Thursday Thoughts: Week 8

OK, a little later than I had hoped, here are my thoughts on Strictly's jaunt to Blackpool.

Ricky & Natalie turned in a good tango, although a few small slip-ups prevented it from being a repeat of their triumphant quickstep performance the week before. All couples have ups and downs during the series. This wasn't really a down though, more of a wee dip.

Natalie & Vincent covered the large Blackpool floor very well with their quickstep routine. There is still plenty of room for improvement, though. There was a little bit of gapping between them. Natalie still needs to bring her feet together (you could drive a bus between them at times) which would give her more elegance. She also needs to not grip on to Vincent. Natalie has improved, but time is running out unless she really ups her game in the next couple of weeks.

Jade put in one of the best 'tall girl' jives we've seen in a long time. Ian's choreography really suited Jade. She has come on leaps and bounds (no pun intended) in the last couple of weeks and is starting to look like a contender. Pointing her toes would have finished the routine off beautifully.

Ali & Brian did a very nice job. Their Viennese waltz was romantic and well presented. Personally, I thought the intro was a bit long before they took hold, but otherwise it was flawless.

Ricky & Erin's salsa did not move me. I especially disliked the slowed down ending. The whole thing was sloppy and lacked fluidity and finesse. This was well below par for Ricky, and he needs to step-up if he wants to stay in the race.

Laila & Anton got off to a good start with the paso, but Laila seemed to lose her way in the middle. I'm not really sure why Anton decided to include two lifts, although the judges didn't come down nearly as hard on him as they would have on Brendan. Laila got away with the paso, because it's the most 'ballroom' of the latin dances - there is a lot in hold and has a tango-like passion. But Laila needs to be an all-rounder if she's going to get much further.

Phil & Katya's rumba just lacked polish. There was a lack of connection between them. Phil's timing was out in places, and I have to agree with Craig's point that there appeared to be a lot of repetition. Perhaps Len is right. Perhaps a bit more time in the training room would up their game. Phil trains just enough time to survive and needs a little more commitment.

Chris & Ola turned out a charming foxtrot. It was easily their best performance so far.

Craig sticks his neck forward when he dances, which looks really unpleasant. He spent the whole routine with a wide-eyed expression like a child on Christmas day. It was not a pleasant performance, and one of Craig & Flavia's worst performances.

It was clear that Craig's time was up, and it was totally the right couple that went home.

I have new-found respect for Alesha Dixon now. The comments she made to Craig were bang on the money, and she didn't hold back. I suddenly like Alesha more than I ever have. It was good to see a bit of fire from her. In fact, her comments overall are beginning to add insight and she's picking up things that the other judges miss. I still miss Arlene, but I don't feel like I'm tolerating Alesha any more. I actually want to hear her thoughts.

Craig was probably the last of the weaker dancers to hit the road. The competition is really staring to look interesting. There are lots of couples that have ups and downs. I really think Jade is the biggest threat to the top at the moment. Natalie and Chris will need to go to the next level if they want to get any further. Phil could improve with more commitment, and Ricky G needs to watch those shoulders. Laila and Ali need to find their inner latin goddesses. Ricky W is looking like the front runner at the moment, as he is the best all-rounder in the competition, but there is usually someone who comes from behind and turns it around.

Videos to follow...