Sunday Service: Week 6

There were some really good routines this Halloween, and a few less strong. But it’s always a joy to watch.
 
John & Johannes kicked off the night with a werewolf quickstep. It was fast and it covered the floor well. I felt as though the hold could have been a little tighter and more solid, but that’s being really nitpicky. I guess it just wasn’t as showstopping as previous weeks.
 
AJ & Kai continue to kill it! Their Viennese waltz was fantastic. It covered the floor well and had all the drama of previous weeks. Brilliant choreography from Kai. Loved it.
 
I didn’t really enjoy Dan & Nadiya’s jive. There was a lot of Nadiya dancing around Dan, while his feet were not really moving. The jive steps were a bit heavy, his feet weren’t pointed on the kicks. The timing looked a bit off at the start. Dan is OK, but this just wasn’t his dance.
 
I liked Rhys & Nancy’s paso. Rhys had more control than he has shown in other dances. He led Nancy well and showed fire. Some of his shaping wasn’t quite right, but I think it was Rhys’ best performance for some weeks.
 
Sara & Aljaž’s Couple’s Choice routine didn’t do it for me. It was paso inspired, but Sara lacked purpose and shape. She needs more attack and core strength. Her walks looked a little like she was walking to the bus stop. It just didn’t land. It still feels a bit pro-am, rather than a true partnership.
 
Such a brilliant tango from Rose & Giovanni. As Craig said, they smashed it. The quality of her dancing is wonderful, and she brought her acting skills. The way she grabbed Giovanni’s face in the middle was a proper moment. Totally deserved scores.
 
Tilly & Nikita’s cha cha was cute. It was fun, and was something nice and light in a night full of dramatic numbers. Cha cha isn’t really a crowd pleaser, and they did a good job. I loved her look too, one of my favourites of the night. Well done hair, make-up and costume.
 
I think this might be Adam’s best performance so far. His Viennese waltz with Katya was good, especially in hold. His flerkerl was a bit ploddy, and the timing toward the end was a bit iffy. He’s not the best dancer in the competition, but he continues to slowly improve.
 
It was a massive thrill to see Judi & Graziano training at my old dance studio in south-east London! It was clear that they didn’t have much time to train. It was fine, but it lacked a bit of confidence and there was an error or two in there. I hope Judi gets the opportunity to do something else, as I would hate to see her go out on this.

I think Tom & Amy overdid it with the fake tan this week! The tango was good, but he really needs to work on his frame and pull his shoulders back. He was leading with his left arm and lent forward a little. I didn’t love it.
 
I think the leaderboard was actually a pretty good reflection of everyone’s position this week. Rose and AJ were my favourites of the week by a long way. Dan, Sara and Judi could all be in trouble.

Panto Round-Up

Panto is back. So the Panto Round-Up is also back!

Here is where to find your favourite Strictly stars, past and present, in pantomime this Christmas.

Shirley Ballas (judge), Snow White - Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

Anton du Beke (judge, ex-pro), Cinderella - Richmond Theatre, London

Craig Revel Horwood (judge), Cinderella - Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Donny Osmond (guest judge), Pantoland at the Palladium, London Palladium, London

Katya Jones (pro), Snow White - King George's Hall, Blackburn

Brendan Cole (ex-pro), Robin Hood - White Rock Theatre, Hastings

Joanne Clifton (ex-pro), Jack & The Beanstalk - Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury

AJ Pritchard (ex-pro), Cinderella - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

Robin Windsor (ex-pro), Beauty & The Beast - The Pavilion, Worthing

Claire Sweeney (Series 1), Cinderella - The Atkinson, Southport

Julian Clary (Series 2), Pantoland at the Palladium, London Palladium, London

Colin Jackson (Series 3), Snow White - Grand Theatre, Swansea

Brian Capron (Series 5), Dick Whittington - Stockport Plaza, Stockport

Anita Dobson (Series 9), Aladdin - Brighton Centre, Brighton

Jason Donovan (Series 9), Goldilocks & The Three Bears - Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham

Dani Harmer (Series 10), Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Bath

