Blackpool Tower Ballroom beckons
Thanks for watching along with me, everyone. Maxi-fun, megalolz and most entertaining as always.
Our eight surviving pairs now progress to the eighth live show, bidding to make it through to Blackpool the following week. It airs next Saturday at the earlier time of 6.05pm on BBC1 - moved forward an hour due to the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance.
Meet you back here to spot the sticky-up thumbs, sticky-out bums and spatulistic hands. In the meantime, you know the score: keeeeeeep dancing! Goodnight, gang.
Was Angela Rippon lucky?
Possibly a bit. She might also have had more credit in the bank with the judges, as it were. Angela averages 30.1 points so far this series, the fifth highest. By comparison, Adam’s average is 27.3, the second lowest of the remaining contestants.
Sure, that shouldn’t enter the equation. The judges are supposed to decide based on the dance-off alone and pride themselves on doing so. But it would be only human for such considerations to hover in the back of their minds.
As the judges suggested last night, her pro partner Kai Widdrington might now need to take a few more risks and push the choreography further if they’re going to make it to the fabled Tower Ballroom.
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Was the right dance-off decision made?
Not according to many commenters. fihema says: “Am I wrong? That looked like one, if not two mistakes from Ms Rippon. Am enjoying Adam’s dance more. But it’s going to be a tricky decision for the judges, either way.”
wtrukus says: “I wanted Adam to go (and he deserves it for choosing such an inappropriate wedding song) but I liked his dance better than Angela’s.
chaosmage says: “This is not close. Wrong decision completely.”
Somersetlass adds: “No surprise there, although for the first time I really don’t agree with the judges. I definitely thought Adam was better second time around and it was a more difficult dance overall. They’re determined to keep Angela R in until Blackpool, aren’t they?”
shazza2704 says: “I so want Vito over for Christmas dinner. He would make me sound like the relatively sensible one after hitting the prosecco. He’s lovely.”
Gardener-Maidhc says: “Motsi’s giant red fringed kaftan poncho thing is such a LOOK!”
Mike Moonlight adds: “Bobby Brazier: ‘I’ve told Dianne to just give me bullet points, I need sentences not paragraphs...’ With that attitude, he’ll be a cabinet minister before the end of the year.”
Readers’ verdicts
A rapid round-up of your comments. Lots of love for that Oti Mabuse-choreographed group number.
AmorAmor says: “If the pros are starting to choreograph the group dances, then I can’t wait to see what Katya comes up with.”
Soozis adds: “Oh I loved that! Lots of brilliant bits, a large portion of cheese and some iffy costumes! Really enjoyed Johannes, Lauren, guest dancers and co. Always happy to see Gorka samba and salsa-ing!”
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Tonight’s other TV tips
Viewers can now flip to BBC4 for Shakespeare Night or Channel 4 for Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker.
At 9pm, choose between prison drama Time on BBC1, Liz Bonnin’s Wild Caribbean on BBC2, Burden of Proof: Who Killed Jennifer Pandos? on Sky Documentaries or the final of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins on Channel 4. Matt Hancock can’t win it… can he?
Film-wise, Sister Act is just starting on E4. At 9pm, there’s Private Benjamin on Comedy Central, Pale Rider on ITV4 or Species on Sky Sci-Fi.
Luba enjoyed her best series yet
St Petersburg-born pro Luba Mushtuk had never gone beyond week three before, so she’s been in uncharted territory for the past month. Adam was certainly an upgrade on the lumbering sportsmen she’s partnered in previous years, James Cracknell and Jason Bell.
Luba formed a endearing partnership with Adam and blossomed in a way she never quite has before on Strictly, with her choreography praised several times by the judges. Apologetic Adam might not have got her to Blackpool but he’s probably guaranteed her a celebrity partner next year.
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Adam wasn’t ready to rumba
He was favourite for elimination coming into this weekend and those pesky bookmakers turned out to be right. The second consecutive dance-off for Adam Thomas proved his undoing.
The Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor has struggled not only with pain from his rheumatoid arthritis but also a busy shooting schedule which limited his training time. After a slow start to the contest, he steadily improved but hit at a plateau at 32 points, a total he scored for three weeks in a row before dipping to 27 last night. He has the second-lowest average score of the remaining couples, ahead of only Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who’s clearly more popular with voting viewers.
Adam’s highlights were his ballroom dances - the week four waltz and Halloween American smooth - where his topline impressed the judges. His goofier routines, dressed as Super Mario Bros or streetdancing to Backstreet Boys, extended his stay through novelty factor. When his technique was tested with the slow, exposing rumba, Adam was found wanting.
However, he’s been a popular member of the Class Of 2023, clearly much-loved by his castmates. It’s just a shame that he went out with his wedding song, the slightly odd choice of Dancing On My Own. What’s your bride, mate, chopped liver?
