Key events
Judges comment on Tasha and Aljaž: Tess has “turned into a giant prick”. A sustainable image. Mozzi says: “I will never stop celebrating you, that was a great dance, feet on a whole different level.” Shirley says “much to like, experienced the lifts but a bit stiff and tight”. Anton says “I’m in Mozzi’s camp, that was great, I can’t even get mad.” Craig finishes “I can nitpick dear, it was a show tango, under-reactive and stiff-legged, too balletic, but powerful, clean and sharp, you looked like a star among the pros.” Incoming eights and nines?
The Argentine tango of Tasha and Alyazh
Can last week’s leaderboards and perfect 40 scorers repeat the feat? They are unlikely to get the hit, at least unlike Henry VIII’s wives. They perform only the third Argentine tango of the series, after Jamie Borthwick and Sarah Hadland. Tasha was looking forward to this dance, but admits it was her hardest dance to learn so far. A big song with a strong message of women empowerment. She is regal in a midnight blue suit with a jeweled bodice. Faffing galore to begin with, then in hold. Powerful, furious and passionate, with complex kicks, fast turns and gancho. Expressive limbs and a tight grip, their bodies in full contact. The backing dancers are a little distracting but impressive technique, screaming lifts and full of fire.
song: Ex-Wives from Six, the musical comedy that retells the six lives of Henry VIII as a singing competition. Strictly pulled off a coup by getting Olivier nominee Natalie Paris – who originated the role of Jane Seymour at the Edinburgh Fringe and in the West End – to sing live in the ballroom.
Why did they put the three celebrities next to each other? A bit strange.
Judges’ scores for Montel and Jojo: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. Johannes points out that Montel does not have laces on his ankles. Of. But I’m afraid of danger from a dance.
Is it just me or does Anton look like Rick Parfitt from Status Quo with that wig?
Judges Comment on Montel and Jojo: Craig says “slow and exposed, lacking technique, lost fluidity and mud, but amazing moments”. Motsi says “softened up and worked on the footwork, nice hands and changes of pace, leg stretch needed”. Shirley says “beautiful walk backwards, 100% sure footing but working on leg flexibility and breathing”. Anton concludes “great silence and emotional storytelling.” Eights and nines?
Montel and Jojo’s Rumba
They have now survived a triple dance, but as Craig pointed out last week, you can still win the glitter ball if you were in the bottom two. Five previous champions returned from the race to triumph in the final. This rallying cry of a song means a lot to Montel Douglas. For a powerful woman gaining confidence and coming into her own, it resonates with her own Strictly journey. They are the only couple tonight without warm-up dancers. Just Montel and Johannes Radebe on the floor, demonstrating how far she’s come as she tackles the tricky slow rumba. Wind machine in effect. A slightly wobbly balance as she shifts her body weight, but sensual and rhythmic, with head swivels and hip movements. Controlled turns, drops and spins. Beautifully timed, perhaps a bit polite and lacking Cuban sizzle, but superb performance levels from Montell.
song: I’m here from The Color Purple. The 2005 Tony Award-winning musical, adapted from Alice Walker’s classic novel, has never been shown on Strictly before. Aired at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013. starring Cynthia Erivo as Celie.
Leighton Williams on Ts & Cs
Up in the Clauditorium, theater land itself Leighton Williams (a former Strictly finalist, of course) is this week’s VIP guest reading the fine print vote. Honey, you did it again. A triumph. Pretty outfit and all.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 9, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. Miranda Hart is in the house. Vito flogs a salad metaphor to within an inch of its life.
Judges comment on Sarah and Vito: Mozzi says “well placed, great moment, didn’t miss a beat”. Shirley Trunchbull says “you set the standard, flawless lifts, great detail, loved it”. Anton says “beautiful piece of musical theatre, I love watching you dance”. The bearded Craig concludes “precise characterization, precise and well presented.” Nines and three tens, shall we?
