It's show day! 
Strictly - Back To The Ballroom! - Series Two
21 of 44
Welcome to Strictly Come Dancing's seventh live show! Tonight our nine remaining couples will take to the floor, hoping to impress the judges and you at home. Last week singer Rick Astley and his partner Erin Boag did in fact give us up. But who will it be this week? Without further ado, let's meet the stars of our show...
Pop star Natasha Bedingfield and her dance partner James Jordan!
From ABBA, Frida Lyngstad and her dance partner Pasha Kovalev!
Particle physicist Brian Cox and his dance partner Kristina Rhianoff!
Comedienne and television presenter Sue Perkins and her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev!
Sports presenter Jake Humphrey and his dance partner Natalie Lowe!
Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and her dance partner Vincent Simone!
From EastEnders, David Witts and his dance partner Katya Virshilas!
Model and television presenter Peaches Geldof and her dance partner Robin Windsor!
And finally, actress Lisa Kudrow and her dance partner Brendan Cole!
First up tonight we have Sue and Artem!
Pop star Natasha Bedingfield and her dance partner James Jordan!
From ABBA, Frida Lyngstad and her dance partner Pasha Kovalev!
Particle physicist Brian Cox and his dance partner Kristina Rhianoff!
Comedienne and television presenter Sue Perkins and her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev!
Sports presenter Jake Humphrey and his dance partner Natalie Lowe!
Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and her dance partner Vincent Simone!
From EastEnders, David Witts and his dance partner Katya Virshilas!
Model and television presenter Peaches Geldof and her dance partner Robin Windsor!
And finally, actress Lisa Kudrow and her dance partner Brendan Cole!
First up tonight we have Sue and Artem!
Sue & Artem
Training
This week Sue and Artem are dancing the Jive. Artem thinks Sue’s high energy and enthusiasm can be put to good use, saying “Sue is a naturally lively and bouncy person, so the Jive suits her perfectly!” But will it prove to be a help, or in fact a hindrance?
Dance
Jive - Hairspray - You Can't Stop The Beat
Comments
Craig - It could have been a little less full on, but that is, without doubt, your best dance to date.
Darcey - Sue, I loved this! I could tell that you were also loving it as well - just try to focus on the finer details and it will all be there.
Len - As the others have said, that suited you down to the ground. It was bouncy, lively, fun, could have done with a bit more technique, but overall - a great opener.
Bruno - Oh Sue who knew you had the 1950s in you? You are amazing at putting personality into your dances, but you have to focus on the technique a little more.
Scores
Craig - 8
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 8
Total - 32/40
"I'm so happy, ahhhh!" Sue screams after getting her highest score to date.
Next up we have David and Katya!
Training
This week Sue and Artem are dancing the Jive. Artem thinks Sue’s high energy and enthusiasm can be put to good use, saying “Sue is a naturally lively and bouncy person, so the Jive suits her perfectly!” But will it prove to be a help, or in fact a hindrance?
Dance
Jive - Hairspray - You Can't Stop The Beat
Comments
Craig - It could have been a little less full on, but that is, without doubt, your best dance to date.
Darcey - Sue, I loved this! I could tell that you were also loving it as well - just try to focus on the finer details and it will all be there.
Len - As the others have said, that suited you down to the ground. It was bouncy, lively, fun, could have done with a bit more technique, but overall - a great opener.
Bruno - Oh Sue who knew you had the 1950s in you? You are amazing at putting personality into your dances, but you have to focus on the technique a little more.
Scores
Craig - 8
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 8
Total - 32/40
"I'm so happy, ahhhh!" Sue screams after getting her highest score to date.
Next up we have David and Katya!
David & Katya
Training
After coming fourth on last week’s leaderboard, David is determined to improve with his American Smooth. Katya tells us “I want to push David because he is obviously capable. I have thrown in a few dangerous lifts and tricks, so hopefully the judges will be impressed.”
Dance
American Smooth - Robbie Williams - Have You Met Miss Jones
Comments
Craig - Impressive, defined, gorgeous, darling.
Darcey - Oh wow, David! That was a lovely American Smooth. It was elegant, neat and precise - and the lifts were spectacular.