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Sighs of relief for both Angelas
There were narrow escapes for both our resident Angelas. Angela Rippon just edged out Adam Thomas in the dance-off was, which was by no means a foregone conclusion.
With just a single point separating them on the scoreboard, a glaring mistake from Angela R or huge improvement from Adam could have spelt doom. Which would have been a shame, since she’s the contest’s fourth highest-scorer behind Layton Williams, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier. She did make a few whoopsies in the dance-off and can ultimately count herself lucky. Is the inspirational 79-year-old running out of steam?
It was also a close call Angela Scanlon. After struggling with the samba, Strictly’s dance of death, she was joint bottom of the leaderboard with Adam but lifted clear of the dance-off by viewer votes. However, she needs to improve fast. Since that leaderboard-topping Charleston way back in Movie Week, she’s been a fixture in the bottom half of the standings.
Time for Angela-accompanying pros Kai Widdrington and Carlos Gu to earn their wages this week.
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Adam and Luba’s last dance
As the departing couple trip the light fantastic to Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis (he’s a proud Mancunian after all), the credits roll and their castmates crowd in to commiserate. Please stay with us for analysis and reaction.
Luba calls an Uber
But before she hops in her taxi home, Adam’s pro partner Luba Mushtuk returns the compliment: “Don’t be sorry, you are incredible. I had the best season. Just to get to know you, your family, your kids, it’s been much more than just a dance show. You’re the winner of my heart forever and it’s better than a trophy.” Sweetly said.
Adam’s farewell speech
In his exit interview, Adam Thomas tells Tess: “Seven incredible weeks, what a journey it’s been. I honestly thought I was leaving in week two, so I’m proud of myself to get this far. I’ve had an amazing time from start to finish. I came here to learn how to dance but I’ve learned so much more. The confidence and self-belief I now have in myself is out of this world.
“I have to thank all these guys up here. What a bunch to be on this journey with. I know my kids are at home now, probably crying. Daddy’s okay! I just wanted to teach them it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about taking part and doing your best. And I just want to say thank you to Luba and I’m sorry, I wanted to get us to Blackpool.”
Well, he’s always been quite chatty, bless him, but well said.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
The führer of fundamentals confirms that she would also have saved Angela. We’re halfway through the series and still no split decision
Adam Thomas is eliminated
So there it is. Adam becomes this year’s seventh celebrity to depart the dancefloor.
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Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Angela and Kai, saying “Oh gosh, this is the closest dance-off we’ve had in the series so far but it’s for their content and clarity of technique”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Angela and Kai, saying “I agree with Craig, it’s a really tough one and both improved”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Angela and Kai, saying “It’s a tough one because both couples improved, so I’m making a decision on technique alone”.
Verdict time
Tough to call. For me, Angela just shaded it but let’s hear from the quartet who matter.
Adam takes his turn
Adam Thomas and his dance partner Luba Mushtuk now have another go at their rumba to Dancing On My Own by Callum Scott.
The judges said last night that while the connection and partnering was impressive, he needed more basic rumba action, a stronger spine and fluid hips. They awarded it 27 points - one fewer than Angela R. Can Adam raise his rumba game and close that gap?
They haven’t put a coin in the leccy meter since last night, I see.
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Angela R goes first in dance-off
Angela Rippon and her pro partner Kai Widdrington reprise their waltz to Fascination by Nat King Cole.
The judges said last night it was classical, complete and elegant but had wobbly footwork and a loose frame, awarding it 28 points - the couple slipping below the 30 mark for the first time in a month. Can she keep her nose ahead of Adam?
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Krishnan dances to the Gypsy Kings next week
Bamboléo! Lauren Oakley, meanwhile, has got strict with him whipping his guitar out like a dance David Brent.
Angela Scanlon has discovered the joys of a mid-training nap. Bobby Brazier is an old hand at this kipping business. He has also asked Dianne Buswell to speak in bullet points. Bullet points, babes, not paragraphs.
This could be the tightest dance-off yet, as there was only one point between the couples.
Adam Thomas faces Angela R in the dance-off
As predicted by bookies, Adam is consigned to the dance-off for the second week running. He was last night’s joint lowest scorer and hasn’t been saved by viewer votes. He survived against Zara McDermott. Can he see off Angela Rippon too?
Bobby Brazier is safe
So is Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Which means it’s either Angela Scanlon or Adam Thomas in the dance-off.
Crunch time again
The dreaded crimson spotlight is back to do its dastardly thing.
Shirley praises Bobby Brazier. Motsi pays tribute to Annabel Croft’s beautiful performance. Anton admires Angela Scanlon’s knees again. The elbows of the legs, I call them.
Dance debrief
The judges squeeze onto Dame Winkle’s banquette of bantz for a closer look at last night’s dances. Craig wanted more dramatic body shaping from Nigel Harman in the still moments. So did Anton, reluctant as he is to agree with Craig. Shirley and Motsi disagree. They bicker for so long that Cluadia has to get all parental.
