Hollywood comes to Borehamwood next weekend
Thanks again for watching along with me, glitter gang. Our 14 relieved pro-celebrity pairs now dance onto the feast of fancy dress that is Movie Week. Did they mention that?
The third live show airs next Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to munch popcorn, while weighing up who’s a blockbuster hit and who’s a box office flop. In the meantime, as always: keeeeeeep dancing! Goodnight and have a grand week.
A royal visit
Queen Heidi of Liveblogland has graced us with her regal presence, saying: “The Sound Of Music was originally a stage musical and has no business in Movie Week. STILL DYING ON THIS HILL.”
Reassuring that some things never change. The hills are still alive with the sound of Heidi’s hobby horse.
Owbeck says of tonight’s result: “OMG! The voting public have caught on to the fact it’s a dance competition.”
IvanTiger says: “Actually Les has improved since ‘yesterday’. But Nikita didn’t.”
Phoebe says: “I wish we could have more time spent on the judges’ views, which I find interesting, and less on the Clauditorium chitter chatter.”
Pancakeo1 says of Lauren’s instructions to Krishnan: “I’ve got even more respect for the pros if they coach like that during a performance. They are amazing.”
paperview adds: “Does anyone else think Cathy Newman shouts at Krish like that every day before Channel 4 News?”
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Readers’ verdicts
A swift straw poll of your comments. EilidhG149 says “It’s sweet that Gio still does the BSL sign for thank you”.
OozblumBird adds: “No real surprise that Nikita is in the dance off. She’ll be hoping to be up against Les, otherwise it’s sayonara.”
Pancake01 comes in with a curveball lookylikey: “I’ve just realised that Layton looks like Roy Keane, in a rather bizarre way.”
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Tonight’s other telly treats
Elsewhere on the box tonight, it’s Shakespeare Night on BBC4. Actor Fola Evans-Akingbola’s excellent film about the entertainment industry’s problem with Afro hair is on Sky Documentaries right now.
New chef drama Boiling Point starts at 9pm on BBC1 or watch Matt Hancock get enjoyably tormented on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Film-wise, I can recommend lovely Brit romance Ali & Ava at 10.30pm on BBC2.
And remember that until the next live show, you can get your sequin fix on spin-off show It Takes Two, weeknights at 6.30pm on BBC2. Monday’s edition sees Les and Nancy on the sofa for an interview. Expect tears and a glittery box of tissues.
First out hall of shame
Les receives the metaphorical sparkly-handled wooden spoon, joining other first departures such as Edwina Currie, Phil Daniels, Jacqui Smith, Martina Hingis, Goldie, Kaye Adams, James Cracknell, Johnny Ball, Tony Jacklin, Susannah Constantine and Gregg Wallace.
Dancing doesn’t get tougher than this. You need a stable buttery biscuit base.
Nancy is gone too soon
A shame to see Les’s firecracker partner Nancy Xu out of the contest. Strictly’s first Asian pro is a firm fan favourite. She was a semi-finalist for the past two years with Rhys Stephenson and Will Mellor but now leaves frustratingly early. Still, at least we can look forward to Latin specialist Nancy catching the eye in group dances over the next 11 weeks.
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Our survey says... Les deserved to go
This year’s oldest celebrity male finished rock bottom both weeks, scoring 15 and 16 points. I’m afraid that’s elimination form. Getting the samba, notoriously tricky for celebrity males, didn’t do him any favours, no matter how many props they threw at it. Bill Bailey aside, older men don’t have a great record on Strictly and so it proved again.
Loveable Les desperately wanted to celebrate his 70th birthday in a fortnight’s time by still being in the contest. He’d even hoped to reach Blackpool. After five decades in showbiz, there was plenty of goodwill for him. Sadly, his lumpen dancing was painful to watch, rather in the John Sergeant tradition. As soon he was consigned to the dance-off, he was doomed, no matter who he was up against. Sorry, our Leslie. It was fun while it lasted.
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Sighs of relief from Nikita and Jody
Nikita Kanda won’t be the only one celebrity mopping their brow. Jody Cundy especially did well to escape the dance-off.
The likes of Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Adam Thomas, Zara McDermott and even Eddie Kadi also need to show serious improvement or they’ll soon be in dance-off danger.
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Les and Nancy’s last dance
As the eliminated couple take a final turn around the ballroom to Bryan Adams and Mel C’s Baby When You’re Gone, the credits roll and the other couples crowd in for the traditional group hugs. Please stay with us for analysis and reaction.
Nancy returns the compliment
His pro partner Nancy Xu says: “This has been a short but sweet journey. I saw you improve every day and respect you so much. I just want to thank the judges and all my friends for your support.”
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Les says his farewells
Rousing reception in the ballroom. In his exit interview, Les Dennis tells Tess: “I’ve had the best time, this lady has been an amazing teacher and really put me through my paces. I’m going to miss you all so much. Thank you, Shirley, for giving me a 10 for entertainment. I hope I’ve entertained, that’s what I came here for. Strictly is the best.” Aww, well said.
Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
Twirly Shirley says she would also have saved Nikita and Gorka, so it’s a unanimous decision. Not even a sympathy vote for poor Les.
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Les Dennis is eliminated
Which means the 69-year-old Scouse entertainer becomes the first celebrity to depart the dancefloor.
