Back to the Elstree ballroom next time
Thanks for watching along with me, Tower Ballroom buddies. Our magnificent seven now progress to the 10th live show, back in the familiar surroundings of Elstree Studios. The dancefloor might be smaller and not sprung but as well as their usual routines, they’ll all be tackling the Samba-thon in a bid to make it through to Musicals Week.
It airs next Saturday at the slightly later time of 7.05pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to see who’s suffering a Blackpool hangover. In the meantime, as is always the case: keeeeep dancing! Have a lovely week and see you back in the usual ballroom. Goodnight, everyone.
Finally, SecretPuddleJumper says: “I really hope this doesn’t knock Montell’s confidence. She really does deserve to be there and people, I’m assuming, voting en masse not to see Pete’s awful dance again is not a reflection on her. Personally I’m baffled she’s in the bottom 2. She got all my votes and that should count for something, dammit. This must be how a Democrat female feels in America.”
ReclinedPotato says: “Wynne has been a super contestant, it’s nice to see an older larger man do so well in the competition, I’m sure Wynne’s Wonderful Wales (TM) is in the TV works as we admire his lovely calves.”
emilyscatnaps adds: “That’s some way to go out, though… Knackered.”
NonIronLady says: “Wynne is pleased to be out, having heard that he’d be wearing the pink pleather for a high-kicking tango/can-can mash-up next week.”
MartGray says: “Is this the first year the physios have been pretty much at the top of the credits?”
YodaKnowsAll says: “It’s probably fair for Wynne to go. Pete not being in the DO is a travesty imho.”
GreenAppleRedApple says: “Hand-gate reference in the last dance? Oh that’s me definitely convinced it was all a hilarious joke…”
whistledownthewind adds: “The right couple are through I feel. That said, well done Wynne for being an entertaining and enthusiastic celeb this season. One last time ‘Go Compaaaare!’”
Strictlylounging says: “Looking at how they’re messing about on the floor, it’s clear they get on, despite all the ‘handgate’ rumblings.”
Saltaire1703 says: “Craig’s analysis of Pete’s inability to dance was spot-on. He shouldn’t be in this stage of a dance competition.”
TeeDubyaBee adds: “Tess asked Wynne if he minded if she left early and he replied ‘go, compère’.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “Another week down and I think the right decision was made with Wynne going. Did like him but the dancing hadn’t improved for a few weeks. Next week we have a samba-thon. Putting in an early plea for single fixed camera angle during the dance so we can see all the couples at once rather than chopping and changing leaving us dizzy and with half the dancing missed off screen.”
shazza2704 says: “Well , unless The Cure turn up next week with Robert Smith wearing full-on Chanel Rouge around his chops , Pet Shop Boys have to be the best opener / filler ever in SCD history.”
DGPHOK adds: “Da iawn Wynne. You’ll be missed.”
A seaside straw poll
A swift vox pop of your Blackpool thoughts. FlowerOfScotland1966 says: “Very frustrating. Wynne, the most entertaining dancer left in the competition, leaves. Pete, who had a terrible dance, remains in the competition. That, sadly, is the nature of the competition. Chris is surely going to win the final, as, even though he isn’t the best dancer, won’t ever be voted out, and will win the public vote in the final.”
Sueserafina says: “Well, if he was forced screaming into a pair of louche, pink, PVC trews, Pete has had the last laugh.”
BorisHawHaw says: “Pete still in thanks to ‘the public vote’. I recall that John Sergeant, realising that people were voting for him and that meant better dancers were being voted off, decided to quit. Too much to hope that the reality star, craving publicity, will do the same despite constantly saying ‘I don’t deserve to be here’. Kind of makes a mockery of it really being a dance show.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “Tess Daly: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, let’s all give Wynne & Katya a warm hand on their exit!’ BBC producer shouting from the gallery: ‘For crying out loud, let’s not open up THAT can of worms again...’.”
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Oti goes from ballroom to Bushtucker
TV viewers can now flip to ITV1 for The Girls Aloud Show: Live at the O2. At 9pm, it’s the I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! launch show on ITV1, with Strictly’s own Oti Mabuse among those entering the jungle, Wolf Hall: The Mirror & The Light on BBC1 or Tsunami 2004: The Day the Wave Hit on Channel 4.
If you’re in the mood for a film, tonight’s picks are Four Weddings & A Funeral (9pm on BBC3), Ordeal By Innocence (9pm on Sky Arts) or Martin Scorsese’s Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger (10pm on BBC2).
Is it raining? I hadn’t noticed.
Gender balance nearly restored
Wynne Evans’ exit makes it two consecutive eliminated males, after Shayne Ward departed the dancefloor last week. Our final seven now comprises three celebrity females and four men.
If Pete Wicks was to depart next week - just to pick a random example - we’d have a neat three-all gender split for the quarter-final. Just saying.
Montell didn’t deserve another dance-off
This should have been an all-male dance-off. Pete Wicks, Jamie Borthwick or even JB Gill should have faced Wynne in the dance-off. However, they all got more public votes than the unlucky Montell Douglas.
A fortnight ago, she comfortably saw off Sam Quek in the dance-off. Wynne Evans posed a sterner challenge but she still earned a unanimous judges’ decision. Both times, she’s scored 35 points but fallen from mid-table into the bottom two.
After two dance-offs in three weeks, it doesn’t look like Montell will last much longer. A shame, since on scores alone, she’d be a worthy finalist. Averaging 33 points per dance, she’s behind only Tasha Ghouri and Sarah Hadland. All Montell lacks is viewer votes. As an athlete-turned-Gladiator, let’s hope her fighting spirit kicks in and she bounces back strongly again.
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Katya remains one of the premier pros
St Petersburg-born Katya Jones proved her value once more this series. She made her name in her debut series nine years ago by making a cult hero out of Ed “Glitter” Balls. Since then, she’s carved out a reputation as the troupe’s most creative choreographer, working magic with all abilities and body types - from dad-dancers like Tony Adams to glitterball winner Joe McFadden. Frustratingly, last year’s partner Nigel Harman was forced to drop out with injury when he looked a potential finalist.
She worked wonders again with Wynne Evans. Katya choreographed numbers to exploit his innate musicality, desire to entertain and ability to sell a dance. She gave him intense, challenging routines, packed with daring lifts and tricks, but drilled him hard and he handled them well. Having exited mid-series again, the ever-competitive Katya might persuade producers that she’s due a good ’un next time.
