Having impressed week on week, Ranvir and Giovanni took on the American Smooth in the hopes of securing a spot in next week’s Strictly Come Dancing quarter-final. And the GMB star and her partner replicated their good form once more – although not all the judges felt they were giving their all. So much so, Craig Revel-Horwood and Motsi Mabuse encouraged the two to “spice things up” next time they take to the dance floor.
Giovanni and Ranvir, who’ve been at the centre of the Strictly romance rumour mill for weeks, didn’t seem to put a foot wrong in their routine this evening.
Sadly, the same couldn’t be said for the likes of Bill Bailey and Clara Amfo, who both were pulled up for missing steps in their respective dances.
However, the performance only received a moderate score of 24 from the judges, landing them in joint fourth on the leaderboard with only Clara and Aljaz beneath.
And despite Giovanni shouting “wonderful” and “beautiful” moments after the routine, Craig and Motsi had rather different approaches.
READ MORE: Craig Revel Horwood scolds Clara Amfo for ‘forgetting’ routine
Shirley heaped the praise on the two before Motsi began her critique: “The secret about this partnership which I absolutely adore and love,
“Is the connection between you two guys, the partnering, it’s so important to have that – especially in the ballroom dances.
“We don’t see that much gapping anymore, you are allowed to open yourself up.
“I love that you are owning the dance floor, you are owning it. It has become your home.”
The Strictly stalwart weighed in: “I would’ve liked to have seen more interesting lifts.
“You’ve got an opportunity in this dance to do something spectacular and amazing.”
Giovanni appeared to disagree as he rolled his eyes and giggled before the judge continued: “You chose not to,
“Which is fine, you played safe, that’s alright – you need more finesse in your arms when you’re going in and out of holds.”
Craig then said one of the moments in the routine in which Ranvir placed her arm on Giovanni’s back landed “like a lead weight”.
So can fans be expecting a slightly more risqué performance from the two if they make it to next week’s quarter-final?
Ahead of tomorrow’s dreaded dance-off, however, Ranvir certainly isn’t safe as she, Bill and JJ all stand on 24 points.
Only Clara’s 19 point haul is worse – but will they survive to dance another day?
Strictly Come Dancing continues with its results show on Sunday on BBC One.