Alex and Holly get the Strictly boot

Alex Jones and Holly Valance bid an emotional farewell to the Strictly dancefloor last night, just missing out on a place in the final.

Both shed a few tears as they said their goodbyes - Alex calling it an "an incredible time", and Holly thanking the British public for their support before adding, "I'm just proud that we've been part of the most successful Strictly."

The semi-final weekend saw each couple dance twice and, as you might expect, there were high scores galore.

Both Holly, who danced the Argentine Tango and the Charleston, and Alex, dancing the Waltz and the Salsa, impressed - Bruno described Holly's Tango as "beautiful, bad and dangerous", while Alex got a "Hip Hip Hooray" from Len for her Salsa - but there was tough competition from their rivals.

Chelsee Healey, who continues to improve, was left "speechless" after scoring maximum points (the first of the series) for her Paso Doble, having earlier scored 36 for the American Smooth.

And Jason Donovan, whose "daddy dancing" Samba didn't go down well with Craig, also got full marks for an "incredible" Tango.

Topping the leaderboard though was Harry Judd. The McFly star kicked off Saturday night's show, scoring 39 for the Charleston, and repeated the feat with his classy and elegant Viennese Waltz.

Now the pressure is really on as Jason, Chelsee and Harry head to Blackpool for the glittering finale.

Caroline Flack to meet Harry Styles' mum

We'd like to be the fly on the wall when Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack meets the mother of her young boyfriend Harry Styles over Christmas.

The 32-year-old hooked up with 17-year-old Harry a while ago - and has since been defending their age-gap relationship in the media.

So it'd be interesting to hear if she'll use the same lines on Harry's mum Anne Cox - who we suspect will be considerably closer to her age than she is Harry's.

The Mirror quoted a source as saying: "Harry has asked Caroline to meet his family this Christmas. And, after some persuasion she has agreed.

"Like any mother, Anne is concerned over the age gap but, if Harry can get his mother to see that Caroline makes him happy, that's all he wants."

Caroline defended her involvement with Harry earlier this week, saying she didn't think it was fair to call it "disgusting".

Cher brushes off Chelsea boy Spencer

Cher Lloyd has rebuffed the advances of Made in Chelsea reality star Spencer Matthews, declining his offer of a snog under the mistletoe.

The former X Factor contestant - who is dating hairdresser Craig Monk - was unimpressed when informed by a TV reporter that self-styled playboy Spence had been sniffing around her.

She said: "Really? Oh lovely. I don't really have much to say to that. I couldn't say I'm thrilled."

And she then apparently did her best hooray Henry impersonation.

Spencer had professed his admiration for the Swagger Jagger singer whiel appearing on T4, saying: "I'm a big Cher Lloyd fan. I like Cher Lloyd."

And asked if he fancied a sneaky snog under the mistletoe with her, he replied: "Yes I would."

Sorry Spence, doesn't look like it's going to happen old chap.

Gary 'issues X Factor ultimatum': 'It's me or Louis' (VOTE)

The X Factor sniping, rowing and backstage bickering seem to have reached new levels this year but, if the rumours are to be believed, next year's show will be a less bitchy affair.

According to The Sunday Mirror, self-appointed 'head judge' Gary Barlow has issued Simon Cowell with an ultimatum with regards to onscreen rival Louis Walsh, saying, "It's him or me."

There has always been a certain amount of panto in-fighting on The X Factor but tension between Louis and the Take That singer has been looking increasingly real as the series has progressed.

And it's led Gary to force Cowell into a decision.

An insider told the Mirror, "Gary and Louis have completely different ideas of what this show is all about. Gary wants it to be a credible singing contest and Louis sees it as entertainment.

"Although he's been outspoken defending his acts and criticising other people's, Gary hates all the pantomime rowing and thinks Louis is behind most of it."

That's not all. Mr Barlow reportedly lays the blame for Misha B's departure squarely at Louis' door after the whole bullying debacle.

The source added, "Gary is unsure about his future on the show... The thought of another year with Louis is just too much for him to bear. He says he will only consider coming back if Louis leaves."

Given Simon Cowell's fondness for the Irishman, it's a dangerous game to play.

A gossip described as close to Gary, insisted the pair had been friends for years and said, "They'll always be mates whatever happens."

Wonder if that will still be true should Gary get the boot.