In The Importance of Being Earnest, while assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar façade. Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Last night, my husband and I took a trip to London to watch a show. It wasn’t our usual musical, this time it was The Importance of Being Earnest written by Oscar Wilde and being performed at the Noël Coward Theatre.
After dinner at Mother Mash (see my review), which is literally around the corner from the theatre, we were ready to watch the show.
Oscar Wilde statue in Dublin
I studied The Importance of Being Earnest for my O’Level English Literature exam, yes I know that makes me old, along with The Merchant of Venice and To Kill A Mockingbird. I am ashamed to say that all I could remember was it had something to do with a handbag and a baby being left at a station cloakroom….
The cast was the main reason we decided to watch this play which included Stephen Fry, Olly Alexander, Hugh Dennis, Shobna Gulati, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Kitty Hawthorne and Jessica Whitehurst.
Of course, Stephen Fry stole every scene he was in as Lady Bracknell and her witty, dry one-liners were delivered with precision and wonderful comic timing.
But the remaining cast more than held their own in this play, from Olly Alexander as Algernon and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack, their chemistry was undeniable and they acted their socks off.
But my favourite were Gwendoline and Cecily, Kitty Hawthorne and Jessica Whitehurst, their range of facial expressions, the different tones to their voices when angry or excited was a joy to witness. One scene when they were arguing with each other, they had trouble controlling their giggles which delighted the audience.
The cast stuck to the original story of Oscar Wilde, who I have to say was way ahead of his time with his comedy, both physical and verbal, but modern touches were also added like Olly playing a pop song on the piano.
Our only disappointment on the night was that Hugh Dennis didn’t appear as the Reverend…
Overall, a thoroughly delightful show, a superb cast and a fabulous theatre. I would definitely recommend it, though you will have to be quick as its run ends on 10th January, 2026.
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
A piece of news regarding Blackpool hit social media during this week, it was announced that four finalists will return and join forces with the Strictly Professionals for a spectacular group dance. The four are:
Danny MacAshley RobertsLayton WilliamsJay McGuiness
During the judge’s dance, Anton went the wrong way and messed up the rest of the routine – not so easy, is it Anton?
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: American Smooth
Judge’s comments: Lovely musicality; A safe routine; Neat and tidy; Shoulders raised; Needed a bit more punch in freestyle element; Beautiful storyteller.
Score: 27
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge’s comments: Great choreography; Stunning dance; Thrilling to watch; More shaping through torso needed: Full of fire; Danced with purpose;
Score: 38
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance:Waltz
Judge’s comments: More comfortable this week: Feminine; Beautiful footwork – no errors; More float in free arm; Clean footwork; Elegant;
Score: 35
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance:Jive
Judge’s comments: More retraction needed; A little bit flat-footed; Played character brilliantly; Tiny mistakes made in beginning; More usage of standing leg needed; Good performance and attitude;
Score: 27
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: American Smooth
Judge’s comments: A little brittle, needs to be softer; A little spikey; More expression in arms and hands; Makes the dance her own;
Score: 31
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Rumba
Judge’s comments: Beautiful lyrical rumba; Delivered a beautiful message; Sensitivity; Strong musicality; Wasn’t a rumba (Craig); Lovely storytelling;
Score: 29
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Tango
Judge’s comments: Could have tried harder! (Craig- joking); In control; Danced on one level; Sensational; Fantastic footwork; Outstanding self-awareness;
Craig agreed with fellow judges, so Vicky and Kai left the competition.
My Thoughts
It just goes to show that not all dances are suited to everyone. Vicky was top of the leader board last week with her Tango and then this week, she was joint bottom with her jive. After she didn’t do too well with her Charleston earlier on, I think the odds weren’t in her favour with the Jive.
And on a personal note, Vicky was one I tipped to get to the final, so I’m down to two now, Alex and Lewis…
I loved La Voix’s comment to Claudia, “Tess has been awarded an MBE and you’ve had a storm named after you…”
So, next week we’re travelling 200 miles from the Strictly Ballroom to Blackpool Tower, the place where so many of the professionals have danced and have many fond memories. It’s always a fun-packed show, with lots of surprises, so pack your bucket and spade, grab yourself an ice cream and settle down to the Blackpool Spectacular!
