So that’s it for another week! Thank you all for joining in, I’ll be back for next week’s QUARTER FINALS, which has a musical feem. So that’s nice. Have a brilliant week, and I’ll see you next Saturday! Keeeeep dancing!
So that’s the end of Peter’s Strictly journey! He makes a heartfelt speech and spreads some love around. Obviously he has plenty more to say, but Tess cuts him off and sends them off to do their final dance to Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’. This could be Peter’s anthem for life.
So who will the judges choose? All of them pretend this is really tough decision, then save Kellie and Kevin.
This is a considerably smoother American Smooth from Peter and Janette, loads better than last night. Too little too late, I fear, but you can’t deny he wants this BAD.
Time for the dance-off! Kellie and Kevin’s Salsa is still a fun and frolic-filled affair, and she’s a much better dancer than Peter by a country mile, so this should be a fairly straightforward affair.
It’s Musicals Week next week. Everything we loved about this week’s show is about to be cast off in favour of crappy props, comedy VTs and bloody jazz hands. BOO TO THIS.
They are singing Dean Martin’s ‘Sway’ in Italian, I think. Or maybe Spanish. Can’t be sure. Lovely bit of Argentine Tango from Natalie and Gleb either way.
More music, this time from professional warble-totty Il Divo, because it wouldn’t be Strictly without wheeling out a bit of tedious popera.
I think the only box we haven’t ticked this series is Katherine Jenkins, but we’ve got three weeks left, so don’t give up hope.
So who else is in the dance-off? Jay and Aliona are safe, along with Katie and Anton and Anita and Gleb.
Second couple in the dance-off…PETER AND JANETTE! Bye.
Did I miss anything good on Len’s Lens? I popped into the kitchen to bung some oven chips in.
Kevin and Karen are dong a contemporary affair that involves a lot of rolling around on the floor. Karen is wearing lace pyjamas. No.
First musical interlude is courtesy of professional Freddie Mercury impersonator and American Idol winner Adam Lambert. Interestingly (or not, depending on how you feel about these things), this performance was recorded two weeks ago when I was in the studio. This is like actual time travel.
Wait, what fresh hell is this? Giovanni just suggested that next week has a THEME, and it’s musicals. A THEME, this late on? Oh Strictly, why do you punish us so?
So who is the first couple in tonight’s dance-off, and who is safely through to next week? Georgia and Giovanni are safe (cue weeping), along with Helen and Aljaz.
First couple in the dance-off tonight is…KELLIE AND KEVIN! I claim my ten pounds.
Kellie is feeling OK about being in the dance-off, possibly because she knows there’s a fair chance she’s up against Peter and Janette.
Last night on Strictly: a corker of a show. Fabulous dancing from Helen and Aljaz, Georgia and Giovanni and Jay and Aliona, fair-to-middling from Kellie and Kevin, Katie and Anton and Anita and Gleb. Peter and Janette was a bit lacking, I think Peter may have peaked in Week One.
Also: Len being more random than usual, Bruno waving his 9 and 10 paddles like a man possessed, and the Quickstepathon. Less said about that the better, frankly.
Tess and Claudia dress watch: Tess in a wet body bag and Dynasty hair, Clauds in another black off-the-shoulder affair over a nasty white vest. Both are awful, 2/10.
Updated
And we’re off! Tonight’s opening pro dance is a homage to 80s Levis ads, involving pastel dungaree-clad women stripping off Giovanni, Tristan and Aljaz in a launderette. This gets my full support.
Updated
Ooh, it’s Carol! In possibly the most British opportunity ever, she’s inviting us to be a BBC Weather Watcher. I’d LOVE to, obviously, but I’m going to try having a life instead. Thanks anyway Carol!
Updated
Countryfile Casual Weatherperson Update: a man in what looks like either a) a zip-up maroon shirt or b) a really fitted bomber jacket. His belt has an annoying flappy bit.
Weather for the coming week: shit.
Over on Countryfile, they are painting Dartmoor ponies with neon yellow stripes. I’ve only just switched on, so I’m assuming it’s some kind of ‘80s revival. Later they’ll be watching NEIGH-bours.
Here all week, folks.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back to tonight’s Strictly Results show! Last night was one of my favourite shows of the series so far, I think – some fabulous dancing, great music, no dodgy themes or comedy VTs, and just the right length for the tired liveblogger. We’ll just pretend the Quickstepathon never happened.
Tonight another couple are leaving the Strictly dancefloor for good, their glitterball dreams in tatters. I really can’t see it being anyone else other than Peter and Janette, unless the Andre Fandom (is that still a thing?) has gone all-out to save him. Last night I predicted Kellie and Kevin in the dance-off with them, and I’m sticking with that – I think Anita and Gleb have a huge following and will live to dance another day.
Kick-off is at 7.20pm, see you then!
So that’s it for another show! That had all my favourite things – great dancing, proper training footage in the VTs, only Bruno wanging out insane scoring, appropriate music choices. I am very happy, can you tell? Loved Helen and Aljaz’s Viennese and Jay and Aliona’s Tango in particular.
I’ll be back here tomorrow at 7.20pm for the results show – I reckon Peter and Janette and Kellie and Kevin in the bottom two this week, what do you think? Think the Anita/Gleb fanclub will save them, but either way Peter is going home.
Thank you all for joining in, am off read all your comments and you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens if you want to say hello. Otherwise I’ll see you tomorrow - cheers, Hx
So Helen and Aljaz are still at the top of the leader board by a country mile. Craig admits that the male celebs are at a disadvantage as they have to lead on a crowded floor, but gave him bottom marks anyway. Harsh.
7th place - Peter and Janette, 6th Kellie and Kevin, 5th Jay and Aliona, 4th Anita and Gleb, 3rd Katie and Anton, 2nd Georgia and Giovanni and Helen and Aljaz took first place!
Anybody know what to look at? Nope, me neither. Everybody is skipping in circles, although Peter and Janette look more tentative than the rest. The daughter has declared Helen’s dress her favourite, which is not very helpful. Some lovely spins from Jay and Aliona at the end there.
Updated
The rules of the Quickstepathon are thus: all seven couples cram onto a dance floor roughly the size of your mum’s patio and do a Quickstep for about 30 seconds. Somehow the judges manage to watch all of them at once and arbitrarily scatter points in the general direction of whoever they like best. We all grumble about shoddy camerawork and the general futility of it all, then drink large amounts of wine. Everybody ready?
Leaderboard so far – Helen and Aljaz at the top, with Peter and Janette and Anita and Gleb at the bottom. But it’s Quickstepathon time, so everything could change!
Updated
Scores: 8,8,8,9 - a total of 33 for Georgia and Giovanni. Can someone take Bruno’s 9 away?
Craig wanted more Spanish line, but it was a dynamic and fantastic routine. Darcey loved the power and energy, but Georgia needs to control her shoulders. Len thought it had too much dress wafting and a bit too aggressive, but a lovely performance. Bruno thought they rocked the Paso Doble, but Georgia was too tense in the shoulders.
BA-BA BA BAAAA, BA BA BAH-BAH-BAAAAH.
Georgia is wearing a dead crow, whilst Giovanna is looking splendid in black leather. It’s quite a stampy affair, with a fierce performance from Georgia and some lovely arms. Goodness, I’m quite out of breath. Loved that.
And finally it’s Georgia and Giovanni! Tonight they’re dancing the Paso Doble to Europe’s anthem ‘The Final Countdown’, which is an excellent example of 80s soft-rock cheese. I’m guessing this Paso is going to be joyously camp, which is absolutely fine by me.
Gleb did phone hands. You can go off someone, you know.
And now he’s doing the splits. Better.
Scores: 7,8,7,9 - a total of 31 for Anita and Gleb. Oh, Bruno.
Bruno thought it was a tale of endless love, soft and rounded but the hip action could have been more pronounced. Craig thought it was a bit spiky and it had a bit too much attack, but loved the contemporary feel. Darcey thought it was a polished performance – great focus and intent, Gleb is working her well. A few technical shortfalls but Darcey loved it. Len didn’t enjoy it – it had an illegal lift and lacked basic Rumba, and wasn’t Len’s cup of tea.
I agree with Len.
