Strictly Come Dancing Week 3

Ok due to our Bournemouth Dance Weekend this weekend I've had to save the blogging until today.  Rather than inundating everyone with posts I'm just going to do it in one long one instead.

This week is Broadway week, why? I don't know but I suppose they feel the need to have some form of gimmick to keep the public interested.

We missed the live show as we were having a masquerade ball, but the wonders of modern technology allowed us to hook my laptop up to the hotel's TV, fire up iplayer using the hotel's free wifi, and have all our students sit down with us to watch the show.

In between each dance we had a quick run round for scores, really wish we'd written them down as it would've been great to compare.

It did mean we were all up until gone 1am but it was fun to watch with them.

On to the show itself, up first were Holly Valence & Artem Chigvintsev with their Tango...or is it Argentine Tango?

In Chicago they perform more of an Argentine Tango so at first that's what I was expecting from this routine, however they have gone for a Ballroom Tango with Argentine flavour.

A good start from Holly, definitely getting the Chicago feel but seems a little messy once she actually gets into hold.

Manages to unhook her dress almost discreetly so that was well done but the actual Tango element of the dance was very uninspiring, just a 6 from me.

Craig: 7 "Liked the strong bold storytelling...[would like to see] cleaner and sharper finishing lines"
Len: 8 "Be still my beating heart, full of smouldering intensity...great start and great dance"
Alesha: 7 "One of my favourite musicals...definitely sexy...stunning lines...hoping it would be a little more feisty"
Bruno: 8 "You got me going, I want to be a criminal...there was an incident...lost a bit of balance"

Total Score: 30 - overmarked if you ask me I'm afraid, the Tango was very messy when in hold

Dan Lobb & Katya Virshilas Viennese Waltz

I didn't like their Salsa last week, there was too much concentrating on lifts and not enough actual dancing, let's hope it's more of a dance this week.

LOVE QUEEN!

Not a fan of the fingers Dan.  Nice start but the side-by-side section doesn't work for me, and the contra check is all bum.

A very nice frame at times, though he starts to lean further forward as the dance progresses and the pivots section was awful.

I'd have preferred more dancing and less attempts at storytelling, it was ok but again just going to give it a 6.

Craig: 5 "You have an awkward nature about you generally...you don't dance between steps"
Len: 7 "I thought your frame was good, your footwork overall was good...not the greatest 'actor' of a dance"
Alesha: 6 "Generally you move well around the floor...would have preferred more fluidity in your movement"
Bruno: 6 "You didn't really capture the spirit of the song for me"

Total Score: 24, about right for me but has potential

Anita Dobson & Robin Windsor Jive

Anita has a tendency to hunch over and this really ruins the look for me, there is a possibility that she may have been a bit of a Jiver when she was younger and that would explain the slightly hunched posture.

However she is flat footed which just removes any 'bounce' feeling from the dance.  Latin really isn't working for Anita at present, which is a shame as her actual performance of the character is excellent.

Has a tendency to dance Latin with permanently bent knees which will need looking at.

Disappointing but with plenty of energy so I'm going to give her a 6.

Craig: 6 "All too loose...technically I thought it was very messy
Len: 7 "Fun, energetic, entertaining"
Alesha: 7 "Came out and performed it...entertaining...lit up the room"
Bruno: 7 "Your performance level is always great...have to be a little bit sharper...bit more precise and cleaner"

Total Score: 27

Alex Jones & James Jordan Viennese Waltz

Lovely extensions to start and Alex is mirroring James perfectly, Alex can definitely do elegance.

It's a bit slow for my liking, I'd have preferred the tempo of the music to be just a little bit quicker, but the comparison of this Viennese to Dan's should show anyone where he was going wrong - the pivots alone are a vast improvement.

A wonderfully romantic and elegant routine and most definitely her best dance so far.

Definitely an 8 from me.

Craig: 8 "Simple, uncomplicated...would have liked to have seen it be a little bit more daring...but I loved it"
Len: 8 "It was simple, but it was simply beautiful...tonight you're a winner"
Alesha: 8 "Absolutely beautiful...most improved dancer...elegant and dreamy"
Bruno: 8 "Those opening figures, it was like watching a magical bird spreading its wings"

Total Score: 32
 
Rory Bremner & Erin Boag Quickstep

Rory was another celebrity who's Salsa left a lot to be desired last week, how will his Quickstep go?

