
After filming a comical advertisement last week that showed Adrian struggling with his wardrobe choices, the 43-year-old looked sharp in a navy blue suit with an open-neck blue shirt.
'We spent good money bringing this view to you': The pair shared their relief at the clear morning which showcased their spectacular view from Southbank
They began the show introducing the new team, which included sports man Dan Lobb, weather girl Lucy Verasamy, entertainment reporter Steve Hargrave and news reader Tasmin Lucia Khan before getting on with the show.
After crossing to the news and weather reports, the pair congratulated themselves on successfully getting through the first ten minutes.
'Eleven minutes in,' quipped Adrian, 'No mess ups so far!'
'We're hanging on!' Christine added.
The presenters took viewers on a tour of their 'new home', joking about their oversized clock and a screen which they 'hadn't quite found a use for yet.'
High spirits: An upbeat Christine giggled and joked during their opening lines, while Adrian was more serious, but did try to brighten up his usual serious demeanour
Breaking dawn: The show opened with spectacular scenes of sunrise over the Thames
They launched a daily news 'cheat sheet', called 5-a-day, 'to impress your friends and infuriate your colleagues' with your knowledge of the day's top stories, which included Wayne Rooney's infidelities, Tony Blair's security team under scrutiny, and the News of the World phone tapping scandal.
For the sports segment, Adrian left Christine behind on the sofa 'this is more of a man's thing' he said, to which Christine retorted, 'I'll just sit here and file my nails then.'
'Now this is the part where he walks and talks' Christine joked as Chiles made his way over to Dan Lobb's desk. 'Good luck Adrian.'
They hadn't quite found the best way for Adrian to make his way across the studio yet, and he found himself climbing over Christine to get past her to the sports desk on his second trip. 'Move your legs Christine,' he said. 'That's part of the challenge,' she joked back. 'You've got to hurdle over there.'
State of the art studios: The presenters were joined on the sofa by their new team to kick off the show, before giving viewers a tour of their 'new home'
When reading over the morning newspapers, the duo found a piece in the Sun newspaper making fun of Adrian Chiles' ear hair.
'I can reveal,' Christine joked, 'Its an exclusive... he did shave his ears for this morning.'
The programme aims to provide 'credible, classy and very high quality' journalism with news stories, lifestyle features and exclusive investigations as well as interviews, sport and weather.
But they also are under instructions from ITV bosses in a 19-page handbook entitled Daybreak: Structure and Style, to 'get viewers smiling.'
Headlines: Adrian Chiles reads today's edition of The Daily Mail
It states: 'Adrian and Christine's relationship – and the chemistry they have – is key.
We don't want them to look serious and glum for two and a half hours, they share a joke, have some banter, look like they're enjoying themselves.'
Christine and Adrian certainly did that as hurried over to stand in front of a screent o present a light-hearted segment 'Daybreakers', which shows viewers 'fun, quirky or unusual' short stories. The presenters were in fits of laughter as Adrian tried to keep up with his 'quick' co-star, and almost missed his cue.
The producers have landed a big name for their first broadcast, securing Tony Blair for an interview to promote his new book later in the show.
Features Editor Grainne Seoige, who has been called a 'Christine lookalike', also will get off to a high profile start, filming a segment in Prince Charles' garden.
For more information about the show, visit www.itv.com/daybreak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNUh-lqJ-UMendofvid [starttext] By Daily Mail Reporter
Pulling the punches: Abbey Johnstone left, and Lisa Parker come to blows on tonight's X Factor
Temper tantrums are nothing new on The X Factor but last night's show takes things to a whole new level when two contestants come to blows on stage.
Horrified Viewers saw aspiring singers Abbey Johnston and Lisa Parker, aka Ablisa, storm off to a chorus of boos before they even get as far as singing.
But after a poor performance of Shayne Ward's That's My Goal and managing to insult some of the judging panel, things turned sour when Abbey hit her friend across the face.