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
I must start this blog with an apology – it is a few days later than normal because I had a visit to hospital for an emergency operation – nothing too serious but it needed sorting and today is the first day I’ve felt well enough to sit at my computer and do a review. I was actually being wheeled down to the operating theatre whilst Strictly was on!
Two significant events have taken place this week concerning our two hosts…
Number One is Tess Daly being presented with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the King at Windsor Castle for her services to broadcasting.
And Claudia for the final of the Celebrity Traitors, a show that secured the biggest overnight audience for the BBC since the final episode of Gavin and Stacey.
Well done to both ladies, you’ll be missed when you leave at the end of the series!
We’re at the halfway point of the contest, hasn’t it gone by quickly…
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: Well balanced routine; Brilliant timing and fluidity; A little ‘try hard’; Hips on fire; Softness to the routine;
Score: 35
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Charleston
Judge’s comments: Incredible routine; Goofy, clean and precise; Maybe more swivel; Sticky lifts; Amazing energy; Hit every line; Kept up with Carlos; Fast-paced difficult routine;
Score: 35
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge’s comments: Need to get power and confidence back; Kept oval shape; Lacked passion and fire; Perfect student; Looked regal;
Score: 30
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: Foxtrot
Judge’s comments: Uplifting foxtrot; Lovely feel and musicality; Raised left shoulder; Free arm needs attention; Lacked togetherness; Exuberant presentation;
Score: 29
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Couple’s Choice
Judge’s comments: Lacked definition; Needed to be cleaner and sharper; Excellent shaping and timing; Keeps bouncing back; Beautiful arms and hands;
Score: 34
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Judge’s comments: More relaxed this week; Beautiful atmosphere; Used entire floor; Lovely shape; Best footwork in a Viennese Waltz; Perfect fleckle;
Score: 34
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Salsa
Judge’s comments: Fluid and flexible; Great chemistry; Amazing; Spectacular routine;
Score: 38
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance:Tango
Judge’s comments: Absolutely marvellous; Compact; Best line; Perfect apart from left hand (Craig); Contender for the final; Dance of the night for Motsi and Shirley;
Score: 39
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Dance: Samba
Judge’s comments: Crowd pleaser; Great energy and performance; Brought total carnival; Get the details right;
Score: 30
This week’s leaderboard:
Results Show
Head judge this week is…. Motsi!
In honour of Remembrance Sunday the professional dancers were joined by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment for a beautiful performance. Lots of people noticed that Amy was dancing in this, so it must have been pre-recorded a few weeks ago as she is in hospital at this time undergoing a mastectomy and I’d just like to wish her well!
The couple who were in the dance off were:
Harry and Karen and La Voix and Aljaž
Judge’s Votes
Shirley – La Voix and Aljaž Anton – La Voix and Aljaž Craig – La Voix and Aljaž
Motsi’s vote would have been for La Voix and Aljaž.
Harry and Karen to leave the competition…
My Thoughts
I was pleased to see that the couples who were left at the end of voting, are now able to sit on the sofa with Claudia and share their dances and music with the audience.
Harry was a ray of light in this competition, always with a smile and of course, his pecs!
Next week the couple’s will be fighting for their place to go to Blackpool, the home of Strictly Come Dancing! Who will be packing their bucket and spade and who will be packing their suitcase and going home?
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
No dramatic announcements this week, but it is Halloween week, probably one of the most anticipated weeks after Blackpool and of course, the final.
The judges didn’t disappoint with their costumes…
I think that Craig and Motsi were the bridge and groom, Shirley was the mother and I think Anton was either Anita Dobson or one of the bridesmaids!
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance: American Smooth
Judge’s comments: Better ballroom dance than in week two; Gorgeous off-balance lines; Huge improvement; Needed a bit more reach; Smoother transitions; More confident each week;
Score: 31
It seems that this series we are getting more and more little skits in between the dances – maybe it’s time fillers?
