Sunday Service: Week 10

Ah, a ropey theme week. No series would be complete without one. And if you like a ropey theme week, then you must be beside yourself about last night's Around The World week.

Pixie & Trent's Viennese waltz was a nice start to the show. It was light and effortless, with a lovely fleckerl. The choreography was lovely, although the choreography across the board last night was lacking in content, and the Viennese waltz was no exception. That aside, I really enjoyed it, especially the ballet nods. Pixie has lovely posé turns.

I didn't really enjoy Mark & Karen's salsa. The lifts were good, but there was way to much out of hold and not enough salsa. The bits in between the lifts were not that great, although I did like the long knee-slide in the middle. There was nothing especially wrong with the routine, it just wasn't as good as Mark's last couple of weeks.

Despite what Kristina thinks, Simon didn't have the only slow dance. Sunetra probably had the most difficult job of the week, having the dreaded rumba so late on. The rumba really is a difficult dance. Sunetra needs to try not to act through her arms too much, as it makes her lift her shoulders. Thankfully for her, Brendan choreographed something that was recognisable as a rumba. There were moments where I thought it was a bit cringey, but generally it was good.

Caroline & Pasha's Charleston was a complete showstopper, and totally deserving of being top of the leaderboard. Caroline not only had to keep in time and in sync with Pasha, but also a troupe of other dancers. And she nailed it. The routine was cheeky, bouncey and fresh. I loved the tumble lift at the end of the routine, too. It finished off what was already a very classy performance. Arguably the best Charleston of the series.

Despite not being the only slow dance of the evening, I will admit that the waltz can be quite a hard one to 'sell' when up against the wow-factor of a Charleston. But no such issue for Simon & Kristina. Their waltz was just beautiful. It was simple and clean. Proof that a dance doesn't have to be showy to be good. I loved it. I think that the only thing against them is Kristina's competitive streak. Complaining about having a waltz showed a lack of class on her part, and wasn't necessary because she and Simon did an awesome job with their dance. I just hope that the public got behind Simon anyway.

Frankie & Kevin's jive was pretty straight. It was well-danced, and thankfully didn't have any backing dancers. Frankie had a really nice action on her kicks, with nice picked-up knees. Although I am starting to tire of Frankie & Kevin's preppy numbers. Their jive was yet another bubblegum dance. I would love to see another side to Frankie. We got a glimpse with the tango, but that's about it.

I think that everyone felt that Jake & Janette had been royally stitched up the minute Jake used the words Argentine tango and Zorba in the same sentence. It should not have been allowed. Trying to put that aside, which isn't easy, I still didn't like the performance. Jake's legs looked too bent, and he didn't really look like he was leading Janette. The routine was lacking in intimacy and interplay, although I think we can blame the music for that too. The only thing I liked about it was Janette's dress...

My favourites this week were Caroline and Simon, by a country mile. My bottom two were Mark and Jake, not because I didn't like their performances per se, but more because I didn't like either of their routines. They performed what they were given reasonably well, but I didn't like their dances. Sunetra probably should be the next one out, but I think that Brendan's choreography saved her in my mind. Losing anyone at this stage is going to be a killer. Someone send tissues!

Here are the videos...

Pixie & Trent



Mark & Karen



Sunetra & Brendan



Caroline & Pasha



Simon & Kristina



Frankie & Kevin



Jake & Janette

Book Review: Strictly Come Dancing Official Annual 2015

Not since Blue Peter have I enjoyed annuals so much. Reading the Strictly Come Dancing Annual each year is always a highlight, and I love to see what will be included.

The opening of the 2015 edition pays tribute to Sir Bruce, with comments from Craig and Darcey. This is followed by a welcome to Claudia Winkleman, who is excited about extending her presenting relationship on to the main Saturday night show. Tess also has a few words about Sir Bruce and Claudia. And there are also the usual biographies of the celebrities and pros and interviews with the judges.

This year, the main focus of the book is back on the dances. Karen Hardy gives an introduction to each of the dances featured on Strictly, explaining key technique points and what the judges look for.