If Rory could just stand up a little straighter it would make the beginning section look a lot better however the initial Quickstep is looking rather good...until he goes past the camera and then see his posture - all bum and crouched over with the shoulders.

A few stumbles it looks like in places but actually not too bad a Quickstep, just a 7 for me but he's definitely showing improvement.

Craig: 7 "Leaning over Erin...posture isn't great...BUT it's full of style...panache"
Len: 8 "The right song, the right style, the right routine, YOUR best dance"
Alesha: 8 "You held the character of the dance from beginning to end...Quickstep is your dance"
Bruno: 8 "All the razzle and all the dazzle...just be careful with the trout pout"

Total Score: 31

Lulu & Brendan Cole Rumba

I'd like to see straighter legs when Lulu's walking but it's a good start, the cape and smoke definitely give the dance some atmosphere.

A nice drag across the floor, but WHY THE LIFT Brendan, ok I understand there's a real highlight in the music but there must have been other options that wouldn't have broken the rules.

Still a few moments when Lulu looked unsure and shaky but the dance on the whole was actually quite good.

A definite improvement, I'd like to see straighter legs and more hip action, and I have to knock off points for the lift so just a 7.

Craig: 5 "Illegal lifts will not be tolerated...playing with fire"
Len: 7 "You have to break eggs to make an omelette, and sometimes you have to break rules to make a routine complete"
Alesha: 7 "It was romantic and you played it with sensitivity"
Bruno: 7 "You missed a few passes...choreography was very difficult...otherwise very well done"

Total Score: 26

Nancy Dell'Olio & Anton Du Beke Tango

Nancy performed the chair section much better in the training video, but some nice straight legs at times.

Unfortunately she's needs to keep control of her head to avoid looking like a rag doll, Nancy also still has an element of 'stompiness' about her dancing.

Her best dance yet, but the only way really was up!  I think I'm going to give her a 6.

Craig: 4 "I don't know what Bruno was watching...plodding mule...heavy, no accents"
Len: 5 "It was so terrible last week anything would have been an improvement...lots of style but no substance"
Alesha: 5 "I like the intro, I like the drama...do need to strengthen your body from head to toe"
Bruno: 6 "Tempestuous temptress...much more content...actually looked like you can dance"

Total Score: 20

Audley Harrison & Natalie Lowe Quickstep

Not a fan of the start on the stage, and isn't that a lift also?!

Frame not too bad but still needs improvement, but Audley is again showing that he can be light on his feet.

I'd like to see an improvement in his use of heels, and it feels a little pedestrian at times, and they very nearly trip over right in front of the judges.

Not a bad performance but still needs a little polish, just a 6 for me.

Craig: 5 "Timing got out at the beginning...lot more energy [required]...much lighter than I'd expected"
Len: 6 "Up the top you are joyful and full of verve...from the waist down we've got to get better in the footwork"
Alesha: 6 "Lot's of good content in the routine...right attitude for this competition...need to work on those feet"
Bruno: 7 "I think you did incredibly well...feet the size of surfboards!...I think you did very well"

Total Score: 24

Robbie Savage & Ola Jordan Tango

A really good Foxtrot last week so I'm looking forward to seeing his Tango.

Needs to work more on his posture and really don't agree with the chair dance but he's got good characterisation.  Lacks a little bit of drive for my liking, and needs to keep his chin up.

Almost stumbles with Ola at the end, which would have been a dangerous situation for her.

A good Tango, compared to the others we've seen tonight, so I think I'll give him a 7.

Craig: 7 "Full of aggression...well done"
Len: 7 "Robbie the Savage attacks the Tango...full of attack and aggression...no one said it's easy"
Alesha: 8 "You should be proud...bundles of attitude and passion"
Bruno: 8 "Stronger and stronger"

Total Score: 30

Russell Grant & Flavia Cacace Foxtrot

Russell looks like he's trying to entice the camera but he's really giving the dancing a go, which is great to see.

Really looks like he's enjoying himself and it really makes his performances so enjoyable to watch, I couldn't help smiling on Saturday night, and I can't help smiling now.

