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Judges’ scores: 6, 9, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Told you there’d be a three-point spread, just didn’t think it’d be that bonkers. Anyhoop, he’s third as it stands. Dapper dad, too.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “you were walking through it, not entirely fond of the groove stuff but your energy worked against you, hammered it and ruined it”. Motsi says “you had control and connection, suave and let your partner shine”. Shirley says “awkwardly mixed with bump ‘n’ grind, not my cup of tea”. Anton concludes “I’m with Motsi, loved the style, terrific”. Judges divided. Scores could range from… five to eight?
ShareHarry and Karen’s Argentine tango
His rumba made Motsi Mabuse come over all funny last week and now Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, has another passionate number. It’s long-serving pro Karen Hauer’s first Argentine tango for 13 years, incredibly. Her last one was with Westlife’s Nicky Byrne in 2012 and scored 30 points. Opening full of oomph. Intensity, intimacy and sensuality in close hold. Plenty of power, purpose and intent. Spaghetti legs and strong angles. Swagger in the solo sections. Lacking a little artistry and precision, perhaps, but a sizzler. Hoo-hah.
Song: Caught Up by Usher. His 2005 hip-grinding single from the R&B lover man who once dated supermodel Naomi Campbell.
La Voix auditions for Claudia’s job. BBC bigwigs take note.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Same as Ellie and Karen.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “newly confident in the solo sections but frame and footwork needs work”. Anton says “loved the vibe but looked a little hesitant in the footwork, stride out and convince me”. Craig says “needed a more elegant topline, trying to keep up but loved this version of you”. Motsi concludes “improved all round and taking steps forward, don’t be disheartened”. Balvinder is emotional. Any hesitancy surely understandable after two consecutive dance-offs. And Craig’s criticism was more about the concept jarring with the dance style than Balvinder herself.
ShareBalvinder and Julian’s quickstep
After undeserved back-to-back dance-offs, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal needs to be a survivor like Beyoncé herself. She’s sporting an embellished, fringed denim jacket with corset and sparkly hat. Podium moment to start, then into a country-tinged quickstep with a line-dancing and lasso interludes. Some slightly awkward shapes early on and skirt hiding her footwork at times but fast, energetic, bouncy bright and light. Charleston flicks and kicks. A proper hoedown and huge, frothy fun.
Song: Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyoncé. The lead single from last year’s Cowboy Carter album, which reclaimed country music as a black genre, became Queen Bey’s first UK chart-topper for 14 years.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Gets a video message from Cheryl and Vicky is, in her own words, thrilled to ribbons. Her best yet and second place as it stands. Clutched in a cuddle with Karen Carney on the balcony. Aww. I’m thrilled to ribbons on her behalf.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you’ve never performed better, your best dance, conviction, commitment”. Shirley says “full of intent and focus, best dance so far”. Anton says “you’d never have been able to dance this three weeks ago, you’re on a journey, amazing”. Craig concludes “slightly out of sync and energy didn’t match, but my goodness, clean and precise”. Eights and maybe a nine en route?
ShareVicky and Kai’s Couple’s Choice
Vicky Pattison is one of only two celebrities to have improved their scores every week (the other is Ellie Goldstein). She’s chuffed to be channelling one of her heroes, fellow Geordie lass Cheryl Cole, who grew up just five minutes from Vicky. This routine was put together by Beth Honan, who choreographed the real Cheryl video. Black-and-red military styling. Street-commercial with lots of solo and side-by-side sections. Stronger arms like the judges wanted. Fast, powerful and precise. Can she score in the 30s for the first time? She certainly should
Song: Fight For This Love by Cheryl. Her debut solo single was compared to Janet Jackson. The red Balmain jacket Cheryl sported in the video sold out upon its release.
Updated at 14.23 EDT
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 8 for a total of 27 points. Lowest score from the five dances so far. George admits this has been a hard week.