Plug now for a Children In Need-funded dance project, the Garage in Norwich, with It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara paying a visit. And they’ve brought the Strictly pros with them. Lovely.
Zara Larsson is dancing with the pros at times, which we don’t see often. Respect.
Zara Larsson in the house
Musical performance now from Stockholm-born pop star Zara Larsson with her recent single On My Love, a collaboration with French DJ David Guetta which has been described as “an Ibiza-ready anthem tinged with Swedish melancholy”. Nancy Xu and Karen Hauer are on dance duties. A refreshingly rare female duo.
Larsson, of course, has a special place in Strictly history. It was Symphony, her song with Clean Bandit, which soundtracked that unforgettable 2021 showdance by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice with groundbreaking silent interlude. It won a BAFTA for Must-See TV Moment and was described by tearful judge Anton Du Beke as “the greatest thing I’ve seen on the show”.
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That black T-shirt makes “Nige” Harman look like he works in a bar, not a ballroom.
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Vito Coppola explains why he and Ellie Leach are called “Team Aubergine”. It’s all to do with parmigiana, thankfully, rather than emoji-related.
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Annabel Croft has used the j-word but at least she apologised. Next week, she’s doing a samba to Shakira. Her second appearance tonight.
Layton dances an Argentine tango next week
“Lifts and things and all the moments,” apparently. Up in the Clauditorium, the surviving couples are torn between relief and shock at Angela’s fate.
Angela Rippon in the dance-off
A slight shock as this year’s oldest contestant is consigned to the dance-off for the first time. La Rippon was third from bottom on last night’s scoreboard. But who will she face?
Annabel Croft is safe
Well, she could hardly be in danger after that emotive routine. Nigel Harman, Layton Williams and Ellie Leach are also safely through.
Scarlet spotlight of doom
Red light spells dance danger. Time to find out who’s taking one step closer to Blackpool and who’s stranded on the hard shoulder of the M62 with their indicators flashing.
Last night’s live show recapped
A rewind of Saturday’s action on-screen now. Layton Williams’ cartwheeling jive! Angela Rippon’s Parisian waltz! Annabel Croft’s emotive Couple’s Choice! Ellie Leach’s Hollywood-worthy American smooth! Pink-clad Krishnan Guru-Murthy can be called Al! And he’s soft in the middle with a short little span of attention!
Frockwatch
Here’s our presenting pair, so let’s compare their couture. Tess Daly is in a hot pink double-breasted suit. Claudia Winkleman is in a one-shouldered black silk draped affair. Both looking lovely but a narrow win for Tess.
A burst of Shakira’s World Cup song, Waka Waka, This Time For Africa. And confetti falls. Bravo, Oti.
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Jojo taking centre stage. How lovely to have a burst of day-glo brightness on this dark autumnal night.
Oti Mabuse masterminds the opener
We kick off with a group routine which is the realisation of a long-held dream of former pro Oti Mabuse, who returned to choreograph this special number. It’s a festival of African dance styles, celebrating Afrobeat, Amapiano and Afro-Latin fusion. Stir some samba and cha cha cha elements into the melting pot for extra spice.
Eight extra African dancers have joined the ensemble for added authenticity. It’s an uplifting and joyous number about the dream of unity. A big moment not just for Oti but her sister Motsi Mabuse and their South African compatriot Johannes Radebe.
And we’re off!
Roll clap-along credits. Half-a-dozen of these couples have already quickstepped off home. Who’ll be next?
Take your sofa seats and hog the remote. We’re about to head back to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
By the way, thanks to all you lovely commenters who asked after the welfare of my firework-fearing dog Betty last night and shared your own pyrotechnic pet stories. Thoughts with your furry pals. Thank goodness for Classic FM’s Pet Classics.
Final scenes of nature series Planet Earth III on BBC1 right now. I trust you’ve studied the mating rituals of spotted bowerbirds and saiga antelopes in preparation for the next paso doble?
Mere minutes until we go from wildlife to waltzes…
Ellie Leach is the new pace setter
The pocket rocket Coronation Street actress has now topped the leaderboard for the last two weeks. She and Layton Williams are beginning to pull away from the rest.
Are we looking at two finalists-in-waiting? Can the likes of Nigel Harman, Angela Rippon and Bobby Brazier close the gap over the coming weeks?
Hold my calls, it’s just 10 minutes until sequin o’clock…
Tonight’s musical guest is Swedish popstrel Zara Larsson, who has clocked up four hit albums by age 25. Shouldn’t be allowed, frankly.
Gird your glittery loins. Fifteen minutes until we’re back beneath the mirrorball…
A Strictly favourite returns
Two-time glitterball trophy winner Oti Mabuse is back tonight. Two years after she bowed out of the professional troupe, she makes a welcome return to choreograph tonight’s curtain-raising group routine.