I have no idea what his footwork was like but he's brought back the enjoyment I felt from the first week.  Think I'm going to have to give him a 7!

Craig: 6 "I would advise a more masculine approach...a little less Barbara darling and a bit more Rambo"
Len: 7 "You were like a little white cloud drifting across the floor, and your little yellow dickie was the sun...put the 'show' in showbiz"
Alesha: 7 "You are my guilty pleasure"
Bruno: 8 "Uplifting quality of blazing sunshine...I've enjoyed it so much"

Total Score: 28

Jason Donovan & Kristina Rihanoff Tango

Well this looks a little camp for a Tango, and suddenly there's a roar on Jason's face...I don't know if I can take it seriously especially with the camp challenge section in front of the judges.

There was something I didn't like about this routine on Saturday night, but having watched it again I have no idea what it was.  Just watched a third time and it's his hunched over frame after the disco section.

Ignoring that though it's another fantastic performance and Jason's definitely coming out as the top contender at the moment.  Originally I gave this an 8 in front of the students but on second (and third) viewings I'm going to upgrade to a 9.

Craig: 9 "Stu-pen-dous"
Len: 9 "I'm going to call you the midwife because you keep delivering"
Alesha: 9 "Incredible Tango with a twist"
Bruno: 9 "Strong, powerful, aggressive...then camp as Christmas...Fan-tast-ic"

Total Score: 36

Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev Cha Cha Cha

Chelsee's hip action was a little bit lacking in the Salsa last week so I'm hoping they've worked on it some more for this Cha Cha.

We use Beggin' as one of the tracks in our Cha Cha playlist, it's a great track to dance to.

I feel Chelsee's hip action is a little bit forced, it should come more from what the feet are doing.  The whole routine just seems to be a little bit too frantic and complicated, something that I think Pasha needs to take into consideration, I know she's talented but you have to help her into the competition before she can shine.

Disappointing as I still think she's got a lot to offer but just a 7 from me.

Craig: 6 "Timing, energy and spirit absolutely fantastic...very hit and miss...too disco"
Len: 8 "Need to take more attention to detail...come out and give it some wellie!...Pasha you know what I'm saying"
Alesha: 8 "So close to being a great Cha Cha Cha...just need to tighten up on a few little things"
Bruno: 8 "Cha Cha is defined as cheeky, saucy, playful...you have all of that"

Total Score: 30

Harry Judd & Aliona Vilani Jive

Not really seeing a lot of Jive here, a lot of Grease disco dancing though Harry is performing the dance really well.

I'm never that happy with Aliona's routines, I think she's goes far too much for gimmicks when she could instead be really showing off what Harry is capable of.

He's a good dancer, but this wasn't a good Jive as there really wasn't any Jive there really to mark on.

Not sure how to mark it so I'm going to abstain on this one and see what the judges thought.

Craig: 8 "You have FINALLY arrived"
Len: 8 "Sharp kicks and flicks, great musicality...would have liked a little less messing about"
Alesha: 9 "A lot of messing about, but I liked it...so good to see you having fun and letting go"
Bruno: 8 "Action packed expression of youth...a very good performance"

Total Score: 33, I'd like the judges to be a little harsher with routines that don't actually feature enough of the choreography of the dance!

Scoreboard

1. 36 points - Jason & Kristina (9)
2. 33 points - Harry & Aliona (-)
3. 32 points - Alex & James (8)
4. 31 points - Rory & Erin (7)
5. 30 points - Holly & Artem (6)
5. 30 points - Robbie & Ola (7)
5. 30 points - Chelsee & Pasha (7)
8. 28 points - Russell & Flavia (7)
9. 27 points - Anita & Robin (6)
10. 26 points - Lulu & Brendan (7)
11. 24 points - Dan & Katya (6)
11. 24 points - Audley & Natalie (6)
13. 20 points - Nancy & Anton (6)

So table is again fairly accurate, on Saturday night I predicted that Audley & Nancy could be in trouble.

Result

First group safe are as follows:

Audley & Natalie
Alex & James
Rory & Erin
Holly & Artem
Anita & Robin
Robbie & Ola


Whilst first in the bottom two are Dan & Katya.


Second group safe:


Lulu & Brendan
Harry & Aliona
Jason & Kristina
Russell & Flavia
Chelsee & Pasha


Meaning that Nancy & Anton join Dan & Katya in the bottom two.

If there was a dance off then I think Nancy would be going home but unfortunately that's not the case this series.

Going home then, if you haven't worked it out by the greyed out photo above, are Dan & Katya! 

Reflecting back on his highlight of being part of Strictly, Dan stated “Oh, dancing with Katya – it’s a wonderful opportunity to dance with somebody who works at the top of their profession, who is so talented.”

And Katya added, “I have loved every single moment of it. I loved my tennis lesson”. I shall cherish that. I didn’t get a chance to get up with you at 3:30am though!”

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Quickstep

I'm hoping their performance in front of his daughter's school was early on in training, as it did look pretty awful!

Thankfully that does seem to be the case.  Again a little too much faffing about at the start (as Len would put it) but once they get going it's fast-paced and intricate.  Jimi needs to take a look at his right hand on Flavia's back though as it's a little high and his fingers are spread like a bunch of bananas (to coin a phrase of Craig's).

Looks a little laboured in the final third which is a shame but I'm going to give it an 8.

Craig: 7 "You went very pigeon-toed in the grapevine...elevate more onto the balls of the feet [cue enraged interruption from Bruno]...you know what, I really like it"
Len: 8 "Bright, breezy...light...[I'd like] cleaner in your hold and a little bit sharper in your feet...best dance"
Alisha: 8 "Not perfect but getting there"
Bruno: 9 "Slick...polished...best performance to date" [Jimi's eyebrows go mental at this point]

Total Score: 32

Finally the judges and I start to agree!

Strictly Come Dancing - Saturday 16th October

 

Not having seen any of Strictly Come Dancing, It Takes Two this week I have no idea how anyone's training has gone.  I'm also watching the recording at 8am on a Sunday morning so give me some slack if the blogging's not up to the usual standard :-)

Up first Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Quickstep,

From the training videos I'm guessing Quickstep, and having seen the [questionable] outfits I'd say that's a certainty.

First underarm turn was awkward which is a shame because the rest of the start was pretty amazing, especially with Kara's cartwheel.  It's a very high energy performance though sometimes Kara let's her core drop in hold.  Overall though a great performance.  

I'm going to give an 8 even with the slight core issues.

Judges comments and scores:

Craig: 8 "I've done a cartwheel in heels so I know how difficult that is!"

Len: 8 "Overall it was an excellent performance throughout...thought the beginning was too long"

Alisha: 8 "You haven't disappointed...very light footed...so confident"

Bruno: 7 "Very pacey and very lively...mistake as soon as you came in...arch in your back needs to be extended"

Total Score: 31

Felicity Kendal & Vincent Simone - Rumba

So two weeks ago I felt Felicity was being hampered in her hip action by her high heels, Rumba is likely to highlight this further if she hasn't adapted, let's see what happens.

Felicity shows how flexible she is with the intial backbend, and near splits!!! A nice hip action at times though she does lose it occasionally.  The pick up from the floot is awkward, and there's quite a lot posturing and lines (I think to hide lack of hip action).  Looks very uncomfortable at times.

Emotion is definitely there but I'm only going to give it a 6 I'm afraid as it looked very uncomfortable at times.

Craig: 7 "Forward and back basic very very good...neck is a bit stiff in places...but impressive"
Len: 7 "Definitely for me your best dance"
Alisha: 8 "I asked you to come out and blow me away and you have"
Bruno: 7 "I didn't know you could be so bendy...you've gotta watch transitions...underarm turns are a bit laboured"

Total Score: 29 (seems I was a bit harsh with that one then!)

Patsy Kensit & Robin Windsor - Quickstep
 
Patsy is getting more confident as the competition progresses and training is looking good.

Unfortunately starts out of time but does recover, however Patsy looks to be struggling with the speed.  Again jumps the gun once they're in hold, she's looking down and her top half needs a lot more composure - her head and body aren't quite together.  She kept going, and looks knackered by the end, but not a great performance.

