Roar of the greasepaint next time
Thanks for watching along with me, glittery gang. Our Strictly six now dance into the quarter-final, the last themed show of the series, with routines inspired by West End and Broadway hits. Fancy dress and jazz hands pretty much compulsory. I don’t make the rules.
It airs next Saturday at 7.05pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to decide who’s a long-running hit and who’s a box office bomb. In the meantime, it’s our fridge magnet motto: keeeeep dancing! Thank you and a glittery goodnight.
joanieloves says: “Jamie is really sweet. He did well but Montell was in a different league. Brilliant quickstep. Going to be tactical voting next week. If Pete doesn’t go I’ll be fuming.”
Dunntalkin says: “Sugababes, eh? Let’s hope they make it all the way through the performance without having a massive row and breaking up.”
Finally, Inspissatedman adds: “Pete? Is that you?? I’ve a John Sergeant on line 2. Can you take his call right now, please?”
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girlpanic says: “It’s such a shame that after such a great show last night, the dance-off has left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth tonight. Neither couple deserved to be there and the person who should have been there inexplicably got through on the public vote. I’m very sad to see Jamie & Michelle go this week.”
acanthe says: “I actually feel quite sorry for Pete. He’s probably got a real case of survivor’s guilt.”
DancingMom says: “I have loved Jamie’s ‘journey’ this season. He is such a lovely lad. Michelle is a sweetie. Too soon for them to exit. Seriously. Wow.”
MartGray adds: “Is that the first time this year a celeb has been lifted? Jamie deserves it.”
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EmmyHarb says: “I can’t see Chris or Tasha being in a dance-off so fear it could be Montell again next week unfortunately.”
jagadox says: “What we seem to have in the quarter final are two real dancers in Sarah and Tasha. One sort-of-dancer in JB, and three non-dancer actual journey-ists in Chris, Pete and Montell. Whatever the ins and outs of who people think should or shouldn’t still be there, it’s interesting.”
Readers’ verdicts are in
A rapidfire vox pop of your choreographic comments. Rufusonly says: “Neither were the worst in the competition and I actually preferred Jamie’s rather sweet foxtrot. Michelle is a gorgeous dancer and gave an emotional farewell speech. I don’t know who is keeping Pete in but they have no appreciation of dance.”
MikeMoonlight says: “Jamie really should have just handed his partner Michelle some divorce papers and said ‘Happy Christmas, my sweet!’, before walking off the dancefloor whilst Dave Arch and his wunnerful orchestra played some ‘Doof Doof Doofs’.”
From Tudors to Bushtuckers
TV viewers can now stay on BBC One for Antiques Roadshow from Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, flip to ITV1 for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? or to Channel 4 for All Aboard! Scotland’s Poshest Train.
At 9pm, choose from Wolf Hall: The Mirror & The Light on BBC One, I’m A Celebrity on ITV1 or Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother? on Channel 4.
If you’re feeling filmic, there’s Last Christmas (9pm on BBC Three), Raging Bull (10pm on BBC Two) or Boxcar Bertha (10pm on Sky Arts).
Gender balance is equal at last
We started the series with a 9-6 men-to-women split, which pundits put down to problems recruiting female celebrities in the wake of Strictly’s summer of scandal.
Well, 10 weeks later, we’ve finally got ballroom parity. Our surviving six comprises three male celebrities and three females. The ballroom battle of the sexes is on.
Hard not to feel sorry for Montell
We said it last week. We’ll say it again. Montell Douglas didn’t deserve another dance-off. Judging by the scoreboard alone, this should have been an all-male affair with Pete Wicks or even Chris McCauasland facing Jamie in the dance-off. However, once again Montell tumbled from the top half of the leaderboard into the bottom two.
She’s prevailed over Sam Quek, Wynne Evans and now Jamie Borthwick in the dance-off, showing admirable fighting spirit. Thank her sporting background and Gladiatorial fire. Judge Motsi Mabuse hailed her as “the comeback queen”
After three appearances in four weeks, Montell looks doomed to be in the dance-off every week until she’s finally beaten. Undeservedly, considering she’s the contest’s third highest scorer and by rights a potential finalist. All Montell can do is keep working, keep dancing and hope the viewer votes come. At least she’s got the gorgeous Jojo Radebe as her chief cheerleader.
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Michelle impressed on full dancefloor debut
Cypriot-Sri Lankan professional Michelle Tsiakkas has spent three years as part of the Strictly troupe but this was her first series with a celebrity partner. On this evidence, she’ll be a fixture on the main show from now on.
She formed a firecracker partnership with Jamie Borthwick. Born just 10 months apart, the pair hit it off immediately and clearly got on like a house on fire, laughing their way through training. He always had potential but Michelle taught him well, with Jamie becoming equally proficient in both ballroom and Latin. They deserved to dance onwards but getting to week 10 in her first full series was a fine achievement. We hope to see more of Michelle next year.
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Pete is this year’s escapologist
He keeps on doing it. Pete Wicks has finished bottom of the judges’ scoreboard for three of the past four weeks. Yet miraculously, he’s still to appear in a dance-off. Week after week, the TOWIE alumnus gets hauled clear of danger by public votes. At least he has the decency to looked shocked each week when he escapes the red light of doom.