Wonder if she’ll stay behind the scenes or come out to take a bow, complete with pregnancy bump? Not long now until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Adam fears a double dance-off
Coming into this weekend, bookmakers’ favourite for elimination was Adam Thomas, who has already survived one dance-off and was tackling the rumba, always a challenge for celebrity males. He duly finished bottom of the standings with 27 points - five down on last week.
However, joining him on the same score was Angela Scanlon, whose stuttering samba saw her score plummet by six points.
Will these two be dancing for survival? Can viewer votes come to their rescue? Might we see our first shock result of the series? It’s 25 minutes until showtime…
Who will fall at the halfway hurdle?
Somebody’s sparkly race is about to be run. Good evening and welcome to the latest results show of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your sequins and spray tans correspondent. Please watch along with me as one couple bows out at the midway milestone of the hoofing contest.
Following last night’s live show, our nine surviving pro-celebrity pairs will be whittled down to eight. The judges’ scores have been combined with the public vote and tonight, the bottom two will face the feared hoof-off. So who’s about to fall a fortnight short of Blackpool?
Angela Scanlon and Adam Thomas were tied at the foot of the leaderboard, with Angela Rippon just one point above. Will voting viewers agree with the judges? If not, it could be a nervous time for Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Bobby Brazier, who were also in the bottom half.
It’s showtime at 7.15pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and slight smartarsery. So snuggle down, layer up 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 dance discussion. I’ll foxtrot down there occasionally to monitor your reaction and report your opinions.
Buckle up, ballroom-watchers. Nearly time to staaaaaart eliminating!
Thank you and goodnight
Oooh. Aaah. I’m not watching the fireworks, just tonight’s dancing.
That completes Saturday’s liveblog but fear not, there’s lots more sequin-sparkly pyrotechnics to be enjoyed this weekend. Meet you right back here for the results show, which airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll light the blog and stand well back at 6.45pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so feel free to pop in and say hi.
Thanks for watching along with me and all your brilliant interactions. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, ye olde maxim applies: keeeeeep dancing!
From the Fab Four to Dame Dench
TV viewers can now flip to ITV1 for the return of spinny-chaired singing contest The Voice or to BBC2 for Beatles Night. They’re an up-and-coming beat combo from Liverpool who are really going places.
At 9pm, Kennedy, Sinatra & The Mafia is on Channel 4. At 10.25, it’s Later… With Jools Holland on BBC2.
Film-wise, tonight’s picks are Judi Dench and Billy Connolly in touching royal drama Mrs Brown (fear not, it’s nothing to do with mammy and her “boys”) on BBC Scotland at 10pm or classic noir A Kiss Before Dying on Talking Pictures TV at 10.05pm. Careful up on that roof, ladies.
And finally, on that show-closing Couple’s Choice, EastOfStratford says: “I have just realised that watching Krishnan dance is like watching Hamza last year. The emotion comes through. It’s watching someone discover something about themselves that they didn’t know and, as the saying goes, sparking joy.”
MissMartini adds: “Krishnan is clearly having fun but Couple’s Choice is in my bottom two (with rumba being last) of Strictly dances.”
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On the moody lighting, neverhopeful says “What is it with all these dances in the dark? Are they struggling with the leccy bills?”
Rufusonly says: “Dance of the night from Ellie. She’s quietly crept up in my estimation. That was wondrously varied and just packed with sophisticated content.”
Gardener_Maidhc adds: “Ellie and Vito’s American smooth is PERFECTION! Proper music, GREAT Dancing and they both look INCREDIBLE. Vito in white tie tails, giving it full old Hollywood, is truly BREATHTAKING! More of this, please! Love, love, love!”
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garyh001 says: “I just don’t think Bobby is mature enough for this dance.”
marianeliz adds: “The height difference between Bobby and Diane makes it very hard for him not to stoop. I think it’s been an unfortunate pairing.”
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Somersetlass says: “Why is Angela S wearing a flamenco dress for a samba? Some strange choices from wardrobe tonight. That said, I enjoyed that samba. Her personality really shone through and she’s made huge progress. Loving her partnership with Carlos.”
On Annabel Croft’s Couple’s Choice, Yodaknowsall says: “Is it dusty in here?Even without the story, that is the best Annabel has danced.”
stopandsmelltheroses rightly says of La Croft’s pro partner: “Johannes should be available on the NHS. He is a tonic. Such a good soul.”
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Readers’ verdicts
A swift straw poll of your comments. Mistressgem says “Layton is really growing on me. I watched him on the Graham Norton show, and he was adorable.”