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Anton Du Beke choose to save…
Nikita and Gorka, saying “on performance alone and who could really nail it, they did the best job ”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to to save…
Nikita and Gorka, saying “both couples improved but one was much better”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Nikita and Gorka, saying “they danced the best on the night and were the most improved”.
Decision time
I fear Mr Dennis is a goner here but *adopts Mavis from Corrie voice* I don’t really know, Rita.
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Les and Nancy take their turn
Les Dennis and his pro partner Nancy Xu have another go at their nautical-but-nice samba to Rock The Boat by Hues Corporation. He descends on that sparkly anchor before doddering around like a drunken sailor.
The judges said last night it was “paleolithic” and “hard to identify” with “foot faults galore”. It scored just 15 points, three fewer than Nikita, so he’ll need to show considerable improvement.
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Still flat-footed and swivel free but enough to see off Les?
Nikita and Gorka go first in dance-off
Nikita Kanda and Gorka Márquez reprise their Charleston to Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyoncé. Craig said last night it was “heavy-footed, with no swivel whatsoever, no basics, limp, lame, lacklustre” but his fellow panellists noted that her performance level had improved. It notched 18 points, the same as she scored in week one.
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Movie Week trailer now. Have they mentioned it’s Movie Week? It’s Movie Week. In summary, it’s a Week and it's about Movies.
Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk are doing the Super Mario Bros movie next week. Jody Cundy is doing lifts and a little apprehensive about it.
Angela Scanlon admits having jelly legs in week one. Angela Rippon is doing a Sound Of Music number next week. But someone is VERY pitchy up there, if endearingly excited.
Sighs of relief and elation in the Clauditorium. Nigel Harman has supportive neighbours. Vito Coppola has cooked for Ellie Leach’s family. Zara McDermott is totes emosh, perhaps partly to get rid of that brown frightfrock.
Les looking less like a ship’s captain and more like the world’s oldest hotel bellhop in that outfit.
Les Dennis in the dance-off
Well, he was the lowest scorer by fully five points but many expected Les to be saved by viewer votes. Instead our survey of 100 people has decided that he’ll face Nikita in the dance-off. If he wins, I’ll give you the money myself.
Down to the final few now. Safe are Zara McDermott and Adam Thomas. Which leaves Les Dennis or Jody Cundy in the dance-off.
Also back for Movie Week are Ellie Leach and Angela Scanlon.
The dancing red light of doom is back
Angela Rippon is safely through. Rightly so. Ditto Nigel “Grievous Bodily” Harman.
Their detailed breakdance of the routines is as fascinating as ever. Fantastic isolated audio of pro Lauren Oakley coaching Krishnan through their foxtrot “Elbows! Six counts! You’re cute! Enjoy it! Smile, ballroom boy!” LOVE.
Motsi is wearing a spectacular monochrome frock for the second night running. Slight air of Beetlejuice tribute. Shirley looking fab-ew-lous in an egg yolk-yellow jumpsuit. Both boys in tuxes.
Dance debrief
Back up to the Clauditorium now for the weekly feature formerly known as Len’s Lens. RIP, former head judge Mr Goodman.
Perhaps they should rebrand it as Motsi’s Microscope, Craig’s Close-Up, Ballas’ Bifocals or Du Beke’s Binoculars.
Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu provide rhyming-named, Latin-flavoured choreographic accompaniment.
Jorja on my mind
Musical performance now from Walsall-born singer-songwriter Jorja Smith with her recent single Try Me. Football fans might be mildly interested to know that Jorja is the cousin of Rangers striker Kemar Roofe.
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Bobby and Eddie are having a sweet inter-generational bromance.
Eddie says completing a dance is like finishing Super Mario Bros. Claudia simply replies “I’m 51”. Eddie is dancing to Men In Black for Movie Week next Saturday. CGI alien on the dancefloor klaxon!
Up in the Clauditorium, Krishnan admits his son was intially “appalled” at his participation but has been converted and now wants to come along to watch. Amanda says they’re like a family (drink!). Annabel is just happy to have another week under goregeous Jojo’s wing.
The judges’ advice for Nikita is, well, to dance a bit better. Wise words.
Nikita Kanda in the dreaded dance-off
Aww, well, that’s no surprise. As predicted by bookies, the BBC Asian Network DJ and Stacey Solomon soundalike will dance again for survival. But who against? It’s squeaky bum time for several of the male celebrities.
Annabel Croft and Bobby Brazier are also safe.
Also returning next week is Eddie Kadi. And leaderboard-topper Layton Williams, as you’d expect.
Krishan Guru-Murthy is safely through. So is Amanda Abbington. Thank you x 3, says Gio.
Dancing red light of doom
Uh-oh. For the first time this series, there are tension-building… looooong… pauses as we find out who’s safe. Remember to silently judge anyone who doesn’t say thank you down the camera.
This is quite a long recap, isn’t it? I’ve grown a beard since it started.
Saturday’s show rewound
Last night’s live show gets recapped. Lots of foxtrots and quicksteps! A divisive brown frock! The first Charlestons of the series! Angela Rippon’s omantic routine! Nigel Harman’s arms being cruelly covered up by a long-sleeved shirt! A Shampoo jive and AC/DC paso doble! Les Dennis’s seasick samba! Layton Williams notching the first nines of the series!
Frockwatch
Here come our presenting dream team, so let’s run the rule over their choreographic couture. Tess Daly is in a demure velvet round-necked black number. Claudia Winkleman has her hair up in a high ponytail, unusually, and is sporting a black tuxedo. Claud wins.
