So that’s IT for another week of Strictly. Next week it’s the HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR, which is always worth a watch – last year I missed it in favour of a jaunt to the studio, but this year I’m spending it in your joyful company. Thank you all for joining in, and have a brilliant week – see you next Saturday, or on Tuesday for GBBO if you’re about. Cheers! Hx
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Vick and Graziano say lovely things about each other, then take to the floor for their final dance to Miss You Like Crazy by Natalie Cole. My knowledge of 80s power ballads knows no bounds.
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So how will the judges vote? Craig saves Vick and Graziano, but Darcey saves Seann and Katya. DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA. Alfonso saves Seann and Katya, which means Shirley gets the deciding vote.
Shirley saves Seann and Katya (of course she does), which means VICK AND GRAZIANO are out, and Seann and Katya live to dance another day.
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I actually quite liked this Cha Cha last night, despite all the faffing about at the beginning. Hardly Vick’s fault if Graziano isn’t choreographer of the year. This isn’t second time round, not going to lie. Oh dear.
Time to revisit Seann and Katya’s Quickstep. His timing is off at the beginning, but he gets back on it. Oh hang on, not so much. Still a skippy hoe-down, and a few more mistakes than last night.
Hmm, I have a very bad feeling about this. Neither of these two delivered a brilliant performance last night, but Vick got lower judges’ scores. However Shirley’s beef was the routine more than her performance, so there’s very little she can do to improve in the dance-off, other than straighten her leg a bit more.
Which means they’ll probably save Sean(n) and Katya, despite Vick having improved arguably more than anyone else in this competition. I might be wrong (I usually am, to be fair), let’s hope so.
Right, can we now find out who else is in the dance off? Kate and Aljaz are safe, along with Ranj and Janette and Lauren and AJ.
Which means VICK AND GRAZIANO in the dance off.
There are two Carlton dances to choose from, and the judges just chose THE WRONG ONE. So disappointing.
I can highly recommend muting this racket and watching Karen and Johannes do some barefoot contempo-wafting.
Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of diction-free kooky chart-botherer Paloma Faith. Today’s outfit appears to have armbands.
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Alfonso was in Dancing With The Stars, apparently. WHO KNEW?
Charles is doing that thing he does again. My love for him fluctuates wildly.
More couples safely through to HALLOWEEN: Danny and Amy, Stacey and Kevin, Joe and Dianne and Ashley and Pasha!
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So who is safely through to next week, and who is in the bottom two? Charles and Karen are through, hooray! He looks quite pleased about this, after two weeks in the dance off I don’t blame him. Faye and Giovanni are also safe, along with Graeme and Oti.
First couple in the dance off: SEANN AND KATYA!
Why is Seann leaning on Katya like he’s propping up the bar? Rude.
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Last night on Strictly: plenny of tricks and a few treats. Oh hang on, that’s next week. It was a great show, with a few surprises. Alfonso Ribeiro wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I rather liked him – he’d done his homework and managed to be effusive without requiring a Bruno Tonioli restraining order.
Highs: Couples’ Choice was a hit, Danny got the first ten of the series and we all fell in love with Charles Venn again. More of this please.
Lows: Faye getting super-excited about a bridge, judges punishing celebs for a routine they didn’t choreograph and thus have no control over. Less of this please.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in clingy strapless plum, Clauds in drop-waisted sparkles and split ends.
Out come the judges! Shirley looks like Ursula the Sea Witch, and Darcey has been upholstered.
Tonight’s opening pro dance has a baseball theme, to a rockabilly version Hit Me Baby One More Time. All the ladies’ baseball tops seem to have shrunk in the wash, which is a shame.
Oh, it’s a MEDLEY of songs about hitting. Currently it’s ‘Hit The Road Jack’, soon we’ll have ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ by The Prodigy followed by ‘Smack That’ by Eminem ft. Akon.
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Woo, we’re off!
I’ll miss the Strictly opening credits when they’re gone. I love the way Katya leaps into Seann’s arms like he hasn’t seen her coming.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for this week’s Strictly Results Show! It’s Week 5, everyone wants to be part of next week’s Halloween larks, and the competition is starting to get quite interesting. There are a handful of celebs consistently at the top of the leaderboard (Danny, Faye, Ashley), being chased by a solid second tier of celebs on a Strictly journey (Stacey, Joe, Charles, plus a few others who might yet surprise us). History tells us that this year’s winner is far more likely to come from the Journey group, but only time and seven more weeks of dreaded dance-offs will tell.
Another couple is getting the glitter boot tonight, so join me at 7.45pm to find out who. See you in a bit!
Thanks for joining in this evening, it’s been a fun show. I’ll be back tomorrow at 7.45pm for the results as usual, so please join me then. In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens – enjoy the rest of your Saturday! Hx
And that’s IT for the dancing! Danny and Amy are at the top of the leaderboard, and Vick and Graziano are at the bottom. Not sure if they’ll be in the dance off this evening, but do think Seann and Katya should be based on tonight’s performances.
