So that’s IT for Week 4 of Strictly! We’re cracking through the weeks, before you know it we’ll all be bitching about Halloween and sharing eggnog recipes. Thank you all for joining in – I’ll be back next week at 6.35pm for some more dancing and high drama. In the meantime you can a) come and chat on Twitter @heidistephens or b) keeeep dancing. Your choice. See you next week!
Which means CHARLOTTE AND BRENDAN are leaving the Strictly dancefloor. I think this is for the best; her Jive was actually a significant improvement on previous weeks, so she’s definitely going out on a high (of sorts).
They say lovely things about each other, then dance their final dance to ‘Don’t Stop’ by Fleetwood Mac. LOL.
Everybody saves Davood, because he’s actually a very decent dancer and shouldn’t have been in the dance off at all.
Charlotte’s dress is still gorgeous, and I love how much fun she’s having. None of the steps are in the right order, but no matter.
First in the dance-off is Davood and Nadiya. I actually really loved this Viennese last night – it was intense and rather beautiful.
Debbie and Giovanni are doing the Rumba next week, and I have every hope that it will be absolute filth. I haven’t given up on these two going full showmance.
OK, so this is now an extremely delicate hostage situation, but the first phase of negotiations is complete: Charlotte is in the dance off.
The worst case scenario is that she develops Stockholm Syndrome and delivers a much-improved Jive, but with any luck Charlotte will continue to tread carefully and not make any sudden movements.
So who is joining Davood and Nadiya in tonight’s dance off? Brian and Amy are safe (who? WHY?), along with Debbie and Giovanni, Aston and Janette, Gemma and Aljaz, Mollie and AJ and…Joe and Katya.
Which means CHARLOTTE AND BRENDAN are in the dance off.
Do Shirley and Darcey have some kind of bet going for who can wear the biggest earrings? By Christmas their earlobes will be on their shoulders.
Surely Charlotte and Brendan are the other couple in the dance off? Or maybe Brian and Amy?
Meanwhile, Pasha is dancing in a vest with the pro dancer whose name I can never remember. Never let it be said that my finger isn’t on the pulse.
Ah thanks Claudia – it’s Dianne.
Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of crooner Gregory Porter. We’ve yet to tick Alfie Boe and Michael Ball off our Musical Interlude Bingo, but it’s still early days.
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DAVOOD AND NADIYA? Really? Who the hell is voting for Simon over Davood?? His dance last night was actually pretty decent, even though I can’t remember a single thing about it. Hmm, maybe that’s the problem.
So it SHOULD be Simon and Karen and Charlotte and Brendan in the dance off tonight (based on the leaderboard), but who the hell knows. First couple safe is Susan and Kevin (OBVS), along with Jonnie and Oti, Ruth and Anton (actually very much deserved, much as it pains me), Alexandra and Gorka, Simon and Karen (oh FFS, who ARE you? Is it Russia again?)
First couple in the Dance Off: DAVOOD AND NADIYA!
Last night on Strictly: an absolute corker. Debbie and Joe faltered a bit with Latin, but everyone else raised their game by a notch or two. Alexandra pulled out a Jive that will go down in Strictly history, and it was all a bit emotional. Susan brought all the sunshine at the end and we all went to bed happy.
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TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in an asymmetric labial nightmare, Claudia in a deck chair.
TOTAL SHOULDER COUNT: 3.
Sad to see Shirley has ditched the giant ballgown in favour of something a little more ‘Friday’ round her house.
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Tonight’s opening pro dance is the bastard love child of Les Mis and Gladiator. It’s heavy on string vests, leather, drums and guyliner.
Would it be too much to ask for some ballroom? Hello? Anyone?
And we’re off! Ba ba ba etc.
Winter rock fishing looks terrible. Why would you go to that much trouble for cod? It’s £10 a kilo in Morrisons and tastes of nothing.
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Tonight’s Countryfile Casual Weatherman is the lovely Matt Taylor, looking not very casual AT ALL in a navy shirt and grey slacks. Not so much as a rolled-up sleeve, although he does have a gaping button giving us a pectoral flash.
We continued to be denied The Schaf. I may have to start a petition.
If my Countryfile Calendar is being dispatched from Melton Mowbray, I want free pork pie. In fact, feel free to keep the calendar and send me £9.50-worth of pie.
Bonus weatherman action on Countryfile in the shape of the rather dashing John Hammond fondling an inflatable globe.
Waiting for Matt Baker to segue seamlessly from disused coal mines in Sunderland to the Countryfile Calendar.
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SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back the Strictly Results Show! Last night’s show was a glittery box full of surprises, I really enjoyed it. But one couple has to go home, because god knows this show needs to be shorter or my fingers will be worn down to tiny nubs soon.
My money’s on Simon and Karen or Charlotte and Brendan to leave the dancefloor tonight, although there were a few couples who didn’t have a great night last night, which always sends the public voting a bit bonkers. We shall see.
What was interesting last night was that the competition has been blown right open again – Debbie struggled with Latin and so did Joe, and both Aston and Jonnie had issues with ballroom. Alexandra is streets ahead of the rest, dance-wise, but history tells us she won’t win for this very reason. Gemma is actually the most consistent right now, but really there are six possible contenders for the Glitterball, and any one of them could take it based on current form. How exciting is that?
Results kick-off is at 7.15, but stay tuned for the Countryfile weather, there’s wind incoming.
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So that’s it for tonight’s dancing – thank you for joining in and being generally amazing, it’s been another fab show.
I’ll be back at 7.15pm tomorrow for the Results, but feel free to come and say hi on Twitter @heidistephens if you passing. Otherwise I’ll see you tomorrow (with bells on), so enjoy the rest of your Saturday! Cheers, Hx
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I’d vote for Gemma and Aljaz, Susan and Kevin and Alexandra and Gorka this week, but plenty of good stuff to choose from. How are there so many couples left? I feel like we’ve been doing this for months. Are they reproducing?
Who do we reckon will be in the bottom two? My money’s on Simon and Karen and Brian and Amy, which are definitely two dances I’d really love to see again *fixed stare*.
So Alexandra and Gorka at the top of the leader board, and Simon and Karen at the bottom. The voting lines are OPEN, and it’s time for an interminable recap.
Susan’s wife DRINK!
Scores: 7,7,8,8 - a total of 30 for Susan and Kevin. So much hugging and screaming.
Shirley loved how nostalgic it was, and Susan was so light on her feet. Bruno thought Susan was a box of delights, and it was a wonderful tribute to Morecambe and Wise as well as being a proper Quickstep. Craig absolutely loved it – their personal best. Darcey thought it was bright and breezy, but Susan needs to hang on to her frame. What a way to close the show.
Susan looks beautiful, and this is all rather wonderful. Great footwork and timing from Susan, bags of character and just the right balance of comedy and commitment. A sheer joy from start to finish, and I love the Morecambe and Wise skipping section at the end. My favourite dance of the night, I can’t stop smiling.
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And FINALLY, it’s time for Susan and Kevin! This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to Bring Me Sunshine by The Jive Aces. This was Susan’s wedding song, which is rather lovely.
Either they’re saving the best ‘til last, or making sure Susan doesn’t go home the week after Richard, which would probably result in street riots.
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Scores: 7,8,8,8 - a total of 31 for Jonnie and Oti.
Darcey enjoyed the dance and the daring lifts, but Jonnie’s topline was pitching forwards. Shirley (glasses DRINK) thought it was bit lumpy in places, but good footwork and a definite improvement. Bruno loved Jonnie’s cool dude character, and he retained the phrasing throughout. Craig thought Jonnie stopped acting in hold, and Jonnie could do with some acting lessons, but he loved it.
Oti’s red dress is to die for, and these two aren’t taking any prisoners. Some nice swing and sway from Jonnie, but his neck has disappeared, there’s too much gapping, and this needs a bit more flair and attitude. Some great lifts, however, did I mention how fabulous Oti is?
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Goodness, how do we follow that? So many onions in here right now.
It’s time for Jonnie and Oti! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Cry Me a River’ – the Michael Bublé cover of the jazz classic, not the Justin Timberlake banger. We should probably be grateful for this, all things considered.
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Scores: 9,10 (DRINK), 10, 10 - a total of 39 for Alexandra and Gorka.
“It’s never to early for a ten from Shirley”. She’s been waiting weeks to crack out that catchphrase.
