Strictly Come Dancing entered enjoyed its third live show of the 2014 series tonight as the 14 remaining couples took to the dancefloor for Movie Week.
Each of the couples themed their dance around a popular movie using a song associated with it as their music. As was to be expected the production was bigger and better than ever and there were plenty of surprises.
Last week we had to say goodbye to MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace and his pro partner Aliona Vilani in the first results show of the series.
Tonight Donny Osmond joined the judging panel. He took his place next to Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman and Darcey Bussell. The show kicked off with a group dance featuring the pros, the celebs and the judges to There’s No Business Like Showbusiness.
Find out how each of the couples did over the course of tonight’s show…
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Alison Hammond has been thoroughly entertaining the past two weeks but found it harder to impress the judges with her Ballroom last week. In her intro VT Alison admitted that she was disappointed with the score she received. For Movie Week Alison and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec danced a Footloose themed Jive.
The dance: What a start to the show! We love Alison’s energy, her passion and her enthusiasm for dancing. It may not have been the most technically perfect Jive but we loved every single second of it.
The comments: Len said he was tapping along the whole time but told Alison that her performance was a bit loose throughout. Bruno said there was nothing wrong with a ‘loose woman from time to time’ but told her she needs to work the bottom half as much as the top half. Craig said he wanted more energy in the leg department but told Alison she always gives it her all. Darcey said Alison knows how to sell a performance but commented that she wasn’t as happy as she’s been with previous routines. Donny said he was looking at the performance and told Alison she really did pull the performance out tonight.
The score: 28 out of 50
Steve Backshall & Ola Jordan
Steve Backshall was not a natural on the dancefloor last week with his disappointing cha cha. After a promising first week, Steve found himself sliding down the leaderboard last week. For Movie Week Steve and his partner Ola Jordan danced a Jungle Book themed Quikstep. Did Steve climb his way back up the leaderboard?
The dance: A much better effort than last week from Steve. He moved around the dancefloor with ease and the routine was very entertaining. Technique wise a huge progression for Steve. If he keeps up this standard he’ll be a serious contender.
The comments: Bruno said Steve was ‘King of the jungle’ and commended the speed and energy of the routine. Craig said that Steve is ‘back in the competition’ but criticised his hand placements. Darcey had to fan herself down when she talked about Steve’s muscles but told him it was his best dance. Donny told Ola to take Steve clubbing to loosen up his body but told him the routine was fun.
The score: 34 out of 50
Jennifer Gibney & Tristan Macmanus
It was almost over for actress Jennifer Gibney last week when she made a mistake in her routine and ended up in the bottom two. The judges saved her and her pro partner Tristan Macmanus so the couple live to dance another week. This week they danced a Mamma Mia themed Foxtrot. Did Jennifer pull it back this week?
The dance: Oh Jennifer! We were rooting for you there but what a lot of mistakes. She’s going to be in trouble tomorrow once again we think. That wasn’t the slickest Foxtrot.
The comments: Craig said the miming was distracting and told Jennifer the routine was haphazard. Darcey said Jennifer clearly had fun but told her she lost her posture during the routine. Donny said Jennifer was more relaxed this week but told her she played it safe this week. Len said it was the most relaxed and confident he’d seen Jennifer so far in the competition. Bruno said Jennifer got the spirit of the song but forgot about the technique of the dance.
The score: 23 out of 50
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff
Blue star Simon Webbe admitted that last week’s Tango was out of his comfort zone. After two weeks in the competition Simon is proving to be incredibly hard on himself which is down to being a perfectionist. Simon and Kristina danced a Top Gun themed Rumba tonight. Did the passion ooze from their performance?
The dance: Stunning choreography from Kristina there. What a beautiful routine. Simon seemed more comfortable this week than he did with the Tango last week. There was a bit of dodgy hand placement in there though.
The comments: Darcey said that Simon was in constant pursuit of Kristina throughout the routine but told him the flow was broken slightly. Donny told Simon he needs to work his hips more then more the audience giggle by referencing a bit where Kristina ‘went down’. Len said Simon frustrated him because his ability is there but he’s too worried about what’s coming next in the routine. Bruno said he knew Simon could do better telling him he presented a dance rather than participated in it. Craig said there were no hips and the routine left him ‘cold and passionless’. Ouch!
The score: 30 out of 50
Judy Murray & Anton du Beke
We’re just going to say it – how did Judy not end up in the bottom two last week? She forgot most of her routine and really didn’t get into it at all. For Movie Week Judy and her partner Anton du Beke danced a Quickstep to a Funny Girl theme. During the week Anton helped Judy work on her glamour, something she said she’s not comfortable with. Did Judy shine on the dancefloor?
