So that’s IT for another Strictly week! Thank you as ever for your brilliant comments, they make my week. I’ll be back next week for the HALLOWEEN SPECIAL, so join me at 6.45pm next Saturday and we’ll get our freak on. In the meantime you can find me on Twitter @heidistephens, so come and say hi. Have a brilliant week! Hx
Lesley and Anton say lovely things about each other, and dance their final dance like your drunk aunt and uncle at a wedding. Just as it should be.
Craig saves Daisy and Aljaz, as does Darcey. Bruno does likewise, and Len would have done the same. So LESLEY AND ANTON are going home.
Ah, I’m sorry to see Lesley go, she was incredible. But she didn’t have the best of weeks and was never going to survive a dance-off against Daisy and Aljaz.
Time for a reprise of Daisy and Aljaz’s Charleston. The timing on this looks better too, but still a bit lacklustre for my liking. I suspect they’ve done more than enough, however.
But first we have to get through another round of Mystic Meg and Rupert The Bear do the Tango. Lesley’s footwork looks considerably better, but she’s still wearing her shoulders as earmuffs. A big improvement, however.
See this is the problem with the Dance Off – you have to see through the two dances you enjoyed least. I’m going to watch Daisy and Aljaz’s Charleston carefully, as I didn’t think it was all that, but the judges really enjoyed it.
In case you were in any way unclear, it’s Halloween Week next week. I’m already over it.
Crikey, the Ed Balls train has got up a head of steam – how high up the public vote must he have been to beat Daisy and Aljaz? I can’t actually answer that as my maths is terrible, but I’m guessing he must have been pretty near the top.
He’ll stay until Halloween, and then the backlash will begin, happens every year.
So who is joining Lesley and Anton in tonight’s bottom two? Ed and Katya are safe! Goodness me. They’re joined next week by Danny and Oti, Anastacia and Gorka (YAY GORKA) and Greg and Natalie!
Which means DAISY AND ALJAZ are in the bottom two! Bye Lesley, we loved you very much.
YES I KNEW IT WAS LEANN RIMES I WAS MAKING A FUNNY.
Oh god give me strength.
Time for Len’s Lens! Darcey’s white stole is all kinds of fabulous.
Time for a musical interlude! It’s country goddess Kelly Clarkson, who has never quite reached the dizzy peaks of 2009’s My Life Would Suck Without You.
She is singing a song called “How To Kiss A Boy”, whilst wearing a polyester nightdress. Does kissing a boy need that much explanation? Don’t you just push your face into theirs? Have I been doing it wrong all this time?
God this is dull. My life would not suck without this.
Still, Gorka and Oti. Incredible.
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So who is safely through to Halloween Week next Saturday, and which couple is the first in the bottom two? Louise and Kevin are safe, along with Claudia and AJ, Ore and Joanne and Judge Rinder and Oksana!
So the first couple in the dance off is…LESLEY AND ANTON!
Well, that’s not a huge surprise. Only Ed or Greg can save her, I reckon.
Last night on Strictly – illness, injury, sub-par dancing, pigeon toes, Ed Balls lifting Katya like a sack of potatoes, SO much filler including a random crappy puppet.
Highlights: Louise and Kevin’s Rumba (never thought I’d say that), Ore and Joanne’s Waltz, Oti’s dress (as ever), the return of Gorka. Lowlights: literally everything else.
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This week’s opening pro dance – Len is opening Goodman’s department store, which appears to offer a very limited range of haberdashery and an excellent gift wrapping service. Music courtesy of Thoroughly Modern Millie, and it’s all jolly good fun.
Tess and Claudia Dress Watch! Tess in scarlet bondage, and Claudia’s put one of her arms through the wrong hole again. Bless.
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Right. Is everyone ready? Then we’ll begin.
John Craven is investigating the decline of dormice. I suspect this may be an extended promotion for the Countryfile calendar. I know your game, Craven.
Oh. The Countryfile Casual Weatherman is wearing grey. Like a northern village in a storm, I am entirely without power.
There’s no way I can talk about Matt Baker spit-roasting a couple of birds on Countryfile without it sounding terrible. They look delicious, however.
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Yes Countryfile the piggies are all very lovely, but what we really want to know is if the Countryfile Casual Weatherman is wearing a red shirt as per my request last week?
