Key events
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Vito’s had a trouser malfunction. Be still our beating slacks. Shirley says “superb, you remembered all the details”. Anton says “clean and captivating”. Craig says “a little bit of gapping but flow and footwork impressive, lifts were spec-tac-u-lar, darling”. Motsi concludes “lovely lightness, great job”. It scored 33 points last time and deserved better. I suspect it will get it now.
Sarah and Vito’s American smooth
Their Judges’ Pick sees Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola reprising their week eight routine to the song that has soundtracked Sarah’s career since Miranda. Wind machine side-by-side section, then into a long lift. Foxtrot steps and softened knees for that smooth and floaty feel. Vito reintroduces his cartwheel lift. Anton wanted him to tuck his bottom in and point his toes last time, while Shirley said Sarah got tight in the upper body. They’ve been working on getting her breathing right, being more airy and nailing the details with no gapping. An upbeat, celebratory ballroom number with wow-factor lifts. 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. It also became an in-joke from sitcom Miranda, of course. What have you done today? I’ve walked the dog and prepped for this liveblog. Do I feel proud? In a way, yes.
Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 8, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. Chris is “overwhelmed” and says “Craig is a sweetheart”, despite “giving a score to his own teaching”.
Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Craig says “transitions smoother, hip action fantastic, full of showbiz pizzazz”. Motsi says “I’m a mess because of you, I said I wouldn’t cry, you bring the joy”. Shirley says “extraordinary flexibility and great details, genuine improvement”. Anton concludes “just wow, embellishments, extraordinary musicality, I’d give it 12 if I could”. Lee Mack is in the studio audience cheering on his mate Chris. No, really. Would I lie to you?
Chris and Dianne’s Couple’s Choice
The Judges’ Pick is their Couple’s Choice from week eight. Dianne was ill with a stomach bug but soldiered through brilliantly. Now she can enjoy it more. All-white outfits. Starts off standing on a table and chair, then hops down onto the floor for a euphoric mix of jazz and musical theatre. Slight mistake with top hats, maybe? Joy and showmanship, really selling it hard. He’s improved his shapes and is giving it plenty of pizzazz. That blackout moment to represent his blindness and immerse us in his sightless world hasn’t lost any of its power, followed by a spinning lift and a euphoric finish. You’re a superstar, Chris, that’s what you are. It got 33 points last time. Higher, higher!
Song: Instant Karma (We All Shine On) by John Lennon. In 1970, this Phil Spector-produced track became the first solo single by a Beatle to sell a million copies in the US. It’s one of the fastest-released songs in pop history, arriving in record stores just 10 days after it was written. As Lennon said: “I wrote it for breakfast, recorded it for lunch and we’re putting it out for dinner.”
Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Same as last time.
Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Motsi says “beautiful, all about the emotions, your grace and freedom made it look easy, you have star quality”. Shirley says “you have a magical musical body, improved and in the zone”. Anton says “spectacular and exceptional, you’re quite possibly the best dancer we’ve ever had”. Craig concludes “needed a little bit more earth but stunning”. Another 40 incoming? Or will Craig make it a 39?
Tasha and Aljaž’s Couple’s Choice
Their Judges’ Pick is their contempo-waft Couple’s Choice from Icons Week. Because P!nk totally counts as an icon, as does Bruno Mars. Ahem. The song means a lot to Tasha Ghouri as an empowerment anthem. Choreographed by Lukas McFarlane, who has worked with P!nk herself, it’s contemporary and lyrical in style. Barefoot and beautiful with lovely lifts and full of feeling. Exquisite elevation and extensions. Aljaž Škorjanec said it was his favourite story he’s ever told on Strictly. It scored 39 points last time, so there’s room for improvement *glares at Craig*. Tasha just needs to let herself go, feel the lyrics and show that extra layer of emotion. I think she has, although a few of the transitions looked a tiny bit lumpy to me.
Song: What About Us by P!nk. The 2017 electro-pop chart-topper has politically charged lyrics about Trump’s government failing the American people. Happy New Year, voters!
Craig’s century of 10s
He gets a special pair of commemorative deeley boppers from Claudia.
Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. A (kite) flying start.
Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Anton says “amazing, I’m delighted, loved it, better than before, I’m an amazing teacher, more sway and your head line had improved”. Craig says “not happy, I couldn’t find anything wrong with it, elegance and quality”. Motsi says “elevated and improved it, light footwork, beautiful partnering, shone like a star in the solo sections”. Shirley concludes “a grand start to a finale”. Are we about to see our first perfect 40 of the final?
JB and Lauren’s Viennese waltz
First up is the Judges’ Pick. This one’s from Musicals Week, just a fortnight ago, but nobody will mind seeing this Mary Poppins-themed showstopper again. JB Gill and Lauren Oakley spin and twirl romantically around the floor in an immaculate routine, full of flair and fun. No extra backing dancers this time, so we can focus on their nostalgic characterisation and all the technical details. Swing, sway and flow. Bags of style. Practically perfect in every possible way. They scored 39 points last time, only a oivot and a sticky-up thumb away from perfection. Surely he’s fixed that and Craig will give JB the thumbs-up this time?
Song: Let’s Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins. The breezy song from the 1964 musical was written by the Sherman brothers, inspired by their father Al, who was a keen amateur kite-maker.