It’s a medley of the gravel-voiced diva’s hits, with guest vocals provided by the powerhouse trio of Beverley Knight, Laura Mvula and 2022 Strictly finalist Fleur East, all clad in white and silver.
Pros Neil Jones and Michelle Tsiakkas open up with a slow rumba, then it launches into lots of hip-shimmying and head-shaking. Safe to say that Elstree Studios has steamy windows. We’re rolling down the River Colne, all the way to Bushey city limits.
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She was simply the best
We open with the professional troupe performing a tribute to the late Tina Turner, who sadly died in May aged 83.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Roll credits. Clap along to theme tune. Gnaw nails.
Plump your sparkliest cushion, take your sofa seats and limber up for the dance-off. We’re about to go over (not live but let’s pretend) to Elstree Studios…
Off you trot, farmers. There’s hoofing to be done.
A harvest-themed episode of calendar-peddling rural magazine programme Countryfile on BBC1 right now. Well, it makes a pleasant change from Alan Carr’s Numberwang on a Saturday evening. Just 10 minutes to wait now…
Running time tonight is a tight 45 minutes, precisely one-third the length of last night’s live show. It’ll be this way for the next few weeks, sandwiched between cosy Sunday stalwarts Countryfile and Antiques Roadshow.
Fifteen minutes until glitter o’clock and this year’s first dance-off…
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Tina Turner overdrive
We’re promised an all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the late R&B diva tonight, with special guest vocalists and a group number from the pros.
Who’ll be her private dancer, a dancer for money? And will any old music do? Twenty minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…
The dance roll of dishonour
The ignominious accolade of being first out of Strictly went to Loose Women’s Kaye Adams last year. Who will follow in her two left footsteps?
The stats are against the male celebrities. A man has been first out 12 times in the past 20 series. Will 2023 buck the trend? It’s 25 minutes until we get our first clues…
Will the bookies’ predictions come true?
Coming into this weekend, bookmakers’ favourite for elimination was Nikita Kanda. Her Charleston showed a marked improvement on last week’s waltz but still left her second from bottom on the combined scoreboard.
Can the BBC Asian Network presenter garner sufficient public votes to save her? Half an hour until showtime…
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Who will be departing the dancefloor?
Strictly Sundays are back because it’s this year’s debut results show. Good evening and welcome to the first nail-nibbling exit from Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner. Please watch along with me as the first celebrity hoofer gets hoofed out of the contest.
Following last night’s spectacular second live show, our 15 pro-celebrity pairs will find out their fates. Last week’s scores have been combined with this week’s. The public vote has meant viewers had their first say. Tonight the bottom two couples will bid for survival. But who’ll be consigned to this year’s first dreaded dance-off?
Les Dennis was left propping up the judges’ scoreboard with Nikita Kanda second from bottom but will voters agree? The likes of Jody Cundy, Adam Thomas and Krishnan Guru-Murthy could also come into choreographic contention.
It’s showtime at 7.15pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and jokes of variable quality. So forget it’s a school night, pour yourself a drink and I’ll see you on the sofa.
As ever, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, email me at michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is open for the usual hoofing hubbub. I’ll quickstep down intermittently to gauge your reaction to the show and relay your comments. So don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.
Somebody’s twinkle-toed adventure is about to reach a premature end. Nearly time to staaaaaart eliminating!
Thank you and goodnight - for now
That concludes Saturday’s liveblog larks. But we’ll be back right here for the results show, which airs 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll fire up the blog at 6.45pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so do swing by and say hi.
Thanks for watching along with me, keeping me company with all your wit and wisdom. Until tomorrow, Team Sparkle. In the meantime, you know the drill: keeeeeep dancing!
Slim pickings in the schedules
TV viewers can flip to Sky Arts for Beatles Night or Channel 5 for some guilty pleasure royal and showbiz documentaries.
If you’re in the market for a film, I can recommend at 9pm, chef drama Boiling Point on Film4. Or, you know, just lie down in a darkened room humming AC/DC and Shampoo songs.
Finally, a respectful nod to those we have lost from MikeMoonlight: “As a special tribute to his recently departed lookylikey, David McCallum, Nikita will be performing a special one-man show dance tomorrow night where he will wander nonchalantly around the dancefloor, shaking glitter from cleverly-concealed pouches in his trousers.”
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When oit comes to the Angelas, Ms Scanlon’s jive went down a storm. tomatopincushion says: “Yesss Angela S! And what a tune. Take me back to the 90s!”
Fascinating Flamenco adds: “Has Angela done Irish dancing as a child I wonder? Something about the way she moves reminds me so much of the kids doing the dancing with the straight down arms and very fast feet. Fab-u-lous!”
Victoria Wood fan BoadiceaOverall says of Ms Rippon’s look: “Sorry Angela R - but all I can see with that wig is Dame Edna.” This calls for a glass of tonic wine and as sponge finger.
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Krishnan Guru-Murthy continues to be a firm commenter favourite. emilyscatnaps says: “Aww, I love you Krishnan and you definitely make me smile. Also, I love Lauren hoisting your elbow up whenever you’re in hold.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “I love seeing someone falling in love with dance, and this year that is Krishnan. Not the best, but the smile is infectious.”
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On the elimination, avenueman says: “If Les gets through, it’s only because the chickens from Big Brother are voting for him.”
