So that’s it for another week! Thank you everyone for joining in. I’m off on my annual jolly to the Strictly studio next Saturday, so I won’t be around for the liveblog. There will be stand-in, however, and I’ll be back on Sunday for the (spoiler-free) results show.
Do follow me on Twitter @heidistephens if you don’t already, I’ll try to post my annual photo of me hugging Aljaz slightly too tightly. Have a brilliant week! Hx
So let’s go through the voting motions. Everybody saves Kellie and Kevin, so it’s time for Carol and Pasha to leave the dancefloor. She’s had a wonderful time, and says lovely things about Pasha, who returns the compliment with bells on. This is why I love Strictly so much.
You’ve got to hand it to Carol, she’s entirely game and she’s giving it both barrels. Neither of them are loaded, but still.
Dance off time! It’s Kevin’s first experience at the bottom, but unless Kellie puts a packing box on her head and does the Macarena, they’ll live to dance another day.
Foul pink trousers aside, this is a lovely Waltz. I think they’ll be around for a few weeks yet.
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Craig reminds Carol that’s she’s lovely, and that he’s only mean about her when she’s dancing. I love Craig.
Never has a dance-off been more academic. But hey, we get to see Kellie and Kevin unpacking boxes again, so that’s something.
Which means the second couple in the dance-off: CAROL AND PASHA! Oh thank goodness. Carol, you are lovely and delightful and Pasha is mostly to die for, but it’s time to retire with what tiny shreds of your dignity remain.
So who is joining Kellie and Kevin in the dance-off? Georgia and Joe Varney are safely through to next week, along with Jay and Aliona, Jamelia and Tristan (Jamelia looks thrilled, Tristan less so), and Helen and Aljaz, who needs a paper bag to breathe into.
Time for Len’s Lens. The perfect opportunity to give my curry a final stir.
It’s no ‘Kiss From A Rose’, is it? But by Strictly standards, pretty darn good.
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It’s time for a musical interlude, courtesy of Seal. I’m a big fan of his early 90s hits, haven’t heard any of his more recent stuff. If the audience doesn’t clap along, it’s a seal joke wasted.
All the celebs are in Covent Garden for the Poppy Appeal. My sister Angie was there that day (she’s in the RAF), and got a massive hug from Jay. Ooh, I’ve just spotted her having a selfie with Jay and Aliona! Go sis!
First couple in the dance off: KELLIE AND KEVIN. Blimey, didn’t see that coming, and neither did Kellie, by the looks of it.
They were in the top half of the leaderboard, but I’m guessing the audience has had their fill of their sugary-sweet vintage romance thing, or maybe just objected strongly to Kevin’s heinous shirt.
So which couples are safely through to next week, and who is in tonight’s dance-off? Anita and Gleb are safe, along with Jeremy and Karen (inevitable), Peter and Janette and Katie and Anton (ooh, interesting).
Last night on Strictly – a cracking show, with some showstopping performances from Peter and Janette, Jay and Aliona, Anita and Gleb and Georgia and Giovanni.
Making up the “good effort” middle ground was Helen and Aljaz, Kellie and Kevin, Jamelia and Tristan and Katie and Anton. Jeremy and Karen provided the comedy turn, complete with a homage to Vladimir Putin on a giant plastic horse that haunted my dreams last night.
And then there was Carol and Pasha. The less said about that the better, really.
Tess and Claudia Dress Watch: Tess in another asymmetric slasher frock with a cutaway armpit, Claudia in a wet-look binbag. Awful. 2/10 just for ditching the beach towel.
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And we’re off! Tonight’s pro dance has a remembrance day jive theme, with a bit of Glenn Miller’s ‘In The Mood’ and vintage uniforms all round. Joanna’s leading the sing-song, possibly as an audition for the Dave Arch singers. It all gets a bit weird towards the end, not sure why Major Du Beke is skulking around in his office. Still, all very jolly.
Casual Countryfile Weatherperson update: the dashing John Hammond, in a very sensible grey shirt and jeans. Very smart-casual, well done John.
It’s been a while since we last enjoyed a Cotton Eye Joe check shirt, I’m worried someone at the BBC has Had A Word.
Have we all purchased our Countryfile Calendar? It includes a picture of a laughing hedgehog, what’s not to love?
Over on Countryfile, JB is in full farmer attire, showing off his turkeys. Now he’s left JLS, he’s like an urban version of Alex James from Blur. I’m not making this up, honest.
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Apparently Tree Of The Year is a thing. Who knew?
Now they’ve crowned the UK’s Trees Of The Year, they’ll compete against European trees. Presumably the winners will qualify for Miss Tree 2015. I wonder if there’s a “swimsuit made of leaves” round.