My faves this evening – Lauren and AJ, Kate and Aljaz and Charles and Karen – so far Couples’ Choice has been a win.
Scores: 9,9,9,9 - a total of 36 for Charles and Karen. So much screaming. DRINK.
Darcey loved Charles’ command of the style, and he really pulled it off. Shirley thought it was a major breakthrough form Charles – suave, funky and fresh. Alfonso thought it was his jam, and it had great choreography. Craig thought Charles was slightly late with the hanky, but he feels sorry for anyone in the dance off against Charles.
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Not sure why Charles is dressed as Jim Carrey in The Mask, but let’s go with it. OK, this is great, Charles has got some serious moves and this routine is packed with great choreography and prop furniture. Some fab retro dance references too, really enjoyed that and I’d be amazed if Charles troubles the bottom two this week.
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This VT is lovely. I’m warming to Charles Venn.
And FINALLY, it’s CHARLES AND KAREN! This week they’re dancing their Couples’ Choice routine - Street/Commercial dance to ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ by James Brown.
I suspect this is going to be super-thrusty, but I’m also hoping it might be quite fun – Charles is only going to start pulling in the votes once he starts to take himself less seriously.
Scores: 8,9,8,8 - a total of 33 for Faye and Giovanni. I love how Darcey has taken on the role of wild overmarker in Bruno’s absence.
Craig isn’t sure if he liked the out of hold section, but then decides he did. Darcey loved the flow, and it was one of their best dances. Shirley liked the footwork but it was a bit bumpy in places. Alfonso loved the fun Faye and Giovanni had with it - not wholly traditional, but fantastic.
Faye is Quality Street of the week, and this has quite a contempo-wafty start for a Foxtrot. Once in proper hold it’s rather lovely, but apparently hold is something Faye and Giovanni aren’t that keen on, because there isn’t nearly enough of it. Do they find each other repellent?
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Who’s next? It’s time for FAYE AND GIOVANNI! This week they’re dancing the Foxtrot to ‘Just the Way You Are’ by Bruno Mars. Last week the judges were looking for more chemistry between these two – I really enjoy watching them dance, but agree this coupling doesn’t have the same connection as the likes of Kevin and Stacey.
In training, Faye takes Giovanni to dance on a bridge. She seems really excited about this. Giovanni is less bothered, because it’s a bridge.
Scores: 9,10,9,9 - a total of 37 for Danny and Amy. First ten of the series! DRINK.
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Alfonso thought that was pretty good, and then spouts a load of nonsense that is somehow more palatable than when Bruno does it. Craig thought that was a dance for the final. Darcey gives it a standing ovation, and Shirley thought it was amazing - Danny broke the seal today (no idea what that means in Shirley’s world, probably not what it means in mine).
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Danny is wearing a flying helmet that makes him look like Mole from Wind In The Willows. He is, however, an outstanding dancer and this is a brilliant Jive, with some incredible footwork from Danny. Fast and furious, really enjoyed that.
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Only three couples left! Next up it’s DANNY AND AMY! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’ by Ellis Hall. Danny has the musicality to deliver a smashing Jive, he just needs to loosen his limbs up a bit. Leave your pointy toes at home, Danny.
Scores: 6,6,6,8 - a total of 26 for Kate and Aljaz. Alfonso is gagging to get that ten out.
Shirley thought it was a bit better this week, but a bit lost at the beginning. Alfonso loved how elegant it was, Kate seemed so happy in Aljaz’s arms - it was beautiful. Craig is on the fence - it was mediocre and Kate is capable of more. Darcey thought it was a sophisticated performance but Kate needs more of an arc in her back.
Kate looks like Princess Margaret, which is definitely not a bad thing. This is a delightful Viennese, although Kate looks a bit dead behind the eyes. Great timing and footwork, and some nice emoting at the end. Lovely storytelling, I think maybe my favourite dance of the evening so far.
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It’s time for KATE AND ALJAZ! Tonight they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Finally Mine’ by Juliet Roberts, no doubt hoping to cleanse all the memories of their Gap Year Safari Samba last week. When in doubt, do some Viennese Whirls.
Scores: 4,6,4,6 - a total of 20 for Vick and Graziano. Pretty sure Graziano’s choreography was the problem there, not sure Vick should have been punished for that.
Darcey wasn’t expecting that - it was incredibly sexy and Vick really sold it, even though it didn’t entirely come together. Shirley counted 16 bars before they did anything remotely resembling a Cha Cha, and it lacked body action. Alfonso loved how Vick was having such a great time, and Craig loved the passion and energy, but the technique suffered - it was quite a disaster. MEAN.
