Amanda & Pasha

Training: This week Amanda and Pasha will be dancing the Tango. “Pasha keeps telling me to pull my best Connie Beauchamp expression for the Tango. It’s going well!” Amanda explains. “The Tango is a difficult dance to get hold of the characterisation, but Amanda is mastering it perfectly,” Pasha says. “Now if we can perfect our technique, I think we’ll be on to a winner!”

Dance: Tango - Slash - Doctor Alibi

Craig: Your frame did seem to slacken towards the end and your footwork was slightly lazy. However, it was fast and furious and I think you did a very respectable job.

Darcey: I can see Pasha’s really been pushing you - that was a tough routine! You just need to work on stabilising that top line, but otherwise, love it love it love it!

Len: Doctor Beauchamp produces a performance worthy of no repeat prescriptions! That really was an impressive performance, well done to the pair of you!

Bruno: Oh Amanda… tell me, can I book another appointment? I think you coped very well with a difficult piece of choreography. Just focus on that top line though, my darling!

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

Total - 24/40

"I'm really, really happy with those comments and scores," Amanda says, grinning.

Next up are Paula and Giovanni!

Paula & Giovanni

Training: Paula and Giovanni will be dancing the Cha Cha Cha for their first dance. Paula seems to be picking up the basic steps very quickly, and Giovanni is clearly impressed: “Paula is such a powerhouse in training! She gets it right every time and is showing so much potential.” Paula goes on, saying “I’m loving Cha Cha training so much. I just hope I like doing it live as much!”

Dance: Cha Cha Cha - Ricky Martin - She Bangs

Craig: Confident, sassy, superb, darling! My only qualm is that you did lose your balance after the first set of New Yorks, but an incredible first dance for you.

Darcey: Paula, that was amazing! Your timing was perfect and technique was nailed down to the wire. I would only say to strengthen that core because your legs did go a bit wild… but, very very nice!

Len: You came out here, all guns blazing, and proved to us that you are here for the long run. I just hope you show off this same confidence in your Ballroom dances, because you are one fine dancer.

Bruno: Oh yes Paula! She bangs! She bangs! I tell you, everything was just so slick and precise. Okay, you might have lost your balance but I’ll say I’ll never lose my confidence in you! Mwah!

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

Total - 28/40

"Highest of the night so far!" Claudia reminds Paula and Giovanni.

Dancing their Waltz now will be David and Aliona!

David & Aliona

Training: Dancing their Waltz for their first live performance tonight are David and Aliona. David speaks of his nerves, saying “I am absolutely terrified. I’m used to going out on the catwalks, but a dancefloor is a completely different thing!” However, their Waltz training appears to be going well, with David picking up the routine quickly. But will David’s nerves get the better of him on the night?

Dance: Waltz - The Beatles - A Taste Of Honey

Craig: That was one rather manly Waltz. You showed that you definitely are an elegant dancer. My only issue was that the connection could have been more for me, and your thumb was sticking out throughout.

Darcey: David, that really was lovely. Your posture was absolutely to die for! I think you two work brilliantly together. I’m not going to lie I did get quite caught up in all that - lovely!

Len: I tell you it’s not just the catwalk you’re good at - that was a very fine first dance indeed. With just a little tweak here and there - I think you’ll be on to a winner!

Bruno: Well it was a lot better than I was expecting actually! You were sort of like an elegant swan, so graceful, so pretty. It was a beautiful dance from a beautiful couple.

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

Total - 24/40

"You have no reason to be terrified, that was insane!" Claudia reassures David.

Noddy and Karen are next to perform!

Noddy & Karen

Training: For their first dance, Noddy and Karen will be performing a Cha Cha Cha. Noddy seems to be struggling initially, telling us “well you’d think, after all those Slade years I’d be excellent at my musical timing… but it’s just all so fast! I’ll need to be heading to hospital to get a pacemaker soon!” Will the speed of the dance continue to be an issue for Noddy, or will he be able to Get Down And Get With It?

Dance: Cha Cha Cha - Make Way For Noddy - Theme Song

Craig: That was a bit of an unmitigated dancer, I’m afraid. It was littered with errors left, right and centre, and quite frankly it brought shame to myself, and no doubt you when you watch this back, if you dare to do so.

Darcey: I have to make quite a serious point here, because Noddy, I think you could actually be an okay dancer. Karen, please don’t play up here. The choreography tonight did let you both down tonight.

Len: Part of me really does have to agree with Darcey. I don’t want to see a joke routine from you, I want to see you really dance. I believe you can do it, so get out there and do it for us oldies!

