Back to the Elstree ballroom next time
Thanks for watching along with me, Tower Ballroom buddies. Our hoofing half-dozen now progress to the 10th live show, back in the familiar surroundings of Elstree Studios. The dancefloor might be smaller and not sprung but they’ll be bidding to make it through to Musicals Week.
It airs next Saturday at the slightly later time of 7.30pm on BBC1 (due to the return of Doctor Who for its 60th anniversary specials). Meet you back here to see who’s suffering a Blackpool hangover.
In the meantime, you know what comes next: keeeeep dancing! Night.
Tonight’s TV tips
Viewers can now flip to ITV1 for The Masked Singer: I’m a Celebrity Special or to Channel 4 for the semi-final of Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker.
At 9pm, I can recommend darkly comic new thriller Boat Story on BBC1. If you can bear to watch Nigel Farage’s bid to fun-wash his reputation in the jungle, I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! returns to ITV1.
Film-wise: at 9pm, there’s Taken on Film4 (if you have a very particular set of skills) or Pretty Woman on BBC3. Missing that would be a big mistake. Huge.
Some final thoughts from commenters on Angela Rippon. Sibling04 says: “Angela looking gorgeous! Go on and enjoy these moments you lovely and inspiring woman.”
MissMartini says: “Angela did herself proud in that last performance. What a fabulous partner Kai has been to her.”
YodaknowsAll says: “Angela Rippon should be so proud. A 79 year showing us that age is just number.
acanthe says: “Well, that was a final speech to treasure- very well said. I’m sure she’s probably a bit relieved to be out now but what a graceful departure.”
Rufusonly adds: “My goodness, the best exit speech I’ve watched on Strictly. Kai was genuinely touched. Angela leaves on a high because that final dance was her best, particularly her second attempt.”
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On musical guests Madness, Lidoswimmer says: “Disappointed. Was hoping Kai, Graz and Gorka were going to do the Nutty Boys dance.”
BendyLizzy adds: “I’m not sure Suggs would be up for Strictly, Michael. He was on BBC Breakfast this week and the early start looked like it took it out of him!”
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About Bobby Brazier’s surprise appearance in the dance-off, mcculloch29 says: “Well, Nikita’s WTF expression spoke for many of us. Bobby and Dianne. That was surely as a result of going first, and people forgetting what was essentially a good dance, but not high on wow factor.”
Deedan says: “At the beginning of the competition- all those weeks ago - I thought Bobby was going to be brilliant. However, I am underwhelmed by most of his routines. It’s like he holds back in the performance.”
joanieloves adds: “The right result. He needed a t-shirt with CHOOSE BOBBY on for the dance-off.”
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Readers’ verdicts
A vox pop of your Blackpool thoughts. MarkRoche says: “I loved last night’s opening dance but feel they’ve missed a trick ‘tonight’ by not doing a proper ballroom number to pay homage to the hallowed Blackpool.”
Gender parity restored
Once again, it’s even stevens in the battle of the Strictly sexes. We’re left with three female celebrities and three males. Which side will pull ahead next weekend?
Craig kept the show’s integrity
Thank goodness for longest-serving judge Craig Revel Horwood. Many assumed he was saving his “10” paddle for Blackpool but still he kept it tucked away. With the pros chanting “40! 40!”, perhaps a little unfairly, and the Tower Ballroom audience at fever pitch, it took strength not to succumb to away-day hysteria.
Instead Ballarat’s finest continued to call each dance on his merits. When he spotted faults, he refused to give a perfect 10 just for the sake of it. The wait continues. When a maximum does finally arrive, it will mean all the more.
Kai secured his status as a premier pro
He’s only been part of the Strictly troupe for three years but Kai Widdrington has already became a firm fan favourite. In his debut series, he reached the final with AJ Odudu before she heartbreakingly had to pull out with a late injury. He got a hospital pass last year, saddled with Loose Women’s Kaye Adams as a partner and being first out.
However, Kai truly excelled this time. Aged 28, he’s too young to remember her heyday but despite their 51-year age difference, he proved the perfect choice to partner Angela Rippon. They formed a tight partnership, with Kai cleverly working around her strengths and weaknesses. He choreographed classic routines, added crowd-pleasing tricks and leg lifts, and got her back to Blackpool like she’d dreamed. Endearingly, he was more emotional than Angela upon her exit tonight.
He’s a gentlemanly home-grown pro in the tradition of Anton Du Beke, Ian Waite and Kevin “From Grimsby” Clifton. We’ll even forgive him for the Michael Fabricant wig and Sound Of Music “curtainhosen” in Movie Week. It will be intriguing to see who Kai gets paired with next year.
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Right time for Angela Rippon to go
Let’s face the music and dance. It was a much-hyped homecoming for 79-year-old Angela Rippon as she returned to the fabled venue from which she presented Strictly’s mothership show, Come Dancing, during the 80s. Some viewers had grumbled in recent weeks that the BBC was so determined to engineer this neatly circular storyline, Angela was being over-marked and cut slack in the dance-off. Such conspiracy theories are fanciful. Yet it also felt fitting for her Strictly story to end here.
