Tuesday Chatter: Week 13 - The Final

It was such a shame that AJ had to pull out of the final. It has been such a great series, with three very talented, worthy finalists, and it was so unfortunate that it became a two-hander. Get better soon, AJ!

It felt odd to only have two couples in the final. It was the first time since 2009 that had been the case, and it's definitely not something I'd hope to see again. A direct head-to-head just wasn't enjoyable.

Thankfully, the dancing was enjoyable.

Round one: Judges' choice

Rose & Giovanni were asked to reprise their Frozen-themed quickstep. It's not the dance I would have chosen myself, as I was hoping to see their Viennese waltz. But there was an error in the quickstep the first time around so they did get to improve on it. It was as cute and fun as last time.

John & Johannes did their rumba again, and I think this was a good choice, as it showcased a tender side to their dancing, balancing their own pick which came later. It was moody, quiet and technically clean.

Round two: Favourite dance

It was interesting that the producers decided to switch around the showdances and favourite dances this year. It does avoid the couples ending the series dressed as toy soldiers, but I think for the couples, ending with the favourite is more relaxing and more fun. They get to enjoy the moment in the comfort of a dance they are familiar with, instead of the pressure of something new.

Rose & Giovanni decided to do their couple's choice again. The routine will go down in Strictly history and will be talked about for years to come. I wondered if it would have the same impact a second time around, knowing what would happen, but it totally did. I really enjoyed seeing it again, and remembering how it felt the first time we saw it.

John & Johannes chose the paso doble. I don't think there was anything else they could have chosen. It was a dance we all remembered and kept talking about, even when it was performed so early on in the series. And it was as good as we remembered.

Round Three: Showdances

So for the first time in a long while, the showdances were saved until the end. Yet, three days later, I am struggling to remember the content of either of them. For showstopping, no holes barred, anything goes numbers, they were a bit vanilla. Both couples excelled in their couple's choice routines, and both of those numbers did what the showdance should be attempting to do. The hand of Gilkison was evident in both of them, and while it must be nice for the pros to have less pressure on them, it means they lack personality.

Rose & Giovanni's routine was very balletic. It mostly consisted of lifts, which was a shame when Rose's ballroom is so strong. It would have been nice to see something requiring a bit more technique than a lot of waft. The spinning Dirry Dancing lift was very good, mind. The storytelling and romance was strong. But it left me cold where their couple's choice did the opposite.

No Gilkison routine is complete without lots of silk. It's usually in the hands of dancers running across the floor, presumably to give the impression of movement. This time, it was a massive curtain, which was dropped and spirited away with a musical crescendo. But John & Johannes' routine definitely had more to offer viewers than Rose & Giovanni's. It had light and shade and included lots of side-by-side steps which we know they are fantastic at. Maybe it was adrenalin, but it looked a tad under-rehearsed. There were a few little bits which just didn't looked polished.

I can't help wondering what AJ & Kai's showdance would have been like. Perhaps it would have been a nice counterpoint to these. I felt robbed of a big Hollywood showstopper.

I think the right couple won - Rose had been the star throughout the series, and I don't think either John or AJ was likely to pass her. I loved all three finalists, and I'm so glad they made it.

It's been a fantastic series, and the pairings were spot on. I cannot wait for next year!

Strictly Final Absences

Several members of the 2021 Strictly family will be missing or not performing in tomorrow's final.

Karen Hauer is currently rehabilitating a knee injury, so will not be able to dance live in the final. Obviously, she will still appear in pre-recorded pro numbers.

Robert Webb will not be dancing either. In a post on Instagram, he said: "The producers understood that when I had to stop, I had to stop completely. Dianne & Joe came over for lunch a few weeks ago and m’partner gets it. If I gave out a few more details about what the show had been doing to me physically & mentally, you wouldn’t be surprised that the offer of one more dance was politely declined."

Tilly Ramsey will miss the final as well, having tested positive for Covid-19. She said on Instagram: "So sad to be missing the Strictly final - but sadly have tested positive for covid so will be watching from my sofa and cheering on the amazing finalists from home on Saturday night - wishing everyone lots of love & good luck."

I'm sure we are all crossing our fingers that AJ will be able to perform. The final would be less bright without her.

Sunday Service: Week 12

 The semi-final was epic! It's a cliché to say that it's the best series ever, and the judges, especially Motsi often get caught up in their own hyperbole, but I have to admit that this series has been a bit special.

Rhys & Nancy started the show with a tango. The word that sprang to mind while watching it was 'determined'. Rhy looked focused throughout the routine. His topline still isn't perfect, and he is still often boarding on being ahead of the music. But all of the choreography was there, and it was a nice routine from Nancy. I kind of liked that Rhys began the routine alone, in fact I think he might have been better on the solo section than in hold. A good start.

