Vincent & Flavia - Training

Vincent and Flavia, it’s so lovely to have you back! Did you watch last week’s show?

Yes we did! A great mix of good and bad, let’s say!

I can’t argue with that! So this week, it’s back to the training room for week three. What training gossip have you got for me?

Okay, first up we have Mike and Kristina. This week they’re doing a Cha Cha Cha. It is looking a little rough around the edges for this stage in the week; he really needs to focus on finishing his lines if he wants to reach those upper tiers with the judges.

Hmm… I feel like Mike has a lot of potential, would you agree?

I do, and Kristina is a wonderful teacher. He does need to play to his strengths if he wants to catch the likes of Laura and Matthew and so on…

A contender? We don’t need another one of those! Kidding, I love you Mike! Right, what about Katy and Pasha?

Okay, so Katy and Pasha are dancing the Tango this week. I think it’s looking a lot better than her Waltz, but again, the technique is a bit of an issue. Her frame needs more attention.

The Tango would be good for her acting skills, no?

Definitely! I think that’s why she’ll get a relatively good score with this - it’s just the technique that’s letting her down here.

That’s a shame, I love Katy! Okay, finally, our Take That-er Jason! What are him and Katya up to?

They’re also doing the Tango this week, but I’d say Jason’s faults are almost the complete opposite of Katy’s!

Oh… what do you mean by that?

Well, Katy’s good at the acting and the drama, Jason is struggling with that side of things. But Katy’s technique isn’t quite up to the standard of Jason’s! Jason needs to lose his nerves and just be more confident. That confidence would allow him to put on more of a performance, and then he can fully win over the judges.

Good advice, I hope you’re watching Jason! Thanks so much for popping in again you two, it’s lovely to see you!

Thanks for having us again!

No bother at all. Unfortunately that's all we've got time for tonight, but I'll be back on Friday, where I'll be joined by my lovely Friday panel and I'll be heading over to Elstree for a chat and sneak preview of Laura and Tristan's dance!

Friday Panel

Hello one and all to my gorgeous Friday panel - last week’s eliminee Barry Elliott, singer and TV presenter Louise Redknapp and fresh from winning the World Championships, Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford!

Hello Zoe!

First off, let’s start with you Barry. You and Ola were eliminated last week after Craig gave you a two for your Salsa. Were you sad to go?

Oh yes, definitely. I was gutted we were out first; I really tried my hardest, and although it pushed me very hard, I’m so glad I signed up to it.

That’s lovely! Who have you got your eye on now?

I like William. I never thought he’d be just as funny and stuck in to the competition as he is. He knows he isn’t the best but he’s just trying his hardest and having fun.

And that’s what the show’s about, isn’t it? Speaking of William, he’s doing the Jive this week. Greg, you have to be fast on your feet in the long jump, just like the Jive. Do you think William is fast enough here?

I think he’s doing okay there. Maybe if he gets up on his toes a bit more, but not bad. I’m not sure if Craig will like it though!

Craig doesn’t like anything, it’s fine! They’re all past trying to make him happy! Louise, who are your favourites?

I really love Tiffany. I idolised her when I was a teenager so to see her doing this now, it’s like I’ve travelled back in time!

I know what you mean - “Tiffany’s on Strictly!!”. Well her and Brendan are dancing the Foxtrot this week to Broken Strings by James Morrison. Aww, I can tell already it’s going to be romantic. What are you thinking?

I think it looks excellent! She looks like she really understands what she’s doing and is now putting in the emotion. I love this and I can’t wait to see it tomorrow.

You and me both! Lastly we have Jeff and Natalie. Now, they’re doing the Rumba this week - Barry; hit or miss?

Hit, for sure. Jeff’s an excellent dancer and I can’t see this tripping him up!

I do hope not. Right, thank you so much you three for coming in and chatting; give it up for Barry, Louise and Greg everyone!

Thank you!

Now it's time to whizz over to Elstree and have a nice catch up with Laura and Tristan!