The show’s oldest ever contestant arrived with a bang, exceeding all expectations by twice finishing third on the leaderboard and averaging over 30 points. Understandably, though, she ran out of steam mid-series, hence being in the bottom two for three weeks running. Her score dipped to 28 for last night’s American not-very-smooth, her lowest for six weeks. Few survive a third dance-off and so it proved.
Still, the Devon dynamo got further in the contest than any 70something in Strictly history, banishing any misconceptions that dance is the preserve of the young. She was elegant, agile, graceful and musical. Her leg lift during week one’s cha-cha will go down as one of the most memorable, meme-able moments of the series.
Whether it was doing the splits during her rumba, that punk-rock paso doble or her “swivel masterclass” during her Murder She Wrote-themed Charleston, she was a joyous performer, clearly having the time of her life. Even her training room catchphrase of “knickers!” was a retro delight. Angela was rippin’ up the dancefloor but she leaves at the perfect point.
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Sighs of relief for two boys
Both Bobby Brazier and Nigel Harman will be mopping their brows with a Blackpool beach towel tonight.
Bobby’s jive failed to set the floor alight and he found himself in the dance-off for the first time. Barring a dis-ah-ster, darling, he was never seriously at risk of losing to Angela Rippon but it should serve as a wake-up call. Bobby needs to take it up a gear – and perhaps he isn’t quite as popular with voting viewers as many assumed.
Meanwhile, Nigel has the public to thanks for lifting him clear of the bottom two. He was second from bottom on the scoreboard after his Hollywood-style quickstep was littered with hiccups. If he’d faced Angela in the dance-off, it might have been a closer call. Mini-Den can dance, no doubt, but he needs to focus and stop the frustrating mistakes before the judges and public lose patience.
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Angela and Kai’s last dance
As the departing pair take one last turn around the Tower Ballroom - a dancefloor full of memories or them both - to Can’t Smile Without You by Barry Manilow (ledge), the credits roll and their castmates crowd in for backslaps and air-kisses. Please stay with us for analysis and reaction.
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Kai’s goodbye
Angela’s pro partner Kai Widdrington, who is sweetly emotional, returns the compliment: “As she said, I wasn’t even born when she did Come Dancing. I had to ask my parents about it and the famous Morecambe & Wise moment. Like Angela just said, there’s a 50-year age gap between us but we’re like mates. Dancing with you has just been such a celebration of you and your life. I’m so proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. It’s been my absolute honour and pleasure to dance with you, especially in this beautiful ballroom.”
Well said. What a gent.
La Rippon’s closing remarks
In her exit interview, Angela Rippon tells Tess: “The last nine weeks have probably been the most terrifying, the most fantastic, the most glorious and the most joyful that I have spent for a very long time in my profession. I’ve had the time of my life. I presented Come Dancing but that was 40 years ago. A different time. Kai wasn’t even born then! Being on this side of the competition has been an eye-opener for me. There is a real team spirit in this programme, unlike anything I’ve done. They support us, they encourage us all the time, they’re absolutely wonderful.”
She then pays fond tribute to her tearful dance partner Kai Widdrington. “But the person who has to get the most credit is this gentleman here. He’s an old soul on young shoulders. He’s 28 and I’m 79, there’s a 51-year difference in our ages. He has looked after me so brilliantly. He’s a wonderful dancer, a great choreographer, a terrific teacher and he has the patience of a saint. You’ve got me here, so don’t you dare cry! He and his partner Nadiya [Bychkova, fellow Strictly pro] are, in every sense of the word, beautiful people. I’m so pleased to have you in my life.”
A long but lovely speech. Bravo.
Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
Twirly Shirley disagreed with her colleagues last week over Krishnan Guru-Murthy but this time, it’s unanimous.
Angela Rippon is eliminated
It’s official. Angela R becomes this year’s ninth celebrity to depart the Strictly 2023 dancefloor.
Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Bobby and Dianne, saying “they danced excellently again. Angela even thanked one of the other dancers for lifting her and putting her down so gracefully, which I thought was beautiful”.
Yeah alright, Tony Beak, don’t build up your part.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Bobby and Dianne, saying “it was one of the most beautiful dance-offs we have had”. Steady on, Motsi.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Bobby and Dianne, saying “it was a standout performance that I can’t ignore ”.
Verdict time
For me, the quality gap was quite apparent. Bobby’s second effort looked tired, admittedly, but not seven points tired. Let’s see what the crucial quartet think.
Angela R takes her turn
Angela Rippon and her pro partner Kai Widdrington reprise their tea dance-themed American smooth to Tea For Two by Ella Fitzgerald.
The judges said it was elegant and nostalgic with some lovely lines but got clunky in the transitions, she lost her posture and made a few mistakes. She scored 28 points, seven fewer than Bobby, so needs to show dramatic improvement here.
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Bobby goes first in dance-off
Bobby Brazier and his dance partner Dianne Buswell have another go at their candy-coloured jive to Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!.
The judges said last night that it had great chemistry and incredible energy but was a bit stompy. I also thought it flagged and became flat-footed towards the end.
The panel awarded it 35 points - seven above Angela R. Can Bobby go mistake-free to maintain that quality gap? Will this routine make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day? Altogether now: jitterbug.