Jake Wood (Series 12), Peter Pan - Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe

Lesley Joseph (Series 14), Snow White - Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol

Robert Rinder (Series 14), Snow White - Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol

Alexandra Burke (Series 15), Aladdin - Opera House, Manchester

Brian Conley (Series 15), Cinderella - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

Ranj Singh (Series 16), Sleeping Beauty - Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Faye Tozer (Series 16), Cinderella - Darlington Hippodrome, Darlington

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

Rufus Hound (Christmas 2013), Aladdin - New Theatre, Peterborough

Sunday Service: Week 5

What a show! So many couples put in their best performances of the series. And so much talk of technique in the VTs. Be still my beating dancer heart!

Dan & Nadiya’s Viennese waltz was very romantic. There were a few things he could have done better, of course. Some of the steps could be longer and have more drive. His fleckerl looked a little bit ‘jumpy’. That aside, it was a lovely routine and Dan really presented Nadiya well. I think it could be Dan’s best dance so far.

Bless Adam. It was clear that he had worked really hard on the samba. Katya’s routine was pleasant, and I actually enjoyed how seriously Adam had taken it. His lock steps were decent, he looked better in hold than out. It wasn’t a bad effort for a really difficult dance. And I don’t think it’s the first time Adam’s taken a jacket off like that…

Sara & Aljaž’s rumba was fine, but a little dull. Like Adam, it was clear that Sara had worked hard all week, but it fell a bit flat for me. It lacked a bit of finesse and performance. It was all a bit nice. I’m not sure if her timing was all there, it seemed as though Aljaž was doing all the work to keep the timing.

Tom & Amy’s salsa was probably the best routine he’s done so far. Great choreography, decent lifts, lots of rhythm. I’ve found him a bit uninteresting so far, but this dance made me sit up and take notice of him. He seems pretty popular and now I am starting to see what other people like about him.

I really enjoyed Tilly & Nikita’s foxtrot. It was elegant and sweet. Her technique was the best I’ve seen from her. She released her heels on the backward steps, her heel turn was lovely. Another personal best this week.

AJ & Kai gave us everything we want to see in the Argentine tango. It was intense and passionate. I loved all of the leg work and the lifts. It was intimate and powerful. The only thing she could improve is the extension of her feet on some of the kicks, she really needs to point her feet. This pair is so watchable. I just love them together.

Ugo & Oti’s rumba was really good, especially considering Ugo’s injury. I thought Ugo partnered Oti really well, he presented her and allowed her to shine. I think the judges were actually a bit harsh on them, they were really easy on the eye.

We got a brilliant Charleston from John & Johannes. It was so synchronised. Their side-by-side dancing is always spot on, but this week they added some fun lifts too. Everything was clean and precise. Is there anything this pair can’t do?

It was wonderful to see Rose doing something so intense. She proved with her Viennese waltz that she can give us so many emotions. Giovanni’s choreography was brilliant, the timing was great as always, it was such a joy to watch.

Rhys & Nancy are so dynamic out of hold. I loved all of the side-by-side sections in their American smooth. In hold, it all falls a bit flat and I lose interest. He’s still a bit pigeon-toed as well. I really wanted to love their routine, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

It was a week of personal bests. So many couples put in their best performances of the series for far. Tom, Tilly, John, Rose and AJ were all outstanding. Sara, Adam and Ugo could all be in trouble. It really is so close this series. And the leaderboard just keeps flipping.

Judi Tests Positive For Covid-19

Judi Love has tested positive for Covid-19, and therefore will not be able to perform tomorrow night. She tweeted the news yesterday:

Hey my lovelies it’s with great disappointment that I willl not be performing this weekend @bbcstrictly due to testing positive with Covid 19. Hoping to make a speedy recovery & dance for you next weekend. Stay safe & thank you for your well wishes #JudiLove #Strictly ❤️

— Judi Love (@1Judilove) October 21, 2021

It's a bit of an extreme way to avoid a third dance-off in a row!