Dance Preview - Laura & Tristan

Here I am, at Elstree, where tomorrow night our fourteen remaining couples will take to the floor for the third time. I’m joined by the wonderful Laura and Tristan!

Woo!

So, joint top of the leaderboard last week, first nines of the series for the Salsa... that must’ve felt amazing, right?

It did. You never expect to get such positive feedback and I was blown away with the scores. Top of the leaderboard is fantastic.

And this week you’re doing the Rumba. How’s that been going?

It’s been a little tougher, I’d say. It’s so slow that even the smallest of mistakes is noticeable to the whole audience. And the hip action can be a little challenging.

Well you’re going to show us a little bit of your Rumba, I believe?

Yes we are!

Fantastic. If you'd like to get into your positions, it's Laura and Tristan!

Mariah Carey - Hero

Wow, look at them go! To see their full dance, tune into Strictly Come Dancing tomorrow at 5.00pm for our third live show! I'll be back next Wednesday for more backstage gossip, previews and training footage! See you then!

Welcome to Strictly Come Dancing's third live show! Tonight our fourteen remaining couples will take to the floor once again, hoping to impress our judges and you at home. Last week, we waved goodbye to our resident comedian Barry Elliott and his dance partner Ola Jordan. But who will it be this week? Without further ado, let's meet the stars of our show...

Former Take That singer Jason Orange and his dance partner Katya Virshilas!
Former EastEnders actress Mimi Keene and her dance partner Kevin Clifton!
Film and television actor Matthew Lewis and his dance partner Aliona Vilani!
Eighties singer Tiffany Darwish and her dance partner Brendan Cole!
Television presenter Laura Whitmore and her dance partner Tristan MacManus!
Former England rugby player Mike Tindall and his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff!
Newsreader and radio presenter Moira Stuart and her dance partner Anton Du Beke!
From Emmerdale, Jeff Hordley and his dance partner Natalie Lowe!
Actress, writer and comedian Katy Brand and her dance partner Pasha Kovalev!
Conservative politician William Hague and his dance partner Joanne Clifton!
Former member of The Royal Family Sarah Ferguson and her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec!
Chef and television presenter Ainsley Harriott and his dance partner Iveta Lukosiute!
Former female world number one tennis player Steffi Graf and her dance partner Ian Waite!
And finally, pop star Conor Maynard and his dance partner Jannette Manrara!

First up tonight are Mike and Kristina!

Mike & Kristina

Training: Dancing the Cha Cha Cha this week are Mike and Kristina. Kristina is still apprehensive of Mike’s Latin skills, saying “the judges weren’t too complimentary of Mike’s Jive last week. I know we have to put in a lot of work to really boost those scores, so we have been training much harder this week.” But will this extra training prove beneficial on the night?

Dance: Cha Cha Cha - Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger

Craig: It was a lot better than your Jive last week. Your hips are still as wooden as a front door, but there was definite improvement there. Kristina, you must be thrilled.

Darcey: Mike, I thought that was quite good! It was a step up from last week; you looked more confident, and you’re starting to move your hips! Just keep going because you’re improving every week and it’s great to see.

Len: Well I always say the Latin dances are hard for the big burly blokes like you, but you might have just proved me wrong. There is still a lot to be improved, but you’re on the right path.

Bruno: The others are right - your hips do need to loosen up a little and your timing’s still - dodgy - shall we say, but there is very noticeable improvement there. Well done!

Scores:
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 6
Bruno - 6

Total - 25/40

Claudia informs Mike he has received his highest score to date, to his delight.

Next up are Sarah and Aljaz!

Sarah & Aljaz

Training: This week Sarah and Aljaz will be dancing the Rumba. Sarah tells us “I’m absolutely petrified of the Rumba. I was actually hoping to be out last week because I can’t bear the thought of it! Acting sensual and sexy just isn’t for me - I’ll leave all that to Aljaz. I just hope Craig isn’t going to be too judgemental of my efforts!”