Tess performing a ‘magic trick’ on Claudia!
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Dance: Tango
Judge’s comments: Calmed herself down by breathing; Good musicality; Great promenade position; Learn how to spot when turning;
Score: 27
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Cha Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: Whole dance was turned-in; Good hip action; No mistakes this week; Doesn’t realise how good he is; Believe in himself;
Score: 29
La Voix, continuing her quest to be the next presenter of Strictly introduced herself.
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge’s comments: Neat and tidy routine; More arch in the dance; Power and passion throughout; Best dance so far; Beautiful paso doble;
Score: 35
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Quickstep
Judge’s comments: Spectacular; Out of this world; Brilliant and phenomenal; Good as ever seen on any series;
Score: 40
Lewis and Katya scored the first 40 of the series!
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Rumba
Judge’s comments: Beautiful delivery; Clearer weight transference; Lovely musicality through upper body; Looked hesitant; Straighter leg; Full of character and expression;
Score: 28
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Dance: American Smooth
Judge’s comments: Beautiful top line; Mistake in the middle of the dance; Smooth and fluid lifts; Lost elegance; Held his composure; Great balance between holds;
Score: 26
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Argentine Tango
Judge’s comments: Fabulous; Brilliant double spin; Smashed the choreography; Great intensity; Entertaining; Extraordinarily good;
Score: 38
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Salsa
Judge’s comments: Great hip rotation; Amazing: Shoulders were a bit raised; Lovely energy;
Score: 35
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Judge’s comments: Great storytelling and characterisation; Control left shoulder; Good execution; Great fleckle; Mixed it up;
Score: 35
The leaderboard looked like this:
Results Show
Head judge this week is ….. Shirley!
The couple who were in the dance off were;
Balvinder and Julian and Ellie and Vito
Judge’s Votes
Anton- Balvinder and Julian Craig – Balvinder and Julian Motsi – Balvinder and Julian
Shirley’s vote would have been for Balvinder and Julian.
Ellie and Vito leave the competition…
My Thoughts
Vito was amazing with how he partnered Ellie, he was always looking out for her, whispering words of comfort/support, hugging her and holding her hand. Ellie did so well on the show and you could see the joy on her face when she performed each dance, you could tell she was living her best life! But, as the dances had to get harder, you could tell she was struggling a little bit, so I think it was the right time for her to leave the show.
Lewis and Katya had the joint earliest 40 in Strictly history! That dance was just spectacular. I feel sorry for Balvinder, I’m not sure why she is repeatedly in the dance off, this was her third time in four weeks. I do get the feeling that George has had enough, he doesn’t seem to have that spark from when he first started…
We’re back to normal next week, with Blackpool in three weeks time.
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
This week we had two major announcements…
The first was Stefan Dennis had to pull out because of an injury to his leg..
…and the second was Tess and Claudia announced that after this series of Strictly, they would both be leaving.
Tess and Claudia addressed the news at the beginning of the programme:
“Just before we get started, Claud and I announced this week that this will be our last series of Strictly Come Dancing.”
“We want to thank you for your beautiful messages, We’ve got another eight weeks on this incredible show and a Strictly champion to crown.”
“We cannot wait to spend the rest of the series with you, with our amazing couples and of course with these four,”
And then they introduced the judges who were dressed as icons…
John Lennon, Grace Jones, Elvis Presley and Claudia’s Aunty Joan at Christmas, AKA David Bowie
So, after these two bombshells, we carried on with the show!
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Quickstep Icon: Johnny Cash
Judge’s comments: Good connection with dance partner; Understands music; back-weighted, wrong position; Great timing; Tiny bit of gapping; Clean;
Score: 34
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Rumba Icon: Celine Dion
Judge’s comments: Lovely costume; Executed delayed rumba walk well; More details needed; A bit tense; Line and form exquisite; Lovely performance; Lacked fluidity; Lovely straight legs;
Score: 28
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Dance: Salsa Icon: Spice Girls
Judge’s comments: Great energy: More hip rotation; Smoother transitions needed: Gives her best; Difficulty of choreography growing; Great execution of lifts; Never makes mistakes;
Score: 28
Ellie had a message from Baby Spice!
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Foxtrot Icon: Dolly Parton
Judge’s comments: Great leg speed; Perfect harmony with Johannes; Immaculate heel turn; Went a little bit wrong; Maintained frame; Musicality is a sensation; Queen of Effortless;
Score: 32
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Jive Icon: Harry Styles
Judge’s comments: A bit flat-footed; Fantastic presentation: Very watchable as a dancer; Work on consistency; A few mistakes; Good choreography; Great partnership skills;
Score: 27
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance: Couple’s Choice Icon: Cheryl Cole
Judge’s comments: Best dance yet; Good coordination; Amazing dance; Match each other’s energy; Clean, tight and precise;
Score: 33
Vicky was sent a message from her icon, Cheryl Cole!
Balvinder’s icon wasBeyoncé, so we were treated to the judge’s best Beyoncé impersonation….
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Quickstep Icon: Beyoncé
Judge’s comments: Footwork needs work; Great personality; Looks a bit hesitant; Needed more elegant top line; Gave a full performance; Improvement in ballroom dancing; Improved performance skills;
Score: 28
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Dance: Argentine Tango Icon: Usher
Judge’s comments: Felt like Harry was walking through it; Focused; Good control; Great growth; Good connection as a couple; Good leading skills; Wasn’t sharp enough; Judges were split on their opinions;
Score: 30
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Cha Cha Cha Icon: Ariana Grande
Judge’s comments: Better footwork; Need more straight legs; Too balletic; Good hip action; Feels the music beautifully; Smooth;
Score: 33
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Dance: American Smooth Icon: Prince
Judge’s comments: Good frame; Moved across floor beautifully; Timing into lifts were great; Technical aspects need improving; Add to the performance; Flat feet; Lost their way halfway through the dance;
Score:30
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: Salsa Icon: Cher
Judge’s comments: Much better than last week; On the wrong foot a couple of times; A show salsa number; Immaculate timing; Recovering from double hip replacement(!); Needed more rotation in hips; A comeback queen!
Score: 28
The leaderboard looked like this:
Results Show
Head Judge this week is…. Anton!
The female professional dancers were outstanding in their interpretation of “Britney Through The Ages”, a really enjoyable dance routine.
The couple who were in the dance off were:
Amber and Nikita and Jimmy and Lauren
Judge’s Votes
Craig Revel Horwood – Amber and Nikita Motsi Mabuse – Amber and Nikita Shirley Ballas – Amber and Nikita
Anton would have agreed with the judges.
So, Jimmy and Lauren had to leave the show.
My Thoughts
Jimmy was one of my choices for the final, so I’m not a happy bunny, but I still have Vicky, Lewis and Alex left….
I thought the Icons week was a bit hit and miss. George’s music didn’t seem to gel with a jive and as for the outfit he was wearing, it was less Harry Styles and more Children’s TV Style!
With both couples being in the top section of the leaderboard it does show that it is more of a popularity contest than a dance contest…
I have been reading a lot about who should replace Tess and Claudia as presenters of the show, from Fleur and Janette, to Rylan and Alison Hammond, even Wallace and Gromit!
I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a bit of a revamp of the show and I personally would like to see Anton take over as main presenter, I think he would do a great job, much in the same way as Bruce Forsyth used to.
Next week is Halloween week, when the costume, hair and makeup departments come into their own. Cue spooky music, cool graphics and goodness knows what the judges will be wearing!
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
There were no announcements this week and there was no special theme, all the couples were dancing, so we got straight on with the action!
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Quickstep
Judge’s comments: Elegant; Looks more settled; A-Star personality; A bit of gapping; Focused; Great energy; Slightly sickled feet;
Score: 27
We were treated to a spot of karaoke by the judges…
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Dance: Rumba
Judge’s comments: Intense; Great choreography; More movement through the hips; Good effort; More fluidity; Great partnering skills; Chemistry!
