So that’s it for another Strictly Week! I’ll be back next Saturday for a blessedly theme-free week, so please join me back here then; in the meantime I’m on Twitter @heidistephens if you fancy saying hello. Thank you to everyone who joined in below the line - without your sequins and glitter this dress would be a very dull affair indeed. See you next Saturday! Hx
And just to add insult to (shoulder) injury, Anthony and Oti have to do their final dance to “So Long, Farewell” from The Sound of Music, which is just weird.
Updated
So who will the judges save? Craig saves Ainsley and Natalie, as does Darcey. Bruno also chooses Ainsley and Natalie, so Anthony and Oti are heading home. I’m a bit sad for both of them, but such is the way of Strictly. Hope Oti comes back next year.
Ainsley’s routine still has very limited Cha Cha, but definitely better than last night. I think this might save him.
Ainsley and Natalie are having a heartfelt moment, but quite hard to take them seriously when they’re dressed as bonkers penguins.
Meanwhile Anthony and Oti are back on the dancefloor, doing a Survivor Paso. I’d forgotten how terrible this rendition of Eye Of The Tiger was.
Updated
I feel a bit sorry for Anthony, he only has one fully-functioning arm. And Oti too, she’s all kind of fabulous and I’d be sad to see her go. But Ainsley is brilliant value and Natalie is a total goddess. SUCH a dilemma.
That’s Len’s Lens over with – who else is in the bottom two? Safely through to next week are Helen and Aljaz, Peter and Janette, Kirsty and Brendan, Jamelia and Tristan (yay, glad they’re not back in the bottom two), Katie and Anton and Daniel and Kristina.
Which means the second couple in the dance-off is Anthony and Oti! Ooh, this could go either way.
Time for Andrea Bocelli to deliver his annual Strictly performance. This year he’s singing ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ from Evita. He’s no Madonna, let’s face it.
Lovely bit of floaty dancing from Aljaz and Janette, mind.
Updated
Ainsley is kind of shocked to be in the bottom two. Not sure why, he was second from bottom on the leader board.
So who’s safely into next week, and who’s in the bottom two? Kellie and Kevin are safe (she REALLY needs to stop screaming), along with Jay and Aliona, Jeremy and Karen, Anita and Gleb, Carol and Pasha (see? Gotta love the fanz) and Georgia and Giovanni.
First couple in the bottom two: Ainsley and Natalie! Ooh, this could be interesting.
This recap will end soon, I promise.
Last night on Strictly, a tiresome movie theme. Lots of lights, lots of cameras, not a whole lot of action. Best dances of the night from Kellie and Kevin, Helen and Aljaz and Jay and Aliona. The rest were best left on the cutting room floor, frankly - Daniel’s Jive is haunting me still. But let’s put that behind us, it’s results time!
Loving Darcey’s jumpsuit, although she appears to have been at Mr T’s jewellery box again.
Out come Tess and Claudia – DRESS WATCH: Claudia in a gold sack, Tess in a black affair that appears to be caught in her knickers. 4/10.
And we’re off! Tonight’s pro dance has a romantic movie theme, where Karen tries to find the man of her dreams. She bags Kevin, who she’s already married to, but whatever. There’s some quite clever dancing in and out of a movie backdrop, and then some skipping with tablecloths. So much cheese I’ll be having nightmares for weeks.
Countryfile Casual Weatherman update - all he needs is a hat and waistcoat and he’d be Woody from Toy Story. I love a BBC hoedown.
Updated
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for tonight’s Strictly Results Show! Movie Night suffered from the Curse Of The Theme, I think - too much focus on comedy VTs, costumes and props, and not enough on the quality of the dancing. Peter Andre was a case in point – the poor guy was trying to dance in fishing waders, a fright wig and a shovelful of eye makeup. But thankfully Jay and Aliona popped up at the end to save the day with their spectacular Jive, and the nation stopped tutting for a few minutes.
Talking of Jay, have seen plenty of “dance school” grumblings today, but I’m firmly of the opinion that a Strictly without a few stage school/pop star ringers would be a very painful affair indeed. Also I had years of tap and ballet lessons as a child, and still dance like my legs are on backwards. Just saying.
