And that’s Week 4 done!
Matt and Nadiya take to the floor, to Never Can Say Goodbye by Gloria Gaynor. I AM going to say goodbye, but only for a week – I’ll be back next Saturday at 6.40pm for some BBC Centenary Special Feem Madness.
Thanks to everyone for joining in – this is a very special corner of the internet and you make this job properly joyous. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Hx
Judging time! Not surprisingly, all the judges save Kym and Graziano, including Shirley.
Sadly Matt doesn’t shout ‘I OWE YOU NOTHING’ in Nadiya’s face, and instead says lovely the things about his Strictly experience. Nadiya describes Matt as ‘a beautiful soul, very kind human and a real gentleman,’ which is all any of us can ask for, really.
I will miss his profundity and dedication, but it was the right decision based on this week’s dances.
Lots of talk about someone dancing to the Doctor Who theme tune next week. Pretty sure Stacey and Kevin did a dance to that a few years back – I vaguely remember Kevin dressed as a Cyberman. You might want to Google this, I may have imagined it.
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It’s dance off time! Matt gives this everything he’s got, but his footwork and posture aren’t in the same league as Kym. Great effort, mind – full marks for commitment to the cause.
Kym and Graz up next – I loved this Samba last night, very happy to watch it again. That dress is still messing with the contrast on my telly, mind.
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So next week Helen and Gorka are dancing to the Blue Peter theme tune (GORKA IN A SAILOR SUIT KLAXON) and Jayde and Karen are dancing to Victoria Wood’s Ballad of Barry and Freda. The whole show is going to be a fabulous hot mess, isn’t it?
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So who is joining Kym and Graziano in the dance-off? James and Amy are safe, along with Tyler and Dianne, Helen and Gorka, Ellie and Nikita, Jayde and Karen and Will and Nancy.
Which means MATT AND NADIYA in the bottom two! I don’t fancy their chances against Kym and Graz, to be honest, and I think Matt knows his time is up.
Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of George Ezra singing his new single ‘Dance All Over Me’. I feel like this would get tiring quite quickly, but you do you George.
Personally I can never quite reconcile that deep, soulful voice with a guy who looks like he’d try to flog you an extended warranty in PC World. Messes with my head every time.
Dance-wise, it’s Kai and new pro Michelle. Loving her jumpsuit.
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It’s a BBC Centenary celebration next week – Tony and Katya are dancing to the Grandstand theme tune, and Ellie and Johannes are doing Casualty. I’m very much hoping for Bagpuss, Howard’s Way and the Wimbledon music – tell me your faves below.
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So that’s another dancer from the top half of the leaderboard ending up in the bottom two, like Fleur last week – Kym did a brilliant Samba and scored 32, so she obviously doesn’t belong in the dance-off. I’m gutted on her behalf, but there was clearly some FRANTIC saving of bottom half faves last night.
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Let’s find out who’s safely through to BBC Centenary week, shall we? Fleur and Vito are safe (I should hope so too), along with Tony and Katya, Hamza and Jowita , Ellie and Johannes (the curse of the tea cosy bonnet did NOT strike) and Molly and Carlos.
First couple in the bottom two: KYM AND GRAZIANO!
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Last night on Strictly: a rocky start, but then the lights came on and OH MY GOODNESS.
Highlights: Hamza and Jowita’s Sash! Salsa, which is now firmly in my top five Strictly dances ever, Fleur’s Revenge Argentine, Motsi’s entire wardrobe and Tommy Blaize giving it full So Solid Crew. He’s a lyrical legend.
Lowlights: Ellie T’s Bo Peep frock horror that even Johannes in breeches couldn’t save.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH!
Tess in a halterneck top made from cobwebs, Claudia in monochrome. More on the bottom half later.
Right, who’s ready for some Strictly? Let’s do it.