Vick is looking fabulous in rhubarb and custard fringing. Graziano’s buttons are all missing again, another wardrobe fail.
This is actually not bad - Vick’s confidence has grown considerably, and Graziano has stopped making it all about him. As cheeky Cha Chas go, I rather enjoyed that. Not sure it’s actually a Cha Cha, however, but at this point in the evening I don’t really care, Vick is busting some moves out there, and I salute the crowd-pleasing effort.
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Next up it’s VICK AND GRAZIANO! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha Cha to ‘More Than Friends’ by James Hype featuring Kelli-Leigh. As far as I know they are not more than friends, but it’s hard to keep up sometimes. The Curse of Strictly comes on faster than Seann Walsh in a pub alleyway.
This week’s VT is sponsored by the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne tourist board.
Scores: 6,7,8,8 - a total of 29 for Joe and Dianne.
Craig loved the movement around the floor, but the log had more expression - Joe needs to use his face more. Darcey loved how Joe led Dianne, and he had poise and elegance with only a small section out of sync. Shirley thought the expression was lovely - it had innocence and vulnerability and was just beautiful. Alfonso thought Joe and Dianne had a magical connection, and he loved the subtlety.
Anyone missing Bruno? Nope, me neither.
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Joe and Dianne are sat on a log by a pond, and it’s all a bit Little Mermaid. This is actually a rather nice Waltz - good rise and fall from Joe, lovely timing and his bum is nowhere to be seen. Those trousers can get in the bin, however.
Lovely, enjoyed that very much.
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Time for JOE AND DIANNE! This week they’re dancing the Waltz to ‘Rainbow Connection’ by Sleeping At Last. Last time Joe did ballroom there was much discussion of his bottom being in a different county from the rest of his body, so hopefully he’ll have tucked it away and we won’t have to listen to Tess and Shirley going on about it. Joe’s bum will have its own YouTube channel soon.
Scores: 8,7,9,9 - a total of 33 for Stacey and Kevin.
SCREAMING! DRINK!
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Alfonso thought it was fantastic, and Craig agrees - it was insane, but Stacey needs to spot more when she turns. Darcey thought it was gorgeous, although it got a bit wild in places. Shirley thought they brought a basic Samba routine to life - it was fantastic. OK I clearly need to watch that again later.
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Stacey appears to have a swan caught in her knickers, but it isn’t stopping her giving this Samba both barrels. A bit stiff in the hip action and could do with a bit more welly - maybe not Stacey’s most confident performance, but I’m here for all the feathers and the party madness.
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Next up it’s STACEY AND KEVIN! This week they’re dancing the Samba to the David Hirschfelder and The Bogo Pogo Orchestra version version of ‘Tequila’ by The Champs. Try saying that when you’ve had a Sambuca.
I do love a good Samba, but sadly we don’t see one of those very often. However, I have high hopes for Stacey and Kevin smashing it as always.
Scores: 5,6,6,7 - a total of 24 for Seann and Katya.
Shirley thought the beginning was OK, but Seann got a bit anxious and it all got a bit fast - not Seann’s best dance. Alfonso is continuing to make this all about him, and Seann lost the energy half way through. Craig thought Seann’s footwork was very messy, but it was a lively, vibrant performance. Darcey thought it was light and fast, but Seann needs to listen to Katya more and regain his focus.
Sean is pretending to be a busker, until Katya persuades him to dance with a guitar jammed firmly between them. Ah, it’s gone, that’s now less weird. This is a perfectly serviceable Quickstep - a bit bouncy and the odd mistake in places, but definitely not the worst Quickstep we’ve ever seen.
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Hold on to your underwear, it’s SEANN AND KATYA. Tonight they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘Lightning Bolt’ by Jake Bugg. This is a great song.
Scores: 9,9,9,9 - a total of 36 for Ashley and Pasha.
Darcey loved the trust between Ashley and Pasha, but there were tiny moments when it was a bit jerky. Shirley loved the timing and can’t believe Ashley mastered those spins in three days. Oh COME ON, Shirley. It made Alfonso happy, and Craig loved the passion. It was A-MAY-ZING.
So Ashley is quite good at the Rumba and has some lovely hip action. Quite a lot of dragging and shots of Ashley’s crotch, and all seems a bit fast and spiky for my liking, without a huge amount of Rumba basic. But what do I know. I’m on my sofa under a blanket in some polar bear pyjamas.
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Next up it’s ASHLEY AND PASHA! This week they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘Something About The Way You Look Tonight’ by Elton John. Because anything Faye can do, Ashley can do better. This is a lovely song, will be interesting to see if Pashley go romantic and ethereal, or full on Rumba filth. I always hope for the latter and am invariably disappointed.
Scores: 6,7,8,8 - a total of 29 for Graeme and Oti.
