They dance their final dance to ‘Yesterday’, which is a song about when this was actually filmed. They give it their own personal spin with some Running Man and disco moves, which probably would have kept them out of the dance-off. Oh the irony.
So that’s it for Strictly Week 2! Next week it’s MOVIE WEEK, so let’s endure it together from 6.45pm next Saturday. In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens, so feel free to swing by and give me a wave. Thanks for joining in, and have a brilliant week! Hx
Ooh, TWIST! Anastacia and Brendan aren’t going to dance again, so the dance-off has been cancelled. So instead the public vote is deciding who is going home, and it’s….MELVIN AND JANETTE!
I think that was the right way to do it, and the right decision in the end, as Melvin was the weakest dancer on the night. And on the upside, Janette now has all the time in the world to plan her wedding to Aljaz. Every cloud, eh?
Next week is Movie Week! It’s my least favourite of all the theme weeks, and of course it has a rubbish trailer. Judge Rinder is going to be a Flintstone, but he doesn’t say which one. Wilma? Pebbles?
So who else is in this week’s Really Uncomfortable Dance Off? Judge Rinder and Oksana are safely through to next week, along with Danny and Oti, Laura and Giovanni, Claudia and AJ, Ore and Joanne, Ed and Katya (YES) and Naga and Pasha!
So that means Melvin and Janette are in the Dance Off! This is going to be awful, how are the judges going to decide?
Time for Len’s Lens! Just popping the kettle on.
Barry Gibb is on! Daughter has just asked “who is this, and is he singing or gasping for breath?” Harsh.
Ooh, Ralph Fiennes on drums!
In next week’s Movie Week, Daisy is going to be Mary Poppins. So that’s nice.
So who is safe, and who is in tonight’s Dance Off? Tameka and Gorka are safe, along with Greg and Natalie, Louise and Kevin, Daisy and Aljaz, Will and Karen (yay #justiceforwill) and Lesley and Anton.
The first couple in the dance-off is…Anastacia and Brendan!
OH NO. This is bad. Are they really going to make her dance again? This is not a dance-off I want to see at all.
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Ooh, I’d forgotten about Laura and Giovanni’s Waltz. It was proper dreamy.
Goodness – turns out Anastacia’s injury last night was torn scar tissue from her mastectomy. That sounds awful, hope she’s able to continue.
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Last night on Strictly: some pretty decent dancing, all told. My mum came over for lunch today and is not happy about how good everyone is, it spoils the ‘journey’ for her and means the non-dancers get hoofed out too early. Thoughts?
Highlights for me included Claudia and AJ’s whirling, Ore’s anorak, Ed’s banjo, Tameka’s swimsuit and Oti’s silver dress. Lowlights included Greg’s bum, Daisy’s cupcake costume, Louise’s lampshade, Rinder’s slapstick, Lesley’s grinding and the overall lack of training footage.
Tess and Claudia Dress Watch: Tess in a one-shouldered horror in a really unflattering length, Claudia in a weird lace thing. 2/10.
Pro dance time! Gorka’s on Spanish guitar, Oskana is contempo-wafting in a white hankie. An amateur production of Chicago provides the backing dance, while someone sings a half-arsed cover of Zayn’s Pillowtalk at a really weird tempo. Fin.
Oh lord, The Apprentice is back. Does anyone still watch it? It was fun to liveblog back in the day. Ooh, Strictly’s starting!
This year’s Countryfile calender has a fat mouse on the cover. I almost bought the 2016 one with the hedgehog cover, but opted to buy a filthy Gleb calendar instead.
It’s nearly time for Strictly, so only a few more minutes to endure Anita wanging on about hops with some Surrey ale bores.
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It’s the Countryfile Casual Weatherman! How we’ve missed you. He’s no Schafernaker, but still looking dapper in a well-ironed grape shirt and slacks. Nice.
I’m not sure about Matt Baker’s cords. What colour would we call those? French mustard? Sludge? Babypoo?
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Oh goodness, Adam Henson is filling a wheelbarrow with adorable piglets. I’m so glad I had lamb for lunch today.
Meanwhile on Countryfile, Anita Rani is learning about breeding programmes for Harvest Mice. It’s no Strictly, is it?
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for tonight’s Strictly Results Show! After last night’s 15-couple dance marathon, tonight’s show is going to feel like a stroll in the park – only a pro dance, Len’s Lens, a Bee Gee, a dozen or so pregnant Tess pauses and the first Dreaded Dance-Off to get through.
