So that’s it for another week! I’ll be back next Saturday at the earlier time of 6.40pm for another spin round the liveblog dancefloor – thank you so much for all your brilliant comments, and don’t forget to pop back on Tuesday for Rhik’s GBBO liveblog. Have a fabulous week! Hx
They say lovely things about each other, then take to the floor for their final dance to ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from Titanic. Presumably because Kate Winslet’s door was less wooden than Anneka, but I still love her.
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In a verdict that will surprise precisely nobody, all the judges save David and Nadiya. Which means ANNEKA AND KEVIN are leaving the competition. That’s a very early exit for Kevin this year, he’s going to have an awful lot of time on his hands to polish his glitterball.
Gotta love Anneka – her taxi is running and she’s not really trying. I can’t remember if this was a Charleston or a Jive, and it’s really impossible to tell from watching the steps.
“Anneka and Kevin have done all they can”, aka the absolute bare minimum.
OK that’s over - let’s revisit Nadiya’s frock, which is exquisite.
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Hands up if you have any interest in watching these two routines again. Nope, me neither.
So who is joining Anneka and Kevin in the bottom two? Saffron and AJ are safe, along with Chris and Karen, Michelle and Giovanni and Mike and Katya.
Which means DAVID AND NADIYA are in the dance-off. Katya looked a bit sick there for a minute.
I don’t think this is going to end well for Anneka – David looked a little improved last night, and there was real sensitivity in their American Smooth. Also that rubber mask was weirdly attractive, but that’s by the by.
I’m so glad we’re revisting #teethgate. Will never not be funny.
Craig’s jacket is like one of those magic eye pictures. If you stare at it long enough, a 3D dolphin emerges.
I’m not sure if his microphone is a bit shonky, but Harry sounds like he’s singing from the bottom of a well. I know anything goes, but that seems like a weird take.
Also: Anton and Nadiya dancing in a rather splendid fashion.
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Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of vintage crooner Harry Connick Jr. I think of him as a 1990s version of Michael Buble, but cooler and less Christmassy. He’s singing the Cole Porter classic ‘Anything Goes’.
Also through to next week: Catherine and Johannes, Dev and Dianne, Will and Janette and Karim and Amy.
So which couples are safely through to next week? Emma and Anton are through, along with Kelvin and Oti, Alex and Neil and Emma and Aljaz.
First couple in the bottom two: ANNEKA AND KEVIN. Well, that’s not a huge surprise. Taxi for Kevin, helicopter for Anneka.
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Re. first tens for Kelvin and Oti, I notice there have been a few rumblings about him being a ringer. As far as I can tell he did a year of ballet lessons at the age of 8; so did I, and I’m still a terrible dancer. If it were that easy, we’d all be in the Pussycat Dolls.
Previously on Strictly: Movie Week! A few award winners, a few rotten tomatoes, and a few that probably should have gone straight to DVD. Also featured a classic Strictly moment during Emma and Anton’s judging – if you haven’t seen it, watch on iPlayer or BBC Strictly on Instagram, is still making me laugh 24 hours on.
Also apologies to anyone with a Strictly Come Bingo hangover, I really must try to go to the cinema more often.
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TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in black velvet swagging with shoulders so huge It looks like she’s left the coat hanger in, and Claudia in another sparkly bin bag. Both deeply unflattering.
And we’re off! Tonight’s pro dance is taking us on a magical tour of cinematic history, from Giovanni as Charlie Chaplin to Nadiya as Julie Andrews. It’s rather wonderful, and I must watch it again later to catch all the details.
Tonight’s Countryfile Casual Weatherperson is the lovely Helen Willets, looking wonderfully autumnal in a mustard knit and necklace made of giant chocolate buttons. Sadly she’s a bit smart compared to Ben Rich last week - Ben was a Casual 9/10, Helen is a 5 at best. I’ll be scoring their casualness all season, mostly because I can.
Feel like I should actually buy a Countryfile Calendar this year, despite it featuring a ringer harvest mouse.
All this harvest chat on Countryfile is making me hungry. Really fancy an apple. Or ideally a cider.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for the Sunday night results show! It’s the evening after the night before, and we’ve all had time to reflect on Strictly Movie Night. Was it bad, or good? Or so bad it was good? I actually really enjoyed it; it was proper Saturday night escapist entertainment, and god knows we could all do with a bit of that right now. The Panda Samba thing was mad though, let’s pretend that never happened.
