Key events
On Wynne Evans’ Charleston, VirgilHilts says: “God knows I love Katya but that wasn’t great. It was too mechanical, no flow, stop-start. I’m not sure what Wynne is built for but it isn’t that.”
girlpanic adds: “Strange choice of music for a Charleston! Poor Wynne was not great with technique but he definitely knows how to perform. And that lift at the end – I thought Katya was going to go flying!”
Pete Wicks’ pink-trousered cha cha certainly caused a stir. jonbob47 says: “Not amused by how Pete has been objectified there. Frankly, he looked humiliated. Play it back and look at how he was holding his coat over his crotch. And how his anatomy was talked about by the judges. Wouldn’t see that if he was a female contestant would we? Misandry that needs to be called out, I’m afraid.”
Clarissaharlowe1 says: “Do Shirley and Anton not see that scoring Pete an eight makes an absolute mockery of the entire scoring system? Shirley needs to remember she’s not supposed to be scoring highly just because she likes it! Does Pete have some hold over them?”
Hopefulducky says: “What Craig said. Noooo, Pete. Very brave to wear the pink but it’s a no from me, especially because of Shirley’s tasteless reaction.”
MaineC says: “Pete and Jowita were stitched up. Not their fault.”
Bigted1980 adds: “Jesus wept. Just catching up, has Jowita got a holiday booked next week she needs to be free for?”
On JB Gill’s Rickrolling quickstep, MikeMoonlight says: “Good grief, I’ve heard better covers on those Top Of the Pops albums that sold for 49p in Woolworths in the 70’s than that version of Rick Astley.”
Whistledownthewind says: “If ever there was a case for getting rid of backing dancers, it’s during the quickstep, surely? Footwork is so important and anything that distracts attention from that is just in the way.”
YodaknowsAll adds: “That quickstep from JB was seriously good. Not even the strange musical arrangement could detract from it.”
On Sarah Hadland’s joint leaderboard-topping Couple’s Choice, EnglishAthene says: “No. Sorry. Sarah and Vito not good use of the floor! The judges will disagree!”
Heartticker says: “Now THAT is what I call a Couple’s Choice. An extra point because we didn’t get a sob story.”
acanthe adds: That was Fosse-mazing – loved it!”
As for Montell Douglas’ salsa, Whistledownthewind says: “I really enjoyed that from Montell and JoJo. So much energy and enthusiasm! Really hope she’s not in danger this week because that was lots of fun.”
MarkRoche says: “Montell is usually such a star performer, but something felt a bit flat from her there.”
SnailyWhaley adds: “That was an example of backing dancers being way too distracting and me struggling to see the main couple. They were great in Chris and Dianne’s routine, maybe because they had to stay out of his way.”
On Chris McCausland’s American smooth, Pancake01 says: “That was such a brilliant dance. I am actually sobbing here because I loved it so much. Proper music, costumes, style and a gawjus dance from Chris. No idea how he did it, as ever.”
Phoebe says: “I loved that. Dianne looks stunning and so does Chris, dancing a proper dance to proper music. Amazing silky dancing. If that doesn’t raise a few 10s I’ll be devastated.”
irreverentnurse adds: “Smooth as butter off a hot knife. Bravo!”
Your Blackpool verdicts are in
A swift seaside vox pop of your comments. On that Pet Shop Boys opening number, Canterbury1 says: “Finally, a proper (and bloody brilliant) opening. And I want Claudia’s outfit for lounging about the house!!!”
GreenAppleRedApple adds: “Did not appreciate the Pet Shop Noys at the time but in middle age, I’ve realised how absolutely amazing they are.”
Blackpool special went with a bang
An entertaining enough seaside special but not a vintage year for me. Backing dancers, big-scale production, crowd-pleasing performances and ambitious choreography added up to some spectacular routines, befitting of the Tower Ballroom surroundings.
A little flat in places, though – not helped by the harsh reception for Jamie Borthwick’s jive. Clearly intended to be a big finish but harsh judging meant we ended with a whimper. Some of the scoring was all over the shop, too – especially from Shirley and Anton.
Boybands and murder, swords and sandals
TV viewers can now flip to BBC Two for Boybands Night or Channel 4 for Lenny Henry’s Legends of Comedy. For a spot of clever cosy crime, the mighty Lesley Manville stars in Moonflower Murders at 9.15pm on BBC One, the sequel to Magpie Murders.
If you’re in the mood for a film, there’s Gladiator (9.15pm on Sky Showcase), 28 Weeks Later (10pm on MTV), Inglourious Basterds (10.20pm on Channel 4) or brilliant Iranian drama No Bears (10.35pm on BBC Four). Are you not entertained?
Golden Glitterballs: Blackpool edition
They’ve got prestige written all the way through, like a stick of Blackpool rock. Here are this week’s seaside gong-getters…
Best dance: Sarah Hadland’s Fosse-inspired Couple’s Choice for me, even if it divided you below the line.
Worst dance: Pete Wicks by some stretch. All trousers and no cha-cha.
Best music choice: The big band version of Van Halen’s Jump was a swinging, jazzy treat. Chosen by Chris McCausland himself, too.
Worst music choice: Right Said Fred and Rick Astley both creaked at the seams.
Best outfit: A tie between Lauren’s quickstep frock and Montell’s sparkly salsa number, although it was let down by the flat trainers.
Worst outfit: Pete Wicks came dressed for a hen do. A disappointing one, too. Taci!
Best judges’ comment: Craig’s bingo-calling: “Shirley’s tiny shoes… 32. I’m feeling naughty… 40. Dave Arch is divine… 59.” House!
Worst VT: Aljaz pretending to be sick on the rollercoaster.
Best Claudia quip: Admitting that her son thought her frock looked like a carpet – and promptly posting a pic of Demis Roussos on Instagram.
Craig’s 10 paddle remins mothballed
The meanest – or some might say, most objective – judge, Craig Revel Horwood, gives out an average 4.5 perfect 10s per series, compared to his colleague Anton du Beke’s whopping 28 per series. At more than two per week, he’s statistically the most generous judge.
Craig is still yet to raise his maximum this series. Someone needs to make him put his pen down and marvel. In Musicals Week, maybe?
Will it be another all-male dance-off?
Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri jointly top the seaside standings, with Chris McCausland in third spot. Pete Wicks is way down the bottom, with Wynne Evans just above.
Those two clearly deserve to be in the dance-off but as always, the public vote helps decide who’ll be consigned to the Tower Ballroom eliminator. Jamie Borthwick, JB Gill and Montell Douglas might also be in for an anxious wait. Hey, at least they’d get to dance on that famous floor again.
Credits roll
Tess and Claud tell us to “Keeeeeep dancing!” with one eye already on the green room bar and the traditional Blackpool night out. As everyone packs away their buckets, spades and sandy towels, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.
