Strictly Come Dancing 2015 continued tonight as the competition entered week 4.
Last week Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo was eliminated along with his partner Oti Mabuse after failing to win the judges’ votes during the dance-off against Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe. Tonight the remaining 13 couples danced their socks off to try and secure their place in the competition.
Judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Darey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli offered their constructive (and biting) critique over the course of the night while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman looked after the couples before and after every dance. Last week’s Movie Week was always going to be a tough show to beat but did Strictly manage it tonight?
Keep reading to find out how everyone got on…
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko
Anita Rani continued to wow the judges last week and admitted in her intro VT that Gleb’s choreography is difficult to get to grips with. During the week Anita and Gleb went on a ramble for Children in Need and Gleb made sure that they found time to rehearse. Tonight Anita and Gleb danced the Samba but did they continue to impress the judges?
The dance: What a start to the show. Shirtless Gleb, sexy moves from Anita and a stunning routine. Anita definitely won’t be going home this week after that performance. The Samba isn’t an easy routine to pull off.
The comments: Len said that Anita’s ‘hips don’t lie’ and told her that she coped very well. Bruno said that the routine warmed up nicely but told Anita it needed to be more relentless. Craig said it was a little stiff in places and told Anita she needed to work on her spotting. Darcey said that Anita’s determination and focus shows but told her that she was missing a bit of flow.
The score: 27 out of 40
Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff
Daniel O’Donnell looked like he was having the time of his life with his Grease themed routine last week but he didn’t impress the judges. Tonight Daniel and his partner Kristina Rihanoff were dancing an aviation themed American Smooth. Could he get back in the judges’ good graces?
The dance: Daniel put in a good effort tonight. He was better in hold than out, and seemed most comfortable when he had Kristina guiding him. His timing was a little off in the solo sections and the routine lacked a bit of flair for an American Smooth.
The comments: Bruno said that there was ‘turbulence in the middle’ and told Daniel his performance was ‘adequate’. Craig said that the routine needed swing and sway and told Daniel it was lacking a lot of style. Darcey said that Daniel was very good on the lifts but told him he needs to get over the nerves and be guided by the music. Len said it had a ‘lovely, easy feel’ and agreed with the other judges that Daniel was a little bit careful.
The score: 23 out of 40
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole
Last weekend Kirsty Gallacher had a lot of fun with her costume by doing a Lady and the Tramp themed dance with her partner Brendan Cole. The judges told her that they saw improvement last week and she scored her highest score in the series to date. Tonight Kirsty and Brendan danced the Paso Doble but did they continue to build on their score?
The dance: For a Paso that was a bit of a damp squib. It was far too soft and lacked the impact you would expect from a typical Paso. The random song choice didn’t help Kirsty’s cause either. She could be in trouble after that.
The comments: Craig said ‘it had as much shape as a broomstick’ and told Kirsty it all went to pot when she was out of Brendan’s hold. Darcey said that Kirsty is gaining confidence but admitted it was hard for a female dancer to do a good Paso. Len said ‘it was tasty in places’ and told Kirsty he enjoyed watching it. Bruno said that Kirsty ‘went for the kill’ but destroyed her shaping.
The score: 21 out of 40
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice
We really thought that the judges were harsh to Georgia and Giovanni last week. Their Rumba was fantastic and for our money they were massively underscored. Hoping to keep climbing up the leaderboard the couple were dancing the Quickstep tonight. During training Giovanni took Georgia trampolining. Did it help her perfect her routine?
The dance: Hmmm. That wasn’t their best dance on the series so far. It was a little bit choatic in places and something seemed a little bit off. The energy was high though and Georgia gave it her all.
The comments: Darcey said that Georgia is a ‘dream to watch’ and told her that she gave so much to the performance. Len said that Georgia lost her neck a little bit towards the end but complimented the amount of content that she managed to deliver. Bruno said the dance had a ‘weightless quality’ but told Georgia to keep the posture in her back. Craig said Georgia’s movement was great but told her that her top line could be a little ‘quieter’.
The score: 31 out of 40
Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton
Jeremy Vine isn’t the best dancer in the competition but he really gives it his all. Tonight he had a big challenge as he was dancing the Jive with his partner Karen Clifton. During training Karen took Jeremy to a swimming pool to help him with his dance moves. Did Karen’s training help him to improve tonight?
The dance: That was one of the most gangly Jives we’ve ever seen but it was very entertaining. Bless Jeremy, he really did try
The comments: Len said that Jeremy is ‘consistently not the best’ but told him that he is the most fun. Bruno said that Jeremy always manages to put together peculiar moves that are memorable. Craig said it was ‘like watching a stork that had been struck by lightening’. Darcey said that she finds Jeremy ‘inspiring’ and told him that he makes every dance his own.
The score: 20 out of 40
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton
EastEnders star Kellie Bright had a ball last week with her Star Wars themed Charleston and was overjoyed with the comments from the judges. This weekend Kellie was dancing the Foxtrot with her partner Kevin Clifton. The dance was inspired by the story of Kellie’s grandparents relationship. Did Kellie do enough to impress the judges?
The dance: That was a really lovely dance. It was so elegant and classy. Kellie did her grandparents proud and we loved the routine. She’s doing really well in the competition and we think she’ll go far.
The comments: Bruno said that it had a ‘retro feel’ and told Kellie he loved the detail in her performance. Craig said that he ‘loved it’. Darcey said that Kellie brought a quality of ‘calm and graciousness’ and told her that she was very clean. Len said it was ‘lovely’.
