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Everything’s fine, we’re all lovely, why do you ask, oh I’ve always had that twitching, silly truly, merely deter smiling, did I mention I rescued an orphaned puppy from a fire last week , no reason, that’s merely me, and of course you know my charming children, darling where’s that smile, smile for Mummy, don’t mind the twitching, we’re all having fun, simply KEEP SMILING.
So. Yes. A minor margin of hysteria in the studio this week, as a wild-eyed Tess and Claud started full Stepford and the VTs became an limbs race of morality signalling. Camera-ready families! Antidote sick kids! That occasion Kate saved Africa! I was more on the two sides of “We always have scandals, Strictly basically treats its pairs like reticent pandas in a mating cage”, but where reference is changes the flavor of the whole show, it becomes a problem.
As for Sean( n) and Katya? A Charleston with more than the usual periphery of “Please like me! ”, firmly asexual candy cane clothings, and abundance of slapstick( since we are all adore a chuckle !) with pizza( since we are all adoration pizza !)( in a platonic space !)( jokes !). Still, that and some instead generous scores was enough to buy us another week of this- and the regard figures likely didn’t hurt either…
In other report, 7s for everyone, as the judges reach the stage where potential needs to start translating into performance. Although the attempts to “fairly” separate ringers and non-ringers went slightly haywire. Aiming remarks at every level is great, but recognizing wise, I’d rather they score what they visualize and leave that distinction to voters, otherwise it starts to feel like explicit bias.
Other makes and misses:
This week’s total rando: Martin Kemp. The Ts and Cs segment is now the human show of that shrug emoji. MISS So, are we are only giving up on ballroom dances being in maintain? Is that a thing that’s happened? Did I miss another referendum? MISS Ditto wearing proper shoes that might actually help celebs get their load in the right place, point their toes, generally form a casual acquaintance with ballroom technique? MISS The good thing about firm gauge: the return of Shirley’s strict headmistress glass. HIT A Girl Power( in scandily clad fishnets kinda course) pro amount- once again , not quite arrival with “Doctor Who family audience lead-in”( or “Super happy chaste Strictly , nothing to see here! ” ). MISS Backstreet’s back, ALRIGHT! HIT Prepare for an all-time blog grump when Couple’s Choice kicks in. Because OBVIOUSLY The Minions shows dedication to pure ballroom and we are only need to break free! Other than the showdance and theme weeks !! And normal weeks !!! Plus: what to do with half the contestants who really do have ballet, hip hop-skip etc. develop, but said Strictly was a challenge because it’s ballroom? Argh. MISS See also: imported DWTS rando judge. I fear a Donny 10 instant approaching. MISS
Better in Show
Best concert: Ashley’s red-hot tango You had me at “Pasha in guyliner”. Best attire: Faye and Oti wearing all the fringe in countries around the world No tinsel for you this Christmas. Best move: Tiptoeing around the elephant in the chamber Though might have been easier if you’d STAYED IN HOLD. Best pipeline: Claud re: Aljaz- “Nobody has been happier to be an uncle in its own history of uncles.”
Saturday Tess’s dress: impressed or depressed? 
Claudia Winkleman, Tess Daly-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
The left shoulder is the window to the being. Apparently.
Joe and Dianne- Even money 
Dianne Buswell, Joe Sugg-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
I do realize the task Joe’s putting into his dances; with his grade of support, he could just coast and, you know, play HILARIOUS pranks. Which is not to say this was a perfect cha cha- far away from it. Footwork still too flat and casual, so not get pressure into the flooring for leg/ hip action, genuinely reaching the checks, or transitioning with enough fluidity. But considering he’s shaped like a toothpick, actually got some undulation happening, good attempt at the basics, excellent timing as ever, and a casual confidence that stimulates him fun to watch, even when the technique is variable.
Song: “Just Got Paid”, Sigala feat. Ella Eyre and Meghan Trainor
Judges’ statements: Shirley praised his timing, but work on the hips. Bruno liked the content, but needs to avoid every dance becoming angular and blurring together. Craig detected it placed and absence fluidity. Darcey liked the arm placement.
Judges’ scores: 5, 7, 7, 7- 26
Vick and Graziano- My song 
Graziano Di Prima, Vick Hope-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Laying it on thick-skulled this week, with Vick’s mum’s favourite anthem( or at least the one that works for a quickstep ), plus a routine that had my teeth aching from the off: Passageway of Love framing, candyfloss dress with frilly bib, giggly meet-cute, and the endless mugging to camera. Vick showed different forms of promise in the quickstep, but they never stayed in hold long enough for it to develop. More time spent to treat the gapping, wobbly frame and occasional footwork issues, rather than soapy serve, and this could have been a huge breakthrough- she still has( sigh) all the potential.
