Jonnie and Oti take a final turn around the dancefloor to “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”. Bit dusty in here.
On that sad note, this year’s Blackpool Special is over! Service will resume as normal next week, with only seven dancers left fighting for the four places in the Grand Final on 16th December. Kick off is at 6.50pm, so join me then for another sparkle-filled Saturday night. Thanks for joining in, and have a great week! Hx
All the judges vote for Debbie and Giovanni, which means JONNIE AND OTI are leaving the Strictly dancefloor.
He thanks the judges for judging him as an equal, and hopes the next person with a disability who performs on Strictly can tuck their bum under better than him. This sounds shadier in writing than I think he intended, but good work nonetheless.
These two are amazing, I love them.
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Jonnie and Oti’s Tango is much the same, but I don’t think it was ever going to be otherwise. I shall be sad to see him go, he’s been a huge inspiration. Also Oti is an absolute goddess.
Not massively keen to see either of these dances again, to be honest, but let’s go with it. In pursuit of more abandon, Debbie now looks certifiably insane. But it’s definitely softer in the knees, so good work Debbie.
Can I remind the BBC that there are only a few weeks to go and I STILL haven’t been invited on the It Takes Two Friday Panel. My diary is filling up.
Pick a key, Michael. Any key. I don’t mind.
Because it’s Blackpool, it’s time for a bonus musical interlude, courtesy of Strictly stalwarts Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. All we need now is Andre Rieu and his Disney Princess Orchestra, and we’ll have filled out our Strictly Musical Interlude Bingo Card for the whole season.
This version of New York New York has a whiff of 3am karaoke about it. Well, at least it’s accompanied by some proper ballroom.
It’s hard to imagine Debbie and Giovanni leaving tonight, unless Jonnie discovers a way to adjust his posture issues, which I’m not sure he can do. Would be nice to see Debbie loosen her Samba up a bit, can someone line her up some shots?
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So who will be joining Debbie and Giovanni in tonight’s dance-off? Alexandra and Gorka are through, along with Mollie and AJ (INTERESTING) and Joe and Katya!
Which means JONNIE AND OTI are in the dance off!
Time for a musical interlude! Strictly loves an 80s throwback, and this week it’s Tears For Fears, who are originally from my home city of Bath. They probably have a new single, but instead they’ve opted to play their biggest hit, Everybody Wants To Rule The World. Take note, Seal.
Curt Smith now looks like my postman. I feel so old.
So this is interesting – the only people I can see beating Debbie and Giovanni in a dance-off is Alexandra and Gorka – everyone else is definitely at risk.
So who is through to next week’s show, and who is first in the Dreaded Dance-Off? Gemma and Aljaz are through, along with Susan and Kevin (YAAAAAS) and Davood and Nadiya.
Well that’s all my favourites through, so I’m happy.
First couple in the dance off – DEBBIE AND GIOVANNI! Ooh, didn’t see that coming. Debbie looks gutted, I don’t think she was expecting that.
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Last night on Strictly: Blackpool madness. Darcey is buying chips, even thought I’m pretty sure Darcey hasn’t eaten a chip since 1984.
Highlights: Gemma and Aljaz’s magical American Smooth, Davood and Nadiya’s super-masc Paso, Susan and Kevin’s homage to Strictly Ballroom, Alexandra and Gorka’s West End Showstopper.
Lowlights: Mollie and AJ’s weird Charleston, Debbie’s far-too-ladylike Samba (but bonus points for channelling her inner Geri), the judges giving Jonnie a hard time about his bum, Joe and Katya’s Acid House Salsa (not my cup of tea, sorry).
Lovely to see Shirley rocking Tess’s batcape from a couple of weeks ago. It’s good to recycle.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in wire wool, Claudia in Dorian’s nightie. Minging.
Tonight’s Blackpool pro dance features our Blackpool funbus, but with less Pringles. Anton is dreaming of his Northern Soul days, which takes him to an all-nighter with lots of dancers we’ve never seen before (I’m guessing from a local Northern Soul Club). It’s all rather fabulous, and making me wish I was considerably cooler than I am.
AJ’s dancing in his pyjamas, presumably because it’s past his bedtime.
Well that was ace.
And we’re off! I’d forgotten about Charlotte Hawkins. Strictly is a cruel mistress.
Hello, I’m here. There’s a woman in a pub on my telly wearing deeply unflattering waders.
