Kara Tointon's plunging green dress has got plenty of specs appeal at Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011

That's enough to give anyone double vision! Kara Tointon's plunging green dress has got plenty of specs appeal

By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 5:26 PM on 16th November 2011


She shimmed on to the red carpet in a pair of sexy black specs that framed her pretty face and showed off her eyes to perfection.

But it wasn't the glasses that made Kara Tointon stand out but her very daring glittery green dress.

The actress, 27, arrived at the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011 party and got into the spirit of the night by wearing a pair of sexy secretary black-rimmed glasses.

Green goddess: A bespectacled Kara Tointon arrives at the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011 bash - but all eyes were on her plunging emerald dress

Geek chic: Kara looked very pretty in her specs which flattered her face and her sparkling eyes

But unsurprisingly, all eyes were drawn to her plunging neckline which sank almost to her waist and left very little to the imagination and which she teamed with Michael Lewis shoes.

The Strictly Come Dancing champion was one of the celebrity guests at the event which was held at London's Battersea Power Station and was hosted by fashion guru Gok Wan.

Party girls: But while Nancy Sorrell got in the spirit of the evening by wearing her specs, Martine McCutcheon decided not to adorn a pair

She was also joined by TV presenter and wife of Vic Reeves, Nancy Sorrell, 37, who looked very chic in her black patterned shift dress and black-rimmed glasses.

Also attending was Nancy Dell'Olio, who didn't wear glasses but looked sensational in a strapless red dress with a split up her left leg.

You know that this is an event for bespectacled people, don't you girls? TOWIE's Lauren Pope and Lauren Goodger probably thought that some frame would clash with their outfits...

... but after possibly feeling a little left out, they got into the swing of things as they posed wearing fake pairs

Actress Martine McCutcheon wore a long animal print strapless dress which she teamed with a furry shawl, and former Atomic Kitten star Jenny Frost, who looked very sexy in her short cutaway black dress, and who arrived on her arm of her husband Vicente 'Vinnie' Juan Spiteri.

None of the girls wore specs to the event which was also attended by TOWIE girls Lauren Goodger and Lauren Pope, neither of whom were bespectacled either.

And your connection with the event is....? Jenny Frost arrived with her husband Vicente 'Vinnie' Juan Spiteri while Nancy Dell'Olio arrived alone but looked stunning in a strapless red dress

However, in an attempt to get into the swing of things, all four ladies were snapped wearing fake glasses as so not to feel to left out of proceedings.

Kara, who wears special dyslexia reading glasses, had helped launched the search for the UK's Spectacle Wearer of the Year in association with opticians Specsavers.

Do they suit us? Martine and Jenny were back in front of the cameras afterwards in their fake glasses

So it was only right that she wanted to be there in person to see and congratulate the winner, who was 18-year-old Lucy Stevenson from Scotland.

She joined The Wanted star Max George who was crowned the Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Stars of the show: Gok Wan hosted the event while The Wanted member Max George won Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2062059/Kara-Tointon-wears-plunging-dress-Spectacle-Wearer-Year-2011.html#ixzz1dtNpzZ00

Kara Tointon's plunging green dress has got plenty of specs appeal at Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011

That's enough to give anyone double vision! Kara Tointon's plunging green dress has got plenty of specs appeal

By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 5:26 PM on 16th November 2011


She shimmed on to the red carpet in a pair of sexy black specs that framed her pretty face and showed off her eyes to perfection.

But it wasn't the glasses that made Kara Tointon stand out but her very daring glittery green dress.

The actress, 27, arrived at the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011 party and got into the spirit of the night by wearing a pair of sexy secretary black-rimmed glasses.

Green goddess: A bespectacled Kara Tointon arrives at the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011 bash - but all eyes were on her plunging emerald dress

Geek chic: Kara looked very pretty in her specs which flattered her face and her sparkling eyes

But unsurprisingly, all eyes were drawn to her plunging neckline which sank almost to her waist and left very little to the imagination and which she teamed with Michael Lewis shoes.

The Strictly Come Dancing champion was one of the celebrity guests at the event which was held at London's Battersea Power Station and was hosted by fashion guru Gok Wan.

Party girls: But while Nancy Sorrell got in the spirit of the evening by wearing her specs, Martine McCutcheon decided not to adorn a pair

She was also joined by TV presenter and wife of Vic Reeves, Nancy Sorrell, 37, who looked very chic in her black patterned shift dress and black-rimmed glasses.

Also attending was Nancy Dell'Olio, who didn't wear glasses but looked sensational in a strapless red dress with a split up her left leg.

