Well that was quite the bombshell, I’m not really sure what to say. Might go and throw some cushions. The Strictly journey is a rollercoaster, and (in the immortal words of Ronan Keating) we just have to ride it. I’ll be back next week for another spin; thank you all for joining in, feel free to swing by Twitter @heidistephens if you want to air your views about this weekend’s goings-on. Have a good week! Hx
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Dev and Dianne both look a bit shocked, but manage to say lovely things about each other before taking to the floor for their final dance to When You’re Gone by Bryan Adams (featuring, very importantly, Mel C). As the song goes, things just feel so wrong.
This is awful. Dev absolutely doesn’t deserve to be kicked out in Week 4, I had him down as a shoo-in for the final. I know this is only a TV show, but I’m really quite outraged on his behalf. This is even worse than Aston Merrygold 2017.
Craig votes to save Emma and Aljaz (wait what), and Motsi does likewise. Bruno also saves Emma and Aljaz, which means DEV AND DIANNE are leaving the competition. OH MY LORD.
This is a perfectly decent Jive from Emma but nothing exceptional, can’t see how they’ll survive this. I’ll be sad to see Aljaz go, he’s always a Strictly fave.
Dev and Dianne first, in the first dance-off this year that isn’t a done deal. It’s quite stressful.
Watching this Cha Cha again, the matching red outfits on a red background really don’t help to showcase Dev’s moves, particularly with Dianne spinning like a muppet in a car wash. Dev absolutely could have given it more thrust and shimmy, but the music choice definitely lent itself to something cooler and more laid-back. I really liked it.
So who is it going to be? Emma had one more point on the scoreboard last night, although I’d argue Dev’s Cha Cha was undermarked and Emma’s Jive was over. Surely the judges will save Dev, he’s a FAR better dancer.
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So who is joining Emma and Aljaz in tonight’s dance-off? Kelvin and Oti are safe (shame we don’t get to watch that again), along with Mike and Katya (people’s fave), Michelle and Giovanni and Alex and Neil!
Which means DEV and DIANNE are in the dance-off. Wow. That’s an absolute shocker.
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Ooh, Bruno is having his annual Californian sabbatical *winks to camera* next week, which means the legendary ALFONSO RIBEIRO will be in his chair.
Motsi appears to have gaffer-taped her legs, I’m worried about how she’s going to get that off later.
Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of Australian/New Zealand country crooner Keith Urban. According to the internet he’s very big on the country music scene, and also married to Nicole Kidman. He’s singing a song called Never Comin’ Down.
This is everything I know about Keith Urban, although he appears to have Mark Owen’s hair from 2006.
More results – Saffron and AJ are safe, along with Will and Janette and Emma and Anton.
First couple in the bottom two: EMMA AND ALJAZ! As we thought, suspect they might be up against Alex and Neil.
So who is safely through to next week? Chris and Karen are safe (see? Public LOVE him), along with Karim and Amy (obvs), Catherine and Johannes and David and Nadiya, who quite rightly looks thrilled.
LAST NIGHT ON STRICTLY: a fever-dream jumble of weird music, testicle dresses, certifiable scoring and nanxiety. Nothing made sense, gapping and limited content were fine unless they weren’t, mistakes and dodgy timing were rewarded with 9s and 10s, apart from when this was no longer OK. Kelvin and Oti did a Rumba and a nation turned its central heating down, and Johannes did a Charleston that I can’t stop watching – I believe Catherine was there too but that’s an unconfirmed rumour at this stage.
I have absolutely no idea how tonight is going to pan out, but I have a very bad feeling about it.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a hot pink pantsuit with a saggy bust, Claudia in a black pussy bow blouse that’s a different shade of black from the trousers. Maybe this is cool now.
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And we’re off! Tonight’s opening pro dance takes place in a tanning booth, to ‘I Wish You Well’ by Sigala ft. Becky Hill. It’s quite fierce and mostly hairography. Ooh, they’ve all changed outfit!
This week’s Countryfile Casual Weatherperson is the lovely Sarah Keith-Lucas, looking delightful in a sensible navy/floral Joules combo and a pebbly Prue Leith necklace.
Not nearly casual enough, I’m afraid - Week 2’s Ben Rich is still in pole position for the cover photo of the 2020 Countryfile Casual Weatherperson Calendar (all proceeds to Heidi’s In Need Of A Holiday).
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Countryfile has gone full 999 Michael Buerk; crime is rife in rural villages. Apparently you nick a tractor to smash and grab a village cashpoint. Is everyone taking notes?
