Strictly CONFIDENTIAL
Erin Boag, Strictly Come Dancing’s Queen of the Ballroom, gives us expert predictions and the inside scoop on the nation’s favourite show.
WHAT a phenomenal competition opener last week! As Craig Revel Horwood would say: “There were no disasters, darling.”
My dance partner Anton Du Beke slotted in beautifully on the judging panel. He gave constructive criticism and didn’t knock anyone’s confidence. Of course, the first thing he asked me afterwards was: “How was I? Did I look good?”
Now, on to the celebrities…
I’m excited about Rhys Stephenson’s cha cha. He oozes confidence and I predict he’ll top tonight’s leaderboard. Last week’s Viennese waltz was underwhelming, but he has musicality and a promising top line.
AJ Odudu – wow! Her jive was incredible with high-speed kicks and flicks. She danced like it was week 10. Now she needs to slow everything down for the foxtrot and use soft legs with long, slow steps.
Greg Wise has style and sophistication. I can’t wait to see him dancing disco for his Couple’s Choice. He just needs to work on his posture and his arm lines.
Tilly Ramsay showed a softness and grace I hadn’t anticipated in her waltz. She’ll need foot swivelling and storytelling for the Charleston.
Dan Walker exploded on to the dancefloor with the quickstep – what a surprise! His long legs flew across the room. But I fear Latin dances will be his weakness. I hope he proves me wrong by finding his inner matador for the paso doble. Ugo Monye lacked technique in the samba but was saved by his rhythm. But he and 2020 champ Oti Mobuse could go home if he doesn’t perfect the footwork for tonight’s quickstep. Sara Davies joins Ugo in my bottom two and must up her performance in the foxtrot to stay. John Whaite and Johannes Radebe’s all-male partnership was powerful. John, lose the nerves and loosen your hips for the cha cha and you’ll be fine! Rose Ayling-Ellis must find more sass for the salsa after a flat-footed jive.
Adam Peaty is fluid for a man with huge muscles and reminds me of Austin Healey, my series six partner. He’ll be great at quickstep because he’s fit, but must remember to hold his frame.
Judi Love showed sass and plenty of chemistry with Graziano Di Prima in her American smooth but must lengthen her steps for the samba. Katie McGlynn used her acting skills to dance a passionate tango. Her partner Gorka Marquez is a fabulous jiver so will get her legs pumping.
Robert Webb’s over-the-top cha cha made me smile, but his feet were everywhere! He needs to improve his technique for his tango. Nina Wadia channelled Beyonce for her samba, but to perfect her tango, she should relax those tight shoulders.
Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden have a Covid pass this week, but they’ll be back.