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Wynne never quite recovered from “handgate”
As a 52-year-old with a self-described “dad bod”, nobody had terribly high hopes for Wynne Evans coming into the contest. The opera singer and BBC Radio Wales presenter proved one of this year’s surprise packages. His natural musicality, tight timing, charismatic performances and quick feet made him a fixture towards the top of the leaderboard, at times recalling 2020 glitterball winner Bill Bailey.
A month into the contest, however, came the hand incident, aka ”Grope Compare”. Wynne’s dance partner Katya Jones brushed his hand away as he put it around her waist in the Clauditorium, before snubbing his attempted high-five. The couple later insisted it was an in-joke but not before BBC-bashers pounced, linking it to Strictly’s summer of scandal and claiming the franchise was permanently tarnished.
Understandably affected by the negative headlines, Wynne suddenly became self-conscious, reining in his rapid-fire wit. His confidence dipped and scores flatlined. The judges haven’t scored him below 30 points since way back in week one but over the past month, he only notched a single nine. Consigned to consecutive dance-offs, Wynne saw off Shayne Ward but was deservedly defeated by Montell Douglas.
His best bits were that Mrs Doubtfire cha cha, his money-themed tango, Mr Blue Sky quickstep (complete with bird poo) and that surprise singing crescendo to his Shirley Bassey rumba. Not a bad highlight reel but Wynne - and certainly Katya - might believe he could have lasted a week or two more. Ah well. Back to the Go.Compare ads it is. Pass the comedy moustache.
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Pete can thank his popularity (and possibly his trousers)
He’s still the lowest-scoring celebrity left in the contest by some margin, averaging fewer points than Shayne Ward, Wynne Evans and even Sam Quek, all of whom he’s miraculously outlasted. TOWIE alumnus Pete Wicks is still yet to appear in the dance-off. He can once again thank public support (and pink slack enthusiasts) for making it to Blackpool, let alone beyond. His fanbase means he was in the top half popularity-wise, according to online polls, despite being bottom of the scoreboard.
He was poorly served by last night’s routine. The male stripper theme and camp day-glo mood was more hen party than ballroom. He was upstaged by those eye-wateringly tight pink PVC trousers, which the panel, Shirley Ballas in particular, obsessed over. Pete clearly wasn’t happy being the novelty act and it felt a bit like a production stitch-up. His attire attracted more judgely comments than his dancing but Pete’s performance was pretty poor. He barely danced a step, instead striking poses while pro partner Jowita Przystal and the backing dancers cha-cha-ed around him.
A score of 27 points, four fewer than second-from-bottom Wynne, was actually generous. Did that dance deserve eights from Shirley and Anton? Of course not. Craig giving him a four was more like it. With his deadpan humour and have-a-go pluck, Pete is highly likeable but if he sees off many more superior hoofers, it will start to feel unfair.
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Wynne and Katya’s last dance
The eliminated couple take a final twirl around the Tower Ballroom floor to Waiting For A Star To Fall by Boys Meets Girl (banger).
The credits roll as their castmates crowd around for backslaps. Please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
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Katya returns the compliment
His pro partner Katya Jones, a bit croaky with emotion, says: “The smile hasn’t left my face since the first day of training. Wynne, you’ve made this experience so joyous and so full of laughter. I’m sure everybody was jealous because you’re the kind of guy that everybody wants in their life. You bring light, you bring laughter, you bring charisma, you fill up every room you walk into with those qualities.” Lovely words.
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Wynne says a few words
In his farewell speech, Wynne Evans tells Tess: “It’s been wonderful, I’ve got to say. I feel like it’s what Strictly is all about. If I can last until week nine, then anybody can get out there and dance and have a brilliant time. Strictly is such a precious family that I want everybody here in this room and at home to look after it for the generations to come because it’s a wonderful, wonderful thing.
“To have been partnered with Katya has been amazing and coming every Saturday night to hang out with all these guys, that’s been wonderful. But to spend every weekday dancing has been just fantastic. I’ve grown so much and I’m so thankful to have met Katya.” Well said.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
It was a split decision between Wynne and Shayne Ward last week but this time, it’s unanimous.
Wynne Evans is eliminated
There we have it. Wynne Evans and Katya Jones become the eighth couple to depart the Strictly 2024 dancefloor.
Anton Du Beke chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “well fought, both danced better but I must send home the couple who swung each other around by the ankles”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “both improved but my decision goes with them”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Montell and Jojo, saying “both put up a good fight but Montell is the best dancer”.
Verdict time
For me, the quality gap was pretty apparent. Let’s see what the crucial quartet thinks. Each judge scored Montell one point more last night.
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Wynne and Katya take their turn
Wynne Evans and his dance partner Katya Jones reprise their Charleston to Les Toréadors by Georges Bizet. The judges said last night that he sold it hard but was flat-footed and lacked technique.
It scored 31 points, four fewer than Montell’s salsa, so he needs to improve and hope she makes mistakes.
Montell and Jojo go first in dance-off
Both couples are in their second dance-off but it’s their first in these surroundings. First up, Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe have another go at their salsa to Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston.
The judges said last night that sassy, rhythmic and full of spicy flavour but she needs to work on her seamless transitions, engage her torso and be freer in hold. It scored 35 points, four more than Wynne, so she needs no slip-ups to maintain that gap.
“The Pets” originally performed their version for Radio 2, backed by BBC Concert Orchestra, earlier this year. They’re now releasing it as a double A-side with their own song, New London Boy. With over 100m records sold worldwide, the dream duo of Neil “not Jones” Tennant and Chris “No relation to Natalie” Lowe remain one of the most successful acts in UK pop history. We love them, even though they don’t pay our rent.
Choreographic accompaniment comes from Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Nikita Kuzmin and Nadiya Bychkova. Hey dudes, carry the news.
A return trip to the pet shop
As Claudia says, it would be a sin not to have them back. After opening the live show with a space-age medley, Pet Shop Boys are back in the Tower Ballroom to perform their latest single, All The Young Dudes - a cover of the David Bowie-penned glam rock anthem originally released by Mott The Hoople in 1972.
Bowie produced the single, which he gave to the band after they rejected Suffragette City, and later recorded it himself.
Jamie Borthwick does Anton
The EastEnders actor does a decent impression of Tony Beak, the king of ballroom.
Pete is tickled pink
More chit-chat with the duos returning to the Elstree ballroom next week. Pete Wicks is baffled by the public love, saying: “Even I don’t want to see me dance again.”
JB Gill is safe
Which means JB and Lauren Oakley deservedly samba and quickstep through to next Saturday.
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Wynne Evans faces Montell in the dance-off
I guess that’s no surprise. Wynne Evans and his pro partner Katya Jones are consigned to the dance-off for the second week running. He finished second from bottom on the leaderboard but didn’t get enough viewer votes to lift him clear.
Pete Wicks rescued by viewers
Wow. Even he looks surprised. He was rock bottom of the scoreboard but the pink-trouser TOWIE alumnus has been saved by the public vote. Which means we could be in for a dance-off surprise.
Jamie’s giant sauce bottle sails on
He might not like ketchup on his chips but his saucy jive did just enough. Despite being third from bottom on the scoreboard, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick stays.
Crunch time again
The dreaded red lightbulb is back. Let’s find out who will face Montell in the dance-off.
Sambathon chaos next week?
Claudia cheekily reminds the judges of the disorganised hilarity last time they tried to mark a dance-athon. Let’s hope they’ve got to grips with an iPad in the intervening years. Seven couples on the floor at once next Saturday. Buckle up.
Craig hasn’t given a 4 in Blackpool for eight years, apparently, and justifies why he dished one out to Pete. “I was judging his technique, not his outfit.” Rightly so.
He cheekily gives Claudia a four for her fluffed dance moves, too. She takes it well.
Motsi Mabuse admires Wynne Evans “going all in”. Anton du Beke coos over Chris McCausland and JB Gill’s ballroom numbers.
Dance debrief
The paddle-raising panel pop their esteemed posteriors on Claudia’s Blackpool banquette for a breakdown of last night’s dances. Some booty-twerking form “Craigy” on the way in. Shirley flogs the word “iconic” to within an inch of its life.
Bluey in the ballroom
Talking of Australian families, the world’s favourite Blue Heeler pup joins the Strictly pros for some canine choreography now.
It’s a rerun of the endearing Children In Need sketch from Friday night. Bandit will be terribly proud. Please give generously if you can.
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Recalling his first ever visit to Blackpool, Aljaz Skorjanec says: “I was six and exactly the same height as I am now.” Honey, I blew up the kid.
Buswells heading our way
In the Clauditorium - well, behind the a glittery draped curtain in the corner of the Tower Ballroom - the relieved couples chat to La Winkle. Chris McCausland reminds Dianne Buswell that they didn’t just get a 10, they got two. Dianne’s parents are on their way over from Australia for next week’s show. Airmiles ahoy.
Sarah Hadland forgets the old maxim that other people’s dreams are never interesting. We’ll forgive her.
Montell in her second dance-off
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe must hoof again for survival, as they did two weeks ago. They were in mid-table, joint fourth on the scoreboard, but have tumbled down into the bottom two. Harsh.
Tasha Ghouri is safe
That’s both joint leaderboard-toppers through.
Chris McCausland dances on
Hooray. After last night’s Hollywood-worthy American smooth, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will deservedly return to the Elstree Studios ballroom next week.
Sarah Hadland is safe
Rightly so.
Red spotlight of doom
They’ve carefully wrapped up the usual red Fireglow lightbulb in a hankie and shipped it 230 miles north. Scarlet spotlight time.
Time to find out who’s illuminated Blackpool and whose Strictly switch might be flicked off…
Our Strictly stars™
Our eight edgy couples line up on the famed sprung floor and wait to hear their fates. Those pink PVC trousers don’t look any better 24 hours later.
The paddle-raising judging panel take their ringside seats. Let’s hope Shirley’s had a cold shower and calmed down.
Last night’s live show recapped
A reminder of Saturday night’s seaside action on-screen now. Tasha Ghouri’s classical paso! Chris McCausland’s tail-coated American smooth! JB Gill’s “Rickstep”! Sarah Hadland being “too perfect” for picky old Craig! Extra dancers! Hobby horses! Props galore!
Frockwatch
Here’s our hostly duo, so let’s do our dressing down. Tess Daly is in a silvery sparkly halterneck. Claudia Winkleman is in animal print. Claud wins, making it one-all this weekend. Fair.
An electrifying performance, styled with vintage glamour and sizzling with passion. One worthy of the historic surroundings.
Powerful and expressive with each couple’s bodies in complete close contact. Changes of gear and a gorgeous classy feel. Intricate flicks, kicks and pivots.
From Blackpool to Buenos Aires
We open with a group dance from the professionals. Choreographed by Matt Flint, Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani, it’s an Argentine Tango set in a glamorous 1940s hotel. The regular Strictly troupe are joined by supporting extra dancers for this stunning number, set to the sultry sounds of Tango Jalousie, written by Danish composer Jacob Gade in 1925.
And we’re off!
Who’s about to become the eighth couple to board the sequin-spangled tram home?
Inflate your armbands and shove a Flake in your drink. We’re about to be beamed back to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom…
Will it be Wicks vs Wynne?
Any last dance-off predictions? By rights it should be Pete Wicks vs Wynne Evans but the public vote means anything could happen. Blackpool fingernails are being bitten.
Just five minutes to wait now…
Tower Ballroom turns Argentine
The professional troupe’s group performance at the prestigious Tower Ballroom is always something special. Tonight we can look forward to an Argentine tango in a period setting. Gauchos and ganchos incoming.
It’s a mere 10 minutes until the clock strikes sequins…
Polar bears hanging out in an abandoned Soviet weather station = sheer animal magic.
The third episode of Sir David Attenborough-narrated wildlife epic Asia just wrapping up on BBC1. Tonight we’re in the continent’s frozen north, with stunning footage of Himalayan wolves, Amur tigers and the world’s largest owls. Twit-twoo indeed.
Thank goodness those starving bears survived. However, one pair of hoofing humans soon won’t be so lucky. It’s 15 minutes until choreographic kick-off…
More near-perfection last night
Last night’s brilliantly balletic paso doble saw Tasha Ghouri top the leaderboard for an impressive sixth time in nine weeks - and score 39 points for the third time.
With Jamie Borthwick, JB Gill, Montell Douglas and Sarah Hadland also notching 39s this series, we’ve been one point away from a maximum seven times – compared to four times at the equivalent stage last year. How long before somebody goes one better?
It’s 20 minutes until we’re back in the Tower Ballroom…
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Our Canadian correspondent writes
Another email just in from Strictly fan and eager liveblog follower, Iain Crofts in Montreal:
If I weren’t frozen out from voting on Strictly by being in Canada, I would usually be voting for Sarah and Vito this season. However, last night I might have voted to save Pete from the dance-off, just to ensure that his pink PVC performance could remain forever unrepeated. No wonder there were reports of him not being very happy in rehearsals.
