It’s the big one next time
As always, thanks for watching along with me, sequin-spangled community. After a damp squib quarter-final due to Nigel Harman’s injury withdrawal, it was back to proper ballroom business and a high-quality weekend of hoofing.
A shame for Annabel Croft (and the gorgeous Jojo) but we have the right three finalists in my book.
Our twinkle-toed trio now dance into the gala grand final, tackling not one, not two, but three full routines apiece in their bid to get their hands on that gaudy glitterball trophy.
It airs next Saturday at 7pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to raise our proverbial paddles and toast our new Strictly champion. In the meantime, for the penultimate time this series: keeeeep dancing! Thank you and a glittery goodnight.
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Blimey O’Riley, it’s Kylie
Fancy more song, dance and slightly camp sparkle? TV viewers can now flip to ITV1 for An Audience with Kylie.
At 9pm, Suranne Jones drama Vigil returns to BBC1, the snappily titled Killing Sherlock: Lucy Worsley on the Case of Conan Doyle is on BBC2 or it’s the final of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! on ITV1. I know, I know.
Film-wise, my picks are Parenthood (9pm on Comedy Central), Oldboy (10pm on Sky Mix) or The Rocky Horror Picture Show (10pm on BBC2). Let’s do the Timewarp again. A bit like it’s Halloween week on Strictly.
And a couple of comments looking forward to next weekend’s grand final. Legumen says: “You know, I’m actually mad keen on Layton and Nikita. On very rare occasions, I’ve met people with whom I really click in a productive way so that we are/were more than the sum of our parts. I really get that vibe from those two. A real energy that’s lifting them both up. Good luck, guys!”
styletraveller adds: “Ellie must be the biggest favourite for the final. Layton won’t get the public votes and Bobby isn’t as good.”
On Bobby Brazier’s dance-off quickstep, bigflatfeet says: “Bobby really gave it some welly there. If he does go out, he did himself proud!”
Toesturnedin says of the judges’ decision: “This is tighter than my wallet.”
On the eliminated couple, davidargile says: “I do like this dance from Annabel and Johannes. It’s so John Lewis and just perfect. Look at Jojo’s face, he is so proud of her. Beautiful.”
Toeturnedin says: “You know I can’t quite remember there being a more upstanding gentleman on our TV screen as Johannes. To turn and give thanks to Annabel’s family was just so deeply respectful and kind. There are a very few people I’ve watched over the years and thought, ‘I’d like to shake their hand’. Peter Ustinov was one. Johannes is another. I know that might sound like a load of sentimental hogwash to some but it’s said with sincerity and I don’t care, lol. Amen.”
mcculloch29 says: “Oh Annabel, one little error. Going on what Craig said, she would have put Bobby out with a perfect dance.
Cracking speech from her too, and she held it together beautifully at the end.”
joanieloves adds: “They are winners in my eyes. Such a fantastic journey, amazing partnership and it’s been a pleasure watching them. Can JoJo win next year please?”
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That gratuitous dog in the festive group number has prompted some superb canine chat below the line. Lovely to see. It’s the ballroom meets Crufts crossover we never knew we needed. Strictly Come Barking, anyone?
On musical guests Take That, eiwrite says: “My signal cut out just as Take That started. Good thing, they’re sounding like Hall and Oates c.1987.”
Uglyduc says: “Top of the Pops vibes with Pan’s People! Loved that!”
MikeMoonlight says: “Ah, it’s the ever diminishing Take That. It’s possible that sometime in the future, the line up of Take That will be reduced to a hologram of Gary Barlow, Howard’s brain floating in a jar and a small pile of children’s clothes where Mark Owen used to be.”
IvanTiger says: “Bought some of Gary Barlow’s wine. It was loads better than Kylie’s.”
Sebnose adds: “Reminds me. I must do my tax return…”
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Readers’ verdicts
A rapidfire vox pop of your results show brainthoughts. On that show-opening group dance, Sebnose says: “Yes! The lamppost is back! DRINK!”
fihema says: “I did enjoy that opening number. Classic ‘White Christmas’ type mood, dog, Graziano in civvies, and Lauren showing what an amazing dancer she is. Luba dancing with Karen was a nice touch, too. Felt even more festive than my Christmas tree.”
MarkRoche adds: “An absolutely exquisite opening dance, topped by that gorgeous hound. I imagine my bloody lunatic dog causing complete carnage if he was on.”
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Sighs of relief for Bobby and Layton
As the only finalist to have survived two dance-offs, Bobby Brazier will be mopping his brow tonight. And, no doubt, his proud dad Jeff’s tears.
The youngest celebrity in the contest and a dance novice, he’s been a favourite of the judges, while many viewers have connected with his emotional back story and warmed to his sweet personality. Bobby went up a gear at exactly the right time, delivering two strong semi-final routines. A worthy finalist but it was touch and go there for a minute, especially when the judges were split.
There were also nervous flutters for Layton Williams. Last time the public vote was open, after all, he was consigned to the dance-off. Not even two 40s out of his three accumulated dances would have made him feel completely safe, so it’s lovely to see him deservedly make it through. The final will be higher quality and all-round better with Layton in it.
Jojo was a gentle joy
What a gorgeous couple they were. “Team Johannabel” formed probably this year’s most endearing partnership. As she said in her farewell speech, he helped her dance through her grief after losing her husband Mel Coleman, a huge Strictly fan, in May - just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, leaving her and their three children bereft.