You know that this is an event for bespectacled people, don't you girls? TOWIE's Lauren Pope and Lauren Goodger probably thought that some frame would clash with their outfits...

... but after possibly feeling a little left out, they got into the swing of things as they posed wearing fake pairs

Actress Martine McCutcheon wore a long animal print strapless dress which she teamed with a furry shawl, and former Atomic Kitten star Jenny Frost, who looked very sexy in her short cutaway black dress, and who arrived on her arm of her husband Vicente 'Vinnie' Juan Spiteri.

None of the girls wore specs to the event which was also attended by TOWIE girls Lauren Goodger and Lauren Pope, neither of whom were bespectacled either.

And your connection with the event is....? Jenny Frost arrived with her husband Vicente 'Vinnie' Juan Spiteri while Nancy Dell'Olio arrived alone but looked stunning in a strapless red dress

However, in an attempt to get into the swing of things, all four ladies were snapped wearing fake glasses as so not to feel to left out of proceedings.

Kara, who wears special dyslexia reading glasses, had helped launched the search for the UK's Spectacle Wearer of the Year in association with opticians Specsavers.

Do they suit us? Martine and Jenny were back in front of the cameras afterwards in their fake glasses

So it was only right that she wanted to be there in person to see and congratulate the winner, who was 18-year-old Lucy Stevenson from Scotland.

She joined The Wanted star Max George who was crowned the Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Stars of the show: Gok Wan hosted the event while The Wanted member Max George won Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2062059/Kara-Tointon-wears-plunging-dress-Spectacle-Wearer-Year-2011.html#ixzz1dtNpzZ00

Holly Valance's Strictly Come Dancing partner Artem fractures his spine

By Ben Todd

Last updated at 9:01 AM on 8th November 2011



Knowing that her dance partner was struggling with a bad back, Holly Valance must have been delighted to receive a strong score on Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend.

And after Artem Chigvintsev’s medical results were revealed yesterday, she should be even more grateful – for he was jiving with a fractured spine.

The 29-year-old dancer sustained the injury last Friday, during rehearsals for the BBC1 programme.

Brave: Artem Chigvinstev jiving with Holly Valance despite a fractured spine

Despite the immense pain, he partnered pop star and actress Miss Valance, 28, for an energetic routine that earned the duo a score of 34 out of 40 – the second-highest of the night.

The feat seems remarkable now that Chigvintsev – who lives with Kara Tointon, whom he partnered to victory in last year’s competition – has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine.



Men are four times more likely than women to suffer the fracture, which results from rotation or extreme sideways bending. It does not normally affect balance.

The injury was initially diagnosed as a strained muscle.

With Chigvintsev undergoing physiotherapy, Miss Valance is now training with Strictly stalwart Brendan Cole, who could perform the rumba with her this weekend.

The show must go on: Valance is continuing to train with Brendan Cole while Chigvintsev recovers

A BBC source said: ‘At the moment, Artem is not dancing – but he is attending rehearsals and choreographing the new routine. He wants to dance, but his health is our priority. We have a duty of care to him.’

Another insider doubted that Chigvintsev would be able to return so soon. ‘Heaven knows how Artem’s going to dance on Saturday,’ they said. ‘This is a serious injury.’

In a statement issued last night, the BBC said: ‘Artem injured himself during rehearsals on Friday. Following medical attention he has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the lumbar spine.

Champion: Artem won last year's series with his actress girlfriend Kara Tointon

‘We have been told that this sort of fracture is completely stable and he has been advised that there is no untoward effect from him continuing to dance.

‘We will, of course, continue to review this following medical advice over the course of the week.’

Chigvintsev joined Strictly Come Dancing last year and soon became romantically involved with Miss Tointon.

The pair have faced plenty of speculation over the stability of their relationship. Last month he temporarily moved out of their North London home after a series of rows.

New Zealander Cole, 35, exited the competition on Sunday when he and partner Lulu were voted off.

Afterwards, the 63-year-old singer told the Daily Mail that Cole was ‘difficult’ to work with.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2058812/Strictly-Come-Dancing-Artem-Chigvintsev-fractures-spine.html#ixzz1d6UOSmJq

Holly Valance shares picture of her and 'brilliant' new pal Kara Tointon amid reports of jealous rows

See, we ARE friends! Holly Valance shares picture of her and 'brilliant' new pal Kara Tointon amid reports of jealous rows

By Sarah Bull and Kirsty Mccormack

Last updated at 9:38 AM on 25th October 2011


She was quick to come forward to insist she and Kara Tointon are great friends amid reports her partnering with Kara's boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev on Strictly Come Dancing is causing problems.