Executive producer Louise Rainbow explains what is new for this year, admitting that the natural changes in the show (new presenter, new pros) are enough for this year, with the new judges' entrance the only other main change. She mentions the introduction of Around The World week, which we have this Saturday.

There are also articles on the dresses, the hair and their new home in Elstree.

As always, the Strictly Come Dancing Annual always delivers, and it is a must-have for any Strictly fan.

Book Review: Dancing Around Britain

Dancing Around Britain is a new book by Len Goodman, which looks at the history of dance from WWI through to today. Using archive photos, including a few from his own collection, Len charts how dance helped Britain through two wars, then led into the swinging sixties and disco. He also looks at how movies fueled dance fever in the 1970s and '80s, and a look at dancing on television.

Len talks about his own dance career, although if you have read Len's autobiography Better Late Than Never, his stories will already be familiar.

A nice feature of the book is 'Songs that got Britain dancing', which feature throughout the book. Dance crazes, and the songs that inspired them, include Lambeth Walk, Knees Up Mother Brown, Let's Twist Again and Oops Upside Your Head.

What sets this book apart are the wonderful archive photos. From old dance halls such as the Rivoli in south-east London and the stunning Tower Ballroom in Blackpool (which are thankfully still in use), to people letting off steam in the war and holidaymakers in post-war holiday camps like Butlins, the images capture various beautiful dancing moments in time.

If you're a fan of dance, you'll love this book. If you're a fan of modern social history and popular culture, you'll love this book. If Uncle Len can't get you bopping along to the Time Warp, I don't know who can.

If you're looking for Christmas presents, this is one your nan will love.

Dancing Around Britain by Len Goodman is out now, published by Trinity Mirror Sports Media.

Panto Roundup

As always, a host of Strictly participants past and present are appearing in pantomimes across the country this Christmas. Here is a list of who is where, and what they're in.

Craig Revel Horwood (judge), Peter Pan - Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Camilla Dallerup (ex-pro), Cinderella - Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield

Claire Sweeney (Series 1), Aladdin - Empire Theatre, Liverpool

Julian Clary (Series 2), Cinderella - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

Brian Capron (series 5), Cinderella - Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks

Ricky Groves (Series 7), Beauty & The Beast - Theatre Royal, Margate

Scott Maslen (Series 8), Aladdin - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Russell Grant (Series 9), Snow White - Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury

Jerry Hall (Series 10), Snow White - Richmond Theatre, Richmond

Dani Harmer (Series 10), Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Bath
Lisa Riley (Series 10), Jack & The Beanstalk - Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
Dave Myers (Series 11), Cinderella - Hexagon Theatre, Reading
Alison Hammond (Series 12), Aladdin - Cresset Theatre, Peterborough

John Barrowman (Christmas 2010), Cinderella - SECC, Glasgow

Su Pollard (Christmas 2011), Snow White - Empire Theatre, Sunderland

Bobby Ball (Christmas 2012), Jack & The Beanstalk - Theatre Royal, Lincoln

CD Review: Strictly Come Dancing

The Strictly Come Dancing Band are back with a new album of Strictly music, the first since 2008.


If you have listened to either of the previous Strictly albums, you will know what to expect, and the new album doesn't stray from the winning formula.

The songs feature the vocals of the regular Strictly singers - Tommy Blaize, Lance Ellington, Chris Madin, Andrea Grant and Hayley Sanderson. The length of the tracks is as they are on TV, around 90-100 seconds, so they have performed 38 favourites and, of course, the famous theme tune.

Many of the songs instantly took me back to the dancefloor. Don't Get Me Wrong took me straight back to Harry & Aliona's final-winning quickstep in Blackpool. Tears Dry On There Own transported me to Lisa & Brendan's charming cha cha. And Andrea's stunning vocal on Goldeneye can only conjure up the original Mark & Karen (Ramprakash & Hardy) and their moody Argentine tango.

There is also one original song, the samba-twanged Dance Tonight, which was written by Dave Arch, Tommy Blaize and Trevor 'The Hat' Barry.