Tonight we need to send another couple on their way – my guess is a David/Anneka showdown, but am a bit worried for Alex and Neil doing a Rumba in the slot of death. Kick off is at 7.15pm, see you then!
Thanks everyone for joining in – I’m off to lie down in a darkened room to read your comments – please come and say hello on Twitter @heidistephens if you’re passing. I’ll be back tomorrow for the Results Show at 7.15, so see you then! Hx
Time for an interminable recap – my faves this week were Michelle and Giovanni, Kelvin and Oti, Dev and Dianne and Anton’s teeth. Surely David and Anneka have to be lining up for the bottom two?
So that’s it for the dancing, and the voting is now open! WHAT a week, I’m so sorry about the boozy bingo. Who knew I’d seen so few films??
Scores: 9,9,9,9 - a total of 36 for Dev and Dianne.
Bruno thought it was genius – inspired, original and a magical carpet ride. Craig though Dev danced it brilliantly, and Motsi agrees – it was epic and it’s one of those dances they’ll remember forever. Shirley is speechless at all the performances this evening, but Dev’s dance was stunning.
Dev is distractingly blue (bare chest DRINK), and there’s some great choreography in this routine. It feels a bit disjointed in places but Dev can clearly dance and he’s giving this both barrels with some pretty epic footwork. No idea what criteria I’m supposed to be judging this on (does anyone?), but enjoyed it very much.
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And FINALLY, it’s DEV AND DIANNE! This week they’re dancing a Couples’ Choice routine to ‘Friend Like Me’ by Will Smith from Aladdin. Oh lord, I’d forgotten Couples’ Choice was a thing. Why is it still a thing? They’ve gone for the street/commercial option.
I’ve seen the animated version of this film, but not the new version. We’ll count that as a win in support of your ruined livers.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 - a total of 27 for Emma and Anton. BREATHE, Heidi.
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Shirley thought it had nice rotation and Emma executed it with great enjoyment. Bruno loved the swinging 60s flavour with nice stylistic touches, but she could have sold it a bit more. Craig was distracted by Anton’s wig and fake teeth, and Emma underdanced it a bit. It turns out that they’re Anton’s own teeth, and the studio has lost it.
Craig looks mortified, this is classic. I have no idea what Motsi said, I’m in bits.
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I am loving Emma’s dress and boots, they are outstanding. This is lacking a bit of party energy and I’ve had liked it to be a bit more cheeky given the film, but Emma can definitely dance and her footwork is great. Sadly we wanted Beyonce, but got Liz Hurley.
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Only two left! Next up it’s EMMA AND ANTON. This week they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ by Quincy Jones from Austin Powers. Obviously I’ve seen this film, but I can’t imagine that anything other than hard liquor is going to get us through Anton as Austin Powers.
Scores: 4,4,4,4 - a total of 16 for David and Nadiya.
Motsi thought David came back fighting, but she definitely saw an improvement. Shirley agrees, there were lots of nice sensitive parts to the dance. Bruno liked the movement and connection, David is moving in the right direction. Craig thought there was too much rise and fall and David needed more expression in the arms, but there was a modicum of improvement.
In flies David, like the world’s most nonchalant Batman. Lots of fog obscuring his feet, which is something of a blessing. This is definitely better than last week, and he handles the lifts nicely. Actually rather enjoyed that; dancing aside, David performed that really well.
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Next up it’s DAVID AND NADIYA! Their Movie Week dance is the American Smooth (Viennese Waltz version) to ‘Kiss From A Rose’ by Seal from Batman Forever. It will surprise precisely nobody that I have not seen this film. Please drink. Is anyone still conscious?
Frankly some kind of miraculous dance transformation is going to keep David out of the bottom two this week, but maybe being Batman will help. Or maybe it will just be another cape he doesn’t have a clue what to do with.
Scores: 3,5,5,5 -. a total of 18 for Mike and Katya.
Craig thought it looked like Mike’s jockstrap was too tight, as there was no hip action. But Mike went for broke. Motsi wanted to watch it again, she loves how he ‘interprets dancing’. Shirley thought it was better than last week, but his feet need to make a phone call to his tummy and his middle bits (OKAY). Bruno thought it wasn’t quite magic and nearly tragic.