Fight night: Abbey hits out at Lisa after she made comments about Abbey having a crush on judge Louis Walsh
Outburst: Abbey claimed she hit her friend because she'd embarrassed them both
Abbey claimed she was angry with Lisa after her rude response to some gentle criticism from guest judge Natalie Imbruglia by demanding: 'Who are you, may I ask?' Simon Cowell takes the pair to task, telling them they have 'the worst attitude' of any contestants ever and things go from bad to worse as Abbey lashes out at Lisa before leaving the stage.
A show spokesman said producers broke up the 'heated' dispute during auditions filmed at Birmingham's LG Arena in June.
The friends, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, also attempted to sing Journey's Don't Stop Believin'.
'Pass on to them it's four No's': Simon and the judges converse with producers after the girls storm off the stage
Tantrums: The duo stormed off stage after they were booed by the crowd
Abbey said she hit her friend after Lisa falsely claimed she had the hots for judge Louis Walsh.
Lisa told Louis: 'Abbey thinks she's fit... even though you're old.'
When the crowd booed them, the duo stormed off stage before returning again
Backstage, a furious Lisa and Abbey were separated from each other, with host Dermot O'Leary telling the latter 'you cannot strike people'.
Abbey admitted she was angry after Lisa spoke rudely to Natalie, saying: 'It's the last time I ever do anything for her again.'
Calm down: X Factor host Dermot O'Leary tells Abbey 'you cannot strike people' as she is separated from Lisa backstage
Excuses: Lisa claimed she wasn't trying to offend Imbruglia, saying 'I didn't know who she is'
There are stormy times for one contestant who annoys Cowell when he admits to changing his name for a more rock 'n' roll version.
Scottish-born Storm Lee, or Lee Gardner as he was once known, came all the way from Los Angeles in a bid to make his name.
He started off with a soulful rendition of The Police's Every Breath You Take, but was stopped by Cowell who advised him to sing something else.
But Cowell clearly isn't impressed, telling him: 'I'm not going to call you Storm any more, because I think it's a stupid name. I'm gonna call you Lee.
'This performance is crazy. Just sing the song and sing like you've never sung before.'
Causing a Storm: Simon Cowell tells the singer who changed his name from Lee Gardner that he can't take him seriously on tonight's show
'Parisian Jedward': Brothers Samir and Medhi had the crowd on their feet, but Simon told Louis off for 'creating a monster' with last year's Jedward
Cheryl ended up telling Simon off, saying it was 'very rude' not to call Storm by his legal name.
After singing U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Louis told Storm: 'I thought you had a great voice.'
Cheryl agreed, but Simon insisted the 'character' he had created wasn't working for him... but still said yes.
There is also an appearance by a French version of Jedward.
Twem, made up of twins Samir and Medhi, travelled all the way from Paris to tackle Lady Gaga's Let's Dance.
Second time lucky: 16-year-old Liam Payne was back after getting through to Simon's house in Barbados in 2008
Blown away: The teen impressed with Cry Me a River and received a standing ovation from Simon and Natalie Imbruglia
Teenage girls have a new hearthrob in 16-year-old Liam Payne, who returned to the show after making it through to the judge's houses round in 2008. At the time Simon told him he wasn't ready.
The determined teen said before his second attempt, 'I know what it's like to get thrown out, and I don't want to go through that again.' Heblew the judges away with 'Cry Me a River', and was sent straight through by the judges.
Another 16-year-old, Cher Lloyd made it through to the next round, but in contrast to Liam's fresh-faced innocence, the confident contestant swaggered her way through a provocative rendition of Turn My Swag On, by Soulja Boy.
The youngster, dressed in ripped jeans and boots, struck a chord with Cheryl, who said she was 'right up my alley'.
Pixie Lott will appear in next week's show as she joins the judging panel in Cardiff.
Confident: Cher Lloyd another 16-year-old took a more provocative approach with Soulja Boy's Turn My Swag On
'Right up my alley': Cheryl was particularly impressed with the teen, who sported a matching hand tattoo
Baby's comeback: Jennifer Grey made her return to the dancefloor as she begun rehearsals for show Dancing With The Stars
As the star of one of the Eighties cult dance movies, her dance experience is well documented.
