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Judges’ scores: 4, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 17 points. Harsh?
Judges’ comments: Anton says “loved the 70s disco vibe, excellent from the waist up but issues under the water line”. Craig says “feet stuck to the floor, no bounce at all and messy but you threw everything at it”. Motsi says “you’re natural mover, just build the foundations downstairs”. Shirley concludes “personality off the charts, great arms but work on those feet”. I thought she was going to get her little ghost shoes out for a glorious moment.
ShareBalvinder and Julian’s samba
Not just our first look at EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal but also her partner, new Australian pro Julian Caillon. The rhythmical Rio carnival dance isn’t an easy one to get first up. Pink fur coat removed to reveal a gold tasselled dress and giant mirrorball. Confident if a little flat-footed and off the timing. Fluid hips and shimmies but lacking bounce action and musicality in patches. Plenty of fun and a strong finish. Doof-doofs all round.
Song: (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty by KC & The Sunshine Band. The 1976 disco classic’s B-side was the even better Boogie Shoes, which appeared on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and later became a hit in its own right.
Balvinder and Julian. Photograph: PHOTOGRAPHER:/CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray BurmistonShare
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Second place as it stands. What a lovely guy, too.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “great quality and control, frame and footwork, recovered from mistake well, setting the bar”. Anton says “moved with wonderful flow, went a bit wrong but excellent performance”. Craig says “picked feet up and lost frame but light, bright and confident”. Motsi concludes “worked hard on technique, sell it and enjoy it more but what a start”. Sixes, do we reckon?
ShareJimmy and Lauren’s quickstep
Former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink signed up to please his Strictly-mad daughters but can he do them proud? This is the dance that did for Dani Dyer’s ankle, so let’s hope Jimmy’s not stretchered off too. His vast kitchen in the VT is a scene stealer. Fast, bright, energetic and elegant. He lacks a little lightness on his feet but hopping, skipping and gliding across the floor well. Charleston flicks and kicks. Bottom sticking out and face frozen in concentration but a nice footbally gimmick and much better than I feared.
Song: Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis. See what they did with the song choice for the ex-Chelsea striker? The Scottish indie band’s 2006 hit has become something of a sports anthem, although it was named after frontman Jon Fratelli’s wife – a burlesque dancer whose name is apparently a play on Britney Spears.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 5, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 23 points. “I love sitting down but lying down’s me favourite, I tried to be a turbo sloth,” says Vicky. She’s in third place at this stage and is endearingly thrilled.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “lacked hip action and connection but you have nothing to be nervous about”. Motsi says “loved the way you move, work on your legs”. Shirley says “footwork and flexibility good, personality and rotation worked”. Anton concludes “a lot to like, your arms were spectacular, wham, get your legs to the same level”. Fives and sixes?
ShareVicky and Kai’s cha cha cha
The likeable Geordie lass’ main challenge is overcoming her nerves and gentlemanly pro Kai Widdrington should be able to help her do so. She compares herself to “an ironing board with arms” but is trying to be “a positive pigeon”. This is one of four cha-chas tonight, so we can compare and contrast. It can be quite exposing, especially with the straight leg action. She looks scared but is giving it some disco welly and doing decently. Supple and speedy, just needs to let herself go. Grows into the routine well. Hesitant bits towards the end but good job, canny lass.
Song: Best of My Love by Ella Eyre. The Brit R&B singer’s cover version of The Emotions’ Grammy-winning 1977 disco-gospel classic – which was composed by two members of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Vicky Pattison. Photograph: PAShare
Claudia, 53, hands over to her grandson George to explain the QR code business. Still not sure.
Judges’ scores: 6, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Second place as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “rather splendid, get those shoulders down but natural movement, brilliant lifting, what a first dance Alex, sorry, Alexis”. Oopsy. Craig says “amazing potential”. Motsi says “innocent, authentic and humble, good lifts and partnering skills, great job”. Shirley concludes “lovely footwork, frame has potential, nice musicality, a dynamic partnership”. Sixes en route?
ShareGeorge and Alexis’ American smooth
An American smooth for our new American pro and her surprisingly posh YouTuber partner. Yah? George Clarke didn’t look to shabby in last week’s group dance and Utah-born Alexis will have been drilling him hard, keen to make an impact on this side of the Atlantic. Lots of wow factor, almost contempo-waft at times. Lacks Hollywood glamour but lots of nice partnering, lifts and spins. Covering the floor well and pretty darned impressive for week one.
Song: Stargazing by Myles Smith. Last year’s soulful folk-pop hit was inspired by Smith watching a sunset in Malibu with his friends. As you do.
Judges’ scores: 2 (boo!), 3, 2, 3 for a total of 10 points. Harsh but fair? Bottom as it stands.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “great basic but balance off, feet turned in, hesitant but you show promise”. Anton says “uplifting energy but commit to having your weight on the correct foot, lots went wrong”. Craig says “very awkward and pigeon-toed”. Motsi concludes “let’s climb those stairs together”. Threes and fours?
ShareRoss and Jowita’s cha cha cha
ITV’s LA correspondent Ross King goes from Hollywood to Borehamwood. He might be bookies’ favourite for the first elimination but Ross is throwing himself into it, with plenty of encouragement from Polish pocket rocket Jowita Przystal. Hollywood sign and a slightly random slide. Not fast or flirty enough, lacks synchronisation and the solo sections are exposing his weaknesses. He’s standing still too much while she does all the dancing but a game effort. Dons a faux-fur pimp coat for the rap breakdown. Love those silver sparkly slacks and all.
Song: California Gurls by Katy Perry. Her 2010 disco-pop hit, with rap verses by Snoop Dogg, was conceived as a West Coast reply to Empire State Of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
Ross and Jowita. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBCShare