WE’VE reached the halfway point in the competition and the weakest dancers have gone. Bodies are aching, tempers are fraying and the honeymoon period is over. In my 10 years on the show, I saw many men break down and cry at this stage. It’s why trust between the couples is imperative because it’s impossible to hide anything from the public. Mental strength and stamina are what count now. Would you like me to let you in on a secret about backstage requests? Let’s start with my dancing partner Anton Du Beke, who insists on a runner delivering his tea in a china cup while he watches the show.
When I was on Strictly, Tess Daly constantly nibbled sweets from a small box at her side, which the dancers raided.
I always wondered how Tess could eat so many while keeping her incredible figure.
But back to the scores – some of which were questionable last week.
Tilly Ramsay’s cha cha cha wasn’t her strongest dance despite her excellent characterisation, and I was surprised to see so many nines.
She needs sharp movements and drama for her tango and will find greater flexibility in her back by relaxing her upper body.
Craig Revel Horwood was spot on in saying John Whaite’s quickstep was repetitive.
John may be worried about his sensual rumba but Johannes Radebe will create something romantic and tasteful. AJ Odudu brought style and drama to her Viennese waltz. If she gets her foot swivels right for her Charleston, it will be the dance of the night.
Tom Fletcher’s tango wasn’t the cleanest I’ve seen and his upper frame fell apart. He has a hit and miss delivery, but could this be his week with the paso doble?
Well done to Rose Ayling-Ellis, who scored the first 40 of the series, the earliest full marks in the show’s history.
She had strong, staccato movements from head to toe and a beautiful ballroom frame.
The samba will be tougher as much of the style is danced individually.
The judges liked Dan Walker’s snappy lobster performance, but it fell flat for me. He’s rumoured to be doing street dance tonight. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry if it’s true.
I didn’t get the concept behind Sara Davies’s Halloween choice, and neither did the judges. But her ballroom is always exquisite so I’m excited for her quickstep.
Rhys Stephenson is charming, talented and polite but he needs to steal the nation’s heart to pick up floating votes.
I hear Adam Peaty is struggling with tonight’s jive so he must focus on technique.
Rose might slip to the bottom of tonight’s leaderboard, but I expect Dan and Rhys to be in the dance-off.