Strictly Come Dancing: Five talking points from movie week
Fourteen couples channelled Fame, The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing for a Hollywood special
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Strictly themed week is always a thing of joy, but tonight the show’s trip to the movies was even more impressive than usual. We had sensational choreography, reliably amazing costumes and a Grease-inspired routine that Shirley called “one of the best quicksteps in Strictly history”.
This is what everyone is talking about…
Faye and Giovanni do Sandy and Danny
This couple have it all – talent, likeability and Giovanni’s consistently innovative choreography. In some ways Grease is a gift of a theme, as it’s so instantly recognisable. But You’re The One That I Want is not easy quickstep music. It was a rapid, effortless, accomplished performance, that Faye delivered with charm and flair. The only bad thing about it was Giovanni’s Travolta quiff and Danny Zucko cardigan. Special mention must also be given to Katya’s choreography once again, as she turned Seann Walsh into Neo for an incredible Matrix routine, with slow-mo moments and some never-before-seen-on-Strictly steps.
From minions to Spiderman: give costume and make-up all the awards
The themed weeks are so exciting because they’re a visual feast, and that’s down to hair, make-up and costume. We had Kate in a long red wig as Jessica Rabbit, Graeme dressed as Spiderman and Dr Ranj and Janette as Aladdin and Jasmine. All exceptional, but the best look of the night had to be Kevin and Stacey as the minions from Despicable Me. They will be washing the yellow paint off their faces well into next week, and Kevin may just have to dye his hair blonde.
Ashley’s incredible lift: but is she not a professional anyway?
Everyone loves that Dirty Dancing lift, and what a relief that Ashley and Pasha managed to get it up (cough). But the usual grumbles began on social media, saying Ashley was too good to be on the show and her previous dancing experience was unfair. I’ll tell you what was unfair – Oti doing a solo in her dance so that Graeme could have 20 seconds off during the routine. It’s not Ashley’s fault she got invited onto the show, and that salsa was a treat for every viewer who loves good dancing. Leave her alone.
Who will go?
After you catch your breath from tonight’s amazing performances, you immediately start to wonder who will be sent packing. Lee and Nadiya plummeted towards the bottom of the leaderboard this week with an uninspiring Back to the Future cha cha, and last week’s dance-off proved they were struggling to get votes. It will be quite the feat if they avoid the bottom two tomorrow night. As for who will be joining them, Lauren, Dr Ranj and Katie are all in a vulnerable spot, but they’re also popular couples. It is a tough one to call.
Craig and Bruno’s bantz
These two judges are genuinely friends behind the scenes, where Craig is warmer than his on-screen persona and Bruno is a little calmer. Rumour has it he even manages to stay seated for prolonged periods of time. Despite being at opposite ends of the table they started a round of pantomime play-fighting tonight that the viewers lapped up. It all started when Craig started telling one couple their legs were not straight enough.
"You don’t know anything about being straight!" cackled Bruno, before remarking that at least he has his own hips, unlike CRH who has had both replaced. Lolz.
Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday on BBC One. The results show will then be aired on BBC1 on 7.15pm on Sunday night
Lauren and AJ are ready to become the kids from Fame. Lauren hadn't actually seen the film, but AJ seems quietly confident about this cha cha...
Lauren's sporting background is shining through - she's nitpicking every performance and wants to be perfect. She looks a bit lost dancing on that car and it takes a while for her to remember to smile. Looks like a dodgy rehearsal could have knocked her confidence. This is generally lacking punch and energy, which is unfortunate when you're dancing to the theme music from Fame, a song that demands a big performance.
Craig said it was lacklustre and needed more attack. He's absolutely right. Darcey agrees but still thinks Lauren has potential. Shirley says she has 'a fantastically built leg,' which is the weirdest compliment I've ever heard. Might put it on my dating profile.
Lauren and AJ: Cha cha scores
Craig: 4
Darcey: 5
Shirley: 5
Bruno: 6
Total: 20
'It's been a really hard week,' says Lauren.
Really looking forward to watching Charles and Karen recreate An Officer and a Gentleman. We've been promised impressive lifts, classical steps and, most importantly, a naval uniform for this suave American Smooth. Think this one will have the maturity and swagger that Joe's American Smooth lacked.
It's nice to see an actor bring their performance skills to the dance floor, happens less than you would think. This is very elegant and graceful, beautifully executed lifts. Not perfect, but lovely to watch.
Darcey compliments Charles on his balance, Shirley thinks he needed to listen to the music more carefully and Brrrrrruno said he really is a good dancer. Craig's a bit harsher, thinks Charles and Karen need to work on their partnership.
Charles and Karen: American Smooth scores
Craig: 6
Darcey: 6
Shirley: 6
Bruno: 7
Total: 25
'I'm a novice, improvement is everything and this is progress,' says Charles. Total score still feels a bit harsh to me.
The penultimate performance on the evening, it's Faye and Giovanni doing a quickstep to 'You're The One That I Want' from Grease. Squeaky clean Faye is more Sandra Dee than leather jacket Sandy, but she'll sell it. Can't see this being anything less than fab-u-lous.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments