Talking of next week, I’m having Saturday night off from the liveblog to take my lovely sister to see the show live, so keep an eye out for me on the telly (black dress with red spots, I’m thinking). Not sure who’s standing in, but I’ll definitely be back on Sunday for the results show, and I promise to keep it spoiler-free.
Do check in on Twitter @heidistephens, as I’ll no doubt try to grab some celebs and pros for a few photos. In the meantime have a fabulous week, and I’ll see you next Sunday! Hx
So that’s it’s for Blackpool week! Time to load up the minibus and ship everyone back home to London. Minus Judy, who will be heading north towards the border under the power of helium balloons. Thank you for joining in with your comments and general brilliance, I know I say this every week but your contributions make this a good deal more fun, so please come back next week.
JUDY AND ANTON ARE GOING HOME!
Judy and Anton are heading off into the Strictly sunset. Judy looks quite relieved, to be honest – it must be hard enough learning to dance when you’re more wooden than a shed full of clogs, but imagine having to spend EVERY DAY in Anton’s company. For ELEVEN WEEKS. Judy, we salute you.
Craig saves Sunetra and Brendan, as does Darcey and Bruno. Len would have done likewise. Which means...
Well at least that actually looked like dancing of a sort. I believe that’s the definition of “going out on a high”.
This version of “I don’t feel like dancing” hasn’t improved with age, has it? Another slightly wobbly performance from Sunetra, but frankly she could come out and do the hokey cokey and Judy would still go home.
I’ve just realised we’ve got to watch Sunetra’s hen night Samba again, AND Judy’s balloon ascension. Gird your loins, it will be over soon.
It’s Dame McShirley McBassey! She’s belting out Goldfinger, whilst dressed as an actual gold finger. Amazing.
“I’m actually delighted just to be here”, says Judy, which is code for “I’m actually just delighted to know that I’m going home very soon”.
So who is joining Sunetra and Brendan in the dance-off? Simon and Kristina are safe, along with Frankie and Kevin, Mark and Karen and Steve and Ola!
Which means Judy and Anton are in the dance-off. Unless Judy suddenly discovers her inner Ginger Rogers, they’re going home.
JUST MAKING TEA WHILST LEN’S LENS IS ON
Normal service will resume shortly.
Updated
“How about that then?”, says Tess, channeling her inner Savile. Aww Harry, how we miss you. You and Aliona were my favourite.
I think what this performance really needs is a Viennese Waltz. Disappointing.
My teenage daughter is providing commentary for this section. “What’s happened to Dougie’s hair? What has Matt got in his head? WHY AREN’T THEY SHOWING MORE HARRY?” Well, quite.
It’s time for McBusted! In case you’re behind the times on all matters pop, this is a new band made up of all four members of boy band McFly, and the two members of Busted who weren’t Charlie, who is pursuing a solo career that doesn’t involve rehashing Busted hits of yesteryear.
Still, HARRY JUDD’S MUNCHABLE ARMS ON DRUMS.
So who’s in this week’s bottom two? Caroline and Pasha are safely through to next week, along with Pixie and Trent and Jake and Janette.
First couple in the dance off: Sunetra and Brendan! The only thing that can save them is Judy and Anton, I think.
Last night on Strictly – a pretty good show, I thought. A delightful Kiss-Me-Quickstep from Frankie and Kevin, a Fabulous Argentine from Simon and Kristina, and a cracking Charleston from Mark and Karen. Len dropped the F-bomb, Judy did something that vaguely recognisable as a Waltz, Sunetra banged out a cocktail-fuelled Samba and Caroline channelled her inner Spice Girl.
Bonkers scoring, too many superfluous dancers, crazy camerawork – a classic Blackpool show, all in all.
DRESS WATCH: Zoe in black wet-look spangles (again). Tess in unflattering navy (again). Darcey in a lace-panelled horror (again). As you were.
It’s Downton Abbey on crack, with fringing galore. Music courtesy of a Jackson 5 medley, but Blame It On The Boogie has been adapted to “we spend our nights in Blackpool”, which is better than ‘Frisco, in many ways. I just can’t think of any of them right now. The celebs are dancing around a bit – interestingly, Steve’s freestyle moves haven’t improved since week one.
Disappointed by the lack of children/OAPs/giant mushrooms - last year was infinitely more bonkers.
And we’re off! No recap tonight, they need the time for the insanity of the Blackpool pro dance.