So it should come as no surprise that Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey's return to the dancefloor is one of Dancing With The Star's most highly anticipated debuts.
And in what could prove to be a dream pairing, Jennifer, 50, is partnered with Derek Hough, the two time DWTS champion who has stolen the heart of British pop star Cheryl Cole.
Favourites: The Dirty Dancing star has been paired with DWTS champion Derek Hough
Jennifer, looked fabulous at 50 and ready for her dancefloor close-up in a skimpy vest and workout tights as she arrived at the rehearsal studios.
She last showed off her moves in 1987's Dirty Dancing, the film which made her a worldwide star.
However, although she and co-star, the late Patrick Swayze, who died of cancer last September, inspired a generation of dance fans with their moves in the blockbuster romance, she has said that she doesn't feel like the favourite at all.
Do you love me: The pair get up close and personal but despite her previous experience she said she doesn't feel like the favourite
The way we were: Jennifer seen with her co-star, the late Patrick Swayze, he died of cancer last year, in the 1987 cult film
She told Usmagazine.com: 'Seriously? No, I don't at all! We all have different strengths and weaknesses,' she added...'and I've got a handful of both.' Jennifer said she signed up for the show because she thought it would be 'really fun.
'I thought it would be a really great way to challenge myself and show by example to my 8-year old what it's like to watch mommy walk through her fears.'
In fact she said candidly of the forthcoming dance challenge: 'I'm scared silly.' The actress's career never quite reached the dizzying heights of her role as Frances 'Baby' Houseman in the coming of age story.
Lunch time: The pair headed off for lunch together as they prepare to put in hours of dance practice together
In the early 1990s, Jennifer underwent cosmetic surgery on her distinctiv nose but the procedure was disastrous and she required a second plastic surgery to repair the damage.
The resulting transformation left her so changed to the point that even close friends failed to recognise her, and her new appearance negatively affected her career.
Of the experience she said at the time: 'I went in the operating room a celebrity – and came out anonymous. It was like being in a witness protection program or being invisible.'
New recruits: Bristol Palin enjoyed a laugh with partner Mark Ballas, while The Hills star Audrina Patridge struck an elegant pose with her partner Tony Dovolani
Best foot forward: Bristol's appearance may help put to rest speculation that the 19-year-old has already been a bit difficult
Jennifer , who lives in Los Angeles has been married to actor/director Clark Gregg for nine years. They have an eight year old daughter named Stella.
Politician Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol Palin also took her first steps in rehearsal for her turn in the Dancing With The Stars ballroom yesterday.
The former first daughter of Alaska joined her partner Mark Ballas at a studio to begin rehearsals for the eleventh season of the hit ABC show.
Bright and breezy: Professional dancer Chelsie Hightower and Audrina Patridge looked fresh-faced as they arrived for rehearsals
The teenage mother will have to lose any inhibitions to give the sensual performances expected from participants of the sometimes raunchy dance show.
Also seen rehearsing was The Hills star Audrina Patridge with her dance partner Tony Dovolani.
Bristol's appearance may help put to rest speculation that the 19-year-old has been a bit difficult when it comes to preparing for the competition.
Bristol Palin seen before and after a long day's practice at the rehearsal studios
She was seen yesterday arriving along with contestant David Hasselhoff for rehearsals as they geared up for the latest series of the show.
Palin, Hasselhoff, Patridge are appearing on the show along with singer Michael Bolton, Grey, R'n'B singer Brandy, comedian Margaret Cho and former Brady Bunch actress, Florence Henderson.
Former NBA star-turned-actor Rick Fox, actor Kyle Massey, American football star Kurt Warner and Jersey Shore's Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino make up the list of contestants.
Boys are back in town: Michael Bolton and David Hasselhoff got their dancing shoes on too
Get those dancing shoes on: This season's Dancing With The Stars promises to be one of the best ever with a stellar line up
Saved: X Factor bosses were under pressure to disqualify contestant Katie Waissel after it emerged she has recorded a jazz album in the US, but the decided to keep her in the competition
