High-stakes semi-final next time
As always, thanks for watching along with me, my choreographic compadres. Our famous five now dance into the semi-final, tackling two full routines apiece in their bid to go all the way to the grand glitterball final.
It airs next Saturday at the earlier time of 6.30pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to raise our proverbial paddles. In the meantime, you know the drill: keeeeep dancing! Thank you, a glittery goodnight and have a great week.
JoeSoap says: “So puppy dog Pete with the two left feet gets through again at the cost of someone who can actually dance. The public just loves a sob story. Especially the female half.”
Vicc says: “I would like to see the BBC have a final It Takes Two after the final for the finalists. It’s too rushed doing it during the final. Channel 4 have a final Extra Slice for the Bake Off finalists and it gives a pleasing end to the series.”
jagadox adds: “Goodnight all. And remember, it’s only an entertainment show. Daily Mail-style outrage about the results is bad for the digestion. Inhale some sparkle and try and relax before bed this evening.”
diamondcat says: “That pro dance was breathtaking. When you see them all together, dancing at their best, the effect is electrifying.”
fihema says: “Call me sentimental but I am loving this pro dance. It reminds me of watching old Hollywood films on weekend afternoons with my grandmother. It feels a shame that that’s no longer a thing, so it’s fabulous to see this. Nadiya is perfect in the role - and reminds me a little of Kim Basinger in LA Confidential.”
emilycatnaps adds: “Montell, I would just like to say that I had never heard of you before (not being someone who follows athletics or watches Gladiators) but I have really enjoyed getting to see and know you every week since the start of Strictly. I think you have been absolutely joyous, and it’s a been a pleasure watching you and JoJo develop a gorgeous partnership. I hope you have enjoyed the madness. And JoJo? You are magnificent, we love you - always.”
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NellSwift says: “As a gay woman in her late 50s, it’s been disappointing not only to have no same-sex couples but not to have any pairings in the professional dances either - unless I’ve missed it? Like watching the old Strictly. Think we miss out on the choreography it offers too.”
Sueserafina says: “Am I odd for not wanting women warbling about being beheaded in my musical entertainment?”
Phoebe adds: “I’m absolutely not complaining but I’ve just realised that we’ve had no Couple’s Choice for the last two weeks. Rejoice!”
TomAdlam says: “Is there a more gentle, talented, and generous person on TV than Johannes Radebe? The man is a gem.”
fihema says: “I love these shows of gratitude to the people behind the cameras - Montell just now, Gill hugging the cameraman on GBBO - others have thanked them too, but where it sometimes feels a bit ‘formula’, that look to camera from Montell was truly warming.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “I am trying to resign myself to the fact that Chris and Pete will probably make the final and stronger dancers will continue to be eliminated.”
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Readers’ verdicts are in
A swift round-up of your Musicals Week musings. rosybeeme says: “Can someone explain the attraction of the lugubrious Pete to his fans? I’m not being mean but I just don’t get it. It’s a travesty that Montell’s out.”
EmmyHarb says: “Pete getting through again is getting even this blog fairly heated tonight. He obviously has a huge fanbase and a much broader appeal to the public than Montell.”
Shotsboy1991 says: “Just ridiculous that Pete Wick is still in this. Outraged for MoJo, so unfair.”
Somersetlass adds: “Such grace from Mojo - both physical and emotional. Good to see them smiling in their last dance. Ah well, not the result I wanted, but that’s Strictly.”
TV starting to get festive
Viewers can now stay on BBC One for Antiques Roadshow from Cromford Mills in Derbyshire or flip to Channel 5 for Magical Christmas Windows: From Hamleys to Harrods.
At 9pm, choose from Wolf Hall: The Mirror & The Light on BBC One, I’m A Celebrity on ITV1 or The 1970s Supermarket at Christmas on Channel 5.
If you fancy a film to welcome in December, there’s A Quantum Of Solace (8pm on ITV4), Cape Fear (11pm on BBC2) or Spider-Man: Homecoming (11.45pm on BBC1). Past Peter Parker’s bedtime, surely?
Patriarchy in action?
Male celebrities finished bottom and joint second bottom of the leaderboard. Yet somehow we still ended up with an all-female dance-off. There were also grumbling from commenters last night that the male celebs got more crowd-pleasing songs and better slots in the running order last night.
The upshot is that we have three men and two women in our final five. Time to jettison Pete and balance the gender books? Just saying.
Jojo was a joy as always
South African pro Johannes Radebe always appears to be a dream dance partner and he did another beautiful job with Montell Douglas - turning her from a powerhouse athlete into a real performer, nurturing her confidence and helping her bounce back from multiple dance-offs with a smile on her face. The pair’s farewell speeches were evidence of their close bond.
Strictly fans were spooked by tabloid stories last month that this would be Jojo’s last series. To our relief, Jojo denied this, saying: “I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me - and the body will allow.” Phew, frankly.
In his six years on Strictly, Johannes has reached the final with both John Whaite and Annabel Croft. He can consider himself unlucky not to have survived another week or two with Montell. The day when Jojo finally gets his hands on the glitterball trophy will be a happy day.
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Tasha went from perfect 40 to bottom two
She scored the first maximum of the series last week. Saturday night’s Argentine tango notched another two 10s, leaving her joint second on the leaderboard. Yet when the public vote was combined with judges’ scores, Tasha Ghouri had plummeted into the bottom two for the first time.