Can’t comment on Countryfile’s Casual Weatherman tonight, because my beloved is watching the tennis on the red button. The squeaky floor is putting my teeth on edge, and both Djokovic and Murray look like right scruffbags.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, it’s Blackpool Results Show time! I’m positively glittering with excitement in anticipation of a bonkers opening pro dance, possibly involving every sparkly child and OAP in Lancashire. There are also performances from Shirley Bassey and McBusted (more on this coupling later), and a dance off between two couples who aren’t Judy and Anton, because keeping them in has now become a game which the public has embraced wholeheartedly.
Talking of games, can I just salute your outstanding efforts with last night’s drinking game? I read all the comments from start to finish this morning (never have time during the show, alas), and you all showed real commitment and flair, although there was a few stumbles and a lack of coherence towards the end. There was romance, and passion and attack. It’s a 9 from me, we’ll do another for the final.
PS if you’re going to play again tonight, can I recommend herbal tea instead of booze? It is a school night, after all. Down a full cup of Jasmine if Len calls Bruno a “noisy fackin’ twonk”.
See you at 7.15!
So that’s IT for tonight’s Blackpool extravaganza! Thank you all for joining in with your wit, wisdom and drinking game excellence, much appreciated as always. I’ll be back here tomorrow at 7.15pm for the results show, when another couple will be going home. I’m predicting Steve and Ola and Sunetra and Brendan in the dance-off, with Sunetra and Brendan to go home. My predicting has been a bit rubbish of late, however. Any advances?
Come and say hello on Twitter @heidistephens if you’re passing, and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Keeeep dancing! Hx
The vote is open! Recap time! My favourites this evening: Simon and Kristina, Mark and Karen and Pixie and Trent.
Scores: 9,9,9,10 – 37 for Caroline and Pasha. I have no idea what I’m doing here, I didn’t see that at ALL. Oh well.
Len is going to dive off the end of pier if they’re in the dance-off again, apparently. YES YES YES, says Bruno – he loved the theme, something something rule Britannia shouting. Craig thought it was sharp and clean, an absolute triumph. Was I watching something different, or am I just getting tired and grumpy?
Well Pasha dressed as a guardsman is definitely a yes from me. Not sure about Caroline’s ginger spice frock, however. I’d expected this Jive to be better, if I’m honest – Caroline’s kicks feel a bit laboured in places, and her footwork is a bit heavy. Plenty of pace, but not my favourite dance of theirs.
I should have included “Pasha’s terrible acting” in this week’s bingo.
And FINALLY, It’s time for Caroline and Pasha! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Crocodile Rock’ by Elton John. Last week’s rather lovely Waltz put them in the bottom two – I had these two down for the final, so we truly are in the “could be anyone” part of the series. Let’s see what they can pull out of the bag, jive-wise.
Right come on VT, we only need Pasha in an amusement arcade and that’s Strictly drinking game BINGO.
Scores: 7,8,8,8 – a total of 31 for Steve and Ola.
Well done for not being over-zealous in the lifts, says Darcey, but she’d like more light and shade in his movements. Len liked seeing Steve’s gentler side, and the lifts were in character. He’d like to see him more on his toes, however, it’s a bit like “a small man at a urinal”. Bruno thought it rolled along very nicely. Craig thought it showed absolute control – it was cool, calm and collected. However his thumbs were sticking out, and it lacked a little flair.
Steve is dressed as a bouncer, whilst Ola is dressed in a pleated mess of white satin and two sequins. This is actually a reasonably smooth Smooth from Steve, although a bit stiff and ploddy in places. Nice lift at the end.
Updated
Only two couples left! Next up it’s Steve and Ola! Tonight they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by Adele. I still haven’t quite recovered from Steve’s angry Paso last week.
Scores: 9,9,10,10 – a total of 38 for Pixie and Trent. It’s close at the top of the leaderboard tonight.
Craig thought Pixie was an indomitable force – invincible on the dancefloor. Darcey thought it had really attack, but she needs to give the same attention to the upper body as she does her legs. If you were a stick of Blackpool rock, says Len, you’d have ‘talent’ written through you (BONUS DRINK!). Bruno loved the shapes and reach of Pixie’s arms – perfection.
Pixie looks AMAZING (and terrifying) in a pleather binbag. There are also bonus Gladiators. This is a very angry Paso, with some great footwork from Pixie. Insanely camp, but brilliant.
Outdoor fish and chips! DRINK!
It’s time for Pixie and Trent! Tonight they’re performing the Paso Doble to ‘The Eve of War’ by Jeff Wayne. Don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I’m ready to see angry thrusting Trent just yet. He also appears to be dressed as a really camp gladiator.
Scores: 9,9,9,9 – a total of 36 for Mark and Karen.
Bruno can’t believe how far Mark has come in the last few weeks – he was swift and comical with some great Bob Fosse touches. Craig is starting to fall in love, and gets a kiss for his efforts – confident, great swivel, loves it. Darcey and Len agree – everything the other judges have said with knobs on.