Bruno: I think it’s fair to say this wasn’t the best we’ve seen tonight… You did make me laugh, although in turn with shock, surprise and pain!

Scores:
Craig - 2
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 4

Total - 16/40

Noddy hides behind Karen as the scores are revealed.

Dancing their Tango next are Bonnie and Anton!

Bonnie & Anton

Training: Tango-ing tonight will be Bonnie and Anton. Anton considers himself lucky, saying “I think it’s fair for me to say I’ve hit the jackpot this year. Bonnie is my dream partner - a strong, determined short woman who will put Craig in his place if he needs it!” Bonnie responds, saying “I’m known for the no nonsense, so if anyone needs a talking to - even Anton - I’ll be on it!”

Dance: Tango - Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Craig: I was slightly fearing for my life at some of the facial expressions you pulled during that! Obviously it all went a bit disastrously wrong at the end, but the start was pleasant enough.

Darcey: Oh Bonnie it is such a shame that that little trip happened. It really was very good up until that point. Please come back next week with that determination and drive, and I’m sure you will succeed again.

Len: Well I never… Bonnie Tyler dancing a Tango, screaming “hit me with your best shot!” My dreams have all come true! You two are going to be great together - here’s to more dances!

Bruno: The last thirty seconds or so did resemble a sheep being dragged around the farm against its will. Oh my darling, it could have been so much better! Give us that fire and passion next week!

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

Total - 20/40

Anton says "well she's still better than Moira Stuart..." Bonnie hits him jokingly.

Next to show us their routine are Maggie and Gorka!

Maggie & Gorka

Training: Tonight Maggie and Gorka will be dancing the Cha Cha Cha. “The main thing I want to get out of my time on Strictly is to learn to dance,” Maggie says, “and who better to do that with than with the beautiful Gorka!?” Maggie seems to be mastering the performance aspect of the Cha Cha Cha, but will the judges pick up on this perhaps overshadowing the technique of the dance?

Dance: Cha Cha Cha - Deniece Williams - Let's Hear It For The Boy

Craig: That was exactly how I would imagine Janice to dance… You were confident, sassy, and certainly weren’t taking no for an answer. I’m quite excited by you two as a couple now!

Darcey: Well that certainly packed a punch! Your personality shone right through there! I didn’t notice one mistake at all - I would only say remember to challenge yourself with your routines; it was fairly basic for me.

Len: You madam, are one little firecracker! It put a smile on my face and brightened up my day. You really came alive with the performance aspect of that and I absolutely love you for that.

Bruno: Let’s hear it for the boy? No, no, let’s hear it for Maggie and Gorka! That was one heck of a Cha Cha Cha! It sizzled so much it left a burn on my tongue. Divine!

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

Total - 26/40

"Oh my gawd! Those scores are a-ma-zing!" Claudia impersonates Maggie's character Janice.

Gino and Janette are next up!

Gino & Janette

Training: This week Gino and Janette are dancing the Tango. Janette seems excited, telling us “we are dancing to the best song possible for Gino. He has been finding it difficult to get into the character for our Tango, so I’m sure our song will work wonders for him. There’s even a section of the dance where he treats me to some pizza and a glass of wine! We’re both happy!”

Dance: Tango - John Riggio - The Pasta Song

Craig: Dreadful. You looked like an excited ten year old on Christmas morning. It just didn’t work. The only saving grace was the sections in the kitchen, you played the character well there.

Darcey: Oh I was so willing for you two to do well tonight! Something for me was missing. It just seemed like five separate sections, there really wasn’t any flow or connection. I’m sorry!

Len: Darcey’s right - it was quite disjointed and your technique, with the staccato head turns, wasn’t great I’m afraid. Still, it’s only week one and I’m sure you’ll come back better and stronger next week.

Bruno: Ahh, my fellow Italian! Promettimi che farai meglio che la prossima settimana? No, but there were a few mistakes but I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Good try my lovelies!

Scores:
Craig - 3
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 6

Total - 19/40

"They just need a portion of my finest bolognese - that'll get the tens out!" Gino exclaims.

Dancing now we have Kelly and Kevin!

Kelly & Kevin

Training: Dancing the Waltz as their first dance tonight will be Kelly and Kevin. Kelly is struggling to get into the routine of dancing, saying “the way athletes use their muscles is completely different to dancers. I am finding it tricky to keep to that one specific shape! It will take a bit of time but I believe in Kevin to make me at least an adequate dancer!”