Last night I predicted Melvin and Judge Rinder in the dance-off – I’m not sure about Rinder, I think he might stay in for a few more weeks; he’s a must for the Halloween special, surely? Maybe Naga or Lesley? If you know the result, please don’t put it in the comment box below – we try to keep this blog spoiler free.
Grab a mug of tea and I’ll see you at 7.15!
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So that’s it for this week’s dancing! I’ll be back for tomorrow’s Results Show at 7.15pm, which will be carrying on in this blog rather than in a new one, and there’s often some bonus Countryfile action beforehand if you’re early.
Thank you all for joining in and leaving so many comments, I’ll be settling down to read them once I’ve unfurled my crumpled spine. Come and say hello on Twitter @heidistephens if you’re passing, and I’ll see you tomorrow! Hx
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Daughter has voted Claudia and AJ (because she’s from Bristol), Ed and Katya (because Ed needs to be saved) and Will and Karen (because #justiceforwill).
Goodness me, we made it. Well done everyone. Have another drink while they show the interminable recap, you’ve earned it.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 – a total of 32 for Danny and Oti. The judges held back on their 9s tonight, but feel free to drink anyway.
So Louise and Kevin are at the top, along with Danny and Oti. At the bottom is Ed and Katya, but they can’t go home yet. The nation isn’t ready. VOTE FOR ED.
My prediction for tomorrow: Rinder and Melvin in the dance-off, with Melvin to go. Any advances?
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Craig thought it was fantastic, and he loved the American Smooth section. Got a bit skippy at one point, but mostly a wow. Darcey loved the focus and intent, and it was elegant, albeit lacking in glide. Len wasn’t exactly transported to old Vienna, but he enjoyed the modern twist although Danny’s head was out of line on the pivot. Bruno loved the storytelling, and Danny acted it like a star.
Oti’s dress is to die for, and Danny looks a bit Pierce Brosnan. He’s a fabulous dancer, great rotation and plenty of attitude. This song works brilliantly for a sexy Viennese, and I could watch these two all night. Fabulous.
And FINALLY, it’s Danny and Oti! Tonight they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by INXS. This is an absolute CHOON, but god only knows how this works with a Viennese Waltz. Danny is definitely the one to beat after last week’s Cha Cha, but can he do elegant ballroom? Does anyone care at this point in the evening?
Scores: 7,8,7,8 – a total of 30 for Daisy and Aljaz.
Bruno thought it oozed sex appeal, and he wants more. Craig thought the upper body lacked attack, but he enjoyed it. Darcey thought it was sassy and had plenty of attitude, but Len didn’t like the lift, which isn’t allowed in a Cha Cha. He gives Aljaz a death stare.
Daisy has stolen a cupcake costume from Christina Aguilera’s wardrobe. Quite possibly the worst outfit in Strictly history. It’s a half-decent Cha Cha, however, with plenty of shimmy from Daisy, albeit a bit stiff in the hips and in need of a bit more personality. Maybe she’s had a long shift at the diner?
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Next up it’s Daisy and Aljaz! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Forget You’ by Cee-Lo Green. Daisy is another one’s whose first dance I’ve completely forgotten – I know it was a sugary Waltz for her Grandad and Craig laid into it, but everything else has gone. This week I’m very much hoping for a cheeky Cha Cha.
They teased us with the training footage. Very little to be seen here, but Daisy does a very good job of pretending to be excited about going bowling.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 – a total of 27 for Judge Rinder an Oksana. Seriously, #justiceforwill
Len liked the parts in hold – they were elegant and controlled. But out of hold was all over the shop. Bruno agrees, it was all a bit insane. Craig thought he had hands like a bricklayer’s trowel, and he needs to calm down – he also needs to look at his face in the mirror. “You’re jealous I can smile this broadly”, says Rinder to Craig. FEEL THE BURN.
Love Oksana’s prom dress, less keen on the slapstick opening of this not-very-American-Smooth. Rinder’s frame is over the shop, and his cheesy dance face is awful. I actually think he could be a very decent dancer, am very much hoping he isn’t going to play every week for laughs.
Training footage, AND grandparent points. DRINK.
Next up it’s Judge Rinder and Oksana! Tonight they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Marvin Gaye’ by Charlie Puth/Meghan Trainor. This is a terrible song, but hopefully Rinder’s Ballroom face will be nothing like last week’s filthy Cha Cha face. My EYES.
THREE MORE COUPLES! ONLY THREE! Thank goodness, I’m showing signs of delirium.
Scores: 4,6,6,7 – a total of 23 for Naga and Pasha.
Darcey loved the start but it was a bit disconnected in places, and Len thought there was a lot of mistakes, but he loved the sultry character. Bruno loved the vampy attitude, but the tension doesn’t carry through Naga’s body. Craig thought it was spiky and flat-footed, and it was riddled with mistakes. He doesn’t have anything nice to say, which is a bit mean.
