So that’s it for Strictly Week 2! I’m quite excited about his series, it’s lining up to be a corker. Thank you all for joining in and being brilliant, I’m back in the liveblog chair for the Great British Bake Off grand final on Wednesday at 8pm, otherwise I’ll see you back here next Saturday. In the meantime keeeep dancing, etc. Cheers! Hx
Craig saves Jamelia and Tristan, as does Darcey. Bruno does likewise, so they’re back again next week. Len would have done likewise, which means Iwan and Ola are heading home. Iwan is gracious in defeat, then spins Ola wildly on the dancefloor. She looks terrified, poor thing.
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Iwan’s trying, but it’s still awful. He’s exiting and he knows it.
Right, let’s watch Jamelia’s “Kermit twerking in a wind tunnel” again.
It’s as out-of-control as ever, but her technique is a little better, I’d say.
Well I think it’s pretty clear that Iwan and Ola are going home. But hopefully they’ll both dance better than they did last night.
It’s Movie Week next week! We LOVE a theme. Oh hang on, we hate themes. As you were.
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OMG it’s Jamelia and Tristan, which means my prediction last night was correct! This has literally never happened before.
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So who is joining Iwan and Ola in the dance-off? Ainslie and Natalie are safe (hooray!), along with Katie and Anton (I’ve just noticed that baby-poo poloneck – what was he thinking?), Jay and Aliona and Anita and Gleb. Anthony and Oti are also dancing again next week, along with Carol and Pasha! See, TOLD YOU.
So, will it be Jamelia and Tristan or Katie and Brendan in the dance off?
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Time for Len’s Lens. Make tea, put the oven on, hug your children.
Out come the female pro dancers, and suddenly it’s the 1980s and stretchy animal print with horrific fringing is a thing again. I think this might be one for the dads.
It’s time for Rod Stewart to perform his new single, which is called “Please”. He’s still wearing a rock ‘n’ roll snakeskin jacket, still gargling gravel, and his mullet appears to be holding up well for 70. Perhaps he has the same hairdresser as Bruce?
Apparently Daniel is going to play Danny Zuko in next week’s Grease-themed dance. Behold the ninth circle of hell.
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So, who is back next week, and who is in the bottom two? Daniel and Kristina are safe, as well as Peter and Janette and Kellie and Kevin. Also safe are Georgia and Giovanni, Helen and Aljaz and Jeremy and Karen.
First couple in the bottom two - IWAN AND OLA! No surprise there, the only hope they have is doing a much better job than last night, and being up against Carol and Pasha.
Last night on Strictly – a really good show, I thought. Highlight for me was Kirsty and Anton, Jay and Aliona, Kellie and Kevin and Helen and Aljaz, with Ainslie and Natalie winning a special award for use of vegetables.
Tess and Claudia dress watch! Tess in a black coffin lining that has been clawed by bears, Claudia in a horrible black shift printed with day-glo broccoli. Awful – 2/10.
And we’re off! Kicking off with a floaty pro dance involving a lot of feathers and swagging, plus Karen in a wind machine, to an orchestral version of Rihanna’s ‘Only Girl In the World’. It’s rather lovely.
Ooh, spinning circus acts!
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Countryfile weatherman update: nice check shirt, sensible brown belt. All he needs is a beard and he’d be the ultimate lumbersexual.
Oh Aljaz, how you tease us. But since you’re offering, I think my engine just flooded.
Well if dancing doesn't work out I can be a mechanic! Does anyone need a car fixed?
— Aljaz Skorjanec (@AljazSkorjanec) October 3, 2015
SUNDAY RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for tonight’s results show! We’re losing our first couple tonight, and my money’s on Iwan and Ola to go home, although I’m not sure who else is going to be in the bottom two. I have a hunch that the public will save Carol, Daniel and Jeremy, so could be Anthony, Jamelia or Kirsty in trouble.
Tonight’s results show is only 45 minutes, which is going to feel like a stroll in the park after last night’s epic dance-athon. Had so many brilliant comments which made me laugh until bedtime, so thank you for joining in.
Do leave your comments and predictions below as usual; I hear there’s a performance from Rod Stewart tonight, but I don’t want to talk about it.
See you at 7.15!