Much-loved South African pro Johannes Radebe was the perfect partner. He looked after her, tenderly wiping away her tears and helping bring love back into her broken heart. He steered her perfectly through the contest until they became dark horses for the final. Their close, mutually supportive bond was a delight to witness.
He’ll be disappointed to have missed out on his second final in three years (he finished runner-up with John Whaite in 2021) but he wouldn’t have expected to get this far, so will be delighted they did. Johannes has cemented his status as one of Strictly’s most-loved pros. A dream partner for men and women alike. What a total dude.
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Glitterball game, set and match for Annabel
“You’re what Strictly is all about” has become a hoary old cliché but in the case of tennis player-turned-presenter Annabel Croft, it was completely apt. The 57-year-old began the contest as a newly widowed wallflower and blossomed into a swan. Strictly, she said, had given her a new lease of life.
Under the wonderful tutelage of Johannes Radebe, she went from scoring a four in week two to notching a perfect 10 two months later. Improving steadily and training hard like a true sporting competitor - remember that adorable footage of her dancing solo in her slippers as she cooked her children’s dinner? - Annabel became a beautiful ballroom dancer and surprised us in Latin at times too. She had exquisite arms, natural elegance and judge Anton Du Beke repeatedly hailed her as having “the best topline in the contest”.
Her highlights were that emotive contemporary Couple’s Choice, her magical American smooth in Blackpool and her Wicked foxtrot in Musicals Week. Johannes described her as “a Ferrari”, which became Annabel’s nickname among her friends.
As November turned into December, Annabel was beginning to look like a potential finalist. It felt like the nation was rooting for her. Craig Revel Horwood reminded her that she was the only non-actor in the final five, so did brilliantly well to hold her own among experienced performers.
She can count herself unlucky that her semi-final dances, the salsa and the Viennese waltz, lacked wow factor and showmanship compared to the other couples. She found herself getting eights as her rivals clocked up nines and 10s. Public support wasn’t quite enough to lift her off the bottom of the scoreboard and she was always up against in the dance-off - although she did well to run Bobby Brazier so close in the end. Annabel leaves the contest having exceeded all expectations, with a friend for life in Jojo and many admirers nationwide. Bravo and all our best wishes.
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Annabel and Jojo’s last dance
As the departing duo take one last turn around the ballroom to That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick, the credits roll and their castmates gather around for damp-eyed hugs. Please stay with us for analysis and reaction.
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Annabel Croft continues: “It’s been the most incredible rollercoaster ride.I have had every single emotion you can imagine. I really want to thank Strictly for letting me take part. I see this as a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle and I wish everyone in the public could see what goes on behind the scenes because it’s quite extraordinary, the machinery that makes the show what it is. The most wholesome family entertainment show with so much glitz and glamour. Thank you again, Johannes, for the most special time I have had with you.”
Bobby Brazier is in tears too, bless him.
Jojo makes us boo-hoo
His chin wobbling with emotion, Annabel’s pro partner Johannes Radebe returns the compliment: “I would like to say thank you. Thank you for making the decision to come here. Thank you to Strictly Come Dancing for sending her my way. My life is richer with you in it. I hope we dance long after this has ended. You know my heart and I just want to tell you thank you Annabel. Thank you Lily, thank you Amber, thank you Charlie.”
Just me or have you got something in your eye?
Annabel says her farewells
In her exit interview, Annabel Croft tells Tess: “Honestly, it’s been the most life-changing and magical experience of my life. Johannes, you have been absolutely extraordinary. You have given me a reason to get out of bed and come and dance with you, distract me and to heal me. I can’t thank you enough for that. You have been so patient, so caring and so loving. You are an unbelievably special human being. I simply adore you. Thank you so much.” Lovely words, well said.
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Annabel Croft is eliminated
So it’s sad but official. Annabel becomes this year’s 12th celebrity to depart the dancefloor. Which means Bobby and Dianne are our third finalists.
Shirley Ballas choose to save…
Bobby and Dianne, saying “Both couples lifted their performance but again, one tiny mistake coming out of a pivot turn”.
Shirley gets the casting vote
For the first time this series - they certainly saved up the tension for the last results show - head judge Shirley has the deciding vote. Drama!
Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Bobby and Dianne, saying “ It was a very close run thing but because coming out of a pivoting section wasn’t as clean as I would have liked”. Two-one to Bobby. Tense.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Bobby and Dianne, saying “This was a really tough one and I stood there for a few seconds making my decision but one dance had a slight hesitation at a turn”. So it’s one-all so far.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Ooh. Annabel and Johannes, saying “One dance was flashy, one dance was quiet but both couples have equalised completely. I saw improvement in one couple who I think had the most exquisite technique”.
Verdict time
It’s not a five-point difference but Bobby just shaded that for me, especially on the razzle-dazzle scale. However, let’s hear from the famous foursome who will decide on our last finalist.
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Annabel takes her turn
Annabel Croft and her dance partner Johannes Radebe have another go at Viennese Waltz to Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by Slow Moving Millie. The judges said last night it was “thoroughly beautiful, gentle and serene, vulnerable in a way that shows strength, with lovely natural turns and dreamy pivots”.
They awarded it 33 points - a little undermarked to my mind but five points fewer than Bobby’s quickstep. Can Annabel raise the quality and close the gap?
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Bobby goes first in dance-off
First up, Bobby Brazier and his pro partner Dianne Buswell reprise their quickstep to Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin. It opened the show last night and the judges said it “swept across the floor beautifully with smooth transitions”.
Shirley stripped Anton of his King Of Ballroom title and bestowed it on Bobby. He scored a personal best of 38 points, five more than Angela’s Viennese, so he just needs to maintain that level and avoid dance dis-ah-sters.