Song: “You Can’t Hurry Love”, Diana Ross and the Supremes( COPYCAT KLAXON: Will Thorpe and Hanna, Dani Harmer and Vincent, Helen George and Aljaz)
Judges’ remarks: Bruno noted her expres has improved. Craig said her left elbow lolls and the latter are trotting. Darcey liked her jete, but too much bounce. Shirley praised the basics, but need to stay to the left in hold.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8- 29
Danny and Amy- No, my song 
Amy Dowden, Danny John-Jules-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Hey, Danny has Family prop points too! AND a personal link to the anthem! Yes, Sammy Davis, Jr. is his big hero, and…also we’re doing a Viennese waltz. Well, as usual, Danny was the consummate showman out of maintain, excelling in a bright, jazzy opening. In maintain, he is at least seeming LESS alarmed by partnering, but this was a bobbly Viennese all danced up on his toes, rather than lowering into heel should contribute to drive it smoothly and lead his partner from the core. Same critiques from the beginning truly, so would love to see him take those on board- he’s a charmer otherwise.
Song: “I’ve Gotta Be Me”, Sammy Davis, Jr.
Judges’ commentaries: Craig noted his hands too elaborated, and Viennese skippy. Darcey craves him to loosen his knees and drive, but great posture and musicality. Shirley said the footwork was sometimes good. Bruno wants him to push it further.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7- 27
Faye and Giovanni- Resulting light 
Faye Tozer, Giovanni Pernice-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that Faye actually called her ex-bandmate “Claire from Steps”. Claire from Steps offered the valuable contribution of humanising her ringer pal by…weeping over her perfection. Er, never mind. So, a really good attempt at the tricky rumba( FINE, SOME DANCES ARE HARD ), with beautiful expansions and rotates, tidy footwork and good timing. Nonetheless, felt as though she was maintaining her breath the whole time , not relaxing into her hips or employing the storey to ground her. Plus the friendship was all in the facial expressions( esp Giovanni, the glorious ham ), rather than in a physical linkage guiding their moves as a partnership.
Song: “Chandelier”, Sia
Judges’ remarks: Darcey praised her turns, but necessity more physical expression. Shirley liked the balance of basics and highlights, but is currently working on the transitions and belief. Bruno said her paths were great, but concurred it lacked fluidity. Craig wanted more push/ pulling opposition, but beautiful.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8- 29
Katie and Gorka- Teacher’s pet 
Gorka Marquez, Katie Piper-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Katie meets your smiling households, and she raises you a journey to the scorch rehab centre. And when you’re done venerating Katie, turn your attention over here to Gorka the educator with his GLASSES and KNITWEAR and BOWTIE, my god it’s like that Twitter account dedicated to cute baby animals. Which was no accident, as this jive was…rough. Ginormous steps from Katie, shedding her off-balance and off-time, soft kicks with sickled paws, and lost the flog entirely towards the end. BUT what an improvement since Week 1 in concert terms- they sold the inferno out of it.
Song: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers( COPYCAT KLAXON: James Martin and Camilla, Louis Smith and Flavia)
Judges’ statements: Shirley noted more content, but work on timing. Bruno said they had merriment together, but listen to the music more. Craig discovered it stompy. Darcey thought it was endearing, but needed sharper kicks.
Judges’ scores: 3, 5, 5, 5- 18
Charles and Karen 
Charles Venn, Karen Clifton-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Yeah, I feel like these two missed the VT memo- no rescuing children from igniting builds, just a exhaustively uneventful trip-up to the laundrette.( Can we not just imagine a laundrette ?) Anyhow, this was a thinly veiled excuse for Charles to do a hen party striptease- although he retained the vest on, it’s not like he’s been in two dance-offs and is ready to vacate all dignity! Ahem. More of the same from this couple: natural ability, content light, lifts , no dance-specific technique. In this case, a disco-dominated salsa with steps so large-scale and upright he could barely touch his foot down, let alone delivery weight and get hip action. Disappointing.
Song: “Use It Up and Wear It Out”, Odyssey( COPYCAT KLAXON: Peter Schmeichel and Erin)( and never mind St Jill- WHAT SHOES TO FILL)
Judges’ comments: Bruno craved more hip action. Craig concurred, but desired the lifts. Darcey said he has natural rhythm, but steps too big. Shirley said he’s not transferring load from foot to foot.
