Next stop, Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Thanks for watching along with me, glittery gang. Our excellent eight pairings now progress to the week nine, live from the fabled Tower Ballroom with its Victorian splendour and sprung floor.
The seaside special airs next Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to sort the bright ballroom lights from the dim dance bulbs. In the meantime, it barely needs repeating: keeeeep dancing! Have a lovely week and see you in Blackpool. Goodnight everyone.
Finally, MarkRoche says: “Anton choosing partly to save a couple for a more joyous performance is a bit iffy. The rumba doesn’t signify sunshine, puppies and lollipops. However, I think the right decision was made overall.”
TPTony adds: “Feel sorry for Shayne. Definitely nowhere near the weakest dancer left.”
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MikeMoonlight says: “Ouch! That’s got to be the ultimate humiliation for Shayne – finding out that Shirley Ballas, the eternal saviour of hot young male dancers in the dance-off, actually preferred the slightly chunky middle-aged bald guy over him.”
EmmyHarb says: “I think this must be the hardest week to leave the competition and to leave on a split judging panel too must surely make it worse.”
Swalk77 says: “My elderly mother is really offended by Pete, it’s hilarious!”
kalioon adds: “Shirley better avoid Nancy for a while. The look in her eyes. Ooft.”
jm1476 says: “Wynne made more mistakes. Joyful not a criteria for voting someone off.”
Poppieshen adds: “Well, that’s Shayne gone. Oddly I almost warmed to him while he was on screen, while simultaneously forgetting about him when he wasn’t. Maybe that was his problem. Once again thank you Michael for keeping this rickety charabanc on the road to Blackpool and making us laugh.”
Totally my pleasure, Poppie!
Readers’ verdicts are in
A rapidfire vox pop of your comments. Sueserafina says: “Fact is, I’d rather see a Katya routine in Blackpool..”
joe_tambien says: “There’s just no forgiving Shayne for Good Ship Murder, is there?”
1991fab adds: “Wrong decision imo for dance-off,. Viewers were so harsh on Shayne. He shouldn’t have been in the dance off so many times and was one of the strongest male contestants. I don’t understand Shirley’s criticism of most ‘joyful routine’. What has that got to do with the technique and the errors each person made?”
From tangos to Tudors
TV viewers can now flip to ITV1 for the return of Midsomer Murders or Channel 4 for Alan Cumming travelogue, All Aboard! Scotland’s Poshest Train.
The night’s big TV event, though, is period masterpiece Wolf Hall: The Mirror & The Light at 9pm on BBC1.
If you’re in the market for a movie, tonight’s picks are Emma (8pm on BBC3), The Revenant (9pm on Film4) and Deliverance (10pm on BBC2). Cue twanging banjos.
Scoring went wild last night
What was going on with the scoring on Saturday? The judges often clamp down immediately before Blackpool, enabling them to get carried away in the Tower Ballroom the following weekend, but last night’s marking was particularly erratic. Shirley’s perfect 10 for Pete was especially eyebrow-raising, not least because she only deemed JB Gill’s far superior samba worthy of a nine.
However, La Ballas wasn’t the only culprit. Anton du Beke’s nine for Wynne was almost as daft. Indeed, half the couples got a two-point spread of scores. Craig Revel Horwood gave out several sevens, while his colleagues kept reaching for their nine and 10 paddles. Sanity needs to be restored as we enter the business end of the contest.
Nancy will be much missed
Shayne’s elimination also means the exit of his pro partner. Chinese-born Latin champion and all-round firecracker Nancy Xu has enjoyed another strong series. She’s had a celebrity partner for four series, reaching the semi-final twice - with Rhys Stephenson and Will Mellor. Being first out with Les Dennis last year was her only flop.
Nancy did well to steer Shayne this far, especially considering those three dance-offs. She clearly supported him well during his struggles with trolls and unpopularity. Nancy deserves a strong partner and a good run next year.
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Pete and Jamie can thank their popularity
He’s the lowest-scoring celebrity left in the contest by far, averaging 25.6 points - nearly five points per dance fewer than the eliminated Shayne Ward. TOWIE alumnus Pete Wicks can therefore thank public support for making it past the contest’s midway mark, let alone all the way to Blackpool.
Dancing a Couple’s Choice came at the right time for Pete. His contemporary routine, dedicated to his late nanna Doreen, was a heartstring-tugger. It didn’t deserve a vastly inflated perfect 10 from Shirley Ballas, who as head judge should have known better, but a score of 36 took Pete to the dizzy heights of joint third on the scoreboard and helped ensure his safety.
As a performance novice who has embraced playing characters, steadily improved and fallen in love with dance, Pete has been on the trademarked Strictly “journey”. He’s committed, trains hard and is smartly drilled by his partner, Polish pro Jowita Przystal, with whom he’s formed the tight “Team Petita”. His dry sense of humour has endeared him to viewers. Barring a miraculous leap in quality, however, he deserves to bow out before the end of November.
The other big sigh of relief should come from Jamie Borthwick. He’s suffered a slump in form over the past two weeks and was joint bottom of last night’s scoreboard alongside Shayne. EastEnders fans must have hit the voting lines but Jamie needs to arrest the decline fast.
Gender balance redressed
The field was beginning to get uncomfortably male-heavy, with six celebrity men outnumbering the three remaining women by two to one. Awkward.
An all-male dance-off at least means that it’s now 5 to 3. Perhaps we’ll have parity after the next two eliminations – just in time for the quarter-final.
Narrowest escape of series for Wynne
Opera singer Wynne Evans can count himself very lucky indeed to be making the tip to Blackpool. He was bookies’ second favourite for elimination this week behind Shayne Ward, scored a mere two points more on Saturday night and squeaked past him in only the second split dance-off decision of the series.
Sure, he has great musicality and nimble feet for a big fella but Wynne’s continuing run in the series is largely down to his dance partner Katya Jones. As arguably the most creative choreographer among the pros, Katya puts together clever routines, works around his abilities and body type, and consistently delivers routines with wow factor.
Wynne once looked an outside bet for the final but the “handgate” controversy has dented his popularity, while his scores have hit a plateau in the early 30s. Katya will need all her tricks to keep him in the contest for more than a couple of weeks.
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Third time unlucky for Shayne
Very few Strictly celebrities survive a third dance-off. So it proved for Shayne Ward. He’d comfortably seen off Nick Knowles and Dr Punam Krishan over the past month but Wynne Evans provided sterner opposition. Even then, Shayne came within a within a whisker of edging him out in the eliminator.
It’s been a strange contest for the pop star-turned-actor. He looked like a dancer packed with potential and had charisma on the floor yet never quite convinced. His highlights came when playing his music heroes. His Elvis waltz and Beatles quickstep notched his highest scores. Otherwise, he seemed to overthink, tighten up and become hesitant. Having been trolled for perceived cockiness early in the series, he often came across as needy for approval – although he’s clearly a decent chap, as those gracious closing comments demonstrated.
He didn’t connect with voting viewers, hence those three dance-offs. The slow rumba, always technically tricky and exposing for celebrity males, came along at the wrong time. Manchester-born Shayne would have been desperate to reach Blackpool but it wasn’t to be. A case of what might have been.
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Team Shancy’s last dance
As the eliminated couple take a final twirl around the dancefloor to the strains of Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House (tune!), the credits roll and their castmates crowd in for cuddles.
Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Nancy returns the compliment
His pro partner Nancy Xu says: “I’m beyond proud of this partnership. From week one, every second you put your feet on the dancefloor you improved yourself. You’re a deep thinker, you always doubt yourself but I never ever questioned you. When I watch you, I feel proud because I’ve turned someone who has never danced in their life into an amazing dancer. You should believe in yourself. I adored this partnership.” Sweetly said, Nance.
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Wardy waves goodbye
In his exit speech, Shayne Ward tells Tess: “You guys up there [meaning his fellow contestants in the Clauditorium] are a dream. Every single day, you helped me so much. I want to say thank you to the audience as well, for always being amazing for us all. This has been, honestly, one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m proud that I made it to eight weeks as a novice dancer.
“A massive thank you also goes to this incredible human right next to me [meaning Nancy], who has put so much fire in me and made me believe that I can achieve more if I let myself go. I’m sorry it didn’t work out to the end but I’m super proud that I got to dance with you.”
Shayne Ward is eliminated
Shirley’s decisive vote means that Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu become the unlucky seventh couple to depart the Strictly 2024 dancefloor.
Shirley Ballas choose to save…
Wynne and Katya, saying “both had hiccups but they were more powerful and joyous”. In the event of a draw, of course, the head judge gets the casting vote. Which means…
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Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Wynne and Katya, saying “it’s tight, both made early mistakes but it threw Shayne more and made him hesitant, while Wynne cut loose”. Drama! The panel is split for only the second time this series.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Shayne and Nancy, saying “they were more advanced technically”. So if Shayne gets one more vote, he’s ripped up the form book and secured safety.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Shayne and Nancy, saying “contrasting styles but for me he’s the better dancer”.
Verdict time
Let’s hear from the panel whose decision counts. Craig and Motsi marked both dances the same last night but Shirley and Anton scored Wynne’s one point more.
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Wynne takes his turn
Wynne Evans and his dance partner Katya Jones now reprise their American smooth to Grace Kelly by Mika. The judges said last night it was that it was an energetic performance but lacked grace and flow.
It scored 32 points, two more than Shayne’s rumba, so Wynne needs to avoid mistakes to maintain that margin.
Are we spotting slight improvement here? I think so.
Shayne goes first in dance-off
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu have another go at their rumba to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. The judges said last night that the rumba walks were on-point but he lost timing, lacking connection and rotation. It scored 30 points, just two fewer than Wynne, so Shayne needs to show improvement to close that gap.
ReclinedPotato points out: “Just in case Michael doesn’t mention it, the piano on The Hollies version of this song was played by a certain Reg Dwight.”
That’s a fib, obviously. Hat-tip to Toast Of London.
Remember that Michael Ball has twice the amount of blood as an average human, hence his ability t o hit those high notes.
Ball and Boe salute brotherhood
Musical interlude now from big-lunged, black-tied duo Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, crooning their version of 1969 soul ballad He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, made famous by The Hollies.
Karen Hauer and Kai Widdrington provide high-class hoofing accompaniment.
Sarah Hadland is squeakily excited about going to Blackpool. Vito says it’s the “belly bottom of the world”. Translation: belly button.
JB dances a Rick Astley quickstep next week
Has the nation just been Rickrolled? More balcony chit-chat with the Blackpool-bound duos. JB Gill says he channeled Vito Coppola for his samba and Vito is endearingly delighted.
Shayne faces Wynne in the dance-off
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu must hoof again for survival. He was joint bottom of the scoreboard and has been in two dance-offs before, so perhaps that was to be expected.
Tasha Ghouri is Blackpool-bound
So are JB Gill and Sarah Hadland. Rightly so.
Crunch time again
The dreaded crimson spotlight is back to do its dastardly thing. Let’s find out who will face Wynne in the dance-off.
Motsi and Shirley explain the magical appeal of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Sprung floor klaxon! Drink!
Craig Revel Horwood was taken by surprise by Sarah Hadland’s cartwheel giing straight into a fishtail lift. Gaw-jus, dah-link.
Craig Revel Horwood says “solar plexus” three times and Claudia suspects he’s just cast a spell. Shirley Ballas justifies her 10 for Pete Wicks and his nanna.