Just checking in to inform you that this week’s Countryfile Casual Weatherperson is the dapper Nick Miller in smart/casual plaid. Very Blue Harbour at M&S.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back for the Blackpool Results Show! Last night was the usual Blackpool rollercoaster – too many backing dancers, all a bit chaotic, everyone eating too much candyfloss and getting over-excited. But there were a couple of gems in there including Gemma’s American Smooth and Davood’s Paso, and my money is now on one of these two to lift the glitterball in four week’s time. I don’t mind which, I think they’re both fabulous.
So who is going tonight? Mollie and AJ, Jonnie and Oti and Susan and Kevin are all in trouble, I reckon – my guess one of these couples will be on the Strictly Megabus back to London.
Kick off is at 7.15pm, so join me then for the big reveal. I’ve got a friend over for tea, cake and a chat right now so might not be around for much of Countryfile, but I’ll definitely be here for the start of the show!
So that’s it for tonight’s show! My pretend votes would go to Susan and Kevin, Gemma and Aljaz and Davood and Nadiya, I reckon. My money’s on Jonnie and Oti and Mollie and AJ in the bottom two, although I’m a bit worried for Susan and Kevin this week, as they’re at the bottom of the leaderboard. Do they still have enough public love to see them through?
Thank you all for joining in with this year’s bonkers break in Blackpool, I’m off down below to read all your comments and watch Davood’s Paso several more times. I’ll be back tomorrow for the results, feel free to pop over to Twitter @heidistephens for tea and cake in the meantime. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday! Hx
Scores: 8,8,9,9 - a total of 34 for Joe and Katya.
Darcey loved the energy and the lifts, and Shirley agrees – apparently lateral hips are fine in the Salsa, which is news to me. Bruno thought it had everything but the kitchen sink (and Salsa, but what do I know). Craig thought it lacked fluidity and hip rotation, and Joe lost balance at the end, but the routine was really something.
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OMG, Joe looks like Handy Andy in Changing Rooms, and Katya is a dancing fire hazard. This is entirely bonkers, but a bit too much running man and not nearly enough Salsa for my liking, and Joe’s hips are still firmly in 1992. No idea what that on earth that was, but definitely a fun way to finish.
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And finally, it’s Joe and Katya! Tonight they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Ride On Time’ by Black Box. I have a multitude of worries about this. Firstly whether the Dave Arch Singers have got the lungs for this song (come on Hayley, you can do it). Secondly whether Joe can deliver full-on party Salsa hips and a sprinkling of gay abandon.
Scores: 9,10,10,10 - a total of 39 for Alexandra and Gorka.
Huge sprung floor DRINK.
Craig thought there was a bit of gapping at the end, but it was incredible and there’s nothing Alexandra can’t do. Darcey loved the stillness in the topline with the bounce of the dancefloor (DRINK). Shirley loved the musicality, and it was full of life. Bruno loved the detail, style and accuracy, it was effortless and straight out of a classic Hollywood movie.
I love Gorka’s sparkly suit, and Alexandra looks incredible. This is a Quickstep with Charleston accents, and it’s entirely fabulous, helped along by the superfluous backing dancers staying well out of the way. A West End showstopper, which is just what Alexandra does best.
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Only two left! It’s time for Alexandra and Gorka! Tonight they’re dancing the Quickstep to The Gold Diggers’ Song (We’re In The Money) from ‘42nd Street’. I have every expectation that this is going to be very quick, include a lot of steps, and do an admirable job of covering the Blackpool dancefloor. It’s quite big and springy, in case you weren’t aware.
Alexandra has taken Gorka to an arcade, DRINK! After last year’s events, I’m guessing that Blackpool isn’t Gorka’s happy place – hopefully Alexandra can help him put that all behind him. If not, I’m available to provide comfort and joy (comfort and joy).
Scores: 8,9,9,9 - a total of 35 for Davood and Nadiya.
Bruno thought Davood had earned his licence to thrill. Craig was quite distracted, but it was a powerful performance. Darcey loved the drama and the attack, but Davood’s fingers were splayed. Shirley thought it was a dramatic performance from a very masculine man – a great performance.
Davood descends from the roof in a parachute harness that’s quite tight. It’s quite fiery and intense, with some nice Paso knees from Davood and lovely control. Goodness me. I am both shaken and stirred - my first goosebump dance of the season.
