Loved last week, even though there are quite a few posters who didn't. But I found this week completely underwhelming. Everyone's dances seemed lacklustre.

Kara's jive was laboured and I was as shocked as her at the high marks. Matt looked tense throughout. Zombie Scott was lost yet scored 9's. Cringed at Gavin's turn. Patsy tried hard but lacked attack.

And even though Pamela's Charleston was fun, I was gobsmacked by the 10's. It wasn't as fast and zany as I anticipated from these two.

I usually enjoy most of the dances every week. It just seems like someone's taken a pin backstage and burst everyone's balloon. And what was going on with the judges tonight?

Agreed. A very disappointing week made worse by some judges marking even more bizarrely than usual to try and save their faves.

I think this week is just especially hard for everyone. Tiredness sets in, and injuries, and for some like Scott, a really hard day job too. Artem is a trouper too.

I don't think it does Matt and some of the others any harm to have a bit of a wake-up call this close to the final.

Next week will probably be different again !! That's dance for you

Well put. The euphoria of reaching Blackpool last week has worn off and the contenders dipped a bit for different reasons. Wake up calls all round and maybe a punchier show next week for it.

Last week and this week were both very poor quality shows. Never has the overall quality of the dancing been this poor this close to the final.

Scott's been poor two weeks in a row after having a blazing few weeks, and only Kara, Matt and Pamela can dance to a consistent standard each week. The really sad thing is that none of the best celebs are having to improve. The know Widdicombe will come back each week without having to even try, and that eventually one of them will put in a perfectly good performance and be voted off while the Widdicombe stays.

Where's the incentive to improve?

I would be miserable too if I gave it my all , trained through pain , trained to the point of collapse , did a wonderful dance , put my heart and soul into it .
And every damn week a woman gallumphs about , plods and stomps and sit in and ungracious heap on the floor , and get standing ovations and sails through
I think I would fling in the towel to and tell them to go to hell .

I agree it was an underwhelming week. I reckon they're all knackered... been doing it for weeks, but not in that 'end is in sight' zone yet.

Professionals are used to dancing and putting on a great performance no matter how knackered they are... the other celebs, not so much.

thanks PapaBear - I too am hoping for a much better show next week. I'd much rather have one miserable show this week than in the semi or finals !