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The first ever 40 for both of them. Claudia reassures everyone that Carlos is fine and they’re happy tears. “Hold him,” she adds.
Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Get in. Top of the pops and after last week’s 39, she’s in quite the vein of form. Carlos is tearful, too. “She loves dancing more than me,” he sobs.
Judges’ comments: Karen is emotional. A rousing reception in the studio. Craig says “that dance just got you in the Champions Leauge, darling”. Motsi says “girl, honestly, this was a step up, this was everything, knocked it out of the park”. Shirley says “you’re in with a shot at the whole thing, progressing fast and outstanding, Carlos, you’ve made her a beautiful dancer”.Anton concludes “a celebration of your story, a-may-zing”. Could a perfect 40 be incoming?
Updated at 14.30 EST
Karen and Carlos’ Couple’s Choice
Their Blackpool paso doble raised the Tower Ballroom roof and scored a near-perfect 39 points. Can former Lioness Karen Carney tempt out Craig’s lesser-spotted 10 paddle now? Partner Carlos Gu is pushing her hard, with their sights set on the final. The song means a lot to Kaz as an anthem of self-acceptance. Its opening line, “My mama told me when I was young, we are all born superstars”, resonates with her own mum’s support of her early footballing career. Graphic outfits with braces and brogues. They worked with choreographer Jake Leigh on this routine and are throwing everything at it: street-commercial, hip-hop, moonwalks, body-popping, breaking, Charleston, a spot of cane-orgaphy. Letting loose with a sense of freedom and self-expression. Out of sync in places but singing along, endless energy and this joyous.
Song: Born This Way by Lady Gaga. She described her 2011 hit as her “this-is-who-the-fuck-I-am anthem” and emerged from a giant egg to perform it at the Grammys, as you do.
Updated at 14.30 EST
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.