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So that’s it for this week’s dances! Thank you all for your brilliant comments, I’ll be back in this very blog tomorrow from 7.15pm for the results show, so please come back. In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens, so do come and say hello, particularly if you’re a newbie. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and I’ll see you tomorrow!
Leaderboard time - Peter and Janette at the top, Iwan and Ola at the bottom.
Historically I’ve always taken a punt at the bottom two at this point, usually with very limited success. So this week I’m going for Iwan and Ola and Jamelia and Tristan, just because Jamstan went first and their dance was forgettable. Suspect Iwan and Ola will go home.
The daughter has cast our votes for Katie and Anton, Jay and Aliona and Helen and Aljaz’s vest.
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Scores: 7,7,7,8 - a total of 29 for Helen and Aljaz’s vest.
Craig wanted Helen to loosen up a bit, but it was still the best Cha Cha Cha of the evening. Darcey thought it needed more hips, and Len enjoyed it, but her legs are too ballet-straight and it looks a bit wooden. Bruno thought it was a very accomplished performance. Whatever, I’m still staring at Aljaz.
I have no idea what Helen is doing, because Aljaz is wearing a oily vest. Actually I just glimpsed at Helen, and her Cha Cha is rather good, but needs more hips. Anyway, back to Aljaz, who I am not objectifying in any way. *swoons*
It’s time for Helen and Aljaž! Tonight they’re performing the Cha Cha to Uptown Girl by Billy Joel. Was interested to see Helen warding off any ringer accusations by being up front about her ballet training last week. A good decision, based on previous years. Her ballroom performance was lovely, as you might expect, will be interesting to see if she can deliver on Latin too.
Scores: 7,8,7,8 - a total of 30 for Peter and Janette.
Bruno thought it was crisp and imaginative, whilst Craig though his knees were too high in the runs, and a bit limp in the Charleston section. Good timing however. Another well done from Darcey, but Len though it was a bit galloppy and could have had a bit extra. I agree with Len.
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A nice Quickstep from Peter, although his timing drifts here and there and he has ALL the facial expressions. The running section is all a bit dressage pony, but it all feels a bit lazy to me - fun, but I find myself unmoved.
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It’s time for Peter and Janette! This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘Valerie’ by The Zutons.
Peter is arguably the one to beat this year, but he’s at risk of the Curse of the Runner Up, being too good from the start and not going on enough of a Journey for the audience to crown him the winner. Kimberley Walsh, Pixie Lott, Frankie Bridge, Natalie Gumede…the list is long and distinguished, but I suspect Peter is too needy and competitive to rein it in until later in the series.
And here ends my Heidi Strictly wisdom for the time being.
Scores: 7,7,7,7 - a total of 28 for Katie and Anton. Was a man ever happier than Anton right now?
Len thought it was a mango of a tango - sweet and delicious, but there was a little mistake. Bruno thought it was alluring, but she needs to engage her core for more power in the transitions. Craig loved the drama - a shame about the stumble but very well done. Darcey thought it was beautiful.
Katie looks all kinds of fabulous, and this has plenty of Tango drama. Not sure about the accordion version of Lady Gaga, but Katie can really dance. I’ve actually got goosebumps, which has never occurred with Anton on my telly before. LOVED that.
It’s time for Katie and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Telephone’ by Lady Gaga and Beyonce. I’ve never seen a man look as happy as Anton did last week, finally being blessed with a decent dancer after years in the Strictly wilderness. Cancel the panto booking, Anton.
Scores: 3,5,5,4 - a total of 17 for Jeremy and Karen.
Darcey thought it lacked Hollywood grace and glamour, but the lift was beautifully controlled. Len enjoyed watching it, but it wasn’t smooth enough. Timing was good, however, and Jeremy did a heel lead. Bruno thought Jeremy owned it, to the point that it was entirely unrecognisable as an American Smooth. Craig thought it was a paranormal experience, and a bit odd.
Loving librarian Karen, and Jeremy dancing randomly with a book. His posture is permanently pooed-my-pants, but he’s clearly having a ball and I’m finding it rather charming. He also looks a lot like my favourite uncle, so maybe that’s why. Better than last week, I think.
Next up it’s Jeremy and Karen! Tonight they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Happy Together’ by The Turtles. Craig declared last week’s effort as pure dad dancing, I suspect Jeremy may be happier with ballroom. Still can’t listen to his shouty radio show, mind.