Oh bless Alexandra, she really wanted her mum to see that. She’d have been super-proud, you fabulous woman.
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Craig had no idea where all that came from, it was incredible. Shirley loved how they combined swing with Jive – it was superb. Bruno loved how they captured the force of nature that is Tina Turner. Tens, anyone?
Am totally loving Alexandra as Tina Turner, this is entirely fierce from start to finish. It’s a bit frantic and there’s a bit too much swingy non-jive for me, but total conviction and a fabulous performance. Enjoyed very much.
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Only three to go, and its time for Alexandra and Gorka! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner. This is where we find out how diverse Alexandra’s dance skills are – we know she’s got talent, but the Jive inevitably sorts the women from the girls. On the upside, I’m pretty sure this isn’t going to be worse than Charlotte and Brendan.
How have I never noticed Aljaz’s tattoos before? I’ve been staring at his arms for YEARS.
Scores: 8,9,9,9 - a total of 35 for Gemma and Aljaz.
Bruno thought Gemma shines brighter and brighter every week, it was gorgeous. Craig thought it needed to be sharper and more dynamic out of hold, but it was powerful and he loved it. Darcey thought it was gorgeous performance, but Gemma tends to bury her chin a bit. Shirley (glasses DRINK), loved it too – powerful and spiritual.
Gemma is dressed in some rather alarming webbing, and Aljaz appears to have tattoos. Are they new? It’s commanding Paso, with bags of attitude and some nice shaping from Gemma. Brilliantly intense, and no messing about until Aljaz tosses a fistful of glitter at the end, apropos of nothing. My kind of Paso, LOVED that.
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Next up it’s Gemma and Aljaz! This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay. I feel like this series has murdered more than its fair share of contemporary pop hits so far, would it kill them to include a classic Paso number?
My heart still belongs to Aljaz’s mouse/bear costume from last week. So adorable.
Are we there yet?
Scores: 4,5,5,5 - a total of 19 for Simon and Karen.
Shirley congratulates Simon for a pure basic Samba, but he made some mistakes. Bruno thought it went down like a Pina Colada (leave it, Heidi), and it was a bit more Benidorm than Havana. Craig thought Simon lost balance and it all went rather wrong, but a lovely try. Darcey thought Simon gave it his all, but it wasn’t a cracker and a bit disappointing.
At the Copa, Copacabana, the stiffest hips north of Havana. Karen looks amazing, however, and Simon has some nice bounce. I mean technically it’s definitely a Samba, but it’s making me want to drink everything in the cupboard, and then hit the antifreeze.
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It’s time for Simon and Karen! This week they will Samba to ‘Copacabana’ by Barry Manilow. Somehow they survived the dance-off last week (RIP Rev. Richard), and are back to show us their Samba. Proof (if proof were needed) that there is no God.
Gotta love Claudia when Aston moans that he’s not getting enough sleep because his pregnant wife has a new pillow “well you’re not growing a human, but sorry about your lack of sleep”. LOL.
Scores: 7,8,8,9 - a total of 32 for Aston and Janette.
Darcey thought it was cheeky and light, but she was a bit disappointed in Aston’s footwork – a bit pigeon-toed. Shirley agrees – Aston’s feet was a bit flat, but his frame was good. Craig though it lacked elegance in the footwork, but he loved the routine and Aston’s agility was outstanding.
Too much fafffing about at the beginning, but once they get going it’s marvellous. A quirky quickstep with bags of nice details and lovely timing from Aston, albeit his legs get a bit loose in places and footwork is patchy towards the end. Absolutely LOVED that, I could watch these two dance all night.
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Next up it’s Aston and Janette! Tonight they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘Mr Blue Sky’ by ELO. Aston has great detail in his dancing and Janette is a stunning choreographer, so I have high hopes for this. He’s yet to throw in a backflip, I’m guessing he’s saving it for when the competition is a bit tougher.
Scores: 6,6,6,6 - a total of 24 for Ruth and Anton.
Craig says that’s a bit more like it (EAMONN DRINK) and is pleased Ruth is making progress. Darcey loved the determination, but Ruth needs to fix her frame. Shirley thought it was 100% improvement from last week, and Bruno couldn’t believe it – Ruth didn’t go wrong once.
