Sunday Service: Week 13 - The Final

Coming into the final, I didn't have any idea who I wanted to win. I was excited to see the showdances, as I thought that would probably be the way to split them. Yet after the showdances, I was still undecided.

Round 1: Judges' Choice
Alexandra & Gorka were given the American Smooth to perform again. They were flawless. The routine was precise, and beautifully danced. Alexandra left nothing backstage.

Debbie & Giovanni were given the salsa. Debbie performed the routine better than the first time, and looked to be having a great time. The lifts were just as well executed as before, but I just enjoyed the routine more than the last time.

Gemma & Aljaž had to re-visit the paso doble. This was a great choice. Given how well the tango went for Gemma, and that the paso was performed early in the series, it was obvious that she was going to perform this well. And she did. It had attack and intent. A pleasure to watch again.

I'm so glad that the judges chose the Viennese waltz for Joe & Katya, as it was one of my favourite routines of the series. Joe's posture, while not perfect, was better than before. It was pure Viennese without too much fluff.

Round 2: Showdances

Alexandra & Gorka went for old Hollywood glamour in frantic style. The routine was packed with lifts and fast steps, playing to Alexandra's strengths and preferences. It was a great routine, with interesting lifts and fantastic energy again. I just wish it had crescendoed a bit more, with a stunning lift or something to bring the routine to a climax.

Debbie looked very nervous at the start of her and Giovanni's balletic routine. In places she looked unsteady. The routine was lovely, but parts of it felt a bit tentative. There was a lovely split, though, of course.

I really enjoyed Gemma & Aljaž's cabaret-style routine. Gemma looked fierce and in control. I loved the opening, where she was alone. Very Roxie Hart. It definitely showcased her talents in ballroom, but with other elements thrown in too. Some great lifts as well.

Joe & Katya's Cinderella-inspired routine was good, but didn't really move me. I thought the bit where he danced with the show was a bit naff. However, when he got Katya into hold, it was quite charming. I loved the dress changing from rags to ballgown. It was a sweet routine, with a couple of nice lifts, and lots of stroytelling, which is their strength.

Round 3: Favourite Routine

With the showdances over, the favourite dance is little more than a formality. These are routines that most couples nailed the first time around, so have little more to offer. It's just their chance to have a nice last dance.

It came as a surprise to literally no-one that Alexandra & Gorka went for their jive. I wasn't too keen on Alexandra's performance the first time around, but this time it was the perfect end to their series. I think she performed it better than before, with better technique. I loved watching it.

Debbie & Giovanni chose their Argentine tango, which was a big change of pace after Alexandra's jive, but it was the right choice. They nailed it again, great chemistry.

The nice thing about seeing Gemma & Aljaž's American smooth again was that the extra dancers were excluded. I liked this routine so much more when it was just the two of them. It had an intimacy which was lacking in Blackpool.

Joe & Katya could have chosen from several routines, but went for the crowd-pleasing Charleston. It was clean, fun and entertaining. 

Toward the end of the week, I was pretty convinced Joe or Debbie would win. The bookies were saying Joe, but almost everyone I spoke to wanted Debbie to win. Few chose Joe, so I started to think that maybe Debbie could do it. By Saturday morning, she was the favourite.

Over the same period, while I was sure I didn't mind who would win, I think I subconsciously started to gravitate towards Gemma. Seeing her at the press conference, and on It Takes Two twice in the week, I fell in love with her partnership with Aljaž. It was so obvious that they were having a great time. I just wish I'd have loved their showdance more than I did.

On the night, I think there could be little question that Alexandra was the strongest performer. All three routines were flawless, and I loved that she gave her all to everything. She nailed all three routines. And while I wanted even more from her showdance, she was definitely the most impressive.

When Joe was announced as the winner, I didn't really feel anything. Maybe it's because I didn't mind who won. Or maybe it's because by Saturday night, I'd kind of decided that I was backing Gemma. I don't really know. But I don't begrudge Joe & Katya the crown. Joe's improvement has been obvious, and Katya is a brilliant choreographer who has come up with some very inventive routines.

I can't imagine how lost the participants feel today. It seemed odd not watching Strictly at 7.15pm tonight. Only eight days until the Christmas special, and then on to the tour in February. And no doubt the rumours about 2018 will start imminently. Although they have to recruit a new celebrity booker first, so don't expect any stories just yet...

