Key events
Finally, on Montell Douglas and Jojo Radebe’s Couple’s Choice, SnailyWhaley says: “Just occasionally, Couple’s Choice is spectacular.”
VictoriasSecret says: “What a way to finish! I have mixed views about Couple’s Choice but that I loved. Just wished it lasted longer!”
loubylou99 says: “Love MoJo! Not normally fan of CC but this was the best I’ve ever seen.”
On dance-of survivor Shayne Ward, GreatIsMyNewt says: “I think Shayne’s ‘problem’ is that he’s normal. Many of the other slebs have big personalities.”
mcculloch29 says: “Lovely storytelling from Shayne and Nancy.”
jagadox adds: “It was a complete surprise to find Shayne in the dance-off last week. Surely that lovely romantic American Smoochie, sorry Smooth, will save him this week?”
On Pete Wicks’ rumba, paperview says: “To be fair, ever since Len schooled Craig about scoring in professional ballroom dancing during the very first series, Craig has always been a stickler for illegal steps.”
ReclinedPotato adds: “Pete reminds me of background pirate #6. Not as wooden as long John Silver’s leg but rough as a ship’s biscuit.”
On Sarah Hadland’s samba, MikeMoonlight says: “It’s really quite amazing that, at the start of the series, Toyah could barely dance at all, then she was actually voted off two weeks ago and yet she comes back with a performance like that! Oh, hang on a minute…”
Paul Merson continues to be a commenter favourite. Owbeck says: “Paul improves every week, just not at the same rate as others.”
styletraveller says: “When Merse is given some moves, he’s ok. I think Karen needs to trust him more.”
EmmyHarb says: “I love that Paul Merson started the series with quite a meh attitude but now Strictly is working its magic on him.”
emas2023 adds: “I shall be voting for Paul tonight as I really want him on Halloween week.”
On Tasha Ghrouri’s tango, FascinatingFlamenco says: “Too dark for Tasha and Aljaz’s dance. Was difficult to see properly. Loved the energy and intent. Some really great head placement.”
Somersetlass adds: “Hmm. A technically great dance from Tasha, but not enough drive and passion for a tango, I thought.”
On Sam’s Quekstep, Vicc says: “Oh I did love that quickstep, whether or not the judges like it. I think Sam’s joie de vivre shines through and that is what swung it for me.”
MarkRoche adds: “Keep waiting for the lovely Sam to have that breakthrough. She’s competent but seems to be holding back a bit.”
On Chris McCausland’s You’ll Never Walk Alone waltz, Somersetlass says: “While that wasn’t Chris’ best dance – he seemed a little tentative at first, and his posture wasn’t great – that bit at the end where he walked alone and then joined Dianne left me in tears. Rather beautiful.”
fihema says: “I kinda wish Chris could see Di in that frock. It felt like the third dancer and made it somehow all the more emotional. Sparkly shadows, serenity, flow. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed that song more. No wait. I have never enjoyed that song more.”
Jennifera030 says: “I thought that was beautiful. Reminds me of a passage from Terry Pratchett about how tragic it is that so many people never get the chance to find out what they could be good at. Amazing that a blind man has found out that he is a natural dancer.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “Chris just made me well up. The judges can go on all they like about technique, but you cannot beat feelings. Outstanding for me.”
On Jamie Borthwick’s paso doble, Pancake01 says: “Oh wow! One of the better pasos of recent years. Well done Jamie! Unusual choreography as well. Loved the music.”
dAsgoyne says: “Castanets? Generalised Spanishery? What happened? Did they not get the memo that they should have been dancing to Shang-a-lang dressed as an ocelot?”
ryfford adds: “FFS, no one gets a 10 for a Paso. NO ONE!!!”
On JB Gill’s jive, mimig says: “Lovely Welsh Amy and JB starting to be one of my favourite couples. I wonder if he might have the ‘journey’ we all love?”
Aine183 adds: “JB’s jive seemed very technical to me. I didn‘t see any joy in the dance, too much caution.”
Readers have spoken
Your verdicts are in from the comment section. On Dr Punam Krishan, jagadox says: “Punam tends to be hard on herself. Making a mistake as a doctor could have much worse results than the Strictly ones, eh?”
Spittal76 adds: “I thought it was harsh marking for Dr Punam. I suspect the public will like it more than the judges.”
Music, mooing and jump-scares on TV tonight
Viewers can now flip to ITV1 for The Voice UK semi-final or to BBC2 for Florence + the Machine at the Proms. And possibly attempt a tango. If hands-up-the-back-end-of-cows is more your scene, it’s All Creatures Great & Small Night on BBC4.
At 9pm, Irish crime drama Blackshore starts on U&Drama. At 9.50pm, Later with Jools Holland returns to BBC2 with music from Laura Marling, Jade Thirlwall, Blossoms and Queen drummer Roger Taylor.
If you’re in a filmic frame of mind, choose at 9pm between Spy on ITV2 or Bridget Jones’ Diary on 5Star. There’s also a horror double bill for pre-Halloween spooks: Smile (9.20pm on BBC2) and The Blair Witch Project (11.50pm on BBC1). Boo! Sorry.
Behold the Golden Glitterballs
They’re the awards everyone is talking about. At least in my house. Here are this week’s recipients of our coveted liveblog gongs…
Best dance: Montell Douglas and Jamie Borthwick were both a point away from perfection but Chris McCausland’s waltz was also wonderful.
Worst dance: Dr Punam for me. Paul Merson scored two points fewer but was heaps more fun.
Best music choice: Loved the traditional Latin numbers but You’ll Never Walk Alone takes the trophy.
Worst music choice: Oasis? For a rumba? With my reputation?
Best outfit: A dead heat between Tasha Ghouri and Dianne Buswell’s frocks. Shout-out to that quick mid-routine change by Montell and Jojo.
Worst outfit: Jamie Borthwick’s cosplay matador, compelte with eye-wateringly tight trousers.
Best judges’ comment: Craig’s tetchy teasing of Anton, including “Stop standing up, it’s getting on my nerves” and “You’re 40? Try telling your surgeon”.
Worst VT: Dr Punam and Sam Quek, who both played the cute kid card early.
Best Claudia quip: Her adoration of Pete Wicks saying he felt damp like an otter: “That was my all-time favourite comment to Tess.”
Credits roll
“Keeeeeep dancing,” Tess and Claudia tell us. Claud has been waiting the entire week, apparently. As the scoring paddles are packed away in their velvet-lined cases, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
Tonight’s routines get the recap treatment on-screen. Which dream duo are you voting for? Which ploddy pairing are you definitely not?
And the voting lines are… open!
The usual mayhem erupts. Make sure you vote for your favourites if you don’t want any nasty dance-off surprises.
Judges’ scores for Montell and Jojo: 9 (you tease!), 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Joint highest score of the series and joint top with Jamie.
Judges’ comments for Montell and Jojo: Craig says “Montell excelled”. Motsi says “you exploded with energy, everyone feels seen, loved it”. Shirley says “your nanna sprinkled her magic dust from heaven, exceptional”. Anton concludes “a celebration, do it again in the final”. Nines and 10s imminent?
Montell and Jojo’s Couple’s Choice
Last week, Shirley said they were “creeping up there, you’re becoming dangerous for the rest”. Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe duly notched their first nine. Can they score more with this groundbreaking number? It’s an Afro-Caribbean fusion between both their backgrounds. Homely opening in robes and gradually expands, with Montell changing into a colourful feathered carnival dress. Jamaican flag and South African flags tucked in their waistbands. Sass, smiles and a real sense of freedom. Lifts and tricks. Confetti falls. Bringing it home and leaving their hearts on the dancefloor.
Song: Skeleton Move by KG feat Zanda Zakuza. A 2018 hit from the South African DJ and producer, real name Kgaogelo Moagi, with vocals from house diva Zanda Zakuza.
Judges’ scores for Wynne and Katya: 7, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 33 points. Fourth as it stands. Hands, what hands?
Judges’ comments for Wynne and Katya: Shirley says “loved it, joyous, you moved beautifully, fantastic”. Anton says “great energy and showmanship but right arm too far back”. Craig says “dishevelled in places”, then cheekily changes his tune when Wynne says he’s reviewing Craig’s album next week. Motsi concludes “fun, rhythmical, exquisite timing, well done”. Eights and nines?