Dance: Waltz - John Denver - Annie's Song

Craig: You did look very lost in that dance, and in a way that distanced you from Kevin. There wasn’t much of a connection at all, and you did lose your footing on the kick sequence. I was expecting better!

Darcey: Don’t listen to him, Kelly, it was beautiful! It’s always difficult going from a completely different profession to dancing. You just need to loosen up a bit and feel the music. Really listen to it and I’m sure you will produce better next time.

Len: I always sympathise with the sportspeople because you’re used to a completely different way of using your body. And do you know what? With that in mind, you did a very good job. I’m proud of you Kelly, and I’m sure Britain is as well!

Bruno: Aside from the rabbit in headlights look, I thought it was a rather decent attempt! I saw the frame, your footwork was reasonable, but it could have done with more emotion. I want to feel!

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

Total - 21/40

"We'll focus on the sixes more than the four I think!" Kevin tells Claudia.

Steph and Brendan is our next couple to perform!

Steph & Brendan

Training: Steph and Brendan will be performing a Cha Cha Cha as their first dance tonight. “Steph is struggling a little - she’s by no means a natural dancer,” Brendan says. “I am finding it a lot harder than I thought - there’s so much to remember and my body is just so worn out!” Steph explains. “I hope I can pull everything together in time for the live show!”

Dance: Cha Cha Cha - Donna Summer - She Works Hard For The Money

Craig: It was a dance disaster, I’m afraid, darling. That’s all I can say.

Darcey: I don’t think it went quite as you expected Steph, but everyone has to start somewhere and I do believe we will see the dancer inside you blossom. It just wasn’t your night.

Len: It’s fair to say it was a bit of a wonky Cha Cha Cha, but it wasn’t all bad. Your hip action got me going, guercha! You’ve got a good teacher in Brendan and I’m sure you’ll get better.

Bruno: Oh no! The markets have all crashed! Whether that’s down to Brexit or Steph’s dancing we will never know! No, but there were so many mistakes and it wasn’t really good at all. I’m sorry my love.

Scores:
Craig - 2
Darcey - 5
Len - 5
Bruno - 5

Total - 17/40

"Ouch! Not the best..." Claudia says as Steph shrugs off the scores.

Our penultimate performers tonight are James and Oksana!

James & Oksana

Training: Hoping to Waltz their way to the top of the leaderboard tonight are James and Oksana. “James is taking to Ballroom dancing really well,” Oksana says. “His timing is impeccable and he is willing to put so much emotion and character into the dance. I am so excited to show off just how amazing a dancer he is.” But will they create a Wonderful World? Or will they be playing on Broken Strings?

Dance: Waltz - R Kelly - If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time

Craig: That was very pleasant indeed. The only thing that irritated me - and quite a lot actually - was your face. It didn’t seem to move at all. I want expression and personality. But technically, superb.

Darcey: I can already see the makings of a great partnership here. Oksana, that truly was stunning choreography and it suited James to a tee. Please give us that same quality in your Jive next week!

Len: Okay so it could have been more lively, but not everyone is all jazz hands and Broadway, Craig! It was understated, slick and smooth… just like a vanilla ice cream - delicious!

Bruno: Oh I could just gobble you two up! So handsome, so charming… It was just like a gentle breeze over an abandoned meadow. I really can’t wait to see you two dance again.

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

Total - 27/40

"I'm so proud of James, he's done such a good job and I can't wait for next week!" Oksana tells Claudia.

And closing tonight's show we have Alexandra and Aljaz!

Alexandra & Aljaz

Training: Closing tonight’s show with their Jive are Alexandra and Aljaz. Alexandra tells us “I’m so excited for the first live show. I love going out and performing to an audience, whether it’s singing, on stage or now dancing. Bring it on!” Aljaz is impressed with Alexandra’s training, telling us “Alexandra is such a hard worker and is always so determined to get it right. She is going to be very special indeed.”

Dance: Jive - Melanie C - I Want Candy

Craig: Spot on. That is how to dance your first dance on Strictly.

Darcey: Oh wow Alexandra - you sure showed us how to party! Your confidence was plain to see. I’m sure you’ll be kicking Aljaz into shape if anything! Amazing!

Len: Oh yes you two! Top notch dancing from a top notch girl! Your kicks and flicks were so on time and your attitude; well, I wouldn’t want to cross you! Fan-blooming-tastic!

Bruno: There’s nothing I love more than a celeb coming out full of confidence, passion and fire! Technique - perfect, personality - perfect, connection - perfect. Best of the night, no doubt about it!

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

Total - 29/40

Alexandra screams into Aljaz's arms as the first eight of the series is awarded.