The Strictly Final Press Conference

It's Thursday. The fab four finalists are on stage at the BBC Radio Theatre about to be interviewed by the ghost of Strictly past, Ore Oduba (he joked that as host of the official podcast and upcoming tour, he's "the boy that never let go").

Gemma and Joe look pretty relaxed on stage when they first come out. Alexandra fiddles with one of the sequins on her jumper. Debbie picks at her fingernails. But the conversation soon flows and everyone relaxes.

The warmth between the couples is palpable. Any suggestion that any of the finalists don't get on seems ridiculous. Gemma shares a sweet moment from early on: "On Week 1, Debbie & Giovanni got us all a little tiny glitterball cup with a straw in it saying 'we're all winners regardless', and we all are."

Ore asks the pros about when they saw the potential in their celebrities. Gorka explains that putting in the hours in training is more important than any existing ability: "You can be the most talented person, but if you don't work, and you don't really want to do it, it's very hard. All of them [the celebrities] have the patience and the love to be on the show. That's what makes our job easier."

For Giovanni, her knew he was on to a winner when he saw how bendy Debbie was: "I said to her, 'Can you split?' She said 'I think I can'. 'Let me see'. She did a kick, and I was like 'Wow, this is going to be amazing. Thank you so much! I am going to have the best time of my life with you. Happy days. I saw the other ones - beautiful, pretty - but I've got Flexi McGee!"

Ore asks the celebrities if they see themselves as roll models. Debbie says: "I get stopped all the time, every day, and it's a fantastic feeling that because someone has watched me on Strictly that I've made their life happier, and I've made to want them do more for themselves - go to the gym, or start dancing. It's been an incredible experience the fact that I've inspired so many people, and I wasn't expecting that.

Gemma doesn't like the tag 'role model', but her story is similar: "I love training and going to the gym, and I'm not your petite dancer's physique - I'm broad, I'm tall - and everyone said to me 'There's no way you'll be able to do it, you're too muscular' or 'You're too much of a tomboy'. I love the fact that women who do boxing or weight training and who don't like wearing dresses and don't like the spray tans have said to me 'I want to try and do some dancing because you do it'."

Alexandra hopes her time on the show can inspire others to find happiness in difficult times: "The feedback I have got online is more about whatever you're going through in life you find a good outcome. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I had the opportunity to take a step back and say to myself 'Maybe I'm not ready to do the show mentally', but actually I've surprised myself. I'm not going to say everything has been rosy, I've had ups and downs, but I have done something that has brought me such joy. So if I can inspire someone else to do what they love in the toughest of times in their life, then that's what I'm here for."

I personally identify with this. My dancing friends and I often talk about what a great escape a dance class is. No matter what is going on in life, for a couple of hours you can break away into a special world of music and movement. It sounds lame, but it's true.

Joe: "I certainly don't feel like a role model at all. In fact, I don't really feel like a celebrity, to be honest. Whenever they say 'We need the celebs'. 'Oh, that's me isn't it?' I'm just an actor. I think that if I were to inspire people perhaps it would be that if you want to do something just put the work in, and get your head down and get on with it, and don't take the easy way out. I hope that that's the thing that people look at me and maybe see - that if you apply yourself, and if you have a fantastic Russian partner you can do pretty much anything."

Unsurprisingly, the celebrities and pros remain very tight lipped about the content of their showdances.

Joe tells us that "There's some dancing in it". Katya is willing to expand a little, explaining that they have focused on storytelling, as that was something they got positive comments about.

Aljaž jokes "Gemma choreographed a beautiful routine." He goes on to say that it shows their journey, and Gemma's improvement.

Giovanni admits there will be lots of lifts "just because we didn't do a lot on this series. And some more splits. Why not?". He says it will be elegant.

Gorka's routine will be be like a old movie, fun and fast with a lot of tricks. "He literally has me leaping across the dancefloor the whole time", explains Alexandra.

When asked about pre-show rituals, Gemma tells a funny story. Here's a clip, as they is no way I could convey the story myself. 

They won't talk about what it would mean to raise the glitterball. They all just claim what an achievement is has been to make it to the final. But Gemma jokingly interjects at the end "But vote Gemma & Aljaž, yeah?".

We'll find out who will lift the glitterball tonight with Tess & Claudia from 6.30pm on BBC One.