Tonight’s pro dance is a dramatic affair to Lana Del Ray’s ‘Young and Beautiful’. Luba and Karen look FABULOUS together – it’s all quite intense and angsty and I’m not sure what they’re arguing about. Everyone just calm down and have a cup of tea.
Ooh, Graziano and Johannes doing the Argentine Tango. More of this please.
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Ooh, I meant to mention – spotted this liveblog in the wild today. The lovely Ranvir Singh still has a snippet of it in her Twitter header! I will be very sad when she changes it.
‘What an intriguingly-shaped box.’ says the man. I mean, it’s literally shaped like a gun. I doubt it contains a set of saucy postcards and a ceramic pony.
‘This painting was a gift to my father from one of his patients’ is a super-dodgy story, frankly. What did do in exchange? For a ten grand painting he wasn’t just taking a pulse, was he? I need more information. There’s a rip-roaring book in it.
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Snuff box drink! Fiddly carving drink! The return of Fiona Bruce’s poo-brown slacks drink!
I bet these doggy watercolours are worth a fortune, even though they look like the kind of picture you’d get on a tea tray bought in a garden centre.
£900 for the puppies, £1000-£1500 for the dogs. Back in the attic they go.
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Less keen on a teapot with ‘oh chase me’ painted on it. Big Duncan Norvelle energy.
Ooh, I love a wooden box, always wish I could sniff them. Definitely some fiddly carving, so have a tiny drink.
SECRET COMPARTMENTS. Should have put that in the bingo.
Tonight’s Antiques Roadshow Bingo!
Take a polite sip from a Clarice Cliff teacup (two sips if you have the matching pair) for any occurrence of the following:
Fiddly carving
Snuff boxes
A pocket watch
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for the Strictly Results! Last night’s dance madness may be over, but there’s still the matter of sending another couple home via the dreaded dance-off. Who will it be? It SHOULD be Matt or Tony, but last night’s dancing and scoring was pure chaos so we could be in for another shock exit. Kick off is at 7.15pm, so join me then!
See you back here tomorrow...
What a night! Thank you as ever for swinging by and adding a little sparkle to the comment box – please join me back here at 7.15pm tomorrow for the Results. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and I’ll see you then! Hx
Forgotten most of the dances already? Yeah, me too. But worry not – here’s a very long recap.
I’ll definitely be watching Molly and Carlos again, as I feel like I didn’t really connect with that dance. And also Fleur and Vito, because HOT, and Hamza and Jowita because ECUADORRRR.
The voting is open!
The dancing is done, and now it’s over to you. Hamza and Jowita are at the top of the leaderboard, with Matt and Nadiya and Will and Nancy currently occupying the dance-off danger zone. Did NOT predict that, feel like Will got a rough ride from the judges this evening.
It’s time to vote – do NOT forget the couples in the Cursed Middle, we saw how that turned out last week. Fully expecting dance-off chaos tomorrow.
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Scores: 8,9,10,10 – a total of 37 for Tyler and Dianne.
Shirley isn’t familiar with ‘Megamix in the garage’, but she loved his moves. Anton thought it was spectacular. Craig wanted the arms to be tightened up a bit more, but he absolutely loved it. Motsi thought they were the cherry on top of the icing.
This reminds me a bit of the time Michelle Visage did Madonna’s Vogue and nobody really understood it.
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I’m increasingly convinced that Tyler can dance anything, he’s got some amazing moves. I have no idea how you judge this by any remotely useful criteria, but I’m never going to object to hearing Dave Arch play UK Garage and Tommy Blaize sing Craig David on Strictly. Having a little sofa bop, not gonna lie.
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And finally, it’s Tyler and Dianne!
It’s our first Couples’ Choice of the season! Now, my irritation with CC is well documented, but I’m also INCREDIBLY FICKLE because Tyler and Dianne are dancing to a UK Garage Megamix and that’s pretty much my idea of musical heaven. Next week somebody else will do wispy barefoot contempo-waft to some John Lewis sentimental guff and I’ll hate it again. Please address all complaints to notbothered@guardian.whatevs.