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Up in the Clauditorium, a jubilant Layton professes to be shookTM. It’s Nikita’s first time in the final and with an airpunch, he says it’s a dream come true. Layton is grateful for their friendship and says he feels like he’s found a brother. Aww. Well done them.
Layton is a Strictly finalist
For all the griping and sniping about his prior dance experience, he fully deserves it. Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin are the highest scorers in the contest and have topped the leaderboard in seven weeks out of 12. After the frankly vile trolling Layton’s been subjected to, I hope he takes comfort from knowing that justice has been done.
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Annabel in the dance-off for the first time
I suppose that’s no big surprise, as she was bottom of the scoreboard by some distance - nine points across three dances. Viewer votes haven’t come to her rescue, meaning Annabel will dance for survival against Bobby. And it’s the highest stakes dance-off of the lot. No pressure, babes.
Here we go, crunch time again
That pesky crimson spotlight is back to reveal who’ll face Bobby in the dreaded dance-off.
Claudia tees up a montage of judgely highlights. Props! Hair! Critiques! Tens! Nines from Craig, obv!
The judges pick their standout moments of the series. Craig opts for Angela Rippon’s levitating leg. Shirley goes for Krishnan Guru-Murthy’s cha cha cha. Motsi picks her sparky exchanges with Craig. Anton goes for the return to Blackpool and Angela Scanlon’s Argentine tango.
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Motsi Mabuse looking particularly fabulous. Also wearing a silver chain necklace so big, you could lock your bike up with it.
Dance debrief
For the last time this year, the judges perch on Claudia’s banquette of badinage for a closer look at last night’s routines. And a brief Tina Turner karaoke singalong.
Not sure about Mark’s moustache. A bit Joe Exotic stroke 1970s school caretaker.
Mark Owen and Howard Donald venture into the audience. A rare chance to see Anton dad-dancing.
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Scream! It’s Take That
A musical interlude now from Take That, performing new single This Life. Nothing to do with the seminal 90s lawyer houseshare drama, sadly.
Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas provide the twinkle-toed accompaniment. Which is all very nice but I’d love to have seen Miles and Anna, Egg and Milly, or Warren and Ferdy on the dancefloor.
This song is the title track from their chart-topping new album and the follow-up to previous single Windows. Nothing to do with the seminal Microsoft operating system.
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In the Clauditorium, Ellie and Vito are sweetly delighted and slightly shell-shocked to be finalist. Vito is tearful and “under the moon”.
Ellie explains how Strictly has been life-changing for her, boosted her confidence and she’s learned a lot about herself. She thanks Vito. He hugs her and for once is lost for words.
Bobby is in the dance-off
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell must perform again for their place in the final. He survived the dance-off three weeks ago against Angela Rippon. Can he do it again? They’ll be dancing their show-opening, 38-point quickstep.
Ellie is the first finalist
Ellie Leach and her dance partner Vito Coppola are going all the way. They’re the most consistent couple in the contest, the second highest scorers and bookies’ favourites for the title, so the right result.
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Red light of doom for the last time
The scarlet spotlight is having one last hurrah. It’s time to find out who’s a Strictly finalist and who must dance again for their spot.
Semi-final action recapped
Last night’s highlights are rewound on-screen. Bobby’s jazzy quickstep! Layton’s wafty rumba! Annabel’s spicy salsa! Ellie’s cheeky cha cha! Bobby’s powerful paso! Layton’s wow-inducing Charleston! Annabel’s elegant Viennese! Ellie’s poptastic but mildly disappointing Couple’s Choice!
That’s enough exclamation marks! Or is it?! Yes it is!
Frockwatch
Here are our co-hosts, so time for the regular stylistic smackdown. Both in white. Tess Daly is in a wrap top. Claudia Winkleman in white tuxedo with black-trimmed shirt beneath. Claudia wins.
And a lovely waggy labrador. The dream.
Snow falls. Or is it Anton’s dandruff?
O come all ye festive dances
As usual, we kick off with a group number from the Strictly professionals and this one’s a Christmassy romance, set to When I Fall In Love by Nat King Cole.
Love is in the air as Lauren Oakley decorates her Christmas tree but it’s bittersweet because she’s alone. She sees couples in the park, meets mystery man Graziano Di Prima, closes her eyes, dances with him and falls in love.
It’s American smooth in style with swooning lifts. A real couple’s number with dreamy partnering all over the floor. A romcom-style routine, full of winter magic. Feeling seasonally soppy yet?
And we’re off!
Cue ba-ba-daa theme tune and roll clap-along credits. This is the penultimate time we’ll see these sort-of-famous faces, familiar moves and cheesy grins this year. Sob.
Turn on the tree lights, crack open the Quality Street early and take your sofa seats. We’re about to go back to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Dance off is down to the couples
Because they performed two routines apiece last night, the dance-off pairs can choose their favourite to reprise for the eliminator.
It should be a fairly easy decision for Bobby and Layton, who scored three and four more points respectively for one dance than the other. For Ellie and Annabel, there was only one point in it, so it might be a tougher call.
Just five minutes until sequin-spangled clapperboard comes down…
Concluding episode of Planet Earth III just drawing to a close on BBC1 right now. This one is dedicated to the conservation heroes fighting to save the world’s wildlife.