The whole album will make everyone get up an dance, and would make a great Christmas present for any Strictly fan.

The album is released tomorrow, 23rd November 2014.

Sunday Service: Week 9

It was wonderful to have Claudia back on Strictly Come Dancing this week. We missed you, Claud!

The week after Blackpool can often be a let-down after all the excitement of the Tower Ballroom. That was the case for some, but not all.

I have no idea what happened to Steve this week. His jive was really not very good. It was heavy, flat-footed and looked under-rehearsed. He looked like he was looking to Ola to find out what came next. That said, the lifts were excellent. He lifted Ola with strength and confidence.

It's such a shame Caroline stumbled near the beginning of the American smooth, because it seemed to knock her confidence a little. Pasha's choreography was stunning. I loved the sequence of lifts at the end. Her footwork was good. I have to agree with Darcey that Caroline could have extended even more, but Caroline's lines are usually excellent, so I would put this down to her being more tentative following the stumble.

I have to say that I didn't like Pixie & Trent's Charleston as much as I have liked some of their other dances. She looked a bit gangly in places and her knees looked too bent. It was good, but it just didn't do it for me.

I really liked Mark & Karen's tango. The storytelling was great. Mark had excellent hip swivels. He lead Karen well. I loved the attack Mark brought. He just needs to make sure he is completely upright at all times, as he was leaning slightly over Karen in places.

Why did we not see the feet on Frankie & Kevin's flekerl? Rubbish, BBC! They danced the Viennese waltz with confidence, with lovely swing and sway. She seemed to be missing a few heel leads. I'm pleased that someone has finally done a Viennese waltz to What's New Pussycat?. I can't believe it's taken 12 series!

Jake & Janette's samba was a bit wild for me. It seemed to be all about Jake's snake-hips, and not much else. It looked uncontrolled. It lacked the traditional samba bounce. I liked the running promenades, and the natural roll. It was entertaining, but it didn't make me want to rewind and watch again. I didn't think it deserved 10s.

I liked Sunetra & Brendan's waltz. It was a return to form for Sunetra. It was mostly relaxed and smooth, although there were times when she seemed to be hanging on to Brendan rather than dancing with him. I agree with Len that it was a little shaky in places, but overall it was pleasant.

I loved Simon & Kristina's salsa. It was a complete party. The armography was brilliant. The lifts were confident. He looked totally at ease in the dance. It was such a pleasure to watch. Simon is finally hitting his stride in the competition, and it's great to see.

I'm not sure why Craig gets grief when he is picky, but no-one bats an eyelid when Darcey does. Must be all in the delivery.

My favourites of the night were Simon, Mark and Caroline. The bottom two have to be Steve and Sunetra, and as much as I love her, I think I would send Sunetra home.

Here are the videos...

Steve & Ola



Caroline & Pasha



Pixie & Trent



Mark & Karen



Frankie & Kevin



Jake & Janette



Sunetra & Brendan



Simon & Kristina

Has Steve Had Enough?

Steve Backshall has reportedly had enough of Strictly, and is keen to get back to his Deadly 60 day job.

Following rumours a few weeks back that Ola was 'bullying' Steve, the two showed a united front on It Takes Two. But once again there are whispers of decent.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “Steve has been telling people he can’t wait to get back to the day job, he really isn’t enjoying himself and has been really ­troubled by the show process. He has spent years tackling wild animals but Ola is one tough cookie he cannot crack. In front of the camera and when they are out they act like friends but behind closed doors they still aren’t getting on. He can’t wait to get back to his ­adventures and do his own thing.”

Steve didn't have the best week in Blackpool, and has not been in the judges' favour in recent weeks. Unless he really changes his game this week, Steve could be nearing the end of the road anyway.

Lou Live From The Tower

I spoke to BBC Radio Oxford's Alex Grundon live from the Blackpool Tower on Saturday morning.

Listen here from 1hr 15mins.