Shame about Anita’s net curtain dress, you can’t really see what her hips are doing. But some lovely shaping and great storytelling, just feels a bit sexless and sterile and not much Rumba. Just me?
Updated
It’s Anita and Gleb! Tonight they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘Read All About It’ by Emeli Sande. After last week’s kick-ass Paso we know Anita can do fierce and passionate, but can she do the dance of lurrrve? And does it matter, if we’ve got Gleb’s hips to look at?
Scores: 7,8,8,8 - a total of 31 for Peter and Janette.
Len thought it was joyful and he enjoyed the performance, but a bit hunchy in hold. Bruno thought it was sweet and he embraced the theme, but agrees with Len that it lacked flow in hold. Craig wanted longer lines, then has a fight with Darcey about how Peter put the cupcake down. Darcey loved the charm and storytelling, and there was a very impressive one-handed lift. It was a bit careful in places – Peter was holding back.
Peter is flogging cupcakes when Janette turns up in a spotty dress. It’s charming and cutesy and everything, but Peter’s technique is patchy and his frame is all over the (cupcake) shop. Also that free arm looks like a coal shovel. Not my favourite.
It’s time for Peter and Janette! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Sweetest Feeling’ by Jackie Wilson. Peter has probably made a six-part Channel 5 series about his Blackpool Rollercoaster Of Emotions by now, so expect heartfelt speeches and begging. Peter knows he’s on borrowed time.
Scores: 9,10,9,10 - a total of 38 from Jay and Aliona.
Oh my, says Darcey; Jay and Aliona were working as one and it was superb, particularly the modern choreography. Len thought Jay missed one or two heel leads, but Jay plotted his way around the floor and it was a mango of a tango (what the hell is Len on this evening?). Bruno was boiling over with delight – strong, compelling and focussed and great use of the music. Craig thought it was clean and staccato, and he absolutely adored it.
Well this is rather fabulous. Great footwork and pace and lovely shaping from Jay, and a really ambitious routine. I expect the judges will want more Tango Face, but easily the best Tango we’ve seen this series. Not sure about the Val Kilmer in Top Gun hair, however.
More proper training footage! Oh Strictly, you are spoiling us.
Updated
Next up it’s Jay and Aliona! Tonight they’re dancing the Tango to Prince’s ‘When Doves Cry’. This is one of my favourite songs ever, so I badly want this to be brilliant. Jay just about managed a Salsa face last week, can he arrange his adorable puppy features into a fearsome Tango face? I hope so, I’m going Christmas shopping with my mum on Monday, and she adores Jay. If he goes out this week I’m pretty sure somehow it will be my fault.
Pointing at the numbers is the new phone hands. STOP IT.
Scores: 9,10,10,10 - a fabulous 39 for Helen and Aljaz.
Craig thought it had beautiful rotation and lovely storytelling, and agrees with me on the GAWJUS. Darcey thought Helen was a treasure to watch, with lovely details and feeling. Len says “tickle my bum and call me Donald” – it was a match made in heaven. Bruno was charmed to the core, everything came together perfectly and they looked weightless, like they were dancing on a cloud.
Helen is pining for her long-lost lover, and this is already super-romantic and fabulous. Lovely footwork, great top line from Helen, bags of spinning, great singing from Dave Arch singer Hayley. Everything I ask from a Viennese, GAWJUS.
More training footage! This makes me very happy. Keep drinking everyone.
It’s time for Helen and Aljaž! This week they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘At Last’ by Etta James. Love this dance, love this song, please let this be entirely gorgeous.
Interestingly Helen is shaping up to be this year’s marmite contestant, which I don’t think we envisaged at the start of the series. Personally I enjoy her dancing, but there’s something about her that’s just all a bit…too perfect, maybe? Like she always takes her makeup off before bed, has never scoffed an entire Easter egg in one go, and never gets filthy drunk and falls asleep in her clothes.
Scores: 7,8,8,9 - total of 32 for Katie and Anton. Really, Bruno?