Dance: Rumba - Barry Manilow - This One's For You

Craig: Dreary, lifeless, dull… It was a dance disaster, even before you forgot the routine.

Darcey: I thought it was quite romantic; I could tell how much you cared about this routine. There was quite a big error, but focus on the positives and carry that with you.

Len: Well, I feel gutted for you, but I’m also gutted for the audience because I think they were sitting up thinking “wow, this girl can dance.” It’s a pity, but you just have to pick yourself up and carry on. Go on girl!

Bruno: Oh Sarah my lovely, big diddums! I’m really disappointed because that was looking very classy and romantic, it just all fell apart towards the end. Don’t lose confidence please my lovely!

Scores:
Craig - 3
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 5

Total - 18/40

Sarah hides behind Aljaz as the scores are revealed.

Now we have Matthew and Aliona!

Matthew & Aliona

Training: After topping last week’s leaderboard, Matthew is feeling elated; “I was so pleased to be top of the leaderboard. It’s given me a really big confidence boost for our Waltz.” Their Waltz training is going well, but Aliona is slightly worried about Matthew’s hands; “they’re proving a real problem! No doubt Craig is going to end up pointing them out on the night…”

Dance: Waltz - Olivia Newton John - Sam

Craig: Yup… your hands were too splaid on the out of hold sections. However, I thought it was lovely and you put plenty of emotion into that. Your frame is also getting a bit better.

Darcey: Matthew, that was lovely. It was great to see you put the character into that. Maybe the routine itself was a little safe, but so much romance and character. Fantastic.

Len: If that was safe, I don’t know what isn’t! I thought you chucked everything and the corner shop into that Aliona! Matthew, you’re getting better and better. Good job lad!

Bruno: Oh Matthew, what a delightful, exquisite Waltz. It’s so lovely to watch you two, particularly in the Ballroom. It gave me goose pimples! Oh do it again, please, just once more!

Scores:
Craig - 7
Darcey - 7
Len - 8
Bruno - 8

Total - 30/40

"Not your highest, but not your lowest. Not bad" Claudia gives her opinion.

Moira and Anton are performing now!

Moira & Anton

Training: This week Moira and Anton are dancing the Foxtrot. Moira is happy to be back doing a Ballroom dance, telling us it's a big relief to be back in Anton's arms. I feel much more safe and protected in hold." Anton shares Moira’s confidence, saying “I think my partners seem to prefer the Ballroom dances, and I can’t say I’m surprised!”

Dance: Foxtrot - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love

Craig: It wasn’t that bad actually. Your frame still is quite weak, and it’s almost as if you’re hugging Anton desperately, but there was an obvious improvement. You should be pleased.

Darcey: Craig’s right, it was a big improvement. One thing I would say is just to get on to the balls of your feet, because your frame will become a hundred percent better; but, very very good job Moira.

Len: A traditional Ballroom dance with a professional Ballroom dancer and to a nice Ballroom song, what more can you ask for? Better posture for one thing! No, but seriously, lovely job Moira. I bet you’re thrilled.

Bruno: Oh who knew Anton Du Beke would be such a romantic at heart? That was like a teenage love story from the sixties - pretty, innocent and classy. Now to work on the technique…

Scores:
Craig - 5
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 5

Total - 20/40

"We'll take a five from Craig. I think that's the highest score he's given me all the time I've been here!" Anton jokes (although it probably is true).

Dancing next are Jeff and Natalie!

Jeff & Natalie

Training: Dancing the Rumba this week are Jeff and Natalie. Speaking of the difficulties Jeff will be facing, Natalie says “the Rumba is really difficult for the male celebrities. It’s so slow that even the tiniest error is seen by everyone. And the males always seem to struggle with the slower hip action. I just hope Jeff can cope with this okay for Saturday night.”

Dance: Rumba - Phil Collins - Against All Odds

Craig: It was very jagged and forced, I’m afraid. I didn’t see a connection at all, and it seemed like Natalie was trying to force something out of you. It needed more impact, for sure.