Mike Bushell slides down the firefighter’s pole, absolutely channelling the spirit (if not the abs) of Channing Tatum. Off comes a layer of clothing, to reveal a sparkly shirt and tie (oh thank goodness).
As a Cha Cha Cha it’s perfectly average, but who cares - actual Mike Bushell is giving it full hip thrust. Oh my god he just dropped Katya. Incredible.
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It’s time for MIKE AND KATYA! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha Cha to ‘It’s Raining Men’ by The Weather Girls from Magic Mike. I haven’t seen the film, but I have definitely looked at the pictures. Have already lined up ALL the cushions to hide behind. Drink everything within reach.
Ten couples down, four to go! Stay with me, people.
Scores: 7,7,7,7 - a total of 28 for Saffron and AJ.
Bruno loved the fighting spirit, but it needed more Spanish flavour. Craig thought the footwork was a bit haphazard, but he loved the performance – it was strong and focussed. Motsi loved the intensity, Saffron gave 110% but she needs to breathe more in the slower dances. Shirley loved the performance, but Saffron needs to secure her balance as she moves forward in the competition.
This is festival of pleather and foot-obscuring fog, but some lovely footwork from Saffron and lots of great atmosphere. It’s a bit stompy in places, but actually really enjoyed that.
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It’s time for SAFFRON AND AJ. This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ by Lorde from The Hunger Games. I have seen this film many times, the daughter was a huge fan. Don’t remember this song though, assuming it’s the John Lewis version of the Tears for Fears 80s classic.
Can’t wait to see how AJ has choreographed this Paso, nothing says Strictly sparkle like portraying a dystopian gameshow where children have to kill each other through the medium of dance.
Scores: 2,3,3,3 - a total of 11 for Anneka and Kevin.
Shirley thought Anneka was stunning, and she handled the props and speed well. But she needs to work on the timing, it was a bit frenetic. Bruno thought Anneka did ‘slaughter the Charleston’ rather than ‘Kill Bill’. Craig thought it was stopping and starting like a bad internet connection, and really wasn’t very good. Motsi liked the energy, there was a LOT of running.
Mostly this Charleston involves stick waving, which gives us something else to look at other than Anneka’s feet, which appear to be dancing to something else entirely. She’s a great sport and I love the personality, but as a Charleston it’s a bit shambolic.
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Next up it’s ANNEKA AND KEVIN. Their Movie Week dance is the Charleston to ‘Woo Hoo’ by The 5.6.7.8’s from Kill Bill. I have seen this film! Also I can’t get the idea out of my head that ‘Woo Hoo’ is actually Blur’s Song 2, which would be a mad but excellent choice for a Charleston.
Scores: 7,7,7,7 - a total of 28 for Emma and Aljaz.
Motsi thought the choreography was beautiful and sensitive, but Emma lost it a little in hold. Shirley agrees that Emma needs to get her top line in order, but the timing was exquisite. Bruno thought they provided very pleasing service, but Emma needs to work on her core to sustain her top line. Craig agrees on Emma’s frame and there was gapping throughout, but he loved the concept.
So Emma is a maid, and Aljaz is a sexy butler. The music is beautiful, and this is a wonderfully romantic and moving Foxtrot. Emma’s top line looks slightly on the wonk and there’s a LOT of gapping, but charming nonetheless.
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It’s time for EMMA AND ALJAŽ. This week they’re dancing the Foxtrot to ‘Downton Abbey’ by John Lunn from the film Downton Abbey. Of course I haven’t seen it, it’s only been in the cinema for five minutes. Also it’s the movie version of Downton Abbey, are you insane.
In training, Mrs Hughes!
Scores: 9,9,10,10 - a total of 38 for Kelvin and Oti. Drink everything.
Craig thought it was FABULOUS, Motsi thought it had charm, energy and loads of tiny details. Shirley thought Kelvin made a difficult routine look easy on the eye – absolutely superb. Bruno thought it was as good as anything he’s seen on the West End stage. Are we going to see our first 10 of the series???
Ooh, flaming torches AND a load of Strictly lampposts! As expected, Kelvin is smashing this Charleston with great swivel and characterisation, although the lifts were a bit wobblesome. Great fun and an incredible performance, really enjoyed that.
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Next up it’s KELVIN AND OTI! Their Movie Week dance is the Charleston to ‘Trip A Little Light Fantastic’ by Lin Manuel Miranda from Mary Poppins Returns. I haven’t seen this (DRINK), although I’ve seen the first one about 500 times.
