Key events
Show key events only
Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Thank you and a glittery goodnight – for now
That concludes Saturday’s hot hoofing action but we’ll be back on the ballroom beat tomorrow. The results show airs at the slightly earlier time of 7.10pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll boot up the blog at 6.40pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll join me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter/X, so please do flerkerl past and say hi, before executing a classic contra check to make Anton go gooey.
Thanks for watching along with me and your excellent company. You truly do make my Saturday nights several times shinier. Meet you here tomorrow to see whose name is on the slate to be banished from the ballroom next.
In the meantime, whether you’re a Faithful or a Traitor: keeeeeep dancing! And always own up to your nervous farts. Goodnight and god bless.
Well, if Shirley can do it with her dance school, so can I. It wouldn’t be a liveblog without a brief plug for my novel, The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency. It’s a Kindle Monthly Deal for November, meaning the ebook is available for a wag-ulous 99p for a limited time only. You can order here and make a debut author very happy.
And thanks to all the lovely commenters already reading and being kind about it. It means a lot from you guys *sheds a tear, Claudia organises a conga to cheer me up*
Oh and a nice Celebrity Traitors-themed sign-off from MikeMoonlight: “In a surprising twist, this week’s casting vote will be going to guest judge David Olusoga, who will probably end up saving Ross King.”
G1adys says: “I thought this might be Harry’s dance but it was all about muscle-flexing. I’d put it in the dance off with La Voix.”
IvanTiger says: “Some good samba steps in there from Harry plus lots of bounce. Liked it. The proper music helped.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “Harry is probably one week away from performing the legendary ‘dancing pecs and balloons to cover your modesty’ routine from the 70s and 80s, soundtracked by Joe Loss’s ‘Wheels Cha-cha-Cha’.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 15.42 EST
Tanya92 says: “I’m thrilled to ribbons with that tango from Vicky and I think the judges will be too.”
tomatopincushion says: “Sorry, Vicky & Kai, we were too busy singing along to watch the dance! Swiftie household here.”
EnglishAthene says: “Frock of the week! I love teal. Not sure about Kai’s face pulling!”
Likeavisionhedances says: “At one point, Kai reminded me of Ted from Gone Fishing!”
YodaknowsAll says: “This is the first week I have thought that Vicky has actually partnered Kai as opposed to relying on him. Her best dance for me, with lovely footwork, posture and lines.”
GDPD1971 says: “I don’t even mind her screaming because she’s really genuinely excited!”
Bianco adds: “Oh knock it off, y’all. Very few people have died of someone else screaming. I’m kind of happy to see someone who clearly hasn’t been told to ‘tone it down’ their whole life.”
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 15.43 EST
SaintJulieOfAndrews says: “The wonderful Nikita is far too thrusty these days. He’s putting me off my crisps!”
ACSCD1 says: “Amber’s feet touched the floor about 50% of the routine.”
The_Scumbrian says: “Blimey, Nikita is flinging her about like it’s Dancing on Ice.”
MarkRoche says: “Felt more like a disco showdance than a salsa.”
whistledownthewind adds: “God bless Craig for mouthing ‘Too much!’ during Nikita’s groin-thrusting on the judges’ desk. I nearly spat out my Horlicks!”
Updated at 15.43 EST
IvanTiger says: “Nice fleckerls from George but his posture’s still not right. Although he’s graceful and has musicality.”
02022020 says: “I loved that from George too, it was proper Viennese travel. Maybe a bit up and down, but what a feeling!”
SparklingDormouse says: Like George’s suit! Bit showy for a Viennese but good movement. Would have been better if we could have seen their footwork all the time.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “If George suddenly fell ill and couldn’t dance, they could probably get one of his three friends to stand in for him and nobody would notice the difference.”
George Clarke and Alexis Warr. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 15.44 EST
Jamesa0330 says: “I found that Couple’s Choice from Balvinder hugely enjoyable. I normally hate the sympathy dance. It was both thrilling and moving.”
ButterflyBlu says: “That was amazing and full of joy from Balvinder. Loved that. Her mum would have been so proud of her ♡.”
MollyintheFolly says: “Well, that was amazing. First dance of the night that has entirely kept my attention.”
TiggyStardust adds: “We moved from grief in Balvinder’s VT to joy in her dance. I feel really moved. If she’s in the dance-off again, I suggest a riot.” I’ll be right behind you, Tiggy.
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 15.45 EST
Bit of a sense of mid-series lull, do we think? Lots of commenters seemed a tad underwhelmed with tonight’s episode.
girlpanic says: “I enjoyed that foxtrot from La Voix and Aljaž but I’m not sure how correct the technique was and it didn’t really excite me as much as I wanted it to.”
Heartticker says: “Who would not want to dance a foxtrot with Aljaz? It was uplifting and quite joyful.I do love this partnership but the actual dance was just ok at best.”
ladyglencora says: “Loving the candy floss hair and sherbet shades in the frock but that foxtrot didn’t quite deliver. Seriously shonky footwork in places.”
paperview says: “It was a stroke of genius putting Aljaz and La Voix together. The relationship was a bit rocky at the beginning but the sense of fun and respect for each other has really grown. I know there were problems with that foxtrot but they really appeared to be enjoying dancing together.”
Irreverentnurse adds: “‘Flat footed? I held it together but I’m furious.’ Very good. La Voix.”
La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 15.46 EST
ladyglencora says: “No fireworks for me with Alex’s paso. She seemed to have her tango face on. It needed more passion.”
Audreyshandbag says: “Jojo looking like a very expensive cat again and Alex looking gorgeous. Maybe it’s just me but it felt a bit flat.”
jagadox says: “Not Alex’s dance but she certainly looked the part.”
DotGranville adds: “First time I’ve seen Alex hesitant. She danced in the wrong shoes. Blockier heels and a trap across the instep help flamenco-type footwork. If she’s in the dance-off, she should change shoes. We don’t want to lose her.” Loving that detail, Dot.
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 15.47 EST