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Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Second spot as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “fantastic footwork, got lost in the middle, mistakes meant legs became entangled but lots to like, on a good track”. Anton says “lie and you might get away with it but I love your quiet, calm confidence”. Craig says “you would nail it next time, widen the frame, to Argentine for my liking but you led well, you’re really impressing me”. Motsi concludes “fascinating, intense, loved it”. Sevens and an eight or two?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ Couples’ Choice
Excellent kiss-cam gag from Claudia and Dave Arch. Anyway, from last week’s streetdance-style Couple’s Choice to a ballroom number. George Clarke needs to take charge and lead his pro partner Alexis Warr. Throne-ography to start, then into close hold, travelling flat across the floor. Sharp turns and swivels. Clipped, staccato movements. Perhaps a little lacking in passion and footwork got away from him at times but imperious, sharp, full of wow factor and drama. Strong finish. Catch that on kisscam.
Song: Viva La Vida by Coldplay. The 2008 orchestral rock anthem’s Spanish title is taken from a Frida Kahlo painting. It’;s been covered by Solange Knowles, Lady Gaga, Weezer, One Direction and Blackpink – and now Sir David Of Arch.
Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. Full of Easter eggs. Not those kind, chocolate chops, just lovely little nods to his family.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “very emotional, showmanship improving, get those soca boys back in the dancehalls”. Shirley says “loved all the rhythms, got a little out of sync in the middle but you’re one of the best entertainers this series”. Anton says “a joyous celebration, magnificent”. Craig concludes “needed to be broader with bigger, cleaner shapes but I was loving your energy and commitment”. Eights, do we reckon?
ShareJimmy and Lauren’s Couple’s Choice
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink goes back to his roots and throws a freestyle Caribbean party with partner Lauren Oakley. This number is dedicated to his grandparents, set to the music they loved, and his late mother. Plenty of attitude and swagger, full of tropical flavour. Rhythm, hips, groove and lifts. Jumping around joyously when it changes pace at the midway mark. I look forward to the judges trying to critique and score this but it’s irresistible fun. Floor slide and finger points to finish. “I love Soca,” indeed.
Song: Soca Medley. Short for “soul of calypso”, the genre originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1970s.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 34 points. Top so far but might not stay there.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ comments: Anton says “super-duper, musical, beautiful movement and gorgeous feel but envelop her in your frame and dance together more”. Craig says “too much power sometimes but abundant American smooth feeling”. Motsi says “you’ve gelled so well, incredible, taken refinement to a whole different level, for me you are THE couple”. Shirley concludes “first-class, took it all on board, well done”. Eights, do we think?
ShareLewis and Katya’s foxtrot
Actor Lewis Cope notched the first perfect 10 of the series for last week’s Zorro paso doble. It was pro partner Katya Jones’ first maximum for eight years, surprisingly. Now he’s back to ballroom. The pressure is on because his lowest score so far was for a Viennese waltz. Lewis needs to show improvement with his feet, frame and leading. Ladder-ography to start. Wind machine in operation. Effortless feel and buttery flow around the floor. Slow, stylish, retro and refined. Jazzy and romantic with a lovely Hollywood feel. A rung above the rest so far.
Song: L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. The 1964 jazz-swing classic was covered by Joss Stone to soundtrack a Noughties ad for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, starring Keira Knightley.
Judges’ scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. His top score, tied with Harry.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “stilted and safe, needed more musicality but brilliant storytelling”. Motsi is divorcing Craig and says “your best dance, you had a hit tonight”. Shirley says “back with a bang, coordinated and fantastic choreography”. Anton concludes “character-led and narrative-driven, pulled it off well”. Sixes and sevens again?
ShareStefan and Dianne’s Charleston
Stefan Dennis is back after his week off with vertigo but can’t ease himself back in. He’s not only tackling the demanding Charleston but he’s bookies’ favourite to go home this weekend. Straight in at the deep end. Table-ography to start and takes too long to get going. Bench-ography stolen from Bill Bailey. Lindyhop style and bags of character, telling a Bonnie & Clyde-style bank robber story. But how about that all-important bounce and swivel? Partner Dianne Buswell having a ball. Cartwheels, lifts, floor slides. A little slow but quirky and well-performed.
Song: Dance Monkey by Tones and I. Another Australian artist for the all-Aussie couple. This record-breaking 2019 electro-pop hit topped the Australian singles chart for six months and the UK chart for 11 weeks. Blimey.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. “I know my Charleston didn’t tickle Shirley’s pickle,” says Vicky. “But I wanted to impress her with this.” Her highest score yet.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “still improving, appreciate the difficult footwork, executed well, fix your arms and frame but steadily on the up”. Anton says “marvellous, not the finished product, cut loose and give it more power”. Craig says “needed sharper arms, light and shade but technically and performance-wise very good”. Motsi concludes “infectious fun, needed more body movement, went crazy in the solo parts”. Sevens ahoy?
ShareVicky and Kai’s samba
The Geordie lass’s confidence is gradually growing and so are her scores, which have been creeping up by one point each week. Getting into the groove now with a Rio carnival dance. Solo section in Mr Tumnus trousers to start. Rhythmical with fluid hip movements. Supple and synchronised with natural bounce action. Body rolls and ripples. Lacking a little musicality and off the beat in patches, bless her, but much better in the side-by-side sections. Did well with a tough routine.
Song: La Isla Bonita by Madonna. The 1987 Latin pop hit was rejected by Michael Jackson before Madge picked up the track and added her own lyrics. Altogether now: “Young girl with eyes like potatoes…”
Updated at 13.58 EDT
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. One fewer than Karen Carney.