Good toothy Tango from Graeme and Oti, really enjoyed that and am finding the buckets of guyliner oddly attractive. Craig was impressed, and Darcey loved the intent and the quality of Graeme’s frame - a fierce performance. Shirley loved Graeme’s versatility, and Alfonso has many many sporting metaphors to share, none of them related to cricket.
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Time for GRAEME AND OTI! This week they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Roxanne’ by The Police. I still haven’t made my mind up about these two – Graeme clearly has some decent natural talent in the dance department but I can never remember a single thing about their dance after it’s over. Couldn’t tell you what they danced last week, I just remember a LOT of pink.
Apologies for lack of content, my laptop is borked. Normal service will resume shortly...
Sorry, my laptop decided to restart FOR NO REASON. Lauren and AJ scored 24, response from the judges was a mixed bag.
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Bare feet! DRINK! Lauren looks stunning, and is emoting hard. AJ has no buttons on his shirt, and appears to have an entirely hairless chest. He’s a sentient Ken Doll. This is all rather beautiful, incidentally, not the usual Strictly fare but wonderfully heartfelt. Liked that very much.
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Next up it’s LAUREN AND AJ! This week they’re performing a Couples’ Choice routine, in this case Contemporary to ‘Runnin’ by Naughty Boy featuring Beyoncé. Lauren is quite good at running, but I’m less sure about her credentials in the world of angsty barefoot contempo-waft. Or AJ’s, for that matter.
This week’s Terms & Conditions are read by the legendary Anita Dobson, who appears to be dressed as Miss Havisham from Great Expectations.
Daughter: “Who is Anita Dobson”
Me: “She used to be in EastEnders”
Daughter: “That doesn’t explain why she’s there”
Scores: 5,6,7,7 - a total of 25 for Dr. Ranj and Janette.
Shirley was feeling the joy, and Ranj looked a lot more comfortable in frame. Alfonso does an excellent Bruno impression, and thought it was Ranj’s best dance yet. Craig thought it was a bit lumpy in hold but he loved the routine. Darcey thought Ranj’s hold is improving but he needs to focus until the very end so as not to lose his shoulders.
Darcey’s earrings are so huge they’ve been given their own postcode.
Well this is entirely charming. Ranj is back in his happy place, and grins like a madman from start to finish. Those slacks are quite slack, and Ranj’s footwork is a bit patchy in places. Lovely, but not the smoothest of American Smooths.
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First up tonight it’s DR RANJ AND JANETTE! Tonight they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ by The Beach Boys. I’m sure this is going to be nice, because everything Dr. Ranj does is nice. He’s a nice man who looks after sick children all week, then dances around for our viewing pleasure at weekends. What’s not to love?
An entire Alfonso montage without any reference to the Carlton dance. Very disappointing. Alfonso does, however, refer to Alfonso in the third person. He and Charles are going to get on just fine.
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Out come the judges! Darcey’s dress HAS POCKETS, and Alfonso looks dashing in burgundy.
Out come the stars! Stacey appears to wearing all the feathers, and AJ’s shirt has no buttons poor lamb. Both Ranj and Joe have been raiding Simon Cowell’s wardrobe for high-waisted trousers.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in an ill-fitting white pantsuit, Claudia in ALL the sequins. A mixed bag.
And we’re off! Last week on Strictly, awkwardness all round. Seann and Katya survived, Katie and Gorka did not. I remain sad about this. Tonight is guest judge/new dance/pre-halloween week!
Ooh, fancy camerawork. Everyone appears to be one some kind of rehearsal room Waltzer.
Also in ‘What’s New This Week’, the daughter is home from Uni for the weekend and is watching on the sofa with me for the first time this Strictly season. I am very happy about this.
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This week’s Strictly Come Bingo – a slug of artisanal craft gin for any occurrence of the following;
- An Alfonso Ten
- Screaming
- Inappropriate footwear
- One-shouldered frocks
- Early mentions of Halloween
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! It’s Week 5, which means the last week of sanity before Halloween madness kicks in. It’s also Guest Judge Week – Bruno is off doing Dancing With The Stars in the US, and this year they’ve decided to replace him with Alfonso Ribeiro. You know, the guy who played Carlton in The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, and did a funny dance. He also won Dancing With The Stars in 2014, and did the funny dance then too. I fully expect him to do the funny dance this evening.
This week is also the first week of Couples’ Choice, when our pro/celeb partnerships can choose to dance one of contemporary, street or jazz styles. They don’t have to, it’s just an additional option to all the other dance styles. Two couples are dipping their toes into these crocodile-infested pond this week – Lauren and AJ are doing a contemporary routine, and Charles and Karen are launching themselves into street dance. Be very, very afraid.
I’ll be popping and locking up here from 6.45pm, so please join me then – feel free to sprinkle joy in the comment box while you’re down there. See you in a bit!
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