Len - Well I don’t want to burst your bubble, David, but those lifts weren’t smooth at all. I thought they were messy and, in my opinion, unnecessary.
Bruno - Oh David that was scrumptious! We know you can dance, but now we know you can dance with grace.
Scores
Craig - 9
Darcey - 10
Len - 8
Bruno - 10
Total - 37/40
"Two tens; I'm absolutely thrilled!" David exclaims.
Lisa and Brendan are next to dance!
Training
After coming fourth on last week’s leaderboard, David is determined to improve with his American Smooth. Katya tells us “I want to push David because he is obviously capable. I have thrown in a few dangerous lifts and tricks, so hopefully the judges will be impressed.”
Dance
American Smooth - Robbie Williams - Have You Met Miss Jones
Comments
Craig - Impressive, defined, gorgeous, darling.
Darcey - Oh wow, David! That was a lovely American Smooth. It was elegant, neat and precise - and the lifts were spectacular.
Len - Well I don’t want to burst your bubble, David, but those lifts weren’t smooth at all. I thought they were messy and, in my opinion, unnecessary.
Bruno - Oh David that was scrumptious! We know you can dance, but now we know you can dance with grace.
Scores
Craig - 9
Darcey - 10
Len - 8
Bruno - 10
Total - 37/40
"Two tens; I'm absolutely thrilled!" David exclaims.
Lisa and Brendan are next to dance!
Lisa & Brendan
Training
Dancing the Argentine Tango this week are Lisa and Brendan. Lisa’s long limbs seem to be causing problems in training, as Lisa tells us “because my legs are really long, there’s a much larger room for error with the Argentine Tango. The intricate footwork doesn’t help either!”
Dance
Argentine Tango - Gotan Project - Epoca
Comments
Craig - I found it a bit awkward and haphazard. I couldn’t have watched it without biting my nails.
Darcey - You made it sexy and cool, but the technique wasn’t all there. Your footwork was slightly dodgy at times.
Len - It would be wrong of me to say you don’t give a good performance each week. Although I was a little unsure at first, you made it intense and powerful.
Bruno - Next time you have a dance like this, use your legs to your advantage! They’re an asset, darling. Not your best dance, unfortunately.
Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 7
Len - 8
Bruno - 7
Total - 29/40
"Hmm... not your best," Tess says as Lisa gives a glum look to Brendan
Next to perform will be Jake and Natalie!
Training
Dancing the Argentine Tango this week are Lisa and Brendan. Lisa’s long limbs seem to be causing problems in training, as Lisa tells us “because my legs are really long, there’s a much larger room for error with the Argentine Tango. The intricate footwork doesn’t help either!”
Dance
Argentine Tango - Gotan Project - Epoca
Comments
Craig - I found it a bit awkward and haphazard. I couldn’t have watched it without biting my nails.
Darcey - You made it sexy and cool, but the technique wasn’t all there. Your footwork was slightly dodgy at times.
Len - It would be wrong of me to say you don’t give a good performance each week. Although I was a little unsure at first, you made it intense and powerful.
Bruno - Next time you have a dance like this, use your legs to your advantage! They’re an asset, darling. Not your best dance, unfortunately.
Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 7
Len - 8
Bruno - 7
Total - 29/40
"Hmm... not your best," Tess says as Lisa gives a glum look to Brendan
Next to perform will be Jake and Natalie!
Jake & Natalie
Training
After scoring his highest score to date last week, Jake is determined to equal, or better, last week’s score. But the Cha Cha Cha is proving difficult for him. “So far I’ve not been the best at Latin, and this seems to be no exception,” Jake says, “I’m finding the rhythm and the technique so hard to match. Hopefully it won’t be too bad on the night.”
Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Until You Get Enough
Comments
Craig - Limp, lacklustre and lifeless.
Darcey - Jake, I really am willing you to do well, but this wasn’t quite there. If you work really hard, your Latin will get there eventually.
Len - You needed to act it a bit more. These dances are all about being at a party, and I wasn’t getting that vibe at all.
Bruno - Talk about getting into the party mood, you looked like you were in extreme pain! This just wasn’t good.
