Their final dance is to Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time”, and Daisy takes the opportunity to wrap her endless legs around Aljaz one last time. And who can blame her?
So that’s it for Strictly Week 8 – I’ll be back for next week’s fun-packed jaunt to the Tower Ballroom, complete with a Booze-filled Bumper Blackpool Bingo. Since it’s a Seaside Special, feel free to make your suggestions in the comment box below, and I’ll pick my favourite five. Thank you everyone for joining in – have a wonderful week and I’ll see you next Saturday! Hx
So what will the judges do? Craig saves Greg and Natalie, for totally nailing the dance this time round. Darcey saves them too, but Bruno saves Daisy and Aljaz! Ooh, TENSION.
So it’s down to Len, and he chooses brain over heart and saves GREG AND NATALIE! Goodness, that was close.
So DAISY AND ALJAZ are going home tonight, and take the opportunity to say lovely things about each other.
Ah Daisy, you’ve been delightful. But in a year packed with big personalities, being perfectly charming and nice and wasn’t going to cut it I’m afraid. Such is the way of Strictly.
Greg, meanwhile, is Paso-ing like his life depends on it. He knows he’s on the ropes, and isn’t going down without a fight. But has Greg done enough?? I really hope so.
So, Daisy and Aljaz’s Salsa once again. Daisy has incredible legs, but this is still a bit like she’s sober in a nightclub and kind of wishing she’d gone home two hours ago. We’ve all been there.
I fear this might be the week we say goodbye to Greg and Natalie, which I’m quite sad about. But not nearly as sad as I am about the return of the comedy VTs; the respite was clearly brief.
I love you, Great British Public.
.@EdBalls breathe a "Psy" of relief! It's Beach Balls for Blackpool! @Mrs_katjones #Strictly 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WyrN9VabuU
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 13, 2016
So who is joining Daisy and Aljaz in the Dance Off? Ed and Katya are off to Blackpool (YAAAAAAAAS), along with Louise and Kevin and Judge Rinder and Oksana!
Which means GREG AND NATALIE in the bottom two! Oooh, this could definitely go either way.
Lovely to see Brendan and Natalie doing some proper dancing – I’ve seen enough barefoot contempo-wafting this year to last a lifetime.
Meanwhile, the cut of those strapless ballgowns mean the cellists look naked, which is unfortunate. Or, you know, Hallelujah.
Ah, I love the Poppy Appeal kick-off in Covent Garden. My RAF sister was there last year, but she did Paddington Station this year.
Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of Andre Rieu and his Amazing Technicolour Orchestra singing Hallelujah, aka the only Leonard Cohen song everyone knows.
So who has bagsied seats on the Funbus to Blackpool next week, and who is in tonight’s dance-off? Ore and Joanne are safe (hooray! But also SHUSH, Joanne), along with Danny and Oti and Claudia and AJ.
First couple in tonight’s Dance Off – DAISY AND ALJAZ! Ah, there it is.
From down below:
Tess isn’t in a stingray costume - it’s a manta ray costume.
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Salmon are pink. Darcey is more of a trout.
This is going to be a very long night.
Last night on Strictly – a really good show, I thought. Highlights for me included the return of the mythical training VT (oh lord how we’ve missed you), Ed’s amazing Gangnam Salsa, from brilliant turns from the Dave Archer Singers, Claudia and AJ’s Viennese and Judge Rinder and Oksana’s Foxtrot.
Lowlights: Daisy and Aljaz’s Salsa (bad night to do a Salsa, Daijaz), Ore and Joanne’s frigid Rumba, and the absence of Chaz and Dave.
Will the judges also be dressed as fish? YES! Darcey is a salmon.
Oh lord this Remembrance Day opening pro dance is going to make me weep, isn’t it? It’s the story of Basil and Madge, but I’m not sure the voiceover really works, can we just let either the dancers or Basil/Madge tell the story?
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a stingray costume (I shit you not), Claudia looking suitably funereal.