Score: 26
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance: Samba
Judge’s comments: Improved; Great execution of footwork; Work on her frame; Great choreography; More power; Sharper arms; Great performance;
Score: 29
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell
Dance: Charleston
Judge’s comments: Find more musicality; Stilted; Played too safe; Great storytelling; Best dance so far; No mistakes this time; A job well done!
Score: 26
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Foxtrot
Judge’s comments: Beautiful movement; Too much energy into some moves; Musicality in abundance; Lovely footwork;
Score: 34
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Dance: Couple’s Choice
Judge’s comments: Great combinations and rhythms; A little out of synch; Needed cleaner shapes; Lacked focus; Great energy;
Score:29
As George and Alexis were dancing to a Coldplay song, Tess said that in honour of Coldplay they should get out their own audience cam…
Oh no! Not another scandal!!
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Tango
Judge’s comments: Great storytelling; Lost it in the middle; Beautiful frame; More of a Y-frame needed; Impressing Craig; Intense way of moving;
Score: 30
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: Cha Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: So much went wrong; No hip action; More flexibility in body; Shirley wouldn’t be able to judge it; Didn’t get off to a good start from the beginning; Anton enjoyed it!
Score: 14
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge’s comments: Needs consistency; A little bit messy from move to move; Arms and hands telling stories; Good energy; A couple of mishaps; Improvement;
Score: 28
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Rumba
Judge’s comments: Shirley came down from the desk to congratulate Alex; Exaggerate top line; Great partnership;
Score: 36
With a 10 from Shirley!
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Dance: Salsa
Judge’s comments: Lacked any rotation; Lacked fluidity; No upper body movement; Extraordinary lifts; Improving every week; Strong in performance; Role model;
Score: 24
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Argentine Tango
Judge’s comments: Great lifts; Super fast steps; Good hand placement; Work on footwork; Beautifully timed; Seemed hard work; Refined execution;
Score: 33
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Dance: Couple’s Choice
Judge’s comments: It had energy; Great display in self expression; Strong, powerful; Heart and soul into the dance; Amazing;
Score: 31
The leader board this week…
Results Show
Head judge this week is…. Craig Revel Horwood.
The couple who were in the dance off were:
Balvinder and Julian
and
Chris and Nadiya
Judge’s votes:
Motsi Mabuse – Balvinder and Julian Shirley Ballas – Chris and Nadiya Anton Du Beke – Chris and Nadiya
Craig’s casting vote came into play and he voted for…
Balvinder and Julian
So this week, we say goodbye to Chris and Nadiya and we head to Week 5 which is Icon Week!
My Thoughts
With the new style of giving us the results we didn’t get to hear which icons Jimmy and Amber were going to be, as they didn’t get to sit on the sofa and chat to Claudia.
With La Voix being on the bottom of the leader board by 10 points and not being in the dance off, it does highlight the fact that popularity is a major factor.
But a plus, we did get to see Gorka, as he was in the dance routine with Leigh-Anne…
I will take this time to remind everyone of my picks for this season and you’ll have to admit, I’m doing pretty well!
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
We were one couple down this week as Stefan Dennis was ill and him and Dianne received a bye into the next round…
BUT we were one judge up: there was a special judge who gave each of the couple’s a mentoring session… Academy Award-nominated Hollywood superstar, Cynthia Erivo.
Cynthia did contribute to the judging panel in terms of feedback, but she didn’t score the couples.
So, roll out the red carpet and let’s go to the movies!
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: American Smooth Film: The Sound of Music
Judge’s comments: Clean with fluidity. Lovely lift. Gave Motsi goosebumps. Beautiful footwork. American Smooth danced at its very best. Musicality and characterisation were good.
Score: 35
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Dance: Paso Doble Film: Thor
Judge’s comments: Improvement. Better posture. Listen more to music. Strong heel. Little bit ploddy. Too placed. Putting character into dance.
Score: 22
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Couple’s Choice Film: KPop Demon Hunters
Judge’s comments: Came out of his shell. Started off reserved. Lacked edge. Needed to be sharper. Out of synch. Coped with the challenge. Flexible.