Not sure about tonight’s poodle wig, but Naga’s gold dress is all kinds of fabulous. This is an entirely fierce Cha Cha, although it needs a good deal more hip action and some control over her free arm. Not the best we’ve seen, but love the attitude.
It’s time for Naga and Pasha! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Fool In Love’ by Tina Turner. Naga could be another surprise of this competition - she’s quite tentative at the moment but I think she could be a contender once her confidence grows. Also she’s incredibly beautiful, I bet she’s a dream for wardrobe.
Woo, actual training footage! DRINK.
Scores: 3,7,6,7 – a total of 23 for Ed and Katya. Go home, Craig, you miserable sod.
Craig thought it was the wrong side of goofy (NO), with an air of desperation, and there was no swivel. Darcey thought it oozed character and energy, and Ed stayed in sync all the way through. Len loved how Ed got stuck in, and he got a standing ovation because it was so much fun. Bruno loved seeing the funny side of Balls, but he never lost time and Ed should be proud.
Out comes Deliverance Ed, playing his tiny banjo. This is by no means the worst Charleston we’ve ever seen on Strictly, with a nice groin-face lift and some lovely characterisation from Ed. Footwork’s a bit shaky, but who cares? It’s got bags of personality and a headbutt in the groin at the end. LOVED THAT.
Hold on to your hats, everyone, it’s Ed and Katya! Tonight they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘The Banjo’s Back in Town’ by Alma Cogan. I watched a bit of the training footage for this and Ed is definitely growing on me – the man’s a trier, and the nation loves a trier.
Scores: 4,6,6,6 -a total of 22 for Anastacia and Brendan #justiceforwill
Bruno loved how she gave it both barrels on her top half, but her hips needed more movement. Craig thought the underarm turns were clunky and there was no figure-eight hip rotation. Darcey loved how hot and spicy it was, and what Anastacia gave was great. Len has a dig at Brendan for “never leaving a turn un-stoned”. Nice.
I love Anastacia – this Salsa is a complete shambles, but she doesn’t give a damn. It gets better in the middle with some nice floorwork, but her face is giving it far more Salsa than the rest of her body is. Still, if they’re giving out points for strutting, this is a ten.
Nice groin strumming at the end there, Anastacia.
It’s time for Anastacia and Brendan! This week they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Sax’ by Fleur East. I loved their shambolic Cha Cha last week, but they’re currently top of my list of Couples Who Will Have a Massive Falling Out Before Halloween.
Apparently Anastacia had an injury in rehearsal and they’ve had to re-choreograph this routine.
Training footage! DRINK.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 - a total of 32 for Louise and Kevin.
Len spotted the first fleckerl of the year, Louise had great arms and frame despite it getting a bit lumpy here and there. Bruno thought it was exquisitely lyrical, with lovely extensions and great spins. Craig thought there was too much rise and fall, but otherwise gorgeous. Darcey loved the quality and how she fills the music – stunning.
This Viennese, however, is rather charming, despite the dirgy music and the ‘70s lampshade frock. Great rise and fall from Louise, and gorgeous spins and footwork. She’s a beautiful dancer, and a shoo-in for the final, I’d wager.
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It’s time for Louise and Kevin! This week they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to the k.d. lang version of ‘Hallelujah’. Louise’s dress is horrible, but even if it wasn’t I’d be drinking because this is the longest night of all time. Hell, finish the bottle.
WE’RE OVER HALF WAY, EVERYONE. STAY STRONG.
Scores: 5,6,6,6 – a total of 23 for Melvin and Janette. #poorwill
Darcey loved the content, but it looked a bit stompy. Len thought he gave it a good go, despite the stomping and his wonky right shoulder. Bruno thought it was energetic, but the execution needed to be more precise. Craig thought Melvin’s frame and posture was a worry – it was mediocre.
Melvin and Janette are tussling over a briefcase in a lift. It’s a quite skippy Tango, Melvin looks like he’s out for a jog. His timing is a bit shaky too, and I’m not sure about all the shenanigans with a luggage trolley. Think we might be enjoying that again tomorrow.
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Who’s next? It’s Melvin and Janette! This week they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Moving On Up’ by M People. Melvin is currently experiencing the double-blow of being a) not very good at dancing and b) not very famous or entertaining, which means he’s probably going home this weekend. Bet he pulls a massive Tango out of the bag right now.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 – a solid 32 for Laura and Giovanni.
