Key events
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Vito had a trouser malfunction. Silently our floating floating. Shirley says “super, you remembered all the details”. Antonius says, “worldly and captivating.” Craig says “a bit of a gap but the flow and footwork are impressive, they are raised spec-tac-u-lar, delicious”. Motsi concludes “lovely lightness, great job”. They scored 33 points in the last hour and deserved better. I guess I will have this now.
Sarah and Vito’s American Gentleman
Their Judge’s Pick sees Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola criticize their eight rehearsals for the song that sparked Sarah’s career with Miranda. Wind machine section side-by-side, then lift into the long. Foxtrot tracks and softens the knees because they feel light and floating. Vito retraces his wheel litt. Anthony wanted to tie her bottom and show his fingers one last time when Shirley said Sarah got tight on her upper body. They have worked to get the right to breathe, more airy, and fixing the details with no gaps. An upbeat, famous ballroom number with a bang factor. Such fun.
Song: Proud of Heather Small. Since its release in 2000, the 100,000 pop diva has become the only solo debut to inspire the anthem, often at the Olympics and the London Marathon. It was also an in-joke from Miranda ifTC of course. What did you do today? I walked the dog and prepped for this liveblog. Do I feel proud? Like, yes.
Judge’s scores for Chris and Dianne: 8, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. Chris is “overwhelmed” and says that “Craig is a heartthrob”, although he “gives attention to his teaching”.
Judges’ comments on Chris and Dianne: Craig says “smooth transitions, fantastic hip action, full of showbiz pizzazz”. Mosi says “I am a mess because of you, I told you not to cry, you will bring joy”. Shirley says “extraordinary flexibility and many details, a real improvement”. Anthony concludes “just awesome, the decorations, the music is extraordinary, I would give 12 if I could”. Lee Mack he was in the audience studying with his roommate Chris. Yes, indeed. Am I lying to you?
Chris and Dianne’s Couple’s Choice
Judges’ Pick is a choice of two out of eight. Dianne was sick with a stomach bug, but she soldiered on brilliantly. Now it can be enjoyed even more. All-white outfits. He begins standing on a table and chair, then jumps to the floor to a euphoric mix of rock and musical theater. A slight error at the top of the head perhaps? Joy and show off, really hard to sell. It has improved its shape and gives it a lot of pizzazz. The fact that the black moment represents his blindness and immerses us in an insatiable world has lost none of its power, but has achieved a relief and euphoric ending. You’re a superstar, Chris, that’s what you are. He got 33 points last season. Higher, higher!
Song: Instant Karma (We All Light Up) by John Lennon. In 1970, this Phil Spector-produced track became the first solo single by a Beatle to sell a million copies in the US. It’s one of the best-released songs in pop history, reaching record stores just 10 days after it was written. As Lennon said: “I wrote for lunch, we wrote for lunch and we played for dinner”.
Judge’s scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. The same as the last one.
Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Motsi says “the most beautiful, of all emotions, your grace and freedom made it easy, you have star quality.” Shirley says “you have a magical musical body, perfected and in the zone”. “You’re probably the best dancer we’ve ever had,” Anthony said, “spectacular” and “excellent.” Craig concludes: “needs a bit more ground but stunning”. Another 40 coming up? Will Craig make it to 39?
Tasha and Aljaž’s Couple’s Choice
Their Judges’ Pick is their choice of contempo-waft Icon of the Week. Because P!nk counts as an icon, just like Bruno Mars. Ahem. The song means a lot to Tasha Ghouri as a song. Choreographed by Lukas McFarlane, who has worked with P!nk herself, the writer is of age and lyrical style. Barefoot and beautiful, he stands with beauty and is full of emotion. Detailed elevation and extensions. Aljaž Škorjanec said that it was his favorite story he had ever told Strictly. He scored 39 points in the last hour, so there is room for improvement in Craig*. Tasha just needs to go, feel the lyrics and show an extra layer of emotion. I think they have, although a few of the transitions seem a little lumpy to me.
Song: What About Us by P!nk The 2017 electro-pop chart-topper charged politically with lyrics about the Trump administration failing the American people. Happy New Year, voters!
Craig in the 10s
Claudia gets a special mention of a pair of Deeley boppers.
Judge’s scores for JB and Lauren: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. A (kite) flying start.
Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Anthony “I am surprised, I am happy, I loved, better than before, I am a wonderful teacher, more dominated and improved head line”. Craig said “not happy, I couldn’t find anything wrong with it, elegance and quality”. Motsi says “he raised and improved it, the light of football, a beautiful company, like a star shining in the sections of the soil.” Shirley concludes “a great start to the finish”. Will we see our first perfect 40 final?
JB and Lauren’s Viennese waltz.
The first thing is to choose the judges. This is from Musical Week, just a fortnight ago, but no one has ever thought of seeing this Mary Poppins-themed show again. JB Gill and Lauren Oakley roll around the floor and lead the romance in a flawless routine, full of wit and humor. I don’t favor extra dancers this time, so we can look at the nostalgic character and all the technical ideas. Leaning, flowing, flowing. A bag of speech. Perfect in every way. After scoring 39 points last season, they’re just one inch away from perfection. It sure is, and will Craig give JB the thumbs up this time?
Song: Let’s go the kite from Mary Poppins. The Zephyr Song is a 1964 musical written by the Sherman brothers, inspired by their father Al, who was an avid amateur kite maker.