Book Review: Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2018

The first thing you see when you open this year's annual is the dedication: "In loving memory of Sir Bruce Forsyth, 1928-2017." A lovely touch.

I always look forward to reading the Strictly Come Dancing Annual, but every year I think that there can't be anything left to talk about that we don't already know. Of course, the celebrity and dancer profiles are different every time, and we always hear from the presenters and judges, but the other pages have to be filled too.

An interesting feature this year looks at the highest and lowest Strictly scores ever. I was surprised that Anton didn't feature more often in the lowest. He is in there - three times - all with Ann Widdecombe. There are actually quite a few low scores from the earlier series, which is probably a combination of Arlene Phillips, who generally scored couples lower than her successors, and the generally improved standard in more recent series. The lowest ever? Quentin Wilson's cha cha (8 points). I met Quentin at Strictly once, probably around Series 3 or 4. He was very proud to be the lowest scorer. I bet he's especially proud that his record has stood the test of time.

Another interesting feature is about the Strictly cruises. They are a part of the Strictly calendar that many of us will never get to experience, so it was nice to hear a little more about them and the challenges they can pose to the dancers and production team. I've found it challenging walking around on a cross-channel ferry at times, let alone dancing at sea!

We also get to meet Dave Arch, who talks about the challenge of arranging orchestral music for a band of 16 musicians, designers Catherine Land and Patrick Docherty, who might have to source giant drums for a showdance or eight palm trees at short notice, and Louise & Kier Lusby, who created the original, iconic glitterball trophy.

The Strictly annual is a welcome shape under the Christmas tree. Any fan of the show will love it. I've been given more annuals for secret Santa over the years than you can shake a 10 paddle at.

Disclosure: Thank you to the nice folks at Penguin Random House for supplying a copy of the annual for me to review.

DVD Review: Tess and Craig's Christmas Night In

It's Christmas gift season, which means a new DVD offering for Strictly fans.

In Strictly Come Dancing: Tess and Craig's Christmas Night In, the pair choose some of their favourite routines and share some memories.

If, like me, you like to vote for the best performances each week, this DVD is for you. The focus here is very much on perfection. It is a celebration of some of the best 40-scoring routines, which gives it a slightly different angle to Len's picks on last year's disk.

There is a nice mix of couples, and for the most part the selections are different to Len's. Unsurprisingly, there is more time spent in recent series. All of last year's finalists - Ore, Danny and Louise - feature more than once.

But fear not, fun fans. There is also a section of 'surprises', and of course Ed & Katya's iconic salsa to Gangnam Style is here!

There is also a look at some of Craig's most catty put-downs, and some of Tess and Claudia's funniest moments.

The 2-hour runtime is generous, and at 90 seconds a pop with no judges critiques, the DVD is jam packed with dancing. While Tess and Craig host, this programme is definitely all about the dancing. The pair are really only there to give a bit of context.

Sir Bruce is remembered, and the tribute which was broadcast during the launch show is included as a DVD extra.

This DVD is a must for Strictly fans. It includes many couples you might not have thought about for a while - Natalie & Artem, Ali & Brian, Chelsee & Pasha, Jason & Kristina, Katie & Anton, Pixie & Trent, Anita & Gleb, Georgia & Giovanni, Lisa & Brendan and many others. 

I was snowed in at home yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed escaping the weather for a couple of hours. If you have nothing planned for Boxing Day, you could do worse than pop this in your player. It will ease the pain of the series being over for another year.

Still not convinced? Watch the trailer:



Disclosure: Thank you to the nice folks at BBC Worldwide for supplying a copy of the DVD for me to review.

Saturday Service: Week 12

It's the semi-final, which means two brand new dances for the remaining couples. The pressure of two dances seems to have tripped up some of the celebrities.

Joe & Katya's American smooth wasn't as Hollywood as I had hoped it would be. The ending lift was good, but some of the others were a bit hard going. His arm lines were a bit dodgy in a few places. It was a lovely performance, but I just wanted a bit more.

Their Argentine tango followed a similar path. I really wanted it to be better. It was a bit laboured in places. There were a few stumbles, and it lacked finesse. There were some good lifts, and he had the mood nailed. I really liked the end lift. It was good, but not good enough.

