ALISON AND ALJAZ ARE NOT GOING TO BLACKPOOL
So that’s it for another week in Strictly world. Sad to see Alison go, she was bloody marvellous. Hope she keeps dancing, the world needs more laughter and jazz hands.
Thank you for all your brilliant comments as usual, I’ll be back here next weekend at 7pm for the Blackpool Special. Don’t forget your Kiss Me Quick hat, and I’ll see you then! KEEEEEP DANCING! Hx
So how will the judges vote? Craig saves Caroline and Pasha, as does Darcey. Bruno does likewise, so Caroline and Pasha are off to Blackpool. Len also agrees.
Alison says some lovely things about Caroline and all the other contestants, she’s clearly had the best time ever. She also loves Aljaz (as a friend). Don’t we all?
Aljaz is having a little cry. I’m available for hugs.
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I also really enjoyed this Charleston from Alison and Aljaz. If they do go out tonight, it’s very much on a high.
Alison knows she’s going home, poor love. Still, at least Caroline’s string vest is having another outing.
Loved this Waltz yesterday, and the song is gorgeous.
So that’s Alison and Aljaz going home then. I am sad about this, but such is the way of Strictly.
JUDY AND ANTON ARE THROUGH.
Along with Pixie and Trent, Simon and Kristina and Jake and Janette!
Which means CAROLINE AND PASHA are in the dance-off! Blimey, didn’t see that coming.
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So who else is off to Blackpool, and who’s up against Alison and Aljaz in the dance-off? JUDY AND ANTON ARE THROUGH.
Hang on, that needs a heading.
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Crikey Darcey’s dress is short. I can almost see her rond de jambe.
IT'S TIME FOR LEN'S LENS!
I really should use the heading function more.
Could Katherine Jenkins’ poppy be any bigger? It looks like it’s trying to eat her head.
Lovely dance from Ola and Pasha, which I’ve discovered looks just as lovely without the sound on.
Steve looks like he’d rather wrestle a hungry bear than go to Blackpool with Ola.
So who is off to Blackpool next week? Frankie and Kevin are through, along with Sunetra and Brendan, Steve and Ola (my prediction dies for another week) and Mark and Karen.
First couple if in the dance-off: ALISON AND ALJAZ! Boo, two weeks in a row is a shame. Still, if they’re up against Judy and Anton they’ll be fine.
Zoe is talking to some people from Eastenders. I’m going in a couple of weeks, can I share my Strictly wisdom please?
On come Tess and Zoe! DRESS WATCH: Zoe in black jersey with sparkly flanks, Tess in black satin in an unflattering length. Talking of which, Darcey appears to have forgotten the bottom half of her dress. Plum lace is a no from me.
And we’re off! This week’s pro dance – Iveta dressed as Mrs Doubtfire kissing a photo of Anton, all the other pros as wartime factory workers in sparkly boilers suits and victory rolls. Alas the male pros are not dressed as GIs stealing their virtue. Strictly, you disappoint me.
SUNDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW UPDATE!
Evening all, and welcome back to the Sunday results show! A good show last night, despite everything starting to unravel after Steve and Ola’s Paso. Bruno really needs to calm down a bit, we’re not even half way through the series yet.
This week our remaining couples are desperate to make it through to next week’s show in Blackpool, but somebody won’t be going. By rights it should be Judy and Anton, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they stayed in for another week after Anton has promised some kind of aerial extravaganza. Could be anyone in the dance-off tonight, maybe Steve and Ola? Not even sure Jake and Janette are safe this week.
In other news, Katherine Jenkins will be performing a 1940s classic for Remembrance day. Feel free to join me by pressing the mute button and observing a three minute silence at this point.
It’s 7.45pm tonight rather than the usual 7.20pm, so don’t drink all the wine before we’ve even got started. See you in a bit!
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The voting lines are open, and that’s it for tonight’s show! Join me back here at 7.20pm tomorrow for the results show, where we’ll find out who’s going to BLACKPOOL. Thank you for all your brilliant comments down below, I’m off to have a read. Follow me on Twitter @heidstephens, keep dogs indoors, and don’t play with fireworks. If you can make it through the night, I’ll see you tomorrow! Cheers, Hx
Anyway, let’s move on. Recap time! Some good dancing tonight – loved Simon and Kristina, Caroline and Pasha, Mark and Karen and Frankie and Kevin. I’m predicting Judy and Anton and Steve and Ola in the bottom two this week – any advances?
