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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?
ShareKaren and Carlos’ rumba
Former Lioness Karen Carney has excelled at high-energy dances. This is the first time she’s slowed it down. She’s been working hard on fluidity, hip movement and foot control. The rumba is partner Carlos Gu’s favourite dance and Karen has surprised herself by loving it too. Wind machine on and a floor drag. Looking leggy in a beaded black dress with flouncy chiffon black cape. Rhythmic and romantic but not quite grounded and rotational enough. Still, did well with a difficult dance style.
Song: Think Twice by Céline Dion.The 1994 soft rock smash won an Ivor Novello Award and topped the chart for seven weeks, selling over 1m copies in the UK alone.
Carlos Gu and Karen Carney. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Updated at 13.44 EDT
Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 34 points. Setting a high bar.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “on top, worked with the music and changes of pace, perfect start”. Shirley says “a little back-weighted”, coordinate all body parts but I was pleased with that”. Anton says “great, just smarten your form and the sky is the limit”. Craig concludes “tiny bit of gapping and topline needs sorting out”. Eights and maybe a nine incoming?
ShareLewis and Katya’s quickstep
“Ping” has been this week’s word in training as partner Katya Jones encouraged actor Lewis Cope to pull up his spine and lengthen his posture. A guitar-wielding impression at the top of the routine – he’s a huge Johnny Cash fan, so will have relished that – before launching into a fast, furious and playful routine, with Katya playing Johnny’s second wife, June Carter Cash. Clean footwork, great synchronisation and non-stop frothy fun. Lewis is the highest scoring celebrity of the series so far but still hadn’t got a 10 for a ballroom number. Just saying. Air riff to finish.
Song: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. The Man In Black’s 1963 hit was co-written by his later wife June, who was inspired by seeing the line “Love is like a burning ring of fire” underlined in ha book of Elizabethan poetry owned by her uncle. It had a resurgence in popularity after appearing in a 1993 Levi’s ad.
Katya Jones and Lewis Cope. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
A fleeting but bittersweet mention at the top of the show for Tess and Claud’s Christmas departure but they wisely didn’t dwell and kept the focus on tonight’s show. Plenty of time for that later.
ShareOur Strictly stars™
Our couples come out for a welcome wave and it’s a veritable fancy dress party! Stetsons! Wigs! Purple suits! Stick-on ponytails! Military caps! Bacofoil trousers!
SharePaddle-raising panel in the house
The judges make their big entrance. Fancy dress for them too. Craig Revel Horwood is John Lennon, Motsi Mabuse is Grace, Shirley Ballas is Elvis Presley and Anton Du Beke is David Bowie. Although somehow he always ends up looking like Claudia’s Auntie Joan at Christmas. Don’t go changing, Claud.
ShareFrockwatch
Our hosts arrive after a big week – no more taking them for granted, let’s appreciate them while we can – so let’s do our weekly frock-off. Tess Daly is in a halterneck blue satin dress. Claudia Winkleman is white silk shirt and black dress. A rare win for Tess?
ShareCue clapalong credits
Four male celebs have left us so far. Thomas Skinner, Ross King and Chris Robshaw were knocked out, then Stefan Dennis was stretchered off. Who’s next?
ShareAnd we’re off!
Roll the usual scene-setting montage with the Icons theme being flogged already.