By contrast, Rufusonly says: “Layton’s jive was a show jive rather than the ballroom jive. If a professional dancer is to be allowed to take part, he has to do the correct discipline. Anton and Craig were correct. Shirley always says she has to be fair and isn’t.”
avenueman adds: “Anton tells Nigel to ‘smarten up his top’. I agree. A plain black t-shirt on Strictly? Disgraceful!”
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Behold the Golden Glitterballs
They’re the most coveted awards in the Elstree and Borehamwood environs. Here are this week’s gong-winners…
Best dance: For the second week running, Ellie Leach by a mile. Surely a finalist. A glitterball winner? I’m increasingly hoping so.
Worst dance: Adam’s rumba or Angela S’s samba. Joint bottom on the scoreboard and neither quite resembled the dance style they should’ve been.
Best music choice: The traditional ones worked best. Big band swing for Ellie’s American smooth, Nat King Cole for Angela Rippon’s waltz.
Worst music choice: Reimagining Robyn’s dancefloor classic as a syrupy wedding ballad.
Best outfit: Katya Jones and Ellie Leach’s gowns were both a hit.
Worst outfit: Angela Scanlon’s flamenco frock was more paso than samba but Shirley Ballas’ disco Yeti number also merited a raised eyebrow.
Best judges’ comment: “I like an arm that’s as long as a leg,” said Anton. Which was weird. But I did enjoy his comment to Krishnan: “You took walking to a whole new level. Although as walking goes, it was exceptional walking.”
Worst VT: No clear winner, bar Carlos being faintly annoying in the training room. I do approve of the “explain the dance style” ones, though, so Dianne Buswell’s Argentine tango briefing was a treat.
Best Claudia quip: “Krishnan. Or as he’s known to me, Jay’s dad.”
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A-team in dance-off danger
So Ellie Leach finishes top of the scoreboard, followed by Layton Williams – the same top two as last week. The judges’ scores will now be combined with the public vote and the bottom two couples hoof for survival on Sunday evening.
Joint bottom Adam Thomas and Angela Scanlon will be fearing that red light of doom. But it might also be an edgy wait for Angela Rippon, who was just one point above them.
Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing!” chorus the swaying Tess and Claud. As everyone removes their snug-fitting shapewear and breathes out, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Votes are now… open!
Motsi has an inflatable phone. Craig is a deadpan Victorian strongman. Claudia gets the giggles.
Judges’ comments for Krishnan and Lauren: The man himself says: “I’m no Patrick Swayze but god, I love it.” Shirley says “colourful, difficult syncopations but you handed it marvellously, you’re a joy and heaven sent partnership”. Anton says “lovely to watch but you took walking to a whole new level. Although as walking goes, it was exceptional walking”. Craig says “needed more groove but you have a certain magnetic charm and your smile lights up the room, great fun”. Motsi concludes “you let go and danced from the heart, I’m actually jealous”. Eights ahoy?
Judges’ scores: 6 (boo), 8, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Safe? Hope so.
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Krishnan and Lauren’s Couple’s choice
Last dance now. He’s been on this year’s most transformational j-word and this routine tells his Strictly story - how dance helped the Channel 4 newsreader rediscover his sense of fun, stripping away the grey seriousness to find the colour and light. Starts at a newsdesk, then strips off his suit to reveal pinkness. It’s modern jazz meets musical theatre and enjoyably goofy. Lifts, side-by-side steps and lots of partnering to showcase their connection (Lauren’s his long-lost pal, see?). This is all about sheer enjoyment and Krish is dancing his heart out. A bit flat-footed but bags of character and cuteness. Jazzy, jaunty, misses the odd step but who cares? Confetti falls. Lift to finish.
Song: You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon. The lead single from his seminal 1986 album Graceland was inspired by a party attended by Simon and his then-wife Peggy. A fellow guest was French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, who mistakenly called the couple “Al and Betty”. It’s about a man in the throes of a mid-life crisis (trying to tell us something, Krish? Are you soft in the middle?). The video saw actor Chevy Chase lip-syncing to Simon’s vocals.
Judges’ comments for Adam and Luba: Motsi says “great job, you made Luba look fantastic, need more action and spine”. Shirley says “difficult but executed well, softened your hands well, needed more changing weight but had flow and quite lovely”. Anton says “performance magnificent overall, great partnering and musicality but the rumba bit wasn’t strong enough, too wafty and lyrical”. Craig concludes “snatchy and grabby, spatulistic hands (drink!), stiff hips but partnership has real connection and it made the love story work”. Sevens and a six from Craig?
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Joint bottom. Dance-off danger again.
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Adam and Luba’s rumba
Penultimate dance now. Adam is the first celebrity male to tackle the tricky rumba this series. A tough dance with which to bounce back from the dance-off but thid one has personal significance. The song was his wedding dance with wife Caroline in 2017. Tapping into that feeling should enable him to show his passionate, romantic side but the weight transference and technique is the challenge here. Can he capture that constant Cuban motion and figure-of-eight hip action? Moody lighting. Monochrome outfits. He’s doing too much walking around but great partnering and sizzling chemistry.