Tonight another couple are leaving the dancefloor for good – I reckon Anthony and Oti will be in the bottom two, but the other couple could be anyone – Kirsty and Brendan, Ainsley and Natalie, maybe Jamelia and Tristan again? I think Carol, Daniel and Jeremy all have big enough fan bases to keep them safe for the time being, although history tells us that the novelty usually starts to wear off around Week 5.
Join me from 7.15 and we’ll see who’s safe and who’s out – see you then!
So that’s it for tonight’s show! I feel slightly overwhelmed, like I’ve just emerged from an 8-hour marathon of 80s straight-to-video movies. I’m predicting Anthony and Oti in the bottom two, maybe with Kirsty and Brendan this week? Or possibly Jamelia and Tristan again?
I’ll be back here at 7.15pm tomorrow for the results show, when it’s Andrea Bocelli week on Strictly. Thank you for joining in with your brilliant comments, enjoy the rest of your Saturday and I’ll see you tomorrow! Cheers, Hx
Scores: 9,9,9,10 - a fantastic 37 for Jay and Aliona, and the first ten of the seres. And it didn’t even come from Donny Osmond!
Jay looks like he’s in shock.
Updated
Bruno thought it was the blockbuster everyone was waiting for – Jay has outdanced everyone else on tonight’s show. Craig thought it had a level of technique they have never seen on Strictly – amazing. Darcey it had so much sex appeal – she’s never seen a Jive like that. Len thought it was the best dance so far this season. Time to crack out some 9s, do you think? Maybe even a ten?
Aliona is rocking the Uma Thurman look, and Jay scrubs up well as John Travolta. This is a confident Jive from Jay, with great timing, fabulous spins and outstanding kicks and flicks.
I believe the dark horse has just kicked the stable door down. AMAZING.
Updated
And FINALLY (oh thank GOD), it’s time for Jay and Aliona! Tonight they’re dancing the Jive to a medley of ‘Misirlou/You Never Can Tell’ from Pulp Fiction. This is Chapter three of Jay’s Journey from poodle-haired boy band wallpaper to Dancing Man of Substance. My teenage daughter only wants him to stay in because we’re going to watch the show on 14th November and she’s desperate to meet him. So shallow.
Scores: 6,8,8,7 - a total of 29 for Anita and Gleb.
Len liked Gleb’s “rampant crab”, but was almost a bit too theatrical. Bruno loved the commitment to the performance, but Anita needs to let some of the moves breathe (nope, no idea). Craig thought it lacked finesse, but he loved the interpretation of the American Smooth. Darcey loved the lift coming out of the crab move, and she loved the quality and feel of the dance.
Anita looks weirdly like Flavia, and is feeling up an already potted pot. Some nice spins and lifts, but some of the transitions are a bit clunky. Anita’s lost her neck in hold, and then this some weird crawling over Anita by Gleb. Would have preferred more romance and less passion, personally. Just me?
There is pottery in the VT. Bit weird, to be honest.
It’s time for Anita and Gleb! This week they’re performing the American Smooth to ‘Unchained Melody’ from the film Ghost. As Gleb is clearly Patrick Swayze reincarnated, this is an excellent choice.
I have a few questions, however. Will Gleb get his chest out, will there be phallic pottery, and will the Dave Arch singers aim for The Righteous Brothers, or settle for Robson and Jerome?
Scores: 3,7,7,7 - a total of 24 for Jeremy and Karen. The judges are on crack.
Darcey thought it was much tighter than previously, but it was still fabulously unusual. Fred Astaire would be very happy (REALLY, Darcey?). Len thought it had bits of Hollywood and a touch of Borehamwood, but also genius. Bruno thought it was surreal and cartoonish – it was an unexpected delight. Craig thought it was bizarre, like Jeremy was being controlled by strings.
Is there some kind of BBC rule that you can’t tell Jeremy Vine that his dancing was a bit shit?
So mostly this is some very tentative footwork and skipping from Jeremy, who is grinning like a loon. Technique and timing is miles off, if I were you I’d just keep looking at the hat, or Karen’s dress, which appears to have been made from a couple of jester hats. Oh thank goodness that’s over.
Next up it’s Jeremy and Karen! Tonight they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Top Hat, White Tie & Tails’ from Top Hat. I fear props and tap-dancing may feature heavily in the next few minutes, and Jeremy may be more Fred Flintstone than Fred Astaire.
Scores: 6,7,6,6 - a total of 25. Tonight’s scoring is insane.