Christ, they’re wheeling out ALL the cute kids this week.
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Scores: 6,6,5,6 - a total of 23 for Will and Janette.
Bruno loved the power and aggression, but he would have liked more artistry from Will. Craig thought it had strength, intent and purpose. Motsi liked the tension in Will’s body, he unleashed some power. Shirley thought it was a bit staccato, but a very good try.
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Obviously I have no idea what on earth is going on, but Will kicks off with a lovely Spanish line and that’s all I’m after. A bit stompy, but he has great timing and excellent Paso face. Happy to ignore Janette being dressed as a banana that’s been left in the fruitbowl too long, enjoyed that very much.
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It’s time for WILL AND JANETTE! This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All’ – the original theme from Pokemon. Ooh I’ve seen this!
Haha only kidding, of course I haven’t. DRINK.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 - a total of 32 for Catherine and Johannes.
Shirley was overwhelmed – normally Week 3 Rumba’s make Shirley cringe (SHADE for Alex and Neil), but it was lovely. Bruno thought it had great fluidity and expression – it was Catherine’s breakthrough dance. Craig noticed there were times when Catherine didn’t have a foot on the ground, but otherwise stunning. Motsi loved how Catherine’s whole body was alive, it was absolutely sensational.
Well this is a lovely romantic Rumba, despite a guitar playing the third wheel. Definitely some hip action from Catherine, as Rumbas go that was rather good I thought. Ignore what I said about Johannes, he smashed that choreography.
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It’s time for CATHERINE AND JOHANNES. Their Movie Week dance is the Rumba to ‘Shallow’ by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga from a A Star Is Born. Haven’t seen it, looks terrible. DRINK.
Also, I have An Opinion (BRACE BRACE): based on the previous two weeks Johannes is falling into the trap that Graziano fell into last year, which is making the dance all about him and not choreographing a routine that makes Catherine the star. Much as I love Johannes, this is a bad strategy that never works. Other than in a zero-talent emergency, pros need to reflect their gloriousness onto the celeb – Kevin is really good at it, which is why has such a great track record on Strictly.
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Scores: 6,7,6,7 - a total of 25 for Karim and Amy.
Motsi though Karim had all the right moves, and Karim had precise footwork. Shirley thought the solo bits were great, but the Samba sections weren’t up to scratch. Bruno thought it was the cutest, cuddliest Samba ever, but it felt a bit spiky. Craig liked how sharp and clean it was, but it needed more natural bounce.
OK what is happening please? Karim looks like a cat in flares, whilst Amy is a tiger in heels. Karim’s footwork is great, but this is some kind of fever dream where animals have sexy latin fur-clad hips, and I just can’t.
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Next up it’s KARIM AND AMY! This week they’re dancing the Samba to ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ by Carl Douglas from Kung Fu Panda. I have not seen (or indeed heard of) this film, and right now the idea of a Samba to Kung Fu Fighting is not something I’m prepared to accept. DRINK.
I’m so sorry. I will watch more films.
Scores: 4,6,6,6 - a total of 22 for Chris and Karen.
Craig didn’t like it, Chris’s chin was forward and he needed to point his toes. Plus a load of other stuff I can’t be arsed to type. Motsi thought it was a huge improvement on last week, and Shirley agrees, but there were some posture issues. Bruno thought Chris had guts and it wasn’t a disaster – it was a fitting tribute to what the number represents.
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Karen is dressed in ALL the swans, and Chris scrubs up nicely. This is all rather charming, and it’s nice from Chris – a few posture and footwork issues but generally he’s coming on leaps and bounds. One to watch this series, he could be journey of the year.
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It’s time for CHRIS AND KAREN! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth (Foxtrot version) to ‘Cheek To Cheek’ by Fred Astaire from Top Hat. I must have seen this film, it’s the kind of thing you watch when you’re sick off school, chugging a bottle of Lucozade under a blanket.
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Scores - 5,6,6,6 - a total of 23 for Alex and Neil
Bruno thought it was a bit hesitant and contained, and Craig agrees – it was a bit stilted and he wasn’t a fan of the backward roll at the end. Motsi wanted Alex to let go into her hips, it would have been more sensual. Shirley liked the Rumba walks and felt Alex is starting to find her inner woman.