On the musical choices, secretpuddlejumper says: “Nirvana last week. AC/DC his week. I hear Dave Arch has requested some Slipknot next week.” One can only hope, SPJ. My clown and pig masks are ready.
Brummiegirl77 says of that strangely random soft play ball pool for Annabel Croft’s quickstep: “I’m not sure the terrible props are doing Annabel any favours. The tennis-related stuff was horribly inevitable for week one but I’d like her to be allowed to just dance without a gimmick.”
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Your verdicts are in
A rapid-fire vox pop of readers’ comments. Avenueman says: “I’ll say it again but thank goodness for Craig who criticises AND praises where due on dance technicality, as opposed to the other judges who seem to dwell on how the dance made them feel. I don’t need a judge to tell me how to feel about a dance but I appreciate an expert telling me if it was what it was supposed to be. Rant over!”
Nervous wait now
Layton Williams finishes at the summit of the leaderboard on the night with his whopping 36 points. Combined with last week’s scores, he’s still top, followed by Amanda Abbington, then Ellie Leach in third.
Down the bottom, it’s dear old Les Dennis, fully five points below Nikita Kanda. Jody Cundy is a single point above her. The first eliminated celebrity will surely come from those three, barring a seismic shocker. And I don’t rate Nikita’s chances.
It’s only the Golden Glitterballs!
They’re the most coveted awards in, er, this liveblog. Here’s this week’s gong-getters…
Best dance: Layton’s quickstep, obviously. Four points better than the rest but Amanda and the Angelas were also a-may-zing.
Worst dance: Les Dennis’ sailor samba sank and definitely didn’t swim. Jody Cundy’s paso was pretty poor too.
Best music choice: There were some classy jazzy standards and proper Latino bangers but I had a soft spot for Trouble by Shampoo, soundtracking Angela Scanlon’s school playground jive.
Worst music choice: Somebody Told Me for Adam Thomas’s tango. A Dave Arch cover of a Måneskin cover of The Killers. A cover cubed.
Best outfit: Honourable mentions for Ellie’s candy striped dress, plus pros Katya, Nancy and Lauren. But judge Motsi Mabuse’s sculptural monochrome creation clinches it for me.
Worst outfit: Zara McDermott in brown. Brown on Strictly never works.
Best judges’ comment: I enjoyed Shirley’s audibly creaking knees when she stood up for a demo time. But Anton’s putdown of Craig just takes the prize: “I saw Craig attempt a double knee-spring once. It took him 20 minutes and he needed a double hip replacement afterwards.” Even Craig himself found it hilarious. The judges were a little snippy with each other tonight, no?
Worst VT: Nigel Harman’s cheapo awards show was up there. So was Layton and Nikita’s repetitive bickering about the word “basic”. But Nikita Kanda’s girls’ night out and playing of the mum card was a bit of a blatant attempt to stay in, so takes the prize.
Best Claudia quip: Not so much of a quip as an enquiry, asking handsome Vito what the arms of an octopus are called. “Tentaculous,” apparently.
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Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” trill Tess and Claud, clasped in their usual pose, snuggled in, blazer shoulder pads sparking with friction.
As the roar of the greasepaint fades, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
A recap and the voting phonelines now on-screen. What do you reckon, my hoofing hombres? Les, Nikita or Jody to go? Probably Nikita?
Phew. Going out with a bang there. The vote is now... OPEN! Craig does his deadpan face while it goes wild in the Clauditorium. How La Winkle kept a straight-ish face amid the Karen Hauer noises and Giovanni hugs is anyone’s guess. Total pro innit.
Judges’ comments for Layton and Nikita: Craig says “you… are… ridiculous, that is incredible”. Motsi says “bam! Amazing, dance of the night, end of story”. Shirley says “I’m lost for words, difficult choreography but you kept up , all the fundamentals, I applaud you”. Anton concludes “remarkable, well done, brilliant dance”. Eights, maybe the first nine of the series? Sweet speech from Mikita about what a great student Layton is.
Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Highest score of the series. Four nines in week two has only happened twice in Strictly history, says Claudia.
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Layton and Nikita’s quickstep
Last dance now. Actor Layton Williams wowed with his sequin-spangled samba last week, finishing joint second, but the judges picked up on his turned-in feet. Nikita’s been working from the bottom up this week to improve his footwork. Sharp gumshoe-style hats. Precision and posture look good. Fast, fierce and impressive as they fly around the floor. Charleston steps, kicks, huge fun to watch. Female judges on their feet clapping along, Fab-ew-lous.
Song: Puttin’ On The Ritz by Gregory Porter. The Irving Berlin standard from the 1930 musical was the first ever film song to be performed by an interracial ensemble, fact fans.
Judges’ comments for Angela R and Kai: Anton says “steamy, goegeous lines, flow, sophistication, even old Frank was looking down in approval”. Craig says “extraordinary, brilliant partnership”. Motsi says “gossebumps, so charming”. Shirley concludes “the genius of simplicity, best frame of the evening, you show that dance has no age limit”.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 31 points. A smidge on the generous side but joint second on the night and joint third overall.
Angela R and Kai’s foxtrot
Last week, all the talk was of THAT leg lift, which made Craig’s jaw drop and hit front page headlines. A more classical number now for La Rippon and dapper Mr Widdrington. The foxtrot is the most technically demanding ballroom dance, of course, and Angela has admitted to feeling “shattered” by the demands of training. As it’s a 1940s theme, Angela wanted Dior’s new look but is instead in a elegant polka dot skirt and white top. Jazzy feel, great facial expressions and sweetly floaty. Some Morecambe and Wise tribute high kicks, lovely finish.
Song: You Make Me Feel So Young by Frank Sinatra. An apt choice for a couple with a 50-year age gap. Also soundtracks the date scene in my favourite Christmas film, Elf. I know, I’m a cotton-headed ninny muggins.
Judges’ comments for Angela S and Carlos: Shirley says “beautiful leg position and great choreography, the whole package”. Anton says “legs and feet, wow, tremedous”. Craig says “neat, precise, loved it”. Motsi concludes “big yes, keep going”.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. Six up on last week. Yass my strawberry blonde kween.
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Angela S and Carlos’s jive
She finished mid-table last week and nerves seemed to affect her but there’s plenty of potential for this pair. Angela joked this week that “My pelvic floor’s under pressure” while training for this dance but she should suit the jive’s energy. She also got in trouble, fittingly, after an Instagram clip of her leaning out of a car window practising her dance moves saw her reported to police and forced to issue an apology. Uh-oh indeed. School playground theme and a strong start. Kicks and flicks galore, plenty of speed and bounce. This suits her, perhaps thanks to her Irish dancing background. Retraction could improve and she takes a breather while Carlos does all the work but this is way better. Flagged a bit but hugely entertaining.
Song: Trouble by Shampoo. The 1994 bubblegum pop hit for school friends Jacqui and Carrie, who were named “the shampoo girls” in the playground due to their habit of turning down dates because they were washing their hair. They later wrote a Manic Street Preachers fanzine and appeared in one of their early videos. The follow-up to this single? The excellently named Viva La Megababes.
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Just three dances to go. And two of them are Angelas.
Judges’ comments for Zara and Graziano: Motsi says “more comfortable but improve your posture”. Shirtley says “better but work on synchronisation”. Antion says “work on your topline and lengthen your neck but beautiful movement”. Craig concludes “lost balance but you have a lot of potential”.
Judges’ scores: 6, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 23 points. Four up on last week and should be safe.
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Zara and Graziano’s quickstep
She was visibly nervous during last week’s middling cha-cha but the Love Island alumna feels more comfortable in hold and thinks she might be a ballroom girl, so hopefully this will be an improvement. She’s had sore feet in training, telling her Insta followers “half my toe has come off”. Zara’s grandaprents are nearly 90 but are proudly watching from the studio audience. Boho hippy frock for Zara. A little hesitant to start but then it improves in hold. Skippy, flicking nicely in the pendulum steps. Side-by-side less sharp but much improved. Graz and the grandparents look thrilled.
Song: Anyone For You by George Ezra. The folk-popster hails from Hertford, just 13 miles down the road from Elstree Studios.
Judges’ comments for Eddie and Karen: Craig says “it was a streetdance, not a cha cha but energy and entertainment”. Motsi says “there was some samba and African in there, technical basics not therre, be cleare”. Shirley says “one of the most musical bodies we have but you were on your toes, lower your heels and straighten your legs, but can you thrust your crotch”. Anton concludes “don;’t listen to them, I loved it”. “Thank you, my maintenance engineers,” says Eddie. His dad cheers him on from the front row.
Judges’ scores: 3, 6, 5, 7 for a total of 21 points. A four point spread between the judges. Be safe, Eddie, we need you to stay.
Eddie and Karen’s cha cha cha
British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi’s quickstep last week was fun and full of personality but posture let him down. The cheeky cha cha should suit him more, enabling hip to free up those hips and hopefully climb out of the bottom half of the standings. Cuban party feel, body ripples and hips a-plenty but lacking the leg action at times. Performance great, though, flirting with the judges and finger point to end. Goes down a storm in the studio.
Song: Ríe y Llora by Celia Cruz. An authentically Cuban party tune - although sadly, the final song recorded before Cruz’s death in 2003 from a brain tumour. The title translates as “laugh and cry”. The lyrics, poignantly, are about living life to the full and enjoying every moment.
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Judges’ comments for Krishnan and Lauren: Anton says “it looks like it’s a bit of a surprise to you, lots to like but command it”. Craig says “learn to lead, she was shouting at you throughout, I’d like to hear that back, it was full-on”. Motsi says “it was like the dance was happening to you, practice more, you have a pure heart, just need the steps”. Shirley concludes “my newsreader, I adore you but not your day, not synced together, you need a stronger core, keep your head still but you’re very entertaining”.
Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 20 points. Down on last week but should be safe.
Krishnan and Lauren’s foxtrot
Channel 4 newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy was one of the biggest surprises last week, with a personality-packed cha cha cha which was one of the feelgood dances of the night. Now he needs to demonstrate more control. Slightly dodgy denim theme for the costumes. The routine’s theme is that he’s a bookstore nerd and partner Lauren Oakey is a rock chick from the record stall next door. Too much walking around and she’s talking to him throughout. The footwork is faltering and he’s got a rictus grin of fear. Sweet enough and nice character at the end but not as good as last week.
Song: Lovely Really Hurts Without You by Billy Ocean. The Motown-influenced 1976 Brit soul floor-filler was Sir William Of Ocean’s first hit. When he heard it on the radio for the first time, he instantly quit his day job on the assembly line at Ford’s Dagenham plant. It hit number two on the charts, only kept off the top spot by Eurovision-winning Save Your Kisses For Me by Brotherhood Of Man.