Darcey: I’m sorry, I have to disagree. That was romantic as heaven! Your storytelling abilities are second to none and you really put so much effort into that performance. And your technique is already there as far as I’m concerned.

Len: It definitely wasn’t as cold as Craig’s making it out to be. Perhaps lacking that spark that sets the perfect Rumbas from the good ones, but that, for week three… amazing.

Bruno: It didn’t quite blow me away compared to, say, your Jive, but there’s no arguing that that was a solid Rumba. Passionate, classy and romantic - what else do you want Craig?

Scores:
Craig - 5
Darcey - 7
Len - 7
Bruno - 7

Total - 26/40

The Claud-pit boo intensely when Craig announces his score.

Now we have Jason and Katya with their Tango!

Jason & Katya

Training: Jason and Katya will be dancing the Tango this week. Jason seems to be coping well with the Tango, telling us “I really like the Tango. It’s so dramatic, I can almost bring out my angry side! The frame and posture is worrying me slightly, but I’m really enjoying this dance. I just hope the judges like it as much as I am!”

Dance: Tango - Brandon Flowers - I Can Change

Craig: I was expecting a bigger, sort of, impact towards the end of the dance, however… I thought that was your best dance yet. The technique just needs refining now.

Darcey: Wow, Jason I loved that! It was so fierce and powerful! You really have worked on that character and performance side, haven’t you? The technique was very nearly there as well… wow.

Len: I have to agree with Craig, here. I was hoping for it to explode into some revenge chase about half way through, but it sort of just fizzled out. It was an improvement, though, which you must be happy with.

Bruno: Oh Jason I can change for you! And for sure my score will be changing for you tonight! That was like a spicy curry but in dance! Your frame does have a few issues as well, but that was something very good indeed.

Scores:
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 6
Bruno - 7

Total - 26/40

"I loved that!" Jason shouts ecstatically as he and Katya go backstage.

Tiffany and Brendan are up next!

Tiffany & Brendan

Training: Foxtrot-ing tonight will be Tiffany and Brendan. Tiffany is feeling positive about her dance, saying “I’m loving the Foxtrot. It’s just so gentle and sweet, I wish I could dance this every week! Brendan’s choreographed a lovely routine for us, and it’s such a romantic song… I can’t wait for everyone to see it on Saturday night.”

Dance: Foxtrot - James Morrison - Broken Strings

Craig: That was fantastic. It was elegant, your footwork was gorgeous… your lines could have been extended just a bit more out of hold, but other than that, lovely.

Darcey: Tiffany - what a pleasant surprise! Your technique has improved leaps and bounds since week one, and your performance… you had me under a spell! I’m just speechless.

Len: I didn’t really know what to expect of you, but you’ve just gone right up in my estimations. I’m expecting big things girl, you better not let me down, because that Foxtrot was fantastic!

Bruno: Tiffany, that was absolutely gorgeous. You captured the mood of the dance and the song perfectly. Please come back and surprise me like this again next week! Fantastico!

Scores:
Craig - 7
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 7

Total - 30/40

Tiffany and Brendan hug, and Tiffany weeps, as the scores are announced.

William and Joanne will now be taking to the dancefloor!

William & Joanne

Training: Dancing the Jive tonight will be William and Joanne. William is slightly nervous for performing the Jive, saying “I’ve been told it’s very fast, and it’s safe to say I’m beyond my fittest years. This kicking and flicking nonsense is giving me a lot of pain in my feet so I’m not sure if I’ll be at my best on Saturday. I’m definitely a tad scared for what Craig’s got to say about it!”

Dance: Jive - Chubby Checker - Let's Twist Again

Craig: Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful.

Darcey: Oh goodness. I mean, William, I’ve seen bad dances on this show, but this tops the list. You’re so sweet and you do make me laugh, but that wasn’t really good, at all.

Len: Aw William, do you know what? Good on you. You come on here with - very - limited dance ability and just give it a good go. And I salute you sir!

