Sunday Service: Week 3

Here are my thoughts on Week 3 of Strictly Come Dancing. Some unusual music choices this week, especially on the paso side...

Ali & Brian kicked the show off to a fantastic start. Their quickstep routine had great musicality. They made it all look effortless and easy. Brilliant. Ali should go far in the competition.

I thought that Lynda & Darren's paso was a bit tame. There was a lot of walking and posing, and not enough content. Lynda is capable of more in my opinion.

Chris needs to watch his timing, especially when he is left on his own. But he had bags of energy and fun, and I think he and Ola could still be ones to watch.

Zoe gave a great performance, but I thought James' choice of You Got The Love was bizarre for paso. It just didn't sit right we me at all. Zoe performed the choreography she was given very well, but like Lynda & Darren, I just thought it was a bit tame. James could have really gone to town with Zoe. I think her ability was a bit wasted.

I liked Aliona's choreography, but it wasn't right at all for Rav. The whole thing was all over the shop. It was chaotic, and Rav looked like he was playing catch-up all the way through. It was so messy. I'm sure Rav would have been better off with something simpler.

I had to agree with Bruno about Natalie & Vincent's paso - Natalie had ups and downs throughout the dance. When Natalie is on it, she is brilliant. When she's not, she looks awkward. But she has so much potential. I don't think Natalie has found her stride yet, but I hope she does.

Craig has lots of timing issues that he needs to watch. There was also lots of gapping between him and Flavia, especially noticeable when they were in promenade position. I thought the judges were a little harsh. Craig looked a lot more relaxed than last week, and it was a competent performance.

There's a lot to be said for use of traditional music for paso dobles. España Cañi is a classic, and works every time. Ricky & Natalie looked brilliant on the floor. They work together well. They pitched the whole thing perfectly. Was it the best paso ever, as Alesha excitedly proclaimed? I think Austin & Erin might disagree. I would too.

Jade & Ian's quickstep was pretty good. I think Jade was a fraction off time in places and needs to watch her frame still. But they covered the floor well, and as always Ian's choreography had great musicality. Look out for it on Choreography Corner this week.

Joe didn't dance enough during the paso. And he was grinning at one point, which just looked odd. Kristina did all the work in the routine. I agreed with Bruno that Joe just didn't have the style of the paso correct, he didn't capture the essence of the dance.

Laila & Anton's quickstep was hit and miss. It showed on her face (and also on Anton's!) when she's gone wrong. It looked as if sections were a being improvised, but only they can know how much was the correct choreography. But when it was correct, it was good. Laila could go far because she does look good on the floor, but must avoid those kind of slip-ups.

Jo must avoid looking at her feet. I can't decide if Jo & Brendan were better this week than last. To give Jo her dues though, she really does try hard. She is performing as best she can.

Phil had a couple of tiny timing issues, but otherwise his quickstep with Katya was marvelous. He has great posture. Phil has fantastic character and presence on the floor. He's a joy to watch, and could go a long way. I think the public will enjoy watching his progression.

Ricky had fantastic character in the paso. It was very strong, very believable and very entertaining. Erin, as she always does, has done a great job of choreographing to his strengths. I think it was unfair to describe it as a 'comedy paso'. There were humourous elements, but it wasn't a comedy piece.

For me, Joe Calzaghe should have been in the bottom two with either Rav or Jo. Certainly not Lynda. Of the bottom two, I agreed with the judges' decision to let Rav go. Rav's performance in the dance-off was even worse than his first performance.

It seems the public have not learned anything from last year and Sergeantgate. Why are people saving Joe? I'm sure it's all very amusing at the moment, but when talented participants start to leave the competition, it will just turn into a joke. I picked up my phone last night and voted for several people in the middle of the table who deserve to stay, because I want those who can dance left in the competition.

Videos to follow...