Tuesday Chatter: Week 8

Strictly certainly turned up the wow factor on Saturday night, and all the couples raised their game to fill the stunning Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. I was lucky enough to be there, as my mum's name finally came out in the ticket ballot. It was completely worth the journey north to be a part of the audience.

First up were Frankie & Kevin with their quickstep. To be honest, when thinking back over the night, theirs is a dance that I almost forget about. It was a great routine, though. They traveled around the larger floor well, and with no gapping. The routine was packed with content, and all well executed by Frankie. I think the problem is that Frankie has always been good, so we take her a little for granted. Everything is good, but she needs that wow routine.

Jake & Janette's take on the American smooth was a little different, but totally played to Jake's strength as an actor. I absolutely loved the almost tango-like routine. The story was great and Jake totally sold it. At the same time, I can't help yearning to see Jake's softer side. I want to see a bit of glamour and romance from Jake, rather than these moody characters. That aside, the American smooth was stunning. Jake has wonderful musicality and Janette's choreography was wonderful. I loved it.

Sunetra & Brendan were the most disappointing couple of the night. It was the only music selection I really hated - why would anyone do a dance to I Don't Feel Like Dancin'? I hated it the last time it was used (Ray Fearon & Camilla Dallerup also did a samba to it, and ended up going home). The whole thing was a bit messy. It looked like there were a couple of mistakes in there. She didn't use the floor enough to get the right leg and hip action. Samba is one of the most difficult dances to make look good (genuinely, it's hard!), so I do forgive Sunetra.

I was't sure about Simon & Kristina's Argentine tango in the opening seconds. Simon's hands looked odd, and I thought the whole thing was going to awkward. I was glad to be wrong. In hold, Simon was brilliant. He was in control, and seemed to really connect with the dance. He lead Kristina, and it seemed to have improved from the training footage from It Takes Two earlier in the week. He's set the bar for Argentine tangos this series.

Judy & Anton's Viennese waltz was OK. It was fine as a showdance, but lacked enough Viennese waltz content for me. What content there was was a bit skippy. They didn't even attempt a standing spin! However, the routine was charming, and it was easily Judy's best performance. 

Mark & Karen keep getting better and better. Their Charleston was brilliant. They were so in sync with each other. The whole thing had energy from start to finish. Mark's swivel action was one of the best of the series. He had not trouble keeping up with a fast and busy routine. I loved the throwing lifts at the end. He and Karen have a brilliant partnership, and I really enjoyed their routine.

After hearing that Pixie & Trent would be dancing to The Eve Of War, I had very high expectations for their paso. They did not disappoint. Pixie is able to make such beautiful shapes with her body. The routine was packed, and completely brilliant. They totally nailed it. Showstopping, and totally deserving of two 10s.

Rolling In The Deep was another odd song choice. I don't think it really suited the American smooth, and would've been a better tango. Anyway, that aside, Steve & Ola's routine wasn't smooth enough for me. It was perfectly adequate, but lacked something. I'm just not sure what. The lifts were well executed, Steve makes them look easy. And his foxtrot was fine. I just found it a little underwhelming.

Before I comment on Caroline & Pasha's jive, I want to take a minute to praise Vicky Gill and the costume department. Caroline's dress is one of my favourite costumes ever. I loved it. I liked that there was so much traditional jive content in their routine. But I don't think it was Caroline's best performance. I think the 10 from Bruno was a little generous. Caroline came over as a bit stompy in places. She wasn't light enough on her feet. It was a great routine, and Caroline performed well, but perhaps it should't have closed the show.

The best performances of the night were Pixie, Simon and Mark. I think the right two pairs were in the bottom two, and there is no doubt that it was right for Judy to go home. Steve and Sunetra are going to have to work hard if they don't want to end up in the bottom two this week, but anyone could be in danger now. I can't wait to see how the next few weeks pan out!

Here are the videos...