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Over on Countryfile, Matt Baker has a calf pinned up against a wall. I missed the first bit, was stirring my curry.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for tonight’s Strictly results show! Last night was a corker, I thought, with some great dancing and (in the immortal words of Len Goodman) a good deal less faffing about.
Last night I predicted Carol and Pasha in the dance-off tonight, along with Jamelia and Tristan or maybe Katie and Anton. Part of me wonders if the public might give poor Jamelia a week off (before booting her off next week), as her Viennese was actually very decent. We shall find out at 7.15, so join me then!
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So that’s it for another show! Thank you all for joining in, this blog is considerably more fun for having you all in it.
My prediction for this week’s bottom two…I’m going to say Carol and Pasha (their time is up, surely?) and Katie and Anton, although could equally be Jamelia and Tristan. We’ll find out tomorrow in the Results Show, so join me back here then at 7.15pm. In the meantime have a lovely evening, keep dogs indoors, never return to a lit firework, check your bonfire for hedgehogs, and keeeep dancing! Cheers, Hx
My favourite dances of the night tonight – Peter and Janette and Jay and Aliona. Least favourite - Carol and Pasha. But much better dancing tonight, I thought – things are definitely on the up in Strictly world.
Leaderboard check – Peter and Janette at the top, and Carol and Pasha at the bottom. The lines are open!
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 – a total of 35 for Georgia and Giovanni.
Bruno thought it was premier league, an outstanding performance despite a few balance issues. Craig loved how Georgia handled the speed of the routine, albeit she lost a bit of the technique along the way. Darcey loved how they ate up the dancefloor, a fabulous dance. Len thought it was hot and spicy, and Georgia and Giovanni killed it.
I love the way Georgia calls him Joe Varney. Also loving her fabulous hat, is she planning to stand up any time soon? Ooh, suddenly this has burst into Samba, with great hip action from Georgia and a bit of Macarena for good measure. All gets a bit scruffy in the Samba walks and her arms are a bit wild in places, and I’d love to see more flow in the transitions. But bags of content and great fun, good finish to the show.
Andy finally, it’s Georgia and Giovanni! This week they’re dancing the Samba to ‘Volare’ by The Gipsy Kings. I really want to warm to Georgia as she’s a lovely dancer, and looks like she might be a bit of a laugh. After last week’s mummified Samba from Helen and Aljaz, I’d love to see a proper party dance from two people who look like they’re actually having a good time. Is that too much to ask?
Scores: 4, 6, 6, 5 – a total of 21 for Jeremy and Karen.
Len didn’t know what to expect, but it was wild, wacky and fun. Bruno thought it was a glorious disaster. Craig thought it had a staccato nature, but he enjoyed Jeremy’s bottom jigging past the desk. Darcey loved Jeremy’s determination and Tango face, and there was great improvement in his top line, albeit he couldn’t hold it to the end. But Darcey will never get bored of watching him.
Jeremy is trying to control a giant plastic horse. They say it takes two to Tango, and this is identifiably a Tango, albeit one that’s about as pedestrian as it comes. But Jeremy is clearly having the time of his life, and I’m beginning to love him. I haven’t laughed this much in ages.
Who’s next? It’s Jeremy and Karen! This week they’re dancing the Tango to ’Go West’ by The Village People, with Jeremy dressed as a cowboy. I’m guessing this Tango is going to be camper than a handbag full of rainbows, because the only hope Jeremy has now is playing it for laughs.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 – a total of 32 for Kellie and Kevin. Kellie does a very good job of pretending to be delighted.
Darcey loved the quality and finesse, and the strength in Kellie’s core, but her right shoulder is still wonky. Len thought it was full of charm and grace, and he loved the double-reverse turns at the beginning. Bruno thought it was beautifully detailed and wonderfully acted, but Kellie needs to relax her shoulders for more fluidity. Craig thought she lost her balance but recovered well – a lovely routine.
Kellie and Kevin are wearing hellish outfits that don’t match in any way. It’s a nice Waltz, and I definitely saw some heel leads. Kellie has a lovely top line, bit of a wobble at the end but charming and sweet. Enjoyed.
Are we wearing poppies in training now? For goodness sake.
Only three couples left, and it’s time for Kellie and Kevin! This week they’re dancing the Waltz to ‘Love Ain’t Here Anymore’ by Take That. I had a Strictly catch-up with my mum earlier this week and discovered that she finds Kellie deeply annoying, although she couldn’t really explain why. My mum is team Jay and Aliona, by the way, although she’d accept Anita and Gleb at a push.
Scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 – a total of 34 for Anita and Gleb. Anita makes a noise like a weasel stuck in a drainpipe.