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It’s time for Davood and Nadiya! This week they’re dancing the Paso Doble to ‘Live And Let Die’ by Paul McCartney and Wings. Gosh, two Pasos in one week, Strictly you ARE spoiling us. I’m quite looking forward to James Bond Paso Davood, he’s so…manly.
Scores: 9,9,10,10 - a total of 38 for Gemma and Aljaz.
Shirley thought it had lovely arm styling and it made her quite emotional. Bruno thought it was graceful, elegant and exquisite. Craig didn’t like the toe pivots, but he loved the flow and Gemma’s improvement is fantastic. Darcey loved it too.
So there’s quite a lot of bench action in this American Smooth, but once they get into hold it’s all rather charming – Gemma’s dress is glorious, her frame is a delight, and it has nice swing and sway, despite a bit of gapping. Enjoyed that very much.
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It’s time for Gemma and Aljaz! This week they’re dancing American Smooth to ‘Downtown’ by Petula Clark. In a week of high drama/high energy numbers, I’m worried this might be a bit…dull. Still, Aljaz in a suit is always a pleasure and never a chore.
LOL at Claudia using her own hair as a nest, when Darcey has room enough in her beehive for an entire seagull family.
Scores: 6,7,6,7 - a total of 26 for Jonnie and Oti.
Darcey thought Flash Gordon had just arrived, and she loved the focus, determination and attack. Jonnie’s frame needed to be lower, however, and his bottom was sticking out. Shirley has issue with Jonnie’s posture, if his spine was in line his legs would operate better; I feel like she’s forgotten he’s only got one. Bruno liked the techno tango, apart from Jonnie’s bum. Craig thought Jonnie was leaning over Oti, and it was a bit stompy, but he loved the routine.
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So this has a weird Sci-Fi theme, and Jonnie is wearing all the guyliner. His bum is still half way down the M6, but this has some nice footwork and timing from Jonnie. The superfluous backing dancers are making it hard to see what’s going on, however. All a bit bland, really. Shame.
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Next up it’s Jonnie and Oti! Tonight they’re dancing the Tango to ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics. The Tango should suit Jonnie, and Oti could dance the Macarena in decorator’s overalls and I’d still adore her. However this was the week last year when we said goodbye to Greg Rutherford, so they may be victim of The Blackpool Athlete Curse. Which is a thing I’ve just made up.
Scores: 7,8,9,9 - a total of 33 for Debbie and Giovanni.
Craig thought it was a bit spiky and stiff (thank you), but he loved the timing. Darcey thought it lacked energy by the end, but some of the details were outstanding. Shirley loved Debbie’s vertical line and her shadow rolls were outstanding. Bruno thought Debbie bought Girl Power to the Tower – an excellent performance.
Oh my goodness, they have superfluous backing dancers for every Spice Girl. Debbie’s footwork in great, but it all feels a bit stiff and ladylike to me, and lacking Samba bounce and abandon. It looks like Samba in Spanx.
Also the Spice Girls should sue for this medley. Just saying.
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It’s time for Debbie and Giovanni! This week they’re dancing the Samba to a Spice Girls Medley (Wannabe / Who Do You Think You Are).
Blackpool LOVES a bit of Spice Girls –remember Judge Rinder’s technicolour Salsa to ‘Spice Up Your Life’ last year? It was marvellously bonkers, and I’m very much hoping Debbie and Giovanni’s Samba will be in a similar vein. You can’t dress up as Ginger Spice and do a pedestrian Samba. There are laws.
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Scores: 5,6,7,7 - a total of 25 for Susan and Kevin.
Bruno loved the flamenco section and it had great intensity and drama, but at times it looked like a Paso that had shrunk in the wash. Craig wanted more intent, purpose and shaping in the body – it was a bit soft and wafty, but he also loved the flamenco. Darcey mentioned how big the ballroom is (DRINK), and Shirley demonstrates how the Paso should be done.
Kevin is quite sweaty, and appears to be wearing Donald Trump’s hair.
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OK I’m quite excited about this. YAAAAS to the knee slide. If Susan could learn to put her feet together it would actually be rather fabulous, but even without that she’s giving it everything she’s got. Love the passion and attack, love the homage to a brilliant film, love every fibre in Susan’s being, not sure the judges will like it one bit.
