Sunday Service: Week 5

This was a bit of an off week for a few of the couples. Nothing was really that bad, but a lot of numbers just didn't quite hot the mark.

Amanda was out this week due to "medical reasons". My social media timeline couldn't have been happier.

Annabel & Johannes went first with their Charleston. It was a really mixed bag. When Annabel knew the steps, she looked amazing. But she spent a lot of the routine losing her way, and giving Joahnnes the side-eye to see what was supposed to come next. It could have been a sensational routine, but it fell flat for me because so much of it went pear-shaped. It looked under-rehearsed.

Nigel & Katya's foxtrot was also a mixed bag. Out of hold it was exciting, dynamic and engaging. Their chemistry was great and they really drew you in. Then they would take hold, and it was really dull. His whole personality just faded away, and we were left with competent, yet uninspiring, dancing. One thing I noted was Nigel's spotting on the pivots. It was absolutely beautiful. I urge everyone to go and have a look.

Something about Eddie & Karen's samba just didn't land for me. I don't know what it was. Once again, Eddie is a star performer out of hold. He never fails to raise a smile. It's almost a shame that Strictly is a series about partner dancing, because if it was just about performing solo, he'd be bossing it. But in hold his dancing just never quite finds its way.

I really enjoyed Krishnan & Lauren's quickstep. He's such a joy to watch, and the improvement he has made since Week 1 is stark. I wasn't so keen on the slower portions of the routine, as this was Krishnan looked least comfortable. But with all the fast chassé sections and the out of hold parts, he was great. Is he the best dancer? No. But he's so engaging that I honestly don't care.

I watched Angela & Carlos' American smooth again today, and I enjoyed it more on second viewing. Choreographically, it moved around the floor, but could have had a bit more. There seemed to be a lack of interesting content, and Angela is capable of a routine with a bit more oomph. Angela is very elegant, and looks great on the floor. She needs to find her mojo.

Vito completely ignored last week's notes about over-packing the routine with steps and again went hell for leather with the paso. Thankfully, Ellie nailed it. Again. It was strong, it had drive and attitude. She is quietly going about her business, and she is going to be here for a long time. She doesn't get people talking about her, but she cannot be ignored.

I really loved Layton & Nikita's performance. It was showstopping. But was it a proper salsa? There was very little partner work. They spent most of the routine side by side. It was beautifully in sync, they matched each other perfectly. But this felt more like a couple's choice routine than a salsa. This was a dance for the stage, not for the dancefloor.

I was put off for most of Bobby & Dianne's Viennese waltz by his costume. Why was he wearing his grandad's long johns? That aside, there was a dream-like quality to their routine. It felt almost voyeuristic to be watching this moment, which as Craig suggested, was very cinematic. It's a shame that the fleckerl lost its way, as it was otherwise a very pretty routine. The longer I watch them, the more their height difference bothers me. Bobby is doing an amazing job at keeping upright, and keeping his body low to match Dianne's height.

I did not like Adam & Luba's couple's choice as much as the judges seemed to. For me, he was not matching Luba's energy. She was very bouncy, while his moves just didn't seem as clean. Everything from him seemed a little heavier. The chair section was the best part and seemed a lot more in sync.

The trust Zara put into Graziano to achieve those lifts was obvious. They were impressive, especially the lift at the end. It's a shame that the rest of their American smooth wasn't quite as good. She needs to extend and finish her lines more. Everything is a bit 'small' and contained.

I loved that Angela got to do the dance she wanted to do the most - the Argentine tango. She gave it a very good go too. I don't think it was one for the ages, but she and Kai did a really good job. I would have liked to see her point her toes a bit more, especially on the last few kicks and the final lift, where her hooks of feet looked a little unwieldy. I do with they wouldn't dress both dancers fully in black, though, as it makes the dances very hard to read.

My favourite this week was Ellie and probably Bobby. I enjoyed Layton and Krishnan as well.

The weakest for me were Zara, Adam and Annabel. Zara was brave, but can the lifts alone save her? Adam lacked energy and Annabel's routine was littered with errors. It will be interesting to see what happens tonight.