Strictly Come Blogging: Monday Musings: Week 5

A little later than usual this week, here are my thoughts on this week's programme.

Ricky & Erin's jive was entertaining, but ugly. Ricky needs to point his toes. And he danced with the same arm as leg at one point, which is a massive personal pet peeve of mine. I thought the routine was a little boring, if I'm being brutally honest. But Ricky continues to be entertaining.

Jade & Ian's Viennese waltz was brilliant, and I think Jade's best dance of the competition so far. The Viennese waltz really suits the tall, and Jade made it look easy and natural. It flowed like water.

The nerves seem to be getting to Ali. There were lots of errors in the jive, and Ali still seems to be either holding back, or lacking in confidence. She should wow, and she doesn't. But I can't help but wonder if perhaps Ali is feeling a little self-conscious about the whole Brian thing...

The beginning of Jo & Brendan's Vienese waltz was ropey, but once they started moving around the floor, it was better. They attempted the fleckerl, which many couples have not attempted in the past, so she has to get credit for that. I agreed with Len and Alesha that it was Jo's best dance.

Choreographically, Zoe & James' jive didn't have enough bounce for me. The best jives of the past (Jill & Darren, Louisa & Vincent) have been very bouncy. Zoe did a solid job, but the whole thing was a bit 'ballroom' for the jive.

Ricky & Natalie were easy and effortless in their Viennese waltz. Like Jade & Ian, their height gives them beautiful lines. It was fantastic.

Craig finally showed some charm during the jive, but he still has major timing issues. Timing is such a difficult thing to teach. Flavia is going to have her work cut out.

Joe & Kristina had so many timing issues, and Joe still spends the whole dance staring at Kristina as if he'll completely loose it if he isn't looking to her. I agreed with Craig that he is starting to show some personality.

Natalie is still lacking in grace. Her naturals and reverses were a bit skippy, but her fleckerl was a bit walky. I'm still willing Natalie is be better than she is. She needs more control and needs to raise her presentation to match her enthusiasm. Vincent needs to address this.

Laila & Anton's jive was a complete mess. Anton dislikes latin, and jive especially, and unfortunately this is likely to be Laila's downfall. The choreography was awful, although I did like the song choice and outfits. I hate to say it, as I really love and respect Anton, but I can't help but wonder if Laila would have been better off with another partner. She has so much talent.

Phil & Katya did a nice job again. Phil needs to watch his shoulders, which seemed to be going up and down in Cockney knees-up fashion. Not a good look in Viennese waltz. Ever year everyone is looking for the dark horse. Could it be Phil?

Chris had lots of timing issues, which Ola needs to address. But his jive did have lots of personality. Chris seems to have lost his way a bit, and really needs to raise his game if he wants to stay in the race.

It was a complete shock to see Zoe & James in the bottom two. You could have put plenty of other couples in their places - Jo & Brendan, Craig & Flavia, even Laila & Anton. I think it was Joe & Kristina's time to go, and it was a no-brainer for the judges. Joe & Kristina were not progressing at the rate of some of the others in the competition.

Here are the videos...

Ricky & Erin