Strictly CONFIDENTIAL
POOR Giovanni Pernice had to apologise to his partner Rose Ayling-Ellis last Saturday after the judges spotted a slip-up in his quickstep footwork. As any Strictly professional knows, you can’t make a mistake on the dance floor, especially when dancing with an amateur.
But mistakes prove dancers are human, and at least Giovanni admitted it. I’ve danced with Anton Du Beke for 25 years and he never does the same routine twice! On tour we have 45 dates and that means 45 dances. Anton says he’s being creative but I know it’s because he’s forgotten his routine.
Just ask his former Strictly partner Ann Widdecombe who outed him on live TV for skipping 20 seconds of one number. He had to swing her around until the music stopped.
Fortunately, we’re guaranteed a clean, stylish performance from Rose, below. I expect staccato movement and excellent body shaping for her paso doble tonight. Dan Walker has improved more than any other celebrity in the competition. Maybe it’s because – and I say this with kindness – he was so terrible at first!
His Charleston had musicality and good characterisation and now he has become a threat because he’s the underdog. But this week he has the rumba – the only routine that could stop him going all the way.
John Whaite’s Viennese Waltz was a little too safe. For his Argentine tango I want creative choreography with ganchos (leg hooks), strong kicks, flicks and lifts. The tango started with two male dancers. If they’re clever, they will tell that story.
Rhys Stephenson’s jive was another high energy routine. He gets so excited he sometimes dances ahead of the music. For tonight’s waltz, he needs to calm down. Work on sophistication, style and control.
AJ bounced back last Saturday with a gorgeous, flowing waltz. Tonight is Couple’s Choice and she’s chosen Make Me Feel by Janelle Monáe so I predict a hip-hop style unlike anything we’ve seen her do before.
Tilly Ramsay faces a samba. It’s technically tough and has toppled many dancers who lack inner rhythm. Her partner Nikita Kuzmin needs to create a routine packed with pizzazz. Last week’s choreography to Revolting Children, from Matilda, was so good it could have gone straight to the West End stage. Who’s at risk now? My bet is on Rhys or Dan.
I’m thrilled Craig Revel Horwood is back. Substitute judge Cynthia Erivo did well and is returning to stand in for Motsi Mobuse. But I missed Craig’s sharp tongue. We all secretly want to please him.