Motsi Mabuse breaks down Jamie Borthwick’s balance issues during the Argentine tango.
Dance debrief
The paddle-raising panel perch on Claudia’s teal banquette for a breakdown of last night’s dances. Anton du Beke admires JB Gill’s saaarmba.
An already affecting number is made even more emotional by a Chelsea Pensioner arriving at the end, with Gorka fading into the veteran via the magic of TV. He then pins a poppy to a young girl.
Just lovely. Something in my eye.
Remembrance routine pays respects
Time for a Remembrance Sunday routine from the pros, paying tribute to the armed forces past and present, as well as the Royal British Legion. Choreographed by the brilliant Lizzie Gough, it follows the life of a serviceman and the story of the Remembrance poppy over the past century.
Michelle Tsiakkas plays the wife of Gorka Márquez, pinning a poppy to his chest. During the routine, Gorka ages from a young adult to an elderly man, thanks to clever camera work. A poignant tale of love, passion and pain. It’s set to The Blower’s Daughter by Damien Rice - the tender folky ballad which became Rice’s debut hit in 2001.
Blackpool is full of chips
Jamie Borthwick’s lifestyle tips, there. Claudia Winkleman admits there have been 199 mentions of the B-word already and rounds it up to a neat 200.
Pete’s too sexy for his shirt
Pete Wicks will be cha-cha-cha-ing to Right Said Fred in Blackpool. Expect pecs.
Jamie dances to Los Ketchup next week
In the Clauditorium with the relieved couples who are heading to Blackpool, sauce-averse, condiment-sceptic Jamie Borthwick sympathises with Wynne, with whom he’s very close – and reveals that’s he’s a regular in Blackpool for “the darts”. Good arrers.
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Wynne Evans must dance again for survival
Well, that’s a mild shock. Wynne Evans and his pro partner Katya Jones are consigned to the dance-off for the first time. He finished third from the foot on the leaderboard but didn’t get enough viewer and fell into the bottom two.
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Chris McCausland reaches Blackpool
That’s a most welcome result. After that incredible, inspirational Couple’s Choice routine with its powerful blackout moment, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will be heading up the M6 to the home of ballroom.
Pete Wicks is going to the seaside
So is Montell Douglas.
Jamie Borthwick rescued by viewers
He was joint bottom of the scoreboard but the EastEnders actor has been saved by the public vote. Which means we could be in for a dance-off surprise.
Dreaded red lightbulb of doom
Scarlet spotlight time. Time to find out who’s booked their seat on the Megabus to Blackpool and who might be left at home.
Our Strictly stars™
Our nervous nine couples wait to hear their fates in a feast of ruffled ra-ra skirts, matador capes and shiny separates in muted tones.
The judging panel discuss the dances. They might have a tricky decision to make later. In the home stretch of the contest, it tends to be tight.
Last night’s live show rewound
A recap of Saturday night’s action on-screen now. Tasha Ghouri’s head-snapping quickstep beats the curse of dancing first! JB Gill’s body-rolling carnival samba! A pair of contrasting Couple’s Choices! Beige costumes! Man-buns! Bizarre scoring!
Frockwatch
Here’s our hostly duo, so let’s do a rapid gown rundown. Tess Daly is shoulderless red. Claudia Winkleman in a black cocktail classic. Tess narrowly wins, making it one-all this weekend.
And we’re off!
Cue that ba-ba-da theme tune and roll those familiar credits. Which pair won’t be needing their bucket and spade?
Put down your second screen, restock your snack platter and freshen up your drink. We’re about to be beamed back into the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Male celebs in danger zone
The bottom three spots on last night’s scoreboard were all occupied by male celebrities – namely Shayne Ward, Jamie Borthwick and Wynne Evans.
Are we in for a mano-a-mano dance-off? Just five minutes to wait now…
Gio doing well on Italian version
Another email just in from our Canadian correspondent, Iain Crofts in Montreal, who seems to have his eye on international editions worldwide.
In last night’s liveblog, you mentioned feeling Charleston-deprived in this season of Strictly. If you haven’t seen it, you might enjoy the Charleston that Bianca Guaccero and Giovanni Pernice performed on Ballando con le Stelle for a perfect score of 50 last week, available on YouTube. They danced to Mein Herr from Cabaret. Some of the moves reminded me of Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez’s Couple’s Choice to the same song last year. See what you make of it – and keeeep blogging!
Mountain elephants, snow leopards and red pandas currently stealing the show on our wildlife warm-up, David Attenborough-narrated BBC1 epic Asia. Majestic Sunday night viewing.
Any last dance-off predictions? A mere 10 minutes until choreographic kick-off…
Putting the Ball into ballroom (and the Boe into mambo)
Tonight’s musical guests are Ball & Boe, aka poperatic duo Michel Ball and Alfie Boe. Wonder if either of them will ever sign up for Strictly? It worked for Wynne “Gio Compario” Evans.
Fifteen minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
Tens were rare last night
The couples’ total scores might have all been in the 30s last night but there weren’t as many perfect 10s as we’ve seen in recent weeks. Just four maximums were awarded – two for Tasha Ghouri, one for JB Gill and, bafflingly, another for Pete Wicks.
That’s the lowest number of 10s since week four. The traditional pre-Blackpool dip? Hold tight, it’s 20 minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…
Remembrance Sunday routine on the bill
As is Strictly tradition at this time of year, tonight’s results show features a Remembrance-themed number from the professional dancers. It should be a tear-jerker and (no spoilers) features a poignant surprise a the end.
It’s 25 minutes until the mirrorball starts spinning again…
Will it be a shame for Shayne?
Shayne Ward came into this weekend as bookies’ favourite for elimination and duly finished joint bottom of the judgely scoreboard. Will viewer votes rescue him from a hat-trick of dance-off appearances? If so, are we about to see a shock pre-Blackpool result?