Having outscored Montell Douglas by six points on Saturday, she was always likely to survive. However, it’s a sign that Tasha might not be the nailed-on finalist she’s always looked.
Sure, she’s the highest scorer in the contest by a distance, never scoring sub-30 and topping the leaderboard seven times. But ringer rumblings about her prior dance experience are only going to get louder. Tasha is very good but, in voting viewers’ minds, she might be too good.
Another belief-beggaring escape for Pete
Is Pete Wicks completely bulletproof? Are those pink pleather trousers made of Kevlar? There must be some explanation for how the TOWIE alumnus has still to appear in the dance-off, despite propping up the scoreboard in four weeks out of the last five.
Last night’s wobbly West Side Story waltz saw him cut adrift by six points, a huge margin at this stage of the series. Once again, though, voting viewers mobilised and lifted him clear of danger at the expense of far superior dancers. Montell Douglas averages seven points more per routine but Pete’s seen her off. At least he had the decency to look sheepish about it.
Mr P Twix clearly has a huge fan following but he’s really not much of a hoofer. In 11 weeks, his scores have only twice crept into the 30s. During Saturday’s live show, pro partner Jowita Przystal and some of the judges congratulated him for being able to dance at all. Surely a minimum requirement for a quarter-finalist.
Like previous scripted reality alumni Mark Wright and Jamie Laing, could Pete somehow squeak into the final? He’s at risk of becoming like John Sergeant with more Brylcreem and better cheekbones. Let’s hope sanity is restored in the semi-final.
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Montell excelled - but deserved even better
It was fourth time unlucky for the unfortunate Montell Douglas. After prevailing over Sam Quek, Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick in the dance-off over the past month, high-scoring Tasha Ghouri proved too tough an opponent - even for a fighter like the Olympian and Gladiator.
Montell’s fate seemed sealed last night when she was given both the notoriously difficult, technically exposing rumba and the slot of death. Throw in a musical, The Colour Purple, with which fewer viewers are familiar, and she was already up against it. As the fourth highest scorer of the series, Montell deserved a place in the final on stats alone. The fact that she’s had to scrap for her place since halfway through the series feels unfair.
She should have lasted further into December but it’s been lovely to watch her progress over the past 11 weeks. A non-performer who initially lacked confidence, she blossomed under the tutelage of pro partner Johannes Radebe, forming the tight “Team Mojo”. Versatile Montell became both a fiery Latin señorita and a classy ballroom performer.
Her highlights were her Halloween cha-cha, her Whitney waltz, her Jojo-mirroing paso, last week’s joyous quickstep and, of course, that groundbreaking Afro-Caribbean Couple’s Choice, which notched a near-perfect 39 points - the joint highest score of the series at the time. Judge Anton du Beke advised her to “do it again in the final”. A shame she won’t get the chance.
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Montell and Jojo’s last dance
A standing ovation and rightly so. As Team Mojo take a final twirl around the floor to Thank You For The Music by the mighty Abba, the credits roll and their castmates descend for consoling cuddles. Or perhaps in Pete Wicks’ case, profuse apologies.
Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Jojo the gent
Her pro partner Johannes Radebe returns the compliment: “I am so proud of you because, honey, you are a non-dancer. But the one thing that you have done every single week is turn out beautiful dancing. So I want to say thank you for respecting our art form of ballroom and Latin. The way you handled it was like a true pro. You’re my winner.” What a diamond he is.
Montell affecting farewell
In her exit speech, an emotional Montell Douglas tells Tess: “Johannes has been amazing. Strictly has touched me in ways I never knew possible. I’m an Olympian and a Gladiator but I have honestly struggled with confidence my whole life. Being on the show, with the beautiful crew, judges and cast, has just been such an honour.
I have to say thank you to Johannes because I really have found a friend and a brother in this man. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I hope he’s in my life forever, because we have something very special.” Beautifully said.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
Yep, it’s unanimous. Twirly Shirley Trunchbull says she would have decided the same.
Montell Douglas is eliminated
It’s official. The majority vote means that Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe become the 10th duo to depart the Strictly 2024 dancefloor.
Anton Du Beke chooses to save…
Tasha and Aljaž, saying “a hard-fought dance-off but my position doesn’t shift”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Tasha and Aljaž, saying “both couples were authentic and emotionally real”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Tasha and Aljaž, saying “both couples were amazing and shouldn’t be here but they stood out, were technically cleaner and nailed it”.
Verdict time
I’ve got a sinking inkling which way this will go but let’s hear from the panel who decide. Craig and Motsi both scored Tasha two points more last night, Shirley and Anton one point more.
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Tasha and Aljaž take their turn
Tasha Ghouri and her pro partner Aljaž Škorjanec have another go at their Argentine tango to Ex-Wives from Six. The judges said last night that her “spaghetti legs” were on a whole different level but it was a bit braced and balletic, more like a show-tango than a reactive Argentine.
Still, it scored two 10s and a total of 38 points, six more than Montell, so maintain the standard and you’d imagine Tasha will be fine.
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Montell and Jojo go first in dance-off
Montell Douglas and her dance partner Johannes Radebe reprise their rumba to I’m Here from The Colour Purple. The judges said last night that it lost flexibility and fluidity. She needed more stretch in her feet and to breathe through the moves but their storytelling was emotional.
She scored 32 points, six fewer than Tasha, so needs to show improvement and hope for mistakes from her opponent.
Elements of foxtrot and quickstep, all in unison, which makes for a stunning sight. You can’t beat it when the pros do proper ballroom. Nostalgic entertainment, bringing vintage cinema to vivid life.
Nadiya Bychkova transforms into faded screen siren Norma Desmond, returning to the location of her happiest memories when she was a superstar of silent movies. Aljaž Škorjanec takes the male lead.
Pros are ready for their close-up
A musicals-themed group number from the Strictly professionals now, whisking us back to the golden age of Hollywood and set to As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boulevard.
This Andrew Lloyd Webber belter expresses our heroine’s longing to return to the spotlight. Barbra Streisand’s cover version charted in the UK in 1994.
Sarah jives and tangos next week
And her pet Percy gets more airtime. “What a cat,” says Claudia, slightly unconvincingly.
“Two dances is a lot” says JB
More balcony bantz . The semi-final is on JB Gill’s birthday. Expect cake.
Montell faces Tasha in the dance-off
I suppose that had an air of inevitability. Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe are in the dance-off for the fourth time.
Sarah Hadland goes through
Glinda the good witch and Vito Coppola swivel their way into the semi-final.
JB Gill is safe
No surprise after that show-stopping, leaderboard-topping Mary Poppins waltz. Mewwy Cwistmas to all TV Burp fans!
Hold tight, it’s crunch time again
That dreaded scarlet lightbulb of doom is back to reveal who’ll face Tasha in the dreaded dance-off.
Craig needs a cuddle. That’s what Claudia says. No 10 for JB because of a thumb, I ask you. He’s “shocked” that Pete has gone through but says he’s committed, honest and he can see “why the audience at home are adoring him”.
On Tasha being in the dance-off, Motsi Mabuse is “literally speechless” (NB: not literally).
Dance debrief
Time for the regular feature, formerly known as Len’s Lens (RIP). The judges park their posteriors on Claudia’s banquette for a closer squizz at last night’s routines.
No choreographic accompaniment from the Strictly pros. Dancefloor too crowded. Also, try ballroom dancing to this.
They cram a lot of lyrics in, don’t they? Historical exposition waits for no man.
Schuyler Sisters are doing it for themselves
Time for this week’s musical interlude and it’s a special performance of The Schuyler Sisters from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton.
Inspired by Destiny’s Child, it sees the socialite Dutch sisters from 18th century New York, who played a prominent role in the formation of the United States, harmonising in a rousing power anthem.
“I’m just a 47-year-old man who signed the wrong form,” says Chris.
Chris McCausland has made it to December
The comedian only thought he’d get to “week three, max”.
Pete Wicks can’t believe he’s through
Ditto, babes. Up in the Clauditorium, the relieved couples who are safely through to the semi-final chat with La Winkle. A tearful Pete is “humbled” by the public votes.
Tasha Ghouri in dance-off for first time
Oof, that’s one of the biggest shockers of the series so far. Tasha plummets from joint second on the leaderboard into the bottom two, meaning she’ll Argentine tango again for survival with pro partner Aljaž Škorjanec.
Chris McCausland is a semi-finalist
The comedian and a jubilant Dianne Buswell deservedly progress.
Pete Wicks is safe
Woah. The lionine Essex lad dodged danger again. Another dance-off surprise looks on the cards.
Red light spells danger
That pesky crimson spotlight begins to flicker. Time to find out who’s qualified for the semi-final and who’s dancing again for survival.
The judging panel take their front row seats. Thankfully, Anton has removed his glam-rock dinnerlady wig and Shirley’s nasty Trunchbullitis skin condition has cleared up.
Our Strictly stars™
The six pro-celebrity pairs anxiously await the results, wearing various nautical and nanny outfits.
Musicals Week gets an encore
A rewind of Saturday night’s live show on-screen now. Wicked Witch of the Charleston! Quick McStepland! Wicks Side Story! Let’s go fly a kite!
Frockwatch
Here come our co-hosts, so time for our regular sartorial showdown. Tess Daly is working a black corset and trews. Claudia Winkleman in a sparkly black two-piece. Claud wins, making it a clean sweep for Rip Van Winkleman this weekend.
And we’re off!
Cue clap-along credits. Go on, which couple had you completely forgotten were ever in the contest?
Charge glasses, plump cushions and take your sofa seats. We’re about to go back to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Will it be Pete vs Montell?
That was many readers’ predictions for tonight’s dance-off, just as it was seven days ago. It didn’t transpire last time. Will it tonight?
Buckle up, ballroom fans. Just five minutes to wait now…
The latest episode of David Attenborough’s Asia just drawing to a close on BBC1. This one’s called “Crowded Continent”, about animals living in close quarters with humans.
Hence elephants stopping traffic for food (trunky literally wants a bun), a flying squirrel living in a Taipei school and a Bangkok park with 300 giant lizards. That’d give unsuspecting dog-walkers a fright.
It’s a mere 10 minutes until glittery go-time…
Our Canadian correspondent writes
Another email just in from regular reader, Iain Crofts in Montreal. He writes:
For once, I was not stymied by a historical reference in Saturday’s liveblog. I entertained myself on Friday night by watching the DVD issued in 2016 to celebrate Len Goodman’s time as a judge on Strictly: Len’s Grand Finale. Judy Murray’s waltz with Anton to Let’s Go Fly a Kite was included among Len’s favourite or otherwise memorable dances. I’m looking forward to viewing the clip of JB Gill’s waltz from today. As you say, it’s a great tune for waltzing to. All the better if the dance goes well.
