If you watched the Masterchef Final, can you not spoil the result below? Means Strictly people can follow along and watch Masterchef later. That!
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Their first dance is the American Smooth to ‘Easy On Me’ by Adele. They are TESTING the Dave Arch singers this evening. This is going to be lovely, isn’t it?
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Their first dance is the Charleston to ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ by Paolo Nutini, following in the swivelly footsteps of at least four other Strictly couples, mostly recently Anita and Gleb in 2015. Ooh, remember Gleb? We liked him. I think he does Dancing With The Stars in the US now.
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Their first dance is the Waltz to ‘Only One Road’ by Céline Dion. How have these two not done a Waltz yet? This is arguably one of Celine’s most underrated ballads – I love it, and am very much hoping the Dave Arch singers are going to do it justice.
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Their first dance is the Paso Doble to ‘The Time Is Now’ by Moloko. I love this song, and it definitely lends itself to a coolly dramatic Paso.
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Tess in neon pink, Claudia in sparkly black. Two shoulders between them, both fabulous.
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Out come the judges! Motsi’s tiger pantsuit is a stripy nightmare.
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I’m inventing a parlour game called ‘Strictly Standing’, which only has one rule – if any of the judges stand up at the end of the dance or while giving their verdict, you have to stand up too. If you’d like to play the grown-up version, you have to keep drinking (small sips, obvs) until they sit down again.
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Looking down the list of dances tonight, we’ve got three Paso Dobles and two Waltzes. So now we know the answer to ‘what’s the dance equivalent of a Bounty and a Milky Way in a box of Celebrations?’
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Tomorrow’s exit could be anyone, frankly. Dance-off history says tonight’s battle for a place in the final is between Molly and Fleur, but if both of them end up at the top of the leaderboard (which is infinitely possible) it could easily be two of the others. Everyone is so closely matched now, and I have no idea how tonight is going to pan out. EXCITING.
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Key events
Scores: 7,9,7,9 – a total of 32 for Will and Nancy.
There were lots of things missing for Shirley – he had the arrogance, but he didn’t have the oval shape in the arms and he needed to extend the cape more. Anton loved the flamenco section and the way Will partnered Nancy, and his storytelling is very strong – although it needed to be broad, and he felt like Will was trying too hard. Craig agreed with Shirley – the capework needed air and the dance lacked flow, not Will’s dance. Motsi believes that Will was fighting for his place – she could feel the drive and intention, and he was committed.
Oh hello, this is right up my Paso street. Will’s caping is like he’s trying to put out a chip pan fire, and his footwork is sublime. I’d like even more of a Spanish line, but the flamenco section was fab. Enjoyed that.
And finally for the first round – it’s Will and Nancy!
Their first dance is a Paso Doble to ‘Uccen’ by Taalbi Brothers. This is proper Spanish Guitar Paso stompy Paso music, so I’m expecting plenty of Spanish line and Flamenco.
Scores: 8,9,9,10 – a total of 36 for Molly and Carlos.
Motsi thought it gave quality, class and technical skill – everything you would love to see, Molly gives. Shirley thought it had inner magic and it was beautiful to watch. Anton thought it was a super performance, this style of dancing really suits Molly. Craig thought it was a bit in and out of character – there were too many stops and that cooled it down emotionally. He was a bit disappointed, even though her hand shaping was exquisite.
Molly really is a gorgeous dancer, but she’s been great since Week One and that’s no way to win Strictly, I’m afraid – the people need a journey. That said, this American Smooth is stunning – it’s got drama, style and class, and some lovely changes of pace. Loved that.
Next up it’s Molly and Carlos!
Their first dance is the American Smooth to ‘Easy On Me’ by Adele. They are testing the Dave Arch singers this evening. This is going to be lovely, isn’t it?
Scores: 9,10,10,10 – a total of 39 for Hamza and Jowita.
Craig loved the detail and the lifts were crazy spectacular, but Hamza has a lazy left foot swivel. Motsi thought everything was on point – exceptional. Shirley wasn’t expecting it to have so much movement, and she loved the swivel turns and the timing of the lifts. Anton thought Hamza brought everything to the semi final – well done.
As ever, Hamza’s timing is impeccable and he has lovely energy – just a joy to watch. His footwork goes a bit wild on occasion but the lifts are great and these two are clearly having a BALL. One of my favorite Charlestons of the series.
It’s time for Hamza and Jowita!
Their first dance is the Charleston to ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ by Paolo Nutini, following in the swivelly footsteps of at least four other Strictly couples, most recently Anita and Gleb in 2015. Ooh, remember Gleb? We liked him. I think he does Dancing With The Stars in the US now.
Scores: 8,9,9,9 – a total of 35 for Helen and Gorka.
Anton thought it was beautiful – soft and romantic. Craig thought there was quite a bit of gapping (SEE?), and it was a bit rigid in places, but Helen is a lovely dancer. Motsi thought it was magic, one of those moments that makes Strictly Come Dancing. Shirley thought it was a dreamy performance and their bond really came through, but it lacked a bit of swing and sway.
Well, this is dreamy. Helen looks gorgeous, and I love this partnership – I feel like there’s a lovely connection between these two, and Gorka really gets Helen. Some gappy bits in this Waltz, but a nice bit of storytelling.
Next up it’s Helen & Gorka!
Their first dance is the Waltz to ‘Only One Road’ by Céline Dion. How have these two not done a Waltz yet? This is arguably one of Celine’s most underrated ballads – I love it, and am very much hoping the Dave Arch singers are going to do it justice.
Scores: 8,9,8,10 – a total of 35 for Fleur and Vito.