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Scores: 6,8,7,7 – a total of 28 for Steve and Ola. I have no idea what just happened. Bruno has finally lost it, and I’m finding it a bit upsetting.
Ah OK, the comment box says he said “break her”. My ears need cleaning, sorry Bruno.
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Did Bruno just say “you’re supposed to dance with Ola, not to rape her”? Please tell me I misheard that.
Craig thought he was a vicious brute. Darcey thought he was definitely the man for this. Len was frightened by his manliness. Nobody mentions the quality of the dancing, because it’s all unravelling.
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This week Steve has his chest out and a bit of stubble. He’s slowly morphing into a buffed up Nick Knowles. He starts with some masterful caping, then Christmas Tree Ola comes on to be on the receiving end of his steely Paso glare. His hands in the promenades are like shovels, then he swaps them for horrible splayed fingers. Tons of attack and some nice shaping, however, but a bit thrusty for me.
And FINALLY, it’s Steve and Ola! Tonight they’re dancing the Paso to Use Somebody by Kings of Leon. Get ready with your high-pitched woohoo-ing.
Steve forgot most of their steps in last week’s Charleston, and yet somehow still wasn’t in the bottom two.
Scores: 9,10,8,9 – a total of 36 for Pixie and Trent. The scoring’s gone bonkers again.
Len also thought it was charming, Bruno thought it was refreshingly original with plenty of wit and character. Craig though it was gorgeous. Darcey loved how Pixie stretched herself (but not in the mangle).
Pixie is dressed as a 50s housewife in a fabulous red dress, and is cranking a mangle in possibly the weirdest Strictly prop choice ever. Then her creepy twin brother distracts her from the housework with some dancing. It’s a lovely and technically excellent Foxtrot, inasmuch as all Pixie’s dances are lovely and technically excellent. Slightly odd out-of-hold comedy interlude, but charming.
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Pixie wins ALL the relative points this week with her lovely grandad. Kids are SO last week.
Only two couples left! It’s time for Pixie and Trent! Tonight they’re dancing the Foxtrot to When I’m Sixty Four by The Beatles. I loved their hair-raising Tango last week, was the first time I’ve seen any real personality from Pixie. More of this please.
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Scores: 7,8,9,8 – a total of 32 for Frankie and Kevin.
Darcey thought it had loads of content, but there were a couple of mishaps. Len loved the speed Frankie covered from the mistakes – great dancing and great routine. Bruno couldn’t keep up – Frankie is usually so precise. Craig thought it was Frankie’s worst dance yet.
Frankie looks like a Mr Whippy with strawberry sauce. Don’t even get me started on Kevin’s red trousers. Some lovely Samba rolls and hip shaking from Frankie, loads of Samba content and Kevin in a sombrero is adorable.
A bit untidy and chaotic from Frankie in places, but it makes her look a bit drunk and that kind of adds to the Samba party thing. Works for me.
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Who’s next? It’s Frankie and Kevin! This week they’re dancing the Samba to La Bamba by Connie Francis. It’s a La Bamba Samba.
I can’t remember anything about their Tango last week other than Frankie’s green head, but it was right at the end and I was starting to hallucinate by then. Oh yeah, it got the first “real ten” of the series.
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Scores: 7,8,8,8 – a total of 31 for Mark and Karen.
Craig thought it was romantic, and he really enjoyed it. Darcey thought he sensitively led Karen around the dancefloor. Len thought it lacked swing and sway, but Mark’s footwork was terrific. Bruno thought it was tender and loving, but would have liked a bit of swing here and there.
Well this is lovely – a caring and super-romantic waltz, with nice spins and real charm. Mark’s posture is still a bit stiff on occasion, but I don’t care. He’s my new favourite. GO ON JUDGE ME.
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Next up it’s Mark and Karen! Tonight they’re performing the Waltz to Weekend In New England by Barry Manilow. Mark absolutely nailed the Jive last week, has he upped his ballroom game too?
Anyone who does Phone Hands should be instantly disqualified. Just saying.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 – a total of 27 for Alison and Aljaz.
