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Judges’ comments: Shirley says “great basic but balance off, feet turned in, hesitant but you show promise”. Anton says “uplifting energy but commit to having your weight on the correct foot, lots went wrong”. Craig says “very awkward and pigeon-toed”. Motsi concludes “let’s climb those stairs together”. Threes and fours?
ShareRoss and Jowita’s cha cha cha
ITV’s LA correspondent Ross King goes from Hollywood to Borehamwood. He might be bookies’ favourite for the first elimination but Ross is throwing himself into it, with plenty of encouragement from Polish pocket rocket Jowita Przystal. Hollywood sign and a slightly random slide. Not fast or flirty enough, lacks synchronisation and the solo sections are exposing his weaknesses. He’s standing still too much while she does all the dancing but a game effort. Dons a faux-fur pimp coat for the rap breakdown. Love those silver sparkly slacks and all.
Song: California Gurls by Katy Perry. Her 2010 disco-pop hit, with rap verses by Snoop Dogg, was conceived as a West Coast reply to Empire State Of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
Ross and Jowita. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBCShare
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Top of the pops so far.
Judges’ comments: Craig, lost for words, says “you’re very good”. Motsi says “courageous, attacked the dance, energy like dynamite, clean it up but hello, what a high level”. Shirley says “plenty to like, true athleticism but overloaded with choreography, footwork got lost but footwork was A-star”. Anton concludes “excellent, control your energy, contain it but wow, what a start”. Sevens? Even an eight?
ShareLewis and Katya’s jive
Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, a late super-sub, has hoofing pedigree and looked great in the group dance last week, leading bookies to make him the glitterball favourite. A jive isn’t easy first up but I suspect he’ll handle it well. Impressive opening section on the judges’ table. Precise and sharp with bags of energy and plenty of personality. Pro Katya Jones is palpably loving having such a promising partner. Holy moly, this is good. Body ripples, tricks, kicks, flicks and great partnering. A run of spins to finish. Have we just witnessed a potential winner?
Song: Get Ready by The Temptations. The Smokey Robinson-penned 1966 Motown hit was covered by Ella Fitzgerald three years later and became the jazz queen’s last US chart hit.
Lewis Cope. Photograph: PAShare
Judges’ scores: 4, 4, 4, 5. A total of 17 points for “The Cheeky Team”. Spicy chicken cha-cha-cha.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “what a vibe, you went for it with commitment, make the floor your best friend”. Shirley says “you shone like a bright star, courageous, didn’t miss a beat, kiss the floor with your feet but great body rhythm” and gives her a fabulous fan. Anton says “joyful, work on the feet but timing exquisite and step-perfect”. Craig concludes “a little flat-footed, need straighter legs but natural rhythm and very good detail”. Happy birthday to Vito. Fives?
ShareEllie and Vito’s cha cha cha
The pairing of history-making model and Malory Towers actor Ellie Goldstein with three-time finalist Vito Coppola looks like a fun, fizzy combo. Can Ellie channel that high energy and nail the Cuban technique? He’s cleverly adapted his training technique because Ellie’s a visual learner. Catwalk opening, then into partner work. Bags of attitude and character. Fast and cheeky with plenty of disco wiggles. Great fun and grin-inducing.
Song: Yes, And? by Ariana Grande. Last year’s lead single from the Eternal Sunshine album, is about self-confidence and overcoming negativity. Musically, the pop-house banger has been compared to Madonna’s Vogue and Beyoncé’s Break My Soul.
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 22 points. Top of the Lassiters leaderboard at this stage. “A week ago, I couldn’t dance,” say Stefan. “And that’s true,” says Dianne with feeling. “But he’s a true blue Aussie, a little battler.” Then she’s thrown a baby shower with Ginger Neil dressed as a stork. Don’t have nightmares.
Updated at 14.58 EDT
Judges’ comments: Anton says “impressive seamless movement, brilliant effort”. Craig says “littered with mistakes, needed more drive, swing and sway but you have musical theatre flair”. Motsi says “controlled shifts of weight, calm, collected, we have a ballroom king on the way”. Shirley concludes “good frame, nice footwork but the best performance so far”. Fives ahoy?
ShareStefan and Dianne’s foxtrot
It doesn’t get any more Australian than this: Stefan “Paul Robinson” Dennis, dancing to the Neighbours theme with Aussie pro Dianne Buswell. Strewth, they might as well be sipping tinnies of Toohey’s and wearing cork hats. The first foxtrot of the series is slow and elegant, gliding gracefully over across the floor. How is his topline, ballroom hold and heel-toe footwork? That’s what the judges will be scrutinising, the flamin’ galahs. Rack off, you dags. Cute credit fonts on-screen. Slow, stately and a little bit wobbly but cute choreography. Mistakes midway through and timing issues. Not quite the perfect blend.
Song: Neighbours Theme by Barry Crocker. Composed by Tony Hatch, who also penned the Crossroads and Emmerdale themes, it was once voted the world’s most recognised TV theme tune. Indeed, it led to the soap changing its name from the working title of Ramsay Street. Trufact.
Dianne and Stefan. Photograph: PHOTOGRAPHER:/CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray BurmistonShare
Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points. Realistic scoring, which is refreshing to see.