Judges’ scores: 6, 6, 6, 7- 25( LOL magnificent trolling – you rascally magistrates)
Lauren and AJ- Spectator sport 
AJ Pritchard, Lauren Steadman-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
This week in AJ Learns Things About The World: it is about to change medal-winning para-triathletes are, like, really good at float and stuff! Tune in again soon for It’s Darker With The Lights Off and There’s A Family Of Mice Living In Your Hair. Now, plenty of mistakes in this quickstep, but all credit to them for actually staying in hold and dancing a quickstep- which shouldn’t construct them crazy outliers, but this series it really does. Need to work on gapping and maintaining the frame up and out, but good floor coverage, promising footwork, and a much more employing performance from Lauren.
Song: “If You’re Over Me”, Years& Years
Judges’ comments: Craig noted corrects, but the most vigour in their own bodies so far. Darcey said it was beautiful employment. Shirley praised her personality and footwork, but blunders. Bruno agreed.
Judges’ ratings: 6, 6, 6, 7- 25
Dr Ranj and Janette- Deep purple 
Janette Manrara, Dr Ranj Singh-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Hold on a time while Dr Ranj saves some cute children around certain extinction. Or maybe grazed knees. Either lane, what a person, what a saint, some are calling him the next Diana, but he’s merely here to do a paso. While dressed as( El) Prince. So , not to sound like Auntie Tess, but this was kind of adorable. I know Dr Ranj was being VERY SERIOUS and MANLY and GRRR, but he still rolled his hips when stepping side to back, and the arms were doing the romantic poetry version of semaphore. Still, a nice committed attempt, and an enjoyable routine.
Song: “Cancion del Mariachi”, Los Lobos
Judges’ commentaries: Darcey told him to work on shaping, but astonishingly good. Shirley thought he testified a serious side, plus no mistakes. Bruno explained how to get better Spanish path, but liked the flamenco. Craig said it felt placed by Janette rather than danced.
Judges’ ratings: 6, 7, 7, 7- 27
Kate and Aljaz- What I did on my holidays 
Kate Silverton, Aljaz Skorjanec-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Did Kate mention she did voluntary work in Africa? Oh, how embarrassing, that’s just a picture of her and Prince William saving countries around the world, how did that get in there?( She’s the original Kate, you are familiar .) So, omens weren’t great for this samba: the fog monster at planned deployment, a anthem that- in this incarnation anyway- was vastly unsuited, and our sex kitten swamped in Lauren’s rebuffed Fame blouse and a shredded parrot. Apparently it proceeded better in rehearsal- live, all a little bit awkward, technique disappeared and onus of gaffes, as we could tell by Kate’s “Oh HONESTLY! ” face. Not their best.
Song: “Africa”, Toto
Judges’ comments: Shirley praised her allure, but too many accidental heel leads with her weight back. Bruno suggest that they got stuck a few times. Craig felt it was a dance that belonged behind the report table.( He’s had that prepared for weeks !) Darcey mentioned she testified the struggle.
Judges’ ratings: 4, 5, 5, 6- 20
Graeme and Oti- The final frontier 
Oti Mabuse, Graeme Swann-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Dancing aside, I’m emphatically sold on such a partnership- the semi-teasing, semi-“No Oti is to be able to kill you now” training chamber dynamic is great fun, and it translates to believably connected concerts. The actual routine: awkwardly period astronaut opening, having regard to the Soyuz rocket launch failure, better once into the actual jive- and again glorious pink, because this week’s dancewear has been chosen by Maisie, aged three. You’re luck you’re not all garmented as Olaf. Necessity much sharper retraction , not doing the rock-and-roll step on basics, and not pointing or get up onto balls of paws, but endearingly goofy performance and great employ of music to boost the number.
Song: “Don’t Stop Me Now”, Queen( COPYCAT KLAXON: Penny Lancaster and Ian, Kara Tointon and Artem, Mark Wright and Karen)
Judges’ comments: Bruno said he didn’t miss a thump, but flat-footed. Craig craves more technical accuracy. Shirley praised his energy and timing, but kicks not sharp enough. Darcey thought he attempted the technique and performances actually consistent.