Bruno loved the slapstick, and he thought she might drop Aljaz at one point. Craig enjoyed the routine – it was stylish and had plenty of jazz hands but could have done with more swivel. Technically not brilliant but enjoyable. Darcey thought it was crazy and fun, and Alison kept up the pace well. Len thought it had plenty of razzamatazz.
Alison looks rather splendid in top hat and purple fringing. Some nice swivel and good timing at the start, but it loses pace towards the end. Bit pigeon-toed, however, and WHY OH WHY won’t Alison wear heels? It makes her look flat-footed.
But as always with Alison, loads of personality and bags of fun. Enjoyed.
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We’re half way there! Next up it’s Alison and Aljaz! This week they’re dancing the Charleston to Friend like Me by Robin Williams, from the film Aladdin.
Last week’s American Smooth put them in the dance-off, mostly due to far too much wuthering about and not enough dancing. But nobody minded because it meant we got to watch Aljaz’s Heathcliff again.
Scores: 7,8,8,8 – a total of 31 for Sunetra and Brendan.
Len thought there were a couple of mistakes, but it was good. Bruno thought it was stunning, apart from the odd stumble. Is Bruno drunk this evening? He seems more unhinged than usual. Craig thought the mistakes were a shame, as it made a beautiful routine a bit clunky. Darcey thought it was a bit ploddy when Sunetra went wrong, but she has the best top line and it was glamorous.
Tess keeps interrupting the judges and it’s getting right on my wick. Stop it.
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Sunetra has had some fabulous dresses this series, tonight’s minty wrist-hanky number is gorgeous. It’s a nice Foxtrot, although as with Sunetra’s previous ballroom outings she loses her neck on occasion. Nice storytelling, however, and beautiful arms as always.
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It’s time for Sunetra and Brendan! Tonight they’re dancing the Foxtrot to All of Me by John Legend. I don’t remember anything about last week’s Jive other than it appeared to involve some kind of charity bed push.
Scores: 3,5,5,5 – a total of 18 for Judy and Anton. Let’s never speak of this again.
Darcey thought it was a good effort, but the passion in Judy’s face didn’t quite make it to her feet. If stiffness was a crime you’d get life, says Len. Bruno things Judy is breaking all the rules and re-imagining dance as we know it. Craig thought it was pedestrian – Judy just walked around a bit, and there was no shape or dancing as such.
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Judy is banging a gavel and spinning wildly. She removes her jacket, and stops just short of folding it up. Anton flings her about a bit. There’s a spinny bit which actually looks quite good, and then Judy wanders about for a bit and it’s rubbish again. Judy puts Anton in jail. Fin. Thank god for that.
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ANDY MURRAY WATCH: he agrees to dance for ten seconds in the VT in order to avoid sitting through an entire Saturday night in the studio. Hey, he’s got tennis tomorrow.
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It’s time for Judy and Anton! Tonight they’re dancing the Paso to I Fought the Law by The Clash.
It’s time for Judy to show us her passionate, powerful side, putting in a performance full of thrust and attack. OR, she could floss about a bit like a floppy-limbed puppet.
Scores: 6,7,7,7 – a total of 27 for Jake and Janette. Could they be in trouble this week? Surely not.
Craig didn’t like Jake’s hand shaping, and the whole dance was a bit safe and subtle – he’s slightly disappointed. Darcey liked it, but Jake needs to lift his head. Len thought his arms were all at sea – it was acceptable rather than exceptional. Bruno wangs on about something or other. I can’t listen to Bruno any more.
*RUMBA HARD FOR THE MAN KLAXON*
Jake is dressed as a navy captain, and has lovely Rumba hips. I don’t like the music choice, nor do I like how Jake’s chin appears to be glued to his chest. I think that was supposed to be sexy, but it was just a bit odd.
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It’s time for Jake and Janette! After last week’s Black Betty Paso, this week they’re dancing the Rumba to Strangers in the Night by Frank Sinatra. I’m not a big fan of the Rumba (or a Roomba, if you’re Tess), not sure a bit of Frank crooning is going to help.
Scores: 7,8,8,8 – a total of 31 for Caroline and Pasha.