Scores
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 7
Bruno - 7
Total - 27/40
"I'm surprised we didn't get a ten at all!" Jake jokes.
Now we have Peaches and Robin!
Training
After scoring his highest score to date last week, Jake is determined to equal, or better, last week’s score. But the Cha Cha Cha is proving difficult for him. “So far I’ve not been the best at Latin, and this seems to be no exception,” Jake says, “I’m finding the rhythm and the technique so hard to match. Hopefully it won’t be too bad on the night.”
Dance
Cha Cha Cha - Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Until You Get Enough
Comments
Craig - Limp, lacklustre and lifeless.
Darcey - Jake, I really am willing you to do well, but this wasn’t quite there. If you work really hard, your Latin will get there eventually.
Len - You needed to act it a bit more. These dances are all about being at a party, and I wasn’t getting that vibe at all.
Bruno - Talk about getting into the party mood, you looked like you were in extreme pain! This just wasn’t good.
Scores
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 7
Bruno - 7
Total - 27/40
"I'm surprised we didn't get a ten at all!" Jake jokes.
Now we have Peaches and Robin!
Peaches & Robin
Training
Despite getting high scores and positive comments, Peaches and Robin found themselves in the bottom two last week. “It is sad when you put all that hard work in and then you find out you could be going home. But, if anything, it’s just made me even more determined to improve for this Saturday.”
Dance
Quickstep - Merry Clayton - Yes
Comments
Craig - Peaches, you are a breath of fresh air. I loved that.
Darcey - That was a stunning dance from a stunning couple. If it was just a bit more exciting, that would have been perfect.
Len - I do agree with Darcey. Technically, you are a great dancer but it just needs that added touch and then you will be a great performer.
Bruno - Oh Peaches you were flying round here faster than a rocket! Seriously, that was fast and to dance at that speed isn’t easy.
Scores
Craig - 9
Darcey - 9
Len - 9
Bruno - 9
Total - 36/40
"I'm so proud of her," Robin says after he and Peaches receive their highest score yet.
Now it's Natasha and James' turn to dance!
Training
Despite getting high scores and positive comments, Peaches and Robin found themselves in the bottom two last week. “It is sad when you put all that hard work in and then you find out you could be going home. But, if anything, it’s just made me even more determined to improve for this Saturday.”
Dance
Quickstep - Merry Clayton - Yes
Comments
Craig - Peaches, you are a breath of fresh air. I loved that.
Darcey - That was a stunning dance from a stunning couple. If it was just a bit more exciting, that would have been perfect.
Len - I do agree with Darcey. Technically, you are a great dancer but it just needs that added touch and then you will be a great performer.
Bruno - Oh Peaches you were flying round here faster than a rocket! Seriously, that was fast and to dance at that speed isn’t easy.
Scores
Craig - 9
Darcey - 9
Len - 9
Bruno - 9
Total - 36/40
"I'm so proud of her," Robin says after he and Peaches receive their highest score yet.
Now it's Natasha and James' turn to dance!
Natasha & James
Training
After finishing top of the leaderboard last week, Natasha wants to impress the judges again, but is under no illusion that she’s safe. “There’s no way I’m taking Strictly for granted. I’m treating each dance as if it’s my last, but I just hope that won’t be the case for my Paso Doble.”
Dance
Paso Doble - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra - Espana Cani
Comments
Craig - Your shaping could have been a little better, but you performed that excellently, and I could feel the bullfight between you and James, unsurprisingly.
Darcey - Natasha, I loved this. You can dance each dance to such a high standard, but you just need to extend those lines right to the last moment.
Len - That was a Paso Doble worth watching Natasha! You blended musicality and your natural dance ability fantastically. That was great!
Bruno - Almost perfection; you just need to work on your arms and legs - extend those lines as long as you possibly can.
Scores
Craig - 8
Darcey - 8
Len - 9
Bruno - 9
Total - 34/40
"You really got into the zone, I could feel goose pimples coming on!" Tess gushes.
Next up are Julie and Vincent!
Training
After finishing top of the leaderboard last week, Natasha wants to impress the judges again, but is under no illusion that she’s safe. “There’s no way I’m taking Strictly for granted. I’m treating each dance as if it’s my last, but I just hope that won’t be the case for my Paso Doble.”