This week’s Countryfile Casual Weatherman is the delightful Nick Miller, looking very Blue Harbour at M&S in blue check. I can’t see his bottom half – has he gone denim or slacks? THE NATION NEEDS TO KNOW.
I’ve watched this bit about 20 times since last night, and can’t get “heeeey, sexy lady” out of my head.
This. Is. Everything. #Strictly #EdBalls #GangnamStyle @EdBalls https://t.co/J5GNFrEb7X
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 12, 2016
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back to tonight’s Strictly Results Show! I’m now safely back in the West Country after a lovely weekend, and ready to see whose Strictly journey has come to an end, and who is heading north for next week’s Blackpool special.
Really enjoyed last night’s show – feel like it’s a really open competition this year, and after one of the bleaker weeks in history, a little light relief courtesy of Ed Balls riding Katya’s face Gangnam-style was just what the doctor ordered.
I still reckon Daisy will be in the bottom two tonight, but any number of other couples could be there with her. Are the Greg, Ed and Judge Rinder fandoms still big enough to save them? Will Ore get some votes after last week’s shock dance-off? And will Danny, Louise and Claudia keep their spots at the top of the table?
All will be revealed at 7.15pm – see you then!
So that’s it for another week! For sheer dance quality, this season of Strictly has been superb, am enjoying it very much. I’ll be back tomorrow from 7.15pm for the Results show –thank you as ever for joining in. I’m now off to eat my bodyweight in baked goods, so enjoy the rest of your Saturday and I’ll see you tomorrow!
I think we all need to watch this again.
Time for a recap! The voting is now open, and there’s a mariachi band to mark the occasion. The daughter’s votes this week are going to Ed and Katya, Ore and Joanne (my choice: I want him to go to Blackpool) and Claudia and AJ.
I think Daisy and Aljaz are guaranteed for the dance-off tonight, but alongside them could be Greg and Natalie or Ore and Joanne…I think the rest are pretty safe. Any advances?
Scores: 9,9,9,10 – a total of 37 for Louise and Kevin.
Also, bit shout out to the Dave Arch singer doing justice to Shirley. Nice work.
Darcey loved the little details, although there were a couple of bits that weren’t quite right. Len enjoyed it too, and predicts a big score. Bruno loved how theatrical it was, and how Louise was cheeky and sassy. Craig’s cork was well and truly popping too – he loved the musicality and Louise’s confidence.
Loving Louise’s dress, less keen on the dead crow fans. This has plenty of old-school Hollywood glamour, and some lovely footwork, but felt a bit safe. Nice to see Louise giving it both barrels though, all good fun.
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And finally, it’s Louise and Kevin! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Big Spender’ by Shirley Bassey. Their Argentine last week put them very much back in the game, so I’m interested to see if they can keep up the excitement, or whether it all goes back to being a bit…beige. The fact that they’re going last suggests this might be a grand finale, my fingers are crossed.
Scores: 9,9,10,10 – a total of 38 for Danny and Oti.
Craig thought Danny was leading with the arms and it was too aggressive for his liking, but absolutely incredible. Darcey thought it was frantic and busy, but the technique was exquisite. Len usually loves small and intimate dances, but he loved the clarity and precision – he was swept away and thought it was brilliant. Bruno loved the way they told the story – it was a killer Argentine.
Not sure about Oti’s dinosaur frills, or Danny’s smell-the-fart acting. But this Argentine as great pace and plenty of passion. Sharp footwork, fantastic lifts and superb chemistry. LOVED that.
Who’s next? It’s Danny and Oti! Tonight they’re dancing the Argentine Tango to ‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye. An odd music choice, but let’s see what they can make of it. Is anyone else more excited about seeing Oti dance an Argentine than Danny?
Scores: 9,9,9,9 – that’s 36 for Claudia and AJ.
Bruno thought it was Strictly adorable, and had lovely flow. Craig thought it had fantastic movement around the floor, and he really loved it. Darcey loved the character and romantic feel, and it had a smooth and serene quality from beginning to end. Len thought it had maturity and style, and was a lovely performance.