Judging by scores, he should have departed four weeks ago. Pete averages fully five points fewer than Jamie Borthwick, who he’s now outlasted. Pete is a hugely likeable contestant. Hs dry, dark humour provides a nice counterpoint to the gushing elsewhere, but he’s barely in this year’s top 10 hoofers, let alone quarter-finalist material.
Is the whole of Essex hitting the phones? Does his pro partner Jowita Przystal have a low-key large fanbase? Or do viewers just love to see an unlikely dance journey from a total novice? Whisper it but Pete couldn’t make it all the way to the final… Could he?
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Jamie was harshly judged
The doof-doofs have sounded on EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick’s secondment to BBC stablemate Strictly - but has he departed too soon? In my opinion, yes. Jamie had a busy week filming on the shouty Albert Square soap, so his training time was reduced this week. However, his foxtrot was still better than the 32 points it received. Being knocked out second from the samba-thon also appeared tough.
Week after week, the judges seemed to critique and mark him harshly, especially compared to the likes of Pete Wicks or Wynne Evans. They’d be praised for effort, characterisation or even their outfits, while Jamie bore the brunt of the technical nit-picking. Was the panel frustrated that he wasn’t fulfilling his potential? Trying to dispel any whiff of in-house BBC bias? Overcompensating so he wasn’t seen as a ringer after winning last year’s Christmas special? Either way, it often seemed unfair but Jamie always took it on the chin.
Perhaps his problem was that he peaked mid-series and never quite hit those heights again. He was “paso-bleeding-tastic” (copyright Craig) in week five and wowed with his Addams Family American smooth, jointly topping the leaderboard in consecutive weeks with 39 and 39 points respectively. Jamie’s other highlights were his slinky rumba, his holiday rep salsa, his Elton John quickstep, his Argentine tango to the Arctic Monkeys - and, of course, flying into Blackpool Tower Ballroom astride a giant sparkly ketchup bottle. Saucy.
He deserved a week or two more - especially considering he was still to do a crowd-pleasing Charleston or Couple’s Choice. Showman Jamie surely would have excelled in Musicals Week. Instead he follows his bromance buddy Wynne out of the contest. At least they can console each other over a pint at the Queen Vic.
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Jamie and Michelle’s last dance
As the departing pair hug tightly and take trip the light fantastic to End Of The Road by Boyz II Men, the credits roll and their castmates lift them shoulder high.
Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Michelle’s sweet exit speech
His pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas returns the compliment: “It goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer. He’s improved so much week by week. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is.
“It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and technique. It’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Her voice wobbles too. Well said again.
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Jamie’s gracious goodbye
In his farewell speech, an emotional Jamie Borthwick tells Tess: “Strictly is magic, that’s all I can say. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show. I have such a good bond and relationship with them. What made me want to do this show is the people, not what I’m doing. I’ve had the best time.
“I could ramble on all day about Michelle. She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you.”
Well said, sir.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
It’s unanimous. Twirley Shirley says she’d have decided the same.
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Jamie Borthwick is eliminated
There we have it. The majority vote means that Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas become the ninth couple to depart the Strictly 2024 dancefloor.
Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “both couples could have been winners”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “toughest dance-off in a long time but based on details”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “both fantastic but purely for technique and performance”.
Verdict time
Tight. Neither deserves to go in my book but let’s hear from the quartet whose decisions count. Shirley and Motsi both scored Montell two points more than Jamie last night, FYI. Anton scored her one point more. Craig gave them both an eight.
Montell and Jojo take their turn
Montell Douglas and her dance partner Johannes Radebe reprise their quickstep to Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald. The judges said last night that light and bright with bags of personality and much improved body connection, although Craig picked up on a slightly stiff beginning and iffy head position.
She scored 37 points, five more than Jamie, so surely just needs to maintain the standard and she’ll be fine.
Jamie and Michelle go first in dance-off
Jamie Borthwick and his pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas have another go at their foxtrot to Stand By Me by Ben E. King. The judges said last night that his right arm was lacking and his neck too stiff. They said Jamie needs to go to the next level, be more free and show more feeling because it was a bit monotone.
It scored 32 points, five fewer than Montell, so he needs to show serious improvement here.
Choreographic accompaniment comes from the two Ns, Nancy Xu and Neil Jones.
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Sugababes push the ballroom button
Time for this week’s musical interlude and it’s another poptastic one. Sugababes - back to their original and best line-up of Mutya Buena, Siobhán Donaghy and Keisha Buchanan - perform a medley of their hits.
There’s a bit of Overload, Freak Like Me and Push The Button all thrown in there. Live vocals and everything.
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Wicks Side Story
Pete Wicks is reeling that he’s through to Musicals Week and will be waltzing to West Side Story next week. “What’s that?” he asks. He’ll learn.
Chris McCausland "not a fan" of musicals
More banter with the duos returning next week. Chris thinks musicals are “pointless, grow up” but is delighted that the Buswells’ arrival in the UK hasn’t proved “a jinx”. Dianne Buswell recalls her dad Mark booing her eight-year-old rivals at a childhood dance contest. Attaboy.
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Montell faces Jamie in the dance-off
Which means that despite their stunning quickstep taking them to third spot on the scoreboard, Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe are in the dance-off again. That’s a shame.
Pete Wicks is safe
Blimey. He was rock bottom of the scoreboard but has been saved by the public again.
Chris McCausland dances through to Musicals Week
Rightly so but it must have been his nerviest wait yet.
Uh oh, it’s crunch time again
That pesky crimson spotlight is back to reveal who’ll face Jamie in the dreaded dance-off.