Craig thought it was rough around the edges - Jamelia’s hips were too square, and the transitions were a bit laboured. Darcey thought it had fabulous natural rhythm (DRINK), but there were difficult moments in and out of the lifts. Len thought it had much more energy and enthusiasm, even though it lacked a bit of polish. Bruno thought she was over-thinking it, Jamelia needs to let herself go with the music.
Jamelia is wearing a banana dressing gown, and again her arms lack control and precision. At one point Tristan appears to get tangled up in her hair, and then it all starts to go horribly wrong towards the end. Bit of a shambles, which is a real shame.
Only four couples to go - it’s time for Jamelia and Tristan! This week they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel’ from Charlie’s Angels.
Last week Jamstan ended up in the bottom two after performing their version of Don’t Cha Cha Wish This Cha Cha Had Less Twerking. Jamelia’s spiky limbs need to be less Loose Women and more Superstar, let’s see what they can do with a Salsa.
Scores: 7,7,7,7 - a total of 28 for Peter and Janette. I was right about the sevens.
Bruno thought it had plenty of energy, but he lost the hips forward/shoulders back of the Paso. Craig thought Peter lost his neck in places, but it was full of aggression and focus. Darcey loved the conviction and drama, and she could see the shaping. Len thought it was more eagle than sparrow, and it made him smile.
Janette, requires rescuing, but thankfully Peter is on it. This is the campest Paso in the history of Pasos, not helped by Peter looking like Russell Brand in moonboots and a tea cosy. All quite thrusty and some nice shaping, but I can’t stop laughing.
Updated
Next up it’s Peter and Janette! Tonight they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘He’s A Pirate’ from Pirates Of The Caribbean. My guess is that Pirate Peter will attempt to deliver a commanding Jack Sparrow, and will actually come across like something out of Pirates Of Penzance. Then Len will make a joke about walking the plank/pieces of 8 and probably give him a 7. I’ve had enough now.
Scores: 5,6,6,6 - a total of 23 for Kirsty and Brendan.
Len thought it was a more confident performance, but the second lift went a bit awry. Needed more fluidity in her arms, but better than last week. Bruno thought it was much better, but Craig wanted more flow and grace – Kirsty’s balance needs work. Darcey loved the control, but needed more extension in the transitions – a great improvement, however.
Brendan and Kirsty are dressed as dogs, and are struggling to eat pasta. Pooch costumes aside, this is really rather lovely, although Kirsty wearing several muppets makes it hard to see what she’s doing. Lovely choreography from Brendan as expected, and some nice footwork from Kirsty, albeit her feet drag in places. Still, enjoyed that.
Are we half way there yet? We must be, surely?
It’s time for Kirsty and Brendan! Tonight they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘He’s A Tramp’ from Lady & The Tramp. Last week’s Salsa was mostly skipping and lifts, so hopefully she can deliver a slightly smoother Smooth this week. Brendan’s American Smooth choreography is usually gorgeous, so I’m quite looking forward to this.
I didn’t even notice this *breathes into bag*
Seriously, who put a fucking apostrophe in "T Bird's" on his jacket...? #SCD
— Ian (@ian262) October 10, 2015
Scores: 4,6,6,5 - a total of 21 for Daniel and Kristina.
Updated
Darcey wanted it to be crisper and cleaner, but she enjoyed watching Daniel have fun. Len thought it lacked Greased Lightning, and was somewhere between Summer Nights and Last of The Summer Wine. Bruno thought it was too skippy, and lacked proper footwork - every dance Daniel does has the same tension. Craig thought it was stompy and lacked hip action, but he remembered the routine and his timing was good.
I can barely watch, this is so terrible, and not even so bad it’s good. If I concentrate on Daniel’s Liberace hair, I can avoid looking at his weird shuffling, lack of kicks and flicks, and general absence of Jive. Horrific.
Next up it’s Daniel and Kristina! This week they’re performing the Cha Cha to ‘Summer Nights’ from the film Grease. Essentially 53-year-old (if you say so) Daniel will be taking on the role of 23-year-old John Travolta playing 18-year-old Danny Zuko.
By the end of this, I suspect we’ll all wish we were safely back in the womb.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 - a total of 32 for Helen and Aljaz, same as Kellie and Kevin.