Len nearly said a bad word, but rescued it just in time. Take note, Bruno.
Craig thought it was fast and furious, although it lacked a bit of jive style. Darcey (covered in glitter squares), thought it had great energy, although Anita’s footwork could have been better. Len thought it was full of sharp kicks and flicks, and he’s full of praise for their terrific Jive. Bruno thought they were on fire, and in good control of the performance – their best dance yet.
Anita are dressed as cleaners, and the nagging has already begun. They are jiving with mops, and there’s some great footwork and energy from Anita. Ooh, Gleb is doing press-ups, which is nice. Some of the transitions are a bit clunky and her kicks lose energy towards the end, but good work.
In training, many many children. Drink everything you can find.
It’s time for Anita and Gleb! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘The Boy Does Nothing’ by Alesha Dixon. Mostly this song is a giant nag-fest about a man who doesn’t pull his weight domestically. Poor Gleb better get his rubber gloves on and start scrubbing.
Scores: 6,7,7,6 - a total of 26 for Katie and Anton.
Bruno thought it started well, but then Katie’s footwork and frame went. Craig thought it was a challenging routine that didn’t quite happen, but a great effort. Darcey thought she was light on her feet, but after lots of mistakes it all fall apart. Len thought parts of it were classy, and other parts were faulty. Katie lost control, but it was a fantastic performance.
Katie looks all kinds of fabulous in a feathery white trumpet. Proper classic Quickstep, with bags of energy and some cracking footwork from Katie. However her top line is all over the place and there’s a dodgy bit in the middle where Katie’s footwork goes awry. A shame, as I really enjoyed that. In the words of Bruce, SO much better than last week.
Next up it’s Katie and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘42nd Street’ from the musical 42nd Street. Very glad to see Anton back in more familiar ballroom territory, the last couple of weeks have been quite harrowing for all of us.
Scores: 8,9,8,9 - a total of 34 for Jay and Aliona. Jay is crying, Aliona is pointing at the phone number, DRINK.
Len tought it was a polished performance - sleek , slick and a nice intensity. Len would have loved a bit more emotion in Jay’s face. Bruno thought it had a great focus, and his lines were picture-perfect. Craig agrees with Len about needing more intensity in Jay’s acting, and he wanted more Argentine Tango kicks. Darcey thought the execution was perfect, but she wanted more fire and desire from Jay.
HOW MANY WEEKS BEFORE JAY EMOTES?
The prop lamppost is back, and Aliona is giving it full Argentine. Jay’s leg action is sharp and crisp, and this has plenty of drama and intricate moves. Some great lifts too, I’d have loved a bit more passion and emotion from Jay, but a great dance.
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I’m loving the lack of comedy VTs this week. Actual training footage is brilliant, who knew?
Next up it’s Jay and Aliona! Tonight they’re dancing the Argentine Tango to ‘Diferente’ by The Gotan Project. I cannot tell you how badly I want Jay to discover his inner sex god and for this to be amazing. I don’t care if he’s acting or it’s for real, he just needs to emote for his life. EMOTE, Jay. Give me PASSION AND FILTH.
Scores: 8,8,7,8 - a total of 31 for Helen and Aljaz.
Darcey was transported into their love story, but Len didn’t think it had enough basic Rumba and lacked content. Bruno thought it was intense and beautiful, but the hip action needed more Cuban flow. Craig loved the drama and storytelling, and he and Len have a barney about what constitutes a Rumba.
Helen is seducing a bare-chested Aljaz, as you would. Her ballet training is coming in to its own, with some lovely shaping and spins. But not enough Rumba hip action, and it all seems a bit stiff to me. Like watching two very beautiful dolls dance, I need more passion.
VT friends are just as bad as kids and grandparents. DRINK.
Next up it’s Helen and Aljaz! Tonight they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘Hello” by Adele. How very current of them. Helen’s hips showed a bit of Samba promise last week, but she’s going to need to up her figure-of-eight game if she’s going to deliver a romantic Rumba. Although Aljaz’s hips rarely disappoint, so that’s something.
Scores: 3,5,5,4 - a total of 17 for Carol and Pasha.
Craig thought it was like watching a bumper car ride, and her flexed foot look ugly. However a vast improvement on last week. Darcey thought it had great confidence and energy, and her arms had more grace and feeling. But she lost her focus towards the end. Len thinks her footwork needs work, along with everything else. Bruno loves how consistently awful Carol is (I’m paraphrasing, but that’s the gist).
Pasha is pretending to wrap gifts, Carol is dressed in a flasher mac. About a week and one costume change later, there is some dancing, although it’s not very smooth. Carol’s footwork is horrible, her frame looks the coat hanger is still in her dress, and it’s all just clunky and awful. No.
