HomeTVStrictly Come Dancing 2016 week 11 live show recap

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 week 11 live show recap

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 entered the quarter-final stage tonight with the final five couples competing for a place in next week’s semi-final.

With only two more weeks to go after tonight, the Glitterball Trophy is within reach but it’s anyone’s guess who will claim it this series. Last weekend former politician Ed Balls and his partner Katya Jones left the competition after losing the dance-off to Judge Rinder and Oksana Platero.

Tonight’s theme was Musicals, meaning that the couples could get very creative with their routines and their costumes.

Who soared and who disappointed? Find out with our recap…

Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton

Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Ore and Joanne danced a very modern Paso Doble last week and it got a great reaction from the judges and viewers. During the week Ore admitted he couldn’t believe that he was in the final five. Joanne took Ore to meet Willy Wonka so they could get into character for their Foxtrot, which was based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The dance: Ore and Joanne did a very sweet Foxtrot. The setting was perfect and their routine was quite sentimental. They danced it really well and I think that’s enough to keep Ore in the competition.

The comments: Len said the routine was beautiful but told Ore there were a few wobbly moments. Bruno said he was expecting wacky but told Ore he conducted himself like a gentleman. Craig criticised Ore’s feet placement and balance but told him he had swing and sway. Darcey said Ore glided with style and told him she enjoyed it.

The score: 36 out of 40

Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero

Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Judge Rinder found himself in the dance-off last weekend after failing to impress with his Rumba. He was saved by the judges and during his VT said he didn’t want to end up in the bottom two again. For their routine this week Judge Rinder and Oksana met the actors from The Jersey Boys, who they’d themed the dance after. Tonight Judge Rinder and Oksana danced the Samba.

The dance: Not a good week for Judge Rinder. Following Danny Mac’s incredible Samba last week, Judge Rinder’s attempt was disappointing. His facial expressions were off-putting and the whole routine felt unnatural.

The comments: Bruno sang ‘walks like a man, dances like a nut’ and told Judge Rinder he channelled Carmen Miranda. Craig said Judge Rinder was flat-footed and stompy but commended his energy and hip action. Darcey said that Judge Rinder gave 100% throughout and complimented his ‘individual style’. Len said the dance was sunny and hot calling it a joy.

The score: 31 out of 40

Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton

Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Louise had a stellar week last weekend when she wowed with her Waltz. She admitted to being ‘chuffed’ by Darcey’s comments but didn’t have much time to enjoy the praise as she had to get to work on her Quickstep. Louise and Kevin adopted a Calamity Jane theme for their dance.

The dance: I didn’t see a whole lot of Quickstep in the routine. If I’m honest I was a bit disappointed by Louise and Kevin tonight.

The comments: Craig said that he loved the routine and thought the ideas in it were fantastic. Darcey said ‘yee-haw’ Louise and told her she was oozing character. Len told Louise that she could go on the West End stage after tonight’s performance but said there was too much of the musical in the routine. Bruno said that Louise and Kevin whipped the number into perfect shape.

The score: 37 out of 40

Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard

Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Claudia has been flirting with a 10 for the past few weeks and was hoping to get a few of them tonight. During the week Claudia struggled to get into character for her Lion King inspired dance so AJ took her to the zoo. Tonight they danced the Salsa.

The dance: Claudia and AJ had a lot of fun with their routine tonight and it was certainly one of the liveliest moments of the night. I thought it lacked a bit of energy but it was full of content.

The comments: Darcey commended the isolations and told Claudia there were lots of lovely things in the routine. Len said that Claudia captured the flavour of the Salsa and The Lion King. Bruno told Claudia that she let rip tonight and it was her best character yet. Craig told Claudia she was spotting the floor still but agreed with Darcey about the isolations.

The score: 37 out of 40

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Danny Mac blew away the competition last weekend with his amazing Samba, which saw him pick up the first 40 on the series for a Samba ever. Tonight Danny and Oti themed their Tango to Dreamgirls and they went to see the show during the week. Was it another leaderboard topping performance?

The dance: The best dance of the night. If Danny doesn’t win the series I’m going to eat my hat. He’s head and shoulders above everyone else and he’s the only one who consistently delivers every week.

The comments: Len said every night Danny dances he produces fantastic dances but had a few critiques of his footwork. Bruno said Danny gave a star turn and told him he was the star of the show. Craig agreed with Len about the heel leads and told Danny he needs to fix them. Darcey told Danny that he oozed character and charm.

The score: 38 out of 40

The overall leaderboard for the evening was:

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse ā€“ 38
Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard ā€“ 37
Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton ā€“ 37
Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton ā€“ 36
Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero ā€“ 31

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 continues at 7.20pm tomorrow night when the next couple leaves the competition. See all of the action from today’s dress rehearsal in our gallery below:

[gss carousel=”fx=carousel” ids=”1010766,1010764,1010765,1010767,1010768,1010769,1010770,1010771,1010772,1010773,1010774,1010775,1010776,1010777,1010778,1010779″]

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

Must Read

Advertisement