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In other self-indulgent plugging news, my debut novel The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency is available on ebook for a wag-ulous reduced price of 99p for one more week only. It’s also out in paperback and audiobook, if you’re so inclined. Right, I’ll shut up about that now and get back to the dancing.
ShareSerpents (and my silly face) on telly tonight
TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, flip to BBC Two for Kim Wilde At The BBC or head to ITV1 for The 1% Club. At 9.05pm, there’s Wild Cherry on BBC One or I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! on ITV1.
At 10.05pm, star-studded historical drama The Serpent Queen arrives on Channel 4 or there’s The Most Embarrassing TV Moments on Channel 5 – which might just feature a certain Strictly liveblogger as a talking head. I can only apologise in advance.
If you’re in a filmic frame of mind, tonight’s top picks are Nobody (9pm on Film4), The Bourne Ultimatum (9pm on 5Star), Nights of Cabiria (9.05pm on Talking Pictures) or The Holiday (9.05pm on BBC3). You’re supposed to be the leading lady in your own life, for God’s sake!
ShareBlackpool leaderboard in full
Lewis Cope tops the seaside standings, with George Clarke and Karen Carney tied in second spot.
Balvinder Sopal is way down at the bottom, with Alex Kingston just above and Amber Davies in mid-table. No dance-off but it will all get carried over to next week, as will the publuc vote.
ShareCredits roll
Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” with one eye already on their traditional post-show Blackpool night out. Now even larger due to no dance-off, one hopes.
As everyone folds up their windbreaks and shakes out their sandy towels, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
ShareThe casting vote goes to…
Nobody! There’s no dance-off! Have we mentioned that?
Tonight’s super six routines get rewound on-screen. Which seaside superstars will get your vote? Which dancing donkeys definitely won’t?
ShareAnd the vote is… open!
Online-only, of course. Phonelines are sooooo last century. The usual mayhem kicks off with a fancy-dressed Blackpool twist.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Overmarked but joint second.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “wow, wow, this is how you shut down Blackpool”. Shirley says “a new day, a new George with a fantastic vibe, loved you being front and centre on your own, best dance so far, a humble warrior and you want to make that final, I feel it”. Anton says “so good, gave it the salsa face, a magical Blackpool, not sure I’ve experience a better one”. Craig concludes “your salsa base was a little bit wide but hips were swinging, incredible lifts, loved the armography, you’re a true star”. Nine and a 10 or three?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ salsa
Closing the show in a big contrasting mood to last week’s emotive rumba from YouTuber George Clarke and his pro partner Alexis Warr. Getting his hips out for a party salsa. Fairground-ography and slightly 90s boyband moves to start. Embracing the flavour and the fun. Feeding off the energy of the club anthem, the extra dancers and the Tower Ballroom crowd. Lacking a little Cuban spice and flirty connection, maybe, but fast and rhythmic. More streetdance than salsa but lifts, tricks and entertainment. Dave Arch seems to have drafted in Fatman Scoop on vocals.
Song: Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) by Bob Sinclar. The French DJ and producer’s 2006 hit samples the 90s club classic by C+C Music Factory. Jump to the rhythm, jump, jump to the rhythm, jump!
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9,9 for a total of 35 points. Second from bottom as it stands but hey – no dance-off!
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “celebrated life for sure, elegant and expressive, flicks and kicks and sassy feeling, enjoyed it immensely”. Anton says “right up my street, stylish, sophisticated and so you”. Craig says “little stop moments could have had more definition, timing got out and an awkward underarm turn but I love the sultry temptress story and held your own completely, pure theatre, darling”. Motsi concludes “slick, tight, sensational, the right dance for you”. Nines ahoy?