I felt that Rhys' suspect timing was more evident in the samba. The move where Nancy sun around Rhys' leg and onto the floor didn't quite come off. Something also went awry in the middle section where Rhys didn't quite catch Nancy's arm to lead her into a spin, and then missed her hand again. I did really like Rhys' hip action, though. Brilliant voltas, and a nice natural top. 

AJ & Kai's quickstep was the story of Hollywood glamour routine we have been missing this series. It delivered everything. Amazing costumes, a fantastic rendition of Sing, Sing, Sing by the band, and a relentless routine which was exhausting to watch. They didn't break hold for the entire routine, their frame was spot-on and there was almost no gapping. A quickstep masterclass, and completely deserving of a perfect score.

Their rumba was also very well-danced. They seemed connected, but were performing for us as well as just each other. It felt like a performance and not just a dance. It didn't move me emotionally as much as some of their earlier dances, but it was still an excellent routine and very enjoyable to watch. It's such a shame so many couples try to dodge the rumba, because it's wonderful when it's performed this well.

I really loved John & Johannes' couple's choice routine. I got the feeling from social media that it wasn't everyone's cup of tea (more to do with people not liking contemporary dance than anything they did), but I thought it was moving. There was a moment at the beginning where they both stood up and walked forward. Johannes looked at John and gave him a little nod to say 'We've got this", and it was adorable. The routine showcased the beautiful mirroring skills we've become accustomed to, and the strength which you would only ever see with two male dancers together. Wonderful storytelling, and John was totally in the moment. It was wonderful.

I didn't enjoy the jive quite as much. It was fine, but it wasn't special. Maybe it was the music choice - I can't help wondering if I would have liked it more to a different track. John needs to watch his free arm, which was just not placed in this routine. They looked like they were having fun, but I didn't feel like I was part of the party.

Finally, we have Rose & Giovanni. The waltz is often really underrated and overlooked, but when it is performed as well as this pair did, it's truly beautiful. It was so elegant, perfect rise and fall, perfect frame. Totally enchanting. Their connection is so special to watch. I could watch that routine over and over again.

The key thing about the Argentine tango is that the woman has to follow. It looks so much better when she doesn't anticipate the steps. Because Rose cannot hear the music, she is the queen of following, and this was evident in their AT routine. She is also a fantastic actor, and it all came together on the floor. It was intense and atmospheric. She danced into the floor, and her legs kicked in all the right places while still looking effortless. I was Flavia was back in Choreography Corner this week, because I'd love to hear her opinion on it.

So, tonight four must become three, and for me Rhys is the one who is a hair behind the others. His timing and frame aren't quite as good as the other three. I fear that John & Johannes might join them in the bottom two, and if so there's an outside chance that the judges could save Rhys.

Sunday Service: Week 11

Semi-final time. So much pressure. So much on the line. Everything to dance for.

It was such a shame that the last lift didn’t come off for John & Johannes, because their salsa was looking great otherwise. As always, they were perfect side-by-side. The fist lift was fantastic and very challenging with Johannes’ height meaning he has very long levers. John looked relaxed, Johannes was giving us everything. I wouldn’t like to see them in the dance-off, but it would be lovely to see what that lift should have looked like.

What an Argentine tango from Rhys & Nancy! Fantastic intensity, Rhys lead Nancy throughout, and looked poised and in control. His timing was spot-on. The lifts were complex and well executed. Easily Rhys’ best dance, and what a time to bring it out of the bag.

A lovely American smooth from Rose & Giovanni. It was relaxed and confident. Rose has such poise. Lovely footwork, Rose released her toes on the backward steps. The last lift was daring, and it’s so nice to see lifts we’ve never seen before even after all these years. I watched the dance with a smile on my face.

Dan & Nadiya’s tango was fine, but forgettable. His top line was a bit off, too far forward with the left hand perhaps. Even skippy in places. It just wasn’t up to the standard of Rhys and Rose.

I can't believe that AJ & Kai’s salsa went the same way as John & Johannes’. That last lift didn’t come off. It was all looking so good otherwise. So fierce and fun. All the other lifts were great. I really enjoyed the rest of their routine. I'm dying to see AJ finally get a 10 from Craig, but it just wasn't to be.

Based on the dances, you'd have to put John and AJ in the dance-off because they both had such disastrous endings to their routines. But I enjoyed what both of them did throughout the rest of their dances than Dan's routine.

It's so tense, and I am really not looking forward to the results show tonight. It could so easily be the end of the road for one of my favourites.