Judges’ comments for Amanda and Gio: Shirley says “my temperature’s gone up, fantastic trust in the lifts, squeeze your thighs and your feet will close, tidy up but I’m thrilled with you”. Anton says “brilliant, gave it all that, perfect compactness of arms, keep that up”. Craig says “risky lifts but it was a-may-zing”. Motsi concludes “wild but sophisiticated at the same time, rhythmical, big wow”. I smell eights a-coming…
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Highest so far tonight and top overall at this stage.
Amanda and Gio’s salsa
Actor Amanda Abbingdon made a strong start last week, breezing past rumours of a rift with partner Giovanni Pernice to deliver a magical Viennese waltz which took her to joint second on the scoreboard. Now she’s finding her inner Latina for the first salsa of the year. An upbeat party dance, full of spice and sass. The couple’s first lifts. Three big ones, no less. Amanda says she’d be “gutted” if she was the first celebrity to leave the show and on this evidence, she won’t be. Proper music, feathered skirt, huge dollops of spicy sauce. Lacks a bit of fluidity and a bit too placed at times but fantastic overall. Gio is jubilant at the end.
Song: Oye! by Gloria Estefan, her Cuban disco banger from 1998. The queen of Latin pop is a form Strictly favourite and even performed on the show in 2018 but it tends to be Conga, The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You or Get On Your Feet that Dave Arch’s band bust out, so it’s a treat for Este-Fans to hear another track.
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Judges’ comments for Adam and Luba: Motsi says “acting skills helped sell it, more engaged and powerful but needed stronger technique”. Shirley says “character good, footwork soft but mistakes and out-of-sync bits”. Anton says “you could male a lovely ballroom dancer, get your left arm in but movement good and enjoyed the performance”. Craig concludes “sync issues but power, intent and drama”. Adam looks tearful, bless him.
Judges’ scores: 5, 6, 5, 7 for a total of 23 points. Four up on last week. Everyone in the Clauditorium group hugs to cheer him up. Aww. Camaraderie right there.
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Adam and Luba’s tango
Midway mark now. Actor Adam Thomas opened the series last Saturday but has been suffering with his rheumatoid arthritis this week,. Ballroom hold has caused pain in his joints and forced him to take a break from training, the poor thing. He slso missed a full day due to filming for Waterloo Road. Wonder if that lack of practice will show? The dramatic tango should suit his acting ability. Monochrome outfits and green Matrix lighting. He’s put away that cheeky grin to show his more intense, passionate side. This is better rthan I was expecting. Lacks some V-shape and staccato but lots of intent and the right sizzling mood. Strong finish. Much improved on last week.
Song: Somebody Told Me by Måneskin - the Eurovision winners’ Killers cover, which they first performed on the Italian X Factor.
Judges’ comments for Les and Nancy: Craig says “paleolithic springs to mind, took basic to a whole new level, voltas looked like you were limping with a broken ankle”. Motsi says “started as a samba but became hard to identify”. Shirley says “10 for entertainment, foot faults galore but attractive to watch, work on quality of movement but you give it 1000%” (second time tonight). Anton concludes “the problems began when you got to the ground, but we all loved it”.
Judges’ scores: 2, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 15 points. One down on last week. Bottom of the scoreboard, both tonight and overall.
Les and Nancy’s samba
This year’s oldest celebrity male finished rock bottom last week with just 16 points - including a two from Craig (boo!). The samba, notoriously tricky for celebrity males, might not do him any favours either. Les Dennis is the captain of a ship and on this evidence, it could be a booze cruise. Descends on a sparkly anchor and it’s an age before he starts dancing. A bit doddery. Very John Sergeant. Doesn’t resemble much of a samba until some shimmies and walks. Bounce and rolls lacking but streamers fall and lots of fun. They threw all the trimmings at that.
Song: Rock The Boat by Hues Corporation. The 1974 disco classic got a new lease of life in 2019 when its “sit down and row the boat” dance featured in the prom episode of the mighty Derry Girls, Catch yourself on, you dose. This song is absolutely cracker.
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Judges’ comments for Nikita and Gorka: Anton says “huge improvement, perfect performance but I’ll ignore below the water line”. Craig says “heavy-footed, no swivel whatsoever, no basics, limp, lame, lacklustre”. Motsi says “much more confident, going the right way”. Shirley concludes “you were terrified last week but 1000% better, fantastic co-ordination but swivels were missing and get more quality below the knee”. Fives?
Judges’ scores: 3 (boo!), 5, 5, 5 for a total of 18 points. Same as last week, which seems harsh considering she was improved. Second bottom on the night. Bottom so far overall.
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A joke I saw on Twitter recently which you might appreciate:
Who are Beyoncé’s favourite Emmerdale characters?
All the Dingle ladies.
Nikita and Gorka’s Charleston
The Asian Network DJ and Stacey Solomon soundalike finished second from bottom last week and is bookies’ favourite to leave first. Team Gorkita need to nail this but it might suffer in comparison to Bobby’s Charleston. Bringing out her inner Sasha Fierce with some nice tribute moves. Fast and fun with lots of side-by-side, kooky moves and goofy facial expressions. A little flat-footed and lacking bounce but enjoyably cartoonish choreography. Enough to save her? Not judging by the total lack of swivel.