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Sound the Bjork klaxon
Layton Williams is thrilled to be back in Blackpool. Nikita Kuzmin discusses their brotherly bond. Aww. They’re dancing to It’s Oh So Quiet next week. Claudia can’t contain herself. Neither can I, frankly.
I love Vito. Sorry, just typed my inner thoughts there.
Nigel dances to Celine Dion next week
Relieved and shocked to be saved by the public, he’s celebrating with a camp Canadian power-ballad.
“If you’re going to dance anywhere twice, you might as well do it here,” says Angela Rippon. The right attitude.
Angela Rippon in the dance-off
No surprise there, I suppose. This year’s oldest contestant is consigned to the dance-off for the third week running. La Rippon was bookies’ odds-on favourite for the chop and finished bottom of the scoreboard.
Ellie Leach is safe
So is Layton Williams. Which means it’s Nigel Harman or Angela Rippon in the dance-off.
Crunch time again
That pesky spotlight is back, bringing long… dramatic… pauses… with it.
Anton Du Beke praises Annabel Croft’s head position, spine and topline. Nice to hear him speaking in proper sentences.
Craig says Ellie Leach’s Charleston was a little too controlled and lacked wildness to tempt out his 10 paddle.
Shirley admires Angela Scanlon’s performance instinct. Motsi expresses shock at Bobby Brazier being in the dance-off.
Dance debrief
The paddle-raising panel pop over to the impromptu Clauditorium, behind her home-made sparkly curtain, for a breakdown of last night’s dances.
I wonder if Suggs has ever been approached about competing in Strictly? Memo to casting department: action this for 2024 please.
One quickstep beyond
Musical performance now from ska-pop survivors Madness with C’est La Vie - the lead single from their 13th studio album, the snappily named Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est la Vie. That’s easy for you to say.
Choreographic accompaniment comes from six of the Strictly pros: Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Jowita Przystał, Gorka Márquez, Michelle Tsiakkas and Neil Jones.
Angela Scanlon dances to Gloria Gaynor next week
Cue Claudia’s over-excited rendition of I Will Survive.
Annabel Croft is in disbelief that she’s through. “Such a shock but such a joy,” she says. “We’re floating in the clouds.”
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Bobby Brazier in dance-off for first time
Well, that’s something of a surprise. Gasps in the ballroom as this year’s youngest contestant is consigned to the dreaded dance-off for the first time. He didn’t get enough viewer votes and tumbled from mid-table down into the bottom two.
But who will Bobby face? Presumably Nigel Harman or Angela Rippon.
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Annabel Croft is safe
And looks endearingly surprised. Also through is Angela Scanlon.
Red light of doom
We might be 230 miles further north than usual but there’s no escape from the dreaded scarlet spotlight. Time to find out who’s going beyond Blackpool and whose Strictly journey might end here.
Last night’s live show recapped
A speed through Saturday’s seaside action on-screen now. Backing dancers! Lots of lifts! Anton making noises instead of forming sentences! Panto villain Craig being booed for refusing to dish out 10s willy-nilly! He’s behind you! Waving a nine!
Frockwatch
Here’s our hostly double act, so let’s do a quick dress-off. Tess Daly is a sparkly moss green bodice. Claudia Winkleman is in 80s-esque petrol blue sequins. Claud wins.
Gone a bit jivey now. Confetti falls. Cute.
We’ve segued from Music For Sushi Restaurant to Late Night Talking and Now As It Was. Bangers all.
Harry Styles comes to Blackpool (well, sort of)
We open with a group number from the pros, turning the Tower Ballroom purple with a routine set to a Harry Styles medley. Well, our Harry is partial to a purple jumpsuit. You don’t get that with Ed Sheeran.
Some viewers thought Bobby Brazier looked even more Styles-esque than usual last night with his straightened hair. X Factor/One Direction era, I thought.
Anyway, pink-clad Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu are front and centre of a pop/commercial routine with Latin disco flavours.
We’re off!
Roll clap-along credits. Who’s about to become the ninth couple to board the sparkly tram home?
Prepare for more mentions of Blackpool’s bouncy floor and abuse of the word “iconic”. We’re about to go back to the Tower Ballroom…
A forest-themed episode of Planet Earth III winding up on BBC1 right now. How would the Strictly judges score those tragopan bird courtship dances, do we think?
Just five minutes until we go from chimps to Charlestons…
Craig forgot to pack his 10 paddle
The competition’s pace-setters were tied at the top of the standings last night. Layton Williams’ leather-clad Couple’s Choice (complete with pole-dancing) and Ellie Leach’s lift-packed Charleston both scored 39, oa mere Craig Revel Horwood point away from a maximum 40.
We’ve now had five near-perfect scores this series. Layton’s salsa, Ellie’s American smooth and Layton’s Argentine tango also notched 39s. How long before we’ll see a maximum? Over to you, CRH.
Just 10 minutes until we’re beside the seaside, beside the sea…
Unleash the Madness
Tonight’s musical guests are nutty boys (or should that be nutty middle -aged men?) Madness.
Wonder if they’ll be wearing baggy trousers? A bit like Nigel Harman’s ill-fitting white slacks last night. Oh what fun we had. It’s 15 minutes until sequin o’clock…
Here’s a quirk of the Strictly stats: Angela Scanlon and Nigel Harman have scored exactly the same across the series so far: 274 points across nine weeks, averaging 30.4 per dance.