Scores: 7,8,6,6 - a total of 27 for Anita and Bruno. I concur, put your 8 away Darcey.
Craig thought it was ambitious, but Anita pulled it off. Darcey loved the contemporary feel and the energy. Len wanted more Charleston content (YES), and Bruno thought they lost timing, but great.
Anita looks entirely fierce, but this gets off to a rough start. Once Anita gets going she’s got all the moves, but most of them belong in a jive or a swing, and there are too many handstands. Loses a bit of energy towards the end, I liked last week’s dance better. Just me?
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Next up it’s Anita and Gleb! This week they’re performing the Charleston to ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ by Paolo Nutini. These two are currently my favourites for the win – their first dance last week was outstanding. Also GLEB! Be still my beating heart. He is 80s Patrick Swayze reincarnated, which can never be a bad thing.
Only five couples to go! We’re nearly there, people. Stay with me.
Scores: 4,5,5,5 a total of 19 for Anthony and Oti. I thought it was better than than, but nobody cares what I think.
Bruno liked Anthony’s arms, but his feet lacked rise and fall and it was a bit jagged in places. Craig thought it looks elegance and grace, and his arms need work. Darcey didn’t think Anthony looked comfortable, and needed to lift his eye level. Len thought it was OK, but not a KO. *sigh*
So, can Anthony deliver a romantic Waltz? Yes, if he thinks about his fiancee rather than Oti, who looks beautiful. He has decent rise and fall, but loses the line in his neck early on, so it looks a bit hunched and awkward. Nice storytelling, however, quite enjoyed that.
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It’s time for Anthony and Oti! This week they’re dancing the Waltz to ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’ by Simply Red. Anthony was a bit clompy last week, but showed promise; I think he and Oti could be a great partnership.
Only 50 minutes to go! COME ON.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 - a very solid 28 for Kellie and Kevin.
Len thought it was tasty, and Bruno thought it was a seaside special, but lacked a bit of hip action. Craig thought it was a bit spiky and needed more artistry in her arms, but great energy and leg action. Darcey loved the cheeky energy between Kellie and Kevin, but she needs to calm her arms down.
Well this is quite cute and quirky, in a way that only Kevin can get away with. Some great footwork and shaping from Kellie, and plenty of actual Cha Cha. A bit more hip action maybe, but otherwise a very decent Cha Cha. My favourite dance of the night so far.
Next up it’s Kellie and Kevin! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ by Elton John & Kiki Dee. I really enjoyed their dance last week, and Kellie is another dancer with great potential.
The theme of their dance is a date at the seaside, but doesn’t really explain why Kellie is dressed like a rag doll. Maybe all will be revealed in the dance.
Scores: 4,6,5,5 - a total of 20 for Carol and Pasha, which is 4 more than last week.
Darcey thought it was a huge improvement on last week, and it made Len smile. Apart from the footwork and posture and musicality, Bruno can see a glimmer of hope. Craig thought Carol’s arm was drooping, and when dress-wafting looked like she was waving a tea towel. But better than last week.
The best thing I can say about this is that Carol looks beautiful, and it’s considerably better than last week. But her footwork and timing is all over the place, and it feels a bit like Pasha is hauling her around the floor. Out of hold she looks a bit lost, and it all fizzles out to nothing.
It’s time for Carol and Pasha! This week they’re performing the American Smooth to ‘Isn’t This A Lovely Day’ by Irving Berlin. Based on last week’s horrendous first outing, I suspect this may be anything but smooth, and only American in the way that squeezy cheese is American, but still wrong. Still love Carol, however.
In the VT, we discover that Carol is a worse actor than Pasha. Who knew this was possible?
Scores: 6,7,7,6 - a total of 26 for Ainsley and Natalie.
Craig and Darcey both loved it - the perfect dance for Ainsley, albeit it went a bit awry in places. Len thought it was juicy and delicious, and Bruno loved it too. Good work Ainsley.
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This Salsa has a Ready, Steady Cook theme, which is tiresome. Ainsley is giving it both barrels on the shimmy front, and it all has a drunk and insane feel about it. I have no idea what just happened, but it was definitely a Salsa, and I quite liked it.