Dear old Len. Fifteen minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
Dance-offs and G-spots
Reader Peter Gibbs writes:
Chris and Pete certainly have a big voting following, no matter what. So I’m worrying that two of the bigger-hitting couples will have to face off. Please, PLEASE not JB and Lauren. You’ve got to think Montell is in it yet again. which is a gloomy outlook to have, but sadly almost nailed on.
PS as every week, thank you for the Guardian Blog – in our house, currently referred to as “Michael Hogan’s G-Spot”
Tasters of another two musicals tonight
The pro group number this evening will pay homage to Sunset Boulevard, while the musical interlude is a signature song from Hamilton.
Who needs West End ticket prices? It’s 20 minutes until curtain up
Carlos crocked for Christmas
News broke last night that Strictly professional Carlos Gu has sustained an ankle injury and will be unable to participate in this year’s Christmas Special. Fellow pro Gorka Márquez will be stepping in to dance with contestant Vogue Williams instead.
We wish poor Carlos a speedy recovery. Nobody wants a surgical support boot for their Christmas stocking. It’s 25 minutes until showtime…
Will Pete’s popularity save him yet again?
Pete Wicks came into this weekend as odds-on favourite for elimination once more. He duly finished bottom of the scoreboard for the third week running.
Will viewers ride to his rescue again? In an unpredictable series, could we see another dance-off shocker? Half an hour until we findoiut…
Who’ll be sent home to cry into their Advent Calendar?
Someone is about to be axed from the Musicals Week cast, missing out on the semi-final. Good evening and welcome to the penultimate elimination from Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your Sunday night understudy for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as the 10th celebrity takes their Strictly bow.
Of our six surviving pro-celebrity pairs, only a fabulous five can progress to dance two routines apiece in next Saturday’s semi. The judges’ scores have been combined with viewer votes and tonight the bottom two duo will be consigned to the dreaded eliminator. So who’s in dance-off danger?
Last night saw JB Gill waltz to the top of the leaderboard after his Mary Poppins blockbuster closed the show, notching his third near-perfect 39. Just a point behind in joint second spot were Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri.
Way down the bottom again was Pete Wicks, with Chris McCausland and Montell Douglas above him. But will voting viewers agree? If not, anyone could come into choreographic contention.
It’s results showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and cheek from the cheap seats. So hunker down on this nippy 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 sequin-spangled chat. I’ll fleckerl and contra check down there every now and again, whenever possible to catch up on what you’re saying.
The curtain is about to come down on another couple. Nearly time to staaaaaart dancing into the semi-final!
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Thank you and take a bow
That concludes Saturday’s livebloggery-pokery but please feel free to continue the backstage badinage in the comments section. Meet you back here tomorrow for this year’s penultimate results show. It airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1, featuring special numbers from Hamilton and Sunset Boulevard.
I’ll raise the curtain on the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on X and @michaelhogan100 on Bluesky/Threads, so feel free to drop in for a luvvie-ish airkiss.
Thanks for watching along with me. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, it’s the traditional thespian motto: keeeeeep dancing! Just don’t mention the Scottish play. Goodnight.
A Pete vs Montell dance-off looks likely
Unless the public vote springs a surprise, it looks like Montell Douglas and Pete Wicks are doomed to dance again for survival on Sunday. Doesn’t it?
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Finally, Somersetlass says: “Giving the more obscure music to the women, while the men get well-known songs seems likely to affect the votes.”
On JB Gill, jagadox says: “A Viennese waltz needs good posture. For a moment , I thought she was going to do something XXX-rated with that umbrella.”
YodaknowsAll says: “JB’s posture is brilliant. There was real drive in that V-waltz as well. My favourite dance of the night.”
SparklingDormouse says: “JB has crept into my top three. Now I think he’s my favourite. Great at Latin and now absolutely killing ballroom! FABULOUS!”
FascinatingFlamenco adds: “JB has come so far. I feel confident when watching him and that was joyous. JB to win!”
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On Pete Wicks, Aine183 says: “I really like Pete, but he doesn‘t seem to be on the same level with the other contestants. It’s the quarter-final!”
mutterful says: “That’s why people are voting for P Twix. From nowhere to that - mistakes & all.”
OozblumBird adds: “Nice routine from Pete and Jovita but error-strewn. He’s really going to need his fanbase to get him through to the semis. I think this time, it’ll be dance-off for Pete. Room for improvement, so his goose isn’t quite cooked.”
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On Chris and Dianne’s quickstep, heroica says: “At last a true musical and a proper musical number. That’s what it should all be like, Chris and Dianne. That was wonderful and one of my favourite songs ever. He can dance!”
paperview says: “WOW! Chris produced the best dance so far. It was so simply done - and so excellent. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.”
dancingbears adds: “So many things to admire about Chris but perhaps the most remarkable is his spatial awareness, his sense of just where Dianne will be. Each week, he inspires me and makes me want to weep with joy.”
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On Tasha Ghouri, VelvetinaB says: “I wish we could have seen an Argentine tango to decent music. This song is awful and the strobe lighting without warning!!!!”
Dunntalkin says: “Nah, not an Argentine tango. Impressive gymnastic display, but no connection at all. If they hadn’t said it was an Argentine tango, I never would have recognized it. Sorry.”
acanthe adds: “Craig - yes! I felt that was more of a showdance than an AT. Despite my beloved Aljaz.”
