Bwa-ha-ha, it’s Halloween hoofing next
Thanks for watching along with me, sequin-spangled squadron, and making this one of the warmest, most welcoming corners of the internet every weekend.
Our 11 pairings now progress to the sixth live show, the annual feast of frightening fancy dress which is the Halloween spooktacular. It airs next Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to rate the twinkle-toed tricks and technical treats. Hey, maybe Wynne’s hand will come as Thing from The Addams Family.
In the meantime, it’s your usual mantra: keeeeep dancing! Have a lovely week and be careful of that weather out there. Goodnight.
Finally, Lester48 says: “If/when Paul goes tonight, that’s the weakest dancer gone. Now we’re in the realms of shocks about who goes from next week.”
girlpanic adds: “Changes I don’t like in this year’s Strictly so far:
Not starting the judging with Head Judge Shirley Ballas
Not thanking Dave Arch and his wunnerful orchestra
Crashing into the results show with a boring update from Tess. Why has the group dance been moved?
There will probably be more.”
Toesturnedin says: “Sad for Paul. He had really improved. Please, please can Karen get a youngster next year!!!”
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OverLunder2 says of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s performance: “Ah Sophie, now we know why Brendan is there. He was so gallant when there was a push to make her performance more sexy. I paraphrase but it was something along the lines of ‘Perhaps she doesn’t want to be more sexy.’ Now that’s a sexy man. Cheers, Brendan.”
On the group number choreographed by Oti Mabuse, Climbingrose says: “Wow! Best group dance this series. We miss you, Oti!”
On JB Gill being in the bottom two, Strictlylounging says: “Ooh curse of going first for JB and Amy? Tricky middle table but I did like their routine.”
shazza2704 adds: “So pleased for JB and Amy. I know it’s all about the celebrity but if anyone has been on a ‘journey’ it’s our Amy. She is an inspiration.”
Readers’ verdicts are in
Time for a rapidfire round-up of your comments. On the dance-off, Lidoswimmer says: “The right decision but seemed JB badly affected by the collywobbles there. Hopefully can get back in his stride next week. Well done to Paul, gave it his best and is a decent bloke who I’m sure has helped a lot of other men in recent years..”
acanthe says: “Well, obviously if they save JB it’ll be the right decision but I’ll be genuinely sad to see Paul go because he seems to really enjoy himself up there with Karen & it’s lovely to see.”
EastofStratford says: “I think the mistake in Paul’s dance was having those air filled things wobbling in the background. When the props are the better dancers you know you are in trouble..”
TheMathDiva adds: “I think Paul has come the furthest since the competition started and has proved he’s not the joke turn. Sad to see him go but out of the two it was the right choice.”
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Stay on the sofa, you know it makes sense
Tonight’s TV tips, you say? Well, you can now stay tuned to BBC1 for Antiques Roadshow, flip to Channel 4 for The Dog House or it’s Joan Bakewell Night over on BBC4.
At 9pm, crime drama DI Ray returns to ITV1, Showtrial is on BBC1, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is on BBC2 or fraudster doc Love Cheats is on Channel 4.
If you fancy a film, The Thomas Crown Affair (original, not remake) is just starting on Sky Arts. At 9pm, choose between Bohemian Rhapsody on Film4, If Beale Street Could Talk on BBC3 or Mission: Impossible - Fallout on E4. Run, tiny Tom Cruise, run!
Karen’s Halloween curse continues
Venezuelan-born firecracker and Latin specialist Karen Hauer might be Strictly’s longest-serving pro but she’s stuck in a disappointing run. Karen hasn’t reached the Halloween special since 2020, when she miraculously made it to the final with Jamie Laing.
Since then, she’s finished 12th for four series in a row - with Greg Wise, Jayde Adams, Eddie Kadi and now Paul Merson. Karen won’t mind this statistical quirk too much, because she clearly had a ball with Paul, but surely she’s earned a more promising partner in 2025?
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Lucky diagnosis for Dr Punam
Arguably the most fortunate celebrity once again is waltzing medic Dr Punam Krishan. She was second bottom of last night’s scoreboard and has been in the bottom three every week but one. Yet somehow she’s managed to dodge the dance-off so far. Barring dramatic improvement, the dancing doc’s luck will surely run out soon.
Pete Wicks and Sam Quek will also be breathing sighs of relief tonight. So will Shayne Ward, who surely feared another red light of doom, and Wynne Evans after his difficult week of unwelcome headlines. All of them will relish the chance to throw themselves into a character next week. Bring on the face-paint and fright-wigs.
Merse will be much missed
Strictly 2024 will be a less entertaining place without have-a-go hero Paul Merson. The phrase “what this show’s all about” has become a tired talent show trope but Merse the Magic Man really was. A month ago, he was a sequin-sceptic football pundit who seemed baffled by what he’d signed up for.
As he said, “I’ve only danced three times in my life - and they were all at my weddings”. However, he formed a hilarious team with pro partner Karen Hauer and showed signs of falling in love with hoofing.
His journey™ began with that prop-laden American Smooth to Vindaloo, during which he headed a ball so hard, it rebounded back onto the dancefloor and almost tripped him up. He flipped burgers on a sparkly barbecue for his suburban dad salsa and saddled up for a Magnificent Seven cha cha cha in Movie Week.
His highlight came last week when a debonair quickstep surprised nobody more than Paul himself. The samba is always a tricky proposition for celebrity males, not to mention 56-year-olds. Last night’s disco effort duly proved the dance of death but it was the right result. As the lowest scorer left in the contest, he deserved to depart.
This was a whole new ball game for the ex-England international. He described Strictly as “hard work but worth it, like sucking on a really thick milkshake”. He didn’t know the difference between a samba and a salsa. Despite sharing a dressing room with Wynne Evans, he insisted on calling him “Gwynne”. Every week, he’d be told what he was dancing and shrug “I’ll Google it.”
