Key events
Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Shirley says “pivots and footwork coming on nicely, wonderful performance”. Anton says “technically great, joie de vivre and energy, powerful lifts, smooth like it says on the tin”. Craig says “lacked style and grace but love watching you”. Motsi concludes “left your heart on the dancefloor but transitions need to flow”. “You’re an absolute legend,” says Katya as they trot upstairs.
Wynne and Katya’s American smooth
After last week’s moody rumba, Wynne Evans picks up the pace for an American smooth. He’s yet to perform a foxtrot this series, so these steps are new to him. At least the footwork, drive and frame are familiar from his previous ballroom numbers. Clever, creative choreography as always from pro partner Katya Jones. Both mouthing the words, which is a tad distracting but takes off when the music picks up. Changes of pace and great musicality. Leaps and lifts, razzle-dazzle entertainment and wow factor.
Song: Grace Kelly by Mika. The debut hit by the British-Lebanese singer was the third biggest-selling UK single of 2007. He wrote it as a satire on musicians who reinvent themselves to become popular after a record company exec told him to be “more like Craig David”. Mika performed it during the interval when he co-hosted Eurovision 2022 in Turin.
Ginger Neil gets his moment, doing the social media spiel. Claudia loving it. Genu-lols.
Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Joint bottom as it stands. Dance-off danger? Surely not.
Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Motsi says “really hot connection and story, clear accents but got a little tight and static, good try”. Shirley says “didn’t quite work for me, turns out our balance off, tried too hard and too much tension in your body, stiff and lumpy”. Anton says “agree, wonderful line and quality but relax, you’re such a talent”. Craig concludes “balance issues throughout and foot got stuck, a bit over-placed buy control and gaw-jus musicality”. Euights?
Jamie and Michelle’s Argentine tango
The Argentine tango is always thrilling and Jamie Borthwick, the first celebrity male to tackle it this series, say it’s his dream dance. Ideal to bounce back from last week’s disappointing George Michael samba. It’s Michelle Tsiakkas’ first Argentine tango on Strictly too, so she’s equally excited. Bit of undressing to start. The EastEnders actor is enjoying the chance to get serious and sensual. Strong connection, slinky moves and a goosebump-inducing song. Sharp, passionate and technically precise, packed with details. Constantly transferring weight between them. Masterful leading but his posture wobbles in places. Intense and hawt with a strong line to finish.
Song: Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys. The 2003 indie-rock banger is suitably dramatic and moody, built around a stomping guitar riff. It’s often used by the band to open their shows. You might recognise it from a Bacardi ad or the second season finale of Peaky Blinders. This isn’t the Arctic Monkeys’ Strictly debut. Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell performed their showdance to I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor in the 2018 final.
Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 9, 9, 9, 10 for a total of 37 points. Joint top with Tasha.
Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Anton says “I’m stunned, man alive, you brung it, wriggly and full of snake oil, I came over a bit peculiar”. Craig says “don’t embarrass yourself, Anton darling, JB means jolly brilliant”. Motsi says “up there with Kelvin Fletcher and Danny Mac as Strictly’s king of samba”. Shirley concludes “in it to win it, congratulations to Amy for putting the fundamentals in place”. A 39-pointer, perchance?
JB and Lauren’s samba
JB Gill has a permanent new partner now in the form of homegrown pro Lauren Oakley, who’s always a joy to watch. JB need to keep the confidence and freedom from last week’s Couple’s Choice and bring it to the Latin party dance. Classic rhythmical music and he’s got natural groove. Great opening, all legs and limber hips. Expressive shimmies and shakes. Lock steps, plenty of ripples and body rolls. Fluidity, suppleness and bounce. This is seriously good, especially for a male celeb’s samba. On-point.
Song: Mas Que Nada by Sérgio Mendes. The Brazilian musician died just two months ago, aged 83. This 1966 hit became one of his signature songs. He rerecorded it in 2006 with the Black Eyed Peas.
Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 8, 9, 10 (wow), 9 for a total of 36 points. His best. Proud mum in the audience. Pete affectingly choked-up on the balcony.
Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Rousing reception in the studio. An emotional Shirley says “beautiful, your heart and soul shone, immersed in music and dancing, what’s it’s all about”. Anton says “the best bits of you were all on the floor, a slightly gammy arm but so natural, told the story with feeling”. Craig says “moving, loved the sentiment but wanted more flow in transitions and polished technique”. Motsi concludes “loved the way you opened your heart, made magic happened, you did your job and made Jowita look a million dollars, your best dance”. Hard to score. An eights and three nines?
Pete and Jowita’s Couple’s Choice
This should be an emotional one. The song means a lot to Pete Wicks, since it was the favourite song of his beloved nanna, Doreen, and was played at her funeral in 2022. He said this week: “She was my best mate and I wish she was here to watch me on Strictly,. This is my way of having her with me. I’ve spent more time crying than dancing this week.” Aww. For the first time, he’s not playing a character, just being himself. “It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in 11 years on TV,” he says. He’s the lowest scoring celebrity left in the competition and made lots of mistakes last week but the freedom here should suit him. It’s lyrical and contempo-waft in style with plenty of Jowita Przystał’s trademark spectacular lifts. A little heavy and static at times but nice lifts and scarf section. Long shoulder lift to finish. Full of feeling, from the heart, showing the healing power of dance. A fitting tribute.
Song: The Best by Nicotine Dolls. Originally by Bonnie Tyler, it was made famous by fellow diva Tina Turner in 1989 It’s used as entrance music by both boxer Chris Eubank and Glasgow Rangers FC. Antiques expert Tim Wonnacott’s ill-fated paso to this song with Natalie “Legs” Lowe, way back in series 12, saw him eliminated. Let’s hope they fare better.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. It’s 15 years today since Miranda debuted. Makes you feel Proud.
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Craig says “your blocky hands bothered me but you’re extremely talented, clean, cartwheel into lift was spectacular”. Motsi says “took lifts to a whole new level, consistently high standard but got a little tight and lost softness”. Shirley says “timing and execution very good but issues with gapping and closing of feet, on the right track but needs neater details”. Anton concludes “nitty picky, love your legs and base, just free up your upper body”. Nines ahoy?
Sarah and Vito’s American smooth
Well, Sarah Hadland surely had to dance to the in-joke song from sitcom Miranda at some point. Here it is. After scoring nines and 10s in recent weeks, she’s become a strong glitterball contender. In fact, last week’s Madonna cha cha notched the highest score of the series for a dance which wasn’t a Couple’s Choice. Wind machine side-by-side section, then into a long lift. Foxtrot steps and soft knees for that smooth and airy feel, floating around floor. A colourful, upbeat, celebratory number with superbly executed lifts and tricks. She needs to dance flat, so is having to rein in her normal non-stop bouncy energy. Slightly hurried footwork at times but bags of style. Shame she can’t sing it too. Possibly while holding a cardboard cutout of Heather Small on a wooden stick. Such fun.
Song: Proud by Heather Small. Since its 2000 release, the M People diva’s debut solo single has become a rousing motivational anthem, often used at the Olympics and London Marathon.
Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Dance-off danger?
Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Motsi says “light and shade, loved the rumba walks but timing was off, so weight transference looked slow and heavy”. Shirley says “sensitive details and chemistry but I was conflicted, some outstanding bits but lost timing”. Anton says “you’re invested in Nancy, nice musicality but I wanted better foot speed”. Craig concludes “dead space in your chest, lacked connection and stretch but hip action good and masculine”. Sevens and eights, do we say?
Shayne and Nancy’s rumba
Shayne Ward has survived two dance-offs but showed some fight last week, closing the show with his Beatles quickstep. He remains bookie’s favourite for the exit, though, and the technically tough rumba is notoriously exposing for celebrity males. Wynne Evans ended his rumba with a burst of song last week but we can probably assume Shayne won’t. They’ve gone mad with the augmented relaity this week. Forest projections this time. Slightly static to start, then passionate, rhythmic and flowing. Nice long lines and finger extensions but lacking a little sizzle and sensuality in the storytelling. Continuous hip action is present and correct but a little polite for me. Rose petals fall for a romantic finish.
Song: Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. Awarded Song Of Year at the 1985 Grammys, the pop ballad was used in cathartic prom scenes from both Napoleon Dynamite and Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion.