More tens, do you think?
Updated
Karen’s outfit is magician’s assistant, as interpreted by Anne Summers. Some great swivel from Mark, and like all his dances it’s got plenty of commitment. His timing wanders on occasion and it gets a bit untidy, but bags of personality and a proper Charleston. Enjoyed that lots.
Updated
Next up it’s Mark and Karen! This week they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘We No Speak Americano’ by Yolanda Be Cool. Mark’s jive a few weeks ago demonstrated his ability to manage complex footwork and timing, so I’ve got high hopes for this.
Judy gets lovely dresses. Somebody in wardrobe is clearly getting free Wimbledon tickets.
Scores: 4,6,7,7 – a total of 24 for Judy and Anton.
Len thought it was like candyfloss - light and fluffy, but a bit sticky in places. Still, Judy’s best dance so far. Bruno thought it was recognisable as a Viennese waltz, but a bit more Mary Sloppy than Mary Poppins (note to Bruno: Mary Sloppins would have been better, must try harder). Craig points out that it went wrong at the beginning, posture appalling, heavy as lead etc. etc.. But agrees with Len that it was Judy’s best.
Judy is dressed as candyfloss, and is dicking around with balloons. It’s a Viennese Waltz, inasmuch as there is definitely some one-two-three footwork and spinning. But stiffer than Blackpool pier, alas. Still, quite charming, and Judy is definitely improving.
Ooh, she’s drifting off on some balloons like the house in Up.
It’s time for Judy and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ from the musical Mary Poppins.
This could be three minutes of Judy being a delightfully floaty kite on the breeze, or three minutes of Anton trying to wrestle a bundle of broken wood and knotted string into the air in a hurricane.
Apparently Len said something rude. I missed it. Was it “winner, winner, chicken dinner?”
Scores: 8,10,10,10 – a total of 38 for Simon and Kristina. See, told you.
Don’t run up the stairs, Kristina. That dress is barely more than a torn Quality Street wrapper and some elastic bands.
Updated
Wow, says Darcey – Simon was intense, passionate and totally in charge. Len thought it was “finger-licking good” (No. NO). Bruno thought Simon was masterful, with a spectacular climax. Craig thought it was a bit stiff in places, and Simon’s hands are like icecream scoops, but he did love it.
Three tens, I reckon?
Well this is actually a pretty sharp effort from Simon, although he needs to stop looking down, as he loses his frame. But some great lifts, some nice footwork, and a very decent attempt at mood and passion. Enjoyed very much.
Did I see Kiss Me Quick hats earlier, or were they just pink cowboy hats? Either way, DRINK.
Len wants Simon and Kristina to capture the mood of a sleazy nightclub in Buenos Aires. I was in the Soho branch of that nightclub last night.
It’s time for Simon and Kristina! Tonight they’re performing the Argentine Tango to ‘El Tango De Roxanne’ from the film Moulin Rouge. It’s the first Argentine of the series, so expect it to be treated like the second coming.
To be honest, I think Vince and Flav last night may have spoiled me for other Argentine Tangos.
Scores: 6,8, 8, 8 – a total of 30 for Sunetra and Brendan. “We got an 8 for that?” asks Sunetra. You and the rest of the nation, Sunetra.
Craig thought it was loose and disconnected, and Sunetra was struggling. Darcey thought it was vibrant and flamboyant, but her footwork gets untidy. Still, full of party fun. Len thought it was the most energetic and vibrant he’s seen Sunetra dance Latin. Bruno loved the bouncing bunnies – it was “flirtful” (eh?), but it needed more polish.
Brendan’s shaking his cocktails, whilst Sentra appears to be on a hen night. Far too many women on this dancefloor. Sunetra’s arms are lovely as always, but that’s about the best thing I can say about this. It’s messy and chaotic, and now Sunetra’s arms have gone too. So pretty much every hen night I’ve ever been on.
Also the worst rendition of Scissor Sisters ever. If I was Jake Shears, I’d sue.
Updated
It’s time for Sunetra and Brendan! This week they’re performing the Samba to ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ by Scissor Sisters. This should have been Judy and Anton’s song, really.
I’m quite looking forward to Sunetra’s Samba – her previous Latin outings have an air of drunken dancefloor abandon that I can totally relate to.
Scores: 9,9,9,9 – a total of 36 for Jake and Janette. And the first 9 of the series from Craig!
Bruno thought it was badass and sassy, but he lost impetus in the lifts. Craig liked the artistry in Jake’s hands, although the almost went awry. Darcey thought it was stylish and sophisticated, and Len agrees – Jake put the “oo” in moody.