Tyler’s mum! Drink!
Scores: 7,8,7,8 – a total of 30 for Ellie T and Johannes.
Motsi loved the personality and everyone this week has upped their game. Shirley liked that Ellie’s frame didn’t rattle, but her neck needs elevating. Anton loved Ellie’s fleckerl and the difficult elements, and Craig agrees that Ellie is much more confident in hold – well done.
So Ellie is dancing to 1960s Lulu in a farm-themed Viennese Waltz whilst dressed as an IKEA shepherdess. The gingham frills are HIDEOUS and totally distract from what is actually a very serviceable Viennese Waltz. You’re better than this, Ellie.
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Ellie T and Johannes!
This week they’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to ‘Boom Bang A Bang ‘by Lulu. ALWAYS happy to see more Eurovision boom-bang-a-bangers on Strictly – this won the contest in 1969, and has excellent oom-pah-pah Viennese qualities.
Ellie T didn’t have a great week last week, but Johannes is a magician and she still has excellent journey potential.
Scores: 6,8,7,8 – a total of 29 for Helen and Gorka.
Craig enjoyed it, but he thought it was a bit polite on the power and the passion (OK, not just me). Motsi thought Helen made it look easy but she wanted more fire. Shirley thought it lacked self-belief – Helen is better than she realises. Anton loved how clean and stylish it was, but agrees with the rest of the judges.
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Helen is a flamenco goddess, and Gorka has gone full Michael Flatley batwing sleeves. Some lovely footwork from Helen, but it lacks passion for me – I want more fierce attitude. Gorka is giving it BARRELS, but I’m not quite feeling it from Helen. Probably just me.
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Next up it's Helen and Gorka!
This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Tamacun’ by Rodrigo y Gabriela. I don’t feel like we’ve seen Helen’s fiery side yet, so this is the perfect opportunity for her to unleash her inner paso diva. Can we keep this amazing dance streak going? I think we can.
Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39 for Hamza and Jowita. The highest score of the series!
Anton says lots of words, and Craig just goes with A-MAY-ZING. Motsi loved the inbetween parts – Hamza brought the house down. Shirley thought it was perfecto.
Look, I know this episode got off to a woolly start, but seriously? The last few dances have been INCREDIBLE.
I can’t decide whether the outfits this week are particularly lurid, or whether I need to adjust the contrast on my TV. This dance is very much Hamza’s shimmy shimmy happy place – he’s got great moves and I would definitely go to Hamza’s Salsa party. The final lift is a full clean and jerk with Jowita that gives me the fear but he totally pulls it off. LOVED that.
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It’s Hamza and Jowita!
Nothing makes me happier than when a massive Ibiza dance classic pops up on Strictly. This week Hamza and Jowita are dancing the Salsa to ‘Ecuador’ by Sash! featuring Rodriguez, and honestly this gives me as much joy as ‘Rumba to the Jurassic Park theme tune’ gave me the horrors. It’s the ultimate Strictly redemption. Rave pants on and hands in the air, everyone.
Scores: 5,7,7,7 – a total of 26 for Tony and Katya. That’s 3 more than Will and Nancy, which is surely some kind of parallel universe.
Shirley wasn’t expecting that – Tony stepped outside his comfort zone. There was a good effort in the footwork, although the lifts elicit a ‘Katya, what were you thinking?’ (well, quite). Anton loved the fleckerl, and Craig describes it as ‘better’. Motsi has nothing to add, other than it was brilliant.
Claudia apologies for Tony doing a swear (I missed it, not sure what class of swear it was), and I’ve just realised that Shirley’s hair looks like Aunt Flo from Bod. Ask your mum.
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There’s actually some genuine Smooth in this dance from Tony – you can see how hard he’s trying, even though the lifts look like he’s picked up a bag of rubble and discovered it’s considerably heavier than he thought. Terrifying, and yet strangely compelling.