That’s the joint fourth highest total of the remaining contestants. Layton Williams is top, Ellie Leach second, Bobby Brazier third.
Twenty minutes until the clock strikes sparkle…
Nigel and the A-team in dance-off danger
Coming into this weekend, bookmakers’ favourites for elimination were Angela Rippon and Annabel Croft. Angela R duly finished bottom of the leaderboard. Annabel was joint third from bottom. Sandwiched in between was Nigel Harman after his error-strewn quickstep.
Will it be two from this trio who find themselves dancing for survival? Can viewer votes ride to their rescue? Are the likes of Bobby Brazier and even Angela Scanlon safe or could we see a dance-off shocker?
Hold tight, it’s half an hour until we find out…
Who will bow out in Blackpool?
Somebody’s trip up north is about to go south. Good evening and welcome to the latest results show of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your Sunday-by-the-seaside dance partner. Please watch along with me as the Tower Ballroom marks the end of someone’s Strictly adventure.
After last night’s super-sized live show, our magnificent seven pairs will be whittled down to a hoofing half-dozen. The judges’ scores have been combined with viewer votes and tonight, the bottom two will slug it out in the dreaded dance-off. So whose hoofing holiday is about to be over?
Double dance-off survivor Angela Rippon was cut adrift at the foot of the leaderboard, with Nigel Harman second from bottom. Will voting viewers agree with the judges? If not, it could be a nervy night for Annabel Croft and Bobby Brazier, who were also left languishing in the lower half in the leaderboard.
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and seaside asides. So kiss me quick, squeeze me slow and see you on the sofa.
As ever, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me at michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for Blackpool-based badinage. I’ll ride a donkey down there whenever I can to catch up on the chat.
Unfold your deckchairs, erect your windbreaks and remove that troublesome pebble from your flip-flop. It’s nearly time to staaaaaart breaking Blackpool hearts!
Thank you and goodnight
That completes Saturday’s liveblog but meet you right back here for the results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1 and features a performance from nutty boys Madness. Welcome to the house of fun indeed.
I’ll reboot the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so feel free to say hi.
Thanks for watching along with me, as always. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, it’s ye olde Blackpool mantra: keeeeeep dancing!
Tonight’s TV tips
You can flip to BBC2 now for Blondie night or ITV1 for The Voice. At 9pm, there’s David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived on Sky Documentaries – an affecting film about Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double, who broke his neck while filming Harry Potter – or Aussie thriller Scrublands on BBC4. At 9.35pm, Irish crime drama Kin starts on BBC1.
Film-wise, it’s slim pickings but at 9pm, there’s Sneakers on Legend or Kill Bill Vol 2 on Dave. Or, um, you could simply watch the Strictly Blackpool special again? It’s a thought.
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Finally, MikeMoonlight says: “Angela Rippon is probably for the chop tonight. Unless, of course, she has a 130-year-old Nan to wheel out before the voting closes, in which case, all bets are off.”
LazyMillennial concludes: “With Layton and Angela S’s dances, the BBC have really gone all out on the filth for their Saturday night entertainment. And I love it. What a time to be alive. Remember when all you got was Noel Edmonds with Mr Blobby and the gunge tank?”
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On Nigel Harman’s quickstep, tuityfruity says: “Of course the staging gave it a real bit of Hollywood fizz and end-of-show bling but didn’t have ‘that swing’ for me.”
MartGray says: “Excellent! And so elegant. I think I saw the ghost of Len up there with the backing dancers, resplendent in tails. Nigel and Katya, love ‘em!”
SecretPuddleJumper says: “Nigel really couldn’t pretend then, could he? Still, he gets a vote from me tonight.”
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On Angela Scanlon, acanthe says: “I thought the staging of that was really good, making such an intimate setting in that great big floor. The dance was fab - loved it. This is a really good show tonight, it’s really living up to the hype.”
VictoriasSecret adds: “Angela’s Irish dancing background has been more of a hindrance than a help for most of this series but it really worked tonight. Her legs were amazing. I agree with Anton, not Craig there.”
On Annabel Croft, styletraveller says: “Annabel could well reach the final. She does just get a bit better every week.”
whyisnothingsimple says: “I don’t care where they end up but to me, Annabel and Jojo are the spirit of Strictly.”
joanieloves adds: “Oh, I love JohAnnabel. Agree with Motsi - amazing connection and Annabel seems to have blossomed over the past couple of weeks. JOURNEY!!”
SparklingDormouse says: “Not my favourite from Ellie and Vito. Good but not amazing. Felt Vito showcased more than Ellie & needed a bit more energy at times.”
Mssss Middlechop says: “Soo much content from E&V, enough for two dances.”
MartGray says: “Ellie and Vito, wow! That backwards pass-over. The attitude. The early Lily Allen vibe! I also love that even Graz looks bemused when Vito is explaining something - ‘Claud asks Vito to explain’ has been even more fun that the running Jay joke.”
On Layton Williams’ Couple’s Choice, Climbingrose says: “Think Nikita must be loving being able to choreograph dances as ambitious as those he can do this year.”
MarkRoche says: “Well, that’s impossible to compare and judge fairly against tonight’s other offerings. Bit too many aerobatics at the expense of dancing for me, but performed at an extraordinarily high level.”
