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Judges’ comments: Craig says “no swivel, ambiguous arm placement, feet apart, not your thing”. Motsi says “clean, no mistakes, need more body pump and bounce but keep going”. Shirley says “liked the characterisation but challenge yourself more”. Anton concludes “I liked the storytelling and character, I can read everything you do”.
Melanie and Aljaž’s Charleston
Gavin & Stacey actor Melanie Walters gets the honour of dancing the second Charleston of the series, following Dame Sarah Storey last week. She was joint bottom of the combined scores but saved from the dance-off by viewer votes. She needs to start conquering her nerves and embracing the character might help here. Blind Date-themed and set in the 1970s for some unfathomable reason. Lacking bounce and energy but lots of flicks, kicks and cute choreography. Her face is doing all the work. Bags of fun. She’s been working hard on her ankle swivel but I suspect this still won’t be enough for stickler Craig.
Song: Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit by Gina G, which finished eighth in the 1996 eurovuson Sing Contest. We wuz robbed. Still it topped the UK singles chart and was the first Eurovision entry to chart in the US for more than 20 years.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points, her highest yet. “I’m a Strictly soldier now,” says Jaime. And she gets a video message from her dad Ray. He calls Carlos “Carlo” but you wouldn’t argue. He’s the daddy now.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “good pivoting and spatial awareness, a hiccup or two but an improvement”. Anton says “your best yet, danced right on the edge, your fleckerl was a delight, more of this please”. Craig says “too much rise and fall, should be smoother and less skippy but your timing and spins were fantastic, darling”. Motsi concludes “powerful, you move from your core, you’re one of the strongest dancers, breathe into the floor and be grounded”.
Jaime and Carlos’ Viennese waltz
Actor Jaime Winstone and reigning pro champion Carlos Gu made a shock appearance in the Movie Week bottom two. It was Carlos’ first dance-off for three years but they survived comfortably and now look to bounce back with their first romantic ballroom number. Draped metallic frock to suit the rocky song. Floor projections of a giant watch and lovely atmospheric opening. Dizzying spins as they twirl around the floor. Jaime is right in the zone (not the comfort one). A few footwork and frame fumbles but floating and gliding nicely. Great intensity and performance level.
Song: Never Tear Us Apart by INXS. The 1988 power ballad was voted “Best Australian Song of All Time” by a radio station last year. The late Michael Hutchence wrote it for his then-girlfriend Michele Bennett. They remained close friends after splitting and she was the last person he phoned on the morning of his tragic death in 1997. RIP.
Now can everyone stop saying “comfort zone” please? Much appreciated.
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. His highest yet. “Talent needs no permission,” Johannes tells Cach with sweet sincerity.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “too stop-and-start, needed more connecting but your timing in incredible and intricate footwork is amazing, solo work out of this world”. Motsi says “so much detail, you hold music on your body, a hiccup, needs more polish but I love the way you dance”. Shirley says “I’m exhausted watching that, on time, sold the solo spots, Maddie was terrific too”. Anton concludes “liked it a lot, you dance with your personality but work on your partnering skills”. Pick the bones out of that, loves. Hard to judge a Couple’s Choice as ever.
Cach and Maddie’s Couple’s Choice
Love Islander Cach Mercer struck the right balance between personality and proper technique as “Danny Zucchini” in last week’s Grease samba, increasing his score by a whopping nine points. He always puts on a show and makes dances look cool, so a Couple’s Choice should suit him and be his chance to really shine. Clapperboard to start. It’s a fusion of house, streetdance, Afro and jazz which is a challenge for new pro Maddie Ingoldsby as well. Stair-and-bench-ography. Side-by-side synch and solo swagger. A little stop-start and an awkward lift but theatrical and all-round excellent.
Song: Beware The South London Lover Boy by RAYE. The third track from the Tooting R&B star’s second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope.
Judges’ scores: 3, 4, 3, 5 for a total of 15 points. Dance-off danger.
Judges’ comments: Motsi says “kept rhythm but improve your posture and frame”. Shirley says “not connected in hold, too many shuffles and not enough quickstep, but you’re a cutie”. Anton says “all the components and you’re on the right road”. Craig concludes “posture not great, heavy with gapping”.
Shaun and Alexis’ quickstep
Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips came to the party last week with his show-closing Saturday Night Fever salsa, which saw a 10-point score increase and Shaun get a squeeze from Shirley Ballas. Now it’s his first ballroom number. Blue and pink outfits a tad gendered. Too much messin’ abaht before he’s into hold with pro partner Alexis Warr. Flat footed, a bit bumpy, gapping galore and frame wobbling. Enthusiasm but not much refinement.
Song: I’m a Believer by The Monkees. The Neil Diamond-penned 1966 hit has appeared on the soundtrack of not one but two Shrek films. A bit late for Movie Week and thankfully no green face-paint.
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