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SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back to this week’s Strictly results show! I’m still processing the events of last night – I rewatched the dances this morning just to check I had my contact lenses in last night, and still think there was some VERY weird scoring going on.
Which makes this evening a pretty interesting one – Alex and Neil and Will and Karen are at the bottom of the table, but there’s a good chance the public vote will have saved Will for being incredibly inspiring and determined. I’m sure Alex also picked up some bonus votes for getting a rough ride from the judges, but I’m not sure it will be enough to keep her out of the dance off. David is probably safe this week, which leaves Chris, Dev and Emma W at the mercy of the public – Chris and Dev are both popular with the viewers, so I’m putting my money on an Alex/Emma W dance-off, which Emma will probably win.
Kick off is at 7.15pm, feel free to watch along as this theory is proved to be a load of old rubbish – if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Strictly over the years, there’s always at least one shock eviction that causes us all to throw our toys out of the pram. Could be this week, let’s wait and see. Have managed to avoid spoilers so far!
Thank you all for joining in with your comments, I’ll be back here tomorrow for the Results Show at 7.15pm, so don’t forget to come back. In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens if you want to say hello. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and I’ll see you tomorrow! Hx
So that’s it for the dancing, and the voting is now open! Karim and Amy and Kelvin and Oti are at the top of the leaderboard, with Alex and Neil and Will and Janette at the bottom. Scoring tonight was even more bonkers than usual, and the music choices were a bit crackers too.
Time for a recap – my votes this evening would go to Emma and Anton, Kelvin and Oti and Dev and Dianne. Oh hang on, forgot Michelle. How many votes am I allowed?
Who do you reckon for the bottom two? Tough one to call this week – feels like Chris and Karen and Alex and Neil might be a possibility, or maybe Emma and Aljaz? Could be any one of half a dozen couples this week, the mad scoring has thrown everything wide open.
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Scores: 9,10,9,10 – a total of 38 for Karim and Amy. Ditching the panda suit was a very good idea.
Shirley thought it was an amazing close to the show – Karim kept the frame throughout. Bruno thought it had power, passion and precision, Karim killed it. Craig loved finally seeing a male celebrity lead and it was incredible. Motsi thought it was the best dance of the evening.
I have no idea what’s real any more.
As expected, this has got plenty of attack from Karim – fast for a Tango and I’m not sure this music works, but lovely quality of footwork and nice light and shade in the timing. Quite a lot of gapping, but impressive.
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And FINALLY it’s KARIM AND AMY! This week they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Paradise’ by George Ezra. I imagine paradise for Karim was getting out of that sweaty panda costume last week, then deleting all the weird emails from the furry community. Let’s pretend that never happened. They’re wrapping up tonight’s show, which suggests this is going to be a bit special.
Kids! Parents! DRINK!
Scores: 7,8,9,9 – a total of 33 for Saffron and AJ.
Motsi loved the vulnerability and the strength and poise Saffron showed. Shirley loved the music choice and the connection - Saffron executed it for her nanny (DRINK). Bruno thought Saffron and AJ were finally tuned to each other, it was inspired. Craig wanted more – it felt a bit mechanical in places but overall a really good dance. Should have danced round her nan.
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Grandparent hugs! DRINK.
Fog drink! Bare feet drink! Face touching drink! This is proper contempo-waft, executed nicely by Saffron and AJ. Some lovely lifts, great storytelling and some really nice flow and footwork from Saffron. Pretty impressive, enjoyed that a LOT.
Next up it’s SAFFRON AND AJ! This week they’re dancing a Couple’s Choice Contemporary routine to ‘Because You Loved Me’ by Celine Dion. Bonus bingo drinks for bare feet, ankle fog and stroking each other’s faces.
YouTube followers, siblings, crying nan! DRINK EVERYTHING.
Scores: 7,9,8,8 – a total of 32 for Mike and Katya. I have NO idea what’s going on this evening, the scoring is insane.
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Craig thought it was fast and furious – he didn’t love the comedy elements and Mike lost his posture and hold in places, but he’s come into his own. Motsi loved the energy and the entertainment – Mike is a different man and the hard work has paid off. Shirley thought it had real sophistication and the end was genius. Bruno can finally see Magic Mike, which is not a thought I want to consider. Katya is weeping.
Oh god, it’s a skiffle version. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse. Some decent Quickstep from Mike, but his frame is all over the shop and his toes point inwards. That said, this is a genuine improvement on previous weeks and we’re starting to see some pretty good dancing from Mike. Good work.
