The Greatest Dancer is the BBC’s flagship dance reality TV show for January / Feb 2019, but how many episodes are there?
The Greatest Dancer on BBC One has just eight episodes to it, which makes it a baby in terms of episode numbers compared to some of the other reality juggernauts, like the X Factor or I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.
It is presented by Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo and the dancers are judged by former Glee star, Matthew Morrison, former Girls Aloud singer, Cheryl (formerly Cole) and professional dancer and choreographer Oti Mabuse. It has not been the ratings smash that the BBC were perhaps hoping for, managing to gain a series average of around 3.3 million viewers which is roughly the same as Casualty, the Beeb’s medical drama soap.
Will there be another series of The Greatest Dancer?
The BBC has not yet announced whether it will commission another series of the Simon Cowell created show. The show is the first show ever created by Simon for the BBC as he normally works with ITV.
However, it is worth noting that the BBC always has a big reality format show in the January / February weekend evening slot. Before The Greatest Dancer, it was the broadcaster of The Voice before it jumped channels and landed on ITV.
What does the winner get on The Greatest Dancer?
The eventual winner will win £50,000 and a chance to perform on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Here we enter the world of Jaguar with their smallest and cheapest offering. Prices start from £34,315 or £37,065 for the R-Sport model that we have for reviewing this week. On paper and showroom appeal, it all looks good, but does the reasonably low price detract from what is in essence, a premium car? In other words, have corners been cut?
Driving
I am astounded by the XE. The petrol powered 250PS Ingenium is evenly matched to the 8 speed automatic. Throttle response is mildly lagging for a brief moment but that’s only because its throttle is set for snap-happy inputs. Default at low legal speeds around 20-45mph seems to be to drop it into second and sling-shot you down the road.
It works but can be a bit tiring. That said, it’s the R-Sport model so it does exactly what it says in the badging.
The other thing the XE does is handle with a surprising amount of composure. Having a near 50:50 split weight distribution contributes to the sure-footedness of the chassis and its handling characteristics. Double wishbone front and multi-link rear keep everything in check. It’s a wonder why they fit adaptive dampers to it when that setting does have a tendency to ruin the near perfect ride.
The only downside is the traction control system thwarts good fun progress. You have to be really stupid to unstick it when switched off, even in the wet.
Inside
(C) STUART M BIRD
The downside to its size is rear seat accommodation is on the tight side, more so for height. Legroom is reasonably good though.
Choices for interior ambience allow for colour changes within the dashboard and doors and it all goes to make for a pleasant cabin.
Some of the plastic quality lacks tactility but feels hard wearing and sturdy. The important bits that you need to touch do have a nice fit, finish and feel to them.
Living With It
(C) STUART M BIRD
It’s easy to live with. The handling alone makes this an absolute riot to drive should you wish too.
All the controls are the usual Jaguar mix from across the ranges with a reassuring clunky feel and if you like a mix of buttons and touch screen controls, this interior is for you.
One thing is apparent, you notice it at night at night time. There is no boot light!
The Verdict
There is a lot to like about the XE and l fear people walk past it to buy the German equivalents. From where I am sitting today, I pity those people. There is no scrimping in the XE’s refinement and its handling is beautifully poised.
I’ve come away with a regret, a personal regret for dismissing the smaller Jaguar myself. That’s my own fault and I can highly recommend them. Make me happy and pop it on your shopping list. You will not be disappointed.
Condoms are a great way to enjoy safer sex – but are flavoured condoms any less safe?
Flavoured condoms have been around for decades, in fact ever since johnnies started to be made from latex, manufacturers started to get inventive. Most major condom manufacturers now create flavoured ones and some are getting creative with flavours – last year we were introduced to the gin and tonic flavoured condom. But you’re more likely to come across more simplistic fruit-based flavours. Skins condoms, for instance, have a multipack that has mint, bubblegum, banana and strawberry.