KernowKnacker says: “Well, I’m sorry, that did nothing for me,. If you wish to be in Magic Mike, at least get some kit off. It was a performance, not a dance.”
acanthe says: “Extension? Take THAT Angela Rippon! Heh. I love this show - it goes from beautiful tea-for-two to pole dancing . Fabulous.”
wagwanpiffting says: “I’m a 53-year-married man with three kids. I think I’m pregnant after watching that.”
davewatcher adds: “Was hoping for a truly honest ‘journey’ video from Layton. ‘This is a breeze compared to doing eight shows a week in the West End. As Billy Elliot, then Michael Jackson, then Jamie the drag queen,ot. Nonly did I have to carry the entire the show, but I had to sing as well as dance at the same time.”
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The judges were inconsistent, according to many. Gardener_Maidhc says: “Why are the judges being so condescendingly kind to Angela? That looked a mess to me but maybe I’m wrong. Overmarking in 3,2, aaaannd ..... Oh, thank you Craig. Eight, Anton, really?”
Rufusonly adds: “Anton’s just given Nigel a worse mark than Angela Rippon. Is he up to the job?”
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Readers’ verdicts are in
A swift seaside vox pop of your thoughts. Angela Rippon looks doomed, according to commenters.
mcculloch29 says: “That was pretty amazing for a 79-year-old woman. However, it was very clearly a 79-year-old woman, who made several very visible errors.”
VictoriasSecret adds: “Well, Angela looked to be enjoying herself. I absolutely agree with Craig. Full of mistakes but I am glad she got her (several spins) round the floor at Blackpool. But I think it’s the end of the road for Angela and it looks like the judges agree.”
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Nigel and Angela R in dance-off danger
Layton Williams and Ellie Leach finish joint top of the leaderboard, which somehow seems fair as they’ve been slugging it out all series. The judges’ scores will now be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will get one last chance to grace the Tower Ballroom floor in tomorrow evening’s dance-off.
Angela Rippon will surely be fearing that red light of doom but who could she face? Nigel Harman looks likely and I suspect he’ll fix many of those mistakers if he does appear in the dance-off. It might also be an anxious wait for Annabel Croft.
A Blackpool special to savour
What a worthy Tower Ballroom spectacle that was. Backing dancers, big performances and ambitious choreography added up to some truly spectacular routines. Sure, Craig forgot to pack his 10 paddle but I love how he refused to bend to the “40! 40!” peer pressure. Nobody quite deserved a 40. Nobody got one, despite the other three judges whipping out the 10s for Layton, Ellie and Angela Scanlon.
It was the first split judges’ decision of the series last week as the contest starts getting serious. We’re into the climactic four weeks after tomorrow, so the stakes are high. That glitterball trophy is beginning to glint temptingly…
Golden Glitterballs: Blackpool edition
They’re as bright as the seafront illuminations but without the whopping electricity bill. Here are this week’s gong-getters…
Best dance: For me, a tie between Ellie Leach’s Charleston and Angela Scanlon’s Argentine tango. Layton Williams’ Couple’s Choice was impressive but I didn’t love the choreography.
Worst dance: Angela Rippon’s American smooth. I suspect we’ll be seeing it again tomorrow.
Best music choice: That torch song-style arrangement of Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black. Shirley Bassey-does-a-Bond-theme vibes.
Worst music choice: The version of Wham! was a little weedy.
Best outfit: Katya Jones’ ruffled cream ballgown with gold and black accents. Her frocks have been banging this series.
Worst outfit: Nigel Harman’s slacks were oddly drop-crotched. Like MC Hammer in a tailsuit. Stop! Trouser time.
Best judges’ comment: Anton to Ellie Leach: “There was one bit I was disappointed with. In Vito’s cartwheel, he could have pointed his toes more.”
Worst VT: All heavily Blackpool-themed as you’d expect but Bobby Brazier’s infantilising trip to the sweet factory takes the prize. Especially when his partner demanded: “Say thank you, Dianne.”
Best Claudia quip: “Coming up, Ellie and Vito dance to Love Machine. Or as we call him here, Dave Arch.”
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Blackpool credits roll
Tess and Claud, with one eye firmly on the green room and the traditional Blackpool night out (who can blame them?), tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!”.
As everyone packs away their buckets and spades, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Voting is… open!
The voting lines are declared open and the usual anarchy ensues with a Blackpool twist. Vito making Claud corpse with laughter. We recap the night’s seven dances on-screen.
Judges’ scores for Nigel and Katya: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Second from bottom. Dance-off danger. Nigel looks disappointed.
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Judges’ comments for Nigel and Katya: Craig says “right up my street, full of showbiz but footwork went wrong quite a bit, amazing style”. Motsi says “tiny mistake but some of the best dancing we’ve seen today”. Shirley says “power-packed extravaganza, picked up after the mistakes”. Anton concludes “a shame because you’re such a leading man, you’re a great dancer, take that”. Eights?