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It’s time for Tony and Katya!
This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ by Joe Cocker, which is essentially the Beatles classic but sung whilst gargling gravel.
Tony definitely won the ‘good sport’ public vote last week, but can he go another week? The Strictly backlash can kick in at any time, but I reckon Katya can keep Tony upright and moving in the right direction for a while longer.
Are we there yet? I’ve run out of snacks. I’ve just counted, and somehow we still have five to go. Stay with me, people.
Scores: 7,8,8,9 – a total of 32 for Kym and Graziano.
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Motsi was impressed in how well Kym sustained the dance, and Shirley loved the detail in the technique – Kym was on the top of her game and it was absolutely divine. Anton thought it was a brilliant dance, there was so much about it that was tremendous. Craig thought the arms were slightly out of place and there was a lack of resistance and tone, but otherwise it was fantastic.
The pink and red of of Kym’s dress is actually hurting my eyes, but I’m loving her Samba hip action and those are the most convincing Samba rolls we’ve seen for a while. Kym is going from strength to strength in this competition, and based on her last couple of dances she may well be a contender. LOVED that.
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With the job of following that...it's Kym and Graziano!
This week they’re dancing the Samba to ‘Volare’ by Gipsy Kings. The original Domenico Modugno version of this came third in Eurovision for Italy in 1958, and went on to be one of the biggest breakout Eurovision hits in history. It’s an Italian anthem and I LOVE that Graziano will be giving it the full Samba treatment.
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Scores: 9,10,9,10 – a total of 38 for Fleur and Vito. And that, my friends, is how you come back from a dance-off.
That is the dance to beat, says Craig, and Motsi just says WOW a lot, then knocks her chair off the podium. It was strong, powerful and controlled, and Shirley agrees – Fleur is her own instrument and plays her body beautifully. Anton thought that showed every quality Fleur has as a dancer, plus control and intensity.
Well this is really quite intense, isn’t it? Love the precision from Fleur, and she has some great Argentine leg action. You can feel the heat between these two, and the tension in Fleur’s body. Absolutely LOVED that – my dance of the night so far. HOT HOT HOT.
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Who's next? It's Fleur and Vito!
This week they’re dancing the first Argentine Tango of the season, to ‘Paint it Black’ by Ciara. Fleur definitely has the focus and connection with Vito for a sexy Argentine, but does she have the footwork finesse? She’ll be feeling the pressure after last week’s dance-off, but I have high hopes for this warming up the studio.
Just FYI, any time Vito wants to sit on my sofa and teach me about Argentine Tango, he’d be very welcome.
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Scores: 8,8,8,8 – a total of 32 for James and Amy.
Anton has definitely seen an improvement too, and spotted some beautiful footwork. His posture is great, and James is turning into a ballroom dancer. Craig wanted more drive and there was a slip, but it was James’s best dance to date. Motsi loved the enthusiasm and energy – ballroom is definitely where James is most comfortable. Shirley loved the frame and footwork – by far James’s best performance.
There are undoubtedly some quick steps in this Quickstep, and most of them are in the correct order. A bit of a wobble here and there and the timing goes awry in the middle, but definitely my favourite dance from these two. James has made HUGE improvements since Week 1.
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It’s time for James and Amy!
This week they’re dancing the Quickstep to ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ by The Pretenders. You know how some songs just make you inexplicably furious? This, along with ‘Whole Of The Moon’ by The Waterboys and ‘Come On Eileen’ by Dexys Midnight Runners, is one of mine. I have no idea why I hate this song so much, but I might just mute the next two minutes and focus on the footwork.
James’s family in the training room! Drink!
Scores: 8,9,9,9 – a total of 35 for Molly and Carlos.
Shirley thought it was a cheeky Cha Cha Cha and it was one of the best she’s seen in a long time. Anton loved the sass and style, but Molly’s weight drops back in the spins. Craig wasn’t entirely convinced it was a Cha Cha Cha – but in the end decided it was a refreshing change and he loved it. Motsi loved the difficulty and the quality – it was magnificent.