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back to this week’s Strictly results show! I hope you’ve all sobered up after a pretty full-on game of Strictly Come Bingo – I’ll go easier on you next week since it’s the Halloween Special (drink). I’ve been lounging around at a spa all afternoon, so I’m feeling fully relaxed and revived for tonight’s results. Might have a short nap while Countryfile is on.
Last night’s show was a bit of a trough after a couple of brilliant peaks, I think, possibly because lots of the dancers were a bit under the weather. But if we didn’t have the troughs the peaks would just be a plateau, no? So we’ll let this one go.
Who is going home tonight? I fear Lesley and Anton and Greg and Natalie are both in trouble…or has Ed’s Strictly journey finally come to an end? We’ll find out later, join me from 7.15!
So that’s it for tonight’s dancing, and a final Halloween mention (DRINK)! Was a bit of a mixed bag this week, with an whiff of illness, injury and general bleakness.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined in, I’ll be back at 7.15 tomorrow for the Results Show. Hopefully you’re not too Bingo Drunk, but if so make sure you drink plenty of water before bed and don’t operate any heavy machinery. See you tomorrow!
Time for an interminable recap!
So who’s going to be in the bottom two this week? My money’s on Greg and Natalie and Lesley and Anton this week, but could easily be Judge Rinder and Oksana – I reckon Ed and Katya have another week left in them, Halloween can’t possibly be worse.
Scores: 8,7,8,9 – a total of 32 for Claudia and AJ.
Bruno wanted to join in and it was stuffed with Samba moves, but Claudia rushed the music in places. Craig thought it was a bit frenetic and Claudia’s bounce action suffered, but a brilliant endeavour. Darcey thought she was being over-pushed to travel and it lost the finesse. Len loved the party style, but they sacrificed the technique for speed. I CONCUR.
Claudia is rocking all the glitter, and giving it full disco hips. Fabulous footwork and incredible pace, but a bit stiff in places and it feels like she’s struggling to keep up in the second half. A bit over-ambitious from AJ, I think, but great fun.
And FINALLY, it’s Claudia and AJ! Tonight they’re dancing the Samba to ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ by Candi Staton. Because they’re young, see? I’d never have known, nobody ever mentions it. Anyway this is a massive disco classic and I’m very much hoping they’ve left the best until last.
Scores: 8,9,9,9 – a total of 31 for Danny and Oti.
Len thought it was great, it was a masculine and strong performance although it got a bit staccato in places. Bruno loved Danny’s hips, and would like to see it again (but not in the dance off, obv). Craig thought it had too much attack, and ended up looking too much like a jazz dance. Darcey loved how consistent it was, and Danny’s lack of shyness paid off.
Rumba is very difficult for men, apparently. Who knew?
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Oti’s red dress is to die for, and there’s some lovely shaping from Danny. Bit too much posey contempo-wafting for my liking, but undeniably a technically excellent Rumba. My loins are unmoved, however.
Only two left, and it’s time for Danny and Oti! Tonight they’re dancing the Rumba to the Sam Smith version of ‘How Will I Know’. I’m really hoping this is a How Will I Know that I’ve never heard of, because the idea of Sam Smith carving up a Whitney floorfiller is too much to bear.
I’m not a bit fan of Danny Mac, but if he and Oti give me Rumba filth he’ll go right to the top of my leaderboard.
Even though Laura and Giovanni aren’t dancing, we get the pleasure of seeing how their week has gone. Look, they made the VT, we might as well show it.
So much pained ankle face. Drink drink drink.
Scores: 8,8,8,8 - a total of 32 for Daisy and Aljaz.
Darcey thought it captured the quirky playfulness of silent films, but Daisy got tired at the end and it lost the crispness. Len thought they did a wonderful Charleston, and Bruno thought it was clever and full of joy – he loved it, as did Craig. Oh well, just me then.
So this starts with just white feet and hands in the dark, and once their bodies appear it’s clear Daisy’s timing is a bit off. Plenty of energy and nice swivel, but needs more precision and it all falls apart a bit towards the end. Not really Daisy’s dance, that.
Next up it’s Daisy and Aljaz! This week they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Happy Feet’ by Manhattan Rhythm Kings. Daisy definitely has the legs for a Charleston, but can she deliver the character too? Does anyone care?
Scores: 9,9,9,9 – a total of 36 for Ore and Joanne. Nice work.
Craig thought the timing and phrasing was wonderful, and incredible storytelling too. Darcey feels the same, Ore had lovely energy and moments of stillness even though his shoulder popped up every now and then. Len thought it was quiet, calm and sophisticated, although one of Ore’s turns got a bit sticky. Bruno thought it was irresistible, and Ore and Joanne have outstanding chemistry and connection.