In all seriousness, though, government advice is to self-isolate for 10 days following a positive PCR result. Presuming Judi's positive test was yesterday (Thursday), her isolation would not end until Saturday. This would mean that all her training for next week would need to be done via video call, assuming she is well enough to train at all. She would be unable to train in person with Graziano until Saturday. It's going to be a tough week ahead!

Saturday Service: Week 4

Another day out tomorrow, so another early reaction.

I am sorry to see Robert withdraw from the competition. I was looking forward to seeing how he would progress, but his health absolutely comes first.

I hope Ugo is able to come back next week. He's probably on the sofa still in his Moana wig.

Rose & Giovanni’s cha cha was sweet. Rose had a good leg and hip action. There was a little error just before the New Yorkers, but otherwise it was good. She is always a joy to watch. I also loved that she is now not counting out loud so much. She’s got the confidence to count in her head and it made the whole atheistic even better. And we need to take a moment just to reflect on Giovanni’s velvet ‘leather’ jacket and Rose’s tasselled strides.

Choreographically, I really enjoyed Tom & Amy’s foxtrot. It was charming and Hollywood. There were a couple of things that made it look a bit odd. Tom is very pigeon-toed, and his left arm was too far forward at times which made his top line odd. It made him lean over Amy at times. His timing is perfect, though. He has a way to go, but he shows potential.

Tilly & Nikita’s paso was very hit and miss for me. Some of Tilly’s lines were gorgeous, but some of her travelling steps were a bit stompy. She also needs to make sure she keeps her chin up, her head was tilted down too much of the time.

Greg & Karen. Oh dear. The most dad dancing we’ve seen in a while. It was just too serious to be a comedy samba, but not good enough. Just cringy. I didn’t like it. Greg is a nice guy, but I think he’s hit the ceiling.

I didn’t really get the beginning of John & Johannes’ American smooth, but once they both got up and dancing, it was really good. Everything they do looks effortless. The lift was very nice. I think that the hold could have been tighter, though. Maybe it was just a little too much time out of hold.

Rhys & Nancy’s salsa was a bit nuts, much like them. It could have done with more partnering, and less time out of hold. It was fine, but I didn’t love it. Maybe it was the music. I don’t know. I’d like to see Rhys take it down a level some time. I did enjoy the popcorn pyro at the end, though.

Poor music choice for Sara & Aljaž’s tango, too Argentine to make it work for me. Sara’s feet are good (except for not pointing her toes on the ganchos) and her topline is good, but her mid-section needs more attack. She didn’t twist her hips all that well when she should have. Sorry, judges. I didn’t like it.

I enjoyed Dan & Nadiya’s cha cha. It was bonkers and fun. Was it a proper cha cha? Of course not! Dan’s right hand was very dodgy at times – he really needs to finish his arm lines properly. It was what Greg & Karen’s routine should have been.

There’s something very watchable about Judi. Was it a perfect waltz? No. Her footwork was poor, she didn’t move her head from left to right with the steps. Graziano spent a lot of the routine dancing around her. But I enjoyed seeing a softer side to Judi. She brought the emotion and romance. I look forward to seeing her do ballroom again.

Adam & Katya’s Argentine tango was a whole lot of lift. It was very intense, but I didn’t really feel anything other than thinking it was quite clever. Adam’s movement lacks finesse in the transitions. It seemed to lack non-lift content.

I really enjoyed AJ & Kai’s samba, and didn’t think it was as bad as the judges made out. OK, her batucadas were not great, but she had great rhythm and attack. She brought the party and I enjoyed it.

My favourites tonight were Rose and AJ. The weakest for me by a country mile for me was Greg, and if he's in the dance-off, his days are numbered. Judi and Dan could also be in trouble if they land in the dance-off.

It's such a good competition. It's going to get brutal as the weeks go on.

Saturday Service: Week 3

Theme weeks are always a bit of a gamble. Movie week can often not live up to the hype. Thankfully, there were enough good routines this time around.

Judi & Graziano’s Charleston was solid. It was far from being one we’ll remember in years to come, but she did a decent job. I loved the song choice, it was perfect for Judi. It could have been cheekier and quirkier, but it was a good performance.