Updated
Craig thought Helen was clawing Aljaz a bit, but otherwise absolutely gorgeous. Darcey thought Helen played the star character, and it made the dance come alive. Len thought it had beautiful gliding, and Helen had clearly worked hard on the footwork – Len likes it elegant, and that what he got. Bruno thought it had classic Hollywood glamour.
Updated
Helen looks rather fabulous, and I’m loving this Foxtrot. Proper old-school Hollywood glamour, nice footwork and frame from Helen. Maybe a bit of over extending in the neck, but otherwise my favourite dance of the night so far. LOVED that.
Who’s next? It’s time for Helen and Aljaž! This week they’re dancing the Foxtrot to ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’ from Some Like It Hot. Helen is channelling her inner Marilyn Monroe, I’m guessing Kristina is spitting maribou feathers. I think we’d all quite like to be loved by Aljaz, so please form an orderly queue behind me.
Scores: 7,7,6,7 - a total of 27 for Georgia and Giovanni, who now looks like a spanked puppy.
Bruno thought it was a nice Rumba, but the moves didn’t travel through her body and it was a bit stop-start, it needed more flow. Craig agrees, but he loved the spins and drama. Darcey thought it had plenty of intensity, and her turns were so crisp and clean, but it needed to be more languid. Len though too much posturing and posing, and it didn’t constitute a Rumba in Len’s world. Len just gave Giovanni a proper telling off, eek.
Georgia is swaying, and parts of her dress appears to be missing. As Rumbas go, this is pure filth, but because it’s Giovanni my ladyparts have practically healed over. Lovely shaping from Georgia, however, and all very passionate. Nice work.
Quote from daughter: “Eww, Giovanni’s going to be all weird and creepy and rumba-y”. Almost certainly.
It’s time for Georgia and Giovanni! This week they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ from the new Bond film Spectre. How very current of them, this Sam Smith racket has only been in the charts for two weeks.
It sounds (to quote Stuart Heritage in this week’s Lost in Showbiz), “like a rollerskating witch trying to kick a weasel up a cobbled hill”, so the Dave Arch treatment can only be a good thing.
Scores: 3,6,6,5 - a total of 20 for Ainsley and Natalie. I’m not sure that deserved two sixes.
Len thought the performance was good, but then bad things happened. Bruno thought there was nothing frozen about it, but not enough hips and he lost the footwork. Craig thought it was a Cha Cha Cha disaaaaster - the only good bit was the disco opening section. Darcey loved the performance, but too many mistakes.
Out they waddle for a bit of disco penguin action. Ainsley’s timing is over the shop, and his footwork isn’t sharp enough, but the side-by-side sections are great. Needs more hips and Cha Cha, and considerably less penguin and Ainsley sex face.
Next up is Ainsley and Natalie! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Boogie Wonderland’ from Happy Feet. I loved Ainsley’s vegetable-based Salsa last week; he should be allowed to dance Latin every week, just because it’s just more fun that way. Nobody needs to see Ainsley do ballroom, the man was born to Samba.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 - a very solid 32 for Kellie and Kevin. There is much shrieking.
Darcey thought it was great - fast and brilliant. Bruno thought it was full of content with amazing synch. Craig thought it was clean, tight and precise, with excellent cane/light sabre work.
If Donny had been there, he’d have given that a ten.
OK this is weird. A rather fabulous and quirky Charleston using light sabres as props, but Kellie’s timing is great and she’s got nice swivel too. Loads of great content, if only I could get past the fact they’re dressed in Star Wars costumes.
Who’s next? It’s Kellie and Kevin! This week they’re performing the Charleston to ‘Cantina Band’ from Star Wars. I’ve never seen Star Wars so have no idea where this song features, but my guess is it’s not the Star Wars theme tune, as that would make a terrible Charleston.
Scores: 4,6,5,5 - a total of 20 for Katie and Anton.
Craig thought it was a bit stop-start and a bit stiff, and there was no hip action and a surprising lack of content. Darcey thought that Katie looked the part (of a prostitute) but she was expecting more - it promised much but didn’t deliver. Len was disappointed, not enough going on and too much standing around. Bruno thought she had the look and the equipment, but too much posing.
Katie looks all kinds of fabulous, even if she is supposed to be a hooker. Katie loses her balance early on, and out of hold just wiggles about a bit. All feels a bit stiff in places, needs more hip action and flow. Not Katie’s best dance.
It’s time for Katie and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Pretty Woman’ from the film Pretty Woman. I loved their Gaga Tango from last week, even though Anton was wearing the worst turtleneck in history.