His hangdog wit consistently made Claudia Winkleman cackle. As Paul told her two weeks ago: “It’s not community service. I don’t have to do this, I want to do it.” Each week was a relegation battle but he did Karen proud to last this long.
He goes home having danced nine more times - five weeks plus two dance-offs, a group number and a last dance - and with several million new fans. Well played, Paul.
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JB Gill suffers curse of going first
The appearance of JB Gill in the dance-off was a shocker to rival Shayne Ward’s last week. He finished fifth from bottom on the judges’ scoreboard, 11 points off the bottom. He’s scored a solid 30 for the past two weeks and has the sixth highest average in the contest. However, JB failed to win enough viewer votes and tumbled down into the bottom two.
Was it partly because he performed first on Saturday’s show, meaning his routine got forgotten when voting opened? It’s the third time in four weeks that “the slot of death” has led directly to the dance-off, with Tom Dean and Shayne Ward suffering the same fate.
Up against Paul Merson, JB was never destined to follow his JLS bandmate Aston Merrygold by suffering an unjustly early exit, despite making too many mistakes in his jive second time around. However, he got a pre-Halloween fright and our couples will be even more wary of opening the show from now on.
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Paul and Karen’s last dance
As the departing couple take a final trip around the floor to How Am I Supposed To Live Without You? by Michael Bolton, the credits roll and castmates crowd around to commiserate. Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Cometh the Hauer
His pro partner Karen Hauer returns the compliment: “You’ve been a joy. I’ve never giggled this much. My abs are really tight now. I’m so proud of you. Every week you have shown up, you have improved. You’re what Strictly is about. I want to thank you for bringing such joy and showing everyone what’s possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles.”
Clearly fond of each other, which is lovely to see.
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Paul’s post-match interview
In his farewell speech, Paul Merson tells Tess: “It’s been really good. Anybody I talk to, I’d say you’ve got to go on this show. Everybody is great. There’s a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he’s nice! It’s been amazing, honestly. I loved every minute and I’ve had a great teacher. Karen’s been absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better coach. I’ve won because I can dance now. I couldn’t dance before and I can half-dance now. It’s an absolute bonus.”
Well said, sir.
Shirley Ballas agrees
As expected, it’s unanimous. Head judge Twirly Shirley also would’ve voted to save JB and Amy but not by much, it seems.
Paul Merson is eliminated
The majority vote means that Paul Merson and his pro partner Karen Hauer become this year’s fourth couple to get the choreographic red card
Anton Du Beke chooses to save…
JB and Amy, saying “they made mistakes and it shouldn’t have been this close – but Paul wasn’t clean either”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
JB and Amy, saying “they were clean and readable, whereas Paul’s timing was off”.
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Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
JB and Amy. Paul briefly pretends it was him, bless him.
Decision time arrives
Craig scored JB four points more last night and Motsi three points more. Did Paul do anywhere near enough to close the gap or is this a foregone conclusion?
Let’s consult the four people whose opinion counts.
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Paul and Karen take their turn
Paul Merson and his pro partner Karen Hauer have another go at their samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce. The judges said last night that it lacked bounce but was content-packed and showed attempts at basic technique. They appreciated Paul’s hard work and liked the fact that he was smiling by the end.
It scored 19 points, 11 fewer than JB, so he’ll need to show considerable improvement and pray for a miracle. Sadly, he’s being upstaged by those rainbow brushes and waving pink windsocks behind him.
JB and Amy go first in dance-off
JB Gill and his dance partner Amy Dowden reprise their jive to Hey Ya! by Outkast. The judges said last night that it was well-timed and clean but a little stompy, with JB advised to use his knees and toes more. It scored 30 points, a whopping 11 more than Paul’s samba, so JB surely just needs to avoid any major mistakes. Small whoopsie towards the end, I think, but nothing disastrous, darling.
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All hail the kitchen disco queen
Musical interlude now from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, performing her new single Freedom Of The Night - her first major label single in 14 years, surprisingly. The two Ns, Neil Jones and Nadiya Bychkova do the hoofing honours.
Sophie was a Strictly finalist back in 2013, partnered by Brendan Cole. Excellent in ballroom, as I recall, with a memorable Charleston too.
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Tasha Ghouri talks abut getting messages and videos from viewers with cochlear implants, who’ve also been jazzing theirs up with extra sparkle. The power of representation.
Sarah Hadland dances an Argentine tango next week
More balcony bantz with the euphoric couples. As well as the first Argentine of the series (love it), Sarah Hadland gives us an update on her mum Beaky, who’s been mobbed in the Cheadle branch of John Lewis. Understandable.
Paul Merson faces JB in the dance-off
No surprise, we suppose. Paul Merson and Karen Hauer must samba again for survival. Their second time in the dance-off, having seen off Toyah Willcox a fortnight ago. Can he claim another scalp?
Jamie Borthwick is safe
So are Sarah Hadland, Dr Punam Krishan and Sam Quek.
Dreaded red light returns
Now to find out who will face JB and Amy in the dance-off. Clench those buttocks and don’t forget to say thank you down the camera, couples.
They’re on about fregolina again. It’s a dance step, not a shape of pasta.
Dance debrief
The judges come in like a wrecking ball and join Claudia for a closer look at last night’s routines.
Ginger Neil has his trousers hoisted to Simon Cowell height. Maybe it’s to make X Factor winner Shayne Ward feel at home.
Oti creates a passionate paso upon comeback
Now a group dance from the Strictly professionals. Choreographed by homecoming pro Oti Mabuse, it’s a fiery paso doble, set in a cantina by a highway in the arid US south. Nancy Xu and Dianne Buswell take the lead as warring queens in a celebration of feminine power.