 

Dan & Nadiya’s foxtrot was sweet, even if it didn’t quite work out. It did feel like Nadiya was leading from behind. It lacked a little bit of command and drive. I think Dan can bounce back from a disappointing week. As Shirley said, it is only week three.

 

I didn’t really enjoy Sara & Aliaž’s samba. It was just all a bit cringy. The dancing lacked a bit of bounce. She managed all of the choreography. I just felt like the theme overtook everything. And those shoes, but I guess green latin sandals aren’t a thing.

 

I loved AJ & Kai’s American smooth. I’m glad they went for a Viennese waltz rather than another foxtrot. The chemistry was amazing. The musicality of Kai’s routine was great, he really choreographed to the accents in the music. AJ’s quality had improved since last week. I thought the weakest part was the fleckerl, she started to lose her steps a little toward the end.

 

If you set aside the frankly bizarre Kermit & Piggy costumes, Robert & Dianne’s quickstep was actually quite good. There was a lot of quickstep content in the routine. As the judges noted, it wasn’t perfect, but he kept going and kept it together.

 

Greg was a little bit campy for Bond. His paso lacked fluidity and was a bit jerky. It was a little ‘small’ in places as well. It could have been so good, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. Karen makes a wonderful Bond girl, though.

 

Some of Tilly’s jive was spot on, other parts of it were a bit heavy footed. It was a challenging routine, and Tilly was running out of energy toward the end. She was looking to Nikita a lot, she didn’t seem to be that confident with the choreography. There was a bit of a mistake in the middle. I think she is showing progression, though.

 

Rose & Giovanni’s foxtrot was beautiful. They moved and breathed as one. It was magical. Giovanni is the master of classy, simple ballroom choreography. It was fantastic.

 

Ugo & Oti did street commercial for their Couple’s Choice routine, and it worked well. There were a couple of nice tricks. It was the type of routine that means he didn’t have to worry about technique and he looked as though he enjoyed the performance. It was relaxed.

 

Tom & Amy’s jive was decent. High energy, with lots of flicks and sharp kicks. I found the guitar a bit cumbersome and wish they would have lost it earlier in the routine, but otherwise I liked it.

 

The rumba is a very exposing dance, and it’s really tough. I think Adam made some nice shapes, but his timing was not great. There were a couple of times he was ahead of the music and Katya had to hold him back a little.

 

I loved the Cruella movie, and I really wanted to love Katie & Gorka’s foxtrot American smooth, but I didn’t. I wanted more attitude in the characterisation. I also wanted cleaner footwork, and pointed toes on the kicks. It was a solid performance, but it just left me feeling a bit cold.

 

Rhys & Nancy’s street commercial Couple’s Choice was energetic and fun. Perfect for a kid’s TV presenter. It was a perfect routine for him. I did feel that it lacked a little bit of synchronicity – it wasn’t quite on point for me. I think it would have worked better as a solo.

 

Another strong performance from John & Johannes. Their paso picked up where their tango left off. John’s lines are just beautiful. It was powerful. They are fantastic in hold, and so in sync out of hold. I’m just gutted that the two most dramatic dances are already done. I hope the rest of their programme can live up to this.

My favourites of the night were Rose, AJ and John. I didn't really enjoy Robert or Sara, but I can't help thinking that Katie is a likely candidate for the bottom two again. I think Robert might join her.

Sunday Service: Week 2

After the high of last Saturday, last night's show felt really flat and took a long time to really get going. Definitely a show of two halves.

Rhys & Nancy’s cha cha routine took a little too long to get going for my taste. He tried hard with the leg action but it just wasn’t quite right for me. I can’t put my finger on why. The whole thing was a little jerky. Not as good as last week, but he’s still a great performer. He was better with the non-cha cha parts of the choreography.
 
Nina’s timing is fantastic, but sadly her tango wasn’t the triumph that the samba was. It looked a bit stompy out of hold. In hold, her head wasn’t far away enough. She needs to stretch over to her left much more. Her feet also didn’t look great, she needed to point her feet on the Argentine sections, and work through the heel better in the ballroom tango walks. I also felt she was anticipating the steps, rather than letting Neil lead. I love Nina, and she can give us so much more.
 
