Key events
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “where focus goes, energy flows, had body action and it was magnificent”. Anton says “my favourite dance of the night so far”. Craig says “I wanted more defined hip action, lost tour bearings in the spins but beautiful straight legs and timing, clean and strong”. Motsi concludes “weight more forward but the surprise of the night”. More sixes incoming?
ShareLacey and Vito’s cha cha cha
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner is hotly tipped but look terribly nervous last week. Hopefully she’ll have conquered her stage-fright with the help of high-performing Italian pro Vito Coppola. Gimmicky cleaning theme in leopard pirnt tabards, whipped off to reveal hot pink costumes. A cheeky cha-cha with copious hip wiggles and Cuban breaks. Lots of exposing solo content, which is a test for Lacey, but a cute flirty feel. Is she nailing the tricky straight leg action? Lacked a little fluidity but good footwork and she conquered her fears pretty well.
Song: How Will I Know by Whitney Houston. This 1985 hit was originally intended for Janet Jackson but she passed on it. Dr Ranj Sigh and Janette Manrara also danced a week one cha-cha to it eight years ago.
Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola. Photograph: Guy Levy/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. Top of the leaderboard ar this stage.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “super-duper, immaculate line as the leader but when you swapped roles, you lacked curve as the follower”. Craig says “picky, picky, picky, that was the first bit of good dancing we’ve seen all night”. Motsi says “loved it, may favourite number so far, better solo than in hold, add details”. Shirley concludes “didn’t expect to see that frame and footwork in week one, you’re going to be something else”. More sixes, even a seven?
ShareBethany and Nancy’s quickstep
Time for this year’s same-sex couple: House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia and her pro partner Nancy Xu. Bethany said last week that watching Nicola Adams dance with Katya Jones in the 2020 series was a big part of her coming out story. The power of Strictly right there. It feels apt that they’re starting with an upbeat, glamorously romantic quickstep. On-theme thrones to start. Not very quickstep-ish opening but then into hold. Fast and energetic as they fly across the floor. Bethany could be more up on the balls of her feet and looks rushed in places but bags of frothy fun.
Song: Stop This Flame by Celeste. Not Daphne’s erstwhile bandmate, sadly, but the Brighton-based Brit soul singer. Her stomping, piano-driven 2020 single samples Nina Simone’s Sinner Man.
Judges scores: 2 (boo!), 4, 4, 5 for a total of 15 points. Joint bottom with Dame Sarah Storey as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “don’t be shy, this is dancing, fake it until you make it and feel the joy”. Shirley says “superb changes of direction, you have promise, keep the footwork but work on your personality”. Anton says “absolutely charming”. Craig concludes “it’s going to be a few more weeks until you reach pro level”.
Updated at 14.12 EDT
Shaun and Alexis’ cha cha cha
Footballer-turned-pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips cheekily said that he wants to be pro standard by the end of the series. Well, let’s see how much of a joke that was. Paired with US pro Alexis Warr – sporting a fierce new haircut in her second series – he unleashes a gas station-themed, disco-style cha-cha with plenty of fun. It can be an exposing dance, with its solo sections and tricky straight leg action and Shaun looks slow and hesitant at times. Cuban motion lacking and he’s following, not leading, but he grows into the routine and ends better than it started.
Song: Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell. The 2023 viral hip-pop hit samples 1977 disco classic Best Of My Love by The Emotions.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr. Photograph: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 20 points. Lawrence was “Juan” tonight, apparently. Luckily, he didn’t score Juan, he scored 20.
Updated at 14.12 EDT
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “I loved the intensity and passion, your body was engaged, now learn to control it, lots of potential”. Shirley says “opening line was impressive but keep your feet still and arms moving, work on the flow”. Anton says “a modern interpretation of a strong dance, marvellous”. Craig concludes “all very square, danced by numbers, lumpy, stompy and lacked Spanish line but strong storytelling”.
Updated at 14.12 EDT
Lawrence and Jowita’s paso doble
After a quick visit to The Woolpack, this evening’s sole paso comes courtesy of Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb and Polish pro Jowita Przystal. Sheer shirt and moody lighting. Intense and committed, full of imperious attitude. Telling the story of the bullfight well. Swagger and aggressive stamps but a little flat-footed and walky-aroundy in hold. Needs more resistance and Spanish curve but strong, dramatic and confident for week one. Olé!
Song: Aperture by Harry Styles. Released in January, this slow-building synth-pop throbber was the lead single from Style’s not-very-snappily titled album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
Updated at 14.03 EDT
Judges’ scores: 3 (boo!), 4, 4, 4 for a total of 15 points. Bottom as it stands but early days.
Updated at 14.12 EDT
Shirley even picked on Joshy’s posture there, the big meany.