The score: 32 out of 40
Jamelia and Tristan MacManus
Jamelia scored well last week with the judges despite messing up part of her routine. This week she had a huge challenge as she had to tackle a Charleston. During the week she got a message from Paula Abdul wishing her luck as she was dancing to one of her songs. Did Jamelia and her partner Tristan MacManus wow the judges?
The dance: That was Jamelia’s best dance yet. She was confident and really embraced the routine. She had a lot of fun and we really enjoyed watching her performance.
The comments: Craig said that thought Jamelia came into her own this week and called the Charleston her dance. Darcey said that Jamelia’s stamina has really improved. Len said that it was Jamelia’s best dance. Bruno said that Jamelia was ‘right on it’ and told her that her confidence had really grown.
The score: 32 out of 40
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
The Wanted star Jay McGuiness scored the first 10 of the series last week when he blew the judges away. He’s now the favourite to win the competition and he has a lot of pressure to live up to last week’s incredible performance. During the week Jay visited his old school as he prepared to deliver a show-stopping Quickstep with Aliona Vilani.
The dance: Jay didn’t perform as well as last week but there’s no doubt that he’s the one to beat in this competition. The routine seemed a little stompy in places but overall it was a solid performance.
The comments: Darcey said it was a shame that Jay made a mistake during the performance. Len said that Jay’s brain couldn’t handle all of the steps he had to carry out. Bruno said that Jay needs to keep his bum tucked under and told him that he crash-landed a few times. Craig didn’t have much to offer in the way of critique.
The score: 25 out of 40
Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev
Carol Kirkwood has managed to escape the dance-off this series so far despite being one of the worst dancers in the competition. During her intro VT she admitted that she’d love to hear the judges tell her that she had improved. This weekend she was dancing the Paso Doble with her partner Pasha Kovalev.
The dance: Where the heck did that come from Carol? Easily her best dance this series and she performed it with real passion. Is this a turning point for the weather presenter?
The comments: Len said that Carol got into character and ‘went for it’. Bruno said that the dance needed more passion, aggression and attack. Craig said that it was the first time he’d seen Carol’s body engage in the dance and told her to work on her hands. Darcey said that she really enjoyed what Carol produced and told her that she could tell she’d worked hard.
The score: 22 out of 40
Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe
Ainsley Harriott found himself in the bottom two last week but survived to dance another week. During the week Ainsley’s partner Natalie Lowe tried to help the chef work on his frame so that he wouldn’t get criticised by the judges. Tonight Ainsley and Natalie danced the Waltz.
The dance: That was a pleasant performance from Ainsley. Was it enough to keep him out of the dance-off again?
The comments: Bruno said that Ainsley hardly had any blanks this week but told him to extend his lines. Craig said that Ainsley’s frame and posture was better but told him that he really enjoyed the performance. Darcey said that she enjoyed the performance and told Ainsley he ‘expressed a real charm’. Len told Ainsley to concentrate on keeping a long neck and commended his footwork.
The score: 26 out of 40
Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec
Helen George turned in a very classy performance last week and she’s proving to be a real contender. Tonight she was dancing the Salsa with her partner Aljaz Skorjanec. To tackle her fear of lifts and heights, Aljaz took Helen to the Shard. Did Helen overcome her fear of lifts?
The dance: Well Helen conquered her fear of lifts. Her Salsa was packed with content and energetic.
The comments: Craig said that wanted Helen to ‘earth the grind’ a little more and told Helen that she’s an incredible dancer. Darcey said the last lift was risky and congratulated Helen on her efforts. Len said that Helen’s performance was ‘great’. Bruno called Helen ‘saucy Nursey’ and told her the performance was ‘sexy and hot’.
The score: 32 out of 40
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara
Peter Andre wowed the judges last week and his partnership with Janette Manrara is really blossoming. During training Peter admitted that his hectic schedule had made the week tough and he was visited by his wife Emily. Tonight Peter and Janette danced the Tango. Did they impress?
The dance: Another solid effort from Peter. He performed with energy and passion and we were impressed with his Tango. He may have been struggling during the week but you couldn’t tell with his performance tonight.
The comments: Darcey said that the routine played to Peter’s strengths and she commended Janette’s choreography. Len said that Peter has to be careful not to over-dance with his routines but told him he did well tonight. Bruno said that Peter was ‘right on it’ and told him it was obvious he knew what he was doing. Craig said it was ‘dynamic’ and everything you want from a Tango.
The score: 32 out of 40
Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke
Katie Derham closed the evening and she’s been having a rollercoaster of a time on the show. After a strong start, Katie has had a tough couple of weeks so she really needed to pull it out of the bag this week. During training Katie was visited by her daughters to give her a boost. Tonight Katie and Anton danced the Viennese Waltz.
The dance: That was a much better performance from Katie this week. She’s clearly much more comfortable with Ballroom and she kept up well with Anton. A return to form!
The comments: Len said he didn’t think that Katie would pull it off but told her he saluted her. Bruno said that Katie was ‘made for turning’ and told her she was ‘made for ballroom’. Craig said there was a couple of skippy moments and admitted he had no idea how Katie learned the routine in a week. Darcey said there was a lot of content this week and called the dance ‘beautiful’.
The score: 33 out of 40
The leaderboard for the evening is:
Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke – 33
Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec – 32
Jamelia and Tristan MacManus – 32
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton – 32
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara – 32
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice – 31
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko – 27
Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe – 26
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani – 25
Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff – 23
Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev – 22
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole – 21
Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton – 20
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 continues tomorrow night at 7.15pm. Check out all the action from today’s dress rehearsal in our gallery below:
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