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On Montell Douglas, BenCaldwell88 says: “Montell going second with a rumba to a lesser-known musical song? They gave the poor girl all the Strictly curses at once.”
NonIronLady says: “Good on Sarah Greene on It Takes Two last night, asking the question about why Montell has been in so many dance-offs. As she said, it can’t be anything to do with the dancing.”
TomAdlam adds: “Sensational dance by Johannes and Montell. It won’t be enough to keep them out of the dance-off, though. Pete and Chris could turn up on one leg and get enough votes to keep them in.”
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Ndl4321 says of Sarah Hadland’s Charleston: “Maybe I’m being grumpy but too many lifts for me, Geoff.”
Somersetlass says: “Oh, what fun! Incredible lifts and I didn’t see Sarah put a foot wrong. Vito looks so proud of her.”
fihema adds: “Ooh, that dance from Sarah and Vito made me happy. She seemed totally in control, the spotlight was on her and that could have been straight from the stage show. Great start to the show! I’ve already forgotten the pros’ dance.”
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Readers’ reviews
The notices are in, luvvies. Here’s a rapid-fire round-up of your comments. MarkRoche says: “Anton looks like Rod Hull.”
ReclinedPotato says: “Nice to see Bob Downe joining the judging panel tonight.”
Shazza2704 says: “Anton has come as lead singer of The Sweet. Ballroom Blitz!”
Lidoswimmer adds: “Anton’s giving me Robin Askwith vibes.” Confessions of a dance judge, anyone?
The Golden Glitterballs (theatrical edition)
Who needs standing ovations or Olivier Awards? Here are this week’s gong-getters…
Best dance: JB Gill closing the show in marvellous Mary Poppins style.
Worst dance: Pete Wicks’ whoopsie of a waltz.
Best music choice: Let’s Go Fly A Kite. Not just a banger but it actually suited the dance, unlike some.
Worst music choice: Montell Douglas and Tasha Ghouri were both poorly served by songs that weren’t exactly hummable household favourites.
Best outfit: Dianne Buswell’s nautical-but-nice number or Lauren Oakley’s Mary Poppins suit.
Worst outfit: Judges Shirley or Anton. Distracting dinner lady wigs and facial prosthetics ahoy.
Best VT: Lee Mack singing the praises of Chris McCausland’s “sexy hips”. Also liked Lauren’s magic carpet bag.
Worst VT: Pete and Jowita in their matchy-matchy beanies of sincerity.
Best judges’ comment: Anton telling Dame Daly: “I went to your hairdresser and asked for the full Tess.”
Best Claudia quip: Enjoyed her mentions of “innards” and “Auntie Joan again” but the prize goes to: “Dancing with a mole is the dream. I’m obsessed. Never actually seen one, though.” Yeah alright, Chris Packham.
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Strictly alumni vs The Chasers
TV viewers can now stay tuned to BBC One for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel or flip to ITV for The Chase Celebrity Special on ITV1, featuring Strictly alumnus Karim Zeroual and reigning glitterball champion Ellie Leach.
At 9pm, there’s Game of Throws: Inside Darts on Sky Documentaries or I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here on ITV1.
If you’re in the mood for a movie, tonight’s slim pickings are Dreamgirls (9pm on ITVBe), About Time (9pm on 5Star ) or The Rock (10pm on ITV4). NB: The Alcatraz Island thriller, not Dwayne Johnson off of Moana 2.
A leaderboard of two halves
JB Gill rightly takes top billing on the quarter-final scoreboard with a near-perfect 39. Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri just a point behind in joint second spot.
There’s then a six-point gap to Montell Douglas and Chris McCausland – and then another six point gap to Pete Wicks way down the bottom. Surely his time is up.
It’s beginning to look a lot like... Feathers McGraw?
Straight after Strictly, we get our first look at the BBC’s new Christmas idents, starring Wallace & Gromit. Anyone else suddenly have a craving for Wensleydale cheese on an oat biscuit?
Curtain comes down
Chorus line leaders Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!”. As the credits roll, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Tonight’s action rewound
An encore for the night’s six routines on-screen now. Glitz! Glamour! Goofy facial expressions! Lots and lots of wigs!
Which West End wendys are you voting for? Which Broadway berties are you definitely not?
Voting is… wait for it… open!
The ribbon is snipped on the voting lines and the traditional chaos erupts. Hats ahoy. Who wants to be a milliner?
Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Top of the pops. Saved the best ‘til last.
Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Shirley says “an iconic performance, immaculate, the night belongs to you”. Anton mentions Judy Murray (drink!) says “practically perfect in every possible way”. Craig says “your thumb was sticking up and over-turned pivots, so close to perfection but best dance of this evening”. Motsi concludes “dapper and fantastic flow, you’re so versatile”. Another 39-pointer for JB, do we reckon?
Is now the bit where we get outraged that the songs are originally from film musicals, not stage shows?
JB and Lauren’s Viennese Waltz
Can he get more 10s after last week’s 39-point Charleston? JB Gill is a ballroom boy and he’s hoping to blow the judges away with a show-closing routine that’s practically perfect in every way. He topped the leaderboard with a waltz way back in week one, so this should be like slipping on a pair of old dance shoes. Lauren Oakley is channelling the brolly-wielding nanny in a blue suit and jacket. An uplifting routine, full of flair and fun. Dizzying spins, plenty of pizzazz and character. The extra dancers adding a chorus line feel. Lovely cheeky details in the opening section. Skating across the floor with swing and sway. Floating and twirling romantically. Stylish, nostalgic and all-round gaw-jus. Dance of the night for me but will the judges agree?