Good luck, Sir David Attenborough, the scores are in. And it’s four 10s. Just 10 minutes until we go from frogs to foxtrots, from rhinos to rumbas…
Another week, another maximum for Layton
For the second week running, Layton Williams tempted Craig Revel Horwood’s 10 paddle out from hibernation and notched a perfect score for his blockbusting Singin’ In The Rain routine - hailed as the best Charleston ever seen on Strictly.
With last week’s 40-point paso doble carried over and his rumba notching all the nines, it meant an impressive accumulated score of 116 points out of 120. Surely that’s finalist form?
It’s 15 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning again…
Our Canadian correspondent writes
Another missive last night from Iain in Montreal, who wrote: “You’ve got ‘Claudia deliberately prompts one of Vito’s epic rambles about animals or obscure steps’ on your Strictly semi-final bingo card. Sadly, these are not in the clips that the BBC posts online for viewing outside the UK. I’ve seen clips from It Takes Two that give me an idea what an epic Vito ramble might be like. They seem quite endearing. I’m sorry to be missing them.
“On the other hand, I’m quite on board with ‘Anton making noises instead of commenting staying on the cutting-room floor.”
Us too, Iain, us too. Just 15 minutes to wait now
Take that and dance party
Tonight’s musical guests are five-piece boyband turned three-piece manband Take That. Wonder if there’ll be jelly and bare bottoms involved, like the infamous Do What You Like video?
On that enduring image, it’s 25 minutes until showtime…
Annabel and Bobby in dance-off danger
They’re the bottom two on the four-couple scoreboard, sp Annabel Croft and Bobby Brazier will be praying for salvation in the public vote.
Ellie Leach in the dance-off would be a major shock, while Layton Williams surely merits a final spot after that show-stopping Charleston, which means he’s now scored the only two perfect 40s of the series.
But could we see one last dance-off shocker? It’s half an hour until sequin o’clock…
Who’ll fall agonisingly short of the grand glitterball final?
It’s the last results show of the series and nobody wants to miss out on the big finale. Sadly someone has to. It’s a cruel world, this ballroom and Latin lark.
Good evening and welcome to the week 12 results show of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner. Please watch along with me as we find out who’s waltzing through to the fil and who’s doomed to ace the dreaded dance-off.
Last night, our four surviving pro-celebrity pairs tackled two full routines for the first time in their bid to make it to the showpiece final. Their scores from last week’s non-elimination weekend were also carried over. Layton Williams topped the standings after notching another perfect 40, with Ellie Leach just behind. Bobby Brazier was third and Annabel Croft was left propping up the rest,. But will voting viewers agree?
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and mild-to-medium snark. So snuggle down on this rainy Sunday night and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me at michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for glitter-dusted chat. I’ll samba-bounce down there whenever possible to see what you’re saying and report it up top.
It’s the most important results show of the series and someone’s heart is about to be broken. Nearly time to staaaaaart dancing into the final!
Thank you and goodnight
That concludes Saturday’s liveblog but please feel free to continue the ballroom badinage in the comments section. Meet you back here tomorrow for this year’s last results show. Where did the time go, my brilliant friends? It airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1, with musical guests Take That. Scream!
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. Hopefully see you tomorrow but in the meantime, as if you need telling: keeeep dancing! Take care.
Cher! Shirley! Bridget Jones!
TV viewers can now flip to Cher Meets Rylan on BBC2, The Great White Christmas of ’81 on Channel 5, Hidden Assets on BBC4 or Bad Host: Hunting the Couchsurfing Predator on Sky Documentaries.
Film-wise, tonight’s picks are Traffic (9.40pm on Dave), The Warriors (9.55pm on MTV) or Bridget Jones’ Diary (10.25pm on Channel 5).
And a bonus radio tip for Sunday morning. At 11.15am on Radio 4 tomorrow, Lauren Laverne’s castaway on Desert Island Discs is no less than Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas. Tune in for dance chat, festive reflections and showtunes.
Will Annabel be saved by viewer votes?
What did we think of the semi-final overall? Lots of high-standard dancing, especially from Layton Williams. High emotion as well.
Bobby Brazier seemed to be peaking at the right time, while Annabel Croft’s race looked run. But as always, the public vote could change all that. It promises to be a fascinating results show tomorrow.
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And finally, some of your comments on Ellie Leach.
IvanTiger says: “Well executed but more exercise class than dancing. What a waste of Ellie’s talents.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Strangely, that was the least entertaining of Ellie’s dances for me, felt a bit sixth form show. Still voting for her for the win though.”
VelvetinaB says: “Very dramatic and pretty polished by Ellie (great synchronicity), but I never like these Couple’s Choices as much as the other dances. She’s still my favourite and I love how her confidence has grown.”
Strictlylounging adds: “Don’t hate me but I kind of expected more from that CC. Felt like a lot of posing in various shapes to me. Great lift though!”
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On Annabel Croft, Rufusonly says: “Annabel played second fiddle to Johannes for the opening of that samba and there was some lack of bounce but really this is the essence of Strictly. She’s such a beautiful woman in all respects. And by the way, Anton too often lapses into the incomprehensible buffoon.
Owbeck says: “Felt Annabel didn’t quite let go in that samba. She seemed very nervous too. She’s gonna need some votes and then some more. Think she might just pip Bobby due to being ‘what this show is about’.”
defontherocks says: “Splits! Come on, judges. You loved them when Angela Rippon did them.”
SparklingDormouse adds: “Lovely movement from Annabel. Enjoyable & calm & classy. Hideous asymmetrical dress & distracting sleeve. Surprised Tess hasn’t nicked it off her!”
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Some thoughts from readers on Layton Williams.