The dance: Judy, Judy, Judy! Once again she looked completely lost at the start of the routine was basically dragged around by Anton. This simply isn’t good enough for week 3. We’re definitely not a fan!
The comments: Donny said he was worried that Judy was going to burst into tears throughout the routine and commented that Anton led her all the way through. Len said Judy did a lovely job but admitted some parts were Mission Impossible. Bruno said that once Judy puts a foot wrong she becomes rigid and told her to let it go more. Craig said he was glad Judy did an illegal lift because it was the best part of the routine. Darcey said Judy looked like a glamorous film star and showed she was having fun.
The score: 23 out of 50
Tim Wonnacott & Natalie Lowe
Bargain Hunt presenter Tim Wonnacott showed a lot of improvement last night with his gorgeous Waltz. We didn’t think he had it in him but he really did impress. During the week Tim was given some help getting into the spirit of this week’s dance. Tonight Tim and his professional partner Natalie Lowe danced a Cabaret themed Charleston.
The dance: Oh Tim! Ballroom is definitely your stronger dance style. Whilst we commend the effort the Charleston was a bit of a mess and lacked the energy we’d expect from the dance. One step backwards…
The comments: Len said that Tim puts the ‘boy’ in ‘flamboyant’ and told him it wasn’t his finest moment. Bruno said Tim put everything into his character but lost his technique. Craig said he liked the stylisation but told Tim the Charleston was a disaster. Darcey said it was a lot of fun but agreed with the other judges that the technique was lacking. Donny said it was charming but told Tim it was more comedy than Charleston.
The score: 22 out of 50
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
TV presenter Caroline Flack is proving to be one of the strongest female celebrities in this year’s series. She’s had good scores for the first two week and her partnership with Pasha Kovalev is working really well. Tonight Caroline and Pasha danced an Armageddon-themed Rumba. Did they make a passionate pairing?
The dance: That was another beautiful performance from Caroline. A passionate Rumba with great technique. How did she concentrate with a shirtless Pasha in front of her?
The comments: Bruno said Caroline was like ‘a generator of body heat’ and told her she made connections throughout. Craig said he thought it was a little bit punchy but told Caroline he absolutely loved the performance. Darcey commended Caroline’s passion and conviction. Donny said ‘yeah baby’ and told Caroline he forgot who the celebrity was and who the pro was. Len said Caroline’s performance was absolutely terrific but told her she could have worked her hips more.
The score: 42 out of 50
Scott Mills & Joanne Clifton
Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills hasn’t exactly set the dancefloor on fire with his dances in the series so far. What he lacks in technique he’s made up for with enthusiasm and is proving popular with viewers. Tonight Scott and his partner Joanne Clifton danced a Little Mermaid themed Samba. Did Scott make a big improvement?
The dance: Despite Joanne’s best efforts that was a great big mess. We’re not sure Scott actually danced during that routine. It was entertaining for sure but we don’t think it was enough to keep him out of the bottom two tomorrow night.
The comments: Craig said it was like a lobster on acid. Darcey said Scott had plenty of spring but told Scott it was very flat-footed and didn’t look like a Samba. Donny said he loved the routine but told Scott that the dancing was all over the place. Len said there was ‘something fishy about the technique’ but admitted it was fun and entertaining. Bruno said ‘the crab is off the menu’ and told Scott it was a wobbly performance.
The score: 25 out of 50
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Frankie Bridge has been really consistent the past two weeks and scored 30 out of 40 on both occasions. Partnered with Kevin Clifton, Frankie is really progressing and showing that she’s a versatile dancer. Tonight Frankie and Kevin danced the Paso Doble to America from West Side Story. Did they give another cracking performance?
The dance: Wow! First standing ovation of the night and so well deserved. We didn’t think Frankie would be able to pull off powerful but she did a fantastic job. We loved that Paso Doble!
The comments: Darcey said she loved seeing Frankie’s feistier side and admitted she didn’t think she had it in her. Donny said Frankie was the perfect Maria and told her he wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her. Len said it was Frankie’s best dance so far. Bruno said that Frankie and Kevin fused the movements of the movie with the Paso and he loved it. Craig agreed with the other judges and called it ‘absolutely dynamic’.
The score: 45 out of 50
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
EastEnders star Jake Wood blew the socks off the audience and the judges with his incredible Salsa last week. The actor admitted he didn’t know how he would top the routine but we’re sure in Janette Manrara’s capable hands he’ll be fine. This week Jake’s family visited him in rehearsal to spur him on. Tonight Jake and Janette danced a Godfather themed Waltz.
The dance: Another smooth performance from Jake tonight.