Frankie & Kevin



Jake & Janette



Sunetra & Brendan



Simon & Kristina



Judy & Anton



Mark & Karen



Pixie & Trent



Steve & Ola



Caroline & Pasha

Grinning American Not Happy With Treatment By UK Fans

The grinning American sometimes referred to as Donny Osmond is apparently a little put out that his appearance didn't go down too well. He also thinks we don't know that he won Dancing With The Stars.

Donny whinged to DigitalSpy: "Through social media I got slammed by people saying, 'What was Donny Osmond doing on Strictly, what does he know?' Well it's not that well known that I won Dancing with the Stars, I'm the champion. The punters don't know this. Well, hello? I've got the trophy! Darcey said that she gave out the first 10 of the series, and that Donny's doesn't count. No! My 10 for Frankie was the first 10."

We know you won DWTS, Donny. We just don't give a monkeys!

Craig Could Be No. 1

Craig Revel Horwood could be No. 1 in the singles chart this Sunday.

Craig is part of a group of celebrities and children who joined with choir master Gareth Malone to record Avicii's Wake Me Up to raise money for Children In Need.

If you haven't heard the single, here it is:

Thom To Switch On Christmas Lights

If you're suffering from Thom Evans withdrawal symptoms, you can get your fix by heading to Cambridge on Sunday, when he will be switching on the town's Christmas lights.

To find out all the plans for the big switch on visit cambridgebid.co.uk.

Back To The Floor

Six past participants are heading back to the dancefloor for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

The couples are:

Sophie Ellis-Bextor & Aljaž Skorjanec
Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor
Rachel Stevens & Tristan MacManus
Louis Smith & Aliona Vilani
Chris Hollins & Iveta Lukosiute
Russell Grant & Joanne Clifton

Only Lisa Riley is partnered with her original dance partner, so all the others will be building new relationships.

The BBC have announced that the show will have a panto theme, and will be presented by Sir Bruce and Tess.

I think Chris & Iveta will make a great partnership, and Rachel & Tristan could be amazing. I think Russell & Joanne will get on like a house on fire.

It's always nice to have the Christmas special, as it softens the blow of the series ending, and fills the gap before the live tour starts.

Zoe Ball To Fill In For Third Week

Zoe Ball will join Tess Daly to co-present Strictly for a third week, DigitalSpy reports.

Claudia and her husband Kris issued a statement on 4th November, praising the team taking care of their daughter Matilda, who is receiving treatment for burns suffered on 31st October: "Our daughter was involved in an accident on Friday night while celebrating Halloween. She is having the best care possible and we are hopeful of a full recovery. We would like to thank everyone that has been so supportive and particularly the NHS doctors, nurses and staff who have been absolutely incredible."

My thoughts and best wishes go out to Claudia, Matilda and their family.

Next! Michael Buerk...

Newsreader Michael Buerk, who will be going into the jungle this weekend, would rather eat bugs than don the Strictly sequins.

He confessed to STV that he turned down Strictly Come Dancing: "I've been asked to do Strictly Come Dancing in the past and I didn't do that. I am a hopeless dancer but [my wife] thinks it was a lost opportunity!"

Michael might be ruing his decision when he is faced with holding live bugs in his mouth. Just ask Vincent Simone...

Darcey "Might Go" If Len Leaves

Darcey Bussell has stated that she would consider leaving Strictly Come Dancing if Len gave up his spot as Head Judge.

The Evening Standard reports that Darcey told OK! magazine: "Len is as iconic as Sir Bruce Forsyth was, so it's very hard to imagine not having him there. Especially for me because I just love the technical things he says and I'm learning so much from his life as a ballroom dancer. I don't think Len will go anytime soon. If he goes I might go."

I do agree with Darcey that Len is a huge part of Strictly, but using Sir Bruce as a comparison might not be that wise. Strictly is just as strong without Sir Bruce as it was with him (some would say stronger), so why would it be any worse off without Len? Obviously, Len, Bruno and Craig have all been there since the beginning, so any one of them leaving would be a big shock, but the should would go on.

However, losing Len and Darcey together might be difficult. For the sake of the show, Darcey should stay on.