Dance
Paso Doble - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra - Espana Cani
Comments
Craig - Your shaping could have been a little better, but you performed that excellently, and I could feel the bullfight between you and James, unsurprisingly.
Darcey - Natasha, I loved this. You can dance each dance to such a high standard, but you just need to extend those lines right to the last moment.
Len - That was a Paso Doble worth watching Natasha! You blended musicality and your natural dance ability fantastically. That was great!
Bruno - Almost perfection; you just need to work on your arms and legs - extend those lines as long as you possibly can.
Scores
Craig - 8
Darcey - 8
Len - 9
Bruno - 9
Total - 34/40
"You really got into the zone, I could feel goose pimples coming on!" Tess gushes.
Next up are Julie and Vincent!
Julie & Vincent
Training
Despite coming bottom of the leaderboard last week, Julie still has fighting spirit in her. “I know I amn’t the best dancer, but I’m here to improve, and if I can do that, I will be very proud of myself. There is no way I’m giving up now.”
Dance
American Smooth - David Gray - The One I Love
Comments
Craig - Well, I guess we know that you’re better at Ballroom than Latin. However, it is still riddled with mistakes.
Darcey - There does need to be a little more attention to technique and the details, but I can see just how much you’re loving it out there.
Len - Julie, my love, you are improving and that’s what counts.
Bruno - Oh Julie, you did make me giggle! The lifts were hilarious, but nonetheless highly entertaining!
Scores
Craig - 5
Darcey - 6
Len - 7
Bruno - 6
Total - 24/40
"That is your joint highest score so far!" Tess exclaims as Julie tries to look happy.
Our penultimate couple tonight is Brian and Kristina!
Training
Despite coming bottom of the leaderboard last week, Julie still has fighting spirit in her. “I know I amn’t the best dancer, but I’m here to improve, and if I can do that, I will be very proud of myself. There is no way I’m giving up now.”
Dance
American Smooth - David Gray - The One I Love
Comments
Craig - Well, I guess we know that you’re better at Ballroom than Latin. However, it is still riddled with mistakes.
Darcey - There does need to be a little more attention to technique and the details, but I can see just how much you’re loving it out there.
Len - Julie, my love, you are improving and that’s what counts.
Bruno - Oh Julie, you did make me giggle! The lifts were hilarious, but nonetheless highly entertaining!
Scores
Craig - 5
Darcey - 6
Len - 7
Bruno - 6
Total - 24/40
"That is your joint highest score so far!" Tess exclaims as Julie tries to look happy.
Our penultimate couple tonight is Brian and Kristina!
Brian & Kristina
Training
Dancing the first Charleston of the series are Brian and Kristina. Brian seems to be enjoying this dance, saying “Kristina’s got us an excellent song and has choreographed an amazing routine! The Charleston is, by far, my favourite dance so far!” Will his excitement translate on to the floor?
Dance
Charleston - George Formby - When I'm Cleaning Windows
Comments
Craig - Bouncy, fun, entertaining. Your best dance yet!
Darcey - Wow Brian, that had a lot packed into it! You never gave up and put one hundred percent into it - I absolutely loved it!
Len - I’m so glad I got to see this dance from you, because this shows just how much you’ve improved and progressed throughout your time on Strictly.
Bruno - Who would have known Brian Cox could dance? Well I tell you something, that is nothing but true!
Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 8
Total - 31/40
Brian and Kristina scream when they receive their eights.
And finally tonight we have Frida and Pasha!
Training
Dancing the first Charleston of the series are Brian and Kristina. Brian seems to be enjoying this dance, saying “Kristina’s got us an excellent song and has choreographed an amazing routine! The Charleston is, by far, my favourite dance so far!” Will his excitement translate on to the floor?
Dance
Charleston - George Formby - When I'm Cleaning Windows
Comments
Craig - Bouncy, fun, entertaining. Your best dance yet!
Darcey - Wow Brian, that had a lot packed into it! You never gave up and put one hundred percent into it - I absolutely loved it!
Len - I’m so glad I got to see this dance from you, because this shows just how much you’ve improved and progressed throughout your time on Strictly.
