Sunday Service: Week 2

Week 2. Second numb behind of the series.

I guess disco cha cha makes a change from disco salsa. Tom's posture was a little better than last week, but unfortunately, his cha cha was a bit flat and ploddy. Nadiya did a lot of the heavy lifting. He did have a bit of performance, though, which was nice for a non-performer.

Punam once again seemed to be given the mummy on a night out role, this time with a bit of Shania Twain. Her foxtrot with Gorka was nice enough. He footwork needs work, but wasn't horrific. Her topline could have been tighter, but for Week 2, it was pretty good.

The most interesting thing about Paul & Karen's salsa was the mirrorball barbecue. Paul did lots of walking, lots of standing and a little bit of lifting. Not much else. Any attempt at dancing was atrocious. I did not enjoy it at all. Poor Karen.

Wynne & Katya's Viennese waltz was captivating. Wynne's timing was lovely, and they glided around the floor as one. The hard work on his posture was evident. The routine had lovely musicality. So much better than last week.

JB & Amy's cha cha was slick and smooth. JB was ever so slightly pigeon-toed, but otherwise it was great. The chemistry between the two of them is starting to come along. I disagree that it was jagged or spiky, I thought it was pretty smooth. Any spikiness was in keeping with the music.

Sam really needs to watch her timing. She was out at times last week, and she was again this week. The Charleston needs the partners to be completely together, and she wasn't in step with Nikita. The swivel came and went throughout the dance. But she managed to get from one end of the dance to the other.

Chris & Dianne absolutely lived up to last week's start with a wonderful foxtrot. His frame could be more solid, and a little less sloppy up top, but he is such a joy to watch that we don't really care. The benchography, particularly the stop up and jump down at the end were a nice surprise. Loved it.

It was a brave decision for Jamie & Michelle to tackle the rumba so early on. But why not get it out of the way when you're very unlikely to go home. I'm inclined to agree with Craig that while the rumba was technically solid, they did look a bit like siblings dancing together. I'd love to see it again in a few weeks when their chemistry has developed a bit more. Maybe that's why it's not a good choice for Week 2.

 Toyah did a better job than last week but a long way. But her and Neil's jive was too flat-footed and lacked tone. The most exciting and most 'Toyah' part was the crawl across the bar. The pony steps seemed to be out of time. She is clearly having a good time, but we need more control and focus on technique.

Nick really threw himself into the American smooth, and fair play to him given his injury. The injury meant that he couldn't really lead Luba and his frame wasn't as strong as it could be, but I think when he is fully fit again, he could be a dark horse.

I really enjoyed Montell & Joannes' samba. She is a confident dancer, and I loved that she started the dance by herself. I wished that there was a little less of the slow rhythm and more up-tempo because I wanted it to be more packed, but it was all executed well and she's so watchable.

Tasha is definitely looking like the early frontrunner. Tasha & Aljaž's Viennese waltz was glorious. It was dreamy, smooth, elegant. She understands the rhythm, and she understands how to move her body and how to make it flow. Stunning.

Before we talk about Shayne & Nancy's tango, I want to take a moment to appreciate Nancy's dress and make-up. I think it's possibly the best she has ever looked on Strictly. Gorgeous. I loved Shayne & Nancy's tango. It had drive and attack, and he looked totally in control. I loved the drama.

Out of hold, Pete looks dynamic. In hold, he looked like a tentative novice. It's a good job this was an American smooth, because it meant that Jowita could get away with not having too much in hold. He's a safe pair of hands for the lifts.

Sarah & Vito's paso was a great way to close the show. It had intent and attack. She needs to be a little bit more grounded, and it looked as if she shoulders were rising, although that could've been the jacket. But otherwise it was a brilliant performance.

I agree that Toyah and Paul are the bottom of the leaderboard, and as you have probably gathered, I wouldn't be sorry not to see any more routines from Paul. Please can we give Karen a ringer next year?