Condoms still remain one of the safest ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections – which you can still get from oral sex – which is why flavoured condoms are a thing. Have you ever tried tasting a non-flavoured one? Take it from me, it’s disgusting and tastes very chemical.
BJs are low-risk, but not risk-free
Sexual health specialists, Jake Jenkins from the 56 Dean Street sexual health clinic told us, “Oral sex is considered a low-risk activity for catching HIV, especially if you’re on the receiving end of the BJ.
“However it’s not just HIV that you have to consider here. Other nasties like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can be passed on by both receiver and giver, and might not even show symptoms, however, all these infections can be treated effectively if caught soon enough”.
There are two main types of herpes, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV1 tends to affect the mouth. HSV2 tends to affect the anus or vagina, both, however, are transmitted by direct touch contact.
So yes, you can get herpes (on your genitals) from someone who has a cold sore.
Putting a protective barrier over the penis will provide protection.
Even so, you want to make sure that the condoms you use are in date and carry the British and European safety standard marks. The CE and Kite marks demonstrate that the condoms are safe to use, it is authorised by the British Standards Institution it also means it meets the requirements of the Medical Device Directive.
Make sure they are also in date and that the packaging looks intact and untampered with. Each pack should have a best before date.
Some veggies can make for great and super cheap sex toys…
If you are using a piece of veg and you’re by yourself, it is most likely to be safe without using a condom, with a few provisos.
Make sure you wash that thing (let’s call it a vegtoy) good and proper. You don’t want to be putting whatever is on the skin of your vegtoy – like insecticides, bacteria from other people’s hands who have touched it first and well, general dirt from the ground that might be left on the veg.
Once you’ve washed it you’re good to go, after you check that there are no hard edges or pieces that likely to come off.
However, if you’re using it with another person – and you’re sharing the vegtoy, then you should, as with any insertable toy you use in anal play, use a condom. One, it helps protect you from sharing any infections the other person may have but, two, it also helps with keeping the toy clean from, well, let’s face it poop if you’re anally inserting.
Just remember veggies are often much harder and bigger than you think. In all likelihood If you actually saw a penis the size of a Sainsbury’s organic cucumber, you might run from the room screaming, (although we do like a challenge).
Another thing to consider is that as certain veg warms up (with your body warmth), a cucumber and definitely a banana will become a bit mushy. If it breaks apart you might have trouble retrieving parts from inside you. If this happens, don’t stress. Smaller parts will eventually come out if you let nature take its course.
A word of warning: Extreme caution must be used when inserting anything into your butt that doesn’t have a handle, a flared base or gives good grip. Many people have ended up in A&E after failing to retrieve a cucumber, banana or carrot lodged in their rectums. A painful experience that can actually lead to death if left untreated.
We would urge anyone who has gotten anything stuck up there to seek medical advice immediately, no matter how embarrassed you feel.
Most if not all dildos come with a flared base. If you’re looking for an inexpensive dildo, check out the range of dildos at THEGAYSHOP.
It’s best to use implements that are actually designed for insertion, such as dildos and vibrators.
If you are going to insert a carrot, gherkin, cucumber or banana, make sure you’re relaxed. Some of these veg can be much larger than a penis, so using lots of lube and taking your time is a must. Oh did I say use lots of lube… There are a few types, Water-based, Silicone and even numbing.
Using fruit and veg could be a great way to excite and reignite your sex life. Using soft fleshy, non-acidic fruit such as honeydew melons or watermelons can be an exciting way to get new sensations. Simply put a hole in it and thrusting in and out will provide interesting brand new feelings.
Alternatively, you can always use other foodstuffs such as chocolate spreads or even Marmite, who recently brought out body paint.
Oh did I say use lots of lube…
If you’re looking to insert food, why not try a lollipop or ice cubes, which will melt. Use the ones that you can make yourself with a plastic stick. Store-bought lollipops might have a wood stick, which could leave splinters inside you. Ouch!