Rufusonly says: “Layton’s opening dance was a definite rumba and not a showdance. He might have lacked hip action but the balance of the dance was extraordinary. They looked a couple here and Layton was in the moment… I’m warming to Layton. I look forward to his routines. I’ve never seen a dance as good as that Charleston in any year of Strictly. It was astonishing. It’s not a standard someone just setting out in the competition could ever attain. He’s a special dancer, one of the country’s best. I don’t think he’ll win but he’ll make the final special.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Maybe the rumba should be retired from Strictly, it tends to be a bit ‘meh’ - think the Charleston will be more up Layton’s street.”
fihema adds: “Well that was a whole lot of fun. For once a different register for Layton and it really showed he CAN dance. Not just do show dances. Brilliant fun. Made me smile.”
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Readers’ verdicts
Here’s a round-up of your comments. On Bobby Brazier, YodaknowsAll says: “Bobby, that quickstep was quite frankly brilliant. Light, bright and gorgeous.”
Fleur01 says “Dianne’s frock is fab. Ten from me.”
Wordiplyer says: “Dianne is brilliant when it comes to partnering the quickstep. She and Joe did a fantastic one to ‘Dancing Fool’ a couple of years ago in Blackpool. He got one of his best scores for that also.”
EastofStratford says: “Evening all. Enjoying tonight’s show. I particularly liked the way Bobbie used the “smell under the nose” acting technique of Joey from Friends, very effective.”
Rufusonly says: “Bobby’s just danced himself into the final. The contrast with his previous dance was marked. If it’s about the journey then Bobby has served his apprenticeship. He deserves that final spot.
Owbeck says: “Well, Bobby is pulling out all the stops, that’s for sure. I might have been premature in heralding his demise
Pancake01 adds: “Ooh I liked that from Bobby. I thought he could have been sharper in places, but I loved his outfit, his confidence and good capeology. Well done!”
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Annabel in dance-off danger
Annabel Croft seems to have reached her limit and will be expecting that dreaded red light of doom tomorrow but who could she face? One of the boys, I expect. Bobby Brazier or (unjustly) Layton Williams.
The Golden Glitterballs: semi-final edition
It’s the penultimate round of envelope-opening this series. Here are this week’s gong-getters…
Best dance: Layton’s Charleston by some distance. Silver medal to Bobby’s quickstep.
Worst dance: Annabel’s salsa, I’m afraid.
Best music choice: Mack The Knife worked perfectly for Bobby’s quickstep. Sometimes the old’uns are the best.
Worst music choice: Run Boy Run by Woodkid for Bobby’s paso. Too ubiquitous. Layton’s Rihanna rumba was a little dull too.
Best outfit: Dianne’s green velvet quickstep frock.
Worst outfit: Annabel’s yellow salsa frock was a crime against fashion. I didn’t love Layton’s wafty school uniform for his rumba either.
Best judges’ comment: Shirley stripping Anton of his King Of Ballroom title. Anton’s “fluffer” faux-pas to Ellie was awkz.
Worst VT: The messages from friends and family got a tad repetitive and felt like they should’ve been saved for the final.
Best Claudia quip: Her scene-setting for Vernon’s handover to Tess and the usual Vito ramble-prompting.
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Credits roll
As Tess and Claud get in their traditional clinch and tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!”, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Voting is… wait for it… open!
The public vote is announced and the now traditional chaotic prop-fest erupts in the ballroom. A recap of tonight’s eight routines on-screen now.
That leaderboard in full
Remember that last week’s scores have been carried over and added to this week’s two dances. Here’s how they stand:
Layton and Nikita - 40 + 36 + 40 = 116 points
Ellie and Vito - 36 + 37 + 38 = 111 points
Bobby and Dianne - 34 + 38 + 35 = 107 points
Annabel and Johannes - 33 + 32 + 33 = 98 points
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Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. Second on the combined leaderboard behind Layton.
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Judges’ comments for Ellie and Vito: Motsi says “you’ve gone from girl to woman, you owned it and you own yourself, transition went sideways but brilliant”. Shirley says “it’s hard to keep up with Vito but you did just that, you’re a worthy finalist”. Anton says “wham, quite the finish, you’ve become a versatile dancer, clean timing, execution and commitment right on point, I’m a huge fan”. Craig concludes “some timing discrepancies in the side-by-side but we’ve seen a different side to you, feisty, grounded, fantastic shapes, amazing”. Nines and maybe a 10 or two?
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Ellie and Vito’s Couple’s Choice
They’re the last pair this series to do a Couple’s Choice. Ellie’s a big Dua Lipa fan so is relishing this medley of contemporary bangers. She’s looking like a pop star herself in a red sparkly catsuit. Canes and a chair prop. Fast, slick, sassy and fun with so much going on. Commercial style and a full-on performance. Floor work and changes of gear. Spectacular spinning lift that’s more Dancing On Ice than Strictly. Wow.
Song: Dua Lipa Medley. This mash-up of hits by the English-Albanian disco-pop diva includes Blow Your Mind (Mwah), Physical and Levitating. Fun Dua Lipa facts: despite being a Londoner, she’s a Liverpool FC fan and has embraced the nickname “Dula Peep” after a US talkshow host mispronounced her name five years ago.
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Johannes gets adorably emotional and calls Annabel “a beautiful swan’, paying tribute to her resilience and tells her “you have won my heart”. No, you’re crying. Tess is emosh too. Jojo is our king.
Judges’ scores: 8 (boo!), 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Bottom of the combined leaderboard. I fear she’s reached her ceiling.