Song: Let’s Go Fly A Kite from Mary Poppins. The breezy song from the end of the 1964 musical when stuffy old George Banks realises his family are more important than his job. It was written by the Sherman brothers, inspired by their father Al, who was a keen amateur kite-maker. Anton du Beke himself danced a Viennese to it in Blackpool 10 years ago with Judy Murray. They scored just 24 points and were promptly eliminated. Oops.
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Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Bottom by a distance. Surely he’s doomed for the dance-off at last?
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Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Anton says “a disaster downstairs but you’ve come so far in your dancing development, your work out of hold is beautiful”. Craig says “love what you brought to it but footwork shoddy, no heel leads, swing nor sway, went completely wrong but it didn’t bother me because the storytelling was engaging”. Motsi says “atmosphere transported me, clean it up downstairs”. Shirley concludes “extraordinary frame improvement, sensitive, made mistakes but picked up afterwards”. Sevens, do we say?
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Pete and Jowita’s waltz
It was clear from last week’s results show that Pete Wicks wasn’t familiar with West Side Story but presumably he’s learnt this week. He’s odds-on favourite to get knocked out this week. However, deadpan Pete’s Joker-themed Viennese waltz back in week six was his highest scoring ballroom dance, which could be promising. He can’t hide behind the facepaint this time, though. He and Jowita Przystal are playing star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria. Balcony scene to start, dapper styling and a smooth, classic feel. Nice trust-fall. His footwork is hesitant and fluffs it awkwardly. Storytelling full of passion and heartbreak. Improved frame but he needs to soften those knees for rise and fall. Lacks flow and seems strained but spectacular spinning lift to finish. He apologises to her for the mistakes.
Song: Somewhere from West Side Story. The Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim ballad from the Romeo & Juliet-inspired musical set in 1950s Manhattan. It was covered by the Supremes, PJ Proby, Barbra Streisand, Marianne Faithfull, Pet Shop Boys and, ahem, Phil Collins. Altogether now: “There’s a place for us…”
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Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. Bit harsh. Joint bottom with Montell as it stands. Chris will be having words with his right arm later. Dianne is endearingly emotional with how well he’s done. Aww.
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Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Dianne is jubilant. Rousing reception in the studio. Shirley says “flexible, fluid, outstanding movement across the floor, frame dropped a bit on one side, otherwise joyous”. Anton says “great feel, atmosphere and partnering but I’m with Shirley on your right arm, so close to being wonderful, don’t stop”. Craig says “exceptional floor coverage but posture suffered, fudged footwork at the end”. “That was me,” says Dianne gallantly. Motsi concludes “excellent energy, you let go as the dance progressed”. Nines ahoy?
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Chris and Dianne’s quickstep
Chris McCausland caused a kerfuffle last week by admitting he was musicals-sceptic: “They’re absolutely pointless. If it’s by adults for adults, grow up.” After online outrage from the jazzhands community, he’s sort-of-but-not-really apologised. Who knew that stand-ups sometimes said things for comic effect? Set on an ocean liner from New York to London, he’s hoping to stay afloat and not be sunk by this nautical-themed quickstep. Chris prefers being in ballroom hold and is an entertainer, so this should be right in his wheelhouse. Or boathouse. Smooth, elegant and energetic. He’s leading well and his footwork is astonishing. Great musicality, as always, as they hop and skip across the floor. A neat trick where he rolls on the floor and Dianne Buswell walks over him. Charleston flicks and kicks. Cracking choreography and lovely retro feel. Slight wobble at the end, I think, but a-may-zing.
Song: You’re The Top from Anything Goes. Cole Porter’s song from his 1934 Broadway show sees a man and a woman take turns complimenting each other in rhyming superlatives. Some of the lyrics were rewritten by PG Wodehouse for the British version. Aljaž Škorjanec and Call The Midwife actress Helen George performed a Charleston in Blackpool to the musical’s title song.
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Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 38 points. Higher scores than the comments suggested. Spaghetti legs, apparently. Dirty Dancing fans, clearly. I carried a watermelon.
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Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Tess has “turned into one giant goosebump”. Enduring image. Motsi says “I will never stop celebrating you, that was excellent dancing, legs on a whole different level”. Shirley says “lots to like, loved the lifts but a bit stiff and braced”. Anton says “I’m in Motsi’s camp, that was outstanding, can’t even nit-pick”. Craig concludes: “I can nit-pick, darling, this was a show-tango, not reactive enough and stiff of leg, too balletic but powerful, clean and sharp, you looked like the star amid the pros”. Eights and nines incoming?
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Tasha and Aljaž’s Argentine tango
Can last week’s leaderboard-toppers and perfect 40-scorers repeat the feat? They’re unlikely to get the chop, at least, unlike Henry VIII’s wives. They’re performing just the third Argentine tango of the series, after Jamie Borthwick’s and Sarah Hadland’s. Tasha was looking forward to this one but admits it’s been her hardest dance to learn by far. A big song with a strong female empowerment message. She’s regal in a midnight blue catsuit with bejewelled bodice. Faffing about galore to start, then into hold. Powerful, fierce and passionate, with intricate flicks, fast pivots and ganchos. Expressive limbs and close hold, with their bodies in complete contact. Backing dancers a tad distracting but impressive technique, cracking lifts and full of fire.