Craig thought it was gorgeous, without being overly sentimental (sending that shade Daisy and Aljaz’s way). Darcey loved the control, it was stunning. Len loved Laura’s frame and the standing spin – a nice mix of light and shade and a solid performance. Bruno thought it was silky smooth, but with a sizzling and passionate intensity (UNLEASH THE TABLOIDS).
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Laura’s yellow dress is adorable, and this is an equally elegant Waltz with a nice top line from Laura – nice rise and fall and a lovely flow. GAWJUS.
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In training, Laura and Giovanni are climbing to the top of the O2, apropos of nothing. Training footage, we barely knew you.
It’s time for Laura and Giovanni! This week they’re dancing the Waltz to ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys. Laura danced something or other to ‘Venus’ last week, but I’ve already forgotten everything about it. Maybe because she went first? Or maybe just because she’s a *whisper it* tiny bit dull?
Oh lord, we have ourselves a shrieker. My EARS.
Scores: 7,7,7,78 – a total of 28 for Tameka and Gorka.
Bruno loved the slapstick, and Craig loved the swivel and how character-driven it was. Darcey loved how Tameka set the scene, and Len agrees that Tameka isn’t going anywhere. One of her boobs is trying to make a break for it, however.
It’s a seaside theme for Tameka’s Charleston, and I love her 1920s swimsuit. She’s a great dancer, and this is a Charleston full fun and energy. One of the lifts goes a bit wrong, but her timing is lovely and it has comedy charm by the bagful. Gorka’s version of Gleb’s crab at the end is all a bit wrong, but enjoyed that.
Next up it’s Tameka and Gorka! This week they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Yes Sir, That’s My Baby’ by Firehouse Five Plus Two. Tameka’s Tango last week was fierce, am looking forward to seeing if she can deliver the precision and timing of a Charleston. Am also looking forward to more Gorka. Right now he’s an 8 to Gleb’s 9.5, but it’s still early days.
Training footage is already a distant memory. Sigh.
I don’t wish to alarm anyone, but that’s five couples down and still ten to go. My liveblog stamina is already being tested, and we’re only a third of the way through.
Scores: 6,7,6,7 - a total of 26. I demand a recount for Will.
Len says Greg’s bum sticks out, but he liked the fire and spirit. Bruno loved how strong and powerful Greg is, and it was a handsome Tango, like Greg’s bum. It needed more glide, however, and it was a bit stampy. Craig discussed Greg’s bum further, but he loved the intent and aggression. Darcey agrees with the boys, and is also a fan of Greg’s buttocks.
Blue and green should never be seen, Greg. He has a serious case of bum sticking out, and it’s all a bit stampy. His timing is fine, but mostly this is a pretty pedestrian Tango that isn’t Greg’s finest hour. Oh.
Next up it’s Greg and Natalie! This week they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Jump’ by Van Halen. Ah, there it is – we knew Greg had to do a song about jumping at some point. I’d have preferred Jump Around by House Of Pain, but you can’t have everything.
Tess, if you’re going to say “blow Greg away” it’s cruel to leave such a gap before the final word.
Scores: 6,7,7,6 - a total of 26. Feel the burn from Craig, Will.
Darcey thought Lesley was cheeky, flirty and fun, but there were balance issues and her free arm went awry. Len thought it was full of fizz – proper Cha Cha Cha with loads of content. Bruno loved Lesley prowling around – her legs were excellent but she was throwing around her top half. Craig loved how Lesley went for it, but it was a bit out of control and he could have done without the bum rub (you and me both, Craig).
Apparently Craig could watch that again. I suspect we may all watch that again tomorrow.
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Lesley is rocking turquoise glitter and has marvellous legs for a woman of her years. There’s a lot of walking around to start with, and then it all gets a bit frenzied as Anton hauls Lesley round the dancefloor like a drunken auntie at a wedding. You can’t fault the enthusiasm, but I never want to see anyone rubbing their bum into Anton’s crotch again. Just...NO.
It’s time for Lesley and Anton! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha to the Pussycat Dolls’ version of ‘Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps’. This is going to be amazing, or maybe terrible, or maybe so terrible it’s amazing.
Scores: 5 (oh Craig),7,8,7 – a total of 27 for Will and Karen.
Will’s pulled a muscle, but that doesn’t stop Tess mauling him. Apparently Bruno used bad language earlier, but I missed it. I ignore most of what Bruno says, to be fair.
Craig though it was flat-footed and laboured, and found it disappointing. Darcey loved the classic rock ‘n’ roll feel, Will looked at ease with it despite making a mistake and losing the sharpness in legs. Len thought it was moving like clockwork, and he loved the energy. Bruno loved Will’s character and performance, and the mistake can be overlooked.