Half an hour until we get our first clues…
Who’s set to will suffer Blackpool heartbreak?
The big glittery bus to the pleasure beach is about to depart - but one couple will be denied a seat. Good evening and welcome to the latest elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your cyber-seasider for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as the seventh celebrity is sent home and their Blackpool hopes are dashed.
Following last night’s live show, our nifty nine remaining pro-celebrity pairings will be narrowed down to eight. The judges’ scores have been combined with the public vote and tonight the bottom two will do battle in the dreaded dance-off. So whose Tower Ballroom plans might be cruelly cancelled?
Well, Saturday night saw samba king JB Gill and quickstep queen Tasha Ghouri tied at the top of the standings. Way down the bottom were Shayne Ward and Jamie Borthwick. Will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Wynne Evans, Pete Wicks and even Sarah Hadland could be at risk.
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and single servings of mild snark. So throw an extra log on the Sunday night fire and see you on the sofa.
As always, 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 pre-Blackpool bantz. I’ll rumba-walk down there intermittently to see what you’re saying and report your comments up top.
You can almost taste the fish, chips, candy floss and deep-fried donuts. Nearly time to staaaaaart seaside eliminating!
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A glittery goodnight
Well, who’s Blackpool-bound and who’s doomed for minibreak heartbreak? That concludes tonight’s liveblog action but meet you back here for the Remembrance Sunday results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1.
I’ll kickstart the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so please feel free to give me a follow or say hi.
As always, thanks for watching along with me, glitterball gang. Hope to see you at the same time, same place tomorrow. Until then, it’s the fab-ew-lous family motto: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.
Finally, MJfromStaunton says: “Can’t listen to Shirley being critical to the likes of Sarah, Jamie etc and then scoring JB a 9 against Pete Wicks 10. She is ridiculous.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “Evening all. Sorry I’m late but I promised myself that I wouldn’t post a comment tonight until the Deliveroo guy had dropped off my Indian flatbread. So yes, this one’s for me Naan.”
On Chris McCausland’s Couple’s Choice, neverhopeful says: “Brilliant comments from Chris. It’s not blind or disabled people that need to be inspired, it’s the rest of us that need to change our thinking and our expectations of disabled people.”
whistledownthewind says: “In a week that’s felt pretty dark for many of us, it’s wonderful that Chris has brought us a little bit of joy and sunshine. How he dances so well is a wonder. I truly believe that Strictly doesn’t get any better than this.”
MarkRoche adds: “Chris is a better dancer than I ever will be and Dianne’s teaching is phenomenal but I feel he’s on a downward trajectory these last couple of weeks.”
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On Montell Douglas’ paso doble, TheMathDiva says: “I don’t like this modern twist on the paso. I’m too much of a traditionalist. Sorry, Mojo.”
GorillaChops says: “Great dancing from Montell but that song was a dismal choice. Plus all those effects on the floor and the purple outfits made it feel like I was looking into a box of Quality Street.”
yorkshirecoast adds: “I do love a paso. Might watch that again with the sound down and some different music, though. I think they were dancing to a different song but I’d still give it a 10!”
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On Jamie Borthwick’s Argentine tango, ReclinedPotato says: “Remarkable dancing by Michelle. Pity she didn’t give her partner something else to do apart from showcasing her.”
NonIronLady adds: “That tango gave me the impression it was Jamie’s first behind-the-bike-shed fumble with a girl in the year above.”
On Wynne Evans, diamondcat says: “Poor Wynne always looks so anxious when he faces the judges. I wish he wouldn’t, he’s so watchable.”
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On JB Gill’s samba, acanthe says: “Now that was a samba! I am gutted we’ve lost Amy but it’s so good to see Lauren with a partner.”
Heartticker says: “Well, well, well. JB has found his groove with Lauren and is peaking at the right time. Good job.”
Phoebe adds: “A great samba from JB. A welcome cheerful burst of fun and colour after the melodrama from Pete.”
On Pete Wicks, tomatopincushion say: “The most ‘couple’s choice’ couple’s choice of the series so far. Didn’t do it for me. I did miss all the story leading up to it, though.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “I feel that’s the first time Pete has truly danced, as opposed to just following the steps. Really good.”
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On Sarah Hadland’s American smooth, jagadox says: “Wow! Those lifts. Outstanding. Yet the judges always seem to carp at her.”
LilywhiteDub says: “Seeing as tens are being flung about this series like confetti, I give a ten for Sarah’s smile during that dance. She is everything that this programme should be about. Loved it.”
AndyPandy21 says: “Sarah and Vito are just such a great pairing. Wonderful match in physicality, phrasing and musicality.”
MsChuffy adds: “Sarah and Vito. UNDERMARKED. That’s all I got to say.”
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When it comes to Shayne Ward, whistledownthewind says: “If the 10-paddle crazy Motsi and Shirley are critical of your rumba, I suspect the dance-off may beckon for Shayne.”
MartGray adds: “Holy smoulder, Batman, I know nowt but I’d give that Shayne and Nancy-dancy a ten. Extra points for Shayne’s much-improved hair.”
Your verdicts are in
A swift straw poll of readers’ comments. On Tasha Ghouri, MarkRoche says: “Smashing quickstep (appalling music choice notwithstanding).”
Pancake01 says: “Frock too long, couldn’t see her feet for a lot of it. Felt a bit skippy?”
Tomatopincushion says: “Years of watching Strictly and I have finally learnt I love a quickstep. Gorgeous, Tasha!”
SnailyWhaley adds: “This old fuddy duddy thinks quickstep should not be a midriff-baring dance.”
Non-themed week was welcome
After two themed live shows in a row - the traditional Halloween Spooktacular, followed by the fun but slightly gratuitous Icons Week - it was something of a relief to cast off the fancy dress and concentrate on dancing, don’t you think?
