CONFIDENTIAL with
Erin Boag, Strictly Come Dancing’s queen of ballroom, gives us expert predictions and the inside scoop on the nation’s favourite show.
THIS week I caught up with professional dancer Katya Jones when we both appeared on It Takes Two. Katya, normally full of life, was still upset after she and Adam Peaty were voted off last weekend.
“I just don’t understand it,” she said as I was having my make-up done. “Did people not get Adam? Did we deserve to go?”
I understand her reaction as a former Strictly dancer. You don’t want to say goodbye. You become emotionally attached to your partner and, after weeks of exhausting training, suddenly you’re out.
Adam had more misses than hits and, sometimes, it’s just hard to admit when your time is up.
Only eight couples left now, and at last Tom Fletcher arrived for the competition! His paso doble matador commanded our attention with its classical theatricality. He needs the same calm, classical feel for his Viennese waltz.
Rose Ayling-Ellis has Couple’s Choice this week. She’s an emotional, elegant performer and moved naturally in her samba with great rhythm and flexibility in her hips. I still believe Rhys Stephenson is one of the biggest talents in Strictly. He had wonderful harmony in his quickstep with Nancy Xu.
The Charleston should play in his favour as it is an animated dance, and this boy’s a Duracell bunny. Just wind him up and let him go!
Tilly Ramsay’s feet flapped about in her tango to the chessboard choreography of the song Kings & Queens, although she had great staccato movements. She requires more shape in the left side of her ballroom frame and cleaner feet to avoid the dance off.
I want lifts and a classy performance from Dan Walker in the American smooth. His street dance was a brave choice but it lacked substance. He’s proved popular with viewers but the public will only remain faithful if he comes up with the goods.
John Whaite’s rumba was beautifully choreographed, with each step flowing wonderfully into the next. He needs to find his snake hips for the samba and improve his posture.
AJ Odudu nailed her Charleston – fantastic lifts, energy, animation and characterisation. I’ve never seen such brilliant foot swivels from a celebrity female before. She deserved four 10s: Craig Revel-Horwood should have gone to Specsavers with his nine. Tonight, I want a traditional paso doble with strong arm styling and flowing movements.
The quickstep should be light and quick but Sara Davies’ upper body looked stiff.
The tango demands sensual and passionate movements but Sara will struggle with the dynamic leg work. I expect her to be in the bottom two with Dan.