Slow, moody, intense opening before gathering momentum. Soundtracked by 70s disco hit Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood by Santa Esmeralda, it features red fan-ography, fiery scarves and the boys sliding on their knees. Lots of lifts, kicking, stretching and Spanish shaping. Olé, Oti!
And the first of doubtless many spooky-themed VTs now. Any theme is never knowingly under-flogged.
Chris McCausland has a cheeky fondle of Jojo Radebe’s bare chest and declares that “Latin is nonsense”. Awkward because he’s dancing a Stayin’ Alive samba next week
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Pete plays the Joker next week
Up in the Clauditorium with the happy couples who are through to Halloween fright night, Pete Wicks reveals that he’ll playing the Batman villain for Halloween.
Shayne Ward is so relieved to get 40th birthday present of being saved, he and Nancy Xu do an impromptu spots of Oleta Adams karaoke. Two yeses from me.
JB Gill in dreaded dance-off
A shocker to rival last week’s. JB Gill and Amy Dowden are consigned to the dance-off for the first time. Gasps of shock in the ballroom and on sofas.
Chris McCausland is through to the Halloween special
Also safely through to next Saturday are Shayne Ward (no double dance-off), Pete Wicks and Wynne Evans.
Red light spells danger
Hold tight. The spotlight of doom is about to do its worst.
Shayne Ward and Pete Wicks still seem to be dressed as one another. A glitch in the Matrix.
Our Strictly stars™
Our couples await their fates in the ballroom. At least half of them must be girding their loins for a potential dance-off, especially the three Ps (Paul, Pete and Punam).
Last night’s live show recapped
A rewind of Saturday night’s action on-screen now. Team MoJo’s Afro-Caribbean celebration! Jamie Borthwick’s terrific traditional paso! Chris McCausland’s emotional Liverpudlian waltz! A slight dip from early pace-setter Tasha Ghouri! A too-early paddle-raise from Shirley! Brendan Cole and Ian Beale in the studio audience! But sadly not together! Shame.
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Frockwatch
Here’s our presenting pair, so time for our traditional sartorial smackdown. Tess Daly is in a white sparkly tuxedo suit. Claudia Winkleman is in a red frock.
Claud wins, making it another clean sweep for La Winkle this weekend.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Roll clap-along credits. Which of these smiling couples will soon be weeping into their sparkly hankies?
Wave a welly-clad farewell to Countryfile and pour yourself a warming libation.
We’re about to head back to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
It’s not murder on the dancefloor
Tonight’s musical guest is another Strictly alumna: kitchen disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor. She’s performing her new single rather than “that” viral hit from Saltburn. So fear not, you don’t have to to throw shapes to it naked or do unsavoury things with bathwater. Phew, frankly.
A mere five minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…
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Oti Mabuse makes a comeback
Tonight’s pro routine is a spectacular group paso doble, choreographed by much-loved Strictly alumna Oti Mabuse - sister of judge Motsi, of course, and a two-time glitterball winner with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
We miss you, Oti. Come back again soon. Only 10 minutes to wait now…
Love Ashley
All this talk of Storm Ashley put me in mind of Strictly’s own two Ashleys: Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dolls, who finished runner-up with Pasha Kovalev in 2018, and Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor Dawson, who reached the quarter-final with Ola Jordan in 2013.
Both of them - wait for it - danced up a storm. Ahem. Sorry.
On BBC1 right now is an autumn harvest-themed episode of rural stalwart Countryfile. But where is dapper meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker when we need him? And why hasn’t he been signed up for Strictly? Sort it out, BBC bigwigs.
Fifteen minutes until the red spotlight of doom gets switched on…
Chris’ four words to Dianne
Lots of talk on social media last night about comedian Chris McCausland’s post-waltz question to his partner Dianne Buswell, which was picked up by mics and audible over the rapturous applause.
“Did I do OK?” he asked sweetly, to which Di replied: “You did really good, yeah. I’m so proud of you.” It seemed to leave lots of viewers with lumps in their throats. A heart-melting moment.
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Shayne fears a double dance-off
It might well be a nervy wait for Shayne Ward. He made a shock appearance in last week’s dance-off and is once again in the middle of the leaderboard (always a treacherous place to be), having improved his score by just one point.
Dodging the dance-off - that’s his goal. It’s 20 minutes until glitter o’clock…
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Raining 10s last night
Maximum scores were awarded to two routines last night: Jamie Borthwick’s paso doble and Montell Douglas’ Afro-Caribbean Couple’s Choice, both of which earned three 10s for a near-perfect 39 points. They tied with Tasha Ghouri’s Charleston as the highest score of the series.
As is traditional, Craig Revel Horwood is keeping his 10 paddle in storage - possibly until Blackpool or beyond. It’s 25 minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…
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Can Paul Merson defy the odds?
Coming into this weekend, bookmakers’ strong favourite for elimination was former footballer Paul Merson. He duly finished bottom of the judge’s scoreboard with 19 points - his fourth score in the teens.
Will voting viewers (not to mention Arsenal fans) ride to his rescue? Half an hour until we get our first clues…
Who won’t be invited to the Halloween party?
One couple won’t get to raid the BBC’s fancy dress box. Good evening and welcome to the fourth elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your Sunday night cyber-dance partner for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as the fourth celebrity is sent home, falling agonisingly short of next weekend’s Halloween spooktacular.
Following last night’s high-scoring live show, our dancefloor dozen will soon become 11. The judges’ scores have been combined with the public vote. Tonight the bottom two duos will dance off for survival. So who’s in danger?
Paul Merson was left propping up the scoreboard, with Dr Punam Krishan second from bottom. But will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Pete Wicks, Sam Quek or the cluster of mid-table celebrities could be under threat.