That scoring was a lot, though. Shirley’s 10 for Pete seemed a particular case of heart over head. From the head judge, it felt particularly inconsistent.
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Remembrance and romance on TV tonight
TV viewers can now flip to Ultimate Covers Versions on BBC2 or choose from a pair of quizzes: Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel on BBC1 or The Chase: Celebrity Special on ITV1.
At 9pm, it’s the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2024 on BBC1. At 10pm, David Baddiel: The Not the Trilogy arrives on Sky Arts. At 10.05pm, The Pixies, Max Richter and Neneh Cherry are on the bill of BBC2’s Later.
It’s you fancy a film, at 9pm, there’s Bridget Jones’s Baby on 5Star. At 10.05, The Man With The Golden Arm is on Rewind. I can also heartily recommend gorgeous French love story Paris, 13th District at 10.30pm on BBC4. Ooh and, if you will, la la.
Hold your calls, it’s the Golden Glitterballs
They’re golden, glittery, spherical and totally imaginary. Here are this week’s gong-getters…
Best dance: JB Gill’s firecracker samba. Never easy for celebrity males but he made it look like a body-rippling riot.
Worst dance: Shayne Ward’s rumba. It scored the same as Jamie Borthwick’s Argentine tango but wasn’t as watchable.
Best music choice: Arctic Monkeys and Cyndi Lauper were both belters.
Worst music choice: Mika and Tina Turner rather creaked at the seams vocally.
Best outfit: Loved Motsi’s dress and Michelle’s eye make-up but the prize goes to Sarah Hadland’s green frock, despite gusset-ography worries during the lifts.
Worst outfit: Tasha Ghouri’s skirt was too long to see her footwork properly but poor JB’s brown pleather slacks were worse.
Best judges’ comment: Anton admonishing Vito for not pointing his toes during a cartwheel: “I told you this last series and it’s getting on my nerves.” “Sorry, Anton,” said an endearingly sheepish Vito like a schoolboy who’d let his teacher down.
Worst VT: Shayne’s beanie hat of sincerity in the park.
Best Claudia quip: A dead heat between her mouthing “Help me” during the pros’ balcony antics and “going a bit Yoda” when she got a link in a tangle.
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Craig keeps his perfect 10 powder dry
The luxuriantly bearded judge remains the only member of the panel not to raise his maximum paddle. Saving it up for Blackpool, do we predict? If so, who will be the recipient?
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A tight leaderboard and tense wait
On a night of erratic scoring, only seven points separate top from bottom. JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri jointly top the standings. Shayne Ward and Jamie Borthwick are joint bottom.
As always, though the viewer vote helps decide who’ll be illuminated by the scarlet spotlight of dance-off doom. Wynne Evans might also be in for an anxious wait.
Credits roll
Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” as is traditional. Except with Claud in novelty sea-front shades. As everyone starts optimistically packing their wheely suitcases for Blackpool, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Re-re-wind
Tonight’s routines get recapped on-screen. Which twinkle-toed pair get your vote? Which clod-hopping couple definitely don’t?
Voting lines are… open!
Prop-heavy Clauditorium mayhem ensues. Tried to go too early again. Remember to vote for your favourites if you don’t want any nasty surprises tomorrow. We’ve had enough grim results for one week, right?
Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 7 (oof), 8, 9, 9 for a total of 33 points. Mid-table.
Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Craig says “that routine belongs in a musical, brilliantly put together, flow was missing but the lift coming out of that poignant blackout moment was spectacular, I really don’t know how you’re doing this”. Motsi says “timing on-point, a message that’s bigger than the show, I felt that in my heart, inspiring, loved it”. Shirley says “the most unique partnership I’ve ever seen on any dance show around the world, Dianne teaches you so well and Chris, you don’t miss a bit, you’re a winner in my book”. Anton concludes “the most extraordinary thing I’ve ever seen, remarkable, inspirational and Dianne deserves a trophy for the professional who’s done the most incredible job, a partnership built on trust and togetherness”. Nines all round?
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Chris and Dianne’s Couple’s Choice
Comedian Chris McCausland’s scores have dipped in the past fortnight and he’s been in the bottom two but this should arrest that trend. Emotive VT about his disability and desire to represent the blind community. A song by a fellow Liverpudlian and a routine full of personal connection and meaning. All-white outfits. Starts off standing on a table and chair, then hops down onto the floor with lots of smiling and showmanship. It’s a mix of jazz and musical theatre, showcasing his innate musicality. The odd footwork whoopsie and wobbly lift but euphoric and full of positivity. An impactful black screen moment to represent his blindness, then a spinning lift and a walloping finish. As the song says, ”You’re a superstar, that’s what you are.” A dose of pure dance joy.
Song: Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon. Songs by The Beatles have appeared 10 times on Strictly but this is a first for Lennon solo. In 1970, the Phil Spector-produced track became the first solo single by a Beatle to sell a million copies in the US. Its chorus inspired the title to Stephen King’s The Shining. It’s one of the fastest-released songs in pop history, arriving in record stores just 10 days after it was written. As Lennon said: “I wrote it for breakfast, recorded it for lunch and we’re putting it out for dinner.”
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Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Joint third as it stands.
Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Motsi says “loved it, I got lost in the dance, clear message, there was spice, attack and fire in every moment”. Shirley says “warrior of the evening, beautiful footwork and twist-turns, I loved it too”. Anton says “whoosh, acceleration, so engrossing”. Craig concludes “your foot was sickled, a terrible shame because it was almost perfect, that… was… something else”. Nines. Maybe a 10?