Ruth looks all kinds of fabulous in sparkly purple, and this is actually not a bad Tango. Some nice footwork and timing from Ruth, although needs more conviction and a much stronger top line. But definitely her best dance by a country mile.
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Hold on to your hats, it’s time for Ruth and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Allegretto’ by Bond. Still haven’t got my head around enough people voting for that Rumba last week to keep these two out of the dance off. I blame Brexit, personally.
Keep a close eye out for Eamonn popping up in the VT, he’s the Strictly equivalent of Whack-a-Mole.
Scores: 5,7,6,6 - a total of 24 for Joe and Katya. Darcey scored that higher than Debbie again, I bet she’s spitting feathers.
Bruno thought it was a bit frantic, and his legs were wide enough to drive a train through. Craig thought it looked awkward and Joe clearly struggled with the leg and hip action. Darcey didn’t think it was that bad, it was a challenging routine and there were moments when Joe delivered. Shirley has her glasses on (DRINK), and she loved the music choice (SHADE).
I love Joe, but Latin really isn’t his thing, sadly. It all feels a bit…constipated, with a lack of hip action and very tentative footwork. All a bit awful, mostly. Boo.
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Next up it’s Joe and Katya! Tonight they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’ by Human Nature. I loved their Viennese Waltz last weekend, and Joe is starting to emerge as a real contender in this competition. I also think this is one of the most compelling partnerships this year, there’s great chemistry.
Are we half way through yet? We must be, surely?
Scores: 4,5,5,5 - a total of 19 for Charlotte and Brendan.
Shirley criticises the length of time before it gets going, and there was definitely improvement in the dancing. Bruno liked how Charlotte looked like she was having fun, but the footwork was still fuzzy. Craig thought it was a bit laboured, but he was surprised (in a good way). Darcey loved Charlotte’s confidence, it made it more enjoyable for everyone. Well, quite.
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Loving Charlotte’s ombre dress, less so Brendan’s pink trousers. There’s acres of faffing about at the beginning, followed by some flat-footed Jiving that has decent timing, but not much else. Look, it’s not the worst Jive we’ve ever seen, at least Charlotte doesn’t look like a hostage.
Was a floral garden arch in the bingo a couple of weeks ago? DRINK.
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Who’s next? It’s Charlotte and Brendan! This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars. Doing a Jive when you’re as wooden as Charlotte feels like a desperate cry for help, or Brendan throwing in the towel. Can we #freecharlotte now please? Is there a Strictly Embassy we can call? If so, can I be Strictly Ambassador to the UK?
Scores: 6,7,8,8 - a total of 29 for Davood and Nadiya.
Darcey loved the intensity and focus, and is pleased that Davood has tamed the beast – really nice work. Shirley thought it was pure sophistication, and Bruno thought it was powerful and smouldering – Davood led with conviction. Craig though they were out of hold way too long (TEN SECOND RULE), and the Latin section was out of place.
I rather like ballroom Davood, he’s dramatically handsome. This Viennese has ALL the romance and some lovely storytelling, but Davood’s footwork is a bit wobbly in places and he needs to lift his head. An interesting contemporary take on a class dance, I rather enjoyed it.
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Next up it’s Davood and Nadiya! Tonight they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Say You Love Me’ by Jessie Ware. After last week’s Night Fever disco Samba left us all a bit hot under the collar, it’s nice to see Davood back in ballroom mode. He can’t wear trousers that tight two weeks in a row, it’s not safe.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 - a total of 27 for Mollie and AJ.
Craig thought the footwork was sloppy and it was a bit loose and limp in places, but he loved the lifts. Darcey thought it was saucy, but Mollie had balance issues. Shirley thought it was a challenging routine, but it lacked quality. Bruno thought it was spectacular, but Mollie lost direction and flow in the links.
I’ve just spotted Shirley’s earrings – a full set of chandeliers to go with the sofa. Also bonus drink for the glasses.
Mollie has ALL the fringing going on, and this has plenty of wiggle and sass at the start. Great hip action and Mollie sparkles, but just a bit stiff and tentative in places, and the footwork is patchy. A real shame, I think she’s got massive potential if she can just let herself go.