Dance 'Til Dawn

Vincent & Flavia's new show, Dance 'Til Dawn, launched in London's West End last week to a star-studded audience.

If you saw Midnight Tango, you'll know what a great production the pair can deliver. For this show, they have added Latin and ballroom dancing into the mix. Once again, they are backed by a talented cast of dancers.

Here is a little video in which Strictly stars Brendan, Trent, Robin, Ali Bastian and Judy Murray give their thoughts on the show:



Dance 'Til Dawn is on at London's Aldwych theatre until 3rd January 2015, followed by a UK tour from late-January to early-May. To find out more, and to buy tickets, visit dancetildawnonstage.com.

Sunday Service: Week 7

I really wasn't that impressed with a lot of the dances this week. Maybe my expectations are too high...

I thought Simon & Kristina's quickstep was only OK. There was a lot of gapping between them. Simon's arms were very odd out-of-hold, only moving from the elbow rather than extending his whole arms. However, he did cover the floor well and was light on his feet. He showed great personality on the floor.

Caroline & Pasha's waltz was not as good as I was expecting. I thought her footwork was a bit iffy, and was lacking in heel leads. Although it was hard to pay attention to anything other than that horror of a frock. And I thought Halloween was last week...

Jake & Janette had the rumba, which is a very hard dance for the men (just like the samba, jive, quickstep, paso... etc). I felt that Jake tried too hard. He tried to get the hip action, but it wasn't quite right. I found the whole thing a little too intense, and I just didn't feel it. I agreed with Darcey, that his head was down and too into his neck a lot of the time.

I can barely be bothered to comment on Judy & Anton. Their paso was full of walks and lifts, and not much else. It wasn't a paso. It was a series of unfortunate events. 

I liked Sunetra & Brendan's foxtrot, although it wasn't their best dance. There was a bit of gapping. Sunetra's footwork was decent, but the routine was generally a bit hit and miss. I had to agree with Craig that it could have been great, but they just didn't quite hit it. Although she looked stunning in her dress.

I'm not really sure why the audience gave Alison & Aljaž a standing ovation. I found their Charleston a bit heavy and lacking in energy. The swivels were there, which were missing if you saw the rehearsal footage on ITT earlier in the week. The trenches at the end were awful. I can see why she never comes off the ground. I'm beginning to find Alison quite one-dimensional.

I thought Mark & Karen's waltz was very sweet and graceful. It wasn't a show-stopper, but the emotion was all there and made up for any lack of technique. It was quite smooth and moved well. Mark just needs to watch his hands when he extends his arms out-of-hold.

It was so good to see some traditional steps in Frankie & Kevin's samba routine. There was a natural top, which you don't often see on Strictly. It was a shame Frankie went wrong and missed the entry to the samba rolls. It could have been amazing, but instead it was just very good. The choreography was great. Perhaps it was nerves, but it looked a little under-rehearsed to me.

I really loved Pixie & Trent's foxtrot. It had a brilliant story, with great characterisation. It was romantic, sweet and charming. They moved around the floor well and had great musicality. Brilliant. A return to form after a couple of just OK weeks.

I found Steve's interpretation of the paso very agressive. He properly checked Ola about. I found the whole thing a bit much. It would have been brilliant if he had dialed it down a little. Ola's choreography was really good. Steve had some odd hands early in the dance, but they seemed better as it went on. Not Steve's best. Lovely cape work to open.

My favourites this week were Frankie (even in spite of the fluffed samba rolls), Pixie and Mark. I think my bottom two would be Alison and Judy. Simon could also be in danger.

Here are the videos...

Simon & Kristina



Caroline & Pasha



Jake & Janette



Judy & Anton



Sunetra & Brendan



Alison & Aljaž



Mark & Karen



Frankie & Kevin



Pixie & Trent



Steve & Ola

First Names Confirmed For Strictly Tour

Frankie Bridge and Thom Evans were announced this morning as the first celebrities joining the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour in the new year.