Song: Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott. The slowed-down, soft-focus balladeer-style cover of Swedish diva Robyn’s electropop anthem was a viral streaming hit in 2016 after Scott performed it as his Britain’s Got Talent audition. The Guardian’s estimable Alexis Petridis said he’d “gormlessly sandblasted away the original’s emotional complexity in favour of mournful bloke-at-a-piano emoting”. Which I think means he liked it?
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Judges’ comments for Ellie and Vito: Craig says “you missed a heel lead but showbiz, glamour, style - love, love, love!” Motsi says “you’ve been climbing and this was the peak”. Shirley says “you’re the Rolls Royce, finalist material”. Anton concludes “I wish I’d done that number, just joyous, we’ll have a go later on”. Nines and tens?
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Her best yet and top of the pops. Her nanna is in the studio audience and deserves another Werther’s.
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Ellie and Vito’s American smooth
After last week’s scoreboard-topping zombie salsa, Ellie and Vito were still finding bits of green make-up in their nooks and crannies on Wednesday. Now she’s in a feathered red Ginger Rogers-style dress, set against an art deco backdrop complete with martinis. Foxtrot style to a show-stopping tune. Lifts with wow factor and lovely side-by-side sections. A softer dance than she’s tackled in recent weeks but Ellie is handling it well. Oodles of Hollywood glamour, lovely spins. Sparks fly. Slightly messy end but cracking, classic and fab-ew-lous.
Song: Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams. The Take That alumni’s cover of Dean Martin’s swing classic, originally written for 1960 film Ocean’s 11. Just be thankful it’s not the Westlife version.
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Judges’ comments for Bobby and Dianne: Anton says “it looked over-rehearsed and too clean, not reactive enough”. Craig says “too aggressive, needed air and breathing, you were placing not leading”. Motsi says “intention was there, you were strong but became soft, much better than your international tango”. Shirley concludes “I disagree, you had attitude and led well, you were good under pressure”. A mixed bag. Sevens and eights, do we think?
Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Mid-table at this point.
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Bobby and Dianne’s Argentine tango
Only the second Argentine of the series after Angela Rippon’s a fortnight ago. Bobby is the youngest contestant in the series and it’s a grown-up dance, so he needs to be serious, strong, lead well and create some passion. Their height difference could be an issue and with Bobby’s long limbs, he needs to get his balance right. Good lift to open and sizzling mood. Contemporary styling, sticky-out bottom and Di’s dancing around him at times but great chemistry and a steamy finish. Phew.
Song: Sail by Awolnation. The American alt-rockers’ 2010 sleeper hit was used in Fleabag and is also the walk-out music for Sale Sharks rugby team. Rucking hell.
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Judges’ comments for Annabel and Jojo: Shirley says “I’m sure your children are proud, it was graceful and charming, just divine”. Anton says “sometimes it doesn’t matter about technique, it’s just about dancing with reason and that was perfect”. Craig says “could have done with more breath and extension but a beautiful story, beautifully told. I feel like he’s with you tonight”. Motsi concludes “your best dance, live for today”. Annabel is understandably tearful. Johannes is plain adorable. “You’ve been an angel in my life,” says Annabel. “It was a celebration of love,” says a wobbly-chinned Jojo. Something in my eye.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Annabel has scored between 27 and 30 pretty much weekly. She’s been hovering near the foot of the leaderboard recently but that’s her best yet. Second placed so far.
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Annabel and Jojo’s Couple’s choice
Get your hankies ready, this will be an emotional one. It’s a dance in honour of Annabel’s late husband Mel Coleman, who died of cancer six months ago and was a Strictly superfan. She sobbed when she heard the music Johannes had chosen. The routine is a lyrical celebration of love, full of feeling and meaning. Bench-ography to begin. Sections in ballroom hold, mixed with more contemporary wafting. Balletic and elegant with spinning lifts and high kicks. Lovely but hard to score, as this category always is.
Song: Wings by Birdy. The Hampshire indie-folkster’s biggest hit from 2013. You might recognise it from a Lloyds Bank advert or the season three finale of Game Of Thrones.
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Judges’ comments for Angela S and Carlos: Motsi, surprised to be first, says “loved the lines and personality, your weight was back and lost balance but your positions softened well”. Shirley says “liked the atmosphere, soft knees, chemistry and energy but not solid or rounded enough and your arms need a home”. Anton says “great knees, lots to like but watch your weight position”. Craig concludes “I felt like you’d been in a magic act and chopped in half, a bit un-coordinated but incredible energy and brilliant performance”. Sixes and sevens?
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Lowest score so far. Both Angelas could be in dance-off danger.