Bruno - Who would have known Brian Cox could dance? Well I tell you something, that is nothing but true!
Scores
Craig - 7
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 8
Total - 31/40
Brian and Kristina scream when they receive their eights.
And finally tonight we have Frida and Pasha!
Frida & Pasha
Training
This week Frida and Pasha are dancing the Tango. Frida’s comfort in Ballroom hold is showing, as Pasha tells us “Frida feels so much better in the Ballroom dances.” Frida’s attitude seems to be helping with the Tango, as he then goes on to say “Frida is a no nonsense, hard working girl. This could be a really special one for her.”
Dance
Tango - Eurythmics - Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
Comments
Craig - Your timing was slightly out at the beginning with the staccato turns, but that was an impressive dance.
Darcey - Wow Frida, I never knew you had that in you. You showed some true girl power tonight and to top it off, you showed us a great dance.
Len - Well Frida, so many coupless have improved tonight, and I tell you what, you are one of them.
Bruno - I agree with Craig - the timing was a little bit out, but that is, definitely, your best dance to date.
Scores
Craig - 8
Darcey - 9
Len - 9
Bruno - 8
Total - 34/40
Frida cries with happiness after getting her scores, and hugs Pasha.
Training
This week Frida and Pasha are dancing the Tango. Frida’s comfort in Ballroom hold is showing, as Pasha tells us “Frida feels so much better in the Ballroom dances.” Frida’s attitude seems to be helping with the Tango, as he then goes on to say “Frida is a no nonsense, hard working girl. This could be a really special one for her.”
Dance
Tango - Eurythmics - Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
Comments
Craig - Your timing was slightly out at the beginning with the staccato turns, but that was an impressive dance.
Darcey - Wow Frida, I never knew you had that in you. You showed some true girl power tonight and to top it off, you showed us a great dance.
Len - Well Frida, so many coupless have improved tonight, and I tell you what, you are one of them.
Bruno - I agree with Craig - the timing was a little bit out, but that is, definitely, your best dance to date.
Scores
Craig - 8
Darcey - 9
Len - 9
Bruno - 8
Total - 34/40
Frida cries with happiness after getting her scores, and hugs Pasha.
So the leaderboard this week is as follows:
1 David Witts & Katya Virshilas - 37
2 Peaches Geldof & Robin Windsor - 36
3 Frida Lyngstad & Pasha Kovalev - 34
= Natasha Bedingfield & James Jordan - 34
5 Sue Perkins & Artem Chigvintsev - 32
6 Brian Cox & Kristina Rhianoff - 31
7 Lisa Kudrow & Brendan Cole - 29
8 Jake Humphrey & Natalie Lowe - 27
9 Julie Hesmondhalgh & Vincent Simone - 24
Now it’s over to you!
Please start voting by sending me a PM ranking all couples from 8 (favourite) to 0 (least favourite). These votes will be combined with the judges scores to determine which couple will be the next to leave.
Voting closes in tomorrow’s results show, which begins at 5.00pm.
I am willing to do a vote for a vote, just let me know when you vote.
Until then, keep dancing!
1 David Witts & Katya Virshilas - 37
2 Peaches Geldof & Robin Windsor - 36
3 Frida Lyngstad & Pasha Kovalev - 34
= Natasha Bedingfield & James Jordan - 34
5 Sue Perkins & Artem Chigvintsev - 32
6 Brian Cox & Kristina Rhianoff - 31
7 Lisa Kudrow & Brendan Cole - 29
8 Jake Humphrey & Natalie Lowe - 27
9 Julie Hesmondhalgh & Vincent Simone - 24
Now it’s over to you!
Please start voting by sending me a PM ranking all couples from 8 (favourite) to 0 (least favourite). These votes will be combined with the judges scores to determine which couple will be the next to leave.
Voting closes in tomorrow’s results show, which begins at 5.00pm.
I am willing to do a vote for a vote, just let me know when you vote.
Until then, keep dancing!
Originally Posted by winter99:
“Just voted, I predict Julie & Vincent or Jake & Natalie leaving
”
“Just voted, I predict Julie & Vincent or Jake & Natalie leaving
”
Got your vote, thanks
21 of 44
