Strictly Come Blogging: Saturday Service: Week 2

It was the girls' turn to step up to the plate this week.

Jessie (or Jellie!) & Darren kicked off the proceedings for the evening with a salsa. Jessie was very untidy, and really didn't finish her moves properly. She did seem to enjoy the experience, but she needs to let go and relax some more, whilst ensuring she is in control of her body which I don't think she was at all times this week. A good first effort, but a long way to go.

Christine & Matthew did a lovely job with the foxtrot. Christine was elegant and graceful. She could work on her frame a little, but for week one she was impressive. For some reason, she reminded me of Natasha...

I enjoyed Lisa & Brendan's salsa. Her turns were very good. There was flashes of brilliance, but there were also flashes of awkwardness. She looked a little inhibited in places, like she was uncomfortable in her costume. She needs to keep her work tidy at all times. I loved the samba rolls at the top. Lisa certainly has potential.

Jodie actually surprised me. After the group dances last week, I was not expecting very much. But her foxtrot with Ian glided very gracefully and she controlled herself well. She looked terrified right at the beginning, but once she was in hold she seemed to relax.

I was expecting to be wowed by Heather and I wasn't. I found her to be a bit like Lisa - at times she was brilliant and on it, and in those moments she could wipe the floor with most of her competition. But there were also times where she looked like she'd lost it. I wondered if she was making mistakes. If she didn't make any mistakes, she needs to control her facial expressions which implied she had. I really enjoyed watching Brian. He is a lovely dancer, and looks to be an excellent lead.

I was worried about Gillian. Gillian & Anton's foxtrot started with a long introduction, which usually implies that they are filling the music with something other than dance. It's a clever choreographer's trick. She didn't do too badly. Gillian needs to watch her posture - she looked like she was sticking out her bottom at times. But a solid first go.

The best were saved for last. Rachel was fantastic. She and Vincent appear to have a great relationship. I loved, loved, loved the opening slow sequence. It was really nice. The choreography was complex, but Rachel made it look effortless. Dancing appears to come quite naturally to her. Best salsa of the night.

And finally, Cherie & James' foxtrot was a fabulous close to the second show. It was easily the best foxtrot of the night. Cherie was elegant, graceful and poised in her pistachio dress. I raised an eyebrow (in a Vincent way) when I heard the music choice on It Takes Two last night, but in a weird way it just worked. I loved the choreography, it was pure foxtrot throughout.

The men's group merengue was much better than the girls' number last week. It was tidier and much more pleasant to watch, and they all seemed relaxed and enjoying themselves.

I totally agreed with the order of the judges' leaderboard. Jessie and Gillian would be my bottom two, with Jessie leaving the floor. But I think it's a shame that any of these ladies has to leave when Gary Rhodes gets another chance. That's why the way the show begins is flawed. We have to eliminate one of the ladies, when it might be better to eliminate one of the fellas.

Don't forget to enter my competition to win a signed copy of The Ballroom Class.

Here are the videos...

Jessie & Darren