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Angela S and Carlos’ samba
It’s Ms Scanlon’s first dance with hip action, which seems strange this far into the contest. She joked this week that “I might be too Irish for a samba”. She should have the necessary high energy but needs to channel it, embrace the sexiness and nail the notoriously tricky technique. Flamenco, almost paso doble vibes to begin and lots of walking around. Skirt-swishing and body ripples but lacks bounce. Lots of sass but enough sauce?
Song: Ain’t It Funny by Jennifer Lopez. The Latin disco banger was originally written for J-Lo’s 2001 romcom The Wedding Planner. It reached the UK and is often compared to La Isla Bonita by Madonna. Altogether now: “Young girl with eyes like potatoes…”
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Judges’ comments for Nigel and Katya: Craig says “you’re picking your feet up too much (boo!), they were like flippers, too stop-start but you’re wonderful to watch”. Motsi says “Christmas has come, we’d been waiting, so much drama that Katya fainted mid-dance, control and drive”. Shirley says “you focused and bought your A-game, great choreography and fabulous footwork, exactly what I want to see at the halfway mark”. Anton concludes “do this every week, please, bottom half was the best its been but smarten up your top half”. Blimey. Those scores could range from six to nine. It’s anyone’s guess.
Judges’ scores: 7, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 33 points. Mid-table as it stands.
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Nigel and Katya’s tango
He’s undoubtedly a superb, stylish dancer but actor Nigel Harman has made too many mistakes in recent weeks, slipping into the lower half of the leaderboard. Can he get it right this time? They’re telling the story of a couple trying to recover from an affair. Not that Katya would know anything about that. Ahem. Moodily minimal staging and lyrical choreography. Took too long to get into hold but once it does, plenty of power, drive, passion and drama. That had real intensity and storytelling. A contemporary take which Craig might love but will the other judges?
Song: Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Mark Ronson feat Miley Cyrus. The 2018 disco-pop banger had a video filmed in Kyiv, with scenes on the Ukraine capital’s New Darnytskyi Bridge. Fun fat: remember Kendall Roy’s love interest Naomi Pierce from Succession? She was played by Mark Ronson’s half-sister, Brit actress Annabelle Dexter-Jones. These are not serious people.
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Judges’ comments for Angela R and Kai: Anton says “beautifully elegant but side steps should wider and needs more flow”. Craig says “footwork wobbly, my darling, and frame a little loose, pivots on the heel, needs smoothing out but stylish and elegant”. Motsi says “classical, complete, ease of movement but push it more and don’t play safe”. Shirley concludes “lovely stretch in the topline but you need parallel, closed feet”. Eights, do we think?
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 6 (boo!), 7 for a total of 28 points. Surprisingly low. Dance-off danger?
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Angela R and Kai’s waltz
The contest’s third highest-scoring couple now, behind Ellie and Layton. The waltz was the first ballroom dance that La Rippon learned to do, standing on her father’s feet in the 1950s. Aww. It’s the slowest dance they’ve done and four weeks since they’ve been in ballroom hold. The concept is a couple on romantic date in Paris, waltzing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Flowing elegantly around the floor, with smooth rise and fall. Gorgeous spins. Frame and footwork wobbling in places but a sweet finish.
Song: Fascination by Nat King Cole. A fittingly romantic classic track, written way back in 1905. It has featured prominently on film soundtracks including Gigi, Love In The Afternoon and, ahem, The Karate Kid and Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo. Wax on, wax off, Lovebug.
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Sindhu Vee on the Ts & Cs
The excellent comedian is this week’s Clauditorium guest, reading out the voting smallprint. She’s wearing sparkles. Correct.
Judges’ comments for Layton and Nikita: Shirley says “it had precision and lovely swing, absolutely outstanding”. Anton says “jive kicks were a bit loose and got a little heavy but performance magnificent”. Craig says “splashy touches, great retraction, aerial cartwheel but force those toes out with Latin, my darling, you’ve got everything else”. Motsi concludes “one helluva jive, you put it on-point, exceptional”. Judgely disagreement already. Two nines and two eights, do we reckon?
Judges’ scores: 8, 10, 10, 8 for a total of 36 points. Same as last week. Steady on with those 10s.
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Layton and Nikita’s jive
We open with another high-energy dance for Layton, who’s already conquered the samba and quickstep. He needs speed and stamina without losing the jive’s technique, timing or synchronicity. He’s been working hard on his footwork after it became the judges’ main (and often only) criticism in recent weeks. Flicks, kicks, attack and bounce action. Swinging arms and a theatrical feel. He promised us a “sexy jive” and he’s delivering but is it sharp enough? A cartwheel and impressive pirouette to finish. Great as always but not quite jivey enugh for me.
Song: Shake Ur Body by Shy FX feat. T Power and Di. The drum ’n’ bass DJ’s 2002 breakthrough rave track, with vocals from Dianne Joseph, formerly of 90s girl group Truce.