For me another 6

Craig: 5 "It was all a bit Yee-Hah and Ho Downish...I felt the whole thing was too fast for your body"
Len: 6 "When you get very quick music the chasse (side, close, side) can tend to look a bit gallup'y"
Alisha: 7 "I thought it was a very good effort"
Bruno: 6 "Keep your confidence...you went wrong straight immediately...your footwork was a bit like a pony at full gallup"

Total Score: 24

Paul Daniels & Ola Jordan - Rumba

Paul didn't moved from the bottom of the table in the first two weeks but he does appear to have been working harder this week.

Rumbas this week so far feature music from Glee...wonder if it's a theme?  Hip action looks very forced when it is there but I think it's a good move from Ola to make sure there's humour in the routines as Paul is really going to need the public vote to stay in.

A 5 I'm afraid Paul.

Craig: 2 "Armography was very blocky and wooden...spin turn in the centre was infantile...I felt you spent most of the time ogling Ola"
Len: 5 "Parts were magical, parts were comical, parts were diabolical but the whole thing was entertaining."
Alisha: 5 "I love that you're really really trying...I want to see more dancing [from you]"
Bruno: 4 "It was like watching 'Ola & the giant pepper pot'...it didn't flow Paul"

Total Score: 16

Next up, Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani - Quickstep,

So far Matt's been the best guy in the competition.  I felt their Foxtrot was too Tango-esque last week but I'm really looking forward to seeing their Quickstep.

A great song from the Coral!  Matt's feet look a little stiff at the start but he soon get's into his stride and he's coping with the speed well though he's a bit too sharp in his rise at the end of the running spin in the centre.

Very good performance and I'm going to give it an 8.

Craig: 8 "I can't agree with Alisha - you don't have a timing issue...point your feet...maintained your frame throughout"
Len: 7 "I admire you Matt...however I did feel a little bit this week that the whole thing was a little bit manic"
Alisha: 8 "It was such a fast-paced routine and you didn't always look comfortable."
Bruno: 8 "Brilliant timing...you never lost timing...you're a great dancer relax a bit more"

Total Score: 31

Gavin Henson & Katya Virshilas - Rumba,

Gavin has struggled with his nerves and ability to open us so far, and the Rumba isn't a dance to be shy in!

I must say Gavin is developing some very nice hip action, though I feel he's a little 'high' at times with his footwork, he could dance in the floor a little bit more.  Needs just a tad more shaping in his hands for my liking but Gavin is developing into a bit of a dark horse.

Yet again Gavin is surprising me with his dancing ability and I'm giving him a 7.

Craig: 3 "My floorboards at home have more movement than that...emotionless, cold at times...you do have to get your mind, body and soul into the dance"
Len: 6 "I appreciate that you really give it a good shot...overall you gave it a really good shot...more like walking than dancing"
Alisha: 7 "I think there's been a big improvement since last week...you are holding back a little bit...bum looks great in those trousers"
Bruno: 6 "You drive me crazy...actually I think you can do it...no emotion going through"

Total Score: 22

Scott Maslen & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep,

Sorry Scott but you do look a bit like a gorilla up on the steps!  A very fast paced start though and looking good, loses it slightly in front of the judges, both times round.  Needs to ensure he keeps his toes pointed but another great Quickstep tonight.

Another Quickstep, another 8.

Craig: 8 "I feel at ease when you take to the floor...you've got swing and sway in there...well done."
Len: 8 "You are very close to being a very good dancer"
Alisha: 9 "Great song, great outfit...Quickstep is your dance"
Bruno: 9 "That was an action packed adventure of a Quickstep...technique was very very good"

Total Score: 34

Michelle Williams & Brendan Cole - Rumba,

Brendan's been confident all week on Twitter about their Rumba training so this should be interesting.

Not sure about the all-brown outfit Brendan!  Michelle still looks a little fragile when she dances, though actually it improves as the dance progresses.  I think she needs to watch her shoulders as she almost looks like she's shrugging at times, could be that she needs to extend her neck.

Her best performance so far I would say, still room for improvement but I'm going to give it a 7.

Craig: 4 "You did hit some really nice lines actually...little bit stilted and stiff."
Len: 6 "Lines are very good...chemistry between you is very good...may be worth trying a lower heel size"
Alisha: 7 "Right amount of sensitivity...little bit more strengthening within your legs."
Bruno: 7 "Turns have improved very much...you've got to work on the legs now"

Total score: 24

Peter Shilton & Erin Boag - Quickstep,

Bottom two last week but Quickstep should be better in hold, if he can watch that right shoulder!

