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Balvinder and Julian’s quickstep
After undeserved back-to-back dance-offs, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal needs to be a survivor like Beyoncé herself. She’s sporting an embellished, fringed denim jacket with corset and sparkly hat. Podium moment to start, then into a country-tinged quickstep with a line-dancing and lasso interludes. Some slightly awkward shapes early on and skirt hiding her footwork at times but fast, energetic, bouncy bright and light. Charleston flicks and kicks. A proper hoedown and huge, frothy fun.
Song: Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyoncé. The lead single from last year’s Cowboy Carter album, which reclaimed country music as a black genre, became Queen Bey’s first UK chart-topper for 14 years.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Gets a video message from Cheryl and Vicky is, in her own words, thrilled to ribbons. Her best yet and second place as it stands. Clutched in a cuddle with Karen Carney on the balcony. Aww. I’m thrilled to ribbons on her behalf.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you’ve never performed better, your best dance, conviction, commitment”. Shirley says “full of intent and focus, best dance so far”. Anton says “you’d never have been able to dance this three weeks ago, you’re on a journey, amazing”. Craig concludes “slightly out of sync and energy didn’t match, but my goodness, clean and precise”. Eights and maybe a nine en route?
ShareVicky and Kai’s Couple’s Choice
Vicky Pattison is one of only two celebrities to have improved their scores every week (the other is Ellie Goldstein). She’s chuffed to be channelling one of her heroes, fellow Geordie lass Cheryl Cole, who grew up just five minutes from Vicky. This routine was put together by Beth Honan, who choreographed the real Cheryl video. Black-and-red military styling. Street-commercial with lots of solo and side-by-side sections. Stronger arms like the judges wanted. Fast, powerful and precise. Can she score in the 30s for the first time? She certainly should
Song: Fight For This Love by Cheryl. Her debut solo single was compared to Janet Jackson. The red Balmain jacket Cheryl sported in the video sold out upon its release.
Updated at 14.23 EDT
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 8 for a total of 27 points. Lowest score from the five dances so far. George admits this has been a hard week.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “a bit flat-footed and stompy but you are so watchable”. Motsi says “dipped towards the end, work on consistency and concentration”. Shirley says “good swing and partnering skills but mistakes quite apparent”. Anton concludes “the odd flaw but a super performance”. Slight dip for George. Sevens?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ jive
“Content creator” George Clarke has scored 30 or 31 points for the past three weeks. He’s hotly tipped as a finalist so can he go up a level and convert those eights into nines? Embodying the pop heartthrob and former One Directioner might help. Kitschy dungarees and retro set dressing. Lots of well-synchronised side-by-side with partner Alexis Warr. Sharp footwork with snap and spring in his kicks. Keeping it compact, clear and clean. Flagged and lost sync a little towards the end but bright and big fun.
Song: As It Was by Harry Styles. It was the biggest-selling global single of 2022 and spent 15 weeks at the top of the American chart, becoming the longest-running US number one by a UK act.
George Clarke and Alexis Warr. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 14.12 EDT
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. La Voix arranged a voice message from Dame Dolly herself. Well connected.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “divine, your leg speed was perfect, immaculate heel turns, completely loved it”. Craig says “went a bit wrong, a bit of gapping but maintained frame and your musicality is a sensation”. Motsi says “ease and effortlessness, floating on air but use the standing leg and fill the music”. Shirley concludes “light as a feather, nail your footwork and you’re a potential finalist”. Eights and a nine from Anton?
ShareAlex and Jojo’s foxtrot
Time for last week’s leaderboard toppers, actor Alex Kingston and her pro partner Johannes Radebe. High expectations now. She’s swapping her rumba queen crown for a Dolly wig and flowing floral prairie dress. Starts sitting outside a Tennessee-style diner set, then into hold for a sweet, floaty foxtrot. Alex is always great at characterisation and storytelling, so themed weeks suit her. The judges will be hoping for gliding movement and no gapping. Not sure they’ll be entirely happy but otherwise lovely. Her scores have ranged from four to 10. That’s surely at the upper end.
Song: Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton. The 1977 single became Dolly’s first big pop crossover hit but she insisted steel guitar was added to keep her country credibility.
Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton sends her a sweet video message, telling Ellie she’s a “superstar”. Also, I’d quite like her ring light.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “loved the energy but needed more hip rotation and smoother transitions, otherwise incredible”. Motsi says “personality and connection, improving so much, you are a force”. Shirley says “loved the solo opening and execution of lifts, you never make mistakes”. Anton concludes “so much to enjoy, nailing your timing and lit up the whole place, keep going”. Sevens? Maybe an eight?
ShareEllie and Vito’s salsa
After last week’s joyous Couple’s Choice, it’s an equally upbeat number for Ellie Goldstein and her partner Vito Coppola. She’s playing Baby Spice for this energetic party dance. Green screen with Ellie as the other four Spicies, which is a neat gimmick. Splits, dips, drops. Packed with tricks and lifts. Floor spins and shoulder shimmies. Fun and sparkly. Lacking a little Cuban spice and salsa flavour, maybe, but bags of fun and you can’t fault her performance levels. Turning into a dancer before our eyes. Brilliant. Zig-a-zig-ah!
Song: Spice Girls Medley. Who Do You Think You Are, which features highly here, was the song that opened the 1997 Brit Awards with Geri Halliwell in that now-legendary Union Jack dress.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Poor Kaz is “a bit gutted” but happier now. Claudia doing a band-up job cheering her up.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “executed the walks very well, went wobbly in the middle, point your toes and add details but enjoyed it”. Anton says “danced very well but you got a bit tense and off-balance, just lacked breathing”. Craig says “smooth it out, lacked fluidity and free arm placement but lovely straight legs”. Motsi concludes “used leg action well, be confident and let your body go”. Sevens, are we saying?