Judges’ ratings: 5, 7, 7, 7- 26
Ashley and Pasha- I know him so well 
Ashley Roberts, Pasha Kovalev-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Not sure why we’re getting all this contestant palling around; following Pasha coaching Joe, we are today have jolly Facetiming with Dr Ranj and Janette. We’re one giant sofa pile-on away from the credits of a Nineties sitcom. So, adored everything about this Evil Queen( s) styling, and a marvelous tango routine from Pasha: slick, smouldering, creative, great employ of accents, and made a statement while standing true-blue to the dance. Ashley coped well with the ambitious content- some loss of connect in maintain, which blurred the dynamics, but improving frame, great heel turn, and fab theatricality. Great to read her more in include and committing to a new style.
Song: “Look What You Induced Me Do”, Taylor Swift
Judges’ notes: Craig enjoyed the sharp staccato. Darcey praised the intense drama and routine, but lost her cervix. Shirley agreed- work on stillness- but nice footwork. Bruno said it was powerful and she maintained her own.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 8- 32
Sean(n) and Katya- Extra cheese 
Seann Walsh, Katya Jones-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Who, us, attain you watch RIGHT to the end? Course not- they’re SECOND to last-place. Well, we are at last arrived at the controversial duo, and, hilariously, their entire VT was overtly chaperoned by Jenny Thomas- the usually invisible Charleston coach. Strictly dance wise: great timing on the side by side, swivel good in places, and more gravity- and human anatomy-defying lifts. Too flat-footed though, and looked like he was chasing the material, plus the slapstick overly ingratiate. The awkward avoidance of a dropped pizza box also felt figurative; trying to respond purely on dance terms does require an arch-Brexiteer tier of feign. Will be interesting to see if they can win the audience back, or if the end is nigh.
Song: “Bills”, LunchMoney Lewis
Judges’ commentaries: Darcey praised the routine, assault and character, but clumsy moments. Shirley desired the vitality, but mistakes. Bruno thought it was manic in a good way, but gangly. Craig said their choreographer hurled everything at them.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 8, 7- 28
Stacey and Kevin- Explosion from the past 
Kevin Clifton, Stacey Dooley-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Did you know Kevin is from Grimsby ??? Between that and the Sixties wish fulfilment, this was quite the birthday present for him. Plus some overmarking from the judges. I really like Stacey, but( as with Ore et al) that’s being challenged by the show’s panting promotion of her. We know she’s a non-dancer- just let us follow her J term in peace. So, foxtrot: heaps to enjoy, but not enough pure content, plus frame squashed in places, footwork variable( other than- yes- the very nice opening heel conduct ), and Stacey sometimes stepping round Kevin rather than driving through him. But cool and stylish, and definite improvement.
Song: “Hi Ho Silver Lining”, Jeff Beck
Judges’ notes: Shirley adoration the topic and improved technique. Bruno enjoyed the Sixties elements. Craig thought it was more American smooth than foxtrot. Darcey procured it elegant.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 9- 33
Leaderboard
Stacey and Kevin- 33
Ashley and Pasha- 32
Vick and Graziano- 29
Faye and Giovanni- 29
Seann and Katya- 28
Danny and Amy- 27
Dr Ranj and Janette- 27
Joe and Dianne- 26
Graeme and Oti- 26
Charles and Karen- 25
Lauren and AJ- 25
Kate and Aljaz- 20
Katie and Gorka- 18
Stacey hits the pinnacle for the first time, while Dr Ranj, Vick and Lauren rise, Kate, Faye and Graeme slide.
Sunday Tess’s dress: impressed or depressed? 
Claudia Winkleman, Tess Daly-( C) BBC- Photographer: Guy Levy
Tess attacking the Quality Street, Claud donning her daughter’s sparkly suns frock.
Dance-off
Katie and Gorka versus Charles and Karen. Charles Venn was most aggrieved. Even before the LIVE( ahem) Sunday results show was over, Charles Venn started retweeting a onslaught of Charles Venn-related anger, which I think we can all agree is Peak Charles Venn.
Oh yes. And the magistrates all eliminated Katie. Sad to heard her leave any time she just getting into it( and of course GORKA ), but she seemed cheery about having a nice control and going to go before things got too serious. She was a lovely add-on this year, and Gorka’s sweet exit lecture was a reminder of the kind Strictly we know and love.
What did you shape of a dramatic Week 4? Did Sean( n) and Katya deserve another chance? And do we are genuinely need Couple’s Choice? Get in touch on Twitter: @mkmswain
See you soon for more first-class avoidance. In the meantime…keep dancing!
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