Judges’ comments for Annabel and Jojo: Craig says “thoroughly beautiful, you came out and fought, amazing”. Motsi says “gentle, vulnerable in a way that shows strength, I connect with you, be proud of yourself”. Shirley says “you went into the zone like a true competitor, loved your natural turns and fleckerl, serene and lovely”. Anton concludes “I wish I was doing it wit you, gorgeous line and pivots, dreamy mood”. Nines all round?
Annabel and Jojo’s Viennese waltz
Annabel is back in Jojo’s arms, where she feels safe. After last week’s wobble in her normally reliable topline, she needs to get her posture and frame back. Drive forward with her heel but not tense up in shoulders. She’s in a feathered pale pink frock. Gorgeous mood. Soft and fluid, moving as one across the floor. Fast spins and pivots. Grace and poise. Confetti falls to finish.. Just lovely but I fear Annabel is the weakest dancer tonight, not done any favours by her two dance styles lacking wow factor.
Song: Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want by Slow Moving Millie. The Smiths’ 1984 song appeared on the Pretty In Pink soundtrack and has also been covered by Dream Academy. This version soundtracked the John Lewis ad for Christmas 2011 - the one called “The Long Wait” where the little boy impatiently counts down the days to Christmas but not to open his own gifts - so he can give his parents a present. Aww/bleurgh (delete according to schmaltz tolerance levels).
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Lump-in-throat moment as Nikita pays tribute to Layton. They have a truly lovely bond.
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Judges’ scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. For the second week running. He can’t be overtaken on the combined leaderboard.
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Judges’ comments for Layton and Nikita: Anton says “wow, the best thing you’ve ever done”. Craig gives a standing ovation and says “best Charleston I’ve seen in 20 years, darling”. Motsi says “you’re at an unsurpassed level”. Shirley concludes “dancer extraordinaire, I’m in the company of dance royalty”. I suspect we’re about to see our second perfect 40 of the series.
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Layton and Nikita’s Charleston
“Charleston is going to be Layton’s thing,” predicted Craig last week. I suspect so too but let’s see. Dancing to a Gene Kelly number, he has big shoes to fill. Matching checked suits for vaudeville vibes. Layton’s cheeky chappie side is coming out to play. After criticism for previous dances, they’ve been working hard on synchronisation in the side-by-side sections. Stepladder-ography to start and brollies. Flapping, flipping, twirling and cartwheeling. It’s full-on, fast and fun with plenty of lifts and tricks. fiddle props. A showstopper which suits his theatricality. Goofy, kooky, amazing run of cartwheel lifts. A blockbuster. Bravo.
Song: Fit As A Fiddle (And Ready for Love) by Gene Kelly & Donald O’Connor. Written in 1932, this vaudevillian classic found fame 20 years later when it appeared on the Singin’ In The Rain soundtrack. Simon Rimmer and Karen Hauer performed a Charleston to it six series ago.
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Judges’ scores: 8 (boo!), 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points.
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Judges’ comments for Bobby and Dianne: Shirley says “I can’t cope, proud and grand, right attitude, kept the atmosphere going, just missing a breath in the body”. Anton says “loved the drag, reminded me of dragging Craig n the tour, stayed in the moment, needed more sideways stretch but terrific”. Craig says “too square and lacked shaping but you’ve worked hard on your hands, strength and intent, plain to see your improvement”. Motsi concludes “peaked at the right time, convincing and committed, you deserve a space in the final”. Nines ahoy? He could be dancing his way into the final here.
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Bobby and Dianne’s paso doble
Two very contrasting dances for them. The mood could hardly be more different to their quickstep. Time to lose Ballroom Bobby and let serious bullfighter Bobby take over. He’s this year’s youngest contestant but this is a mature dance style, so be needs to dig deep and deliver. Bags of drama, frowny faces and CGI forest setting. He’s been working hard on finessing his arm. Cape work, knee walk and curved shapes. A slight lack of resistance and Spanish line, getting a tad stompy, but lovely tango section. He drags her across the floor for a killer finish.
Song: Run Boy Run by Woodkid. This 2013 chamber pop hit by French artist Yoann Lemoine has become something of a fixture on ad soundtracks and film trailers. Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer danced a paso to it four series ago.
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Midway mark now. Costume changes coming up. On-screen, I mean, I’m not demanding a sofa outfit change.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 9 for a total of 37 points. Second on the night and second overall. Claudia tees up Vito for a textbook ramble about tarantella and mozzarella. Drink!
Judges’ comments for Ellie and Vito: Motsi says “difficult content and basics, neat and tidy, quick on the feet, you deserve that place in the final”. Shirley says “beautiful energy and personality towards your partner, unique leg actions, one hiccup in a lift, otherwise leg action to die for”. Anton says “smooth technique enabled an elevated performance, made it look easy, great job”. Craig concludes “a bit too polite, wanted more attack and cheek, but clean, fantastic footwork, out-of-this world choreography”. Nines? Maybe a 10 or two?
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Ellie and Vito’s cha cha cha
Ellie has called the notoriously tricky technique of the Cuban carnival dance “cha-cha-challenging”. Remember Motsi’s instructions in last week’s Dance Debrief? She wants to see a strong core, straight leg and natural hip action. “It’s really simple,” she concluded. Yeah, right. A full-on routine with foot swivels, hip action, straight leg. Ellie is remarkably consistent. She hasn’t scored below 35 since week 4 and there’s only half a point’s difference between her Latin and ballroom averages (34.2 compared to 34.75 points). This is another ripper. Sassy and spicy. She’s rasing the performance value, which Craig wanted to see. Fast feet, lovely shapes, some tricks ad spinning lifts. Lots of solo work in the middle. Hip wiggles. Skirt swishes. Body ripples. Packed with content and stayed in character at the end. Wallop.
