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Vicky and Kai’s Charleston
Vicky Pattison’s going from Newcastle to upstate New York. Shirley told her partner Kai Widdrington not to play it safe last week, so he’s packed this routine. She’s looking fabulous in a beaded flapper girl dress with peppermint flowers. This dance needs speed and stamina, although Vicky says she “like my sofa and sausage rolls too much”. Side-by-side sections great.
Song: A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby. A swing-tinged hip-house number sung by Fergie and Q-Tip for Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 6, 8 for a total of 28 points. His highest score and merited a few more for me.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “good job with the dreaded rumba, great body action, loved the theme and story, needed more changes of pace”. Anton says “constant movement, controlled weight, one of the best rumbas I’ve seen for a while”. Craig says “pleasantly surprised, it was great”. Motsi says “strong, brilliant”. Cynthia concludes “connection was electric”. High praise, well deserved. Eights?
ShareJimmy and Lauren’s rumba
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink channels 007 for the first rumba of the series. It’s also partner Lauren Oakley’s first ever rumba on Strictly. He’s been practising in socks to help him stay connected with floor. An intimate, sensual dance on the big stage. Last week’s cha cha should help with the Cuban leg action. Aston Martin and tuxedo ticked off. A little hunch-shouldered and lacking in figure-of-eight hip action but rhythmic, romantic and masculine. Woof!
Song: No Time to Die from James Bond. Billie Eilish was only 17 years old at the time of recording, making her the youngest ever artist to have recorded a Bond theme.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 4 (do what, mate?), 7, 7, 7 for a total of 25 points.
Judges’ comments: Cynthia says “you let loose and I was so pleased, you’re wonderful”. Shirley says “power-packed, you executed difficult choreography but refine it”. Anton says “wow, too much physicality and front-on at times but terrific”. Craig says “spiky, sort out your arms but you put every inch of yourself in and have fantastic potential”. Motsi concludes “poised and plenty of attack”. Sevens?
ShareKaren and Carlos’ cha cha cha
Karen Carney’s tango saw her dip in form after week one’s show-stopping, leaderboard-topping jive. Now she’s back to Latin, which might suit her. Partner Carlos Gu has been encouraging the former Lioness to embrace her glamorous, confident side. Has she mastered that tricky straight-legged Cuban action? Sassy solo section to start, then into a sizzling disco cha cha. A bit spiky at times but fast, flirty fun.
Song: She’s a Lady from Miss Congeniality. Paul Anka’s 1970 composition was most memorably recorded by leather-lungs from the Valleys, Tom Jones. Knicker-throwing optional.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 6, 6 for a total of 26 points.
Judges’ comments: Anton says “be still my beating heart, elegant and sophisticated, gorgeous feel but tense in hold”. Craig says “left shoulder slightly raised in hold, needed more softness, but class, grace and confidence”. Motsi says “you gave it life and charm”. Cynthia says “loved to watch your musicality”. Shirley concludes “finish your hands and arms, footwork not very good and needs attention”. Sixes and sevens, do we say?
ShareBalvinder and Julian’s foxtrot
EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal closed last week’s show with a triumphant Charleston. Her 13-point improvement was the highest rise of the night. Now she and new Australian pro Julian Caillon – dubbed “Team Ballion” – tackle their first ballroom number, channelling Fred and Ginger. No pressure. The judges will be scrutinising her frame, footwork and ease of movement. Smoothly gliding around and lovely golden age mood. A little hesitant in spots but stylish, sweet and smile-inducing.
Song: The Way You Look Tonight from Swing Time. The Oscar-winning tune was sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers while she was washing her hair in the next room. Take two bottles into the shower?
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/PAShare
Judges’ scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points. His best yet but surely dance-off danger.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “you gave 1000%, another improvement, get over your nerves and be proud”. Anton says “most improved again, brilliant but you went wrong right in front of us”. Craig says “a good excuse to be stiff, needs some fluidity but character-driven and you hit some intense shapes”. Motsi says “heel leads and shaping good, you can do this, push”. Cynthia concludes “committed and came alive, congratulations”. A fours and three fives incoming?
ShareRoss and Jowita’s paso doble
Hollywood correspondent Ross King is thrilled to have got through to this themed week but remains bookies’ favourite to go home. Can he defy the odds for a second week running? Spaceship countdown to start, then the puppety paso is go. Nice tongue-in-cheek wobbliness. Stomping and shaping but a lack of muscle and musicality. Way too much walking around. Partner Jowita Przystal had to somehow choreograph a serious dance with a daft concept, which isn’t helping, but this isn’t as bad as I’d feared.
Song: The theme from Thunderbirds, the “Supermarionation” sci-fi franchise created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Her highest score yet.