Score: 31
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: Waltz Film: Mary Poppins
Judge’s comments: Beautiful. More shape to upper body. Lovely harmony and partnership. Joyous. Wonderful to see the realness. Superb musicality.
Score: 28
Ross King and Jowita Przystal
Dance: Paso Doble Film: Thunderbirds
Judge’s comments: Improved since last week. Should be proud of what he’s achieved. A mistake in front of judge’s desk. Stiff all the way through. Intense shapes.
Score: 19
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Foxtrot Film: Classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
Judge’s comments: Sophisticated. Tense. Lovely dancing. Elegant, class and grace. Finish at the ends of the arms and hands. Not very good footwork.
Score: 26
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Cha Cha Film: Miss Congeniality
Judge’s comments: Power-packed choreography. Refinement needed. Dance more on the diagonal. More hip action needed. Fantastic potential.
Score: 25
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Dance: Rumba Film: James Bond
Judge’s comments: Good job. Lovely body and hip action. Great theme and story. Beautiful choreography. More change of speed or pace needed. Craig was pleasantly surprised.
Score:
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance: Charleston Film: The Great Gatsby
Judge’s comments: No swivel. No double bounce, made it look flat-footed and heavy. Brilliant lifts. Showed personality. Overcome her nerves. More tone.
Scores: 25
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Dance: Samba Film: Barbie
Judge’s comments: Otsi’s most improved. Lots of control. Awareness of teacher was stunning. Timing was a little bit iffy. Skipping through it a little bit. Sells everything she dances.
Score: 27
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Quickstep Film: The Devil Wears Prada
Judge’s comments: Sensational characterisation. A bit of gapping. Potential to have best frame in competition. Perfect promenade position. Command control and power.
Score: 30
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Dance: Salsa Film: The Lion King
Judge’s comments: Needed more fluidity in the transitions. Clean, fresh, new and different. Lot of rhythm. Lifts were off the chart. Started to learn how to lead.
Score: 32
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Paso Doble Film: Zorro
Judge’s comments: Passion, tension, commitment. Extraordinarily great. Great storytelling. Amazing. Dance of the night for Motsi.
Score: 37
The leader board for this week was:
RESULTS SHOW
Head judge this week is… Shirley Ballas.
The couple who had to dance off were:
Balvinder and Julian
and
Ross and Jowita.
Again, no sofa talk for Vicky and Kai and Karen and Carlos….
Judge’s votes:
Anton – Balvinder and Julian Craig – Balvinder and Julian Motsi – Balvinder and Julian Shirley – Balvinder and Julian
So it’s goodbye to Ross and Jowita and we dance on into Week Four, that really has gone by quickly!
My Thoughts
Ross gave a very impassioned speech about how much he’s grateful to everyone for supporting him.
Perhaps Ross was a bit short-changed with his Thunderbirds theme, it must have been difficult to choreograph a Paso to that music and together with the costumes, they had a disadvantage from the start.
The costumes seemed a bit safe, the best in my opinion was Alex as Miranda Priestly. I think that Dianne and Stefan were doing Shrek, so that would have been interesting. Roll on Halloween, when they bring out the big guns in the makeup and hair department!
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it will contain spoilers!
It’s time to start the competition as one of the celebrities and their professional partner will be leaving the show…
The points from last week and the points this week will be combined and the public will be able to vote online for their favourite dancers! The link to vote is: www.bbc.co.uk/strictly
This week the Head Judge will be…. Oti Mabuse.
So, let’s kick off this week with–
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: The Jive
Judge’s comments: Good knee bounce; Immaculate timing; Dance looked a bit flat; Keep legs together!