Ooh, Strictly has a new garden swing! This is all quite dreamy and romantic, with gorgeous arms from Claudia as always. Nice frame too, and for once I feel like AJ is showcasing his partner properly. Really enjoyed that, entirely GAWJUS.
Goodness, how do you follow that? Next up it’s Claudia and AJ! This week they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Breakaway’ by Kelly Clarkson. I quite like Claudia’s ballroom, so I have high hopes for this being lovely. Also happy that they’ve got a half decent song, rather than attempting to crowbar a Viennese into something by Calvin Harris.
Scores: 4,7,8,6 – a total of 25 for Ed and Katya.
Len has no words, other than he enjoyed watching it for sheer entertainment. Bruno feels a bit queasy and queer – it was the best worst dance he’s seen. Craig only has three letters – OMG. Darcey loved the conviction. Nobody really knows what to say. GIVE HIM TENS.
Well this is entirely amazing, and there is definitely some Salsa of sorts and a pretty impressive lift. But then the pony dancing and thrusting starts, and honestly I could watch this until Christmas and never get bored. The lifts are incredible, BRAVO ED.
Quote from Richard Burr: “that’s the first time Katya has looked like she’s not there against her will”.
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I’m loving the training footage this evening. More please.
OMG IT’S TIME FOR GANGNAM ED! Yup, this week Ed and Katya are dancing the Salsa to ‘Gangnam Style’ by Psy, and even on paper that’s a guaranteed ticket to Blackpool. I’m fully expecting this to be low on actual Salsa and high on camptastic pony-prancing, but I don’t care. They haven’t even started yet and I already love it.
Apparently Lance Ellington is singing lead vocals on this, and because Korean isn’t his first language, he’s spent most of this week learning the song phonetically. Lance, you are a bloody legend.
Scores: 8,9,9,9 – a total of 35 for Ore and Joanne.
RUMBA ISN’T EASY FOR MAN. NOT IN BINGO BUT DRINK ANYWAY.
Darcey loved the tender sensuality (eh?), and also Ore’s lovely arms. Len loved how Ore managed perfect timing, but it could have had better foot action. Bruno loved the tonality and the love and care Ore shows in the dance. Craig thought it lost fluidity, but it was beautifully expressive. GIVE ME RUMBA FILTH.
Out comes Ore, dressed as the Countryfile Casual Weatherman. All quite intense from Ore, and some lovely shaping in the arms. Goes a bit Madonna’s Vogue in the middle and not enough figure eight hip action, and you could drive a bus between them at times. Nice, but zero chemistry. I am unmoved.
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Next up it’s Ore and Joanne! Tonight they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘Ordinary People’ by John Legend. I love this song, I love Ore, and I have high hopes that he is going to make me love the Rumba, despite it being Very Hard For A Man. No pressure whatsoever, Ore.
Scores: 7,9,9,8 – a total of 33 for Judge Rinder and Oksana.
Craig thought it lacked swing and sway, but Rinder improved his face for the first time. Darcey loved the effort Rinder put in, and it had great flow and glide – he’s becoming a real dancer. Len thought it was Rinder’s best dance, and Bruno agrees, although it lost a little flow at times.
Well this is lovely – Rinder has got his gurning face in control, and now we can focus on what a lovely dancer he is. Great fun, bags of charm, lovely changes of pace, entirely gorgeous. He’s definitely the dark horse of this competition, and totally deserves a ticket to Blackpool.
So this week Judge Rinder and Oksana are dancing the Foxtrot to ‘You Make Me Feel So Young’ by Harry Connick Jr, which I’m pretty sure was the same music Ann Widdecombe danced a Foxtrot to way back in the day. Hopefully Rinder’s effort will be little more light of foot.
Rinder’s grandparents willing him to Blackpool! DRINK!
Scores: 7,8,8,8 - a total of 31 for Greg and Natalie.