Alexandra & Gorka's Viennese waltz took too long to get into hold for my liking. Otherwise, it was elegant and controlled. Unfortunately, it just didn't stop my heart and excite me.

The salsa, on the other hand, was a completely different story! Amazing Alexandra stole the show. Their salsa was hot, hot, hot. Fantastic lifts. Showstopping performance. Great armography. It was everything a semi-final performance should be. Totally worthy of four 10s.

Mollie seemed to be channeling her inner showpony during her samba. She seemed to trot around looking at AJ, rather than dancing. She looked gangly and awkward. There were a couple of errors in the routine, which left her on the wrong foot. It was just all a bit wobbly and unconvincing.

Their waltz was much better. It was a very magical, romantic waltz. She looked confident and serene. And AJ used Anton's old trick of 'if in doubt, pivot'. There were rather a lot of them. 

Gemma & Aljaž's rumba was enjoyable to watch. It was calm and understated. Her legs were nicely controlled, and had a great mood. But as the judges noted, it just lacked a bit of feeling. She needs to use all of the music.

Their tango was much better. Despite a very dodgy song choice in My Sharona they performed very well. It was staccato, it had attack and mood. Gemma's frame was lovely and she held it well. A lovely routine.

Debbie & Giovanni's jive was definitely one of Debbie's most awkward dances all series. She was still a bit straight-legged for me and she did really awkward things with her arms in places. But Debbie throws herself into every routine so much that it was still fun to watch, even with its awkwardness.

Their foxtrot was lovely, lovely, lovely. It was pure foxtrot. Well, it was until they went out of hold at the end. It had the kind of Hollywood vibe that makes a good foxtrot. So gorgeous. Everything about the routine made me smile, including the confetti cannons.

So who will make the final? There's no question that Alexandra should be there. Her salsa was the dance of the series so far. I think it's clear that Mollie isn't in the same league as her fellow competitors, and if she is in the bottom two, I'm convinced that the judges would save the other couple, no matter who they're up against. I really don't want to think about a bottom two that Mollie is not a part of.

Sunday Service: Week 11

Quarter final time. Theme week again. Why we have to have movies and musicals, I'm not sure. 

Gemma's quickstep training footage revealed that there had been a lot of gapping between her and Aljaž during rehearsals. The performance was better, but they still could have been closer. I found the extra dancers really distracting.  I liked the showbiz elements of the performance, but it lacked content for me. They spent too much out of hold, give gave it the look of an American smooth. Not a good week to have a bad week.

I did not get Molly & AJ's rumba. First, Hopelessly Devoted... was a questionable song choice. Then she danced it in flat shoes. And then there was a massive lift in the middle. And it seemed to take about two hours to get into hold. She performed the routine very well, but it was balletic rather than Latin American. She had a nice hip action, although I'm sure it could have been better in heels. Risky to do such a controversial routine at this stage.

Money, Money was also an odd song choice. It doesn't exactly scream rumba. But somehow Joe & Katya made it work. There were some nice natural rolls and voltas. Decent hip action, especially for a male celebrity. I actually think the theme might have helped rather than hindering them.

Debbie & Giovanni's Viennese waltz American smooth was a delight. The opening was beautiful. The turning in the routine was relentless, but Debbie coped really well. The whole number had great musicality. The fleckerl/standing spin was well executed. On top the the technique, Debbie's performance was on point. Great chemistry. Gorgeous. Loved it.

Davood & Nadiya's Argentine tango was the most exciting choreographically that we've seen. However, there were some nice lines. The judges were right about Davood's balance, which wasn't as strong as it could have been. He doesn't fully use his core strength. However, personally, I find Davood has a charisma on the floor. I find him engaging to watch.

Alexandra & Gorka was as fantastic as they always are. Their Charleston was fabulous. It was slick. Alexandra showed great musicality. A brilliant performance once again. She's been very lucky to have such a crowd-pleasing routine so close to the end of the competition.

So who should go home? For me, it would be Gemma and Mollie in the bottom two. Gemma just wasn't as strong as she was in past weeks. I still don't see what the judges see in Mollie, and I think it was arrogant of AJ to put a lift in the rumba. Personally, I'd send Mollie packing. But it's is so close. Who knows who will even be in the bottom two. Someone is voting for Mollie all these weeks. Maybe she's been saved from the bottom two again.

It's going to be a very interesting show tonight. Roll on 7.15pm!