Anton hails Montell Douglas’ quickstep. Motsi bigs up the feeling and quality of Tasha Ghouri’s American smooth and praises Craig for “finding the courage” to touch his 10 paddle. Brave boy.
Shirley says Sarah’s rumba “was the most difficult choreography for a lady that we’ve ever seen on Strictly”. Big talk, La Ballas. Huge.
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Craig explains his “beef” with Sarah Hadland. Plant-based alternatives are available.
It’s never too early for a flouncy sleeve detail from Shirley.
Dance debrief
The famous foursome Riverdance over to Claudia’s teal banquette for a closer look at last night’s routines.
When worlds collide, it can be beautiful. What a gorgeous celebration of dance in all its forms. Breathing in each other’s styles. Sharing the same language of movement. Lovely.
(And surely we need a celebrity in a wheelchair in the Strictly line-up next year?)
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It’s a passionate and sultry performance, set to Robyn’s 2007 banger With Every Heartbeat. Tune.
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Pros explore different styles
Something different for this week’s group number. Five Strictly pros - namely Nadiya Bychkova, Nikita Kuzmin, Karen Hauer, Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington - partner five dancers of different styles, including a wheelchair dancer.
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Claudia’s latest gem of a link: “Tess will be wearing a technicolour dreamcoat. I’ll be haunting an opera house. On a totally separate note, it’s Musicals Week.” Wowser indeed, Winklevoss.
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Aljaz and Tasha will be performing an Argentine tango (yay!) to the musical Six (oh).
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JB and Lauren are flying a kite with Mary Poppins next week. Chim-chim-cheroo.
Sarah Hadland dances to Wicked next week
Up in the Clauditorium, the relieved couples chit-chat with La Winkle. I think that’s what Vito was saying, anyway.
Jamie really is jolly nice. He professes to be secretly pleased he’s in the dance-off, since he can perform that foxtrot again.
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Jamie Borthwick in dance-off for first time
Well, he was joint second bottom of the scoreboard so perhaps that’s no surprise. Viewer votes haven’t saved the EastEnders actor, meaning he must foxtrot again for survival with pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas.
Sarah Hadland is safe
After a mid-table finish, she’ll be breathing a big sigh of relief but deservedly progresses.
Tasha Ghouri is safe
No surprise after her perfect 40.
JB Gill is safe
Justice is done. JB was the star of last night, alongside Tasha. He’s the first quarter-finalist.
Red light spells danger
The dreaded scarlet spotlight of doom is here. Time to find out who’s qualified for the quarter-final and who’s dancing again for survival.
The judging panel take their floor-side seats. Craig presumably gave himself a stern talking-to after awarding that 10.
Our Strictly stars™
Our seven pro-celebrity pairs anxiously await the results. At least they’re doing so in relatively sensible clothing, unlike last week. *pink trousers squeak*
Last night’s live show rewound
A reminder of Saturday night’s live show on-screen now. Chris McCausland’s fight with a bull (and the paso doble dance moves)! Dianne Buswell’s adorable dad Mark! JB Gill’s cheeky Charleston! Sarah Hadland’s romantic rumba! Tasha Ghouri’s stunning American smooth! Craig’s lesser-spotted 10 paddle! Samba-thon silliness!
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Frockwatch
Here are our hostesses with the mostest, so let’s run the rule over their finery. Tess Daly is a gold halterneck with black trews. Claudia Winkleman in all-white. Claud wins, making it one-all this weekend.
And we’re off!
Roll clap-along credits. Which of these couples will soon be sent home in a sparkly minicab?
Quick, clutch Storm Bert in ballroom hold and steer him around the dancefloor. We’re about to be beamed back to Elstree Studios…
Will it be Pete vs Montell?
Pete Wicks versus Montell Douglas. That was many viewers’ predictions for tonight’s dance-off. As always, though, the public vote throws in a fascinatingly random factor.
A mere five minutes to wait now…
These pandas get a perfect 10 from me. The latest instalment of awe-inspiring, David Attenborough-narrated wildlife epic Asia just drawing to a close on BBC1. Tonight we’re in the continent’s untameable forests, with Bengal tigers trying to feed their cubs and greater one-horned rhinos fighting for territory. A bit like Craig and Anton.
It’s a mere 10 minutes until glittery go-time…
Something different for pro dance
Tonight’s group number sees five Strictly professionals teaming up with five dancers of different styles. Should be an intriguing mash-up. Expect tricks, surprises and high impact.
Fasten your sparkly belts and prepare for twinkle-toed take-off. It’s 15 minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
First perfect 40 of the year last night
Not only did the consistently excellent Tasha Ghouri top the leaderboard for the seventh time in 10 weeks - but she scored the first maximum of the series. Her American smooth with pro partner Aljaž Škorjanec left the judges lost for words.
After eight 39-point scores, three of which Tasha’s, hard-to-please judge Craig Revel Horwood finally dusted off his 10 paddle. Now the floodgates have been opened, will we see a flurry of 10s over the next three weeks?
It’s 20 minutes until showtime…
Sugababes in the ballroom
Tonight’s musical guests are the Noughties girl group with the ever-changing personnel - but now restored to its original and best line-up. The mighty Sugababes will be performing a medley of their hits, rather like the Pet Shop Boys in Blackpool last weekend.