Please drink for the fringing, and for the fact that I clearly know nothing. I’ll watch that again later.
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Some lovely chair-ography from Mollie, even though it takes an AGE before they actually start doing any Cha Cha. There are glimmers of fabulous leg action in there, but she can’t sustain it through the dance and it’s all a lot more convincing on the top half. Not my favourite dance from these two, but loved the attitude.
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It’s time for Molly and Carlos!
This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha Cha to ‘Do What I Do’ by Lady Bri. I had to look this song up, and now I wondering why it hasn’t been part of my life before now. It lends itself to a properly sassy Cha Cha, but this is very much Carlos’s forte so hopefully Molly is going to bring the goods.
Scores: 7,8.8,8 – a total of 31 for Jayde and Karen. Bit dusty in here.
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Motsi thought it was beautiful to watch, Jayde showed us a different side to her character. Shirley thought Jayde was her hero – it was graceful and Jayde did it her way. Anton thought it was a moment that transcended the dance, it was beautifully choreographed and presented. Craig thought Jayde’s arms went limp before the lift but it was full of grace and elegance.
The ankle fog is back, and I love the trust and connection between these two. A few balance issues for Jayde, but she’s leading this dance with her usual joy and flair and my heart is lifted. Technically the best dance we’re going to see this evening? Almost certainly not. The most heartfelt? Very possibly.
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Next up it's Jayde and Karen!
This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ by Bette Midler. Love this song, love this couple, very much need this to be all kinds of fabulous because this hasn’t been a stellar episode so far.
Scores: 3,6,5,6 – a total of 20 for Matt and Nadiya.
Craig said what I said, but better. Motsi felt like Matt was giving something, but he needs to get everything more co-ordinated. Shirley doesn’t dispute Matt’s commitment, and his co-ordination is getting better. But now he needs to focus more on the feet. Anton loved the energy and Matt needs to keep going.
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This gets off to a great start when Matt is doing solo hip-shaking, but once he and Nadiya are in hold the footwork and timing are all over the shop and his top and bottom halves are doing entirely difference dances. Love the energy, but the technique definitely needs work.
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It’s time for Matt and Nadiya!
This week they’re dancing the Jive to ‘All Shook Up’ by Paul McCartney. I had no idea Macca had done a cover of this so went off to have a look the other day, and discovered it has a definite ‘Status Quo doing Elvis’ energy.
Matt and Nadiya escaped the bottom two last week – but does he have the footwork for a Jive? I fear a pigeon toe.
Scores: 4,7,5,7 – a total of 23 for Will and Nancy.
Anton was moved by Will’s dramatic acting and storytelling, but there were some technical problems. Craig didn’t love Will’s leg action and Will needs to smooth out the transitions, and his balance was off, but he agrees with Anton on the sentiment. Motsi loved the spark between Will and Nancy but his posture wasn’t great. Shirley loved the mood and the upper half of Will’s body, but she didn’t love his lateral swing.
Definitely take a drink for Shirley’s jagged fringing.
Will is in a bad place, but Nancy is there to pick him up through the power of rotating hip action. There’s some nice shaping from Will and the storytelling is lovely, but he loses his frame on occasion and it’s all too angsty to stir my loins, sorry. Love Will, but didn’t really love that. But fair play to him for dragging himself out of his sick bed for a Rumba.
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Next up it’s Will and Nancy!
This week they’re dancing the Rumba to ‘The Joker and The Queen’ by Ed Sheeran featuring Taylor Swift. This is a beautiful, heartfelt duet, which suggests Will and Nancy have opted for a romantic Rumba rather than pure filth. Don’t know about you, but I was hoping that last week’s American Smooth was just the amuse bouche.
Although Will also has a cold and a cough, so not very sexy at all. Poor Will, and poor Nancy.