“That was the perfect combination of comedy and talent. We don’t normally see that on this show”, says Tess. A world of shade thrown in Brucie’s direction there.
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Next up it’s Ainsley and Natalie! Tonight they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Don’t Touch My Tomatoes’ by Josephine Baker. Future crowbarred-in references to cooking may include the calypso version of “Be Careful Where You Put That Courgette” and the jazz classic “There’s A Worrying Smell Of Gas In Here”.
I have high hopes for Ainsley, he might already be my favourite.
Scores: 6,6,6,7 - a total of 25 for Georgia and Giovanni. Two less than last week, Georgia’s not happy. She’s got bad thoughts on her mind.
Bruno loved the musical interpretation, but she losts her head during the head whip. Craig wanted more flair, but Georgia is very easy to watch. Darcey thought it had sophistication and romance, but agrees with Bruno about her neck issues. Len noticed it didn’t have any heel leads, and no rise and fall, but it had lovely elegance.
Georgia’s green dress is all kinds of fabulous, and even Giovanni scrubs up quite well in a minty cravat. This is a dreamy waltz, with nice footwork and frame from Georgia. Rise and fall is a bit lacking and she loses her neck at the end, but otherwise very nice.
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Who’s next? It’s Georgia and Giovanni, who are Waltzing to ‘Georgia On My Mind’ by Ray Charles. Next week will be Midnight Train To Georgia, followed by the Devil Went Down To Georgia and Sweet Georgia Brown. In week 6 it will be the Georgian national anthem, and then they’ll have to go home due to lack of musical inspiration.
Five down, ten to go. Stay with me, people.
Scores: 2,4,4,3 - a total of 13 for Iwan and Ola. Ouch.
Len doesn’t want to see the breakdancing again - the dance had so much aggression and attack that it lost the technique. Bruno agrees - Iwan smashed it to the point of extinction. Craig thought it was 21 and a half hours of training wasted. Darcey thought he cared for Ola, so well done for that. No comment on his dancing. SO tactful, Darcey.
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Ola is wearing three bits of tinsel, whilst Iwan has got his chest out. This version of LMFAO is terrible. Iwan is breakdancing, which in now way detracts from the awfulness of his Cha Cha. He’s aiming for the Jake Wood wiggle, but it just looks like he’s sat on a wasp.
Next up it’s Iwan and Ola! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Sexy And I Know It’ by LMFAO. Last week wasn’t a great first outing for Iwan – a bit wooden and clunky.
Going for the entertainment factor tonight may be a good decision if he’s going to survive the public vote. If you can’t be good, be memorable.
Scores: 7,8,8,8 - a very impressive 31 for Jay and Aliona.
Darcey is blown away by Jay’s style, technique and romance. Len makes a “Jeyes Fluid” joke that leaves Jay looking a bit confused. Len is excited, however. Bruno loved Jay’s turns - great footwork too. Craig points out that Jay’s thumb was sticking up, but otherwise very well danced.
See? One to watch.
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In the VT, Jay is having a haircut. He now looks like Justin Timberlake during his N-Sync phase.
This is actually rather charming, albeit Jay’s frame is a bit hunched and stiff in hold. Out of hold, however, his spins are lovely. Enjoyed that very much.
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It’s time for Jay and Aliona! Tonight they’re dancing the Waltzing to ‘See The Day’ by Dee C Lee. Another lovely song, and Jay is currently my number one contender for this year’s Celebrity On a Journey. I think he’s a pretty good dancer, but the nerves are making him stiff and awkward. If Aliona can thaw him out, he could be one to watch.
Scores: 5,5,55 - a total of 20 for Kirsty and Brendan. They’re both quite angry about this.
“Brendan’s shirt is entirely pointless” says the daughter. Fair point.
Craig thought it lacked fluidity - a bit stop-start, which made it look very stiff. Her hips lacked rotation too. Darcey thought Kirsty threw herself into it, and she made it look very easy. Len thought it was fun and sizzling, and the lifts were terrific, but it was a bit high and unsteady. Bruno thought it was a strutting glam-athon, but the steps didn’t quite fit the music.
Loving Kirsty’s feathery frock, less so Brendan grinding in Darcey’s face. Mostly this is Kirsty skipping about and doing lifts so far, and her actual Salsa has a bit of dressage pony about it. Oh, more skipping, more lifts.