I’d also forgotten that Blackpool Week includes random extras. Jake is looking edible in tails, and Janette’s red dress is fabulous. It’s a bit bitty for a Smooth, and is mostly about Jake trying to push the extras off the dancefloor. Nice storytelling, but would have liked to see more Foxtrot, personally.
Updated
Who’s next? It’s Jake and Janette! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Feeling Good’ by Nina Simone. Or possibly Michael Buble.
Scores: 8,9,10,10 – a total of 37 for Frankie and Kevin, and the first TEN FROM LEN. The crowd’s gone wild.
Is anyone still standing?
Len was excited to watch it – it was a Kiss Me Quickstep that was as bright as the Blackpool illuminations (DRINK DRINK DRINK). Bruno thought they were jet-propelled, and Frankie didn’t put a foot wrong. Craig loved how Frankie used the floor, but she lost her frame on occasion and her feet don’t always come together. Darcey thought it was a frantic, rocking Quickstep with a beautiful top line.
BLACKPOOL ROCK JOKE! DRINK!
Frankie appears to be wearing a dress fashioned from Bay City Roller cast-offs and dismembered Rupert the Bears. Ah, I’d forgotten the insanity of Blackpool camerawork and floor graphics.
It’s a feisty Quickstep from Frankie, but something’s not quite right with her feet – maybe turned in a bit? Otherwise great fun, enjoyed very much.
Updated
Right, let’s crack on with some dancing. First up it’s Frankie and Kevin! This week they’re performing the Quickstep to ‘A Town Called Malice’ by The Jam. Frankie’s footwork and stamina are usually pretty spot on, so I have high hopes for this one. Also a brilliant song.
Alison is in the audience! She wasn’t kidding when she said she was coming to Blackpool. WHAT THE HELL IS TRENT WEARING?
Iveta is now 20 feet in the air, looking like she has giant legs. Zoe and Tess are far too close to the camera, it’s unsettling.
Out come the judges, doing some terrible wedding disco dancing. Also unsettling.
Pro dance time! Iveta sprinkling glitter from the top of a rotating staircase, whilst an adorable child sings ABBA. Lots of slo-mo spinning and floaty waltzing. Well this is lovely.
Out come Tess and Zoe! DRESS WATCH: Tess in a fucshia/navy combo that’s actually really rather fabulous, Zoe in a boxy mermaid shroud. A resounding win for Tess.
Updated
Simon and Kristina are pretending to get a black cab to Blackpool *waves goodbye to the nation’s license fee*
Anyhoo, on with tonight’s show. BLACKPOOL! Some locals talk about how excited they are about Strictly coming to town, with Blackpool looking a bit bleak in the background. Welcome to Bleakpool.
I’m not sure this is the best time of year to showcase its charms, to be honest.
Just for info, I won’t be here next Saturday, as I’m HAVING A NIGHT OFF. And what does one do with a night off from the Strictly liveblog, you ask? Well of course I’m taking my sister to Strictly. I will be back on Sunday for the results show, however, which I promise to keep spoiler-free.
Not sure who’s standing in for me on Saturday, but am sure you’ll be in very safe hands.
Updated
So last night I pottered off to London with a couple of friends to watch Vincent and Flavia’s stage show “Dance ‘Til Dawn”. If you haven’t seen it and have the opportunity, I can’t recommend it enough – it was all kinds of fabulous, even taking into consideration my aversion to musical theatre.
It wasn’t the cheapest show I’ve ever been to (£3 panto at the village hall: absolute bargain), but totally worth it. Go if you can.
Updated
Important Pointless question of the day: Is Keith Chegwin incredibly short, or is Andrew Castle a giant?
Good evening, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool liveblog seaside special! Our dancing couples have been hauled up the M40/M6 on the BBC charabanc, all the way to the spiritual home of sparkly dance, Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
First order of the evening – setting the terms for this year’s Strictly Blackpool Bingo drinking game. Let’s face it, it’s the only way we’re going to make it through the night.
So, it’s a slug of your tipple of fancy for any occurrence of the following:
• A dreadful rock interpretation included purely for the purpose of a laboured Tess pun about Blackpool Rock
• Kiss Me Quick hats
• An unlikely VT involving Pasha shovelling coins into fruit machines
• Awkward outdoor consumption of fish and chips
• Len describing one of the female dancers as “a Blackpool illumination”
I’ll be here from 7pm to keep an eye on every Rocky Rumba and Kiss Me Quickstep (see what I did there? Zoe/Tess, you can have that one for free). Do join in with your comments in the box below, they are the glittering illuminations to my slightly bleak coastal outlook.
See you at 7!