It’s showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and cheek from the cheap seats. So close the curtains on Storm Ashley, snuggle up and see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d also love to hear from you. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me at michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for choreographic chit-chat I’ll matador knee-walk down there occasionally to gauge your reaction and report on your comments.
Pumpkin-spiced heartbreak beckons for one couple. Nearly time to staaaaaart spooky eliminating!
Thank you and a glittery goodnight
That concludes Saturday’s livebloggery-pokery but we’ll be back on the digital dancefloor tomorrow. Meet you back here for the results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll crank up the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll rejoin me then.
Thanks for watching along with me and all your ace comments, which I score at least a nine and in many cases, a perfect 10. Meet you here for the fourth elimination tomorrow. In the meantime, it almost goes without saying: keeeeeep dancing! Goodnight.
Some you Wynne, some you lose
Commenter opinion seems to be split on Wynne Evans, with just as much support as slating.
JWT1967 says: “Some great dances tonight, most notably Jamie and Montell. It wasn’t Wynne’s best but I still voted for him and shall continue to do so, as there’s no way he deserves to suffer death by social media.”
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Change at the top, same down the bottom
An unpredictable set of scores tonight. Montell Douglas and Jamie Borthwick jointly top the standings, with Chris McCausland in third place.
Paul Merson is way down at the bottom, with Dr Punam Krishan and Pete Wicks just above.
As always, though, the viewer vote helps decide who’ll be consigned to tomorrow night’s dreaded dance-off. It could be a sweaty-palmed wait for Sam Quek and Shayne Ward, too.
Finally, on Montell Douglas and Jojo Radebe’s Couple’s Choice, SnailyWhaley says: “Just occasionally, Couple’s Choice is spectacular.”
VictoriasSecret says: “What a way to finish! I have mixed views about Couple’s Choice but that I loved. Just wished it lasted longer!”
loubylou99 says: “Love MoJo! Not normally fan of CC but this was the best I’ve ever seen.”
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On dance-of survivor Shayne Ward, GreatIsMyNewt says: “I think Shayne’s ‘problem’ is that he’s normal. Many of the other slebs have big personalities.”
mcculloch29 says: “Lovely storytelling from Shayne and Nancy.”
jagadox adds: “It was a complete surprise to find Shayne in the dance-off last week. Surely that lovely romantic American Smoochie, sorry Smooth, will save him this week?”
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On Pete Wicks’ rumba, paperview says: “To be fair, ever since Len schooled Craig about scoring in professional ballroom dancing during the very first series, Craig has always been a stickler for illegal steps.”
ReclinedPotato adds: “Pete reminds me of background pirate #6. Not as wooden as long John Silver’s leg but rough as a ship’s biscuit.”
On Sarah Hadland’s samba, MikeMoonlight says: “It’s really quite amazing that, at the start of the series, Toyah could barely dance at all, then she was actually voted off two weeks ago and yet she comes back with a performance like that! Oh, hang on a minute...”
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Paul Merson continues to be a commenter favourite. Owbeck says: “Paul improves every week, just not at the same rate as others.”
styletraveller says: “When Merse is given some moves, he’s ok. I think Karen needs to trust him more.”
EmmyHarb says: “I love that Paul Merson started the series with quite a meh attitude but now Strictly is working its magic on him.”
emas2023 adds: “I shall be voting for Paul tonight as I really want him on Halloween week.”
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On Tasha Ghrouri’s tango, FascinatingFlamenco says: “Too dark for Tasha and Aljaz’s dance. Was difficult to see properly. Loved the energy and intent. Some really great head placement.”
Somersetlass adds: “Hmm. A technically great dance from Tasha, but not enough drive and passion for a tango, I thought.”
On Sam’s Quekstep, Vicc says: “Oh I did love that quickstep, whether or not the judges like it. I think Sam’s joie de vivre shines through and that is what swung it for me.”
MarkRoche adds: “Keep waiting for the lovely Sam to have that breakthrough. She’s competent but seems to be holding back a bit.”
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On Chris McCausland’s You’ll Never Walk Alone waltz, Somersetlass says: “While that wasn’t Chris’ best dance - he seemed a little tentative at first, and his posture wasn’t great - that bit at the end where he walked alone and then joined Dianne left me in tears. Rather beautiful.”
fihema says: “I kinda wish Chris could see Di in that frock. It felt like the third dancer and made it somehow all the more emotional. Sparkly shadows, serenity, flow. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed that song more. No wait. I have never enjoyed that song more.”
Jennifera030 says: “I thought that was beautiful. Reminds me of a passage from Terry Pratchett about how tragic it is that so many people never get the chance to find out what they could be good at. Amazing that a blind man has found out that he is a natural dancer.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “Chris just made me well up. The judges can go on all they like about technique, but you cannot beat feelings. Outstanding for me.”
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On Jamie Borthwick’s paso doble, Pancake01 says: “Oh wow! One of the better pasos of recent years. Well done Jamie! Unusual choreography as well. Loved the music.”
dAsgoyne says: “Castanets? Generalised Spanishery? What happened? Did they not get the memo that they should have been dancing to Shang-a-lang dressed as an ocelot?”
ryfford adds: “FFS, no one gets a 10 for a Paso. NO ONE!!!”
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On JB Gill’s jive, mimig says: “Lovely Welsh Amy and JB starting to be one of my favourite couples. I wonder if he might have the ‘journey’ we all love?”
Aine183 adds: “JB’s jive seemed very technical to me. I didn‘t see any joy in the dance, too much caution.”
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Readers have spoken
Your verdicts are in from the comment section. On Dr Punam Krishan, jagadox says: “Punam tends to be hard on herself. Making a mistake as a doctor could have much worse results than the Strictly ones, eh?”
Spittal76 adds: “I thought it was harsh marking for Dr Punam. I suspect the public will like it more than the judges.”
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Music, mooing and jump-scares on TV tonight
Viewers can now flip to ITV1 for The Voice UK semi-final or to BBC2 for Florence + the Machine at the Proms. And possibly attempt a tango. If hands-up-the-back-end-of-cows is more your scene, it’s All Creatures Great & Small Night on BBC4.
At 9pm, Irish crime drama Blackshore starts on U&Drama. At 9.50pm, Later with Jools Holland returns to BBC2 with music from Laura Marling, Jade Thirlwall, Blossoms and Queen drummer Roger Taylor.
If you’re in a filmic frame of mind, choose at 9pm between Spy on ITV2 or Bridget Jones’ Diary on 5Star. There’s also a horror double bill for pre-Halloween spooks: Smile (9.20pm on BBC2) and The Blair Witch Project (11.50pm on BBC1). Boo! Sorry.
Behold the Golden Glitterballs
They’re the awards everyone is talking about. At least in my house. Here are this week’s recipients of our coveted liveblog gongs…
Best dance: Montell Douglas and Jamie Borthwick were both a point away from perfection but Chris McCausland’s waltz was also wonderful.
Worst dance: Dr Punam for me. Paul Merson scored two points fewer but was heaps more fun.
Best music choice: Loved the traditional Latin numbers but You’ll Never Walk Alone takes the trophy.
Worst music choice: Oasis? For a rumba? With my reputation?
Best outfit: A dead heat between Tasha Ghouri and Dianne Buswell’s frocks. Shout-out to that quick mid-routine change by Montell and Jojo.
Worst outfit: Jamie Borthwick’s cosplay matador, compelte with eye-wateringly tight trousers.
Best judges’ comment: Craig’s tetchy teasing of Anton, including “Stop standing up, it’s getting on my nerves” and “You’re 40? Try telling your surgeon”.
Worst VT: Dr Punam and Sam Quek, who both played the cute kid card early.
Best Claudia quip: Her adoration of Pete Wicks saying he felt damp like an otter: “That was my all-time favourite comment to Tess.”
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Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” Tess and Claudia tell us. Claud has been waiting the entire week, apparently. As the scoring paddles are packed away in their velvet-lined cases, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Tonight’s routines get the recap treatment on-screen. Which dream duo are you voting for? Which ploddy pairing are you definitely not?
And the voting lines are… open!
The usual mayhem erupts. Make sure you vote for your favourites if you don’t want any nasty dance-off surprises.
Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 9 (you tease!), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint highest score of the series and joint top with Jamie.
Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Craig says “Montell excelled”. Motsi says “you exploded with energy, everyone feels seen, loved it”. Shirley says “your nanna sprinkled her magic dust from heaven, exceptional”. Anton concludes “a celebration, do it again in the final”. Nines and 10s imminent?
Montell and Jojo’s Couple’s Choice
Last week, Shirley said they were “creeping up there, you’re becoming dangerous for the rest”. Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe duly notched their first nine. Can they score more with this groundbreaking number? It’s an Afro-Caribbean fusion between both their backgrounds. Homely opening in robes and gradually expands, with Montell changing into a colourful feathered carnival dress. Jamaican flag and South African flags tucked in their waistbands. Sass, smiles and a real sense of freedom. Lifts and tricks. Confetti falls. Bringing it home and leaving their hearts on the dancefloor.
Song: Skeleton Move by KG feat Zanda Zakuza. A 2018 hit from the South African DJ and producer, real name Kgaogelo Moagi, with vocals from house diva Zanda Zakuza.
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 33 points. Fourth as it stands. Hands, what hands?
Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Shirley says “loved it, joyous, you moved beautifully, fantastic”. Anton says “great energy and showmanship but right arm too far back”. Craig says “dishevelled in places”, then cheekily changes his tune when Wynne says he’s reviewing Craig’s album next week. Motsi concludes “fun, rhythmical, exquisite timing, well done”. Eights and nines?
Wynne and Katya’s quickstep
Opera singer Wynne Evans got two nines for his tango last week and reached the dizzy heights of joint second on the leaderboard but it was throughly overshadowed by “the hand incident”, aka “Grope Compare”. Now he’s sticking with ballroom. A frothy routine with a fun concept to help shake off the lingering aroma of scandal. Decent frame and plenty of character with farcical comedy flourishes. Slightly lacks the stamina to maintain the style throughout, gets heavy-footed and fluffs a jump.
Song: Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra. This Beatles-esque 1977 classic featured in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics. It also very nearly became the theme tune to The US Office.
Judges’ scores for Shayne and Nancy: 7, 8, 8 (too early from Shirley), 8 for a total of 31 points. Top half.
Judges’ comments for Shayne and Nancy: Anton says “lovely to see another 40-year-old, spectacular lifts and fabulous partnering, lots to like but keep the focus when you’re apart”. Craig says “wonderful flow and sentiment”. Motsi says “you’re clearer and more subtle in ballroom than Latin, good direction, keep going”. Shirley concludes “great footwork, beautiful flow, a remarkable comeback, you’re a great student and dancer but search for your authentic self”. Eights, do we reckon?
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Shayne and Nancy’s American smooth
The shock dance-off survivors bid to bounce back. Shayne Ward turned 40 this week, so could get a cake in the Clauditorium after this, just in case he needed extra motivation. It’s foxtrot style. Emotional song, romantic connection and smooth technique. This is all all about the flow and he’s pulling that off with aplomb. Maybe lacking wow factor and Hollywood glamour but divine mood and beautiful lifts, albeit with some lumpy transitions.
Song: Get Here by Sam Smith. A cover of Oleta Adams’ 1990 hit which was co-produced by Roland Orzabal from Tears For Fears - returning the favour after Adams provided guest vocals on their hit Woman In Chains.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Top half.
