Key events
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Scrapes into the top five so far.
Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Motsi says “excellent choreography, Katya, great feet, needed more hips and body action but brilliant”. Shirley says “appreciated the poly-rhythms, lovely foot position, embrace those difficult details”. Anton says “Movie Week magic, exceptional, enjoyed the show”. Craig concludes “hip action let it down, wooden and stiff, but this is a look you could go to the supermarket in”. “These are all my own chins,” quips Wynne.
Wynne and Katya’s cha cha cha
Opera singer Wynne Jones has been a revelation, skilfully guided by taskmaster pro Katya Jones. Now he’s back to Latin, playing Robin Williams’ dad-in-diguise. Wearing a skirt to show off his leg action, Wynne is clearly enjoying the characterisation. Vacuum cleaner-ography. Swishing his skirt and showing off his frilly bloomers. Good footwork, timing and content. High-energy and entertainment value. Well done, dear.
Song: Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag from Mrs Doubtfire. The 1965 James Brown funk classic was his first Top 10 hit. Talking of bags, Robin Williams once described his Mrs Doubtfire bodysuit as “like a walking beanbag chair”.
Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. His best yet and joint second so far.
Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Anton says “The King would’ve loved that” then demonstrates a correct arm position. Craig says “absolutely loved it, total natural, gorgeous”. Motsi says “best male tonight, well done”. Shirley concludes “great awareness, you were in your zone”. Eights, maybe a nine?
Shayne and Nancy’s Viennese waltz
Craig tipped “Shancy” as ones to watch after last week’s impressive tango. Can they fulfil that promise? Shayne Ward is a huge Elvis fan, so is relishing donning the quiff and sideburns. Long, stylish solo section to start before they start spinning and twirling around the floor. Gets a little hesitant in hold but fleckerls and contra checks as they change direction. Spectacular floor spin. Drama and mood on-point. Shayne’s dance has now left the building.
Song: If I Can Dream from Elvis. Presley’s 1968 hit was based on Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech, shortly after his assassination. Brilliantly, football manager Terry Venables charted with a cover version in 2010.
Judges’ scores for Sam and Nikita: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Her best by far. Of training, Sam says: “People at home are working properly hard – builders, nurses, teachers – so we can’t complain.” Well said.
Judges’ comments for Sam and Nikita: Craig says “legs too straight, looked stiff but strong and hot, hot, hot”. Motsi says “another new flavour, kept character, intensity, loved that”. Shirley says “in and out for me, soften knees, keep fluidity but strong connection”. Anton concludes “you say stiff, I say strong, wonderful lines, your best yet”. Sixes and sevens?
Sam and Nikita’s paso doble
Sam Quek admits that she struggled with last week’s jolly hockeysticks Charleston, although she finished in respectable mid-table. She says this week’s paso has proved equally tricky to master, although she should be at home portraying Lara Croft – Sam’s been to not one but two fancy dress parties as her before. She’s been criticised for a lack of synchronisation, so needs nail the timing as well as technique. Some lovely detail and bold choreography. Powerful, imperious and fiery but a little flat-footed and lacking curved Spanish line.
Song: Elevation from Tomb Raider. The video for U2’s Grammy-winning 2001 hit was shot on the New York street portion of the Universal Studios Tour.
Judges’ scores for JB and Amy: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. His best yet. Third so far behind Sarah and Tasha.
JB gives out sweets to the judges before they mark him. Clever boy.
Judges’ comments for JB and Amy: Shirley says “great signs of a ballroom dancer, a few unsteady glitches but sincerity from the heart, full of heart”. Anton says “great narrative, perfect package, just take largest steps and stride out”. Craig says “lost flow in hold but a proper musical theatre number, you sold it, you’re a showman”. Motsi concludes “getting sweeter every week, great ear for music, just breathe”. Eights incoming?
JB and Amy’s American smooth
The last time they did ballroom, JB Gill and Amy Dowden topped the leaderboard. Can they repeat the trick and win a golden ticket through to next week? Or will they fall into the chocolate river? JB is channelling Timothée Chalamet in a top hat and frock coat. Foxtrot steps, lots of cheeky details and fluidity across the floor. Changes of pace. Amy’s been drilling the footwork and fundamentals (for Shirley) into him and it shows. Sweet and smooth as chocolate.
Song: Pure Imagination from Wonka. This tingly classic was written by composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley over the phone in a day.