Adam & Kayta’s quickstep was OK, but not a stormer. Another routine which took a bit too long to get going. They weren’t in sync at all times, and it looked as though they were fighting against each other throughout. The grand jeté at the end didn’t come off either. It just wasn’t his dance.
 
Katie & Gorka’s jive just didn’t quite hit the mark. Katie has great timing, but seems to not quite to use her whole body. Everything seems a bit robotic in dancing terms, but she has the personality. She needs to point her toes as well.
 
Greg & Karen’s Couple’s Choice disco routine was very sweet. It was calm and easy on the eye. He looked a tiny bit lost just before the big lift, but thankfully turned back in time.
 
I loved how John & Johannes avoided issues around who was leading and who was following by staying out of hold for almost the entire routine. They were so synchronised, and they needed to be for it to work. It was a great routine, and I am looking forward to more from them. I agree with Shirley and I hope they don’t shy away from being in hold. Based on last week’s tango, I’m sure they won’t.

I liked AJ & Kai’s foxtrot. It was elegant and effortless. I would have like to see AJ work more on her footwork. Her heel turn could have been better (sorry, Anton) and I would love to see her flicking up her toes on the backward steps. I’m being super critical, though. AJ is great.

I loved Judi’s samba so much! It was so joyful. And Graziano actually put plenty of samba content into the routine. There was a natural top, whisks and voltas. I’d love to see Judi push her arms out more in places – they were a bit too far forward. But who cares, it was great!

Robert & Dianne's tango was good. I was glad to see him take it seriously. He demonstrated that he is a capable dancer. He has great timing. I think the only thing that let him downs was his topline. He was leaning in to his left hand a bit. But overall it was good.
 
Rose & Giovanni’s salsa was brilliant. It looked even better than last week’s jive. Great movement throughout. I’m not sure she enjoyed it as much as the jive, but I did. Brilliant lifts. The faith Giovanni has in Rose’s timing was evident, as he put her in front of him for a section where she could not see him.
 
Sara has had a complete turnaround from last week. Her foxtrot was effortless. Her footwork was excellent. She and Aljaž filled the music completely and looked so elegant. I loved it.
 
I really liked Dan & Nadiya’s paso. It wasn’t perfect, but I really enjoyed. Perhaps it did lack a bit of light and shade and fluidity, but it worked somehow.
 
Ugo & Oti’s quickstep was decent. They covered the floor well. He had a good frame, and looked comfortable on the floor. He was better than last week, and proved why he should stay another week.
 
There was so much choreography in Tilly & Nikita’s Charleston, and she kept up with it really well. It was a really tricky routine. I think she might have started to flag toward the end, but who wouldn’t? It was fun. And you have to love racketograhy.

My favourites last night were Sara, Judi and Rose, closely followed by John.

It's so difficult to predict who might go home. Those that were bottom of the leaderboard in Week 1 pulled it out of the bag last night. For the first time, I can't pick an obvious candidate for an exit. It could end up being a shocker.

For me, the most likely candidate to go home is Katie. She has been the one that no-one has really talked about. She's not a bad dancer, but really didn't stand out in either week. I loved her tango, but it wasn't memorable enough. Nina could also be in trouble, although I hope last week's samba will swing it her way. Greg is flying a bit under the radar as well. And Tilly's first week wasn't so good, but she ended on a high with the Charleston. It's really too close to call.

Arlene Joins I'm A Celebrity...

Former Strictly judge Dame Arlene Phillips has reportedly signed up for this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.

The Daily Mirror reports that Dame Arlene will join the show, this autumn which once again will take place at Gwrych Castle in Wales, and at 78 is I'm A Celebrity...'s oldest participant to date. A source told the paper: “Arlene is strong and tough and her energy is boundless. No doubt she’ll have the group dancing around the campfire in a bid to beat the cold and keep morale high. Should be fun.”

Hmm... I might have to tune in for the first time in a few years.