Strictly Come Dancing 2016 said goodbye to its first couple last weekend as presenter Melvin Odoom and his partner Janette Manrara left the competition.
The first results show of the series proved to be controversial when there was no dance-off. Due to an injury singer Anastacia and her partner Brendan Cole were advised not to dance again. This meant the decision went down to the public vote and it was Melvin and Janette that went home.
This week the remaining 14 couples danced again for Movie Week and the show was as spectacular as ever. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman made sure that everything ran smoothly while the judges – Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli – served up their usual mix of biting criticism and constructive pointers.
The evening kicked off with a movie medley dance featuring all the celebs and all the pros. The medley featured classics such as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and The King & I.
Keep reading to find out how the couples got on during Movie Week…
Daisy Lowe & Aljaz Skorjanec
Model Daisy Lowe has been doing really well so far in the competition and is proving herself to be pretty versatile. During the week Daisy took Aljaz to task for the illegal lift they did that caused Len to deduct points. This week Daisy had a lot of fun rehearsing her Mary Poppins themed Quickstep and she worried about getting it perfect on the night. Did she have another strong week?
The dance: Daisy got into character perfectly and the routine was sweet. I’m still failing to see why everyone is raving about Daisy. Don’t get me wrong, she can dance but I’m not sure she’s worthy of the scores she’s had so far this series.
The comments: Len said that Daisy pulled out all the stops during her Quickstep and told her ‘well done’. Bruno shouted ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidaisy’ before telling Daisy she put him on Cloud 9. Craig said that the Charleston sections needed improvement but told Daisy that she followed Aljaz’s lead brilliantly. Darcey said it was the neatest footwork she’s seen and told Daisy she was impressive.
The score: 31 out of 40
Anastacia & Brendan Cole
Singer Anastacia had a lucky escape from elimination last week. After being unable to dance again due to injury, the elimination was decided by the public vote. During the week Anastacia visited a specialist to see if she could still dance with her injury. She was given the go-ahead and threw herself into rehearsal. Tonight Anastacia and Brendan Cole danced the Viennese Waltz with a Twilight theme.
The dance: Anastacia gave it her all this week and she probably knew that she had the audience at home to win over. The dance was beautiful and Anastacia danced with grace and poise. I think she did very well.
The comments: Bruno said it was nice, sweet and simple and told Anastacia to be careful with her balance. Craig agreed with Bruno about Anastacia’s balance and told her that he expected the performance to be smoother. Darcey said the dance had a beautiful quality from beginning to end and commended Anastacia for coping with the turns. Len said it was quiet and understated with a class about it.
The score: 27 out of 40
Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse
Actor Danny Mac can dance Latin and Ballroom and he’s easily going to make it to the final, unless something goes terribly wrong. This week Danny and his partner Oti Mabuse danced the Paso Doble. During the week Oti took Danny fencing to get him into the character of Zorro ahead of his performance. Was it a hat-trick of fantastic performances from Danny and Oti?
The dance: Is there nothing that Danny can’t do? He moved across the ballroom with so much confidence and his technique is remarkable. He’s as capable on his own as he is with Oti and he’s far and away the best dancer in the competition.
The comments: Craig said that Danny’s timing, shaping and lines were ‘absolutely excellent’. Darcey said that Danny’s body shaping was very impressive and told him she thought it may have been too much for him. Len said it was a beautiful mix of artistry and dance. Bruno called Danny ‘Dannila Banderas’ and told him he did everything a Paso Doble should be commending the amount of flamenco he delivered.
The score: 36 out of 40
Lesley Joseph & Anton du Beke
How much do I love Lesley Joseph? VERY MUCH! She’s been superb so far and I can’t actually believe how good she’s been. This week Lesley and her partner Anton du Beke were dancing the Quickstep. During the week Lesley tried to help Anton’s flexibility by teaching him some yoga. Tonight Lesley and Anton themed their dance to Easter Parade.
The dance: Whatever dance is thrown at her, Lesley gives it her all and she’s an inspiration to older women everywhere. She performed the Quickstep with gusto and attack, and she clearly had an amazing time doing it. I loved it!
The comments: Darcey commented on how fit Lesley is and told her it was a fabulously cheeky treat. Len said he loved the references to the film and how Lesley and Anton blended it with proper Quickstep content. Bruno said there was plenty of spring in Lesley’s feet and told her he loved the role play but pointed out a mistake she made. Craig said that Lesley’s energy and characterisation was fantastic and told her that he hopes to have her energy at the same age.