When you wrote in yesterday’s liveblog about the spread in his scores, it seemed like a question of Craig being objectionable with his low-ball score of four. Now that I’ve seen the dance clip, Craig’s score seems objective, while the other judges’ over-scoring looks like, in the words of an eighties French-Canadian pop hit, ‘Une Question de Feeling’.
When it comes to dance-off danger, I suspect that Pete’s active fan-base might be massing on the beach to keep him afloat at Blackpool. Could the red light be flashing for Wynne and Jamie? In all fairness to Pete, if he is to be voted off soon, it would be better to bow out having given his all in a routine that he could look back on fondly.
Pet Shop Boys are back
They opened the show in spectacular synth-pop style last night with a medley of their hits, accompanied by silvery sci-fi dancers. Tonight the Pet Shop Boys will make a weekend of it by returning to the Tower Ballroom to perform their brand new single.
It’s 25 minutes until our hearts start skipping a beat and we’re strictly domino dancing…
Will Pete Wicks’ popularity keep him in the contest?
After a cha-cha played for laughs, particularly in the trouser department, Pete Wicks was cut adrift at the foot of the Saturday night scoreboard by four points - and even that was generously marked. But will viewer votes save his skin-tight slacks? If so, are we about to see a seaside shocker?
Half an hour until we get our first clues…
Who will bite the dust in Blackpool?
Somebody’s seaside weekender is about to turn sour. Good evening and welcome to the latest elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your beside-the-seaside dance partner for tonight’s results show. Please watch along with me as one couple bows out in the Tower Ballroom.
Of our eight surviving pro-celebrity pairs, only seven will return to Elstree Studios next Saturday. 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 hoofing holiday is about to be cut cruelly short?
Last night’s super-sized live show saw Bob Fosse-dancing Sarah Hadland and bull-fighting Tasha Ghouri tied at the top of the standings with a near-perfect 39 points apiece. Way down the bottom was pink-trousered Pete Wicks after “that” I’m Too Sexy cha-cha, with Wynne Evans second from bottom. Will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Jamie Borthwick, Montell Douglas or JB Gill could be at risk.
It’s results showtime at 7.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and spun sugar asides. So slip on your Victorian bathing costume (with a Dryrobe on top, it’s November) 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 Blackpool badinage. I’ll Charleston-swivel down there intermittently to see what you’re all saying and report your comments up top.
Kiss me quick and squeeze me slow, it’s nearly time to staaaaart breaking Blackpool hearts!
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Thank you and a glittery goodnight
That completes Saturday’s Blackpool livebloggery but meet you right back here for the results show, which airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll reboot the blog at 6.50pm for build-up, so please rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so feel free to pop down to the end of the pier and say hi.
Thanks for watching along with me, sparkly seasiders. See you tomorrow but in the meantime, it’s ye olde Tower Ballroom mantra: keeeeeep dancing! Na-night.
Our Canadian correspondent on abs
Just time for an email from Iain in Montreal, who writes:
Gorka’s six-pack seems to be much vaunted but it looks more like a one-pack to me. Maybe I need a higher-definition TV. Six-pack aficionados might like to check out American footballer Danny Amendola’s ‘500th Episode Instant Jive’ on Dancing with the Stars, which can be seen on YouTube. It opens with the classic distraction technique of his partner ripping his shirt open. His pack-count seems to be six or higher. Who cares about the footwork?
Finally, on Jamie Borthwick’s show-closing ketchup jive, KLPS63 says: “Jings cravens help ma boab, what was with those costumes on Jamie’s dancers? I love the jive but was gurning at them too much to truly enjoy it. That’s Blackpool for ye.”
Leavethelighton says: “Jamie’s mum’s eye-roll was fantastic. What a joyful piece. I love him and Michelle.”
Jockette61 says: “Didn’t enjoy Jamie tonight, although nice to see him having fun. Flat-footed, not enough bounce, sickled toes. Not a great dance style for him.”
miranda07 says: “Yet again, it feels like the comments that Jamie receives are way harsher than other people who didn’t dance quite so well this week.”
VirgilHilts concludes: “That reminded me of the sort of thing you’d see if you happened to put your TV on while holidaying in France in the 80s.”
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On Tasha Ghouri’s joint scoreboard-topping paso doble, whistledownthewind says: “Tasha is a wonderful dancer. She delivers every week but I wonder how many people are emotionally invested in her? I think she may well reach the final but someone (like Chris) who isn’t as accomplished dance-wise will win because of this.”
MartGray says: “Oh, the drama. That was fantastic, well done Tasha, Aljaz and pals. As we always say around here, traditional music doesn’t half help. And I did like Tasha’s wee mouthed snarl as she came right up to the camera. Grrr.”
Pancake01 says: “I wish they’d turn the lights up a smidgen. I think that would have been brilliant if I could have seen it properly. I loved the music and styling, but she needed more aggression, a bit too nice.”
TeeDubyaBee adds: “If you didn’t know, playing ‘guess which dancer is the pro’ with Tasha would be impossible. Effortless.”
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On Wynne Evans’ Charleston, VirgilHilts says: “God knows I love Katya but that wasn’t great. It was too mechanical, no flow, stop-start. I’m not sure what Wynne is built for but it isn’t that.”
girlpanic adds: “Strange choice of music for a Charleston! Poor Wynne was not great with technique but he definitely knows how to perform. And that lift at the end – I thought Katya was going to go flying!”
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Pete Wicks’ pink-trousered cha cha certainly caused a stir. jonbob47 says: “Not amused by how Pete has been objectified there. Frankly, he looked humiliated. Play it back and look at how he was holding his coat over his crotch. And how his anatomy was talked about by the judges. Wouldn’t see that if he was a female contestant would we? Misandry that needs to be called out, I’m afraid.”
Clarissaharlowe1 says: “Do Shirley and Anton not see that scoring Pete an eight makes an absolute mockery of the entire scoring system? Shirley needs to remember she’s not supposed to be scoring highly just because she likes it! Does Pete have some hold over them?”
Hopefulducky says: “What Craig said. Noooo, Pete. Very brave to wear the pink but it’s a no from me, especially because of Shirley’s tasteless reaction.”
MaineC says: “Pete and Jowita were stitched up. Not their fault.”
Bigted1980 adds: “Jesus wept. Just catching up, has Jowita got a holiday booked next week she needs to be free for?”
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On JB Gill’s Rickrolling quickstep, MikeMoonlight says: “Good grief, I’ve heard better covers on those Top Of the Pops albums that sold for 49p in Woolworths in the 70’s than that version of Rick Astley.”
