Key events
Wynne and Katya’s tango
Wynne Evans casts off the Mrs Doubtfire costume to show his more serious side. It’s a Wall Street-style story with his pro partner Katya Jones playing a financier’s disgruntled secretary. He’s been working hard on his tango posture, so needs to keep his legs low and spine straight. Briefcase-ography, tie-adjusting and takes far too long to get going. Assertive and leading well but the effort is visible on his face. Lacks snap and staccato. Not quite on the money, money, money for me but the audience love it.
Song: Money, Money, Money by Abba. The Swedish pop deities’ 1976 hit was originally titled Gypsy Girl and was the only Abba single during their mid-70s imperial phase not to top the UK chart. Deborah Meaden and the much-missed Robin Windsor also tangoed to it during the 2013 series.
Judges’ scores for Jamie and Michelle: 8, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 34 points. His best yet and top of the leaderboard after four dances.
Judges’ comments for Jamie and Michelle: Shirley is momentarily lost for words but says “shifted from foot to foot, led your lady and brought joy, your best dance so far”. Anton says “by far your best, superb energy, feet and hips could’ve worked more but killing it from the waist up”. Craig says “needed more figure-of-eight in the hip action but you’re an incredible dancer”. Motsi concludes “great partnering but you shone in the spotlight, you left your heart on the dancefloor”. I’m smelling eights. Or is it Ambre Solaire?
Jamie and Michelle’s salsa
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick closed the show last week, dressed as Su Pollard (or was it Elton John?) for his Rocketman quickstep. Now he needs to keep that high energy but control it and show some Cuban party technique. He’s playing a holiday rep, she’s a tourist. Flog those excursions, Jamie. Free cocktail for lady! Best bar on island! Fast and fluid with changes of rhythm. Shoulder shimmies and his first lifts but a lumpy dismount. Lacking spice but heaps of high-energy fun and a strong finish.
Song: Danza Kuduro by Don Omar and Lucenzo. This 2010 banger mixes Latin with reggaeton and duly became a worldwide hit, topping the chart in a dozen countries. It stayed at number one in Italy for a whopping 10 weeks.
Judges’ scores for Nick and Luba: 4, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 21 points. Dance-off danger?
My liveblog assistant tonight, 12-year-old May, says: “Shame Nick isn’t dressed as Paddington – but he does dance like a bear!”
Judges’ comments for Nick and Luba: Craig says “let yourself go and be more crazy, extend your lines, placed rather than danced, no swivel but fantastic character”. Motsi says “coming back took courage, slow pace but tidy and readable”. Shirley says “took risks, used props, lovely synchronisation but I missed a sense of freedom”. Anton concludes “enjoyed the number, you improved Craig’s choreography, exquisite timing”. Fives and sixes?
Nick and Luba’s Charleston
After missing last week’s show, injury-prone DIY SOS host Nick Knowles’ knee is on the mend and doctors have given him clearance to dance. Because of his reduced training time, they’re picking up where they left off with the Paddington number they had planned for Movie Week. Nick’s pleased to be belatedly doing it, as his 10-year-old son Eddie is a fan of the Peruvian bear. He’s unleashing his showbizzy, jazz-handy side to play villainous thesp Phoenix Buchanan, with Luba Mushtuk as the late Queen’s mate. She’s adjusted the steps to be easier on his knees. It duly lacks a little bounce and speed but has a sweet musical theatre feel. Brolly-ography, lifts and tricks. Heavy-footed but happiness-making.
Song: Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2. Originally from the musical Follies, it’s sung at the end of the film by Phoenix in prison – and the accompanying dance number was choroegraphed by no less than Craig Revel Horwood. Pit-pitty-pat indeed.
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. A slight dip.
Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Shirley says “flawless spotting on the spins but your footwork didn’t glide, work on the seamlessness in ballroom”. Anton says “short steps, too trotty, lost its flow, lovely storyteling but stride out”. Craig says “lacked glide, gapping, too much attack but magnificent turns, you’re a clean, clean dancer”. Motsi concludes “you capture the music as you dance, allow yourself to breathe and let go”. Sevens a-coming?
Sarah and Vito’s foxtrot
Her Harry Potter waltz last week was Motsi’s highlight of the night and saw her joint second on the scoreboard. Again. Now actor Sarah Hadland stays in ballroom hold for a graceful and lyrical foxtrot. She’s sporting a blue aqua floral frock, like a grown-up Elsa from Frozen. Emotional with lovely lines, delicate details and softness. The song is a favourite of her and her daughter, so there’s real feeling in this. A bit wobbly in places but lovely.
Song: Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish. The recent single which featured in teen Netflix drama Heartstopper and was performed by Eilish at the Olympic Closing Ceremony. Not to be coinfused with the theme tune to 90s sitcom Birds of a Feather which was, of course, What’ll I Do. Sharon! Tracey! Dorien from next door!