Bruno was put in the mood for love, but she loses the extension in her neck on occasion. Craig thought her topline was a bit blocky, but he loved the emotion. Darcey loved the romantic quality, but she needs to open her shoulders. Len loved the control and it had real beauty, but it lacked rise and fall.
Caroline is wearing a nightie in a wind tunnel with a string vest cleavage, it’s all a bit Princess Jasmine. This is, however, a beautiful Waltz – lovely rise and fall from Caroline, and all nicely controlled. She loses her top line on occasion I think, but very romantic.
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Next up it’s Caroline and Pasha! This week they’re performing the Waltz to Three Times a Lady by The Commodores. After last week’s graveyard afro Samba, I think we’ll all be glad to see something a little less bonkers.
Scores: 7,9,9,8 – a total of 33 for Simon and Kristina.
In other news, a neighbour just popped round to borrow some string. Impeccable timing.
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Len loved it – it had energy and commitment. Bruno loved the Hollywood glamour and seeing Simon enjoy himself. Craig though his posture could be improved, but he flew around the floor and is fast becoming a serious contender. Darcey (HAIR WATCH: heinous asymmetric bob that looks like her wig has slipped) thought it was a great opening to the show.
Kristina’s cream and gold satin trumpet dress is gorgeous, and Simon looks splendid in tails. It’s a proper Quickstep – nicely skippy and some great moves out of hold from Simon too. And FINALLY he’s working it like the dancefloor god he should be. LOVED that.
First up it’s Simon and Kristina! Tonight they’re performing the Quickstep to I Got Rhythm by Bobby Darin, which would have been a brilliantly ironic choice for Judy and Anton.
The judges liked Simon’s Paso last week more than I did; I think he’s trying to maintain some kind of boyband blue steel image, when he’d probably be a lot better for just letting go a bit and showing more personality. Will we finally see it in tonight’s Quickstep? I really hope so. COME ON SIMON. I BOUGHT THE SOLO ALBUM, YOU STILL OWE ME.
Out come the celebs! Everyone is looking quite sensible after last week. Apart from Ola, who looks like a Christmas tree.
Zoe and Tess are presenting again tonight, as Claudia is still off looking after her little girl. Lots of love and best wishes from all of us, Clauds; hope she gets better soon.
DRESS WATCH: Glittery fish scales for Zoe, navy boob-framer for Tess. Zoe for the win.
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And we’re off! Previously on Strictly: Halloween Hell A few tasty treats in the dance bucket, but a few slices of stale pumpkin pie too. Scott and Joanne finally left the Strictly dancefloor, which I was a bit sad about, but I accept that it was time. Now please stop shouting at me.
Inexplicably, ten couples still remain. They all want a ten from Len. Weirdest VT ever.
I didn’t know A Winter’s Tale. Other than the David Essex hit.
Ooh, Shakespeare round on Pointless. I know four of the first five. Do I win a prize?
Bit of a motley crew on Pointless tonight. Can’t believe they didn’t know Who Let The Dogs Out by Baha Men. It’s a pop classic.
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Good evening, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! After last week’s Halloween spookfest, the pumpkin props, plastic bats and green facepaint have been put back in the Strictly coffin for another year. Which means it’s a joyously theme-free Saturday, unless you count “I want to go to Blackpool” as a theme.
Yes, next week is the annual BBC minibus excursion to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, so expect everyone to say “Blackpool” a LOT tonight. When you start to get tired of Blackpool (about 3 minutes in, usually), just count your blessings that they’re not wanging on about Wembley.
So we’re nearly half way through the series now, and the judges have weeded out most of the leaden-footed comedy turns (with one notable exception). That means nobody is safe from the dreaded dance-off any more, and they all need to up their Strictly game. I think Pixie and Trent are a shoo-in for the final (just can’t see judges voting anyone else off over them), but the other two spots could be Caroline and Pasha, Frankie and Kevin, Mark and Karen or Jake and Janette. The rest I think we’ll wave goodbye to over the coming weeks, although you may beg to differ – can Judy and Anton really survive another week and make it up the M6?
I’m home alone tonight as the family have gone to the village fireworks - join me here from 6.30pm, and together we’ll keep an eye on every sizzling sparkler and dancefloor damp squib. Grab a toffee apple, prepare your finest wit and wisdom for the comment box below, and I’ll see you then!