And now Holly Valance has shared a picture of herself and Kara cuddling up behind the scenes to prove there are no issues between the two actresses.

Holly posted the picture on her Twitter page with the caption: 'Celebrating a fun show!!! Awesome night! My feet hurt! Ahahaha.'

See, we are friends! Holly Valance shared a picture of her and 'brilliant' new pal Kara Tointon on Twitter

The former Neighbours star decided to reassure her fans about her friendship with Kara just hours after saying in an interview that former Strictly winner Kara has been giving her advice for Strictly.

She said: 'Kara has been giving me lots of advice. It's not long ago that she did it and she knows what I am feeling like.

'That's been so brilliant.'

Kara - who won the reality TV show last year after dancing with the Russian pro - struck up a relationship with Artem during the eighth series and confirmed it at the beginning of this year.

Smiling through the pain: Kara yesterday put on a brave face following rumours surrounding her relationship with Artem Chigvintsev

Dancing queen: The actress has apparently been giving Holly Valance advice after she won Strictly Come Dancing last year

But it was reported earlier this month that Artem was apparently reduced to tears after an emotional argument with 'insecure' Kara a few weeks ago and has been struggling to keep his emotions in check during rehearsals with former pop star, Holly.

However, Kara, 28, was yesterday seen looking in good spirits as she arrived at a large Tesco store to do some Sunday shopping

Wearing a pair of black leggings with matching knee-high boots and a faux fur-detailed jacket, the actress looked happy and relaxed as she chatted away on her mobile phone.

Busting some moves: Kara met Artem when the two were paired with each other on last year's show

She kept her large sunglasses on at all times and pushed her trolley - full of two reusable shopping bags - towards her car whilst still talking on her phone.

Reports have suggested that 29-year-old Artem moved out of the couple's home temporarily due to them having such bad arguments, but Kara appeared to be doing a food shop to stock up the fridge in their love nest, so perhaps all has been resolved.

New dance partner: Now the Russian pro is taking to the floor with actress-come-singer Holly

Aussie star Holly has spoken up about the rumours and insisted that her and her dance partner are just good friends.

'We get on great and he is a fantastic teacher,' she said. 'But when you are suddenly spending time with a random man, it's important that everything is above board.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052909/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Holly-Valance-Kara-Tointon-ARE-friends.html#ixzz1bpiRNxTX

Strictly's Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev

Strictly's Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
on the rocks

Head over heels ... Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev fell for each other on last year's Strictly

BBC

Exclusive

By COLIN ROBERTSON and LEIGH HOLMWOOD

Published: Today at 00:52

EX-Strictly winner Kara Tointon could be doing the SPLITS — after boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev fled their love nest.

 

Fed-up Artem stormed out after a series of rows to stay with fellow Strictly pro Robin Windsor.
Pals revealed the couple are close to breaking point. One said: "They've been having a terrible time together and decided they needed some space.
"Artem left their new home and skulked off to Robin's. The stress of the show has been getting to Artem as it's a tough gig with numerous rehearsals that fill up his day.
"They're a very passionate couple so when things flare up, they tend to flare up in a big way. Everyone is worried that the relationship is now doomed."
Kara, 28, began dating Russian pro Artem, 29, as they danced their way to victory in the BBC1 talent show last year.
But Kara has reportedly been jealous of Artem's raunchy routines with Aussie babe Holly Valance who is his partner in this year's contest. Show insiders insist there is nothing going on between Artem and Holly, 28.

New dance partner ... Holly Valance with Artem Chigvintsev

BBC

One said: "Holly is besotted with her bloke, Nick. She wouldn't dream of spoiling that. She loves dancing with Artem but that's as far as it goes."
Last night a pal of the couple said: "Artem has moved back to their shared home and they're trying to be civil with each other.
"It's too premature to say they have split — but who knows what will happen."
A spokeswoman for Kara last night insisted: "They are very much together."

Kara Tointon: Strictly changed my life, I'm loving living with Artem

By Nick Mcgrath

Last updated at 12:40 AM on 22nd September 2011

The 28-year-old reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion and former EastEnders actress lives in North London, with her Strictly dancing partner Artem Chigvintsev

Work of art: Kara's Alexander McQueen dress

RED CARPET MOMENT

Normally when I go to awards ceremonies I sit there feeling uncomfortable, fiddling with my dress all night, but at the 2010 National Television Awards I decided to splash out on a beautiful Alexander McQueen dress.