Song: Mambo Italiano by by Bette Midler. Originally a 1954 novelty hit for Rosemary “aunt of George” Clooney, this mambo pastiche has also been covered by Dean Martin and Lady Gaga. It appeared on the soundtrack to crime comedies Married To The Mob and Mickey Blue Eyes. Forgetaboutit.
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Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Lowest score so far tonight. Dance-off danger? Jojo is tearful and says Annabel is his mum’s age. “Can you imagine me asking my mother to backflip into my arms?”
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Judges’ comments for Annabel and Jojo: Goes down a storm in the studio. What do I know? Craig says “lacked fluidity, spiky and leg placement went awry but you threw yourself entirely into it and should be commended”. Motsi says “perfect is boring, we saw joy and love, you’ve gone from novice to putting that on the floor”. Shirley says “you work so hard, energy much better, you’re what the show’s about, bum spin went wrong but recovered well”. Anton concludes with a series of noises. Nines a-coming?
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Annabel and Jojo’s salsa
Ballroom is Annabel Croft’s strength but she surprised us with her samba four weeks ago. Can she let herself go and embrace the Latin party spirit again? It needs to look spontaneous, free and fun. Flouncy feathery opening. Lots of hip action, lifts and tricks. Drops and spins. Spectacular splits. Lovely partnering, as you’d expect from these two but too disco and lacking bounce for me.
Song: You’ll Be Mine (Party Time) by Gloria Estefan. The queen of Latin pop performed her 1996 hit at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Stevie Wonder three years after its initial release and enjoyed a new lease of life commercially. It’s been used twice before for Strictly salsas - in series seven by Natalie Cassidy and series 10 by Fern Britton. The latter was eliminated afterwards. Let’s hope that’s not an omen.
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Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Highest scoring rumba of the series.
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Judges’ comments for Layton and Nikita: Anton says “accomplished, great musicality and mood but a little hard and too much attack”. Craig says “missing rumba hip action, too punchy but upper body great, intense, superb emotion”. Motsi says “love the control, very few people can handle that, well done, you softened and reacted”. Shirley concludes “beautiful musical elements and fluidity but one or two footwork issues”. Nines a-hoy and maybe an 8 from Craig?
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Layton and Nikita’s rumba
They’re dancing their quickest and slowest dances of the series tonight. Huge contrast in pace. First up it’s a romantic and sensuous rumba - usually tricky for celebrity males but Layton is the king of Latin. He needs to settle into his hips and nail that undulating, earthy action. Contemporary feel to start but smouldering and passionate. Lots of rumba walks and balance tricks. It’s like a love letter to their partnership. Is it rumba-ish enough? Lacks continuous motion, a bit stop-start for me. Awkward at times but lovely mood.
Song: Lift Me Up by Rihanna. This R&B ballad by the by Barbadian megastar was the lead single from the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It acted as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and was Oscar-nominated for Best Song.
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Mr Tess on the Ts & Cs
Up in the Clauditorium, Vernon Kay is this week’s VIP guest, reading out the voting smallprint. Wonder if they shared a minicab? He’s tall. And did brilliant work for Children In Need recently. He romantically hands back to Tess.
Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. His highest score and the top quickstep of the series.
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Judges’ comments for Bobby and Dianne: Shirley says “I strip Anton of his King Of Ballroom title and give it to Bobby, you had the frame, no gapping, beautiful partnering, shifted across the floor”. Anton says “it took me years to get that title and you got it in five minutes, I got a bit emotional watching that, you’ve come so far, swept across the flor, transitions smooth, proud of you”. Craig says “lacked swing and sway, banana hands but amazing improvement, brilliant”. Motsi concludes “clear intentions, one of your best ballroom dances”. Two 10s and two nines?
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Bobby and Dianne’s quickstep
It’s pro Dianne Buswell’s favourite dance and Bobby Brazier has been excited to don a tailsuit for the first time. Their height difference could make it a challenge to maintain a strong frame but on the upside, he should be able to drive across the floor with those long legs. Jazzy, old Hollywood feel. Elegant but lively with ease of movement. Nicely controlled and the traditional music helps but footwork hesitant mid-routine. Swivel for the Charleston section. Wacky finish. Rather fabulous.
Song: Mack The Knife by Bobby Darin. This swing version of the 1928 Kurt Weill standard was a number one hit for Darin on both sides of the Atlantic in 1959 and earned him two Grammys. He recorded it in three takes and it includes not one but five key changes. Frank Sinatra himself called it “the definitive” version. Sorry, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Ole Blue Eyes has spoken.
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Everyone seems to have buttons and sleeves missing tonight. Pesky moths.
Our Strictly stars™
After a reminder of the carried-over scores from last week, we get our first sight of the four semi-finalists. Bobby Brazier in a tailsuit. Annabel Croft has come dressed as Big Bird.
By jove, it’s the judges
A rare chance to see their legs as we welcome the paddle-raising panel. Motsi Mabuse is metallic sparkles. Shirley Ballas in bright pink to match Tess. Twinning is winning.
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Frockwatch
Here come our presenting duo, so time for the regular frockular face-off. Tess Daly is hot pink one-shouldered gown with capey sleeve thinh. Claudia Winkleman is in a black mini-dress with white stilletoes. Claud wins.