Song: Single Ladies by Beyoncé. The video for Queen Bey’s triple Grammy-winning empowerment anthem was inspired by Bob Fosse’s “Mexican Breakfast” routine and inspired a dance craze. When it didn’t win an MTV Award, it prompted Kanye West to interrupt Taylor Swift with his infamous “Imma let you finish” speech. Nikita is dedicating the song to her mum, who raised her as a single parent.
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Judges’ comments for Nigel and Katya: Shirley says “graceful arms and lovely connection, too much up and down, and technical errors”. She gets a bit sharp with the studio audience. Anton says “immaculate intimacy and storytelling, work on your topline but lovely performance”. Craig says “you’re being very picky, you two, besides the technical issues which are easily fixable, you have ability and people will vote for it, well done”. Motsi concludes “I have to agree with Craig, what’s happening? Just try to align yourself”.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 6 (boo!), 7 for a total of 27 points. Five down on last week but overall, he’s only a point behind Ellie.
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Nigel and Katya’s Viennese waltz
Last week’s leaderboard-toppers closed the show with a powerful paso doble and Nigel’s arms were the talk of Twitter. Now he’s in ballroom hold for a dizzying spin around the dancefloor. After practising his frame all week, Nige said he felt like “a scarecrow that’s been slightly blown over” or “hanging on the coathanger the wrong way”. Casualty’s Dr Dreamy won the Best Drama Star gong at the Inside Soap Awards on Tuesday, so will hoping to cap a golden week. The romantic story is two old flames meeting again at a school reunion. This is excellent. Romantic, lyrical, lovely spins, lost a bit of smoothness towards the end and footwork faltering but a big run of fleckerls to finish. Shirley was right, he is the one to beat.
Song: Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez. Sanchez performed the 2021 TikTok hit with Elton John during his Sunday headline set at Glastonbury three months ago. From the mystical vale on Avalon to the glittery ball of Borehamwood.
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Judges’ comments for Ellie and Vito: Motsi says “I’m slowly falling in love with you, beautiful frame and posture, musicality and storytelling good but needs consistency”. Shirley says “heel turns, swing, soft knees, nice connection, on a good track”. Anton says “it was bright and lyrical, felt natural, just marvellous”. Craig concludes “it was bordering on an American smooth but I absolutely loved it”. Blimey. Seven and eights incoming?
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 31 points. Up on last week. Second highest score of the series. Top so far.
Ellie and Vito’s foxtrot
The Coronation Street actor took many by surprise with her explosive jive last week, finishing joint second on the leaderboard. Now we get to see if the pocket rocket is a ballroom girl. She’s been training with a “mop of doom” taped to her arms to perfect her frame. It was Vito’s 31st birthday this week, so a good score would be the ideal gift. Seaside theme, ice cream-ography to start, then into a very sweet foxtrot and cute storytelling. Footwork ok and good Charleston side-by-side sections but she’s throwing away some of the movements.
Song: Perfect by Fairground Attraction. The 1988 folk-rock chart-topper won the Brit Award for best single. And slightly ruined its legacy by becoming a jingle on Asda adverts. “It Asda bee-eee-eeee-eee…”
Judges’ comments for Jody and Jowita: Craig says “stompy and square, flat with no angles, need to move through the music but I was impressed by your double knee-spring”. Motsi says “you went in the wrong direction, lacked expression but keep going”. Shirley says “you had the marching action, power, passion and charisma but needs flow”. Anton concludes “you had intensity and intention, good man yourself”.
Judges’ scores: 3, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 16 points. Five down on last week. Dance-off danger?
Jody and Jowita’s paso doble
The decorated Paralympian turned in a debonair quickstep last week with the judges admiring his ballroom frame. However, he still finished in the bottom five. A big change of gear now. Jowita’s had Jody on a banana diet this week, hoping it will help him nail the curved body shape. Jowita starts with some fiery fans. Jody in all-black, imposing and the right facial attitude but too much walking around to start. Lacks Spanish line and lost timing. She’s covering for him here. Bit of cape-work. Floor spin to finish but a bid pedestrian for me.
Song: Thunderstruck by AC/DC. The Australian metallers’ 1990 hit was used as part of the cyber attack on the Iranian nuclear weapons programme a decade or so ago, hijacking workstations and playing at full volume in the middle of the night. It’s the second time AC/DC have graced Strictly. Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden (get well soon, Amy) tangoed to Highway To Hell two years ago.
Judges’ comments for Annabel and Jojo: Anton says “great potential but got tense and broke down”. Craig says “you lost the pace and looked terrified, gapping, control your arms, frame got loose, shoulders raised but you flew around that floor”. Motsi says “looked nervous, learn to trust yourself and don’t hold back”. Shirley concludes “you looked like sunshine, bdsy connection missing but I was proud of you for week two”.
Judges’ scores: 4 (boo!), 6, 6, 6 for a total of 22 points. Six down on last week but she should be safe.
Annabel and Jojo’s quickstep
Team Johannabel impressed with her elegant cha cha last week but she might be even better in ballroom hold. Presumably they’ll lose the obvious tennis props. Unless perhaps they take a refreshing gulp of Robinson’s Orange Barley Water at the end. Messin’ abaht in a ball pool to start, then into hold. Fast footwork but top half still. This is pretty good, flying around the floor, until Annabel seems to lose her steps briefly but recovers OK. Lost timing towards the end.
