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Judges’ comments: Rousing reception in the studio. Carlos is tearful. Anton says “I got a bit emotional, never knew you could dance like that, quality, softness and sensitivity, my heart skips a beat at your journey”. Craig says “left elbow and head placement issues but it had flow and elegance, very beautiful”. Motsi says “I couldn’t recognise you, biggest growth in contest, beautiful connection, you’ve showed anything is possible”. Shirley concludes “rise and fall was exceptional, just where it needed to be for a semi-final”. Nines and 10s en route?
ShareKaren and Carlos’ waltz
Ex-Lioness Karen Carney has already fared better than any footballer in Strictly history. Can she go one week further? She hasn’t done a traditional ballroom number since way back in week four, incredibly, and tends to find them more difficult than Latin. Romantic opening and soft feeling. Graceful and seamless. It takes work to look effortless. The judges will be looking out for those crucial heel leads. Decent position and posture as she glides around the floor in Carlos Gu’s arms. Some gapping and footwork issues, plus head position not quite right in places but lovely feel. They’re creating an intimate and emotional moment, staying in hold from start to finish. Sparks fly.
Song: One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston. Her 1988 ballad which was written as the anthem for that year’s Seoul Olympics. It was nominated for a Grammy but beaten by Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. Gold medal-winning heptathlete Denise Lewis selected it as one of her Desert Island Discs.
Updated at 14.07 EST
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 9 for a total of 37 points.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “beautiful balance , lacked a little passion but frame improving and showed us quality”. Anton says “much better shoulder line, open work brilliant but disconnected, lacked drive and hesitant in hold”. Craig says “unnecessarily harsh, you two, not much wrong with it, clean, passionate and full of purpose, loved the Argentine flashes.” Motsi concludes “agree with Craig, much improved and magnificent, you came back with a bang, girl”. Nines incoming? Even a 10?
ShareAmber and Nikita’s tango
Amber Davies went from top to bottom last week, so clearly needs to win over voting viewers. First up, she and partner Nikita Kuzmin get in hold for a dramatic ballroom number. She’s had problems with her frame before but says she feels more secure in the tango position. Chair-ography to start and almost Argentine moves, then into hold. Drama, passion and intensity. Bent knees for flat travel across the floor. Lots of little accents and details. High kicks and slo-mo sections. Smooth but sharp and precise with clipped staccato movements. Swivels, close body contact and changes of pace. Oof. A sizzler.
Song: Higher by Michael Bublé. The 2022 swing number was the title track to his 11th studio album, which included covers of Paul McCartney, Sam Cooke, Willie Nelson and Barry White.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Same as last week and her joint highest. Julian’s mum has flown in from Australia to support him. Aww.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you gave us rhythm and more, loved your fearless attitude, soft and strong, you’re fighter”. Shirley says “I’m in shock, outstanding foot positions, immaculate precision and timing”. Anton says “you’ve set the benchmark and will take some beating”. Craig concludes “stop-start transitions, lacked fluidity in and out of lifts but you gave it your all, my darling”. An eight and three nines, do we reckon?
ShareBalvinder and Julian’s salsa
EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal lets loose for a Cuban party dance. Bal should have grown in confidence after that personal best score and dodging the dreaded red light last week. Despite the salsa’s speed, she needs to keep her technique precise and stay on rhythm. Neon palm trees and lovely skirt, looking a bit like a blancmange. Loads of energy, with Bal taking centre stage right from the start. Rhythmic, powerful and fiery. Being thrown around in the lifts. Too much walking and fltying through the air, perhaps. Not earthy enough and lacking a little spicy sauce, perhaps, but bags of Miami disco fun and lovely connection with partner Julian Caillon. Upside down to finish.
Song: Rhythm Is Gonna Get You / Get on Your Feet by Gloria Estefan. A medley of two of the Latina pop queen’s late 80s hits.
ShareOur Strictly stars™
Our first sight of the four semi-finalist couple. Relatively restrained on the fancy dress front but Julian’s got his abs out. Nikita, surprisingly, hasn’t.
ShareBy jove, it’s the judges
A rare chance to see their legs as we welcome the paddle-raising panel. Motsi Mabuse is in shimmery lilac. Shirley Ballas in sparkly pewter, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood in their customary black tie. Anton’s floral affair looks like your nan’s curtains.
ShareFrockwatch
Our presenting duo sashay into view, so time for the regular gown rundown. Tess Daly is in a red floor-slength frock with a slit. Claudia Winkleman is in a golden glittery, rouched wrap dress. Unusual colour for her and we approve. Both fab-u-lous.