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Three to go! It’s time for MIKE AND KATYA! This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to 80s dungaree bilgefest ‘Come on Eileen’ by Dexys Midnight Runners. Everyone has a song that makes them scramble to switch off the radio or escape to the bar at a wedding, and this is mine. Those opening violins induce an irrational loathing – the only thing I can imagine that would be worse is watching someone Quickstep to it, possibly twice in one weekend. I might have to mute this for a few minutes.
Scores: 6,6,6,6 – a total of 24 for Will and Janette.
Bruno could see how tough it was for Will, but he maintained the elegance although it lost the flow. Craig thought Will needs to soften his movements, but he agrees that Will’s frame was good throughout. Motsi thought Will gave great partnership skills, and there was good expression in his upper body. Shirley loved Will’s soft knees and he kept a great postural line – a great job.
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Janette has put together a classy routine for this Foxtrot, which works around Will’s challenges and brings out the best in his personality. This is clearly a tricky dance for him, but he executes it really well and there’s a lovely chemistry between these two. Nice.
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Next up it’s WILL AND JANETTE! This week they’re dancing the Foxtrot to ‘Señorita’ By Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. This has been my song of the summer, I absolutely love it. Feels like a Latin song though, intrigued to see how Janette has made this work as a Foxtrot. This is a HUGE challenge for Will, I’m rooting for him.
Message from my mum (not now family, I’m busy) – “music choices are crap tonight…apart from Kelvin – wow!” Calm down mum.
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Scores: 7,8,8,8 – a total of 31 for Michelle and Giovanni.
Shirley thought it oozed sensuality, Michelle is a real rhythm dancer. Bruno was savouring the Latin flavour, which was full of colour and spice and gay abandon. Craig wanted more forward and back basics, but Michelle is a confident and comfortable dancer. Motsi was impressed with the speed of the dance, and Michelle attacked it – it was cheeky and hot.
God that dress is disgusting, but Michelle is working it nonetheless. Some lovely Salsa basics from Michelle, and some nice quality to her footwork. Sadly I can’t stop staring at the giant sparkly testicles on her chest.
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My daughter has just messaged me with “every time I see Emma and Aljaz I get a flash forward to our wedding”. Hahaha.
Are we there yet? Of course not, we haven’t seen MICHELLE AND GIOVANNI! This week they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Quimbara’ by Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz. This is a proper Salsa tune, and we already know that Michelle has some serious moves. Have very high hopes for this – these two are rapidly shaping up to be my favourite Strictly in ages.
Scores: 7,7,7,7 – a total of 28 for Emma and Aljaz.
Motsi thought it had great energy and speed, and Shirley agrees – what an improvement. Bruno loved the confidence and Emma is staring to believe in herself. Craig thought it was fast and furious, and a huge improvement. I need to watch that again later, I thought it was a bit meh. So confused.
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Quite a lot of denim in this jive, but sadly not a huge amount of energy from Emma. She’s got very decent footwork and lovely to see her personality shining through, it just all feels a bit…lethargic. I need MORE.
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It’s time for EMMA AND ALJAŽ! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Kids in America’ by Kim Wilde. This dance could be a turning point for Emma (in either direction) – we’ll see if she’s got the stamina for an energetic Jive, and the performance skills to sell it convincingly. Right now I don’t feel like we’ve seen the best of her.
Scores: 9,9,9,9 – a total of 36 for Kelvin and Oti. Bruno, you gave that a 9 and David an 8? Are you on crack?
Craig thought Kelvin was very much in touch with himself – it oozed masculinity and was FILTH. Motsi was ‘hold on Kelvin, that’s my sister, stop it’, and it’s ‘finished Craig off’ (woah steady on). Shirley doesn’t know which bit to start with – she’s never seen a Rumba like that and her temperature has gone through the roof. Bruno is basking in the afterglow and everyone’s hyperventilating – the quality was excellent and Kelvin’s hips are WEAPONS.
Christ, I need a lie down.
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Hello Kelvin in your mesh shirt. This is my kind of Rumba, none of that platonic nonsense - Kelvin’s face is absolute filth and there’s some lovely shaping. I can take or leave the Rumba as a rule, but I’ll take that several times over thanks *hyperventilates*
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Next up it’s KELVIN AND OTI! This week they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers. We know Kelvin has Latin hips for days and can deliver a decent ballroom turn, but interesting to see if he can deliver a sensual, perfectly placed Rumba too. Drink the rest of the bottle if anyone mentions how hard this dance is for a man.