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Motsi says “you gave 110 per cent, soften your arms but you are a force”. Shirley says “difficult choreography and you didn’t miss a beat, concentrate on foot positions but a charm to watch”. Anton says “a bit stiff but for personality and performance, your best dance”. Craig concludes “arms flung without a destination in mind but a party I want to be at, the campest thing, loved it”. Eights? Maybe a nine from Tony Beak?
Sarah and Vito’s samba
Her foxtrot flopped last week and Sarah Hadland’s scores dipped, falling out of the 30s for the first time. Can she party her way back up the leaderboard? The fast, bouncy samba should suit her high energy levels but she needs to control it, maintain timing and finish the moves. Riviera theme. A kitsch and camp song. Signature bending-back move and challenging steps. She looks like Toyah but its twice as good. Colourful, carnival feeling. Great legs and spins. Heaps of fun. Fab-ew-lous. Ciao, ciao!
Song: Do It Do It Again by Rafaella Carrà. This mid-70s Eurodisco hit reached the top 10 in the UK. The late Italian diva was once pursued by Frank Sinatra but repeatedly rejected his advances. Attagirl.
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Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 4, 5, 6, 7 (surge scoring!) for a total of 22 points.
Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Pete says he’s “wet like an otter” and cannily flirts with Shirley. She says “love the lifts and attentiveness to your partner, not a lot of body action, I was mesmerised by one hip isolation but needed more”. Anton does another demo time and says “really good effort at a difficult dance”. Craig says “illegal lifts, a little bit unco (uncoordinated) but you’re committed and I can see you’ve been studying”. Motsi concludes “you sold the story but your bottom half was a problem”. The judges start bickering. Unseemly, darlings.
Pete and Jowita’s rumba
Anton said last week that if Pete Wicks can keep improving and raise his performance levels, he could become a contender. If last week’s quickstep was all about fast feet, now it’s all about slow hips. The Oasis anthem is an interesting choice, shall we say, for a rumba. Lots of push and pull with partner Jowita Przystal. There are showmance rumours between the pair, so the sensual mood is present and correct. Plenty of focus and intensity, not much continuous hip motion and he’s throwing the arm movements away when he should extend. It’s just lacking rhythm, which Pete admits he struggles with.
Song: Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis. The 1996 Britpop hit was the first Oasis single with lead vocals by Noel Gallagher, rather than his brother Liam. Noel described it as a cross between John Lennon and All The Young Dudes. Of the “so Sally can wait” refrain, he admits: “I don’t actually know anybody called Sally. I thought I might as well throw a girl’s name in there and it fitted.”
Judges’ scores for Sam and Nikita: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. Better than the comments suggested. Sam is disappointed but refuses to make excuses. Was there a wardrobe malfunction? Shirley thought her shoe might have got caught up in her skirt.
Judges’ comments for Sam and Nikita: Anton says “so close but went wrong and got tense in the shoulders, you’ve got a great performance in you but that wasn’t it”. Craig says “you were fighting each other and mistakes threw you, gapping and posture problems but movement and personality were great”. Motsi says “you move easily, it was glamorous but timing was off and nerves got to you”. Shirley concludes “one of those nights but it happens to the best, you got caught up, two bodies should move as one in ballroom but you’re one of our strongest females”. Fives incoming? Sam is upset with herself, bless her. No need. She’s ace.
Sam and Nikita’s quickstep
Last week she put the Sam into samba. Now can she put the Quek into quickstep? It was hockey star Sam Quek’s 36th birthday yesterday, so she’s hoping to celebrate with a hit routine. It’s her first ballroom since week one, which seems strange. Her sporty background should help with the quickstep’s speed and stamina. Cutesy opening and dreamy atmosphere but wobbly frame and gapping galore. Better out of hold than in it.
Song: Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. This mid-Noughties number wasn’t quite as big a UK hit as her previous single These Words but it went stratospheric in the States, becoming the second most-played song on US radio in 2006. The following year, Bedingfield performed it at the Concert For Diana benefit gig.
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Judges’ scores for Paul and Karen: 3 (boo!), 5, 5, 6 for a total of 19 points. His second highest score but bottom of the leaderboard at the midway mark.
Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole is in the studio audience, like the ghost of glitterballs past.
Judges’ comments for Paul and Karen: Tess does an “I love your little face”. Motsi says “lots of basic content, a funny little bit and transitions missing but loved that you were smiling by the end, joyous”. Shirley says “enthusiasm and you did very well”. Anton does his second demo time of the night and says “love it”. Craig concludes “lacked bounce, timing, musicality and turn-out but appreciate the attempts at technique”.
Paul and Karen’s samba
Paul Merson put the gimmicks aside (no footballs, barbecues or horseplay) and surprised everyone last week with a debonair Fred Astaire quickstep, climbing out of the bottom two for the first time. Even Craig saw some progression but now he’s saddled with the samba, often tricky for male celebrities. The former footballer says it’s his “hardest dance by a million miles” but he’s throwing himself into it with gusto. Funky disco feel but the concentration is showing on his face. Unleashing his hips. Changes of rhythm. He’s worked so hard on this, you can tell. Some swagger and twinkle toes. A spot where he lost timing and Karen danced around him. Lacks bounce and fluidity but a decent effort. Less Rio carnival, more Romford high street.
Song: Car Wash by Rose Royce. The first draft of the 1976 disco hit was jotted down by Motown songwriter Norman Whitfield on a paper bag from a fried chicken shop. Finger-lickingly funky.
Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 8, 9, 8, 9 for a total of 34 points. Five down on last week.
Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Craig says “lacked aggression and intent but you danced it magnificently”. Motsi says “still up there, strong start, got loose in places but great work”. Shirley says “clear timing but got loosey-goosey and wobbly in the final third”. Anton concludes “legs disconnected, it rattled around but youre at van incredible level”. Eights and nines?