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Will has great rhythm and he definitely knows how to sell a performance. His kicks and flicks are a bit woolly and he’s a bit flat-footed in places, but his timing is great and this has bags of energy and charm. Enjoyed very much - how good are this year’s celebs?
Who’s next? It’s Will and Karen! Tonight they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Rock Around The Clock’ by Bill Haley & His Comets. I think Will could do really well in this competition, and could end up being a “mum favourite” like Jay was last year. But first he needs to let himself go and start enjoying himself a bit. And what better dance than the Jive?
No training footage to speak of yet. Hold your wine.
Scores: 6,8,8,8 - a total of 30 for Claudia and AJ. Craig’s in a grumpy mood, clearly.
Bruno thought it was like watching West Side Story through the medium of dance. Craig thought she needed to lift her head and she was hyper-extending in places, but Darcey loved the fluidity and control, and she loved the extension in Claudia’s back and arms. Len thought Claudia lit up the ballroom – a sunny outlook rather than “claudia” CLOUDIER. See what he did there? Oh never mind.
Love Claudia’s dress, she looks gorgeous. This is a lovely Waltz, making good use of Claudia’s gymnast arms and ability to spin without puking. Nice footwork too, and a gorgeous sliding split at the end. Also whoever is singing Whitney has got an incredible voice. Lots of my boxes ticked, LOVED that.
Next up it’s Claudia and AJ! Tonight they’re dancing the Waltz to ‘You Light Up My Life’ by Whitney Houston. Can the judges/presenters make it through the evening without talking to both of them like they’re five years old? I suspect not.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 - a total of 27 for Ore and Joanne.
Len thought the routine needed more polish, but he loved how full on and fierce it was - better than last week. Bruno loved the energy and how saucy it was, but he raced a bit in places and it needed to be cleaner. Craig enjoyed Ore busting his own moves, but his hips were a bit stiff. Darcey (frosted beehive klaxon) loved how Ore was selling it, but she got distracted by his frilly hands.
Ore even looks good in a yellow anorak, it’s a ten from me. He’s by no means the best male dancer in this competition, but he’s clearly having a good time. Needs more hips and definitely a bit clunky in places, but lots of fun and plenty of welly. A good start, only 14 to go!
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Right, let’s get on with some dancing.
First up tonight it’s Ore and Joanne! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Hot Stuff’ by Donna Summer, which is a total banger, and I very much hope this is going to be amazing. Unleash those hips, Ore, you’re first up in a very long line-up, so this needs to be a Cha Cha to remember.
“Pack your helmet, Ore”. Fnah.
Out come the contestants! Louise appears to be wearing my nan’s 70s lampshade. DRINK. Will, meanwhile, is top-to-toe in Blue Harbour at M&S. Let’s not even talk about Daisy’s outfit.
Tess and Claudia dress watch! Tess in a hot pink bodybag, Claudia in a black trouser suit-cum-bandage. Hideous x2.
And we’re off! Let’s smash this thing.
I’ve had to mute Piers Morgan on Pointless. He remains to this day the only celeb who has ever emailed me to say thank you for being so rude about him (a BGT liveblog back way in the day, if I remember rightly). Man makes me heave.
Right, this week’s Bake Off Bingo – a swig of your favourite tipple for any occurrence of the following:
- Rinder’s sex face
- Judges dishing out 9s
- Louise in a shapeless bag-dress
- VTs featuring actual training footage
- Wrist hankies
HOUSEKEEPING NOTICE: The lovely people at BBC Strictly have asked me to remind everyone who wants to vote online this evening to RE-SIGN IN to their BBC Account. Even if you’ve signed in before, you need to sign in again before you can vote this evening, as they’ve made some changes to the system. So you might want to do that now, so you’re not looking for your password during a good bit. Or Ed Balls dancing the Charleston.
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! All 15 couples are dancing tonight, so buckle in for two hours and five minutes of sparkle, comedy VTs, random scoring and maybe (if we’re lucky), some half-decent dancing.
It’s worth noting that tonight’s show is just two minutes and 3 seconds longer than the current men’s marathon world record - in the time it will take us to watch fifteen couples dance tonight, Dennis Kimetto of Kenya could run over 26 miles. So while we’re waiting, you might want to do some warm-up stretches and stock up on energy snacks and fluids - wine and crisps is fine, it’s totally what Dennis eats.
I’ll be here from 6.20pm to keep a beady eye on every stumbly Salsa and toe-treading Tango – if you could add some extra comedy gold in the comment box below, I would be most grateful. Gather your provisions, and I’ll see you at 6.20!
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