Ooh, barefoot Rumba is risky, but Alex looks glorious. It’s lacking flow and some foot pressure and hip action from Alex, and very much one of the less sexy Rumbas we’ve seen (is Neil supposed to be the sea? Or a fish?) but rather magical all the same. Hmm, not sure about that backward roll to finish - would’t get your BAGA 2 for that (ask your mum).
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Next up It’s ALEX AND NEIL! This week they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘How Far I’ll Go’ by Auli’I Cravalho from the film Moana. Haven’t seen it, drink. Week 3 Rumba, drink. Cute kids in the VT, drink.
Time for the Terms and & Conditions, courtesy of Hollywood legend Hayley Mills. The Parent Trap is one of my fave films ever, but the daughter loves the Lindsey Lohan version. Whatever.
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Scores: 8,9,9,9 - a total of 35 for Michelle and Giovanni, and three drinks!
Shirley though it was magnifique and absolutely brilliant. Bruno thought it was a showstopper of divine decadence, and Michelle kept the actual Quickstep incredibly refined. Craig noticed an extra step, but the rest was A-MAY-ZING. Motsi wasn’t disappointed – great posture and footwork, and Michelle owned it.
I’ve decided I really like Tess’s dress. It’s rather gorgeous.
OMG Michelle looks incredible, and Giovanni makes an excellent emcee. Michelle is owning this dancefloor, and her Quickstep footwork looks pretty good. Quite a lot out of hold so not a much actual Quickstep as we might have liked, but incredible showmanship and hugely entertaining. LOVED that.
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First up tonight It’s MICHELLE AND GIOVANNI! This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘Cabaret’ by Liza Minelli from the film Cabaret, which I have not seen so DRINK. Also technically this is a Musical, thus making a mockery of Musicals Week. Still, I am very much here for a Michelle/Liza crossover.
Out come the stars! This is quite the selection of costumes – most worrying is Mike Bushell in a fireman’s outfit. That’s clearly coming off, and I have no idea what’s underneath.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a vast rainbow curtain, Claudia in a one-shouldered bin bag that looks like she’s put her head in the wrong hole. Meanwhile Motsi has gone full Disney princess.
Ooh, a bonus feem week pro dance! This one kicks off an Incredibles theme, because that’s a film. There’s a lot of pants-over-tights action, including Anton. My EYES. We’ve switched to Disney’s Up, including the most environmentally questionable quantity of balloons ever. And now it’s Toy Story, including Aljaz’s Woody. Insert joke of choice here.
Goodness, I’m already exhausted. That must have taken AGES to film.
And we’re off! It’s Movie Week, in case you hadn’t noticed. This week’s show is introduced by a Voiceover Man who sounds like he’s gargling peanuts.
Tonight’s Strictly Come Bingo Movie Night Special Edition! A slurp from your 16oz booze megabucket for every occurrence of the following:
- A dance representing a movie I haven’t seen, whether you’ve seen it or not. It’s my game, and I make the rules.
- Enormous props
- The Flavia wig
- Any score over an 8
- Bare chests
It’s Strictly Movie Week!
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! Despite us saying every year that Week 3 is far too soon for a theme, they’ve emptied out the BBC prop department once again for MOVIE WEEK. I find it helps to embrace it in the way you would a blockbuster film you’ve been really looking forward to that turns out to be a bit of a hot mess.
I’ve updated Heidi’s Hunches below – human canoe James Cracknell has gone (boo), and I’ve moved Emma W down a group; she’s positively regal in floaty ballroom but I have a feeling that Latin and character-led dances are going to let her down. Happy to be proved wrong.
Group 1: driving for December – Kelvin and Oti, Michelle and Giovanni, Karim and Amy, Dev and Dianne, Saffron and AJ
Group 2: battling for Blackpool – Emma B and Anton, Alex and Neil, Catherine and Johannes, Will and Janette
Group 3: happy to see Halloween – Chris and Karen, Mike and Katya, Emma W and Aljaz
Group 4: dodging the dance-off – David and Nadiya, Anneka and Kevin
As usual I’ll be following all the lights, camera and action up here, dressed in a full Grace Kelly get-up*. Meanwhile you are cordially invited to grab popcorn and make yourself comfortable in the comment box below – the lights will be going down at 7.10pm, so behave yourselves in the back row. See you in a bit!
*latter years Grace Kelly when she loved nothing more than pyjamas and fleecy socks
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