On joining the tour, Frankie said: “My Strictly journey has only just begun and I’m loving every moment. I’m really excited to be a part of the 2015 tour. It will be a bit strange performing in arenas without my band mates, but I can’t wait to see all the Strictly fans who have supported me throughout the TV series and get my dancing shoes on again.”

Thom said: “It’s sad to be out of the TV Show as I don’t think I got the chance to show my full potential, but I’m really excited to be invited to perform on the Strictly tour and can’t wait to get back on the dance floor! I’m told that performing in the arenas is completely different to the TV studio, so this will be a chance to really let loose and have some fun out there. Roll on January!”

After her successful stint co-presenting the main show on Saturday night, Zoe Ball returns to the tour as host.

Sunday Service: Week 6

Halloween week turned out to be a complete horror! It really was not a good week for most of the couples.

Sunetra & Brendan's jive was a little disappointing. It wasn't as light as I would have liked, and there were too many step-points and step ball-changes, and not much else in terms of content. However, the storytelling was excellent. Sunetra is a fantastic actress, with expressive eyes, so I still enjoyed the performance.

I wasn't really listening to the introduction, so I didn't know what Alison & Aljaž were dancing. And during the performance I wasn't really any the wiser. It was an American smooth apparently. Out of hold, Alison is a great performer. But I didn't enjoy the parts in hold. She doesn't drive enough in hold, and her head position is odd. She needs to step out a lot further. She does it well out of hold, so it would be good to see her do it in Aljaž's arms. 

I was looking forward to Simon & Kristina's paso doble, as I have wanted to see someone dance to Poison by Alice Cooper for years. Sadly, I was left disappointed. There were at least two mistakes in the routine. The choreography was a bit frantic, and it was a shame there was no cape work, as I think Simon would have been good at it. His shaping wasn't quite right, his hips could have been further forward. I just hope he doesn't end up in the bottom two again.

Steve was not up to his usual standard. He kept looking to Ola for prompts during the Charleston, and went wrong many times. The lifts, as always, were great, but the parts in between were really not great. A really off week for Steve.

Pixie & Trent's tango was bonkers. It was a good performance, but not amazing. Maybe it was just the music, which didn't really scream tango. I liked it, but I didn't love it. She should have done enough to be safe.

Judy & Anton's American smooth was the usual walk, walk, walk routine. She had no personality. The lifts were so telegraphed and it lacked finesse. I'm bored of her now.

I really enjoyed Jake & Janette's paso. I'm not sure Darcey was watching the same dance as me. I thought it had lots of attack, and some good shaping. I would have preferred some better cape work, but a good effort with more great characterisation.

Caroline & Pasha's samba was a bit cha cha-ey for my liking. Perhaps the judges were right, that it was a little too clean, and it didn't have enough bounce. The samba rolls were a little upright. The small amount of voltres she did were nice, though. Caroline always delivers, and it was as well-performed as always. 

Scott & Joanne's foxtrot was a good effort. Joanne's choreography was very clever. I liked the use of choreography to correct Scott's posture. Scott didn't move his feet too much, but the small amount of foxtrot he did looked good. I think it was one of Scott's best performances to date.

I loved Mark & Karen's jive. The routine had loads of jive content. Mark looked relaxed. He kept the energy level up throughout. It was fun and upbeat, with great musicality. Mark has really improved in the last few weeks. It's great to see.

I know I was supposed to love Frankie & Kevin's tango, but I couldn't get over the terrible song choice. Defying Gravity is a great song... for a foxtrot. Terrible for a tango. It was too frantic. That said, Frankie coped with the fast pace beautifully. The dance covered the floor well, and had bags of attack.

I think my favourite this week was Mark. I do hope that Judy is in the bottom two this week. Despite Scott's good week, he must be getting toward the end of his Strictly journey too. I just hope we don't lose another contender this week.

Here are the videos...

Sunetra & Brendan



Alison & Aljaž



Simon & Kristina



Steve & Ola



Pixie & Trent



Judy & Anton



Jake & Janette



Caroline & Pasha



Scott & Joanne



Mark & Karen



Frankie & Kevin