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Our Strictly stars™
The nine couples emerge to wave hello. A merciful lack of fancy dress this week. Although Angela Scanlon seems to be a flamenco dancer and Krishnan Guru-Murthy is in neon pink pyjamas.
Hola, the judges
The paddle-raising quartet swan down the steps. Motsi Mabuse is in sparkly purple, Shirley Ballas has come dressed as a disco wookie.
Frockwatch
Here come our presenting pair, so let’s rate their outfits. Tess Daly is in a black sequinned dress with waist cut-outs and mesh sleeves. Claudia Winkleman is in a black trouser suit with sequinned bodice. Claud wins.
Roll clap-along titles
Wave goodbye to the six couples we’ve lost. Bet you’ve forgotten at least two of them already.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Cue the traditional tension-building montage. Hey, at least it’s not Halloween-themed this time.
Plump cushions and charge glasses. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios…
Running time tonight is a snappy 85 minutes, finishing at 8.30pm. We’re in that phase of Strictly where the live shows shorten by five to 10 minutes each week as the field shrinks.
Talking of which, it’s just five minutes until sequin o’clock……
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Alan Carr’s Numberwang just winding up on BBC1. A very Norfolk-heavy episode, with teams from both King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth. Alan Partridge would be proud. Wonder if they’ve been to Hunstanton Spice Museum?
Couples need to be on their game
Last week was the first time this series that a couple fell from mid-table into the dance-off. A reminder that nobody’s safe. Any score below 30 to 32 points might not be enough to guarantee safety. No pressure, people.
Just 10 minutes until glittery go-time…
Last weekend in summary
In Strictly’s first weekend since Amanda Abbington’s shock exit, the fancy-dressed couples took on Halloween-themed routines. Ellie Leach topped the leaderboard with her show-closing, green-faced zombie salsa, with Layton Williams two points behind in second place.
Boy wizard Adam Thomas plummeted from mid-table into the dance-off but it was Charleston-swivelling skeleton Zara McDermott who went home in a pumpkin-shaped carriage.
Now we’ve refreshed our memories, it’s 12 minutes until choreographic kick-off….
Eyes down, it’s Strictly bingo
Tick them off when you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Find yourself drunk-dialling your ex! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight:
Krishnan’s son Jay is in the studio audience wearing some sort of novelty mask or T-shirt
Vito Coppola gives endearingly rambly interview to Claudia
Shirley Ballas tells the audience to “check the tape” for mistakes or “listen, you’ll learn something”
This year’s first of many mentions of Blackpool
Motsi or Shirley stand up to give awarding a “10” extra drama
Craig criticises somebody’s sticky-up thumb or “spotting” during spins
A celebrity gets a surprise visit from elderly grandparents/cute kids in the training room
Topical mention of “fireworks in the ballroom” or “dancing up a storm”
Annabel Croft cries and it sets off Johannes Radebe
Anton makes a series of grunts, beeps and whistles instead of a critique
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On your dance cards tonight
Tonight’s nine routines include not one but two Couple’s Choices, from Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Annabel Croft.
We’ll also see that firm fan favourite, an Argentine tango, from Bobby Brazier. Not long until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Who'll fall at the halfway hurdle?
Adam Thomas is bookies’ favourite for elimination after appearing in last week’s dance-off and tackling the tricky rumba tonight.
However, Annabel Croft and Angela Scanlon are being tipped too. Annabel has been stuck near the foot of the scoreboard, while Angela S is facing the “dance of death” - the samba, which has led to a whopping 21.6% of eliminations over the past six years. It has already claimed two victims this series, Les Dennis and Eddie Kadi. Can Angela conquer it?
It’s 20 minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
Blackpool is two weeks away
Tonight marks the midway milestone of the contest - the seventh live show out of 13. You can almost smell the fish, chips, candy floss and donkey droppings of Blackpool pleasure beach.
Nobody wants to miss out on the seaside special but as we’ve seen over the past fortnight, nerves and pressure can lead to mistakes. Start getting in the zone, it’s 25 minutes until showtime…
The midway mark and it's glittery game on
Things are starting to get serious. Good evening and welcome to week seven of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your liveblogging dance partner for tonight’s show. I’d love you to watch along with me as we enter the business end of the contest, with the bright lights of Blackpool beckoning.
Last weekend’s Halloween spooktacular saw Ellie Leach top the scoreboard and Zara McDermott go home in a pumpkin-shaped carriage. Now our nifty nine pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios floor once more, hoping to get one dance-step closer to the fabled Tower Ballroom.
It’s showtime at 7.05pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.35pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and mild-to-medium sarcasm. So draw the curtains against the noisy fireworks and the annoying Storm Ciaran, and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, 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 waltz down there every now and again to report on what you’re saying.
Stretch those hamstrings and buff those sequins. It’s nearly time to staaaaaart dancing!
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