sandy

Just got back from the 02, it was just amazing. My friend who came up from Cornwall, & myself set off early, thinking probably, be theequaters of an hour journey. My god it actually, took 25mins, we were so lucky, as had a fast train to Stratford, & as we hit the Jubilee line stepped straight on a train, & in a blink we were there. First time for us both, to visit the 02, must say its quite amazing. We were so early, we had a wander around, then had something to eat, & a glass of wine to set us up for the evening. :biggrin: Made our way to our seats, & they were brilliant, front block front row, & near where the skaters came out. Guest judge for the night was Stephan Booth, & what a nice guy he is. Well got the camera out, just praying, I could actually work the thing. Had the warm up chap, & then Andy Peters, & of course all the spill about no flash, or movie camera's. Torvill & Dean, kicked the show off. All the skaters were then announced, & skated out with their partners, Gareth was about 5th to come out. The first of the skaters was Bonnie & Pavel, they scored 26.5. Then Gareth, & Maria, which took me by suprise, thinking he would be 5th to skate, panick, then set in to get the camera going. God, he looked drop dead gorgeous, :drool: in the mint & white outfit, & what a job to keep the hand from shaking. It seemed to go so fast, they danced to Green Day, & it looked really good to me, but was trying to get pics. They scored 22.5 which I thought was really mean. He got 4.5 from Nicky, Robin, & Karen, 5 from Stephan, & suprise, suprise, 4 from Jason, would have liked to have thrown my camera at him, but I needed it. The reason they gave, for giving the lower marks, was that the 02 was a bigger arena than they were use to, & they did'nt think, that Gareth used the arena enough, & therefore was'nt as good, as he would normally have been. Well I had trouble trying to keep him in focus, but there you are. Linda was next, & she is lovely, but still a little wobbly on the skates, they scored 21.5. Clare & Andrei were next, & they were really good, scored,28. Then David Seaman, he scored 21.5. Kyran was next, & I think all of his fans were at the 02, he scored 29.5. Last to skate was Suzanne, started well, but Matt nearly dropped her in a lift, & I think they missed a lift, but still managed 26 Zarrah did'nt skate, as apparently had a fall in training, & just needed a rest tonight, & Chris was'nt there. All the skaters did the 60's routine, Gareth looked really solid with Maria, but unfortunately, they were right over the other side, had his stripey trousers on. Susie, & Andrei Lipanov, Fred, & Mel, did routines which were just fantastic, & then 4 more pro's danced, a routine. Then we had all the skater's skate their second routines. Gareth, & Maria were in their red outfits, skated to the Beach Boys, it was great, Gareth has so much charisma, & has a wonderfull partnership, on the ice with Maria, it was great. :w00t: When it came to the Bolero, Gareth was the first to go out, & he looked so yummie, in the Bolero outfit, :heart: what can I say, I think its so unfair, that they all, don't have a shot at it. It was Kyran, & Clare, that danced the Bolero, Kyran won it, but I prefered Clare. The biggest dissapoitment was, when it had all finished the skater's did'nt hang about, not sure why, so did'nt get the chance to congratulate Gareth, & actually meet him. :sad: Oh well, one day maybe, but just nice seeing him in the flesh, so to speek Will try & sort the pics out, but a lot are blury, & as soon as poss will attempt to get them on the boards, but may call for some help with that one. Anyway, my mind is now grinding to a halt, it's 2am, sorry about the spelling, & punctuations, but feel to tired. As you can see did this report last night, & posted on official site, sorry I was so long pasting it over here. My friend went back to Cornwall this afternoon, & then I forgot my password. Luv Sandy.x _________________________

Yes I feel the same, I was totaly p---ed off last night, but in the cold light of day, as Gareth said, he did his best, & that's all he could do. On reflexion, maybe he would have been better off, skating to something that was slower, showing the grace, elegance & movement we know he can produce over the ice. Chris seems to get away with that rocky heaviness, maybe because obviously his style of skating, still smacks back to the hockey player, with quick feet, & Gareth's build is totally different, I know I prefer the latter. All I feel now is, let the rest of them fight it out. Gareth, can relax with Maria, & get to work, & polish their routine for the tour. I'm so looking forward to that, roll on April 29th. :w00t: Luv Sandy.x

I know Missali, I'm exactly the same with the cigs, Ive been banned to the conservatory to watch it now, family think I'm sending up smoke signals.lol Loved Gareth & Maria's performance, such a shame they missed that lift, but never mind he nailed the two jumps. There is a smoothness, & ease of movement with all of Gareth's skating, & IMHO they cover the ice probably better than any of the other skaters, it looks so effortless, & with so much grace. I was pleased they asked Robin for his opinion this week, IMO, he is one of the best skater's Britain has ever produced, & his praise of Gareth's skating, was just lovely to hear. Roll on next week, but wish they would cut the adds, its not doing the blood pressure any good. :laugh:

:frantics: :frantics: oh well done, Gareth & Maria, thought that was really good, considering the week you had to get through. Its so difficult to regain your confidence, when things go wrong in practice, especially, when you are a very kind, & thoughtfull person, & not even a week to put things right, just amaziing. Loved the costumes, you both looked very hot.lol Keep up the good work, cant wait for next week. Luv Sandy.x

[ I missed the first few mins of Friday night, & was so annoyed, that I didnt have anything set up to record it, but need'nt have got my knickers in a twist, when I realised that it was on last night. Well what can I say, it was magical, that the true Gareth, was able to show his intelligence, charisma, humour, & he is so down to earth, absolutely amazing. He seemed to bounce off JR, & his speech, well you would never have known, there had ever been a problem, my goodness, what a mountain he has climbed, in such a short time, I am so proud for him, I can't seem to find the words, that really, could do that interview justice, apart from way ya go Gareth, just fantastic. :cheer: Luv Sandy.x