Would have liked more Salsa. Suspect this may be a theme of this evening.
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Who’s next? It’s Kirsty and Brendan! Tonight they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Can’t Touch It’ by Ricki Lee. I can’t remember anything at all about their dance last week, I might have skipped it altogether.
Scores: 5,6,6,6 - a total of 23 for Daniel and Kristina.
Bruno thought it needed more gallop, and started to fade towards the end. Craig thought it needed more swivel, and his free arm was all over the place. He did like Daniel’s rhythm, however - there is definitely a dancer lurking somewhere. Darcey thought it had good energy, but Len thought it was a bit safe, albeit Daniel is odds-on to be back next week.
Out they come, with Kristina in a highly inappropriate outfit for a day at the races. Daniel does the world’s most tentative Charleston, focussing entirely on his legs because he can’t do arms AND legs together. There’s a weird litte tap solo in the middle, his timing is awful, and his face looks like a blow up doll. Don’t ever make me watch that again.
Next up it’s Daniel and Kristin! Tonight they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Let’s Misbehave’ by Cole Porter. Is it just me that finds Daniel a bit unsettling?
That said, I suspect he could come out tonight and do eight seconds of Riverdance in a paddling pool and his gigantic fanbase would save him.
Scores: 4,6,5,6 - a total of 21 for Jamelia and Tristan. The only way is up.
Len thought the technique was poor and Jamelia’s legs weren’t straight enough, but a great performance. Bruno thought it was more assertive, but needs to be careful with her arms and balance, and nail the technique. Craig thought it was too spiky with dodgy foot placement, but loved Jamelia’s bump and grind. Darcey thought it was cheeky and hot.
Loving Jamelia’s Kermit The Frog dress, and she has the longest legs in the world. Her arms are a bit out of control and it’s all a bit nightclub dancefloor for my liking. Don’t Cha wish this Cha Cha had more Cha Cha?
First up it’s Jamelia and Tristan, who are performing the Cha Cha to ‘Don’t Cha’ by Pussycat Dolls. I love this song, am very much hoping for a feisty Cha Cha from Jamstan. A Don’t Cha Cha, if you like.
Jamelia is going to be a diva in this week’s dance. That VT is two minutes of my life I’m never getting back.
Out come the stars! Bonkers outfits abound, Kellie and Kevin appear to be dressed as Harry Potter wrapped in a tablecloth. Ola hasn’t even bothered to get dressed. But Aljaz is wearing a vest, so all is well.
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Are we going to get a demonstration of Craig’s new hip at the beginning of every episode? Oh Darcey, maroon upholstery is a no from me.
Tess and Claudia dress watch: a black jumpsuit tangled in a parachute, and a wonky red postbox. 6/10.
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And we’re off! Last weekend, lots of dancing. A mixed bag, but generally the standard was pretty decent. No comedy turns as such, unless you count poor Carol.
Nobody wants to be the first to go home. Christmas suddenly feels a very, very long way away.
Trevor Nelson on Pointless is reminding me of his rambling commentary during the Olympic opening ceremony. Still cringing 3 years on.
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! Many thanks to Hannah for filling my glittery shoes last week whilst I was on holiday – I’m now back with a gravy tan of all my own, ready to liveblog through until Christmas.
Tonight is the first show where all 15 couples perform, and the first weekend where one of the couples will go home. It’s a two hour show tonight, so buckle in for the long haul. You may want to stock up on energy drinks and snacks, or else dash to the kitchen during the comedy VTs.
I haven’t had time to watch all 15 dances from last weekend in full, so skipped through on iPlayer to get the general gist. I can’t remember very much, to be honest, other than Anita and Georgia both being pretty impressive for week 1, Peter giving it plenty of moves but reeking of desperation to win, and Daniel being entirely terrifying from start to finish. I only managed ten seconds of Carol and Pasha; had to watch the rest from behind a cushion.
Tonight’s glitterbomb will be deployed at 6.20pm – don’t forget to add your Strictly wit and wisdom in the comment box below. Without you it’s just me doing a bit of sparkly snarking and pretending to know something about dancing, when in fact everything I know about dancing has been learned from five years of liveblogging this show. Still don’t know what a fleckerl is, keep meaning to look it up.
See you at 6.20!
