Strictly Come Blogging: Sunday Service: Week 2

I'd like to begin by pointing out that I do not know the result, and will watch the result on BBC One tonight like everyone else.

We got to see all the celebrities have a go last night.

Matt & Aliona kicked off proceedings with the first 'dark' foxtrot of the night (who knew it would turn out half of the foxtrots would be non-traditional?). Matt's execution was excellent, but the chemistry between him and Aliona was not as hot as the dance demanded. I thought that the whole thing was actually more aggressive than sexy. Matt is great, but I didn't enjoy this performance as much as last week's cha cha.

Peter tried so had, but his salsa with Erin was not good. Peter's timing was terrible. He walked around the floor looking constipated. It was great that he had a good time on the floor, because sadly I didn't have a good time watching. He's clearly a ballroom boy.

Tina is a really lovely dancer. Her lines are lovely, but she really needs to watch her timing, which she again lost on more than one occasion during the routine. Unfortunately, while you can teach steps, and to an extent you can teach performance, but it's almost impossible to teach timing. Tina does have a foundation to build on. Her turns were lovely (although they'd be even better if she spotted). I was a little worried when Jared talked about rise and fall in the foxtrot - it actually glides, Jared.

Patsy & Robin's lack of training really showed. I loved Patsy's attitude. She gave it everything. With more time spent on training, she could be miles better, and hopefully now her filming is over she'll have more time to devote to training. She needs more control in her arms and legs, but I'm sure it will come with practice.

I thought Paul & Ola did a nice job. I found their routine actually quite charming. It was a nice routine with some lovely musicality. There is lots for them to work on, of course, but they have a good base.

Scott & Natalie did a really nice job. It was the first salsa of the night to get the party going. Scott has the right amount of abandon and control. The routine had great energy and timing. Scott just needs to watch what he does with his hands on the shimmys. I shall say no more than that...

Michelle & Brendan's routine was total Hollywood glamour. If there's one thing that Brendan does well, it's these kind of routines. As Bruno mentioned, Michelle really needs to watch her shoulders and try to keep them down. This was a much more controlled performance, and Michelle did so much better than last week.

I liked Goldie's performance. His timing is nice, and he's so cool. Kristina's routine totally suited him. Jazz was the perfect style for him. His work does need to be cleaner, like like many of the others, he has a good base to build on.

Pamela & James were totally amazing. The complex salsa routine was well executed. Pamela proved that she can do ballroom and latin. The way to win Strictly is to be an all-rounder. Pamela was sensational.

Felicity & Vincent turned in a competent foxtrot performance. It didn't blow me away. As Len said, it was OK. Felicity needs to point her toes more, especially when she has an attitude leg line. I expect there are more exciting things to come from Felicity.

Ann & Anton did possibly one of the worst Strictly dances ever. They are good sports. They certainly played it for laughs rather than even attempting a proper salsa. It was all tomato and no chili. They really shouldn't be able to continue.

Kara & Artem did a lovely job. Kara has beautiful footwork. The routine had a lot more content than last week. A good job overall.

Gavin had timing issues even before he messed it up. I disagree with Craig - I think Gavin does have decent hip action. But the performance just wasn't there. I agree with Bruno that the whole thing was just a bit self-conscious. Somehow Katya has to get him to let go and go for it. Pulling up his shirt is not enough.

I really enjoyed Jimi & Flavia's foxtrot. I'm not really sure what Jimi was doing with his face. His scary grin really didn't work for me. But his technique is excellent. Like Pamela, he appears to be an all-rounder.

Pamela was by far the best this week, and deserved to be top of the leader board.

My bottom two would be Ann & Anton and Peter & Erin. I think Ann should be the one to go, but I have a feeling that it will be Peter who has to go for an early bath.

Here are the videos...

Matt & Aliona