Tasha and Aljaž’s tango
Tasha Ghouri scored the first 10s of the series last week with her Coachella-themed Charleston, complete with pesky selfie stick. Now she tackles the tango. A mystical tarot card theme and a stylish, spinning opening section. Sharp footwork, rotations and changes of direction. Snapping head-turns and biting staccato. Her frame wobbles a tad and footwork hurried but this is leggy, intense and terrific.
Song: Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine. It was inspired by a text installation by artist Ugo Rondinone which Florence Welch used to see every day while riding her bike over Waterloo Bridge. The drum sounds on the 2008 track were created by banging on the recording studio walls.
Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. His highest. Second place as it stands.
Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: A tearful Shirley says “extremely emotional, your footwork was spectacular, attempted to keep frame and it’s improved since your foxtrot”. Anton says “needs more work on top but heavenly down below, flow and timing exquisite, I had a moment where I welled up”. Craig says “left elbow too low, lacked swing and sway but enormous amount of gaw-jus rise and fall, covered so much floor, brilliant”. Motsi concludes “it transcended technique, I felt every emotion”. Eights ahoy? Chris gives a lovely shout-out to Tommy’s vocals. What a gent.
Chris and Dianne’s waltz
After two fast, full-on dances in a row, comedian Chris McCausland is relieved to be changing gear for a slower paced waltz. As a Liverpool FC fan, he’s paying tribute to his roots and hoping to please his home town - or at least, half of it. “I may be forfeiting votes from the blue half of Merseyside and the whole of Manchester,” he admits. His footwork and musicality have wowed all series but it’s his upper body which has let him down. Can he fix his slouchy posture and nail the ballroom frame? Rise and fall, changes of direction. The technicalities of the waltz are showing up his faults a tiny bit but this is romantic and affecting. An emotive story of togetherness and hope, beautifully sung by Tommy Blaize - a Liverpool fan himself. Solo section where he walks alone towards the end. Clever and all-round lovely.
Song: You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers. This showtune from Carousel became a Liverpool FC anthem after it was recorded by the Merseybeat band in 1963 and topped the charts for four weeks. Legendary Reds manager Bill Shankly picked it as one of his Desert Island Discs and played it on his record player every day after he retired.
Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint highest score of the series. Paso-bleeding-tastic indeed.
Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Craig says “paso bleeding tastic, darling”. Motsi says “brilliant”. Shirley says “outstanding choreography, basics and oval shapes, set the tone, remarkable”. Anton concludes “eight fregolina steps, the perfect number, you will never dance better”. Nines? A 10 or two?
Ian Beale is in the house. Actor Adam Woodyatt really should sign up for Strictly. Shouldn’t he be manning the Beale’s Plaice chip shop, though?
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Jamie and Michelle’s paso doble
“You ain’t my dance partner.” “Yes I am!” His scores have been creeping up and Jamie Borthwick finished joint second on last week’s leaderboard. Can he continue that progression with a paso? Pleasingly traditional, with proper music, a black-and-white matador suit and Michelle Tsiakkas swishing her polka dot skirt. He’s strong, powerful and focused, looking imperious with his chin up. Using his acting skills to nail the attitude and showmanship. Dramatic, fiery, sultry and sizzling, with knee-walks, Spanish line and curved arms. Gathers pace nicely. Lacking a little fluidity at times but really rather good. Olé!
Song: Malagueña by Ernesto Lecuona. This classic flamenco tune by the Cuban composer is a regular choice for Strictly pasos. It was the choice for Stacey Dooley and Kevin From Grimsby, plus Anita Rani and Glen Savchenko (swoon).
Judges’ scores for Punam and Gorka: 4, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 21 points. One more than last week. Dance-off danger, I fear.
Judges’ comments for Punam and Gorka: Motsi says “loved the wedding vibe, it was romantic and vulnerable, got on top of the mistakes but push it more and make it dynamic”. Shirley says “delightful, you’re a doll but turn your volume up”. Anton says “lovely but you keep it to yourself, share it with us, too hesitant, crakc it out and commit”. Craig concludes “like a social stroll in the park, lacked musicality and energy in the body, but there was truthfulness in the acting”. Sixes en route?
Punam and Gorka’s Viennese waltz
Dr Punam Krishan finished bottom of last week’s leaderboard after her jive was littered with mistakes. Can she do better in ballroom hold? The Viennese waltz is dreamy to watch but difficult to execute. She’s in a delicate yellow one-shouldered dress. Standing still too much and takes too long to get into hold but respectable when she does. Soft knees and dizzying spins. She said in the VT that it was more of a Glaswegian waltz but I think it was halfway to Austria.
Song: She’s Always A Woman To Me by Billy Joel. He wrote the folky, love-lorn ballad for his then-wife, Elizabeth Weber, in 1976. The couple divorced six years later. It’s a favourite for Vienneses on Strictly - Dan Walker and Debbie McGee both waltzed to it in previous years.
Amol Rajan on the Ts&Cs
The ubiquitous BBC presenter makes this week’s Clauditorium cameo, reading out the voting smallprint. He “loves this place and wants to come back”. Your starter for 10: as a 2025 contestant maybe?
Judges’ scores for JB and Amy: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Solid. Best scoring jive of the series.
Judges’ comments for JB and Amy: Anton says “clean but stompy and heavy of foot”. Craig says “timing excellent, sharp kicks and flicks, great job”. Motsi says “use your knees and toes but plenty of good things going for it”. Shirley concludes “ticked lots of boxes but use your feet more”. Sevens, do we say? An eight or two?
JB and Amy’s jive
He conquered the rumba last week. Now JB Gill out of JLS goes to the opposite end of the speedometer with a high-speed, high-impact jive. There have been only three jives so far this series, scoring an average of 22 points. He should boost that figure. It’s upbeat and bouncy with JB flicking, kicking and up on the balls of his feet. Lacking a little attack but great timing and he sustains the energy impressively. Shake it like a Polaroid picture.
Song: Hey Ya! by Outkast. This 2003 electro-funk banger was the first song to reach 1m downloads on iTunes, stat fans. What’s cooler than being cool? Ice cold!
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Vito Coppola has forgotten to button up his shirt again. He’ll catch his death.
Our Strictly stars™
First sighting of our dancefloor dozen as they emerge onto the fabled Strictly staircase. Fairly restrained outfits this week. Saving the fancy dress for Halloween, wisely.
Judges are in the building
Here come our paddle-raising panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas, frugging to a spot of C&C Music Factory. Motsi looking fab-ew-lous.
Frockwatch
Our presentational double act arrive, so time to rate their finery. Tess Daly is in a red asymmetric high-necked dress. Claudia Winkleman is in black velvet. Claud wins.
Roll title sequence
High fives! Hair tossing! Paul Merson bumping Karen Hauer out of shot with his backside! Rude.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Cue ye olde melodramatic montage. Yes, it means a lot. No, you don’t want this journey to end. Just guessing.
Buckle up, buttercups. We’re about to be beamed live to the Elstree Studios ballroom…
Alan Carr’s Picture Slam drawing to a conclusion on BBC1 now. He popped up on the Clauditorium last week, reading the voting Ts & Cs, waving a red feathery fan and admitting “University Challenge it ain’t”. He wasn’t kidding, was he?
Playlist of dreams (and possibly nightmares)
Dave Arch and his band will be treating us to some bangers tonight, with tunes from ELO, Rose Royce, Outkast, and Florence + The Machine, plus some traditional Latin numbers.
There’s also a rare airing for Natasha “little sister of Daniel” Bedingfield and an emotional rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Most frighteningly of all, Pete Wicks will dance a rumba to Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis. Will it be subject to dynamic scoring? Ten minutes until the choreographic clock strikes…
For the second week running, Have I Got News For You featured a Strictly gag last night.
This time, guest host Professor Hannah Fry (love her, please sign her up next year) quipped: “With just a few weeks to the US election, Donald Trump has turned to dance to get his message across - presumably thanks to his new campaign manager, Giovanni from Strictly.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
On your dance cards tonight
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe will dance a Couple’s Choice tonight, fusing their African and Caribbean cultures.We’ll also be able to compare and contrast two sambas and a pair of quicksteps.
It’s 15 minutes until sequins, spraytans and Spanx are deployed…
Eyes down for week five bingo
Tick them off when they happen! Take a drink for each! Get the giggles and hiccups! Here’s this week’s 10-point spotter’s guide:
Shirley tells a celebrity “I’m going to call you Mr/Miss Something”, then never calls them that again
Craig says there was no connection between the couple but the other three judges disagree
Celebrity uses ye olde “busy week in the day job impacting our training time” excuse
Judges openly laugh at Paul Merson’s samba hip action
Claudia asks after Sarah Hadland’s cat Percy and is shown a pic of him in fancy dress
Motsi cries after Montell and Jojo’s Couple’s Choice
Someone says the quickstep “is quick with lots of steps”
Rictus grins from Wynne and Katya on the balcony, knowing cameras will be trained on them
Anton Du Beke harks back to past “saaarm-bas” he danced himself
Claudia looks to camera while Vito Coppola embarks on a rambling description of a dance step
The running time of tonight’s live show is under two hours for the first time this series. It’s all downhill to Christmas from here.
Fourth elimination beckons
Despite his dapper Fred Astaire quickstep showing a marked improvement last Saturday, Paul Merson is bookies’ favourite for the exit. He’s also saddled with the technically tricky samba tonight.
The big mover in the betting market, though, was Wynne Evans. His odds of elimination have tumbled from 20/1 to 9/2. Can he quickstep to safety?It’s 25 minutes until we get our first choreographic clues…
All eyes on Wynne and Katya post-“handgate”
A right old choreographic kerfuffle erupted this week, thanks to Wynne Evans’ seemingly wandering hands and his pro partner Katya Jones appearing to snub a high-five from him. Despite trending on the-social-network-formerly-known-as-Twitter, the couple have insisted it was all a joke and all is well between them.
Do we believe them? Producers will be praying so. The last thing the show needs is another behind-the-scenes scandal. Tonight the couple will be under intense scrutiny, with eagle-eyed viewers alert for any signs of tension.
It will surely be a relief for them both for the focus to return to actual hoofing. Half an hour until until the spangly curtain comes up…
Slots in the Halloween special at stake
Who’ll miss out on the annual spooktacular? Good evening and welcome to the fifth live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner for tonight’s show. You’re cordially invited to watch along with me as our 12 surviving pro-celebrity pairs bid to make it through to the competition’s next landmark - namely next week’s Halloween special.
Last week saw this year’s first perfect 10s for Tasha Ghouri, while injury-plagued Nick Knowles was eliminated after defeat to shock dance-offer Shayne Ward. Our remaining dancefloor dozen now trip the light fantastic again. As per usual, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote. The two lowest-ranked couples will fight for survival on Sunday night.
Who could become this year’s fourth celebrity to board the Wengabus home? Once again, Paul Merson looks vulnerable but he showed considerable imprpvement last week. Dr Puman Krishan and Sam Quek could also find themselves in danger. Even Wynne Evans might not be safe, his odds of elimination plummeting due to last week’s Katya Jones kerfuffle - more on that shortly.
It’s showtime at 6.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.55pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and hoofing-based hilarity. So lace up your dancing shoes, get stitched into your clingiest outfit and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As per usual, 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 Latin and ballroom badinage. I’ll samba-bounce down there every now and again to see your thoughts and report on your reactions.
Somebody won’t be allowed out trick or treating. Nearly time to staaaart dancing!