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It’s time for Mollie and AJ! Tonight they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Súbeme La Radio’ by Enrique Iglesias. I think this means ‘beam me up radio’, which seems scientifically dubious. Mollie is definitely one to watch in this competition, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of her yet, and I fully expect this Salsa to be entirely fabulous.
Scores: 4,6,6,7 - a total of 21 for Brian and Amy. Darcey gave that the same score as Debbie - the SHADE.
Bruno thought it was a Punk-o Doble with rock star swagger, but his shaping and Spanish lines went to pot. Craig thought it was dancing by numbers and way too stompy, but Brian made a good effort. Darcey loved the Flamenco heels at the start and the tension in the arms - a great improvement. Shirley liked the Paso moves, and some great basic shaping.
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So Brian is dress as an elderly Keith from the Prodigy, and has the worst Paso face in the world. It’s a bit of a shambles to be honest – no flow, terrible timing, all a bit camp and not very commanding. But definitely a 9 for the singing, go New Dave Arch Singer.
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Next up (slot of death klaxon) is Brian and Amy! This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ by The Darkness.
I have many worries about this dance – how much stomp can the Strictly dancefloor handle? Will we be treated to Brian’s Paso/Sex face? Is the new Dave Arch singer there because nobody else can handle Justin Hawkins falsetto without having to cymbal their testicles?
Scores: 6,6,7,8 - a total of 27 for Debbie and Giovanni.
Shirley thought it was a bit balletic and needed to be more earthy and grounded. Bruno loved how on time, exact and efficient it was, and there was no faffing about (I’m pretty sure he said faffing, but it is Bruno). Craig through it was a bit Barbie doll, all a bit stiff and straight, and it needed to be more wild and cheeky. Darcey agrees that it was too posed and stiff, and not relaxed enough.
So the gist of this is that Debbie is a secretary and Giovanni is a hot delivery man. I’ve definitely seen this film.
It’s a great Cha-Cha from Debbie – precision footwork and plenty of commitment and welly. She has legs to die for isn’t afraid to put them in Giovanni’s face. Could do with a bit more abandon, but lovely.
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Right, let’s crack on with some dancing.
First up it’s Debbie and Giovanni! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)’ by Cher. HOORAY, it’s time for Debbie Does Latin! I was wondering if this day would ever come.
Big question of the evening: will this be 100% shimmy-tastic Latino goddess, or 100% drunken auntie at a wedding? I’m both (highly) intrigued and (mildly) excited.
Out come the celebs! Jonnie hasn’t had a Week 4 makeover and ditched the man bun. There’s still time.
Shirley’s gone all out in a vast metallic ball gown. She looks like an 80s sofa.
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TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a ragged white coffin lining, Claudia in black with sparkly peplum. NO.
TOTAL SHOULDER COUNT: 1
And we’re off! Last week on Strictly: Movie Week. Plenty of blockbusters, and a few absolute stinkers. If I hadn’t been liveblogging I’d have walked out of a couple, which I haven’t done since the St Trinian’s Movie with Russell Brand. The Reverend Richard Coles went home (BOO).
This week: more dancing! And also for the next nine weeks, which is mildly terrifying.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police, Black Magic by Little Mix, Puff The Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary.
That’s all I’ve got. Any of these Pointless?
This week’s Strictly Come Bingo (rollover edition) – a swig of whatever tickles your fancy for any occurrence of the following:
- Actual training footage
- Susan’s wife
- Shirley’s glasses of doom
- First ten of the series
- Eamonn Holmes
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Things I couldn’t care less about, #3158 of an infinite list: Osmond anecdotes.
So as far as I can tell, this week’s Pointless is celebrities paired with members of their families. It even includes a minor Osmond paired with an Osmond who isn’t even a famous Osmond.
The indications are that Pointless has now run out of celebrities.
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly liveblog! We’re blessedly theme-free this evening, unless you count “even though we’ve got rid of two couples this show is STILL two hours long” as a theme.
As usual I’ll be following the action one wobbly step at a time up here, keeping a close eye out for illegal lifts, lack of traditional content and infractions of the legendary ten-second rule. In the meantime you are positively encouraged to spread a little joy and sparkle in the comment box below. It all kicks off at 6.45pm, so I’ll see you then!
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