Sunday Service: Week 8

The couples were fighting for a place on the Blackpool this week, and the judges weren't making it easy for any of the couples. Here's how I thought they got on.

Tasha & Aljaž's quickstep was cute. It was light, fast and very well executed, as always. Lovely footwork and topline. They moved around the floor as one. The only thing I didn't like was Tasha's dress, which was way too bulky for her frame.

I really liked Shayne & Nancy's rumba. They had an emotional connection, which I don't think we've seen from them before. His hands were a bit splayed and ugly at times, but his lovely walks made up for it. It was cute when that smile came across his face. The storytelling was beautiful. A good job.

I kept exclaiming "Wow!" throughout Sarah & Vito's American smooth. The routine was lovely all the way through, and the lifts were breathtaking. The standard of the choreography was so high that I think it was a shame the judges nitpicked so much. I can't believe the scores were so low. Sarah should be very Proud of that performance. 

Pete & Jowita's couples' choice routines absolutely played to his strengths in partnering and making lovely shapes. He presented Jowita beautifully, and he really felt it emotionally in a way I hadn't seen from him before. I think Anton captured it well when he said it was "the greatest hits of you". Lovely storytelling.

JB & Lauren's samba was pure party. I loved the vibe of the dance, and it was clear that JB did too. His body was so fluid, and his hip action was on point. There was lots of recognisable samba content, and a good attempt at the samba rolls. He looked fantastic too, I loved that costume. It's so good to see JB having a good week with Latin.

I loved the intimacy of Jamie & Michelle's Argentine tango. It was very intense. There was a fantastic gancho section in the middle. It possibly lacked a bit of light and shade and dynamism, but that's more a criticism of the choreography than the performance. And yes, maybe he was a bit off balance in places, but I still enjoyed the performance.

I've made no secret of the fact that I don't really like Wynne, and this American smooth didn't do anything to change my mind. This dance didn't really do anything for me. Katya's choreography wasn't as clever as it sometimes is. I think Craig summed it up when he said it lacked style. I think that's exactly why Wynne doesn't work for me. He lacks panache. And that "I'm mad, me" suit didn't help. But you can't put him in black tails because of that ad campaign.

I liked Montell & Johannes' paso, but I felt that some of the time it was a little soft. There were some really strong moments, but there were also some soft moments which could have had even more attack. I know there needs to be light and shade, but that comes from the choreography, the slow and the quick. The routine had light and shade built in already. I loved her intensity. I really liked it, but I wanted even more.

Chris & Dianne's couples' choice routine looked like a showdance. If they make the final, I'm not sure where they go from here. It was nice to see Chris look relaxed, as there was no technique to worry about it. So many lifts, which well well executed. A small error on the judges' side of the floor, but I'm not completely sure who went wrong. I lovely routine which was enjoyable to watch.

JB and Sarah were my favourites this week. It's so hard to pick a bottom two, as everyone is so good. I'd happily see Wynne in the bottom. I guess I'd have to put Jamie or Shayne there too, but I loved both of their routines. I wouldn't like to be in the judges' shoes for the results show.