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Montell and Jojo’s paso doble
Last week’s dance-off survivors bid to bounce back and they’ve got a good dance to do so. Montell Douglas averages two points more for Latin than she scores for ballroom. The Noughties floor-filler isn’t a traditional paso song by any means but they’re still tapping into the classic paso elements. Fire from Gladiators is relishing the attitude and characterisation. Footwork, facial expressions and body movements coming together in one fierce package. Team Mojo are mirroring each other in the routine and with their purple costumes too. Cape-work and matching skirt-ography. Lots of leg. Sharp, dramatic and power-packed, just lacking a little curve for me. Contemporary and cool. Olé!
Song: Lola’s Theme by The Shapeshifters. That was originaly just the working title of this chart-topping 2004 house banger - named after producer Simon Marlin’s wife because it was her record collection that inspired the song. However, the title stuck and Lola herself appeared in the video, handing out candy floss at a funfair.
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Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. Third from bottom so far. Enough to be safe?
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Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Shirley says “pivots and footwork coming on nicely, wonderful performance”. Anton says “technically great, joie de vivre and energy, powerful lifts, smooth like it says on the tin”. Craig says “lacked style and grace but I love watching you”. Motsi concludes “you left your heart on the dancefloor but the transitions need to flow”. “You’re an absolute legend,” Katya tells Wynne as they trot upstairs.
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Wynne and Katya’s American smooth
After last week’s moody rumba, Wynne Evans picks up the pace for an American smooth. He’s yet to perform a foxtrot this series, so these steps are new to him. At least the footwork, drive and frame are familiar from his previous ballroom numbers. Clever, creative choreography as always from pro partner Katya Jones. Both mouthing the words, which is a tad distracting but it takes off when the music picks up. Changes of pace and great musicality. Leaps and lifts, razzle-dazzle entertainment and wow factor.
Song: Grace Kelly by Mika. The debut hit by the British-Lebanese singer was the third biggest-selling UK single of 2007. He wrote it as a satire on musicians who reinvent themselves to become popular after a record company exec told him to be “more like Craig David”. Mika performed it during the interval when he co-hosted Eurovision 2022 in Turin.
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Ginger Neil gets his moment, doing the social media spiel. Claudia loving it. Genu-lols.
Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Joint bottom as it stands. Dance-off danger? Surely not.
Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Motsi says “really hot connection and story, clear accents but got a little tight and static, good try”. Shirley says “didn’t quite work for me, your balance was off, tried too hard and too much tension in your body, stiff and lumpy”. Anton says “agree, wonderful line and quality but relax, you’re such a talent”. Craig concludes “balance issues throughout and your foot got stuck, a bit over-placed but it had control and gaw-jus musicality”. Eights?
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Jamie and Michelle’s Argentine tango
The Argentine tango is always thrilling and Jamie Borthwick, the first celebrity male to tackle it this series, say it’s his dream dance. Ideal to bounce back from last week’s disappointing George Michael samba. It’s Michelle Tsiakkas’ first Argentine tango on Strictly too, so she’s equally excited. Bit of undressing to start. The EastEnders actor is enjoying the chance to get serious and sensual. Strong connection, slinky moves and a goosebump-inducing song. Sharp, passionate and technically precise, packed with details. Constantly transferring weight between them. Masterful leading but his posture wobbles in places. Intense and hawt with a strong line to finish.
Song: Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys. The 2003 indie-rock banger is suitably dramatic and moody, built around a stomping guitar riff. It’s often used by the band to open their shows. You might recognise it from a Bacardi ad or the second season finale of Peaky Blinders. This isn’t the Arctic Monkeys’ Strictly debut. Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell performed their showdance to I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor in the 2018 final.
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Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 9, 9, 9, 10 for a total of 37 points. Joint top with Tasha.
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Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Anton says “I’m stunned, man alive, you brung it, wriggly and full of snake oil, I came over a bit peculiar”. Craig says “don’t embarrass yourself, Anton darling, JB means jolly brilliant”. Motsi says “up there with Kelvin Fletcher and Danny Mac as Strictly’s king of samba”. Shirley concludes “in it to win it, congratulations to Amy for putting the fundamentals in place”. A 39-pointer, perchance?
JB and Lauren’s samba
JB Gill has a permanent new partner now in the form of home-grown pro Lauren Oakley, who’s always a joy to watch. JB needs to keep the confidence and freedom from last week’s Couple’s Choice and bring it to the Latin party dance. Classic rhythmical music and he’s got natural groove. Great opening, all legs and limber hips. Expressive shimmies and shakes. Lock steps, plenty of ripples and body rolls. Fluidity, suppleness and bounce. This is seriously good, especially for a male celeb’s samba. On-point.
Song: Mas Que Nada by Sérgio Mendes. The Brazilian musician died just two months ago, aged 83. This 1966 hit became one of his signature songs. He rerecorded it in 2006 with the Black Eyed Peas.
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Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 8, 9, 10 (wow), 9 for a total of 36 points. His best. Proud mum in the audience. Pete affectingly choked-up on the balcony.
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Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Rousing reception in the studio. An emotional Shirley says “beautiful, your heart and soul shone, immersed in music and dancing, what it’s all about”. Anton says “the best bits of you were all on the floor, a slightly gammy arm but so natural, told the story with feeling”. Craig says “moving, loved the sentiment but wanted flow in the transitions and more polished technique”. Motsi concludes “loved the way you opened your heart, made magic happen, you did your job and made Jowita look a million dollars, your best dance”. Hard to score. An eights and three nines?
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Pete and Jowita’s Couple’s Choice
This should be an emotional one. The song means a lot to Pete Wicks, since it was the favourite song of his beloved nanna, Doreen, and was played at her funeral in 2022. He said this week: “She was my best mate and I wish she was here to watch me on Strictly,. This is my way of having her with me. I’ve spent more time crying than dancing this week.” Aww. For the first time, he’s not playing a character, just being himself. “It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in 11 years on TV,” he says. He’s the lowest scoring celebrity left in the competition and made lots of mistakes last week but the freedom here should suit him. It’s lyrical and contempo-waft in style with plenty of Jowita Przystał’s trademark spectacular lifts. A little heavy and static at times but nice lifts and scarf section. Long shoulder lift to finish. Full of feeling, from the heart, showing the healing power of dance. A fitting tribute.