Scores: 6,7,7,8 - a total of 28 for David and Nadiya. You’ve GOT to be kidding me.
Bruno thought that was a miraculous recovery – David was properly dancing and he’s never seen a transformation like it. Craig agrees – David has picked himself up and finally arrived. Motsi doesn’t think David deserves to be in the dance-off today, despite having seen less than half the dances. Shirley loves how David keeps coming back, and she’s absolutely gobsmacked.
Did I watch a different dance??
David really does scrub up quite nicely, doesn’t he? Sadly it’s somewhat spoiled by the dancing, which is all over the shop in places. He’s trying his best and having a lovely time, but sadly the timing of this Quickstep needs a lot to be desired. That said, when he’s on time there are some nice steps, and this dance has a lovely energy.
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Who’s next? It’s DAVID AND NADIYA! This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘From Now On’ by Hugh Jackman. This is not the quickest of Quickstep songs, which will hopefully help David get his limbs in some semblance of order. He’s made a bit of progress in the last couple of weeks but remains the weakest dancer left in the competition – he’s got a battle on his hands to stay out of the bottom two and I’m not sure even Hugh Jackman levels of emoting can save him.
Cute kids! DRINK!
Scores: 4,6,6,7 – a total of 23 for Alex and Neil. Bit harsh from Craig.
Shirley thought some of it looked a bit stiff, but Alex’s frame is definitely getting better – not a major improvement since last week, but a bit. Bruno thought it was good to see Alex exploring different facets of her personality, but something went wrong. Craig thought the footwork was all over the shop and it looked like Alex was being thrown about a bit, but he loved the staccato and Alex’s acting. Motsi agrees that Alex is improving, but she’s being careful and needs to have more fun.
I LOVE this look for Alex, it’s very Vampy Duchess of Sussex. It’s all a bit Paso at the start, but the Tango sections in hold look not bad at all – some nice heel leads from Alex and plenty of attack. She could definitely have given it more welly, but a really nice effort.
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Next up it’s ALEX AND NEIL! This week they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac. Hopefully Alex’s feet will go the way they’re supposed to, and she can deliver dancefloor fierce – right now she seems far too ladylike for this Latin business. She and Neil have nice chemistry though, it’s one of my favourite couplings this year.
Shout out for Catherine’s little boy! DRINK
Scores: 6,8,8,8 – a total of 30 for Catherine and Johannes.
Motsi thought Catherine kept it up and she loved the energy. Shirley thought it was a blast, a very good performance from Catherine. Bruno thought it was a pink explosion, and they couldn’t have fitted anything else in. Craig thought the footwork was quite random and messy in places, and the swivel was haphazard. THANK YOU.
So much hot pink, my eyes are hurting. This is a high speed version of Single Ladies, but Catherine is doing her best to keep up and Johannes is very clearly living his best life. A few timing issues and a bit messy in places, but nice swivel and good characterisation – sadly she starts to run out of puff towards the end, but a nice effort.
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It’s time for CATHERINE AND JOHANNES! This week they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyoncé – Dani Harmer and Vincent did a Samba to this years ago, so I’m kind of interested to see how it works as a Charleston. Mostly I think this is an excuse for Johannes to do some performative booty shaking, which I am very much here for *twerks on sofa *
Scores: 6,7,7,7 - a total of 27 for Dev and Dianne.
Craig liked the hip isolation, but not working correctly with a straight leg, he also wanted a bit more personality from Dev. Motsi thought Dev made it look easy, but Dev needs to have more fun with it. Shirley thought Dev needed more flow, he is the ultimate body dancer and needs to bear that in mind for future Latin dances. Bruno thought it was great quality, but ultimately Dev needs to learn how to sell it.
This is all quite alarmingly red, but Dev has hips! It’s not as fluid as we’d like, but he’s a lovely dancer to watch and it all feels quite effortlessly cool. Not everyone’s cup of tea I imagine, but I really enjoyed that.
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Next up it’s DEV AND DIANNE! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Dancing With a Stranger’ by Sam Smith featuring Normani. I wasn’t blown away by their Couple’s Choice last week, although the judges absolutely loved it. I think part of the problem is I don’t really get Couple’s Choice and have no idea what amazing looks like, which is why I’ve been liveblogging from my sofa in Wiltshire for the past ten years rather than sitting behind the judges’ desk*.
Anyway we haven’t seen Dev do any Latin yet so let’s see if he’s got some hip action. If he has, he’s an absolute contender for this year’s Glitterball.