Bruno: Oh come on! You were so out of time you were almost fifteen seconds behind her! I love you as a person, but as a dancer, not very much…

Scores:
Craig - 1
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 3

Total - 14/40

Claudia laughs uncontrollably in the Claud-pit, whilst William looks bewildered.

Next up are Mimi and Kevin!

Mimi & Kevin

Training: After their Foxtrot won over the judges last week, Kevin is on cloud nine. He says “the judges’ feedback and scores last week was tremendous. It’s really given Mimi the confidence to produce a great Salsa this week.” Mimi agrees, saying “I’m loving the Salsa - I’m dancing to my favourite singer, have such a nice dress and I love the routine. Hopefully the judges like it too!”

Dance: Salsa - Beyonce - Deja Vu

Craig: Some of the transitions in and out of lifts were sloppy, but it was full of sexiness and I loved it! Your Latin is shaping up to be some of the best this series!

Darcey: Wow Mimi you were giving it all you’ve got, weren’t you!? You look so confident when you’re out there, I don’t think I’m alone in thinking all the ladies want to get up and join you and Kevin! A great Salsa, full of fun!

Len: Oh I do love it when you flaunt it Mimi! That was everything you want in a Salsa - a great deal of armography, a fantastic show to watch and plenty of raunchiness! Ten out of ten! Well, not quite!

Bruno: It’s déjà vu! Where have I seen this lovely hot girl before? What a Salsa! You look gorgeous, you danced fantastically and boy you put on a show! I LOVED it!

Scores:
Craig - 7
Darcey - 7
Len - 8
Bruno - 8

Total - 30/40

"We're thrilled with those comments, because that was a difficult dance!" Kevin tells Claudia.

Performing now are Katy and Pasha!

Katy & Pasha

Training: Attempting the Tango tonight will be Katy and Pasha. Katy tells us “I’m so thankful to still be in the competition with my gorgeous Pasha. This week we’re doing the Tango and I can say for certain that I’m loving it. I’m playing Pasha’s ex lover, so that means I get to stick my claws into him. Lucky me!”

Dance: Tango - 2 Unlimited - No Limit

Craig: A hot mess. Pasha, I can see that you tried to put so much into that, but it wasn’t worth the hassle. It was very, very messy.

Darcey: Oh Katy, I really love you, but I don’t think this was quite up to your standard. It was quite messy and unstructured, which I think is quite important. Pasha must be pushing you very hard!

Len: I can see where they’re coming from, if I’m honest. It was as if you just threw everything you thought might work into it, and the result was quite a mess.

Bruno: I really feel for you. I know how positive you were about this Tango, but sadly it just wasn’t your dance. I can’t wait to see you back in a bubbly fun Latin dance, because that’s what suits you love.

Scores:
Craig - 4
Darcey - 5
Len - 6
Bruno - 6

Total - 21/40

Katy sobs, as Pasha looks on nervously, whilst the judges scores are announced.

Laura and Tristan are our next pair to dance!

Laura & Tristan

Training: Rumba-ing tonight are Laura and Tristan. Laura says she is struggling slightly with the Rumba; “it’s been a little tougher, I’d say. It’s so slow that even the smallest of mistakes is noticeable to the whole audience. And the hip action can be a little challenging.” However, Tristan thinks the opposite, saying “I think we have something special on the cards.”

Dance: Rumba - Mariah Carey - Hero

Craig: You did look like a rabbit in headlights at the start… I just wanted to shake you and wake you up! But after that, I must say, it was gorgeous darling!

Darcey: Laura, that was lovely. Your hip action is just so natural - I wish we could trade hips! And the passion you put into that is phenomenal. I’m almost in tears here, you should be really proud of yourself.

Len: You, little madam, are a brilliant dancer. You have the ability to personally touch me, and I don’t think I’m alone there. You’re now a top class performer as far as I’m concerned.

Bruno: That was absolute perfection. You got the romance of the Rumba matched with the delicacy and fragility of this song. Outstanding!

Scores:
Craig - 7
Darcey - 8
Len - 8
Bruno - 9

Total - 32/40

Laura receives a standing ovation from the audience and the Claud pit.