Score: 19
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Tango
Judge’s comments: Nervousness showed; Good precision; Good spins; Hit some strong lines;
Score: 20
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Dance: Cha Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: A little bit heavy; Good hip swing; Great chemistry;
Score: 25
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Judge’s comments: Powerful; Needs to be smoother; Refinement needed; destined for greatness;
Score: 27
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Samba
Judge’s comments: Loved the fluidity; Brilliant timing; Perfect Samba walk; Best samba Shirley has seen; Brilliant; More tone and resistance; More hip rotation;
Score: 31
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Dance: Waltz
Judge’s comments: Lovely placement of hands; Great spins; Smoother runs; Not enough rise and fall; Huge improvement:
Score: 23
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden
Dance: Salsa
Judge’s comments: Timing completely off; Lacked any hip rotation or fluidity; Loved that he ‘went for it’; Good effort;
Judge’s comments: Work on musicality; Better than last week; Work on posture; More rise and fall; Most improved; Be more confident; Too cautious; Very square;
Score: 15
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Samba
Judge’s comments: Work on foot placement; Amazing body rhythm; Good synchronization; Great dance;
Score: 29
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dance: Foxtrot
Judge’s comments: Lovely heel turns; Gentle frame; Too close to Kai – lean back; Gapping; Lumps and bumps; Dance with realness; Charming; Too dependant on dance partner;
Score: 24
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Judge’s comments: Better than last week; More promise with posture and arms; Improve on footwork; Dance your height; Magnificent frame for ballroom;
Score: 16
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell
Dance: Cha Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: Brilliant partnership; Lots of mistakes; Very nervous; Great potential; Overall performance was stiff; Stompy; Full of content;
Score: 17
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge’s comments: Outstanding performance; Good narrative; Potential front runner? Tell the story through the face – which he did; Power and passion. More fluidity.
Score: 30
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Charleston
Judge’s comments: Pick feet up a little bit; More energy in the arms; Fantastic lifts; Gorgeous swivel; Fantastic; Outstanding; Wonderful choreography;
Score: 30
The leaderboard looks like this after combining last week’s scores;
RESULTS SHOW
The two pairs which had to dance in the dance off were:
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden
and
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Chris and Nadiya had a clean sweep of votes from Shirley, Anton and Craig, which meant that Tom and Amy were the first to leave. Motsi, as the Head Judge, would have also voted for Chris and Nadiya.
So, we say goodbye to Tom and Amy and head onto Week Three which is Movie Week! Time for our professionals and celebrities to encapsulate that movie magic!
My Thoughts
I thought Amy gave a lovely speech at the end of the show, explaining that she had lost all confidence as a dancer and that Tom’s smile in the training room, has brought her back and she thanked him.
I did feel sorry for Stefan, Diane and Harry and Karen as they didn’t get to sit on the sofa with Claudia as the other contestants did. And talking of Stefan, what was going on with that wig?
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it may contain spoilers!
It’s week one and already we have had a celebrity leave the competition…
Amber Davies was revealed as Dani’s replacement, she is a Welsh actor, podcaster, TV personality and West End star and she will be partnering Nikita Kuzmin.
As the well known opening sequence starts denoting the start of the series, I will get my usual gripe out of the way and say that why isn’t the professional dancer’s names included? To be honest, some of them are more famous than their celebrity counterpart!
And I just want to add that I am deeply saddened that Gorka “The Corker” Marquez hasn’t a partner this year, but I understand that he is a judge on Bailando con las Estrellas, the Spanish version of Strictly. So, here’s an image of him to keep us going until we spot him in the group dances….
Now, I’ve got all that of my chest, here we go for the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing 2025!
We kick off the series proper with a dance through the decades showcasing the judge’s dance moves, from Anton quickstepping to the iconic I’m In The Mood For Dancing, Shirley showing us why she is the Queen of Latin and Motsi performing a rumba to Alone by Heart. It’s good to see the judges on the dancefloor, that’s all you need to reaffirm that they know what they’re talking about!!
After Tess and Claudia are introduced, we are told that no-one will be going home tonight and their scores from this week and next week will be combined.