Embarassing that I think Peter has more hair than I do!!! Come on Peter, give us a smile, please. It's a little flat at times, and a slight mistake in the running finish.  His arms are flung a little too high at the end.

Better than his Salsa but only a 6 from me.

Craig: 6 "Erin you have been drilling...tentative leading...lacked swing and sway...thought you did very very well."
Len: 7 "It was a proper Quickstep...if you're in the bottom two I'll show my bum in Tesco"
Alisha: 7 "Massive improvement from last week...best dance yet."
Bruno: 6 "Definitely improved...still some timing issues...Erin was pushing you round."

Total Score: 26

Jimi Mistry & Flavia Cacace - Rumba,

Jimi's bruised tendons in his foot during training, that could affect his hip action if he can't push through the floor as effectively.

Great intensity at the starts but Jimi's hips are too sharp and forced during his forward and back basics.  Hips improve when he's not thinking about them as much and just lets the movement come naturally.  Needs to watch his hands the 'peace' look is a bit strange.

Not a bad performance but not smooth enough in his hip action for my liking.  A 7 though.

Craig: 6 "Very queer and curious nature to your hip and shoulder movement...less is more"
Len: 7 "To be honest Jimi I don't quite know what to make of it...I don't know whether you're trying too hard"
Alisha:  6 "Sometimes Jimi your body looks a little awkward...keep at it"
Bruno: 6 "I don't know what happened there...it looked neurotic...trying too hard it becomes jagged"

Total Score: 25

Ann Widdecombe & Anton Du Beke - Quickstep,

How Ann is going to cope with the speed of the Quickstep remains to be seen.

Anton asked for a vote on a top hat this week, and it looks like he listened to the replies.  Ann's left shoulder is a little high and she's out of sync at times.  Needs to pick her head up and try and smile through the dance.

Uninspiring but not the worst dance of the night.  A 5 I'm afraid though Ann.

Craig: 3 "Free arm has a mind of it's own...timing was a nightmare...looked like you were chasing him...did at least dance."
Len: 5 "Last week you got swung to the right...in ballroom you need to lean to the left...can tell you've worked very hard"
Alisha: 5 "Can see you worked really hard this week...definitely an improvement"
Bruno: 5 "The look on your face...driven through it by Anton...it looked like a Quickstep"

Total Score: 18

Pamela Stephenson & James Jordan - Rumba,

I did see a brief bit of their training on Friday and their Rumba was looking excellent, let's hope they pull it off tonight.

Pamela has some very good hip action, though I'm not a fan of the silver dress.  Her walks look a little bit stiff near the start, before the leg lift.  There's great interaction betweeen them and another excellent dance from Pamela.

James is really bringing something to the competition this year and I'm verging...actually I'm going to give it...a 9!

Craig: 9 "That was absolutely Fab-u-lous"
Len: 8 "Good technique, chemistry, great musicality...I didn't think [grabbing her ankle and throwing her round] added to it"
Alisha: 9 "It was so romantic...everyone here was mesmorised"
Bruno: 9 "You actually sang with your body...that we never see...you were on it completely satisfying at every level"

Total Score: 35

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep

Perfect marks in the final for their Quickstep makes this a strong contender, though hopefully there'll be some new choreography.

Thought there was a slight slip up in the middle, but otherwise a very good performance, will the judges overlook the lift at the end though?

Technically it seemed perfect but have to knock off a mark for the lift so will give them a 9.

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep

Up first then is Ricky to bring in the Grand Final.



Looking very good so far. Ricky's head is very much improved over what i've seen in recent weeks, needs to make sure he keeps looking up and doesn't look at the floor when they're apart though.

I would say a faultless performance and I'm going to have to say a 10!

Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Quickstep

Natalie performed a good Jive last week, how is she going to cope with the energy levels required for this week's Quickstep?

Natalie has to control those shoulders, which do raise up at times, and the dance seems to have a very laboured start - though it does pick up after that.

A slight mistake as they recommence from their 'Jive' section in the middle but not bad overall, should achieve 30 again.

Judges marks: CRH 7, LG 8, AD 8, BT 8.

Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep

I hope Natalie has worked on Ricky's frame, as that's the one part of his dancing that I've felt has been particularly lacking.

An energetic performance and hard to fault at times (though he needs to ensure he brings the feet closer together during the scatter chasses).

I really found it hard to fault and this could see a perfect score...

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - American Smooth

Ricky and Erin have decided to choose a Viennese Waltz as their American Smooth dance and from the training videos I think that could prove to be a good choice.

Shame he was out of time at the start there as they came together. An excellent performance, with a cheeky bit of Quickstep thrown in for good measure. Looked a little uncomfortable during the second lift however.

Should comfortably get 8's.

The result

Based on the dance-off I'd put Lynda through.

Rav really let himself down in that dance-off, with a worse performance than actually during the competition.

Hat off to Lynda though, i'd written you off but you upped your game in the dance-off and definitely deserve to come back next week.

So, another week, another celebrity going home. Rav looks distraught and I can understand why, there's just no other feeling that can match dance competition when you really enjoy it.

Do you agree with the result, or even the final two?

Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 35 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 32 points - Ali & Brian
3. 31 points - Zoe & James
4. 31 points - Jade & Ian
5. 30 points - Laila & Anton
6. 29 points - Ricky & Erin
7. 28 points - Natalie & Vincent
8. 25 points - Lynda & Darren
9. 24 points - Phil & Katya
10. 23 points - Chris & Ola
11. 21 points - Craig & Flavia
12. 20 points - Rav & Aliona
13. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
14. 19 points - Joe & Kristina

Given that Jo and Joe have both been saved by the audience from being in the bottom two it's fair to say that the same might happen this week.

This could mean that Rav and Craig both end up in the bottom two again, and I can't call it yet.

What's everyone elses viewpoint?

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Quickstep

So Phil has a knee problem and is going in for surgery tomorrow, let's see how it affects this quick and high-impact dance.

I wonder if Katya had to adjust the routine after Phil's knee diagnosis?

Nice start though needs to relax the shoulders and they lose connection just as they're starting the scatter chasses.

A few mistakes but all round a nice Quickstep, but 6-7 for me.

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Quickstep

Anton is the only actual Ballroom professional in the males so this should be good.

With Anton's charm, and Laila's looks this could be the first time he makes it to the final, but let's get through the first couple of months eh Anton!

A couple of mistakes there, and for me the dance is lacking drive and energy. Laila needs to have more tension in her upper body.

Think this should be solid 7's though.

Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Quickstep

A fast dance which could suit Jade's athleticism, even if it ends up wearing Ian out!

Jade looks a little uncomfortable during the jump from the stage, and is a little behind at the start of the next jump section.

Needs to relax the shoulders and make sure she isn't pushing the head forward.

Certainly full of energy but I think 6-7

Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Quickstep

Problems with his arm lines last week could be recreated in this fast and difficult dance.

Not too sure on Flavia's dress but an energetic start, though Craig needs to keep his shoulders down.

The worst thing about Quickstep is how noticeable it is when you jump and your partner doesn't, unfortunately Craig's errors are very noticeable.

Top line still requires a lot of work and I think this could be 5's

Rav Wilding & Aliona Vilani - Quickstep

Rav's a big man and I do think he may struggle with the Quickstep, at least at making it look effortless!

Nice line at the start, shame about the slip and the Charlstons looked slightly off in the feet.

Huge gap between them meaning that they're not really together throughout the dance. Rav seems to be making quite a few mistakes and he would've been lucky to not have to hear from Craig.

4-5's

Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Quickstep

Another top dancer from a fortnight ago, fast dances normally suit shorter competitors so will be interesting to see how this shapes up.

Keep the head up Chris at the start, but good hands as always (contrary to Len's criticism...!

Looks a little flat and laboured and appears to be a lack of connection between them, probably due to Chris' bum being a little stuck out.

I'm afraid I think this will only be a 6.

Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Quickstep

Very good Waltz last time they danced ballroom and should have the elegance to pull off a good quickstep.

Nice classic music choice.

Floaty and elegant beginning.

Good movement and control, though the top line looks a little nervous and she looks almost like she's leaning.

Shaming about the slight mistake there.

Fast and accurate footwork mainly , needs to stand up a little more at times.

7-8