Ore’s welling up. DRINK.
Well this is already super-romantic, with lovely atmosphere and gorgeous rise and fall from Ore. Great spinning after the key change, really enjoyed that.
It’s time for Ore and Joanne! This week they’re dancing the Waltz to the Claudia Streza version of ‘I Will Always Love You’. They have a hell of a task on their hands after last week’s Jive – remember Jay and Aliona’s follow-up Quickstep after their Legendary JiveTM? Yeah, that bombed.
In training, a reminder of Ore’s crying! DRINK.
Scores: 2,6,6,4 – a total of 18 for Ed and Katya. Surely we keep him in for Halloween?
Bruno thought it was a ride that nearly ended in disaster, but there was some tiny bits of half-decent Foxtrot. Craig thought it was plodding and pedestrian, with absolutely no style whatsoever. Three of the four allowed lifts were fine, the other was horrific. Darcey thought it started well and it was a shame that Ed wasn’t able to recover. Len liked how Ed got into hold and there were some good steps at the beginning, but the lift went entirely pear-shaped.
Ed is hitching a lift to Amarillo, and there’s some flossing about with a backpack. The lifts are terrifying, Katya looks very much in danger of hitting the floor. OH DEAR GOD.
I think Amarillo is a metaphor for this American Smooth, because Ed has entirely lost his way. His footwork should be in Texas, but it’s currently in a novelty line dancing bar in Wisconsin. Send help.
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You can tell one of the couples has dropped out this week, SO much filler. But hold on, we’re half way there.
It’s time for Ed and Katya! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘(Is This The Way To) Amarillo’ by Tony Christie. Is anyone else imagining three minutes of Ed stomping about like Peter Kay?
Scores: 8,8,8,9 - a total of 33 for Louise and Kevin. Craig didn’t hate it THAT much then.
Len loved getting an eyeful – Louise is consistently good, but she’s on a plateau and something has to happen to give Louise a boost. Bruno thought it was chic and sophisticated and had lovely French tonality. Craig though it lacked excitement, it was too safe and needed more accentuation in the hips. But at least Louise got a free trip to Paris (his words, not mine). Darcey thought it was a classy Rumba, but it needed more tension on the floor.
I love Louise’s grey dress, it’s beautiful. She has lovely hip action and it’s actually all quite romantic and sensual, great changes in tempo and real sophistication. I’m not a big fan of the Rumba, but I really enjoyed that.
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Next up it’s Louise and Kevin! Tonight they’re dancing the Rumba to the Michael Buble version of ‘Always on My Mind’. I’m predicting this is going to be the most sexless, platonic Rumba of all time, the Rumba of two people who once sat next to each other in a hospital canteen and discussed their urinary tract infections.
Scores: 7,7,8,8 – a total of 30 for Anastacia and Brendan. Brendan is ill, apparently (drink).
Darcey thought it was a lovely surprise – Anastacia was so light on her feet, despite the moments when it could have been smoother. Len thought Anastacia was right in her comfort zone, and it was her best dance. Bruno loved the verve and Anastacia’s renewed energy – although she needs to be aware of gapping. Craig thought you could fell a tree through the gapping, but they performed it brilliantly.
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Anastacia is a vision in peach, and Gorka is indecently handsome. This is, as Len would call it, a proper Quickstep, with lovely footwork from Anastacia and a really nice top line. The Charleston bits out of hold are lovely too, and nice benchography to finish. Enjoyed that very much, Gorka can stay.
Who’s next? It’s Anastacia and Gorka! Hooray for the return of Gorka, we thought you were gone forever. This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘My Kind of Town’ by Frank Sinatra. Anastacia survived the dance off last week, only to lose her partner to ropey lungs. The Strictly gods at not smiling on Anastacia, are they?
In training, so much illness. DRINK.
Scores: 4,6,7,7 – a total of 24 for Greg and Natalie. Good to see Len wildly overmarking again, what happens when someone does an actual good dance?
Craig loved how Greg showed Natalie off, but he had pigeon toes (DOUBLE DRINK) and it was all a bit stiff. Darcey agrees that this was not Greg’s dance, but he shouldn’t get down about it. Len thought Greg didn’t look comfortable, but it had great content and he should be proud. Bruno liked Greg’s muscular stance, but Greg stiffened up. You wish, Bruno.