Bruno thought it was drop dead gorgeous, and compares Katie to a high-class courtesan, which is nice. Katie’s lines were some of the best she’s ever done, but her hooks weren’t quite sharp enough. Craig agrees, her footwork wasn’t quite right and she needed to bounce off Anton’s inner thigh more (boak), but otherwise wonderful. Darcey loved the impact, but it lacked clarity in places. Len thought it was a fantastic dance, but it was a bit open in places and needed to be more compact.
Updated
I love Katie’s green dress, and this all gets off to a blistering start. Sharp footwork from Katie, but you could drive a bus between them – is there meant to be that much gapping? A lot of Anton dragging her around the floor, somehow this doesn’t look quite right to me. Hmm.
Next up (in the slot of death) is Katie and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Argentine Tango to Ástor Piazzolla’s ‘Libertango’. I’m worried for Katie tonight, it’s a critical point in the competition to be dancing an Argentine with Latin-flunker Anton. Basically she needs to be quite a lot better than him if they’re going to pull this off.
Scores: 8,8,9,9 - a total 34 for Kellie and Kevin.
Len thought it was GR8, like two sizzling sausages on a barbecue. Kellie’s bum was bionic, and other than a wobble it was nothing but fabulous. Bruno thought they were like two courting fireflies (eh?), and Craig thought it had great hips and fantastic energy, although it lost a bit of fluidity in and out of the lifts. Darcey thought Kellie was putting too much effort into the lifts, she needs to let Kevin do all the work.
Kevin’s on his phone, so Kellie throws a drink on him. There is text messaging, how modern. It’s a bright and breezy Salsa, with great hip action from Kellie, but all a bit clunky in and out of the lifts and a bit stompy in places. Preferred Jayliona’s Salsa last week, I think.
Talking of Kellie, she and Kevin are first up tonight - they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson 5. Whatever your opinion of Kellie (and wardrobe clearly loathe her with a passion), her Latin routines with Kevin are always entertaining, so I’m quite looking forward to this.
Training footage! DRINK!
Meanwhile Craig has grown a silly panto beard, and Darcey is dressed as a smurf. As for the stars, Anita’s wearing Ikea curtains, and Helen has boob fringing. Kellie still being punished by wardrobe, I see. What DID she do?
Tess and Claudia dress watch: Tess in a white corrugated coffin lining, Claudia in an off-the shoulder deckchair. 3/10.
And we’re off! It’s time to kick off all things Strictly. Seven couples remain, and the focus is on the training room. Quick, start drinking!
Ooh, RAF stations on Pointless. I’d be good at that one, my dad was in the RAF and I’ve lived in lots of them. Upavon, Northwood, Cottesmore, St Athan...
As for singles including the word ‘fly’, how about Superfly Guy by S-Express?
Tonight’s Strictly Come Bingo – a swig of your favourite tipple for any occurrence of the following:
• VTs featuring actual training footage
• An outfit for Kellie that doesn’t look like it was bought with the last of her wartime ration coupons
• A music choice that is appropriate for the dance we are all watching
• A score from Darcey that is appropriate for the dance she is judging
• A flying pig
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing Liveblog! After last week’s jolly jaunt to Blackpool, we’re down to seven couples and only three weeks until the Grand Final. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, consider this a first notification that you should probably get on with it. I’ll remind you again next week.
After Jamelia’s departure last week (and I think we’ve all aired our views about that dance-off shambles, so probably best to move on), it’s anyone’s game from here on – Georgia and Giovanna are ahead on scores, but Anita and Gleb are definitely ones to watch. Meanwhile Jay and Aliona could easily take the win if Jay’s Journey from poodle-haired introvert to heartthrob dance god makes it to a satisfying Charleston climax.
Meanwhile any one of Katie and Anton, Kellie and Kevin and Helen and Aljaz could be joining them in the final, but for me Peter and Janette are currently most likely to make their exit this week. Feel free to disagree in the comment box, it’s what it’s there for.
Tonight’s show kicks off at 6.50pm with all seven couples taking to the floor, followed by the catchily-named Quickstepathon. Even though this sounds like a charity aerobics event, it’s actually this year’s version of the Swingathon, which is historically rubbish. I can’t WAIT.
I’ll be up here doing my thing, while you all share your wit and wisdom down below - if you don’t know the drill by now, what the hell have I been doing all these years? See you later!
Updated