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Dance: Samba
Judge’s comments: Frame of a ballroom dancer; Timing issues; Good focus; Lacked fluidity; Lacked hip action; Score: 14
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Judge’s comments: Beautiful movement across the floor; Not enough in hold; Full of intent; Score: 21
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Dance: Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: Too Boogie Nights and all strut; Push ups not in the Cha Cha Cha; Concentrate on foundation of dance; Good energy; Entertaining; Picked up quickly when on wrong foot; Score: 19
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell
Dance: Foxtrot
Judge’s comments: Lovely top line; Littered with mistakes; Flair for musical theatre performance; Ballroom King in the making; Score: 22
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Dance: Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: Keep feet onto the floor, so stronger and more dynamic; Didn’t miss a beat with timing; Joyful to watch; Flat-footed; Score: 17
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Dance: Jive
Judge’s comments: Very good; Very courageous; Overloaded with choreography; Footwork got lost; Containment needed; Score: 28
Ross King and Jowita Przystal
Dance: Cha Cha
Judge’s comments: Feet were turned in; Balance was off; Uplifting performance; Awkward; Score: 10
Judge’s comments: Lacked hip action; Work on leg action; Good footwork; Good flexibility; Spectacular arms; Score: 23
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Dance: Quickstep
Judge’s comments: Great control; Beautiful footwork; Great frame; Confident; Work on selling the dance; Score: 27
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Dance: Samba
Judge’s comments: Straighten legs; Waist up, amazing; Flat-footed; No bounce; Pigeon-toed; Synchronised and co-ordinated arms; Score: 17
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Dance: American Smooth
Judge’s comments: Beautiful posture; More dynamic; Listen to Aljaz; New level of camp; Score: 24
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden
Dance: Paso Doble
Judge’s comments: Good job but need more next week; Square, flat and stompy; A* in oval shape in Paso Doble; No foot mistakes; Score: 16
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
Dance: Waltz
Judge’s comments: Outstanding; Concentrate on footwork; Good musicality; Frame needs a bit of work; Blessed with the neck of a flamingo, long elegant lines; Score: 27
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Dance: Jive
Judge’s comments: High energy; Sensational, best dance of the night; Softer edges needed; Score: 31
So, after all the performances, the leader board looks like this:
We were informed that the Head Judge position will be changing each week with all four judges sharing this responsibility.
My Thoughts
An enjoyable episode, but I felt it went on a bit too long, I was beginning to lose interest about three quarters of the way through and kept switching over to see how Tottenham Hotspur were doing (not very well!).
I felt some of the costumes weren’t up to the usual standard, especially Ross King’s and Karen Carney’s, I thought it would have been nice to make Karen’s costume a bit more feminine.
I did have Dani Dyer as one of my predictions to make top four, but as she’s now gone and based on tonight’s performances I’m going to go for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink!
Before you read this blog, please be aware that it may contain spoilers!
So, it is that time of the year again when Strictly starts and this is the start of the countdown to Christmas for a lot of people. But before we get to the festive season, we have a few landmarks to traverse first: Movie Night, Halloween and of course, Blackpool.
In the leadup to this programme, we have been introduced to the celebrities who will be taking part in this year’s show and now it is the time to find out which professional dancer they have been teamed up with.
There is a couple of new professionals, American-born Alexis Warr and from Australia, Julian Caillon.
The judges remain the same as last year: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas and once again co-hosted by Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman, (I love her and will be reviewing The Traitors, celebrity version in October!!)
So, here are the celebrities and their professional partners:
Balvinder Sopal and Julian CaillonAlex Kingston and Johannes RadebeDani Dyer and Nikita KuzminChris Robshaw and Nadiya BychkovaGeorge Clarke and Alexis WarrEllie Goldstein and Vito CoppolaJimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren OakleyHarry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen HauerLa Voix and Aljaž ŠkorjanecKaren Carney and Carlos GuRoss King and Jowita PrzystalLewis Cope and Katya JonesThomas Skinner and Amy DowdenStefan Dennis and Dianne BuswellVicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
They performed a group dance where we had a chance to see the celebrities dancing with their partners.
Now is the time for my predictions for the top four! I am going for:
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
AND MY DARK HORSE:
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Next week, the couples take to the floor for their first dance, but I don’t think there will be an elimination this week!
So in the words of Tess and Claudia, “Keep dancing.”
A journey through the meaning of life and anything else that grabs my attention!
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