Dancing the American Smooth now are Steffi and Ian!

Steffi & Ian

Training: After landing in last week’s bottom two, Steffi is feeling slightly low. “I can’t lie, I was very sad to be in the bottom two. It felt like all the work we’d put in had been in vain.” However, her attitude has changed by the later stages of the week; “I’ve realised I have to forget about the past and focus on making this dance the best it can be, for Ian and for myself. Let’s do this!”

Dance: American Smooth - Matt Monro - This Is The Life

Craig: I feel like being in the bottom two has given you the fire under your feet that you needed, because that was really rather good. Your frame still is a little shaky, but you’re in capable hands with Ian. Good job.

Darcey: Steffi Graf, that was a top class performance. Okay, there still is work to be done on your frame, but you really have improved. Ian, you’re a star! Please transform her again next week!

Len: Well, Steffi Graf, I have to start off by saying you look amazing. And to add to that, you can dance Ballroom! Nothing but class, hopefully that’s how it lasts! Well done!

Bruno: Oh this is the life, you must be thinking. That was classy, elegant, super smooth and super cool… dance like that every week and you will ace this competition my love!

Scores:
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 7
Bruno - 7

Total - 27/40

"I'm speechless. Thank you so much everyone for the support," Steffi says in the Claud pit.

Our penultimate couple tonight is Ainsley and Iveta!

Ainsley & Iveta

Training: Ainsley and Iveta are dancing the Salsa this week. Iveta is surprised by Ainsley’s energy levels, saying “Ainsley is giving it full pelt this week! He is a born showman, so the Salsa is definitely ideal for him, but I didn’t quite expect this amount of effort!” But will this extra energy be enough to impress the judges tonight?

Dance: Salsa - Celia Cruz - Quimbara

Craig: My eyes were almost popping out my head at the end there! It was so fast and all over the shop! It needs a bit more control, but I can’t argue the effort you put into that!

Darcey: Ainsley, you are so much fun, which exactly what this show is about. Perhaps restraining yourself could do you good, but if it were down to me, I wouldn’t change you for the world.

Len: My dreams have come true. Ainsley Harriott dancing a Salsa in a Hawaiian shirt from the seventies? Check! Boy do you have rhythm - that was fantastic!

Bruno: It needs a blooming lot of control Craig! I think even I am more timid than that! It was great to see you pull off those lifts and hip rotations, but boy… have a sleeping pill!

Scores:
Craig - 5
Darcey - 6
Len - 7
Bruno - 6

Total - 24/40

Ainsley and Iveta look surprised, pleasantly, when the scores are announced.

And finally tonight we have Conor and Janette!

Conor & Janette

Training: Dancing the American Smooth tonight are Conor and Janette. Conor is relishing in his new found confidence, saying “I think I’ve been pushing myself too hard for the last two weeks. I’m loving the American Smooth because it’s just so relaxed and carefree… which is now my approach to the competition. I’m just going to go out every week and try and better myself. That’s all I can do!”

Dance: American Smooth - Michael Buble - Sway

Craig: Your childish smirk was very off putting, however cute it was, and your footwork still needs attention, but I think that was rather good, and better than your Tango.

Darcey: Conor I loved this. I’m a sucker for old school Foxtrots and you delivered one tonight. Those lifts were also amazing - I never would have thought you’d be able to do them! Well done you two - you are creeping up the ranks there!

Len: I do also love my traditional Ballroom dances, but I like them danced well. And tonight, you did both! It was classy, elegant, jazzy, it almost knocked me back to my youth. Fan bloomin’ tastic!

Bruno: Conor, you’ve finally left the cocoon and have grown into a dance prodigy my love! I think you are a potential dark horse in this competition. Keep soaring and soaring and you may just get there my friend!

Scores:
Craig - 6
Darcey - 7
Len - 8
Bruno - 8

Total - 29/40

"Thank you very much to all the judges - I couldn't be happier with those scores!" says Conor.