Song: The Best by Nicotine Dolls. Originally by Bonnie Tyler, it was made famous by fellow diva Tina Turner in 1989 It’s used as entrance music by both boxer Chris Eubank and Glasgow Rangers FC. Antiques expert Tim Wonnacott’s ill-fated paso to this song with Natalie “Legs” Lowe, way back in series 12, saw him eliminated. Let’s hope they fare better.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. It’s 15 years today since Miranda debuted. Makes you feel Proud.
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Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Craig says “your blocky hands bothered me but you’re extremely talented, clean, cartwheel into lift was spectacular”. Motsi says “took lifts to a whole new level, consistently high standard but got a little tight and lost softness”. Shirley says “timing and execution very good but issues with gapping and closing of feet, on the right track but needs neater details”. Anton concludes “nitty picky, love your legs and base, just free up your upper body”. Nines ahoy?
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Sarah and Vito’s American smooth
Well, Sarah Hadland surely had to dance to the in-joke song from sitcom Miranda at some point. Here it is. After scoring nines and 10s in recent weeks, she’s become a strong glitterball contender. In fact, last week’s Madonna cha cha notched the highest score of the series for a dance which wasn’t a Couple’s Choice. Wind machine side-by-side section, then into a long lift. Foxtrot steps and soft knees for that smooth and airy feel, floating around floor. A colourful, upbeat, celebratory number with superbly executed lifts and tricks. She needs to dance flat, so is having to rein in her normal non-stop bouncy energy. Slightly hurried footwork at times but bags of style. Shame she can’t sing it too. Possibly while holding a cardboard cutout of Heather Small on a wooden stick. Such fun.
Song: Proud by Heather Small. Since its 2000 release, the M People diva’s debut solo single has become a rousing motivational anthem, often used at the Olympics and London Marathon.
Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Dance-off danger?
Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Motsi says “light and shade, loved the rumba walks but timing was off, so weight transference looked slow and heavy”. Shirley says “sensitive details and chemistry but I was conflicted, some outstanding bits but lost timing”. Anton says “you’re invested in Nancy, nice musicality but I wanted better foot speed”. Craig concludes “dead space in your chest, lacked connection and stretch but hip action good and masculine”. Sevens and eights, do we say?
Shayne and Nancy’s rumba
Shayne Ward has survived two dance-offs but showed some fight last week, closing the show with his Beatles quickstep. He remains bookie’s favourite for the exit, though, and the technically tough rumba is notoriously exposing for celebrity males. Wynne Evans ended his rumba with a burst of song last week but we can probably assume Shayne won’t. They’ve gone mad with the augmented reality this week. Forest projections this time. Slightly static to start, then passionate, rhythmic and flowing. Nice long lines and finger extensions but lacking a little sizzle and sensuality in the storytelling. Continuous hip action is present and correct but a little polite for me. Rose petals fall for a romantic finish.
Song: Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. Awarded Song Of Year at the 1985 Grammys, the pop ballad was used in cathartic prom scenes from both Napoleon Dynamite and Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion.
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Michelle Visage on the Ts & Cs
The Drag Race judge and Strictly alumna is this week’s Clauditorium guest to recite the voting smallprint. She even wore sparkles for the occasion
Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 8, 10, 10, 9 for a total of 37 points. That’ll take some beating.
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Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Anton says “the way to book a place in Blackpool, got all your steps in for the day, great frame and flow”. Craig says “a bit safe, push it more, I wanted Charleston breakout and pendulum steps”. Motsi says “it had everything, full of detail, made it look easy”. Shirley concludes “full-on dancing, difficult steps done well”. Blackpool mentioned copiously already. Nines, do we reckon?
Tasha and Aljaž’s quickstep
Last week’s Couple’s Choice meant that Tasha Ghouri has topped the scoreboard four times in seven weeks. Opening the show, can she maintain that form? Aljaž Škorjanec has increased the difficulty of the footwork for this quickstep, confident that Tasha can handle it. Crazy escalator projections making me feel a bit dizzy, frankly, then into a fast, full-on routine, with changes of rhythm and timing. Running and leaping around the floor. Slightly out of sync in the side-by-side sections? Showcasing great stamina to keep it smooth. Lots of spins with impressive head whips. Wow. A jazzy showstopper. Or rather showstarter.
Song: Fantasy by Mariah Carey. The 1999 dance-pop hit became Mariah’s ninth number one and helped popularise guest rappers on pop singles with its verses from Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Who has a lot in common with Dave Arch, I imagine. Kindred spirits.
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Our Strictly stars™
Our nine couples emerge on the staircase of dreams to wave hi. A merciful lack of fancy dress this week but Pete Wicks is a symphony in mushroom. Wynne Evans in a sparkly rainbow tailcoat. Chris McCausland in all-white with matching top hat.
Hola, the judges
The paddle-raising panel make their grand entrance. Thank goodness Anton Du Beke has lost that dinnerlady-with-a-mullet wig. Motsi Mabuse looks fab-ew-lous.
Frockwatch
Here’s our two-headed hosting hydra, so time for the traditional sartorial size-up. Tess Daly is in a sequinned teal mermaid dress. Claudia Winkleman is in classic black silk. Claudia wins.
Cue clap-along credits
Tap your feet! Hum along! Realise that you’d forgotten several of these couples ever existed!
And we’re off!
Roll the industry standard tension-building VT. Blackpool is at stake, apparently. Who knew?