Song: Walking on Sunshine by Katrina And The Waves. The 1985 new-wave favourite is Fry’s favourite song in Futurama. EMI call it “the crown jewel in our catalogue” because of its high-earning use in adverts.
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It’s Ed Balls day!
The Gangnam Style salsa legend (full name Edwardian Testicles) arrives in the Clauditorium to read out the voting Ts&Cs.
Judges’ comments for Bobby and Dianne: Shirley says “fearless, well-executed lifts, need to extend but what a way to open the show”. Anton says “lindyhop style, great swivel, terrific”. Craig says “engage and exaggerate (boo!), knees could be higher, swivel was fantastic, loved the backspin and barrel roll”. Motsi concludes “it had groove, off to a great start”.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. Same as last week.
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Flagged a little towards the end but good lifts and they finish on the floor.
Bobby and Dianne’s Charleston
First Charleston of the series klaxon! The EastEnder’s cute foxtrot last week took him to joint second on the leaderboard. Can he go one better? The Charleston should suit his cheeky energy. He got his first blisters in training this week - a rite of passage for all hoofers. He’s also attempting his first lifts. Slightly out of sync in the side-by-side sections and lacking some bounce but otherwise, bags of energy, confidence and fun. Enough swivel to please Craig?
Song: Do Your Thing by Basement Jaxx. The 2001 electro-funk banger samples jazz pianist Kenny Barron. Fu facn: around the time of its release, Basement Jaxx were approached about a collaboration by Janet Jackson but soon realised that she’d got them confused with fellow Brit dance duo Zero 7. So they signed off their phone conversation by saying “Cheerio, Celine”.
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Our Strictly stars™
Our couples come out for welcome waves. More novelty outfits than last week. Hats! Vests! Braces! Swishy skirts! See-through shirts!
Judges are in the building
The fab four of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas sashay into view. Motsi in fabulous monochrome frock with fancy sleeves, Shirley in a shower curtain. Aaaaand the usual synchronised sit-down.
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Frockwatch
Here comes our two-headed hosting monster, so time for the fashion face-off. Tess Daly is in teal velvet tuxedo. Claudia Winkleman is white tuxedo and cigarette trouser with Miami Vice shoulders and rolled-up sleeves. A rare win for Tess?
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Go ba-ba-da theme tune and new-look title sequence. Give absent pro Amy Dowden a little wave and wish her well.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Cue tension-building VT recapping last week’s action.
Charge glasses and don sequin-spangled spectacles. We’re about to go over live to Elstree…
Alan Carr (NB: not the giving-up-smoking one) presiding over his so-dumb-it’s-almost-clever gameshow on BBC1 right now. That’s Numberwang. Sorry, I mean, Picture Slam.
A mere five minutes now until sparkly curtain-up…
The running time tonight is a meaty 135 minutes - a mere five minutes shorter than last week’s opener. But at least the field gets whittled down from now on, so the live shows will gradually shrink. Ten minutes until the ballroom bell goes…
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Tonight’s 15 dances include three foxtrots and three quicksteps - plus a Charleston to Beyoncé and a paso doble to AC/DC. I know, right? Last-day-of-September sequin madness. 15 minutes until showtime…
Let’s play week 2 bingo
Tick them off when you see them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Get stretchered off on a glittery gurney! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for tonight:
A celebrity from another BBC show arrives to read out the voting Ts&Cs
Mention of Angela Rippon’s levitating leg
Couple get a standing ovation, which Tess points this out by exclaiming “They’re on their feet!”
Anton makes a point of using Shirley’s name at every opportunity, after he forgot it last week
Mention of a “journey” or a “comfort zone”
Fairground Attraction’s Perfect provides judges with obvious excuse to say that Ellie’s foxtrot was/wasn’t perfect
Pros and celebs wave random party shop accessories as voting lines are announced as open
Someone misuses the word “literally”
Judges describe a Latin dance as a “sambaaaar” or “cha-cha-chaaaar”
Dance-off is described as “dreaded”, its mere mention greeted by an “ooooh” from audience
First elimination tomorrow
Quick reminder of the set-up tonight. Last week’s scores will be combined with tonight’s, plus the results of the first viewer vote of 2023. When that’s all done, the bottom two couples will enter the dance-off. The loser will be sent home.
Who will it be? Les Dennis is the bottom scorer at this stage but Nikita Kanda is the bookies’ tip. Let me know your thoughts.
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Strictly 2023 gets serious
Buckle up, buttercups, because tonight our couples are dancing for survival - and viewers get their say. Good evening and welcome to the first elimination weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as we go live for the second time this year.
After last week’s inaugural live show, tonight our 15 pro-celebrity pairs take to the Elstree Studios ballroom floor once again. On the plus side, they should be over their first-night nerves. On the downside, they’ve only had a week’s training time, rather than a fortnight.
They also know that 15 is about to become 14. Last week’s scores will be combined with tonight’s totals. Factor in the first public vote, then the bottom two couples will hoof for survival on Sunday night. But who’ll be sent home, holding the sparkly-handled wooden spoon of shame?
It’s showtime at 6.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and waspish asides. So don your most glittery gladrags 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 ballroom bantz. I’ll waltz down every now and again to gauge your reaction to the show. Please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.
No pressure, class of 2023, but now it’s down to proper ballroom business. Nearly time to, yes, staaaaaart dancing!