It’s a simple black dress which might sound a bit boring but it’s so beautifully tailored it fitted perfectly — it’s stunning. And I’ll always recall it because Alexander died a week later, too.

I haven’t worn it since and now it’s covered up and hanging in my wardrobe like a piece of art.

MEMENTO

Artem and I have recently moved in together. We’ve spent the past year doing up our flat, and taking pride of place on the mantelpiece are our Strictly Come Dancing winners trophies from last year’s series.

I’ve always loved dancing and grew up doing ballet and tap, but learning how to ballroom dance properly was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the show really did change my life.

It’s one of those experiences I’ll never forget — I even managed to bag myself a man, too — an added bonus.

PERSON

Artem is just such a great person and I’m really enjoying living together. He always makes sure I’m OK. He’s a bit annoying really as he’s good at everything — he’s a good cook and I’m rubbish; he’s really neat and tidy and I’m messy. So I guess we are the yin and yang, but my point is normally the negative one. He’s brilliant and I couldn’t ask much more of him, he’s a really good partner.

PLACE

I was born in Essex and I think it’s important for people to be passionate about their roots. It was a big part of my life, growing up there and going to school there.

I live in North London now, but I’m always visiting my family in Essex and, despite the fact that people think it’s all white stilettos and as portrayed in The Only Way Is Essex, I’m really proud of the place.

Perfect partners: Kara and Artem with the trophy that now takes pride of place in their home

TV SHOW

The Inbetweeners is one of my favourite shows, and when my sister Hannah joined the cast, I loved it even more. When she got the part I thought, ‘brilliant’, but the things she had to do were mortifying. I can’t even repeat them.

Hannah said to my Nan: ‘I can’t allow you to watch it.’ But my Nan, bless her, saw it. She just said: ‘Well, nothing surprises me anymore.’ Put it this way, Hannah and Joe, whose girlfriend she plays, got to know each other pretty quickly on that show.

PLAN B

I was quite disillusioned with performing before I did Strictly Come Dancing last year and my plan, at that point, was to use the money from that show to pursue my passion for interior design and ditch acting. I went to art school, but I kept taking acting jobs, so it never pro-gressed, but it has always been my plan B.

ESCAPE

When I was growing up, we used to go skiing in Austria every year and I totally fell in love with it. Now, when I close my eyes and I’m trying to relax, I picture myself on top of a mountain, with the sun beaming down on the white snow. It’s makes me feel very calm.

Favourite painting: Jack Vettriano's tango dancers

ARTIST

A couple of months after winning Strictly I was sent a package from the artist Jack Vettriano, who I love. He’d sent a signed book of his work saying how much he’d enjoyed watching me in the show, which was lovely. My favourite painting of his is of a man and woman on a beach dancing a tango. It’s sort of Spanishy and beautiful.

BAND

My favourite band of all time is Queen and my favourite song of theirs is These Are The Days Of Our Lives, which I know is quite soppy.

I was only about eight when Freddie Mercury passed away, and I didn’t really know anything about him, but my mum introduced me to Queen’s music after his death and I’ve always loved watching Freddie as he’s such an amazing performer.

Artem likes them, too, and for our final dance on Strictly Come Dancing last year, we danced to Don’t Stop Me Now, which is a great song but unbelievably hard to dance to.

CO-STAR

I’ve just finished four months in the West End playing Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion, which was exhausting but fantastic, and it’s really reawoken my love of theatre.

It was also unbelievable to be sharing the stage with one of my heroes, Rupert Everett. He has become my mentor and is now a great friend. I’ve learned so much from him. He’s the first person I’d invite to a dinner party. There’s never a dull moment, so you’re always quite excited to hear what he’s got to say, because it’s always hilarious.

Admiration: Kara respects the talent of the late Freddie Mercury, left, and her West End co-star Rupert Everett

ADDICTION

I’m really into milkshakes, particularly chocolate, and there’s a place near our house that does Oreo Cookie ones which I’ve become really addicted to. I’ve always had a thing about chocolate, I just can’t resist it. I have been known to wake up first thing in the morning, with Artem wondering what I’m doing, and consume a whole bag of giant chocolate buttons before I’ve even got out of bed. it’s probably not the world’s healthiest breakfast.

SCENT

I’ve never been a huge fan of sweet floral scents, so I’m not really into perfumes, but I do like men’s aftershaves — the one I’m wearing at the moment is called Aventus by Creed, and when I wear it I always get lots of really nice comments. It’s quite musky and calming — not at all flowery — and Artem likes it. But we don’t do swapsies with him wearing my perfume or anything like that. He likes Oud Wood by Tom Ford.