Whistledownthewind says: “If ever there was a case for getting rid of backing dancers, it’s during the quickstep, surely? Footwork is so important and anything that distracts attention from that is just in the way.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “That quickstep from JB was seriously good. Not even the strange musical arrangement could detract from it.”
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On Sarah Hadland’s joint leaderboard-topping Couple’s Choice, EnglishAthene says: “No. Sorry. Sarah and Vito not good use of the floor! The judges will disagree!”
Heartticker says: “Now THAT is what I call a Couple’s Choice. An extra point because we didn’t get a sob story.”
acanthe adds: That was Fosse-mazing - loved it!”
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As for Montell Douglas’ salsa, Whistledownthewind says: “I really enjoyed that from Montell and JoJo. So much energy and enthusiasm! Really hope she’s not in danger this week because that was lots of fun.”
MarkRoche says: “Montell is usually such a star performer, but something felt a bit flat from her there.”
SnailyWhaley adds: “That was an example of backing dancers being way too distracting and me struggling to see the main couple. They were great in Chris and Dianne’s routine, maybe because they had to stay out of his way.”
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On Chris McCausland’s American smooth, Pancake01 says: “That was such a brilliant dance. I am actually sobbing here because I loved it so much. Proper music, costumes, style and a gawjus dance from Chris. No idea how he did it, as ever.”
Phoebe says: “I loved that. Dianne looks stunning and so does Chris, dancing a proper dance to proper music. Amazing silky dancing. If that doesn’t raise a few 10s I’ll be devastated.”
irreverentnurse adds: “Smooth as butter off a hot knife. Bravo!”
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Your Blackpool verdicts are in
A swift seaside vox pop of your comments. On that Pet Shop Boys opening number, Canterbury1 says: “Finally, a proper (and bloody brilliant) opening. And I want Claudia’s outfit for lounging about the house!!!”
GreenAppleRedApple adds: “Did not appreciate the Pet Shop Noys at the time but in middle age, I’ve realised how absolutely amazing they are.”
Blackpool special went with a bang
An entertaining enough seaside special but not a vintage year for me. Backing dancers, big-scale production, crowd-pleasing performances and ambitious choreography added up to some spectacular routines, befitting of the Tower Ballroom surroundings.
A little flat and lacking magic in places, though – not helped by the harsh reception for Jamie Borthwick’s jive. Clearly intended to be a big finish but harsh judging meant we ended with a whimper. Some of the scoring was all over the shop, too – especially from Shirley and Anton.
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Boybands and murder, swords and sandals
TV viewers can now flip to BBC Two for Boybands Night or Channel 4 for Lenny Henry’s Legends of Comedy. For a spot of clever cosy crime, the mighty Lesley Manville stars in Moonflower Murders at 9.15pm on BBC One, the sequel to Magpie Murders.
If you’re in the mood for a film, there’s Gladiator (9.15pm on Sky Showcase), 28 Weeks Later (10pm on MTV), Inglourious Basterds (10.20pm on Channel 4) or brilliant Iranian drama No Bears (10.35pm on BBC Four). Are you not entertained?
Golden Glitterballs: Blackpool edition
They’ve got prestige written all the way through, like a stick of Blackpool rock. Here are this week’s seaside gong-getters…
Best dance: Sarah Hadland’s Fosse-inspired Couple’s Choice for me, even if it divided you below the line.
Worst dance: Pete Wicks by some stretch. All trousers and no cha-cha.
Best music choice: The big band version of Van Halen’s Jump was a swinging, jazzy treat. Chosen by Chris McCausland himself, too.
Worst music choice: Right Said Fred and Rick Astley both creaked at the seams.
Best outfit: A tie between Lauren’s colour-blocked quickstep frock and Montell’s sparkly salsa number, although it was let down by the flat trainers.
Worst outfit: Pete Wicks came dressed for a hen do. A disappointing one, too. Taxi!
Best judges’ comment: Craig’s bingo-calling: “Shirley’s tiny shoes… 32. I’m feeling naughty… 40. Dave Arch is divine… 59.” House!
Worst VT: Aljaz pretending to be sick on the rollercoaster.
Best Claudia quip: Admitting that her son thought her frock looked like a carpet – and promptly posting a pic of Demis Roussos on Instagram.
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Craig’s 10 paddle remins mothballed
The meanest - or some might say, most objective - judge, Craig Revel Horwood, gives out an average 4.5 perfect 10s per series, compared to his colleague Anton du Beke’s whopping 28 per series. At more than two per week, he’s statistically the most generous judge.
Craig is still yet to raise his maximum this series. Someone needs to make him put his pen down and marvel. In Musicals Week, maybe?
Will it be another all-male dance-off?
Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri jointly top the seaside standings, with Chris McCausland in third spot. Pete Wicks is way down the bottom, with Wynne Evans just above.
Those two clearly deserve to be in the dance-off but as always, the public vote helps decide who’ll be consigned to the Tower Ballroom eliminator. Jamie Borthwick, JB Gill and Montell Douglas might also be in for an anxious wait. Hey, at least they’d get to dance on that famous floor again.
Credits roll
Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” with one eye already on the green room bar and the traditional Blackpool night out. As everyone packs away their buckets, spades and sandy towels, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Blackpool rewound
We now recap the night’s eight dances on-screen. Enough sequins to spangle a Big Dipper with some to spare.
Voting is… open!
The red ribbon is cut on the voting lines and the usual mayhem kicks off - with a fancy-dressed Blackpool twist, naturally. Novelty specs akimbo. Which seaside smashers are you voting for? Which dancing donkeys are you definitely not?
Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Third from bottom. Dance-off danger? Doesn’t deserve it but possibly so.
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Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Motsi gets the giggles and says “pushed the energy, standing leg lacked a little vibration, otherwise fantastic”. Shirley says “exciting and entertaining but tried too hard and needed weight further forward”. Anton says “add chips to more of your dances, full of beans, work the knees more, find the love in each dance”. Craig concludes “brought your own unique style so I forgive the sickled feet and straight legs, loved the jubilation”. Bit harsh, I thought. Eights and nines?