It’s 25 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning round, round, baby, round, round, spinning out on me…
Will Pete’s popularity save his skin again?
Coming into this weekend, Pete Wicks was odds-on favourite for elimination. After a tepid tango, he duly finished bottom of the scoreboard for the second week running.
Normally this would be elimination form but will voting viewers ride to his rescue again? Might we see a dance-off shocker? Half an hour until we get our first clues…
Who will miss out on Musicals Week?
Somebody is about to be axed from the all-singing, all-dancing Strictly cast. Good evening and welcome to the latest elimination from Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your cyber-dance partner for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as the ninth celebrity bows out, falling agonisingly short of the musical theatre-themed quarter-final.
Of our magnificent seven surviving pro-celebrity pairs, only six will progress to next Saturday’s Musicals Week. The judges’ scores have been combined with the public vote and tonight the bottom two will be consigned to the dreaded eliminator. So who might not dance into December?
Last night saw the first perfect 40-point score of the series as Tasha Ghouri left the judges speechless with her pro-standard American smooth. After JB Gill won the inaugural samba-thon, he joined Tasha at the top of the leaderboard. Way down the bottom was Pete Wicks, with Chris McCausland and Jamie Borthwick just above. But will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Montell Douglas and even Sarah Hadland could come into the reckoning.
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 mild-to-medium snark. So get cosy on this wet ’n’ windy Sunday evening 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 glittery gossip. I’ll foxtrot down there every now and again, showing off my Rolls Royce footwork, to see what you’re all saying.
The West End and Broadway beckon for all but one pair. It’s nearly time to staaaaaart quarter-final qualifying!
Thank you and a glittery goodnight
That concludes Saturday’s liveblog-athon but please feel free to carry on commenting, my sequin-spangled pals.
Meet you right back here for the results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll reboot the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on so-called X and @michaelhogan100 on Bluesky/Threads, so feel free to promenade run past and say hi.
Thanks, as always, for watching along with me. Truly one of the happiest corners of cyberspace each weekend. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, you know very well what to do: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight and stay safe.
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Dance-off predictions? It should be Pete Wicks and he would surely go, regardless of who he’s up against.
Jamie Borthwick? Montell Douglas again would be unjust.
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Finally, MikeMoonlight says: “What the hell’s going on this week? We’ve had mostly traditional dances in nice, flattering costumes with appropriate music and fairly sensible comments from the judges. I DEMAND the show ends with the judges climbing on the desk and shrieking ‘tens all round’ whilst someone performs a street commercial workout routine in a panda onesie to the Wurzels’ I Am A Cider Drinker.”
Emasl2023 adds: “Note to producers: could you please take Neil out of the Clauditorium and hide him behind a pillar?”
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On the samba-thon, emilyscatnaps says: “Jamie out second? That’s a surprise. Pete? Not so much, but a great response to run!”
diamondcat says: “‘You don’t want to be crashing into another couple.’ Well, no. That’s probably a given.”
Dunntalkin adds: “The samba-thon. At last a proper bit of competition - with no grans or ‘journey’ to distract from the dance.”
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LekisP says: “That was sensational from Tasha and Aljaz. Perfect music too. She’s not my favourite but fair play.”
fihema says: “This is quite sublime from Tasha and Aljaz. The music was momentarily distracting, but the dancing was wonderful. Just beautiful. It’s a shame they don’t give her enough air-time to build her presence on the show.”
girlpanic adds: |That was just beautiful from Tasha and Alijaž. The lifts were incredible and it was just mesmerising to watch. I love her skirt too.”
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On Montell Douglas’ quickstep, MollyintheFolly says: “Lovely frock and great colour on Montell, lovely dance and one of my favourite songs. She’s one of the few celebs who doesn’t look like she has to gallop across the floor!”
Phoebe adds: “Huge improvement from MoJo this week. That was such a delightful contrast to the stompyness of last week. They both have stunning costumes and looked so light and joyful floating round the dancefloor.”
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On Chris McCasuland’s paso, VictoriasSecret says: “Just noticed Dianne moving her skirt so Chris doesn’t stand on it. One of the fascinating things about this partnership is all the small adjustments that have to be made and are done so unobtrusively.”
Heroica says: “I knew this wouldn’t be the dance for Chris. How could it be? He is still amazing, Dianne is out of this world as a teacher, but Chris cannot dance every dance well, it’s just not possible.”
JoMK73 adds: “I love the intelligence in that choreography for Chris’ paso. Enormous amount of effort has gone into that . What a tremendously difficult feat to dance that when you cannot see any modelling. I love Chris and everything he is doing on this show.”
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On Jamie Borthwick, whistledownthewind says: “I thought that was quite an elegant and classy foxtrot from Jamie but it was such an unshowy dance that I fear for him this week.”
KabinBoy says: “These are harsh, I say again, harsh comments.”
Heartticker says: “Wonderful traditional foxtrot from Jamie. No silly gimmicks, just pure dancing. I’m not sure why the judges are always so hard on him.”
ReclinedPotato adds: “You got to hand it to Jamie. All these weeks and he’s yet to see the inside of the spray tanner’s booth.”
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On JB and Lauren’s lovely number, ABH2018 says: “Nice trad Charleston with good swivel and characterisation. The odd hesitation?”
MarkRoche says: “No disrespect to Amy, but JB being partnered with Lauren has been the making of him. Proper Charleston to proper music. Loved that.”