The score: 27 out of 40
Will Young & Karen Clifton
During last week’s routine Will Young managed to muck up his steps and pull a muscle; you could say it wasn’t his best week. This week Will and his partner Karen Clifton danced a Salsa to Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire. During the week Karen invited a Bollywood dancer to visit them so they could perfect their moves. Did Will bring Bollywood to the ballroom?
The dance: Wow Will Young can really move can’t he? That took me by surprise. It’s the most energetic I’ve seen him this series. He kept up with Karen and the lift was pretty spectacular.
The comments: Len said that he thinks Will is a terrific dancer but he said there wasn’t enough Salsa in the performance. Will answered back and Len told him to ‘shut up’ but insisted it was a joke. Bruno said that he loved the flavour of the routine and that it reminded him of Matthew Bourne. Craig said there was enough Salsa and told Will that he danced it cleanly. Darcey said she noticed how strong and effortless Will was and told him she loved the mix of the two styles.
The score: 31 out of 40
Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty admitted to her partner Pasha Kovalev that she was gutted about the judges’ comments last week. Pasha told her they were constructive and encouraged her to focus on this week’s Mission Impossible themed Tango. Could Naga prove the judges wrong and perform a winning routine tonight?
The dance: Poor Naga! What a mess. Pasha couldn’t get her out of her harness, which led to a very delayed start for the routine. The issue caused Naga to look a bit panicked and she missed a few steps.
The comments: Bruno said that Naga looked the part but told her that she seems to lose focus during the routine. Craig said he thought the footwork was sloppy and careless but told Naga that he loved the concept and the drama. Darcey said that Naga suits the moody spy character but agreed with Bruno about Naga’s focus. Len said that he thought it was Naga’s best dance to date but told her she needed to be crisper and sharper.
The score: 25 out of 40
Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero
Judge Rinder has been one of the most talked about celebs on this year’s series of Strictly. He’s taken everyone by surprise and even though he’s not the best dancer, he makes up for it with enthusiasm. Tonight Judge Rinder and his partner Oksana Platero danced a Flintstones themed Charleston.
The dance: There were a couple of issues during the routine but Judge Rinder kept up with Oksana and gave his all. That flip was pretty impressive too and made up for the almost disastrous lift.
The comments: Craig said that Judge Rinder’s facial expressions came in handy and told him that he loved the energy. Darcey said that Judge Rinder could have a bit more swivel but told him his performance was brilliant. Len said that Judge Rinder made everyone smile and told him that he liked his attitude. Bruno said that Judge Rinder hammered the Charleston so much that it ruined his timing.
The score: 27 out of 40
Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton
BBC Sports presenter Ore Oduba impressed last week and Joanne Clifton told him she was proud of him. During the week Joanne took Ore to the Olympic Park to dance in the fountains in a bid to get him into the spirit of his Singin’ in the Rain themed American Smooth. Did the training pay off?
The dance: That was a wonderful routine and Ore is growing in confidence every week. He glided across the ballroom and led Joanne with such conviction. That’s his best dance of the series so far.
The comments: Darcey said that Ore took her breath away and commended his brilliant timing. Len agreed with Darcey and told Joanne that the routine was fantastic. Bruno said that Ore gave his own personality while channelling Gene Kelly. Craig said that he thought Ore could be on his toes more but told him the routine was ‘absolutely outstanding’.
The score: 35 out of 40
Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice
TV presenter Laura Whitmore was told that she’d made a big improvement last week and she was feeling more confident about her dancing skills. During training Laura admitted that the lifts in the Salsa were tough and admitted that they hurt. Giovanni Pernice tried to help Laura get comfortable with the harness that she was dropped on the stage in. Tonight Laura and Giovanni danced a Moulin Rouge themed Salsa.
The dance: That wasn’t Laura’s best dance. There was an awakward lift at the end and it just didn’t really flow all that well. She looked amazing and she tried but it wasn’t brilliant.
The comments: Len said that the routine was a little on the raunchy side for him but told Laura that she’s a lovely dancer. Bruno said that Laura brings the dead back to life and told her it was one of the hottest and sexiest Salsas he’s ever seen. Craig said Laura lost control and told her that she lost fluidity throughout the dance. Darcey said that Laura really sold the routine but told her that the preparation for the lifts were a bit ungainly.
The score: 30 out of 40
Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe
Olympian Greg Rutherford was criticised for sticking his bottom out throughout the dance and he admitted he was a little disappointed that he didn’t impress the judges. This week Greg and his partner Natalie Lowe had the American Smooth to dance with a Robin Hood theme. Natalie took Greg for an archery lesson to prepare him to get in the character of Robin Hood. Did Greg’s bottom stay under control this week?