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Scores: 7,8,7,8 – a total of 30 for Ellie and Nikita. Drink for a Shirley 8!
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Shirley thought it needed more finesse in the details, but it was a great way to open the show. Anton loved the mood and he really enjoyed it. Craig thought Ellie’s forward and back basic needed more work and there were a few timing issues, but it was a very rhythmical performance and he loved the tricks. Motsi loved the different body actions – can we just take a moment to celebrate this INCREDIBLE look?
Fringing drink! Not sure about the dental theming of this dance, but the dancing is fun and there are plenty of Salsa basics in there. Some amazing lifts too, but Ellie definitely needs to dance on her toes more. How much have we missed the out-of-time audience clapping? No, me neither.
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First up it's Ellie S and Nikita!
This week they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘I Love Your Smile’ by Shanice. One of my favourite R&B songs ever, and realising that it was a hit 31 years ago has made me feel VERY old.
Ellie did a really nice job of the Cha Cha Cha in Week 1, so we definitely know she can Latin. Really looking forward to this.
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Out come the stars!
No warthog costumes this evening, but I do have questions about Ellie T’s ghastly bonnet. Who has she upset in wardrobe this week?
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH
Tess in a scarlet suit inexplicably matched with a scarlet shirt in a slightly different shade of scarlet, Claudia in a black dress with an assymmetric hem and gold boots. Don’t hate either.
However Motsi’s pink leopard print dress is a TRIUMPH.
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And we’re off! They’re all living and breathing Strictly every single day, but you have to focus every second. You only get once chance, and you can’t put a foot wrong. THE TENSION.
There’s been a request down below for clarification on what I mean by ‘fringing’ in the bingo. I’m talking fringed hems, like a 1920s flapper dress or one of those spinning rollers you get in a drive-through car wash.
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I was so transfixed by Rochelle’s citrus nightmare outfit that I failed to notice Marvin’s poo shirt-denim combo. Are they both dressed this way for a bet?
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Let’s play Strictly Come Bingo!
Close your eyes and grab something random from the drink cupboard, then take a sip for any occurrence of the following:
Random family members
Shirley’s 8 paddle
Celebs in the audience
Props festooned with fairy lights
Fringing
Heidi's Hunches - Week 4 update!
A few tweaks to the Hunches this week – I feel like Tony Adams has the support to see him through to Halloween, particularly if Katya plays the Couple’s Choice Joker. I think we’re definitely starting to see the best four couples emerge now, but there are still plenty in that middle group who we haven’t seen the best of yet, so who knows? Still early days.
Driving for December: Will and Nancy, Helen and Gorka, Tyler and Dianne, Molly and Carlos
Battling for Blackpool: Ellie S and Nikita, Fleur and Vito, Kym and Graziano
Happy to see Halloween: Jayde and Karen, Hamza and Jowita, Tony and Katya
Dodging the dance-off: James and Amy, Matt and Nadiya, Ellie T and Johannes
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I’ve just turned on The Hit List, and Rochelle appears to be dressed in some kind Norwich City FC onesie. What fresh hell is this?
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How zen are we all feeling today? I’ve spent the last few days in a cottage in the Black Mountains in Wales, with no wi-fi, TV or phone signal. I’ve read books, done lots of hiking and held ENTIRE conversations with my beloved. Who knew that was still a thing?
Anyway apologies in advance if this liveblog has a mellow vibe, I’m trying not to get annoyed by inconsequential things *tinkles wind chimes*
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It's Week 4 on Strictly!
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! After all the Movie Week mayhem last week, we have a brief holiday from theme weeks before *checks notes* the BBC Centenary Special next weekend, followed by Halloween Spooktacular the weekend after. Make the most of it, is all I’m saying.
Kick-off is at 6.30pm, and tonight we finally go sub-2 hours. HOORAY. Gather snacks, drinks and loved ones, and I’ll see you in a bit!