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Next up it’s Susan and Kevin! Tonight they’re dancing the Paso Doble to Scott & Fran’s Paso Doble from ‘Strictly Ballroom’. I loved their Tango last week – it’s great to see the quality of Susan’s performance improving, and how committed she is to taking this whole business seriously.
Incidentally if they’re staying true to one of the finest films ever made, this should feature an opening knee slide from Kevin and a whole section danced with no music. Please let this be so.
Blackpool wouldn’t be Blackpool without the Terms & Conditions being read by Peter Kay. He takes the opportunity to plug his tour, and it’s quite funny.
Scores: 6,7,8,8 - a total of 29 for Mollie and AJ.
Shirley loved the slow bits and the attack, and thought it was really good (WHAT?). Bruno thought Mollie had been let out of the cage – although some of the links were a bit shaky. Craig thought the footwork was lumpy and erratic, but the lifts were a triumph. Darcey loved the precision in Mollie’s swivel.
It’s going to be that kind of night, isn’t it?
Mollie is in a cage with enormous wings, because Wings. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this doesn’t work as a Charleston at all, and her swivel is a bit ploddy. The exit from every lift is a shambles, and mostly this is a bit of a mess. Yeah really don’t to watch that again, but I suspect we might not have any choice.
Still, plenty of superfluous backing dancers, which is nice. DRINK.
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Right, let’s get on with some dancing. First up tonight it’s Mollie and AJ! Tonight they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Wings’ by Little Mix.
This song is one of my favourite Little Mix bangers, but I’m not entirely sure how it’s going to work with Charleston. Still, it wouldn’t be Strictly without the odd bonkers music choice.
In training, Mollie is playing the nana card. These are desperate times.
Oh my goodness, Debbie McGee as Ginger Spice is entirely joyous.
TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a banana, Claudia green frilly curtains. Both are alarming.
Blackpool rock! DRINK!
This week’s opening pro dance features a sepia Pasha in Victorian costume eating chips (DRINK). There’s a circus of randoms in the ballroom – it’s worth noting that I hate circuses and I had a bad clown experience as a child, so I’m a woman on the edge right now.
This is probably amazing, but I can’t watch.
And we’re off! We’ve gone all slo-mo and soft focus as everyone talks about the Blackpool Tower Ballroom like it’s the Sistine Chapel. Forgot to put that in the Bingo.
I’m tempted to laugh at people calling Blackpool ‘The Vegas of The North’, but I’ve never been to either Blackpool or Vegas, so how the hell would I know.
Damn, none of my Bros songs were Pointless. Apologies to my chosen charity, the Blackpool Funbus Restoration Fund.
OK, the only one of those I could do would be Bros songs - I’d go Drop The Boy, Cat Among The Pigeons and I Owe You Nothing.
Whenever they get far enough down the Celebrity Pointless barrel to include “pretend journalists”, I’m THERE.
OK Bad Songs on Pointless:
- Bon Jovi
- Wham!
- Daniel Powter
- Michael Jackson
- P Diddy
I’d definitely go P Diddy. Bad Boy For Life is a choon.
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I’d like to think that reattach was a pointless answer, but we’ll never know.
My Pointless words ending in ‘ach’ are reattach, impeach and stomach.
Tonight’s Strictly Come Bingo Seaside Special Edition – a swig of your favourite alcopop for any occurrence of the following (brace yourselves):
- VTs featuring donkeys/candyfloss/arcades/celebs eating flaccid chips in the rain
- Pro dancers reminiscing about former Blackpool triumphs
- Blackpool-based metaphors – you illuminated the dancefloor, end of the pier, full of amusements
- Mentions of how big/springy the Blackpool dancefloor is
- Superfluous backing dancers.
I’ve decided to suspend the Bingo Rollover until the final, when we’ll chuck everything at it; I fear for your livers. We got a full house on Blackpool Bingo last year, let’s see if we can do the same again.
Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing! The annual Strictly excursion to Blackpool is upon us, so get ready for the usual northern madness. Expect dreadful VTs, enough superfluous backing dancers to support Kylie at the O2, and judges dishing out tens like sweets from a carnival float. We wouldn’t want it any other way, right?
Only eight couples remain, and they’ll all be taking a turn around the legendary Tower Ballroom this evening. As usual I’ll be rocking the commentary up here, while you are very much encouraged to illuminate the comment box down below. Get ready for a seaside Salsa, and I’ll see you at 6.45pm!
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