Kara Tointon took part in a charity horse ride last weekend to help launch personalised text codes from JustTextGiving by Vodafone. To sign up for your own free personalised fundraising text code visit www.justtextgiving.com





Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2040225/Kara-Tointon-Strictly-changed-life-Im-loving-living-Artem.html#ixzz1YfnSeggD

Kara Tointon moves in with Strictly boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev

'I'm enjoying having that settled feeling': Kara Tointon moves in with Strictly boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev

By Sarah Fitzmaurice

Last updated at 10:36 AM on 15th August 2011


They fell in love after being partnered together on Strictly Come Dancing and celebrating their win with a passionate kiss.

Now, after just nine months together Kara Tointon has revealed that she has moved in with Artem Chigvintsev.

The couple, who met on the BBC1 dance show have posed for pictures in their new flat in North London for Hello! Magazine.

Strictly moving in: Kara Tointon and boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev have revealed that have moved in together to a new flat in North London

Former EastEnder actress Tointon said she is 'enjoying having that nice settled feeling'.

But while they may have moved in together the pair have no plans to head up the aisle any time soon.

Speaking to the magazine Tointon said: 'I dream of getting married one day, but at the moment we're just happy being happy.

Everyone's a winner: The couple met on Strictly Come Dancing which they won at the end of last year

My support: Kara celebrating her role as Eliza Doolittle at the Pygmalion after-party with Artem

She added: ‘Don't get me wrong, I would love to. But my parents never married and are still together.’

‘I would rather have a nice life together than worry about a silly date.'

Read the full interview in this week's Hello! magazine

Since appearing on the dancing contest, Kara’s personal life has been just as successful as her professional and the actress has been enjoying life as a leading lady.

The former soap star has been taking on the principal role of Eliza Doolittle in the stage show Pygmalion alongside Rupert Everett.

Before she appeared on Strictly, Kara had given up on acting.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in May she said: ‘When I left EastEnders in 2009 I did a few modelling jobs but suddenly thought, “It’s been a year and I haven’t done any acting.” I was 25, and I had a mortgage to pay. So I went on Strictly last year to earn some money to set myself up as an interior designer. It’s funny how life can turn on a sixpence.'

The full interview is available in this week's Hello! magazine.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2026012/Kara-Tointon-moves-Strictly-Come-Dancing-boyfriend-Artem-Chigvintsev.html#ixzz1V635qff3

Rain-soaked My Fair Lady star Kara Tointon

Rain-soaked My Fair Lady star Kara Tointon is Strictly heading for a role in the wrong musical

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 2:35 PM on 16th June 2011



She's meant to be the star of Pygmalion, but Kara Tointon looked ready to burst into a song from Singing In The Rain.
The former EastEnder, who played Dawn Swann in the BBC soap, was caught in a rain shower without an umbrella outside the ITV studios in London following an appearance on the Lorraine show.

Fortunately for her, Kara had a car waiting and avoided having to perform a rendition of Gene Kelly's infamous song from the 1950s musical.

Braving the rain: Kara posed for pictures as she left the ITV studios following a guest appearance on the Lorraine show

Last month, the 27-year-old began her run as cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle at the Garrick Theatre.

It is the first time the Londoner has played a leading lady in the West End.

St Trinian's actor Rupert Everett stars alongside Kara as Henry Higgins, the professor of phonetics who teaches her to speak properly.

West End star: Kara performs as Eliza Doolittle alongside Rupert Everett in the role of Henry Higgins at the Garrick Theatre

Pygmalion, written by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw in 1912, was popularised under the Broadway show and film's title My Fair Lady.

Julie Andrews took on the stage role in 1956, nearly a decade before she was cast as Mary Poppins, while Audrey Hepburn was nominated for a Golden Globe for her efforts in the 1964 film.

Running for cover: Kara smiles as she's caught in a rain shower

And it seems life imitated art for Kara, who had to hire a real life speech therapist to prepare for the role.

Kara revealed: 'To get the posh Eliza, I needed one to teach me phonetics in the same way that Eliza did, so I felt her pain.'

Boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev, who helped Kara triumph in the final of Strictly Come Dancing 2010, showed his support on opening night by watching the production in the audience.

Triumphant: Kara and partner Artem Chigvintsev lifting the winner's trophy on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2004240/Pygmalion-star-Kara-Tointon-Strictly-heading-role-wrong-musical.html#ixzz1PTqT0bJX