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Jamie and Michelle’s jive
Last dance now. EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and his pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas have suffered a slump in form in recent weeks. They haven’t quite hit heights of their week five paso doble and last week, finished joint bottom of the leaderboard for the first time. Can they recapture the magic with a high-energy, chip-fixated jive? A bequiffed Jamie flies in on a giant sparkly ketchup bottle. Clearly Heinz-branded but other brands are available. This is the BBC, after all. Fast steps and fun flourishes in a comical routine. Both in sparkly ketchup red. Keeping it light, airy and bouncy. Upbeat mood. Jamie relishing (pardon the sauce pun) chance to be a showman, really selling it. Kicks, flicks and side-by-side sections are super-sharp and tasty. Keen as mustard. Dollops of fun and terrific dancing too. Condiments come no higher.
Song: The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup. The 2002 Spanglish novelty hit topped charts (and chips) in 20 countries, selling 7m copies worldwide. Online conspiracies spread, especially around Latin America, that the gibberish lyrics included hidden demonic references and Satanic messages. Down with that sort of thing. Careful, now.
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Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint top with Sarah Hadland. Still no perfect 40 this series.
Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Craig says “too balletic for me, needed to be more into the ground, but a-may-zing”. Motsi says “beautiful storytelling and shaping, dance of the night”. Shirley says “classic, took me back to my own career (modest), beautiful”. Anton concludes “loved the lyrical interpretation without losing intensity, top drawer”. Another 39-pointer?
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Could we be about to see the first 40 of the year? No. Classic Craig innit.
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Tasha and Aljaž’s paso doble
Tasha Ghouri, who wears a cochlear implant, has had to adjust to the new, more echoey acoustics of Tower Ballroom. However, she’ll feel the music’s vibrations more in her body. Smiley Slovenian pro Aljaž Škorjanec hadn’t been to Blackpool for five years, so he’s particularly excited for this paso. Classy music and a dramatic routine, packed with content. Game Of Thrones-themed with Tasha in a corseted black and burgundy dress. Balance and control in her weight transference. She’s the powerful, domineering character in this matadorial ballroom battle. Leggy, fleet-footed, almost Argentine tango-like at times. Changes of gear, glorious lifts, cool and controlled, strong finish. Great choreography. Olé!
Song: Torn by Nathan Lanier. A passionate orchestral composition which featured in the film Hugh Strung and on US contest So You Think You Can Dance?.
Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Mid-table.
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Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Anton says “swept across the floor with great control and lovely technique, a slight problem with your head position, otherwise super”. Craig says “slightly fighting each other but loved you flying all around this humungous floor with ease”. Motsi says “effortless, full of content, no playing around but balance issues at times”. Shirley concludes “so much to like, timing on-point, get your posture in place and sky’s the limit”. Eights and nines?
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JB and Lauren’s quickstep
JB Gill has been tied at the top of the scoreboard with Tasha Ghouri for two weeks in a row. After last week’s firecracker samba, the ballroom boy is back in hold for a fairground-set “Rickstep”. Flying around the bigger Blackpool space will take some stamina. His pro partner Lauren Oakley has competed here since childhood, winning titles along the way, but this is her first time with a celebrity partner on Strictly. An energetic routine that’s as much fun as the song and perfectly suited to the sprung floor. Hurrying to keep up in places, perhaps, but a pacy and stylish number with tight timing and lovely group promenades. Running around, sure, but it won’t let you down, hurt you or desert you.
Song: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. The 1987 chart-topper had a resurgence in popularity 20 years later, thanks to the bait-and-switch “Rickroll” online meme, reviving the Lancastrian crooner’s career in the process. Written and produced by the Hit Factory team of Stock Aitken Waterman, it was heavily inspired by Colonel Abrams’ hit Trapped.
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Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 4, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 27 points. A bonkers four-point spread but bottom place as it stands. Latin is “like looking for your keys all the time”, says Pete.
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Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Shirley is lost for words and says “good isolation, clean neckline, Cuban breaks, I’ll never forget this evening”. Anton says “we just saw your butt cheeks emerging from behind the scenery and Shirley hasn’t been the same since, the cha-cha was lacking but the dance was brilliant”. Craig says “trousers are quite shocking, darling, you fought the dance, uncoordinated, behind the beat, bent legs but huge fun”. Motsi concludes “I loved it for all the wrong reasons, what was happening here? You went all in.” Anyone’s guess. Sixes and sevens, maybe?
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Pete and Jowita’s cha cha cha
After last week’s barefoot contempo-waft Couple’s Choice, Pete Wicks goes from poignant to playful. All week he’s been grumbling about this striptease routine, insisting he’s “less Magic Mike, more Tragic Pete”. He’s playing a Blackpool tram conductor, arriving on a party bus with passengers in hot pink PVC. Well, Strictly is never knowingly under-camp. Takes forever to start dancing but those trousers try to compensate. The contest’s lowest scoring dance on average, the cha-cha-cha is technically tricky. He needs straight legs, to keep it compact and contained, transferring his body weight while maintaining timing. He’s striking poses and lacking fluidity. Flat-footed and off-the beat but game for a laugh and decent partnering skills. A hen do of a dance.
Song: I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred. The 1991 hit equalled the record for the most weeks at number two on the UK singles chart. It was stuck there for six weeks in a row, held back by (Everything I Do) I Do It for You by Bryan Adams. It’s seen a revival in recent years, thanks to being inserted into songs by Taylor Swift, Drake and Beyoncé. Not a bad trio royalty-wise.
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Gratuitous Gorka six-pack gag there. We’ve all got one, Gorks, we just don’t go on about it.
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Bottom as it stands. Dance-off danger, I fear.
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Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Anton makes a Widdy reference (drink!) and says “magnificent, you gave it everything, you looked exhausted two-thirds of the way through, so form flagged towards the end but you sold it”. Craig says “I disagree, he kept the energy going, ambitious but flat-footed, left foot lacked swivel, what it missed in technique it made up for in entertainment”. Motsi says “commitment with joy on your face”. Shirley concludes “a Katya special, enjoyed it”. Eights?
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Wynne and Katya’s Charleston
Last week’s dance-off survivors are now bookies’ favourites to go home. Can he defy the odds? We’ve not had a Charleston for five weeks and only three in the series overall, which seems like an oversight, so this is welcome. Wynne Evans has admitted that, as an 18-stone chap, training has been tough on his knees but the bouncy Tower Ballroom floor will help. It’s more of a dramatic Charleston than a kooky one, putting a dance twist on the opera Carmen. Risky lifts and plenty of tricks. Fan-ography and a hobby horse (as opposed to a hobby Blackpool donkey). Razzle-dazzle choreography by the ever-creative Katya Jones. Craig will have his eyes trained on that all-important swivel, of course, and it’s a bit heavy-footed but bags of characterisation and excellent entertainment value. Big head-banger spinning lift to finish. Oof.
