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"B is for Ballroom"

This year’s Top Ten Toys for Christmas have been announced, and the shops are decked with tinsel, holly and baubles. The town centres are once again heaving with frantic shoppers, fighting for the last Web-shooting Spiderman and battling for Monopoly Millionaire. From Furby to Lego, Ipads to Kindles and of course those must have dance shoes it looks like Santa’s going to be busy!

The biographies have been published and DVDs displayed, yet this year in between Nigella’s latest cookbook and Miranda Hart’s Is it Just Me? a new type of stocking filler has hit the shelves. The stars of Strictly Come Dancing have joined the ranks of sportsmen and women, comedians, musicians and politicians producing a fabulous array of autobiographies. These Strictly must haves are filled with anecdotes and insights into the world of Dance, Stage and Screen. From tips about your heel toes to stories about celebrity parties to backstage gossip these jam packed books have to be the top three gifts this Christmas!

1.Anton Du Beke’s B for Ballroom: Be Your Own Armchair Dancefloor Expert: A Strictly favourite the charming Anton du Beke has wooed us for ten series of Strictly Come Dancing now, and his autobiography promises to be as sensational as he is. This book answers all the questions you could possibly have about the dancefloor: ‘It’s an A to Z of humorous insights on ballroom and Latin for armchair fans of dancing’.

2.Bruno Tonioli’s My Story: This book from Strictly's vibrant judge is just as ‘frank, funny and flamboyant’ as you’d expect. The story of his journey from rural Italy to our TV screens last Saturday, including his work with Freddie Mercury, parties with Jerry Hall and luncheon with Franco Zefferelli, is set out for the reader to feast on. Bruno Tonioli’s book is the ‘equivalent of a girls’ night in with rosé and Celebration’s on tap’.

3.Darcey Bussell’s Darcey Bussell: A Life in Picturesl: Last but not least, Darcey Bussell’s coffee table book is a fascinating glimpse into the ballet world. A collection of exclusive backstage photographs it records her experiences in a 20 year long career on the stage and in the studio. An insight into the life of a prima ballerina, this memoir is a little different from Anton and Bruno’s, yet equally specatular.

Great for any dancing enthusiast or alternative those who simply can’t make up their minds who they love more Anton or Bruno- we have solved all your Christmas shopping nightmares with three perfect presents.