Vintage triumph: Ade Edmondson and 'Eighties Supergroup' beat younger rivals to go through to Let's Dance final

By JODY THOMPSON

In the spotlight: Ade Edmondson was the outright winner on tonight's Let's Dance For Comic Relief heat with her performance of The Dying Swan from Swan Lake


They were all of a certain vintage - but comedian Ade Edmondson along with popstars Limahl, Chesney Hawkes, Clare Grogan and Toyah proved they had the moves when it came to taking on younger upstarts on the dancefloor tonight.

The middle-aged stars triumphed inspite of their years on the latest live heat of Let's Dance For Comic Relief to make it through to next week's grand final.

Ade, 54, was dancing solo in a tutu and tights to the Dying Swan from ballet Swan Lake - watched in the audience by wife Jennifer Saunders, 52, and two of their three daughters and before the judging panel of comedians John Bishop, 44, Jo Brand, 53, and Felix Dexter.


Swansong: The former Bottom and Young Ones star was hit on the head with a frying pan at the end of his performance by comedy co-star Rik Mayall


Family fun: Ade was cheered on by wife Jennifer Saunders, right, and two of their three daughters


Although the former Bottom and Young Ones star made an effort with some genuine ballet steps in the routine, it turned to his usual slapstick comedy at the end when his old sidekick and sparring partner Rik Mayall, 52, came on at the end to whack him with a frying pan to make sure he was dead.

Judge John said afterwards: 'I thought it was beautiful - the poise, the grace, the elegance. It was like seeing a real life bald swan with glasses. You made Natalie Portman in Black Swan look like Ann Widdecombe. You nailed it.'


Cheerleaders: Show host Alex Jones, in blue, chatted to friends and family of the competitors who were all watching in the wings to cheer on their loved ones as they danced for a good cause


However, it seems that Rik had been a little bit too enthusiastic with his frying pan - before the results were announced, Ade was seen sporting a large bump on his forehead.

Ade revealed to show host Steve Jones and Alex Jones that his comedy partner had accidentally bashed him properly hard on the head.

He said: 'He hit me on the head with the first swipe - it's eight years since we've done any of that. I ended up in hospital last time too.'

Ade said he was 'very nervous and humbled' by winning the heat, adding he was 'worried about whether Rik will find out where I am next week.'


Greased lightning: The Eighties Supergroup even dressed up like characters from the film, with Toyah and Clare in silver catsuits and the boys in Fifties-style leathers - and quiffs - as they chatted to co-host Steve Jones


Limahl et al meanwhile were runners-up dancing together as a quartet called the Eighties Supergroup - with a running joke throughout the show that in fact relative stripling Chesney Hawkes, 39, had his No. 1 hit The One And Only in 1991.

The 52-year-old Kajagoogoo frontman and Chesney were joined by Toyah Willcox, 52, and former Altered Images frontwoman Clare Grogan, 48.

The show also featured performances by pop group The Wanted singing the Comic Relief official song Gold Forever and Brit Award winner Jessie J singing her No. 1 hit single Price Tag.

The other contenders who will battle it out in next week's final include: Russell Kane performing as Beyoncé, Katie Price as Freddie Mercury taking on Queen's I Want To Break Free, Noel Fielding with his impression of Kate Bush, plus comdian Charlie Baker and Emmerdale's James Thornton.

All money raised from the public phone votes will go to Comic Relief.
Red Nose Day itself meanwhile takes place on March 18.


Ade Edmondson does "The Dying Swan" - Let's Dance for Comic Relief 2011 Show 3 - BBC One


source: dailymail

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