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Nigel and Katya’s quickstep
Last dance now. His Couple’s Choice last week was a return to form. Can Nigel Harman continue his resurgence? It’s Katya’s first time in Blackpool for six years, when she danced here with Joe McFadden and went on to win. Traditional big band tune and Nigel’s dapper in an all-white tailsuit, playing the conductor of the band. Full of energy and fun, flying and floating around that big, bouncy dancefloor. Covering lots of ground. Lovely details and Charleston sections. West End-worthy. Tension showed n his face a couple of times, got stiff and lost his spotting in the spin but razzle-dazzle to burn. A spinning, sparks a-flying finish.
Song: It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) by Duke Ellington. The 1932 jazz standard has been used twice on Strictly before - for Tony Jacklin’s Charleston (bad, got him eliminated) and Judge Rinder’s quickstep (much better).
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Judges’ scores for Angela S and Carlos: 8 (boo!), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. One point behind Layton and Ellie. Carlos is tearful with pride.
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Judges’ comments for Angela S and Carlos: Anton says “beautiful legs, immaculate styling, my favourite dance of the night”. Craig says “legs too stiff, not loose enough but the storytelling and partnership, oh my goodness, wonderful”. Motsi says “your best number, so much control, incredible”. Shirley concludes “you brought your ultimate performance, precision and instinct, I’m overwhelmed, adored it”. Another 39-pointer?
Angela S and Carlos’ Argentine tango
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu are the only couple this week with no additional dancers, so they can create an intimate, sensual moment in the big Tower Ballroom. Black and red lighting for extra passion. Very technical with strong partnering. They’re leading and following well, acting and reacting, fighting with their legs. Clean flicks and kicks. Intense mood and her Irish dancing background helping with that sharp leg action. Great running, spinning lift. Stunning but slightly fizzled at the end.
Song: Back To Black by Amy Winehouse. The late singer’s 2007 single, a 60s soul throwback co-written and produced by Mark Ronson, was inspired by her relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil. The black-and-white video was shot in my neighbourhood, Stoke Newington in north-east London. Sadly I don’t appear in the background, frantically typing a liveblog.
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Judges’ scores for Ellie and Vito: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint top with Layton. Vito wangs on about salad.
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Judges’ comments for Ellie and Vito: Shirley says “sheer trust, difficult but you did it with ease and looked at home, those lifts, wow”. Anton says “energy, vivacity, loved the detail and timing but I was disappointed with Vito’s comments”. Craig says “slightly ahead of the beat in one small section but my goodness, one of the hardest Charlestons we’ve seen and the best cross-swivel ever”. Motsi concludes “powerful, dynamic, perfect”. Another 39-pointer, perhaps?
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Ellie and Vito’s Charleston
Bury lass Ellie Leach used to come to Blackpool every year with her family, so it’s a place full of fond memories. They’ve been working with Matt Flint on the choreography for this routine. Fairground theme. Synchronised side-by-side sections, crammed full of details, a-may-zing ifts and tricks. Clean transitions are impressive. Bags of fun, energy and personality, with the pair bouncing off each other brilliantly. Plenty of ankle action to please Craig “Swivel” Horwood but those white trainers are making her look flat-footed at times. Great gear changes but for me, not her best.
Song: Love Machine by Girls Aloud. The exhilarating 2004 hit’s instrumentation was inspired by The Smiths, slightly surprisingly. The girl band were initially against releasing it as a single but it went on to reach number two in the charts. Cheryl Cole later admitted that it taught them to listen to their record label more. When The Guardian’s music critic Alexis Petridis ranked Girls Aloud’s 20 best songs, it came second, behind only Biology. Let’s go, eskimo.
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Judges’ scores for Annabel and Jojo: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Same as Bobby. Annabel says Blackpool is the Wimbledon centre court of dance. A bang in the background, like a premature pyrotechnic.
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Judges’ comments for Annabel and Jojo: Motsi says “goosebumps galore, beautiful to watch, touching connection”. Shirley says “calm, kind, spellbinding”. Anton says “you touch me emotionally, wonderful arm extension, fleckerl, yes, best line in the contest”. Craig concludes “your left shoulder popped up, arms great but work on the hands, you’ve comes such a long way”. Eights and nines?
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Annabel and Jojo’s American smooth
La Croft goes from last week’s sassy, samba-ing Shakira to a classy leading lady. She’s back in ballroom hold for this Viennese waltz-style smooth. She needs to maintain her frame and head position. Dreamy and magical feel, emotional storytelling. Slow start before they glide and flow around floor. Annabel looking lovely in a peacock blue silk dress. Lots of turns. Some lovely overhead lifts but dry ice making it tricky to see footwork at times. Lovely moonlit mood, mind you.
Song: Unchained Melody by Benedetta Caretta. Made famous by the Righteous Brothers in 1965, it enjoyed a resurgence when it featured in clay-throwing 1990 romance Ghost. Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley tossed a coin to decide who’d take the lead vocal and Hatfield won. Robson and Jerome’s version was the UK’s best-selling single of 1995 and Simon Cowell’s first major success as a hit-maker. Ir’s got a lot to answer for.
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Judges’ comments for Layton and Nikita: Craig says “loved it, not entirely in-sync (boo!) but you’re one our most incredible dancers in 20 years”. Motsi says “epic, insane timing and strength, speed, you rocked it, no question”. Shirley says “creative genius on every level, work ethic off the charts, pure artistry”. Anton concludes “don’t listen to Craig, it was just incredible”. Another 39-pointer?