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Cue clap-along credits
Jody! Eddie! The other Nikita! Other people we’d kinda forgotten existed!
And we’re off!
Cue ye olde traditional VT to crank up the tension.
Last chance for a nervous semi-final loo trip. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios…
What the what? Who the who now? Pick the bones out of that, The Guardian’s Martin Belam.
Could charm of Charleston see Layton through?
The Charleston is a fan favourite and, when done well, tends to score highly. In fact, three of the last five Strictly glitterball champions have performed it in their semi-finals: Hamza Yassin, Bill Bailey and Stacey Dooley.
A promising sign for Layton Williams, perhaps? Five minutes until sequin o’clock…
Lauren’s a record breaker
News this week that Lauren Oakley, who partnered Krishnan Guru- Murphy this year, won the annual Pro Challenge and earned herself a Guinness World Record in the process.
She successfully performed 15 pendulum steps in 30 seconds, pipping Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Carlos Gu and Nadiya Byvhkova, who all managed 14. Krishnan was sweetly proud of her on social media. Congrats, Lozza..
The Giggle, the third and final Doctor Who 60th anniversary special, on BBC1 right now. Already a twisty-turny, timey-wimey, wibbly-wobbly thing.
Does Russell T Davies still have more surprises up his sleeve? Mere minutes to wait now…
After the snappy hour-long live shows of the past fortnight, double dancing means a longer show tonight. It weighs in at 85 minutes, finishing on the stroke of 9pm.
Ten minutes until the choreographic clapperboard comes down…
Last weekend rewound
A swift reminder of last week’s quarter-final action. After Nigel Harman’s late withdrawal with an injured rib, we were told there’d be no public vote, dance-off nor elimination but scores would instead be carried forward.
Layton Williams proceeded to top the standings when his Moulin Rouge paso doble scored the first perfect 40 of the series. He was followed by Ellie Leach’s Disney quickstep with all the nines.
Bobby Brazier was in third after not quite nailing “that” lift in his Dirty Dancing salsa, with Annabel Croft bottom after her Wicked foxtrot wobbled. Now we’ve done our revision, not long until the glitterball starts spinning….
Let’s play Strictly semi-final bingo
Tick them off when you spot them on screen! Take a drink for each! End up stoving into the Christmas Bailey’s early! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight’s proceedings…
Claudia deliberately prompts one of Vito’s epic rambles about animals or obscure steps
Craig is roundly booed for raising his “nine” paddle
Johannes weeps with pride about Annabel
Shirley Ballas shushes the studio audience heckling her about a technicality-focuses critique
Dianne refers to Bobby as her “little brother”, just to reassure us there’s no funny business
Tess Daly’s frock has some kind of superfluous asymmetry or strange neck detail
Anton De Beke says he would’ve liked to have danced that quickstep or Viennese
The glitterball trophy is in the studio and greeted with audience “oohs”
Motsi tells Craig he’s wrong with such charm that he can’t help laughing
Tess tells a couple “they’re on their feet!”
On your dance cards tonight
We’ll see a lovely mix of Latin, ballroom and freestyle tonight. Ballroom devotees will be treated to a Viennese waltz and a quickstep. For Latin lovers, there’s a salsa, a cha-cha-cha, a rumba and a paso doble. Freestyle fans should enjoy Layton’s Charleston and Ellie’s Couple’s Choice.
Appetites whetted? Not long now until ballroom blast-off…
Twice the twinkle-toed workload
In the rehearsal rooms this week, our couples have been dividing their time between two dances. Some have been training for one on the mornings, then other in the afternoons. Others have mixed it up and done entire days practice on each. Wonder if anyone solved this time management challenge with spreadsheets or highlighter pens?
It’s going to be a test of stamina, as well as skill. Twenty minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Who’s at risk of semi-final heartbreak?
Bookies say Bobby Brazier is favourite to bid farewell, with Annabel Croft just behind. According to the betting, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams seem relatively safe. Barring dance dis-ah-sters or public vote shockers, they should be quietly confident of a place in the final.
Do you agree? It’s all to dance for and 23 minutes until glittery go-time…
Get ready for some sums
Dust off that GCSE and root out that solar-powered Casio calculator because we’ll be doing some maths tonight. The couples will accumulate scores from three dances.
Last week’s scores will be carried over and added to week’s two routines. That total score will be combined with the reopened viewer vote, the bottom two will dance-off and one couple will miss out on the final.
Clear us mud? Thought so. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you abreast of the numbers. It’s 25 minutes until the sparkly curtain comes up…
A place in the grand glitterball final is up for grabs
No pressure, everyone, but it’s do-or-dance time. Good evening and welcome to the semi-final weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner. I’d love you to watch along with me as our four remaining couples bid to make it through to this year’s showpiece final.
Unlike last weekend, there’s been no injury dropout drama, so we’re good to go. For the first time, our pro-celebrity pairs tackle two full routines apiece, so it’s been quite the week in the training rooms. Long days, sore feet, lots of carb-loading. And that’s just my prep for this liveblog.
It’s showtime at 7.35pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 7.05pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and gentle semi-final snark. So snuggle down, buckle up and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d totally 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 open for ballroom business. I’ll flick and kick to see what you’re all saying and report some of your comments up top.
The remarkably consistent Ellie Leach is surely a shoo-in for the grand final. As for the rest, it could be any two from three. Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier have both survived aa dance-off in recent weeks, while Annabel Croft is the lowest scorer of the four semi-finalists.
Who will rise to the occasion and who will fall at the last hurdle? It’s nearly time to staaaaart double dancing!