Bruno thought Greg was virile and leaping around like a rampant stag, but he lost the shaping and artistry in his arms. Craig agrees, it had an air of panic that made it feel a bit stiff, but the strong lunges were great and overall it was a powerful performance. Darcey loved Greg’s stature and natural power, but sometimes Greg gives too much and goes a bit awry. Len loved the aggression but it lost the finesse in the technique.
Natalie looks fabulous in gold with copious fringing, and Greg doesn’t look so bad either. It’s a fast and furious Paso from Greg, with plenty of attack and some nice shaping. His shoulders are hunchy, however,but the jumps look great. You should jump for a living, Greg.
Nice work, Gregnat – enjoyed that.
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Next up it’s Greg and Natalie! This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Tamacun’ by Rodrigo y Gabriela, which I’m guessing is proper feisty Tango music. Greg has improved so much over recent weeks, and I’m really hoping that this is going to be a properly fierce Paso.
GOOO ON GREG, there’s a kiss-me-quick hat with your name on it.
Scores: 7,8,8,8 - a total of 31 for Daisy and Aljaz.
Len was twitching and gyrating all the way through, and he loved how Daisy sold it, despite the blunder. Bruno thought it had all the right ingredients for a tasty Salsa, but Craig thought the footwork was haphazard and the transitions in and out of the lifts were a bit sticky. Darcey thought it was hot and groovy (never use that word again, Darcey), but Daisy needed to soften her knees to help her balance.
Mary Berry AND Nick Grimshaw in the audience. Goodness, you are spoiling us.
As flower power trips go, this has very little groove and no heart whatsoever. All a bit tentative and not nearly enough attitude, and riddled with mistakes. I think we’ll be seeing that one again tomorrow, which is nice.
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In the opening sacrificial lamb spot this evening, it’s Daisy and Aljaz! Tonight they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Groove Is In The Heart’ by Deee-Lite. This song was a psychedelic hot mess in 1990, I’m going to hazard a guess that 26 years and a Dave Arch spin isn’t going to do it any favours.
Out come the stars! Louise’s dress is fabulous, but the less said about Daisy’s the better.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a tangerine tabard, Claudia in a black velvet coffin lining. Both hideous.
Darcey’s dress, however, is glorious.
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And we’re off! Last week Daisy avoided the dance-off, Ore ended up there for no reason I can fathom, and Stu Heritage set fire to my liveblog. But in the end it was Laura and Giovanni who went home, leaving our showmance dreams in tatters.
Only eight couples remain, and they all quite fancy a trip to Blackpool in November, the lunatics.
In the five minutes since I posted that photo, we’ve annihilated that entire sausage roll ring. I need a lie down.
This week’s Strictly Come Bingo – a slug of whatever tickles your fancy for any occurrence of the following;
- VTs featuring small children
- Blackpool-related emotional blackmail, e.g. my nan once rode a donkey in Blackpool, she’d have been SO PROUD VOTE FOR ME
- A ten from Craig
- Muttering about lack of hip action
- Any mentions of Donald Trump/feeble attempts at political satire
You’ll notice I’ve left general mentions of Blackpool out of SCB this week, on the basis that they’re likely to be off the scale and I’d prefer it if your livers weren’t entirely pickled by the final. You’re welcome.
Talking of snacks, this week I’m liveblogging from the home of 2014 Bake Off finalist Richard Burr and his lovely wife Sarah - they’re my support crew this evening, and have provided excellent liveblog sustenance. So I’m on red wine and homemade sausage rolls this evening, don’t mind if I do.
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! The world might be going to hell in a handcart, but on Planet Strictly the most pressing issue is getting to Blackpool. I’m in London this weekend, so M1/M6/M55 seems like the sensible route to me, but apparently it’s not that simple. Only eight couples remain, so the pressure is on to win our hearts, votes and a guaranteed ticket to the Tower Ballroom next week.
As usual I’ll be here from 6.55pm to cast my beady eye over every wonky Waltz and ropey Rumba. You, meanwhile have only one job, which is to add your wonderful wit and wisdom in the comment box below. Grab snacks, booze and the hand of someone you love, and I’ll see you in a bit!
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