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. His third time. Top so far but beatable?
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Layton and Nikita’s Couple’s Choice
Fleur East got a 40 for her Couple’s Choice here last year. Can Layton Williams do the same after twice scoring a near-perfect 39 points this series? Like Ellie Leach, he hails from 50 miles down the road in Bury, so will relish this local crowd. The judges have criticised him for woolly technique at times but here, he makes the rules, so he can be free and express himself. Commercial style with Cabaret vibes, sassy and sexy, shaking his corset-clad booty like he’s in a club on Saturday night. Which, in a way, he is. Balance tricks, backflips and gymnastic springs. A leather-clad pole-dance for his mum. Its what she would’ve wanted.
Song: Ain’t No Other Man by Christina Aguilera. The jazzy, brassy 2006 pop-funk hit was produced by DJ Premier, half of hip-hop duo Gang Starr. he video saw he debut of Aguilera’s alter-ego “Baby Jane”, a nickname given to her by rapper Nelly. Peter Andre and Janette Manrara performed a week one cha-cha-cha to this song in series 13 and topped the leaderboard. An omen?
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Judges’ comments for Angela R and Kai: Anton says “right up my street, perfect ambience for tonight, elegant and gorgeous, delighted you go to do it”. Craig says “needed to be smoother, clunky transitions and lost posture, fumbled the solo section but some magnificent lines”. Motsi says “loved the concept and story, co-ordinated but a few mistakes”. Shirley concludes “nostalgic but a few hiccups”. Praising her rather than the dance there. Eights, do we reckon?
Judges’ scores: 6 (boo!), 7, 7, 8 for a total of 28 points. Refreshingly fair. Dance-off danger.
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Angela R and Kai’s American smooth
The double dance-off survivor and homecoming Blackpool heroine now. This is a full circle moment for Angela Rippon. It’s Kai Widdrington’s first time here with a Strictly celebrity but he won titles in the Tower Ballroom as a youngster. It’s also where their partnership was unveiled on the launch show. She called this routine “basically a foxtrot with knobs on and a splash of Hollywood glamour”, which should suit her natural class and elegance. Tea dance theme, fittingly for the surroundings. Glamorous, jazzy and sophisticated with a classic Fred-and-Ginger vibe. It needs fluidity and expressive arms. She’s been having physio for a niggling rib injury but showing few signs of it here. Lovely lifts but a little wobbly in the transitions and lacking bounce in the Charleston sections. High-kicking, spinning finish.
Song: Tea for Two by Ella Fitzgerald. Written in 1924, it was written for musical No, No, Nanette. In 1958, Tommy Dorsey’s version stayed in the UK singles chart for 19 weeks.
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Kelvin Fletcher on the Ts & Cs
No balcony Clauditorium this week but La Winkle has a curtained-off VIP area and welcomes this week’s guest to recite the voting smallprint – the 2019 glitterball champion who jived here and jointly topped the scoreboard.
Judges’ comments for Bobby and Dianne: Shirley says “it had basics and great chemistry”. Anton says “incredible energy, compact and contained, epics, I loved it”. Craig says “a little bit stompy (boo!) but you did brilliantly”. Motsi concludes “your personal best, great standing leg”. A little over-praised. Over-marked too? Nines?
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. His highest. Strong start.
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Bobby and Dianne’s jive
Craig Revel Horwood criticised Bobby Brazier’s long, unplaced arms and “spatulistic” hands last week. Can he make them work for this jive? Primary coloured outfits and 80s graphic backdrop. Very Studio Line. It’s rapid, sharp and intense. Bobby called it “pure cardio” this week. It’s fast and properly fun. Party time with the extra dancers. Lacks a little bounce and retraction and it’s a bit messy at times. Sticky-out bottom and a leapfrog stunt but flagged a tad towards the end.
Song: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!. The 1984 bubblegum pop song became the duo’s first chart-topping UK and US hit. George Michael’s inspiration was a scribbled note that bandmate Andrew Ridgeley left for his parents. He meant it to say “wake me up before you go” but accidentally wrote “up” twice, so deliberately put “go” twice too. Dig out your “Choose life” T-shirt, sharpish.
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Our Strictly stars™
Our seven pro-celebrity couples emerge for a wave and a wide-eyed look around the Tower Ballroom. Everyone in relatively classic outfits. Nikita and Layton are working matchy-matchy silver corsets.
Judges join us
The paddle-raising panel arrive. Motsi Mabuse is in a bright pink sleeveless sparkly catsuit. Shirley Ballas is in one-shouldered pink. Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke in white tuxes.
Frockwatch
Confetti falls, glitter cannons are fired. And here come our Tower Ballroom hosts. Tess Daly is in a black sequinned halterneck full-length gown. Claudia Winkleman is in a white trouers and shirt. Tess narrowly wins the special seaside edition of Frockwatch.
Who wore it better?
Jojo re-emerges in the same sparkly green disco jumpsuit as Luba. Fab-ew-lous!
Hang on, it’s a disco medley. Everybody’s in monochrome outfits with added sparkle and it all looks very red carpet.