Song: Ex-Wives from Six, the musical comedy which retells of Henry VIII’s six lives as a singing competition. Strictly has pulled off a coup by landing Olivier-nominated Natalie Paris - who originated the role of Jane Seymour at the Edinburgh Fringe and in the West End - to sing live in the ballroom.
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Why have they put the three female celebrities on back-to-back? Bit odd.
Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. Johannes points out that Montell has no ligaments in her ankles. Oof. But I fear dance-off danger.
Just me or does Anton look like Rick Parfitt from Status Quo in that wig? Foxtrottin’ all over the world.
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Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Craig says “slow and exposing, lacked technique, lost fluidity and ooze but incredible moments”. Motsi says “softened up and worked on your leg action, nice hands and changes of pace, needed stretch in your feet”. Shirley says “beautiful back-walks, 100% sure-footed but work on flexibility of feet and breathing”. Anton concludes “great stillness and emotional storytelling”. Eights and nines?
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Montell and Jojo’s rumba
They’re now triple dance-off survivors but as Craig pointed out last week, you can still win the glitterball if you’ve been in the bottom two. Five previous champions have bounced back from the dance-off to triumph in the final. This rallying cry of a song means a lot to Montell Douglas. About a powerful woman gaining confidence and coming into her own, it resonates with her own Strictly journey. They’re the only couple tonight with no backing dancers. Just Montell and Johannes Radebe on the floor, showcasing how far she’s come as she tackles the tricky slow rumba. Wind machine in effect. Slightly wobbly balance as she shifts her bodyweight but sensual and rhythmic, with head rolls and hip action. Controlled turns, drops and spins. Beautifully in-sync, perhaps a little polite and lacking Cuban sizzle but superb performance levels from Montell.
Song: I’m Here from The Colour Purple. The 2005 Tony Award-winning musical adapted from Alice Walker’s classic novel has never featured on Strictly before. It ran at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013 with Cynthia Erivo in the leading role as Celie.
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Layton Williams on the Ts & Cs
Up in the Clauditorium, theatreland’s very own Layton Williams (a former Strictly finalist, of course) is this week’s VIP guest, reading out the voting smallprint. Darling, you’ve done it again. A triumph. Quite some outfit and all.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 9, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. Miranda Hart is in the house. Vito flogs a salad metaphor to within an inch of its life.
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Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Motsi says “well-placed, great timing, didn’t miss a beat”. Shirley Trunchbull says “you’ve set the standard, flawless lifts, great details, loved it”. Anton says “a wonderful piece of musical theatre, I love watching you dance”. Bearded Craig concludes “prim characterisation, precise and well presented”. A nines and three 10s, do we reckon?
Sarah and Vito’s Charleston
We’re not in Kansas anymore. Well, yes, we’re in Borehamwood. Sarah Hadland has Grande shoes to fill as Galinda the good witch. With the blockbuster movie cleaning up at box offices, it’s a good time to pay hoofing homage. Sarah’s in a ruffled pink mini-dress. A bouncy, high-energy Charleston should suit her. Slow start with some messin’ abaht, then into a dynamic dance with cracking characterisation. Plenty of swivel and packed with clean lifts. She’s being flung about by the extra dancers, as well as partner Vito Coppola, feet barely touching the floor. Flying and, yep, defying gravity. Song a bit stop-start but a proper showstopper. Pure showbiz.
Song: Popular from Wicked. The bubblegum pop-meets-The-Beatles song sees Glinda trying to help her misunderstood roommate Elphaba conform and make friends. Writer Stephen Schwartz compares the song to the plot of Clueless. It’s been sampled by Mika and recently released by Ariana Grande as the lead single from the film soundtrack. Frankie Bridge and Annabel Croft have previously performed Strictly numbers to songs from Wicked.
Our Strictly stars™
Our six couples take their bow. The fancy dress box has been raided, as expected. Tasha Ghouri is in Tudor garb. Lauren Oakley is Mary Poppins. Sarah Hadland has come as a cupcake, I think.
Judges enter stage left
The paddle-raising quartet emerge onto the Strictly stage. Fancy dress all round. Motsi Mabuse is a Dreamgirl, Shirley Ballas is Miss Trunchbull and Craig Revel Horwood in drag as the bearded lady from The Greatest Showman. Anton Du Beke in a technicolour dreamcoat with terrible mullet again, aka Claud’s Auntie Joan.
Frockwatch
Here comes our two-headed hostly hydra, so time for a Musicals edition of our usual fashion match-up. Tess Daly is sporting a one-shouldered red trouser suit. Claudia Winkleman is in a black sequinned mini with tuxedo top. Claud wins.
Carlos Gu plays the peckish shrub. It’s basically Day Of The Triffids with jazzhands, isn’t it? Feed me, Seymour!
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Neil Jones plays the Rick Moranis role as the nerdy florist who discovers a sentient carnivorous plant which feeds on human blood. Luba Mushtuk plays the object of Seymour’s affections, his colleague Audrey. Kai Widdrington is villainous dentist Orin Scrivello.
Little shop of hoofing
Unusually for a live show - but hey, it’s Musicals Week - we open with a razzle-dazzle group routine from the Strictly professionals. It’s based on 80s show Little Shop of Horrors.
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Reckon Vicky Gill got a multi-buy deal on top hats?