Hitch up your Spanx and buff your dancing spats. We’re about to go over live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Alan Carr’s Numberwang js our televisual amuse-bouche once again - and will be every Saturday until the semi-final. Oh goody.
Let’s do some light stretching. Mere minutes to wait now…
What’s in a name?
Little gem of a factoid from this week’s Popbitch newsletter, which I hoped might tickle you:
Nominative Determinism: one of the contestants on the Czech version of Strictly this year is actress Marta Dancingerová.
Not long now until choreographic kick-off…
Dance-athon is back soon
This week it was announced that after a six-year hiatus, this series sees the return of the Strictly dance-athon. In a fortnight’s time, all the remaining couples will hit the dancefloor together to showcase their Latin skills in a samba-thon, hoping to change their place on the leaderboard.
Cue the traditional judgely chaos and jabbing at iPads. Ten minutes until showtime…
Our Canadian correspondent writes
An email from our regular correspondent across the Pond, Iain Crofts from Montreal:
“Hi again, Michael and everyone. It’s a shame that the popularity-contest element is so strong in Strictly. Having been consigned to the dance off twice already, Shayne must be wondering if he can ward off Pete’s popularity this weekened. It is of some consolation that the dance-offs are nominally determined by who dances better.
On the American version, Dancing with the Stars, voting opens before the dancing even starts and there is no dance-off. You can vote for your favourites before they’ve even performed and the combination of judges’ scores and audience votes sends one couple packing at the end of the show. No attempt to amp up the ‘dance competition aspect on this side of the Atlantic, unfortunately.”
On your dance cards tonight
We can compare and contrast with two Couple’s Choices (from Pete Wicks and Chris McCausland) and two American smooths (from Sarah Hadland and Wynne Evans).
Other potential highlights include a paso doble, a rumba and an Argentine tango. Just me or are there not enough Charlestons and jives so far this series? It’s 15 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
Eyes down for Strictly bingo
Cross them off as they happen! Take a drink for each! Wake up in the wee small hours with a slice of pizza stuck to your cheek! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s guide for tonight:
Shayne Ward bares his chest for the rumba
Couple’s Choice routine gets wildly over-scored because nobody knows how to judge it
Pudsey Bear dances across the screen during a Children In Need trailer
Someone has overdone the fake tan and bears a triggering resembles to Donald Trump
Anton says of an American smooth “That’s the sort of number I’d like to dance”
Motsi and Shirley gang up on Craig when he criticises a celebrity’s footwork
Claudia interrupts Vito’s rambling post-dance interview with “Good luck, the scores are in”
Last week’s eliminated pro Nikita Kuzmin compensates by hogging limelight on the balcony
Tess fans herself with cue card after a rumba or Argentine tango “Phew, that was hot!”
Craig Revel Horwood wears a kiss-me-quick hat or knotted hankie on his head when the voting lines are opened
Who might miss out on the seaside jolly?
With six celebrity males and just three females remaining in the field, it’s surely time for a man to be eliminated. The bookies agree, with Shayne Ward their odds-on prediction to leave this weekend. Wynne Evans is the second favourite to depart, with JB Gill and Pete Wicks next on the list.
Can this quartet pull something special out of the sparkly bag and defy the odds? Twenty minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
Amy out, Lauren in, Jojo staying
Several pieces of news about the Strictly professionals broke this week. First, Amy Dowden will sadly not be returning for the rest of the series. Following a stress fracture on her foot - unrelated to her previous medical conditions, she has emphasised - Amy needs to rest for a few weeks.
She’s hoping to be back dancing in some capacity, perhaps in group numbers or the festive special, before the year is out. We hope so too. Amy is heartbroken to miss out and says “being back with my Strictly family was the best rehab and helped hugely with my well-being”. We wish her all the best.
Like she did last week, Amy’s friend and fellow pro Lauren Oakley will partner JB Gill for the rest of the series. He couldn’t be in better hands.
Meanwhile, tabloids reported that another much-loved pro, Johannes Radebe, will quit at the end of this series to pursue other opportunities. Jojo has called these rumours “lies”, saying: “I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me - and the body will allow.” Phew, frankly.
Now that’s all cleared up, it’s 25 minutes until the clock strikes Strictly…
We do like to dance beside the seaside
We’ve passed the contest’s midway mark. Now another annual milestone looms. The Strictly charabanc’s annual jaunt up to Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the spiritual home of the show, is a trip that every couple wants to take.
With so much at stake, could the pressure get to our pro-celebrity pairings? We’ll get our first clues in half-an-hour…
The battle for Blackpool begins
The Tower Ballroom beckons – but somebody will get left behind on the hard shoulder of the M6. Good evening and welcome to week eight of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your donkey-riding dance partner for tonight’s live show. I’d love you to watch along with me as our nine remaining pro-celebrity pairings bid to make it to the bright lights of Blackpool.
Last weekend’s first ever Icons Week saw a huge 17-point gap open up between the top and bottom of the leaderboard, with Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill tied at the top with 39 points apiece. Pete Wicks and his Freddie Mercury moustache were way down at the bottom but it was Sam Quek who was Taylor Swift-ly sent home.
Our surviving duos now hit the Elstree Studios dancefloor again with the annual trip north to the fabled home of ballroom firmly in their sights. As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two will dance for survival on Sunday night. It looks the male celebrities who are most at risk but don’t rule out a seaside surprise.
In a week of dark news for many, some Strictly sparkle and joy will be more welcome than ever. It’s showtime at 6.35pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.05pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and salty asides. So start mentally packing your wheely suitcase with sparkly disco-wear and see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for hoofing-related hilarity. I’ll swing and sway down there from time to time to see what you’re all saying and report on your reactions.
How many times will we hear the B-word tonight? By which I mean Blackpool - oops, there’s another one. Nearly time to staaaart seaside qualifying!