Who’s next? It’s Carol and Pasha! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Man! I feel Like a Woman’ by Shania Twain, as opposed to last week’s Rumba, which was danced to ‘Man! I feel like a carved wooden bookend in the shape of a weatherperson.’
All it will take is a decent Waltz, Carol, and we’ll never remind you of the World’s Most Uncomfortable Rumba again.
Incidentally, Carol and Jamelia have been put in the Slots of Death this week. I think we all know how tomorrow’s dance-off is going to go.
Scores: 7,7,7,7 - a total of 28 for Jamelia and Tristan.
Bruno thought it had great flow and movement, although Jamelia needs to extend her back and there were some gapping issues. Craig agrees the top line was problematic and had grace until Tristan crashed into the guitar. Darcey thought Jamelia looked beautiful, but lost her line when she got dizzy. Len thought they breezed through it, with lovely footwork and rotation - if they’re in the dance off this week Len will pickle his walnuts.
Jamelia looks gorgeous in scarlet, wardrobe have finally given her a decent outfit. This is a quite charming waltz, with plenty of swing and sway and some great footwork by Jamelia. She loses her top line in the middle and there’s some gapping, but nice. It was nice. Nice is good.
Next up it’s Jamelia and Tristan! Tonight they’re perform the Viennese Waltz to ‘Trouble’ by Ray LaMontagne. Jamelia has been in trouble for weeks, and will almost certainly be back in the bottom two this week unless she and Tristan can pull off a showstopping Viennese. Keeping her left leg in the same hemisphere as her right would be an excellent start.
Poor Tess has lost her voice. It actually suits her.
Scores: 9,10,10,9 - a total of 28 for Peter and Janette. Peter looks like he might implode.
Len thought it was first class, and an absolute showstopper. He even stands up on his new knee. Bruno thought it was just what the doctor ordered, Peter embraced the character and it had lovely music-hall character. Craig thought Peter overbalanced on the lift at the end, but the performance was absolutely exceptional. Darcey thought Peter looked like a professional, it was excellent.
See? This is what we want from Strictly. Love it.
Well this more like it. Despite Peter’s face being entirely batshit throughout, his footwork is sharp and there’s some nice swivel and plenty of personality. Gets a bit scruffy towards the end, but bags of energy and great fun. LOVED that.
First up it’s Peter and Janette! They’ve never been first before, their star is clearly falling. Tonight they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Do your Thing’ by Basement Jaxx. The judges have been telling Peter to stop doing his thing for weeks now, so this could prove confusing. Can he deliver a classy vaudeville Charleston and get himself back up the leaderboard through the medium of gurning?
Out come the judges – Bruno in a turtleneck, Darcey in a sparkly vest and some kind of hip-jewellery. No.
A few alarming costumes from the stars too – no idea what Kevin is wearing, and Jeremy appears to be dressed as Woody from Toy Story. The crowd goes wild for Jay.
Tess and Claudia Dress Watch: Tess in a very lovely back dress, Claudia wrapped in a spotty sarong. 7/10 just for Tess, which is something I’ve literally never said before.
And we’re off! It’s the half way point, only ten couples are left, and the pressure is on. Carol can’t believe she’s still in. Neither can we, Carol. Neither can we.
Tonight’s Strictly Come Bingo – a slug of your favourite tipple for any occurrence of the following (I’m on the white wine):
• Illegal lifts
• Phone hands
• Tess joke tumbleweed
• VTs featuring children or grandparents
• Len firework metaphors (that went off wiv a bang and had plenny of sparkle etc.)
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing Liveblog! We’ve made it past the half way point of this year’s series, and put the evil spectre of Halloween Week behind us. Usually we’ve ejected all the comedy turns by now and the quality of the dancing improves significantly, but inexplicably Carol and Jeremy are still showing us their impressions of drunken relatives at a wedding. I’ve decided to embrace the madness, it’s the only way.
Tonight is also gifting us the first Argentine Tango of the series, courtesy of Jay and Aliona. Could be amazing, could be a dead-eyed disaster, only time will tell. I’ll be up here keeping an eye on every wonky Waltz and ropey Rumba; meanwhile your job is to add plenty of wit and wisdom in the comment box below, you know the drill.
As is traditional on this weekend of the series, I’m home alone while the family have all trotted off to the village bonfire and fireworks. As an added twist, I’m dogsitting a miniature dachshund called Fonzie who keeps trying to climb onto my keyboard, so apologies in advance if things go a bit awry.
Kick-off is at 6.30pm, see you then!
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