Key events
Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 6, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Joint third as we enter the home stretch.
Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Shirley says “I’m speechless, how you do those lifts so flawlessly without eye timing I can’t imagine, didn’t miss a trick timing-wise, impressive”. Anton says “you even made the kangaroo steps work, salsa steps a bit plonky but still remarkable”. Craig from Ballarat does his best Aussie accent and says “stompy, lacked flow and fluidity but bonzer”. Motsi concludes “I like development of your Latin, great musicality, a joy”. Sevens and eights, do we say?
Chris and Dianne’s salsa
Another energetic, upbeat dance for blind comedian Chris McCausland, following last week’s Wayne’s World jive. Craig commented on his great timing and musical ear, so Dianne Buswell cleverly choreographs to play to his strengths – as well as choosing an Aussie theme for a taste of home. It’s fast and full-on with “more bloody lifts than Canary Wharf”, according to Chris. Tricks and hip action. Speed, lots of steps and cracking lifts. Some kangaroo jumps, unless I’m mistaken. Lacks spice and hip action but otherwise stupendous. So good, it almost made me forgive those yellow slacks.
Song: Down Under by Men at Work. The Australian band’s 1983 chart-topper is abut an Australian man travelling the tourist trail in “a fried-out Kombi”, ie a Volkswagen camper van. Do you speak-a my language? He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich.
Judges’ scores for JB and Amy: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Solidly top half.
Judges’ comments for JB and Amy: Craig says “you got stuck, lacked connection but you did a difficult dance justice”. Motsi says “I saw technique, leg action and Cuban motion, passion, enjoyed it”. Shirley says “sultry, lovely forward work but needs more rotation, rather enjoyed it”. Anton concludes “you’re a dream student but I’d like to see more freedom, so let it go”. Sevens and the odd eight?
JB and Amy’s rumba
He wowed last week with his West End-worthy Willy Wonka number and is turning into quite the ballroom boy but now it’s back to Latin for JB Gill. His pro partner Amy Dowden loves the rumba and this is her first one on Strictly but it’s notoriously challenging for celebrity males. JB’s been struggling with the tricky technique in training this week. It’s slow and exposing with nowhere to hide but he’s doing a very decent job indeed. Sensual and romantic, with a nice connection established between them. Lacks a little continuous flow and earthiness, she’s dancing around him at times, but sizzling, stylish and smouldering.
Song: You Might Need Somebody by Kara Marni. A cover of the jazz-soul hit made famous by Randy Crawford in the 80s and Shola Ama in the 90s.
Judges’ scores for Paul and Karen: 4 (boo!), 6, 6, 7 for a total of 23 points. His highest yet and out of the bottom two. Claudia suggests he’s a great dancer and Paul wryly replies “Steady on”.
Judges’ comments for Paul and Karen: Anton says “I take my top hat off to you, what a job, no irony, did it straight, just great”. Craig says “fix the style, frame, heaviness and gapping but we have progression”. Motsi says “you melted my heart, eyes up and smile”. Shirley concludes “came down the stairs looking sophisticated, I was smiling inside, delightful, Mr Debonair”. Sixes, do we reckon?
Paul and Karen’s quickstep
The wild west dance-off survivors attempt a proper ballroom routine for the first time. No props, fancy dress or comedy factor this time. Paul Merson is trying to keep a straight face for a sophisticated Fred Astaire number. Looking debonair in a tailsuit with top hat and cane. Very gentlemanly. With the axe hovering over him, he’ll need to show improved technique and timing if he’s going to escape another dance-off. Old-style Hollywood feel and cane-ography, then into hold. He’s jogging rather than skipping but great effort, even if he looks slightly terrified. Some showmanship if not all the footwork.
Song: I Won’t Dance by Fred Astaire. This playful jazz standard from the 1930s has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Johnny Mathis and Lady Gaga with Tony Bennett. Strictly alumnus Will Young crooned it for Pop Idol: The Big Band Album and Jessica Lange for the Grey Gardens soundtrack.
Judges’ scores for Punam and Gorka: 4, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 20 points. Bottom as it stands.
Judges’ comments for Punam and Gorka: Motsi says “pressure got to you after last week, quite a few mistakes, hot and cold”. Shirley says “lacked rotation but great kick section, you’ve got the support of the nation and we love you”. Anton says “I tied my own tie, see you next week”. Craig concludes “sloppy, messy, full of mistakes, not your night”. Four from Craig, fives from the rest?
Punam and Gorka’s jive
Dr Punam Krishan came alive last week and reduced Motsi to tears with her milestone Bollywood routine, which took her to the dizzy heights of joint second on the leaderboard. Can she keep that momentum going? Strange pink foil outfits and futuristic diner theme. An energetic jive with plenty of flicks and kicks but she needs more control and retraction. Could be on the balls of her feet more to keep it lighter. She hops up up on chair and table at the end. Technically shaky and lost timing but fun. Not quite what the doctor ordered.
Song: 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) by Lizzo. The pop diva and classically trained flautist’s 2022 single. Its retro new wave-meets-disco sound has been compared to both the Pointer Sisters and Hall & Oates, which is totally fine by me.
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 8, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 34 points. His highest yet and joint top with Jamie. “I’m an overweight opera singer and I’m having the best time,” says Wynne. “Maybe fat men can dance after all. I found my ribs this week after not seeing them since 1987.”
Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Anton says “committed to the concept and character, tremendous, one of your best”. Craig says “thumb sticking up but love, love, loved it, Wynne, Wynne, Wynne”. Motsi says “your best dance yet, story with quality underneath”. Shirley concludes “took risks, passionate, told a tale, I got goosebumps, you’re in it to win it, mate”. He’s had sevens and eights for the past two weeks and might just better that here.
Wynne and Katya’s tango
Wynne Evans casts off the Mrs Doubtfire costume to show his more serious side. It’s a Wall Street-style story with his pro partner Katya Jones playing a financier’s disgruntled secretary. He’s been working hard on his tango posture, so needs to keep his legs low and spine straight. Briefcase-ography, tie-adjusting and takes far too long to get going. Assertive and leading well, although the effort is visible on his face. Lacks snap and staccato. Not quite on the money, money, money for me but the audience love it.
Song: Money, Money, Money by Abba. The Swedish pop deities’ 1976 hit was originally titled Gypsy Girl and was the only Abba single during their mid-70s imperial phase not to top the UK chart. Deborah Meaden and the much-missed Robin Windsor also tangoed to it during the 2013 series.