IT'S THE BIG ONE

11 March 2007

No less than thirteen celebrities ventured bravely into unchartered territory tonight and sang live for your votes. But sadly, one has to go.

The celebrity students were nervous, presenter Patrick was practically giddy and head teacher Richard Park even cracked a smile... well, almost. But tonight will end in disappointment for the celebrity student who won't even make it into the Academy.

It's the usual Fame Academy drill. After all the celebrity students have sung, the three with the least votes will sing again for their survival; one will be saved by the judges, one by the dreaded student vote and one will then be heading home (boo!)

But with feather boas, kilts, fake breasts and head banging - our celebrity students are really pulling out the stops.

Before tonight the singing ability of Barry from EastEnders was known only to those who'd bought his album. Even Richard Park said that Shaun Williamson's version of Lately was sung beautifully. Actress Linda Robson boogied away as she belted out I Will Survive. Colin Murray busted some moves all over the stage with his rendition of Teenage Kicks and judge Craig Revel Horwood liked what he saw.

With her Blue Peter badge on her chest for good luck, a fabulous looking Zoe Salmon gave Girls Aloud a run for their money with her version of their hit Love Machine. Ray Stubbs tenderly caressed the mic stand while performing Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), and Angellica Bell shimmied and sashayed her nerves away with Superstar.

Miranda Hart may not have the best singing voice (ahem!) but she gave Crazy, Crazy Nights her all anyway - good on her! The vocal coaches may have their work cut out with her, but it's the taking part that counts after all.

Rowland Rivron threw his masculinity out of the Academy window and donned a big pair of fake breasts for his er, shouty version of Stand By Your Man. Tara Palmer-Tomkinson was somehow still on her feet after her hilarious head banging and hip shaking performance of I'm Still Standing.

Fred MacAulay treated the audience to a sneaky peek up his kilt (luckily he'd remembered his undies!) and a feather boa-clad Mel Giedroyc totally rocked out. Her 20th Century Boy even managed to really impress head teacher Richard Park.

Tim Vine knocked out Dream the Impossible Dream, but the best really was saved until last. Tricia Penrose proved she is no stranger to karaoke and sang a fabulous version of Rescue Me.