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JB and Amy’s American smooth
The last time they did ballroom, JB Gill and Amy Dowden topped the leaderboard. Can they repeat the trick and win a golden ticket through to next week? Or will they fall into the chocolate river? JB is channelling Timothée Chalamet in a top hat and frock coat. Foxtrot steps, lots of cheeky details and fluidity across the floor. Changes of pace. Amy’s been drilling the footwork and fundamentals (for Shirley) into him and it shows. Sweet and smooth as chocolate.
Song: Pure Imagination from Wonka. This tingly classic was written by composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley over the phone in a day.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Photograph: Guy Levy/PAShare
Updated at 20.45 CEST
Judges’ scores for Pete and Jowita: 6, 6, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Generous but his best yet. “Hate the film, love the samba,” says Pete.
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Judges’ comments for Pete and Jowita: Mosti says “wow, we told you to loosen up so I blame us, you went in and out of the music”. Shirley says “you’re unrecognisable, took risks, full of content, you’re improving and I commend you”. Anton says “a changed man, there were efforts at the samba, keep going”. Craig concludes “I’m still in recovery from the opening, darling, it lacked bounce and coordination, a trip hazard but your personal best”. Fives and sixes, do we say?
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Pete and Jowita’s samba
Pete Wicks is all hair and not much clothing as he plays Brendan Fraser’s Tarzan spoof. Leaf projections on floor for that jungle vibe. He swings in on a vine from the judges’ table (mind that tree, George/Pete!) before launching into a rhythmical Rio carnival dance. The hip action’s a bit wild, timing is off and timing is off but it’s bouncy, loose and showcasing his fun side. Partner Jowita Przystal might even have made the self-styled “grumpy git” smile. Oh, a stumble at the end where he almost tripped her up. Shame.
Song: George Of The Jungle Theme. John Cleese voiced the talking gorilla in the 1997 comedy. Well, he had another divorce to pay for.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal. Photograph: Guy Levy/PAShare
Judges’ scores for Sarah and Vito: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. Her first nine and second on the leaderboard at this stage.
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Judges’ comments for Sarah and Vito: Anton says “a few footwork problems but beautiful” before busting out an overlong demo time. Craig says “rise and fall crept in but fantastic, simple, effective, I loved it”. Motsi says “highlight of the night so far, nostalgic and brilliant”. Shirley raids her carpet bag, gets out her haunted child’s shoes and concludes “marvellous potential”. Eights ahoy?
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Sarah and Vito’s Viennese waltz
The high-energy pairing of actor Sarah Hadland and reigning pro champion Vito Coppola finished second on the combined leaderboard last week. Can they maintain that standard with this Harry Potter-themed Viennese? She’s playing Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith RIP). Lots of smooth spins, soft buttery knees, a mid-waltz wobble but full of class, character and elegance. Magical.
Song: Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter. The orchestral piece, composed by John Williams, has become the signature music of the wizarding franchise. Williams was knighted two years ago for services to film music. Considering his credits include Jaw, E.T and Star Wars, the accolade was well-deserved.
Sarah Hadland. Photograph: Guy Levy/PAShare
Judges’ scores for Paul and Karen: 3, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 19 points. His highest yet. Second bottom as it stands. Proud Ma Merse in the audience. “Mum, I played for Arsenal and England,” protests Paul.
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Judges’ comments for Paul and Karen: Shirley says “a jolly holiday, full of joy, some lovely walks, music hasn’t quite arrived in your hips but it’s getting there”. Karen says “made an effort at mastering the technique, on a good path, keep going”. Craig says “feet turned in throughout, hip action non-existent but made up for it in characterisation, I see improvement”. Motsi concludes “not just comedy, the final is close – or not”. Five hands high?
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Paul and Karen’s cha cha cha
Paul Merson is bookies tip to appear in the dance-off against Toyah Willcox. Can he defy the odds with a wild west cha-cha? Ironically, he arrives on horseback – even though he lost all his money gambling on the gee-gees. He and Karen Hauer are sporting cowboy hats, tasseled chaps and neckerchiefs. A spot of lasso-ography. He’s unleashing his hips and having fun. It’s not there technically or timing-wise but much improved for me. Yee-hah. Although somehow I doubt that will score a magnificent seveeen!
Song: The Magnificent Seven Theme. A certain John Williams (sees Sarah and Vito’s Harry Potter number) played piano in the orchestra that recorded Elmer Bernstein’s score for the classic 1960 western.
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer. Photograph: Guy Levy/PAShare
Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. One fewer than last week but still top of the pops.
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