Phoebe adds: “Hoorah! A proper Charleston to proper music with proper costumes. Heaven!. The Charleston dearth is overcome!”
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Aine183 says of Sarah Hadland: “Very powerful and fast for a rumba. I didn‘t even know that was an option.”
LazyMillennial (nice handle!) says: “I like Sarah but the rumba still looks like Sexy Yoga to me.”
Somersetlass adds: “Another very weird song choice, and not my favourite of Sarah and Vito’s dances - it didn’t have their usual chemistry. However, it did have beautiful lines and the bonus of Vicky Gill running out of buttons.”
Readers’ verdicts are in
A rapid-fire round-up of your comments. Puddingspoons says: “Pete’s got the rescue dogs out, might get my vote for that alone.”
KarimaKat says: “Dog rescue? I have two as well but this is just corny emotional tosh. Desperate.”
Louylou99 says: “That tango never really started for me. Difficult music to tango to as well.”
Acanthe adds: “Well, if Pete goes out this week at least he’s going out looking good rather than ridiculous. Though tangoing to Easy Lover is in itself, ridiculous!”
From Nordic noir to the Aussie jungle
TV viewers can now flip to BBC Two for Take That At The BBC. At 9pm, choose from I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here on ITV1 (go, Oti!) or Norwegian drama State Of Happiness returns to BBC Four. At 9.25pm, there’s Boybands Forever on BBC Two or Moonflower Murders on BBC One.
If you fancy a film, tonight’s picks are Shirley Valentine (9pm on 5Star), Superbad (9pm on Comedy Central) or Knives Out (10.25pm on Channel 4). Bonus points if you guess whodunit and can impersonate Daniel Craig’s preposto-accent.
Oi oi saveloy, it's the Golden Glitterballs
Let’s open some gold lamé envelopes. Here are this week’s receipents of our coveted liveblog gongs…
Best dance: Can’t be anything other than Tasha’s American smooth, Even Craig could only find a little finger to fault.
Worst dance: Pete Wicks’ tango. He fared better in the samba-thon but it could be time to go.
Best music choice: JB and Lauren’s Dixieland Charleston. Yes sir, that’s my decision. Get Happy as runner-up.
Worst music choice: The ropy version of Easy Lover which opened the show. Maybe the band hadn’t warmed up yet.
Best outfit: A tie between Tasha’s lilac dress and Montell’s hot pink one.
Worst outfit: A non-specific gripe: too much grey.
Best judges’ comment: Motsi was on funny form but the prize goes to Anton’s heartfelt paean to the beauty of dance after Tasha’s American smooth.
Best VT: Dianne’s parents or Pete at the Dogs Trust. I’m biased on the latter, since there’s a Dogs Trust pooch snoozing beside me as I speak.
Worst VT: JB on the farm. Too many animals. They’re the new nannas.
Best Claudia quip: Poking fun at the judgely chaos the last time we did a dance-athon. Also, nice “shrobing” with Carlos Gu’s jacket.
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News just in: Craig’s 10 paddle does exist
It seemed inevitable that Tasha Ghouri would be awarded the first perfect 40 of the series. She and Aljaž Škorjanec are the only remaining couple who’ve never scored below 30 points and had notched 39 on three occasions before tonight. That American smooth was flawless. Worth the wait.
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JB joins Tasha at top of leaderboard
With their usual scores and their samba-thon bonus points added together, JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri jointly top the standings. Pete Wicks is way down the bottom again, with Chris McCausland and Jamie Borthwick just above.
As always, the viewer vote helps decide the dance-off duos. Sarah Hadland and Montell Douglas might also be in for a nervous wait.
Credits roll
Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” and we shall obey. As the samba rolls are scoffed, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Tonight’s action recapped
We rewind the night’s seven dances on-screen. Surprisingly fuss-free samba-thon, wasn’t it? Well, they’ve had six years to practise.
Voting is… open!
Voting lines are declared open for democratic business. Claudia’s down on the dancefloor for a change, so no balcony bonkers-ness. Prop action restricted to the judging panel. Which twinkle-toed twosome are you voting for? Which two left-footed doofuses are you definitely not?
Sambathon results are in
Less head-scratching at iPads and deciphering of scrawled notes this time. thankfully. We have our result. JB Gill wins and scores the full seven points. Tasha Ghouri is runner-up with six points.
It’s JB vs Tasha as the final two, deservedly so. But who will be declared winner?
Montell Douglas and Jojo Radebe are next off the floor, coming third.
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Sarah Hadland is next out. Bear with.
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Montell and Jojo looking like a two-person party here. Pete Wicks is next out and carries Jowita off the floor.
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Jamie Borthwick next out. Harsh. Justice for gingers.
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Booty-shaking from Pete Wicks. Jamie Borthwick looking great and confident. JB Gill looking great. Chris McCausland a bit slow and stilted. They’re first out.
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Each couple wears colour-coded outfits, upcycled from the launch show. All seven have already danced the samba, so they should remember the moves. Now they’ll try to add flourishes and tricks to catch the judges’ eyes. Voltas, reverse rolls and botafogos ahoy. Who’s got the requisite Rio bounce?
Claudia suggests hiding in a dark corner to go under the radar. Craig makes reference to 2018. Drink!
Some padding here, while we wait for Tasha and Aljaž to get changed.
JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri both scored 37 points for their sambas earlier in the series, so they could be the ones to beat here. In fact, the only remaining celebrities to score sub-30 were Pete Wicks and Chris McCausland, both with 26 points.
Strap in for the samba-thon
Right, this should be entertainingly chaotic. All seven couples will take to the floor at the same time and bust out their best samba moves. The judges will eliminate the pairings one-by-one until there’s a winner, with them scoring between one point and seven points, depending on their position. This will be added to their main dance score before the public votes open. Clear as mud?
Aljaž is crying, Pete Wicks is crying. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Top of the pops and the first perfect score of the series. Celebratory chaos in the Clauditorium.
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Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Motsi says “stunning, wow, perfection”. Shirley says “Rolls Royce foxtrot, fantastic, Anton was actually crying”. Anton says “this is why we dance, it made us feel joy”. Craig concludes “your right little finger… one word, darling: fab-u-lous”. Could we be about to see our first 40 or will Craig poop the party?
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Tasha and Aljaž’s American smooth
Last dance before the samba-thon insanity. Tasha Ghouri has topped the leaderboard six times and been one point away from perfection three times. Can she achieve that extra point and notch the first maximum of the series? After last week’s paso, she’s going from serious to smooth. A song full of feeling and a dance to match. Ballroom boy Aljaž Škorjanec’s favourite dance is the foxtrot, so he’s in his element. Emotionally connecting and full of romance. Smooth, dreamy and floaty. She’s equally at ease in and out of hold. Precise with lovely long limbs. Expressive, an impressive standing leg-flex and spinning lift. Tasha looked like a pro. Cute as hell. Enough Hollywood-style wow factor for 10s? Quite possibly.
Song: Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi. The Glaswegian troubadour’s 2018 chart-topper was written in response to the death of his grandmother. He performed it right here in the ballroom the following year. The single’s video starred his distant relative, actor Peter Capaldi of Doctor Who/sweary spin doctor Malcolm Tucker fame.
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Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 8, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 37 points. Second place with one dance to go.
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Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Shirley says “personality-plus, bright and much better body connection, quite delightful”. Anton says “improved, your best since that Couple’s Choice, absolutely brilliant”. Craig says “stiff beginning, head position a bit Death Becomes Her, dynamic and great breakouts”. Motsi concludes “sparkle and shine, you sold the product to me”. An eight and three nines, do we predict?
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Montell and Jojo’s quickstep
The double dance-off survivors go back to ballroom for the first time in three weeks, since that Whitney waltz in Icons Week. The song lyrics seem all too apt. Can Montell Douglas forget her troubles and dance her cares away? Fast dances tend to suit the former sprinter. As she flies across the floor, she needs to keep her feet light and her frame strong. Jazzy opening, then into a smooth, elegant and energetic quickstep. Charleston flicks and kicks, lovely leaps, up on the toes and balls of her feet. Big smiles, bags of style. Joyous.
Song: Get Happy by Ella Fitzgerald. The jazz queen’s version of the song written in 1930 and made famous by Judy Garland. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga performed it in recent film Joker: Folie à Deux. It has soundtracked Strictly quicksteps by Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev in 2012, and Nicola Adams and Katya Jones in 2020 - as well as Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton’s showdance in the 2014 final.
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Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 7, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 33 points. Mid-table.
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Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Chris butters up Craig with some praise for his album. Craig says “wonderful but lacked smooth Spanish flair, knees too high, solid and strong”. Motsi says “you put Dianne first which is beautiful, loved the intention and commitment but uncertain in places”. Shirley says “impressive steps and separations, nothing out of place, Dianne deserves her own little trophy”. Anton concludes “a Blackpool paso, loved it”. Eights and the odd nine en route?
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Chris and Dianne’s paso doble
Dianne Buswell’s jet-lagged parents have arrived in the UK from Bunbury, Perth and are in the studio tonight, giving her an adorable intro. She’ll want to wow them. It’s off with the Blackpool tailcoat and on with the bull-fighting bolero jacket for her partner Chris McCausland. However, Chris admits he’s been having trouble with the paso all week in training. He needs to play the powerful and serious matador but says “That’s not me, I’m a child in a man’s body”. He’s also been finding the paso’s curved body positions and unnatural posture tough to master. Traditional red outfits. Dramatic and intense attitude but not sure he’s got the footwork and frame. Straining at times, visibly counting and hurrying to keep up. Good knee-walks and aggressive stamps but lacking Spanish line. Improved as it went on and strong finish but for me, not his best. Raucous reception in the studio. Olé!
Song: El Gato Montes by Manuel Panella. A song from the Spanish opera whose title translates as “The Wild Cat”. A big favourite of tenor Plácido Domingo. It has soundtracked previous Strictly pasos by Caroline Quentin and Natalie Gumede.
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Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 8, 8, 7, 9 for a total of 32 points. Second from bottom as it stands.
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Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Anton says “I’ve rubbed off on you, right arm lacking, beautiful but need to go to the next level and show more feeling”. Craig says “looked like you were wearing a neck brace, need to be freer and cheekier, bring more personality, swing and sway”. Motsi says “great job, your eyes sparkle, nostalgic vibe, showed your love of dance”. Shirley concludes “one of the male frontrunners, nice but a bit monotone”. They always seem extra harsh on Jamie, perhaps because he has so much potential. Eights incoming?
Jamie and Michelle’s foxtrot
What no giant sparkly ketchup bottle? It’s been four weeks since Jamie Borthwick did ballroom and he’s enjoyed being back in hold with Michelle Tsiakkas in training this week. The storytelling for this classic foxtrot is a tribute to the couple’s support from their nearest and dearest, hence the song choice. The judges will be picky about details (and they tend to be tough on his anyway), so he needs to keep the footwork clean with heel leads on the slow steps. Vintage cinema styling. Nice posture and long neck. A bit safe, maybe. Did I detect a couple of balance wobbles and a mid-routine footwork fluff? Graceful glide around the floor and otherwise gaw-jus.
Song: Stand By Me by Ben E. King. The gospel-influenced 60s soul song became a hit again in the 80s when it featured in the coming-of-age film of the same title and soundtracked a Levi’s black denim ad - the one where handsome stuntman Eddie Kidd beat the bouncers by getting into a nightclub with a “No blue jeans” policy.
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Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Top so far but when is that 40 coming?
Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Craig says “pure class”. Motsi says “loosened up, very entertaining, loved it”. Shirley says “you brought so much joy, amazing”. Anton concludes “that was the best of you, brilliant”. A 39-pointer?
JB and Lauren’s Charleston
JB Gill’s form dipped slightly with the last week’s Blackpool quickstep, falling to mid-table after two weeks of being joint top. This Roaring Twenties-style Charleston is ideal to bounce back. With dapper art deco-style styling, it’s pretty traditional Charleston fare, packed with content. Fast and physical, with bags of musicality and characterisation. Entertaining lifts and tricks. High-energy and keeping up the pace well. Nice pendulum swing of the arms and plenty of that all-important swivel. A clunky lift but solid synchronisation. Swagger and style. He looks understandably shattered by the end. Did it well.
Song: Yes Sir! That’s My Baby by Firehouse Five Plus Two. The 1950s Dixieland version of the 1925 standard. The band comprised members of Disney’s animation department who discovered a love of jazz and began jamming during their lunch break.
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Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 8, 8, 10, 10 for a total of 36 points. Highest scoring rumba of the series.
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Shirley says “that choreography belonged in a major championship, full-on routine, flexible and sensual, best rumba of the series so far”. Anton says “one of your best dances, worked your legs so well, a complex routine but you nailed it”. Craig says “technically very good but lacked chemistry and real connection”. Motsi concludes “a Cuban rumba, impressive but needed more ooziness, soften your back and breathe”. Two eights and two nines, do we think?
Sarah and Vito’s rumba
Sarah Hadland notched her highest score with her Fosse-esque Couple’s Choice in Blackpool, a near-perfect 39 points. She has now scored six 10s during the contest. Can she add to that? A rumba is a technically tricky dance to do it. She needs to rein in her trademark bouncy energy for the slow, sensual dance of seduction. Moody solo works to start. Nice romantic mood and connection. Sarah showing control from feet to fingers. The keys to the rumba are rhythm and hip action. Sarah’s seem pretty good to me. Spins, floor slides, turns and drops. Lots of poise, perhaps lacking a little sizzling passion but otherwise truly terrific.
Song: Chains by Tina Arena. The 1994 power ballad reached number six on the UK chart. The Melbourne diva also made it to the final of Australia’s version of Strictly in 2013.
Scott Mills on the Ts & Cs
Back to the balcony this weekend, after Blackpool’s “commandeer a corner and pin up a glittery curtain” improvised Clauditorium. La Winkle welcomes the new Radio 2 breakfast DJ as this week’s VIP guest to read out the voting smallprint. Lobster hands ahoy.
Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Early to call it but dance-off danger.
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Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Motsi says “suits you, stunning, brilliant open work but hesitant in hold”. Shirley says “you had focus and improved your frame, fierce, did well”. Anton says “credit where it’s due, super posture, settle into your knees but keep improving”. Craig concludes “not difficult to improive on last week (boo!), unsteady footwork , lacked timing and drive but loved the sharpness”. Eights?
Pete and Jowita’s tango
Pete Wicks has peeled off his pink pleather trousers (presumably with the aid of talcum powder and Vaseline) and donned a sharp suit. He’s the bookies’ favourite for elimination but he prefers ballroom, loves this song and looks far more comfortable than he did in Blackpool. The characterisation of the tango should suit him, too. Monochrome styling. Sexy and passionate dance with stalking promenades and snapping turns. Some gapping in the close hold. Lacking a little cleanness and staccato action. Decent synchronisation and lifts but perhaps a little robotic and he’s walking about too much rather than dancing.
Song: Easy Lover by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins. The pop-soul duet, co-written and performed by the singers from Earth, Wind & Fire and Genesis respectively, topped the UK charts for four weeks in 1985. Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace danced a cha-cha to it 15 years ago and were eliminated. An omen?
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Our Strictly stars™
Our magnificent seven pro-celebrity pairs are introduced. Not much fancy dress. Smart suits, lots of grey, matador jackets and Montell Douglas looking fab-ew-lous in pink.
Paddle-raising panel in the house
The judgely quartet sashay into view, having removed their sparkly seaside stetsons. Motsi Mabuse in a Pucci-style disco minidress. Shirley Ballas has a massive corsage thingy. And possibly some tiny dance shoes beneath her desk.
Frockwatch
Here come our autocue queens, so time for the traditional couture comparison. Tess Daly is in a red tuxedo suit. Claudia Winkleman is in black Chanel-style chic with white trim. Tess wins but only just.
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Cue clap-along credits
More than half these couples have now departed the dancefloor. Remember Toyah and Tom? Halcyon days, my friends.
And we’re off!
Roll the industry standard dramatic montage. Cooking doesn’t get tougher than this! Oops, sorry, wrong show.
Tug on your pink PVC trousers and wiggle your hips with excitement. We’re about to go live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Home stretch for our hoofers
We’re into double figures week-wise, with just three live shows left after tonight. This is very much the business end of the contest, with a spot in next week’s quarter-final - a musicals-themed show - at stake.
That glitterball trophy is beginning to glint temptingly on the horizon. Only five minutes until showtime now…
The last episode of Alan Carr’s Numberwang just wrapping up on BBC1. We won’t miss it much when it’s gone. Mere minutes to wait now…
On your dance cards tonight
As well as Strictly’s first ever samba-thon, we’ll see seven different dance styles tonight, including four classic ballroom routines.
We’ll also be treated to a rumba, a paso doble and a Charleston. It’s just 10 minutes until the choreographic kick-off…
Festive special line-up is now complete
Stir up your plum duff in preparation because all six celebrity contestants are now confirmed for the Strictly Christmas Special. We can look forward to festive footwork from comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, presenter Vogue Williams, Nitro from Gladiators (aka Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey), actress Tamzin Outhwaite and racing driver Billy Monger.
Any early predictions for the 2024 winner of the seasonal Strictly star? It’s just 15 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Dibbers at the ready! It’s Strictly bingo
Cross them off as you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! End up dancing around your living room in your own personal samba-thon! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight’s proceedings:
Reference to Pete Wicks having peeled off his pink pleather Blackpool trousers
Craig Revel Horwood is consulted as the oracle of Charleston swivel
Topical Bert-based reference to “dancing up a storm”
Misty-eyed reference to Blackpool’s “special atmosphere”, “sprung floor” or “iconic” Tower Ballroom
Anton du Beke crowbars in mention of his own Strictly saaarm-bas
Motsi says Craig is “obsessed” with her
Newly eliminated pro Katya Jones compensates by elbowing to the front of the Clauditorium
Shot of Dianne Buswell’s parents in the studio audience and they wave awkwardly at the camera
Shirley says it’s week 10, so she needs to clamp down on technical fundamentals
Claudia makes a knowing gag about the lindyhop-athon meltdown six years ago
Pete Wicks is hot favourite for the exit
For the first time this series - and not before time, in terms of scores - pink slack enthusiast Pete Wicks is bookies’ odds-on tip for elimination this weekend.
Montell Douglas is second favourite, with JB Gill in third. Can they defy the odds? Twenty minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
Back to usual ballroom business
They’ve made it past the towering Blackpool landmark. The bright lights of the pleasure beach are behind them. Still scrubbing sand from between their toes, our couples now return to the familiar Elstree Studios ballroom.
No extra dancers or sprung floor. Nowhere to hide from the judges. Not long until the clock strikes sequins…
Inaugural samba-thon promises all manner of mayhem
The last time Strictly attempted a dance-athon in 2018, the judges got confused by all the simultaneous lindy-hopping and announced the wrong results. Claudia Winkleman had to intervene like an exasperated school teacher and untangle the hot mess, before recommending a stiff drink.
Having taken six years to recover from the trauma, they’re now trying it again. After they’ve all performed their main routines tonight, our seven couples will take on their first competition-style floor dance. They will all perform a spicy samba at the same time, raising the tantalising prospect of collisions.
The judges will confer and eliminate them pair-by-pair until there’s a winner. They’ll be awarded between one and seven points apiece, depending on their position, which will be added to their main score.
It means each couple has practised two dance styles this week for the first time - their full routine, plus the samba - which could change the leaderboard considerably before the public vote opens. Who can deliver when it counts? We’ll get our first clues in 25 minutes…
Who will suffer a Blackpool hangover?
Having danced back down the M6 from the Tower Ballroom, it’s a homecoming show for our hoofers - but one pair will fall short of the quarter-final.
Good evening and welcome to week 10 of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your speed-typing dance partner for tonight’s live show. I’d love you to watch along with me as our magnificent seven trip the light fantastic once again. They will also tackle Strictly’s first ever samba-thon, bidding to make it through to next week’s musicals-themed quarter-final.
Last weekend’s annual trip to Blackpool Tower Ballroom saw spectacular routines and even more spectacular trousers. Wynne Evans and Katya Jones were eliminated but what a stage to bow out on.
Our seven surviving pro-celebrity pairings now return to the familiar surroundings of Elstree Studios - with extra points up for grabs in the climactic (and possibly chaotic) samba-thon. More on that in a moment.
As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two duos will hoof again for survival on Sunday night. Pete Wicks and Montell Douglas most at risk but the two Js, Jamie Borthwick and JB Gill, could also be in jeopardy.
It’s showtime at 7.05pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.35pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and glitter-dusted gags. So draw the curtains against Storm Bert 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 at your dance disposal. I’ll samba-walk down there intermittently to see what you’re all saying and report on your reactions.
Will Tasha Ghouri top the scoring yet again? Will Craig Revel Horwood finally dust off his 10 paddle? Will the sambathon give the judges a nervous breakdown? And will anyone be sporting an unwise tattoo from Blackpool seafront? It’s nearly time to staaaart double dancing!
