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Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. A bit harsh? Bal had a busy week on EastEnders which limited her training time but was reluctant to use that as an excuse, which is admirable.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “super apart from the mistakes, hesitancy in the legs but so much to like”. Craig says “a bit stompy and too turned-in but timing good and loved the way you presented it, Julian darling, that wasd the best opening I’ve had the pleasure to see”. Motsi says “some strong bits but weak parts too”. Shirley concludes “outstanding kicks and flicks, made mistakes but an exciting number, the best swivels and you sold it well”. “It’s alright, I’ll come back and do it again in the dance-off,” says Bal wryly. Sevens and eights, are we saying?
Updated at 14.16 EST
Balvinder and Julian’s jive
EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal finished bottom of the Blackpool leaderboard, so might need miracles to escape her fifth dance-off. She’s the only remaining celebrity who hasn’t received a 10. She’s been worried about the pace of the jive but her Charleston in week two was a showstopper, which is a promising sign. Lifeguard theme and a lot of messin’ abaht to start. The jive is her pro partner Julian Caillon’s favourite and his choreography is mixing in plenty of swing, lindyhop and jitterbug. Not to mention a spectacular leapfrog over Bal’s head. Kicks, flicks, tricks and cute storytelling, but bounce and sharpness lacking at points. Too much walking about from Bal. He’s leading her beautifully. Energy flags towards the end but a fun routine with a retro feel.
Song: Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale. The 1975 funk hit was covered by Sinitta in 1989. Co-writers Pierre Tubbs and J Vincent Edweards came up with it while driving to Charing Cross Hospital, where Tubbs’ wife was giving birth to their daughter.
Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Top at the halfway point.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “Katya took the choreography to a new level, great dynamics, needed more fluidity but loved the chemistry and narrative”. Anton says “lyrical and super, got tight in boy and lacked al ittle romance but I’m nitpicking, you’re such a talent”. Craig says “hips lacked fluidity and resistance in hold was missing but artistry flair, full of emotion, loved it”. Motsi concludes “loved the storytelling, keep doing what you do, such a strong couple”. Nines all round?
ShareLewis and Katya’s rumba
Actor Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones notched their second perfect 40 of the series in Blackpool – the earliest someone has scored two maximums. Now for a major gear change as they slow it right down. Lewis might be the highest scoring celebrity in the contest but he’s yet to receive a 10 from Shirley for Latin. Can the notoriously tricky rumba do the trick? Start with some floor work, then into the an emotive and exposing number. His continuous motion and weight transference is strong. Rhythmic, getting the basics right and leading powerfully. Perhaps not quite earthy and grounded enough but sensual and expressive. Copious spins. Lifts, drops and tricks. A sizzler.
Song: Falling by Harry Styles. The 2020 pop-soul piano ballad, co-written and produced by Harry’s long-time collaborator Kid Harpoon, was created by the pair in an hour. It’s been covered by his fellow X Factor alumni Little Mix, as well as Kelly Clarkson and Gabrielle.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “a bit of me, great musicality, I didn’t see any mistakes, clean and terrific”. Craig says “apart form that little mess-up it lacked a little drive and movement around the floor but full of style and class, you are joyous to watch”. Motsi says “you’re ready to take the next step up, well rehearsed and controlled, great energy”. Shirley concludes “one tiny hiccup but great footwork, impressed by your toes and knees, outstanding”. Seven from Craig, maybe eights and nines elsewhere, are we saying?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ quickstep
Content creator™ George Clarke came out of his shell for his show-closing Blackpool salsa and duly scored his first 10s. Now he’s got a classic ballroom dance to a traditional tune. Red carpet theme. Fast footwork while keeping his frame calm and strong. Staying in sync with pro partner Alexis Warr as they fly across the floor. A bit of gapping in the promenades but elegant and energetic. Charleston flicks and kicks. A dose of jazzy Hollywood glamour from “Team Warke”. High kicks to finish. Big smiles, bags of style, splendid.
Song: I Get a Kick Out of You by Frank Sinatra. Cole Porter’s 1934 song for Broadway musical Anything Goes. The line “Some like the perfume from Spain” was a late change for the film version. It was originally “Some get a kick from cocaine” but this was banned under the Hollywood Production Code.
Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 6, 7 for a total of 23 points. Alex admits her 62-year-old body is suffering. At some length, bless her. Dance-off danger.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “quite a few mistakes which I can’t overlook but loved your groove and leg action”. Shirley says “leg action exceptional but got off on the wrong foot and it carried on, not your night”. Anton says “good effort, you bring great quality, posture and leg action but mixed it up by doing different chore0graphy to your partner”. A freshly shorn Craig concludes “sadly it really was two dances, you lost it and got out of time, it got worse throughout the dance but I loved the posh cha-cha”. A five and three sixes, do we think?
ShareAlex and Jojo’s cha cha cha
Their theatre-jazz Couple’s Choice in Blackpool left them a surprise second from bottom on the leaderboard, so actor Alex Kingston and pro partner Johannes Radebe are aware they need a solid performance to increase their chances of safety. Way back in week four, she got the earliest ever 10s for a rumba. Now can she translate that leg action to the faster cha cha? She’s joked this week that she feels like a Christmas turkey in the bum-back-body-forward posture. She’s wearing half a glitterball on her head. Some hesitant footwork early on. A little safe and stilted. She’s concentrating so hard on the technique, she’s lacking her usual performance levels. Over the the judges’ table for some wiggling and things pick up. Suddenly she’s bringing the fun with flexible hips and plenty of disco strut. Too little too late?
Song: Ring My Bell by Anita Ward. The 1979 disco banger was originally written for child star Stacy Lattisaw as a teenybopper number about schoolgirls talking on the telephone. R&B diva Ward made it more flirty and suggestive.
ShareOur Strictly stars™
Our six pro-celebrity pairings come out for their staircase wave. Jojo’s working a 70s disco ‘fro.
SharePaddle-raising panel in the house
The judgely quartet sashay into view, having swapped their seaside finery for Elstree eveningwear. Motsi Mabuse looks fab-u-lous in red and Shirley Ballas has a massive Bacofoil ruffle thingy. Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood in the usual tuxedos.
ShareFrockwatch
Here come our autocue queens, so time for the traditional couture comparison. Tess Daly is in a white trouser suit. Claudia Winkleman is in a green velvet tuxedo suit. Sklifghtly matchy-matchy, slighty Traitors. *Marcus Bentley from Big Brother voice* Who wins? You decide!
ShareCue clap-along credits
Precisely 60 per cent of these pairs have now departed the dancefloor. Remember Ross King and Tommy Bosh? Seems like years ago.
ShareAaand we’re off!
Roll the customary dramatic pre-credits montage.