Strictly Come Blogging: Sunday Service: Week 9

From this point on, it's going to be difficult to see any of the participants leave. The competition is getting closer, and more exciting.

I thought it was a little mean to make Anita & Brendan go first, but Anita takes everything in her stride. Anita's timing was excellent. I found the cha cha routine a little boring, but as always Anita had lots of fun, and lit up the room with her smile. I liked that Brendan sent er off on her own for part of the dance. She needs to watch her second arm, as it dangles aimlessly at times. She also needs to straighten her legs a bit more.

Holly & Artem's foxtrot was very well executed. Holly was great at the sexy bits where she was posing, but sadly she looked disconnected when she was in hold. Holly missed a few heal leads, and could have flipped her toes up more when travelling backwards. I really wish Holly could connect with the dances emotionally. She would really explode if she could dance from within.

Alex & James did a nice job with the Charleston. It was obvious that Alex was going to enjoy the dance, and she looked very relaxed on the floor. It had lots of goofy personality. She could have pointed her feet more on the kicks. The routine could have had more content, as a lot of it was just walking around, and it was a little messy in places, but Alex's performance was great once again. Holly could learn a thing or two about performance.

My heart sank when I heard Robbie & Ola's music come on, as I immediately knew what was coming. To be completely frank, I am sick of watching Robbie thrusting now. It's not really in keeping with the samba, but I think Ola has found something that he can do and just throws it into every routine. The routine was too similar to last week's salsa for my liking. Robbie lacked hip action where it was required, and I really didn't need to see him in his shorts.

Overall, Cheslee & Pasha's Argentine tango was good, but there were a few things now quite right. Chelsee was a bit flat-footed on swivels, and sometimes didn't spot on her turns. She needs to point her toes more. The routine did lack passion a bit, and Len's right, she should have drawn on her acting skills. The lift near the end was lovely. It was good, but it could have been so much better.

Jason & Kristina's Charleston was pretty good. Jason tends to lose timing when the steps are very fast and jumpy, he doesn't seem to cope well with the speed. The same was evident in the swing number. Jason's facial expressions were very good (except when he occasionally pulls one of his drag queen faces).

Harry & Aliona's quickstep was the treat of the night. It had so much content I actually started to wonder if Aliona had actually done the choreography. They covered the floor very well, and Harry was lovely and light on his feet. I absolutely loved the little drumming move at the very end. Harry still needs to smile throughout, and not just when he remembers. I loved this routine, and I think it could be my favourite of the series so far. Proper old school Strictly!

The group swingathon once again did not live up to the hype. I found it boring. I didn't need to see Holly's jive routine again. The camera angles mean you can't judge it anyway. It needs a fixed camera. Robbie & Ola and Anita & Brendan were eliminated before we really even got to see them. "Its going to be a war on the floor" proclaimed Tess. A bore on the floor, actually. It went the way of the leaderboard, and had little impact.

The bottom two for me were Robbie and Anita. Robbie is a pretty good dancer, but he's a one-trick pony. Anita has so much enthusiasm, but it does not transfer to her feet. I'd like to see Robbie go, but I suspect it might be Anita who is leaving tonight.

Here are the videos...

Anita & Brendan