ITT
Jay looked incredibly nervous on this ITT. He was sitting so close to Ali that it was almost as if he was trying to hide behind her. It was obvious that they were getting on really well and enjoying getting to know one another though. And this is where we learnt about the 'Caveman' - he was so embarrassed.
Costume
I was thinking, eh up, what's going on with the hat. Thankfully it was just to hide the big reveal. And what a revelation it was. OMG that teddy bear/ lion/ caveman had transformed into an incredibly handsome man in a single haircut. His hair was obviously styled within an inch of its life but I loved it. The fact that they coupled it with a head to toe white look just emphasised the transformation. He looked like a completely different person. And that's before he danced. Aliona looked beautiful and her dress complemented Jay and the dance perfectly.
Music
I really like the song and it was perfect for their Waltz. I've just realised there's been very few times I've said that in relation to music choices.
Dance
Well what can I say. At the time I think I was too taken by his transformation to really register the dance in it's entirety. I think my overall impression was 'lovely'. Little Miss H said something about it being good, but again I think she was also focused on the fact 'he's really good looking'. However this was the first week I went back and watched a dance again. And I have to say that I've watched this one A LOT. He was dashing and debonair, with such easy grace and elegance. The feel of the dance is romantic and dreamy, like floating on a cloud. In parts they display real, honest smiles. The tender touches to each other's faces and necks are such a lovely detail (couldn't have done that with long hair). They look like they're enjoying the beauty of the dance and the beauty of dancing with each other. It was almost as if they were saying 'this is awesome' with their eyes. Oh the spins followed by the sweeping leg at the end, with pointed toe. Sublime. Just the most romantic love story from start to finish. I know it's probably not technically perfect but I honestly think it's the most beautiful dance.
At the time I was really rooting for him and hoping his nerves were getting better. We were just starting to get a glimpse of his personality, and I liked what I saw. He was just edging it from Anita before the dance, but afterwards I think the competition for my allegiance was over. However I wasn't yet totally invested. I do love something nice to look at on a Saturday evening and I was thinking 'Thank goodness for that, now at least I have some eye candy to look at!'. The seed had been sown but it was yet to grow into the obsession that it would in just a few weeks time. In the end it was his personality coupled with the dance, his story and his relationship with Aliona that did it for me. Once that all clicked he had me, lock stock.
Judges
I did think that Len might criticise them for being out of hold too much and for not being in conventional hold for very long too. But I think Ali chose this choreography because, as they said later, J found it hard not to look at her when they were in hold. Problem solved, wonderful out of hold sequence that blows everyone away. Then we'll do huge sections where we're supposed to look at each other. They'll be swept away by the romance of it all and won't notice. You can manage the rest.
However the judges comments were wonderful. Darcey commented on the romance and that J could be one special dancer. Len's comment would have been better if he hadn't wasted time with his lame joke. But he was 'excited'. Bruno talked about footwork and floorwork, and it's at this point you hear Len agree and say 'Everything'. He should have said that in his comments! Well CRH - was quite funny really. J&A looked a little surprised but very happy with the response. I also noticed watching again that at first J's hand is a bit too low on Ali's waist. At some point he must realise and the next time we see them he's moved it much higher!😂
Clauditoruim & scores
Wonderful support from the Clauditorium. We were just starting to see a little bit more of J's personality peaking through, but in one or two word answers. I really loved Tristan's interaction with both of them. The scores I suppose were very good. Excellent for week two. For me it's worth more but then I think I'm blinded by the beauty and feel of the dance and know nothing about technique.
So week two over and our boy was well on his way. Little did we know what the next week would bring...
As he said, well, we're back to where we started now, aren't we?! And he finished off by telling me that physios can only do so much......most of my recovery will be "down to hard graft from me at home" 
”
.