The dance: From what I could see Greg’s bottom stayed where it should this week. He showed a more sensitive side to his performance and he led impressively. I think that’s Greg’s best dance so far!
The comments: Bruno called Greg Prince Charming and told him that the connection he had with Natalie was amazing. Craig said that it lacked swing and sway but admitted he loved the storytelling. Darcey commented that she couldn’t see Greg’s bottom this week but told him that the lifts didn’t have the same quality as other parts of the routine. Len said there was lovely chemistry and an air of romance.
The score: 32 out of 40
Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard
Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane enjoyed her routine last week but admitted that she was disappointed with Craig’s score. This week Claudia and her partner AJ Pritchard were dancing the Charleston with a Bugsy Malone theme. During the week Claudia spent training throwing cream pies at AJ’s face. Did the diminutive duo impress this week?
The dance: The routine was energetic, fast and fun. Claudia clearly had a lot of fun and the routine ended with her pushing a cream pie in AJ’s face (she managed to get most of the judges too). It was a really great routine.
The comments: Craig said that technically it was ‘absolutely brilliant’. Darcey said Claudia was ‘absolutely outstanding’. Len said the choreography was clever and told Claudia ‘well done’. Bruno said there were no soggy bottoms and told Claudia that she acts beautifully.
The score: 36 out of 40
Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez
EastEnders actress Tameka Empson absolutely wowed last week with her hilarious Charleston. For Movie Week Tameka and her partner Gorka Marquez were dancing the Tango. During the week Tameka took Gorka to an awards ceremony where she picked up an award. Tonight Tameka and Gorka themed their Tango to Beverly Hills Cop.
The dance: Tameka has been a revelation so far on Strictly. She gives it her all every week and she’s a great dancer. She can do whatever is thrown at her and she always gets into character. The performance was fun and sharp.
The comments: Darey said the attack and focus was great but told Tameka that she needed to be a bit crisper in parts. Len said that Tameka had plenty of attack but told her that her posture distracted him. Bruno said that Tameka is clearly in charge and told her she danced well. Craig said that Tameka covered the floor aggressively.
The score: 28 out of 40
Ed Balls & Katya Jones
Former politician Ed Balls surprised us all last week with his Charleston and he was out to impress again by performing a Samba themed to The Mask. During training Ed got far too into character but did he carry it through to his performance tonight? Partnered with Katya Jones, Ed donned the iconic yellow suit but was he any good?
The dance: Say what you want about Ed Balls but he is definitely throwing himself into the competition. He may not be the best dancer in the competition but he’s definitely good entertainment value and that spin with Katya was pretty decent.
The comments: Len said he loved the anticipation of Ed’s performance and he congratulated Katya for her choreography. Bruno said that he was expecting some kind of Samba but he admitted he got a full-on Samba. Craig said that he couldn’t believe what he’d witnessed and told Ed he sold it brilliantly. Darcey said Ed was crazy and fabulous, and told him that he embodied the character.
The score: 24 out of 40
Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton
Louise Redknapp was delighted with the reception her performance got last week and I can’t say I blame her; she was amazing. For Movie Week Louise and her partner Kevin Clifton were taking on Flashdance. During training Louise’s kids visited her to spur her on. Tonight Louise and Kevin dance the Cha Cha.
The dance: Louise impressed again tonight with her Flashdance inspired routine. She delivered a lot of energy and mixed the iconic dance well with a Cha Cha. She really sells the routine too!
The comments: Bruno said that the Cha Cha content was brilliant and commended Louise’s footwork. Craig said that he loved the routine and told Louise ‘well done’. Darcey said that Louise makes the most of every style she gets and told her she was more confident and in control this week. Len said that Louise got all the elements right during her routine tonight.
The score: 31 out of 40
The overall leaderboard for the evening was:
Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard – 36
Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse – 36
Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton – 35
Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe – 32
Daisy Lowe & Aljaz Skorjanec – 31
Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton – 31
Will Young & Karen Clifton – 31
Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice – 30
Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez – 28
Anastacia & Brendan Cole – 27
Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero – 27
Lesley Joseph & Anton du Beke – 27
Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev – 25
Ed Balls & Katya Jones – 24
Strictly Come Dancing 2016 continues at 7.15pm tomorrow night when the second couple leaves the competition. See all of the action from today’s dress rehearsal in our gallery below:
[gss carousel=”fx=carousel” ids=”971809,971810,971804,971805,971806,971807,971808,971811,971812,971813,971814,971815,971816,971817,971818,971819,971820,971821,971822,971823,971824,971825,971826,971827,971828,971829,971830,971831,971832,971833,971834,971835,971836,971837,971838,971839,971840,971841″]