Song: Carmen Suite No. 1: 5. Les Toréadors by Georges Bizet. One of the most popular operatic arias of all-time has become a Strictly paso favourite. Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton scored 39 points for it in 2013, right here in Blackpool. Two years ago, Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe scored a much more modest 23.
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Claudia says of her sparkly garb: “I’m dressed like a carpet, according to my son.” Vito does some trademark wibbling about the solar system.
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Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Top of the pops. So far.
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Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Craig says “with that minimalism and economy, it was a bit too perfect, which sounds weird I know, lacked attitude in the still moments but spec-tac-ular”. Motsi says “Too perfect? I’ve heard it all now, that was iconic, you just smashed Blackpool”. Shirley says “tiny details were sensual but classy, full of fun, you represent all women, your best dance so far”. Anton concludes “extraordinary, perfectly timed, huge confidence, your best my miles”. A 39-pointer?
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Sarah and Vito’s Couple's Choice
The seventh Couple’s Choice of the series now and Sarah Hadland’s should be among the best. Could she and pro partner Vito Coppola even beat their top score of 38 points? Moody opening, then into a a Bob Fosse-esque jazz number with modern notes and quirky Charleston-alike details. Monochrome outfits with white gloves. Classy and sassy, fast and stylised. Side-by-side sections and Craig-friendly conceptual Cabaret styling. Lots of lifts, drops, tricks and high-kicks. Wednesday Addams-ish at times. Tight and on-point timing-wise. Loved that.
Song: Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue. Her 2023 Grammy-winning viral synth-pop banger, mashed up into a medley with 2001 hit Can’t Get You Out Of My Head. The song was almost given to Rita Ora and thank goodness it wasn’t. Kylie fell in love with the track when she was sent it and immediately recorded her vocals herself in a London hotel, hence her being credited as the “vocal engineer”.
Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Highest-scoring salsa of the series but a tad generous for me.
Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Motsi says “I kept saying wow, you’ve gone from athlete to showgirl, sass and flavour, swapped partners and looked at ease, fantastic”. Shirley says “natural born performer, you looked like one of the pros but work on transitions”. Anton says “energy is your weapon but be freer in hold”. Craig concludes “engage your torso and be more seamless, sticky moments but you have incredible rhythm and sell it 100 per cent”. Eights ahoy, do we reckon?
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Montell and Jojo’s salsa
Montell Douglas notched her highest Latin score with last week’s power-packed paso. Can she maintain that form? Eyes down for a routine is set in a bingo hall, with the Gladiator and pro partner Johanne Radebe going for gold. Well, the floating glitterball trophy. Montell in a fabulous frock but why trainers, not dance shoes? Boogieing along to a disco anthem with big smiles and bags of bounce. Changes of rhythm handled well. Fast and flirty with a sense of fun and freedom, feeding off the energy of the extra dancers. Spicy hip action and plenty of rotation. She looks a bit off the beat at times but heaps of fun.
Song: Don’t Leave Me This Way by Kylie Minogue. Her cover of the disco anthem first recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1975, which later became a chart-topper for the Communards and the UK’s best-selling single of 1986. You might still be having nightmares of Bruno Tonioli’s crooning cover version in the ballroom four years ago.
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Drag queens on the Tower Ballroom Ts & Cs
No Elstree-style balcony this week but Dame Winkle has a natty little VIP area for her Clauditorium. She welcomes this week’s guests to read out the voting smallprint: Blackpool’s Funny Girls, DJ Zoe and CeCe D’Vine. Local heroines but were all the famous people washing their hair?
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Judges’ scores for Chris and Dianne: 8, 9, 10 (never too early), 10 for a total of 37 points. His highest score. Dianne weeping.
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Judges’ comments for Chris and Dianne: Big cheer and celebration from Chris at the end of that routine. Tess tells them they’re Strictly’s 100th couple to perform in the Tower Ballroom. Shirley says “best feet I’ve seen in a long time, floated across the floor, didn’t miss a beat, phenomenal”. Anton says “I wish I’d danced that number (drink!), style and exemplary seamless movement”. Craig says “slightly ahead of the beat and arm extensions need finesse, lacked swing or sway, but your frame has improved beyond compare, brilliant”. Motsi concludes “a beautiful statement to open the show”. Nines incoming?
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Chris and Dianne’s American smooth
Blind comedian Chris McCausland won the nation’s hearts yet again last week with his Couple’s Choice, complete with impactful “blackout” moment. Now he opens the show with a more traditional number, fittingly for the Tower Ballroom setting. However, Chris now has extra dancers and a new space to think about. He sometimes struggles with smooth transitions because he can’t see the transitional point. Here there are new angles to contend with. However, he loves his ballroom and feels safe in partner Dianne Buswell’s arms. Dapper in a tailcoat and nice lift to begin. He’s been working hard to improve his posture. Decent frame and lovely foxtrot footwork with plenty of glide. Jazzy solo section is extra impressive. Chemistry, class and a dollop of old Hollywood glamour. Bravo. Anton will love that.
Song: Jump by Paul Anka. A mellow, swinging big-band cover of the 80s Van Halen anthem. Long-jumper Greg Rutherford and Natalie “Legs” Lowe performed a tango to this during the 2016 series.
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Our Strictly stars™
Our eight pro-celebrity pairs emerge for a wave and a wide-eyed look around the Tower Ballroom. Pete Wicks has come dressed for On The Buses. Tasha Ghouri looking fiercely flamenco. Wynne Evans in a cape and pedal-pushers. Me too, mate.
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Judges join us
The paddle-raising panel make their big entrance. Motsi Mabuse stealing the show in a pink floral princess dress. Craig Revel Horwood in a mustard tux.
Frockwatch
Here come our Tower Ballroom hosts, so time for a seaside sartorial smackdown. Tess Daly is in slinky red sequins. Claudia Winkleman is in a kaftan-cum-slanket. Tess wins.
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Go North West
Well, that was a pretty fab-ew-lous way to kick off.
Our eight celebrities join the Bacofoil fun on a packed Tower Ballroom floor. I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the looks, let’s make lots of Strictly.
What have we done to deserve this dance delight?
Pet Shop Boys open the Blackpool show
We begin proceedings with a suitably starry group dance. Synth-pop veterans the Pet Shop Boys - aka Neil “not Jones” Tennant and Chris “No relation to Natalie” Lowe - perform a medley of their hits. It’s a… it’s a… it’s a shiny one.
Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu lead the hoofing accompaniment from the professional troupe, clad in silver 80s-style outfits for space age glamour. The choreography takes in elements of Viennese waltz, samba, contemporary and jazz. It’s futuristic, arty and abstract.
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Roll clap-along credits
Half these couples have now departed and didn’t get to make the trip up the M6. Sob. Still, we’ll see them again in a month’s time for the traditional “Class of 2024” group number in the final.
And we’re off to the seaside!
Cue Blackpool-themed montage as the celebrities all tell us how much it means to make it here.
Knot a hankie on your head and roll up your trousers for a paddle. We’re about to go over live to the (squeal!) Blackpool Tower ballroom…
Alan Carr’s Numberwang just wrapping up on BBC1. If you see it, say it. Say what you see. It’s good but it’s not right. Say goodbye, Mr Chips. He’s waving!
Sorry, Roy Walker possessed me for a moment there. A mere five minutes to wait now…
Blimey O'Riley, it’s double Kylie
There are not one but two Kylie Minogue numbers on tonight’s playlist, with both Montell Douglas and Sarah Hadland’s dances soundtracked by the pocket-sized Antipodean pop princess.
We’re also being treated to some Rick Astley, Right Said Fred and, ahem, Las Ketchup. A Blackpool pop bonanza. Ten minutes until showtime…
On your Tower Ballroom dance cards
For the first time this series, we’re not doubling up on any hoofing styles tonight. All eight couples will perform a different dance. We’ll see an American smooth, a salsa, a quickstep, a cha-cha, a jive, a paso, a Charleston and a Couple’s Choice.
Lots of bouncy numbers to take full advantage of that famed sprung floor. Not long until that ba-ba-da theme tune…
PSB are always on my mind
Colour me excited because tonight’s musical guests in the Tower Ballroom are one of my all-time favourite bands, the perennially brilliant Pet Shop Boys. Would I book them for Strictly myself? Left to my own devices, I probably would. Fifteen minutes to wait…
Eyes down for Strictly Bingo: Blackpool Edition
Cross them off as they happen! Take a drink for each! End up wearing a feather boa in a dodgy seafront “nitespot” with Ginger Neil! Here’s your 10-point seaside spotter’s guide for tonight:
Tess and Claudia make knowing jokes about the cast and crew hitting the town post-show
Judges join in the group dance, including a run of spins from Shirley or Craig
A bouncy quickstep, jive or Charleston is said to “take full advantage of the sprung floor”
VT includes a couple screaming on a rollercoaster/playing in seafront amusement arcades
Visual gag involving a rubber seagull, kiss-me-quick hat or a windbreak
Anton makes misty-eyed reference to Blackpool dances of yore with clod-hopping partners (probably Widdy)
Celebrity makes misty-eyed reference to coming to Blackpool on childhood holidays
A carb-averse pro or celeb is shown unconvincingly scoffing chips on the beach
Cute/creepy snap of a professional dancing at Blackpool as a child dance prodigy
After a lengthy pause to prolong the drama, Craig raises his 10 paddle and everyone goes bonkers
Who might bow out in Blackpool?
After his narrow dance-off escape last week, Wynne Evans is bookies’ odds-on favourite for the Blackpool boot. Pete Wicks is their second top tip, followed by Montell Douglas and Jamie Borthwick.
With the pressure on, will things go according to the form book? We’ll see when the glittery curtain comes up…
Quickstep is Blackpool's biggest hit
Over the years, the judges have awarded 107 perfect 10s in Blackpool. The quickstep is the dance style with most 10s (good news for JB Gill, who dances one tonight), followed by the American smooth, with the Charleston in third place.
Twenty minutes until our Blackpool minibreak…
Blackpool leaderboard is rarely an omen
A quirk of the seaside stats: Strictly history tells us that whoever tops the Blackpool scoring usually doesn’t go on to lift the glitterball. Kelvin Fletcher and Ellie Leach both finished joint top and went on to win but they’re the only ones in the last 11 years.
With the scoreboard beginning to bunch up and a split judges’ decision last week, the contest is starting to get serious. We’re into the climactic four weeks of the series after this, so the end is in sight and stakes are high. Not long until the clock strikes Strictly…
We do like to dance beside the seaside
You’ll hear the B-word a helluva lot tonight, so what exactly makes the Tower Ballroom so special? Well, the spiritual home of ballroom dancing dates back to 1894 and positively oozes with hoofing history. As the home of Strictly’s mothership show, Come Dancing, and host to international competitions, it means a lot to the professionals and judges.
The room itself is full of baroque Victorian splendour. Crystal chandeliers hang from a high ceiling, with tiered balconies and carved panelling. With a full crowd, the atmosphere in there is electric. The famous sprung dancefloor is several times bigger than the familiar Elstree Studios ballroom, hence the use of backing dancers, props and production tricks to fill the cavernous space.
In Strictly’s 20th year, tonight marks the show’s 15th visit to Blackpool. It’s a landmark weekend which always adds extra sparkle. Who will rise to the big occasion in these storied surroundings? We’ll get our first clues in 25 minutes…
Who will illuminate the Blackpool dancefloor?
The Tower Ballroom demands a towering performance. We’re set for a rollercoaster night of dancing - but nobody wants a big dip in their scores.
Good evening and welcome to week nine of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. I’m Michael, your Pleasure Beach buddy for tonight’s special live show. I’d love you to watch along with me as eight surviving couples take the trip 200 miles north to the fabled home of ballroom.
Last weekend saw just a seven-point margin between the top and bottom of the scoreboard, followed by only the second split judges’ decision of the seres. Yes, the hoofing contest is getting as tight as Vito Coppola’s trousers as it enters its home stretch. It proved third dance-off unlucky for Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu, who were narrowly eliminated.
Our eight remaining pro-celebrity pairings now make the annual pilgrimage to Strictly’s spiritual home. As always, tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote. The bottom two duos will perform again for survival on Sunday night. Wynne Evans and Pete Wicks look most at risk but it’s all to dance for.
With the venue’s famed sprung floor and backing dancers to help fill out the bigger space, we can expect routines with extra razzle-dazzle. It’s showtime at 6.45pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis and reaction, plus plenty of salt and vinegar. So grab yourself a chippy tea (well, it is Blackpool weekend) and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for Blackpool business. I’ll ride my donkey down there from time to time to see what you’re all saying and report on your reactions.
The Blackpool special is one of the biggest nights in Strictly calendar. But who will be a bright light in Lancs Vegas and who’ll be a seaside washout? It’s nearly time to staaaart seaside dancing!