Blackpool group dance bonanza
Uniquely for Strictly Saturday, we open with a jazzy, Charleston-style group dance. It’s set in a speakeasy, soundtracked by Somebody Else’s Guy by Jocelyn Brown, and led by Johannes Radebe and Luba Mushtuk.
She plays his best friend, helping him come out of his shell by inviting him backstage. The club promptly comes alive and Johannes embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
It’s choreographed chaos with nearly 40 people on that expansive Tower Ballroom floor - the pro troupe joined by the celebrities, backing dancers and the judges.
Roll clap-along credits
As we enter the final month of the contest, over half these couples have now departed. Krishnan and Lauren were the latest. Sob. Miss you, Jay.
And we’re off!
Cue Blackpool-themed montage as the townsfolk explain the importance of dancing to the resort – and celebrities tell us how much it means to make it here.
Charge glasses and don kiss-me-quick hats, we’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios…
Blackpool leaderboard means little
A quirk of the stats: Strictly history tells us that whoever tops the scoring in Blackpool rarely goes on to lift the glitterball trophy.
Kelvin Fletcher was joint top in the Tower Ballroom four years ago and went on to win but surprisingly, he’s the only one in the last decade. Just five minutes until sequin o’clock…
No sign of Alan Carr’s Numberwang this week. Instead we warm up with an EastEnders edition of The Weakest Link.
A pair of Strictly alumni were among the quizzers in Kellie “Linda” Bright and Brian “Rocky” Conley, although both have already been voted off.
Still doesn’t feel right with Romesh Ranganathan hosting instead of the winking queen of mean, Anne Robinson. Bank! Goodbye. Mere minutes to wait now…
Last weekend in summary
Layton Williams closed last week’s live show and topped the standings with his breathtaking Argentine tango - the fourth time he’s topped the leaderboard and second time he’d scored 39 points.
Angela Scanlon and Nigel Harman also recaptured their form and climbed into the top half. Down the bottom, Krishnan Guru-Murthy was cut adrift after his samba flopped and sent home after losing the dance-off to Angela Rippon.
Now we’ve refreshed our memories, it’s just 10 minutes until choreographic kick-off….
Sadly no return for Amy
Strictly professional Amy Dowden shared the “devastating” news this week that she’d fractured her foot in training. Now she’s completed her cancer treatment, the fan favourite had planned to return for this weekend’s group numbers but now can’t make her comeback after all.
Shame. Get well soon, Amy. We’re sure you’ll sparkle again soon. It’s just 15 minutes until sequin-spangled curtain comes up….
Strictly bingo: it's a seaside special
Tick them off when you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Seriously consider ordering an Uber to Blackpool to gatecrash the post-show festivities! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide:
Judges take part in curtain-raising group dance, including a run of spins from Twirly Shirley
Visual gag involving a plastic donkey or rubber seagull
Anton makes misty-eyed reference to his Blackpool samba with Ann Widdecombe
VT includes a screaming couple on the Big One rollercoaster
VTs includes a couple playing a dancing game in the seafront amusement arcades
VT includes a couple scoffing fish and chips on the seafront, which the camera crew blatantly finished for them
Tess and Claudia hint at the cast and crew hitting the town after the show
Retro clip of young Angela Rippon hosting Come Dancing in the 80s
Adorable/slightly sinister snap of a pro dancing at Blackpool in their younger days
After a dramatic pause, Craig awards a 10 and the studio audience go bananas
On your Tower Ballroom dance cards
Taking advantage of that famous sprung floor, tonight’s routines include a bouncy jive, quickstep and Charleston.
We’ll also see two American smooths , an Argentine tango and a Couple’s Choice. Twenty minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Why is the Tower Ballroom so special?
The mecca of ballroom dancing dates back to 1894. It’s a building steeped in history and Victorian splendour. It’s baroque in style with a high painted ceiling, dripping with crystal chandeliers. There are tiered balconies and intricately carved panelling from floor to ceiling.
The famous sprung dancefloor is 120ft x 102ft (37m x 31m), around nine times bigger than the Elstree Studios one - hence the backing dancers and extra production flourishes to fill the space. It’s 25 minutes until we get to see it…
Who might bow out in Blackpool?
After two consecutive weeks in the dance-off, Angela Rippon is odds-on favourite to leave this weekend - with Annabel Croft as the bookies’ tip to join her in the dance-off.
The pressure could also be on Angela Scanlon and Bobby Brazier to deliver tonight. Half an hour until the Tower Ballroom’s doors are flung open…
Oh we do like to dance beside the seaside
Who will illuminate the Blackpool dancefloor? Good evening and welcome to week nine of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your Pleasure Beach buddy for tonight’s live show from the Tower Ballroom. I’d love you to watch along with me as our magnificent seven surviving couples take to the fabled venue’s sprung dancefloor for routines with extra razzle-dazzle.
It’s showtime at 6.40pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.10pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and salty, vinegary asides. So grab yourself a chippy tea (it’s only right on Blackpool weekend) and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As ever, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is yours to enjoy. I’ll stroll down to the end of the pier whenever I can to see what you’re all saying.
How will former Come Dancing presenter Angela Rippon fare on her much-hyped return to Blackpool? Will Craig Revel Horwood dust off his 10 paddle for the first time this year? How incessantly will the B-word be mentioned? It’s nearly time to staaaaaart seaside dancing!