*Possibly not the only reason.
Scores: 8,9,9,9 - a total of 35 for Emma and Anton. That was for her nan, apparently. DRINK.
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Bruno thought it was their best dance yet – a beautiful interpretation of the character and he has goosebumps. Craig thought it was classy, super-stylish and gawgus. Motsi thought the dance spoke for itself – it was so special. Shirley thought they imagined it and achieved it, and Emma held her frame beautifully.
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Emma and Anton have had a barney, but they’re sorting it out with a dance. It’s a heartfelt performance from Emma, and quite mesmerising to watch - lovely and smooth on the Viennese footwork too. Would have liked to see more dance and less emoting, but charming nonetheless.
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Students count as adorable kids - DRINK.
Next up (slot of death) it’s EMMA AND ANTON! This week they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Send in the Clowns’ by Barbra Streisand. This is the most beautiful song, and regardless of how exhausting you find Anton on a weekly basis, there’s no denying he can deliver a stunning Viennese. So quite looking forward to this.
That said, am very much hoping this routine doesn’t feature actual clowns. I’m really quite scared of them, so please don’t send them in.
Time for this week’s Terms & Conditions, courtesy of 80s pop cheesemeister Jason Donovan. He sounds ROUGH.
Scores: 6,7,7,6 - a total of 26 for Chris and Karen.
Shirley thinks that Chris is continuing to improve, but there were a few mistakes. Bruno noticed that Chris went wrong, but a good performance. Craig thought it looked a little flat-footed, and he would have liked to see Chris being a bit nimble; loved the character though. Motsi thought it was authentic and full of energy – this is what Strictly is all about.
Everything about these outfits is horrible, but not nearly as wild as Chris’s Jive footwork. His timing isn’t too bad, but it’s all a bit squidgy and his kicks and flicks aren’t nearly sharp enough. On this upside, that was identifiably a Jive, so that’s something.
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First up tonight it’s CHRIS AND KAREN! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’ by Elton John. Personally I’d prefer an aggro-free weekend, but maybe that’s just me. Also why didn’t they do Rocketman for Movie Week last week?
Chris and Karen appear to be deploying the Latin Avoidance tactic, presumably after their week one Cha Cha that barely scored double figures. Trouble is you eventually find yourself in a Samba/Salsa/Rumba dead end with no option but to shimmy your way out in the tightest sparkly trousers you can find.
Out come the stars! Chris has gone full Elton, and Michelle looks like someone has sicked up the 1980s.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in tinfoil wrapped in clingfilm, Claudia as a velvet bat with shoulders that could take your eye out. SURE.
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And we’re off! Last Saturday’s Movie Week special saw the first tens for Kelvin and Oti (too early, Shirley) and a farewell to 80s jumpsuit icon Anneka Rice. Now we get to enjoy Kevin bobbing about in the Clauditorium and treating us all to Sunday night barefoot contempo-waft; personally I prefer to think of him staring wistfully at the wall of a poorly-lit room, occasionally popping another piece in a giant jigsaw of Grimsby harbour.
This week’s Strictly Come Bingo SPECIAL FAMILY EDITION – a slug of that special tipple you were saving for a Brexit emergency if you spot any of these in the wild:
- Bingo nannas
- Adorable kids
- Proud parents
- Random siblings
- Pets
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! After the cinematic madness of Movie Week, it’s Strictly business as usual for a couple of weeks until the horror chest is opened for Halloween.
Latest Heidi’s Hunches is below – with Challenged Anneka helicoptered out of Elstree, David remains very much in the danger zone, but I think Mike and Katya and Emma and Aljaz are now flirting with the exit door too. Definitely some space opening up for the top four couples though – right now it’s hard to imagine the final not being Kelvin, Michelle, Karim and Dev. That said, we didn’t include Stacey in the lead group at this stage last year; any one of Alex, Saffron or Catherine could be on a similar Strictly JourneyTM.
Group 1: driving for December – Kelvin and Oti, Michelle and Giovanni, Karim and Amy, Dev and Dianne
Group 2: battling for Blackpool – Emma B and Anton, Catherine and Johannes, Will and Janette, Saffron and AJ, Alex and Neil
Group 3: happy to see Halloween – Chris and Karen, Emma W and Aljaz
Group 4: dodging the dance-off – David and Nadiya, Mike and Katya
Kick off is at 6.40pm, and we’ve finally slipped under the two hour mark to 1 hour and 56 minutes. Bring provisions and elasticated clothing, and I’ll see you then!
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