Tonight Anton is playing Richard Gere, and Katie is playing a prostitute. So that’s nice.
Scores: 4,6,5,4 - a total of 19 for Anthony and Oti, same as last week.
Bruno thought it was a mishmash of martial arts, with little artistry and poor timing. Craig thought it lacked shaping, with flat and spatulastic hands, all a bit stampy. Darcey thought the dance suited Anthony, but it lacked energy and shaping through the dance. Len loved how Anthony went for it.
Anthony kicks off his Paso with some boxing moves, whilst Oti dances around him. There is some pulling and twirling, and a knee slide, but Anthony’s hands look like shovels and the whole thing is stiff and weird. I do not ever want to see that again, but alas I fear I might.
Next up it’s Anthony and Oti, who are dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ from Rocky, because boxing.
Anthony didn’t do a very good job of leading Oti in last week’s Waltz, but hopefully being in his boxing comfort zone will help, or something. I’m already past caring, and it’s only the second dance. I loathe theme weeks, can you tell?
Scores: 3,5,5,4 - a total of 17 for Carol and Pasha.
Len thought the routine had plenty of content, and he loved how much Carol enjoyed herself. Bruno thought it was more of a lukewarm breeze than a tropical storm – more shuffling than Quickstep, and her frame was very loose. Craig though it was limp, lame and very lacklustre. Darcey thought it had much more content, but Carol needs to be more glued to Pasha.
Pasha in overtight beige trousers is a no from me, but it’s more fun to watch than Carol wiggling her hips a bit. Once they start Quickstepping, it’s not actually that bad, albeit not particularly quick and quite tentative from Carol. But overall I’ve definitely seen worse, progress is being made.
Up first this week is Carol and Pasha! Tonight they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘Wash That Man’ from South Pacific. Since Carol has thus far struggled with the slow steps, it seems a bit mean to hurl her into the Quickstep. Pasha, you monster.
Out come the celebs! Daniel as Danny from Grease is terrifying, but Ainsley as a penguin is outstanding. Kevin is waving his light sabre, Peter looks like a tramp. Jay’s hair appears to have grown again. Worst fancy dress party ever.
Updated
Out come the judges. Bruno is wearing tartan, Darcey is dressed a salmon.
Tess and Claudia dress watch! Tess in a scarlet bandage, Claudia in a glittery boob tube and red lipstick. Both look rather fabulous, 8/10.
Updated
An opening dance! It’s full of old-school Hollywood glamour, and Jeremy Vine dressed as Forrest Gump. Carol is either Kate Winslet in Titanic or Miss Piggy, and Kelly is biking though the air with ET. Peter and some of the other female celebs are giggling cowgirls, Jay looking a bit lost as Indiana Jones, Helen as Marilyn Monroe (no dancing, just smiling). I have no idea what just happened.
Previously on Strictly: so much dancing, including a few corkers. Despite getting his tats out and resorting to breakdancing and begging, Iwan and Ola were the first couple to leave the Strictly dancefloor.
This week: movie week! Cue terrible movie voiceover man who sounds a bit sleepy.
My half-Welsh son is home from Cardiff for the weekend and is watching the rugby. My announcement that I’m turning it off in six minutes and no you can’t stream it upstairs because I need the bandwith for the liveblog has been incredibly well-received.
Evening all, and welcome to our Week 3 Strictly Come Dancing Liveblog! It’s Movie Week, which means we should brace ourselves for plenty of cheesy tinseltown styling, dreadful fancy dress outfits, shonky props and even more nonsensical VTs than usual. YAY.
Last year this episode gifted us with the Wisdom of Donny Osmond, where Donny was dishing out tens like sweets and generally making a mockery of something we were already mocking to death. No sign of Donny this year, can’t think why.
Despite having one less couple, tonight’s show is still two hours and five minutes long, so the same as last week; we can only guess at what movie-related guff will fill the time. We can also look forward to our first Rumba tonight, which is nice.
I’ll be here from 6.20pm to keep an eye on every wobbly Waltz and stompy Salsa, and would be most obliged if you could do your business in the comment box below – you know the drill.
Grab your popcorn and a bucket of wine, pop on some movie-related fancy dress (I’m going for Olaf from Frozen in Dorothy’s red shoes) and I’ll see you at 6.20!