Roll clap-along credits
Nine couples down, six remain. It’ll be five by tomorrow. Dropping like foxtrotting flies, they are.
And we’re off!
Cue VT to crank up the drama. Have we mentioned that it’s Musicals Week yet?
Open your “sharing” box of Maltesers and raise the safety curtain. We’re about to go over live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Alan Carr’s Numberwang on BBC1 now, despite the series allegedly finishing last week. I think this must be a repeat. Why, ye scheduling gods, why?
Mere minutes to wait now…
On your dance cards tonight
There’s a ballroom-heavy bill for Musicals Week, with two waltzes (one Viennese, one international) and a quickstep. We’ll also be treated to a rumba, a Charleston and an Argentine tango. Those latter two especially could be showstoppers.
Hold tight, it’s just five minutes until the choreographic kick-off…
Sharp end of the contest has arrived
Clocking in at a mere 70 minutes, tonight is the shortest live show of the series. Snappy Come Dancing, more like.
We’ve made it to the brink of December. There’s only three live shows left - and only two results shows. The race for the glitterball trophy is well and truly on. It’s just 10 minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
Our Canadian correspondent writes
Email just in from regular reader, Iain Crofts in Montreal:
As we brace ourselves for the final themed week, we ponder a theme from last week’s comments: was it unfair for the public vote to keep Pete Wicks out of last week’s dance-off? Whatever one’s feelings, Strictly can’t be faulted for operating as advertised: “No one is safe based on judges’ scores alone! Your vote counts!”. They’ve certainly kept that promise.
Whether Pete’s persistence is explained by Przystal-power polishing his performances (unlikely) or dedicated disciples dead-set on demonstrating that The Only Way Is Pete (unfathomable), it is proof positive that the Strictly dance-competition and popularity-contest elements are inextricably intertwined from start to finish – except in the dance-off, which the judges are supposed to adjudicate on how well the celebrities dance. If Pete lands in one, it would seem that The Only Way is Out. But you never know. I’m still reeling from Tom being trounced by Toyah in the first dance-off of this series.
Let’s play Strictly bingo (musical theatre edition)
Cross them off as you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Get ejected from the dress circle for singing along too loudly! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight’s Musicals Week action:
Training room VT makes mention of “fundamentals for Shirley” or “swivel for Craig”
Celebrity in green face-paint, using up a make-up department glut from previous Shrek/Wicked/Hulk routines
Overuse of the words “iconic” and “legendary”
Anton makes disparaging mention of his Mary Poppins waltz with Judy Murray
Craig modestly mentions his West End choreography credits
Someone gets compared to Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers/Gene Kelly/Bob Fosse
Shirley thanks couples for “opening our show” and “closing our show”
A couple meet the cast of a West End show during their pre-dance VT
A West End star reads out the voting Ts&Cs in the Clauditorium
Claudia totally loses it whenever Vito Coppola speaks
Pete Wicks favourite for the exit. Again
For the second weekend running, Pete Wicks is bookies’ odds-on tip for elimination this weekend. He’s been bottom of the scoreboard three times and is the lowest scorer left in the contest by a distance, averaging four points fewer per dance than anyone else.
Montell Douglas is second favourite, then there’s a big gap to JB Gill in third. Can they dazzle voting viewers enough to secure safety? Twenty minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
Extra dancers are back
We haven’t seen supporting dancers since Blackpool Tower Ballroom but they’re back tonight, lending that big production feel to the musicals-themed numbers.
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe are the only couple to perform on their own, as they create an intimate mood for their rumba. Coincidentally, Jojo was in the same position last year, except with Annabel Croft and a foxtrot.
It’s 22 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Another twist in a topsy-turvy contest
It’s been a high-standard but unpredictable series, with couples pinging up and down the pecking order. Last week’s dancefloor departee, Jamie Borthwick, had been both top and bottom of the scoreboard.
Meanwhile, Pete Wicks being saved by viewer votes meant that for the fifth time in 10 weeks, the couple at the bottom of the leaderboard avoided elimination. This series, all bets are off.
Will we see another surprise this weekend? We’ll get our first clues in 25 minutes…
Who'll be a West End smash in Musicals Week?
And who’ll be a box office flop? Yes, it’s time for Strictly’s annual night out in Theatreland. Good evening and welcome to week 11 of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your fellow thesp for tonight’s live musicals-themed quarter-final. I’d love you to watch along with me as our couples perform routines inspired by West End and Broadway hits, bidding to make it through to the semi-final.
Last weekend saw jubilant scenes in the ballroom as Tasha Ghouri scored the first perfect 40 of the series for her swoon-worthy American smooth. This was followed by the hip-shaking chaos of the samaba-thon, won by JB Gill. After dance-off drama, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and his pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas were sent home
Our six surviving pro-celebrity pairings now take to floor, channelling the world of musical theatre. You know the deal by now. Tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance-off for survival on Sunday night. Pete Wicks is bookies’ hot tip for the chop but he’s defied the odds before.
It’s showtime at 7.05pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.35pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and heckles from the cheap seats. So don your theatrical finery, pre-order your interval drinks and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As ever, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for your first night reviews. I’ll pop a coin in my opera glasses to peer at you’re all saying.
Will Craig Revel Horwood dust off his perfect 10 paddle again? Can Montell Douglas bounce back from her third dance-off? Can Pete pull off another Houdini-esque escape? It’s nearly time to staaaart all-singing and all-dancing!