Good lord, what Ronseal shade is Natalie?
Natalie’s car wash fringing is all kinds of fabulous, and Greg’s footwork would be really not that bad if he could turn his feet out. It’s a very decent effort to a banging tune, but zero hIp action and a free arm that’s, to coin a Bake Off phrase, INFORMAL.
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Right, onward and upward. It’s time for Greg and Natalie! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘We Found Love’ by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna. Greg’s Latin has been a bit of mixed bag so far, he needs to tuck his bum in, sort his hips out and do something useful with his free arm, or he could be in trouble this week. No pressure whatsoever, Greg.
A reminder from Tess that Greg has NO DANCE EXPERIENCE.
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Scores: 5,6,7,6 - a total of 24 for Lesley and Anton. I think we might have just seen the bottom two for this week.
Bruno thought Lesley was hanging on to Anton for dear life, but he loved the intensity. However she messed up the steps and it got a bit skippy. Craig thought it was too up and down and it was very stiff and stumbly. Darcey enjoyed the amount of dance content, but Lesley lost her frame. Len thought it had steps and musicality, but there were mistakes along the way.
Lesley clambers over a table in a slightly undignified fashion, and this morphs into a slightly ponderous Tango. I’m too transfixed by Anton’s Rupert Bear trousers to pay much attention to the footwork, but suffice to say it lacks attack and passion. Which is probably just as well.
Next up it’s Lesley and Anton! This week they’re dancing the Tango to the Gotan Project version of ‘Whatever Lola Wants’. Anton is Grand Master of the Ropey Tango, so my expectations are currently fair to middling.
Mentions of Halloween! Drink!
Scores: 6,8,8,7 - a total of 29 for Judge Rinder and Oksana.
Len was immensely impressed, it “put the camp into bootcamp”. It lacked swivel in places but was well done. Bruno thought he was erupting rather than dancing, and it was eminently watchable. Craig likes how Rinder dances with tempestuous abandon, but it was flat-footed and lacked precision. Darcey thought it was a hard routine and he got carried away in places, but she loved it.
Go home judges, you’re drunk.
Nice cartwheel start from Judge Rinder and this definitely isn’t lacking energy, but the Rinder Sex Face is very much back, and it’s all a bit sticky-out-bum and stompy. All good fun, but very little technique. Not a great start.
Right, let’s get on with some dancing. First up it’s Judge Rinder and Oksana! Tonight they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ by The Andrews Sisters. I know some people would rather Rinder took this whole dancing this more seriously, but over-the-top ridiculousness is what he does best. Novelty fancy dress Rinder is the best kind, I think this is going to be brilliant.
Apparently Oksana is hoping that Rinder’s little soldier gets a good mark. I definitely DO NOT want to see Rinder’s little soldier.
The comedy VTs are back. YAY.
Out come the stars! Poor Lesley, that ropey fairground Mystic Meg outfit is terrible.
Illness and injury! Drink!
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Tess and Claudia dress watch! Tess in a plunging penguin pant suit, Claudia in another navy doily with bizarre vaginal framing. 5/10.
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And we’re off! Last week on Strictly – some brilliant dancing, and the first tens of the season. More of this please.
This week’s Strictly Come Bingo – a swig of your favourite tipple for any occurrence of the following (I’m back on the Spanish holiday Cava again):
- Ore crying
- Any mention of illness or injury
- Animal references from the judges (double shot for pigeon toes)
- Mentions of Halloween
- Judges insisting this is a dance competition
While we’re waiting, I’m watching Ore and Joanne’s Jive again. It’s SO good.
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! We’re down to eleven couples in the competition, and everyone wants to make it the Halloween Special next Saturday. Personally I’m not that fussed about making it the Halloween Special because it’s always rubbish, but feel free to vote me through anyway *phone hands*
There have been a few dramas in Strictly world this week, with Brendan having to bow out due to a lung infection, and several Strictly stars coming down with a mystery bug. And today it’s been announced that Laura has an ankle injury so can’t dance tonight. So in summary, Anastacia is dancing with Gorka, Laura has her leg up, and we can expect a few others to look like Halloween has come early. They’re dropping like flies.
As usual I’ll be here keeping my beady eye on every saucy Salsa and robotic Rumba, while you are invited to add a sprinkling of wit and wisdom in the comment box below. Kick off is at 6.35pm, so bring booze, snacks and your dancing feet. See you then!
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