The comments: Donny said that he loved Jake’s attitude and called him ‘the coolest man in the room’. Len told Jake he needs to get swing and sway into the Waltz but told him his footwork was good. Bruno said he liked the dark tinge of Jake’s Waltz and likened it to an Argentine Tango. Craig said he liked Jake’s take on the Waltz and had an argument with Len over the swing and sway. Darcey said Jake did an incredibly steady Waltz but warned him to watch one of his shoulders which he pushes forward.
The score: 40 out of 50
Pixie Lott & Trent Whiddon
Pixie Lott impressed with her Waltz last week and she’s doing well 2 weeks into the competition. Being a popstar people have expected Pixie to have natural rhythm and she’s definitely one of the more refined dancers of the pack this series. Tonight Pixie and her partner Trent Whiddon danced a Beauty and the Beast themed Quickstep.
The dance: Technically Pixie danced that superbly but we felt there was something missing in that routine. Was it a bit too safe perhaps? It was nice enough but we just didn’t love it.
The comments: Len said that the routine was his ‘cup of tea’. Bruno said that Pixie captures the Disney magic but said it was a fantastic routine. Craig said the amount of detail in the routine was extraordinary but criticised the timing. Darcey said that the chemistry between Pixie and Trent was ‘divine’ but told her to stretch her feet more during kicks. Donny said Pixie could be his princess any time.
The score: 43 out of 50
Thom Evans & Iveta Lukosiute
Former rugby star Thom Evans has found himself around the middle of the leaderboard since Strictly started this year. Last week’s Salsa showed a bit more personality but there’s something lacking with Thom so far. Tonight Thom and his partner Iveta Lukosiute danced an On The Town themed Charleston.
The dance: Thom showed a bit more personality through the Charleston tonight. He had great energy and bounce but we saw a couple of mistakes. Overall it was a good routine and Thom did a good job.
The comments: Bruno said he got to see Thom’s personality tonight and told him his timing was almost good. Craig said there were a lot of difficult rhythm changes that Thom kept up with. Darcey said she wasn’t expecting Thom’s performance and told him she could see how hard he’s worked. Donny said that Thom got off balance at one point but told him it was a great performance. Len said ‘hello sailor’ and he pointed out Thom’s progression over the past 3 weeks.
The score: 38 out of 50
Sunetra Sarker & Brendan Cole
Casualty star Sunetra Sarker is the dark horse of the competition and she got a bit emotional when getting her critique last week. During rehearsals Sunetra’s kids came along to give her some constructive feedback. Tonight Sunetra and her partner Brendan Cole danced a Swing Time themed American Smooth.
The dance: Sunetra really is the dark horse of the competition. That was a confident and technically sound performance. We’re loving Sunetra and she’s really surprising every week.
The comments: Craig said it was ‘smooth, confident and very stylish’ but told Sunetra her shoulders needed work. Darcey said the American Smooth really suited Sunetra and told her she controlled the routine. Donny said he had a smile on his face the whole time she was dancing. Len said ‘style with a smile’ and told Sunetra she was fantastic. Bruno said Sunetra swept him away and told her she had elegance and sass.
The score: 40 out of 50
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Closing out the show tonight was TV and radio presenter Mark Wright and his partner Karen Hauer. Mark and his beaming smile have won the audience and the judges over the past two weeks and he’s scored consistently well. Tonight Mark and Karen danced a Superman themed Paso Doble. Was it out of this world?
The dance: A show-stopping Paso Doble to end the show tonight. Mark did really well with his superhero charged routine. He got the second standing ovation of the night and we think he’s improved again.
The comments: Darcey said it was weirdly enjoyable but told Mark he wasn’t a superhero for him tonight. Donny said that Mark is Superman and told him he loved it. Len said Mark came out full on but told him he was a little bit over the top. Bruno said he liked the routine and admitted that ‘somehow it works’. Craig said he’d never seen a Paso quite like it but admitted he enjoyed it.
The score: 35 out of 50
The leaderboard for tonight’s show is:
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton – 45
Pixie Lott & Trent Whiddon – 43
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev – 42
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara – 40
Sunetra Sarker & Brendan Cole – 40
Thom Evans & Iveta Lukosiute – 38
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer – 35
Steve Backshall & Ola Jordan – 34
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff – 30
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec – 28
Scott Mills & Joanne Clifton – 25
Jennifer Gibney & Tristan Macmanus – 23
Judy Murray & Anton du Beke – 23
Tim Wonnacott & Natalie Lowe – 22
Tune in to the Strictly Come Dancing results show tomorrow night at 7.20pm to find out which couple leaves the competition. Take a look at the couples in rehearsal earlier today in our gallery:
