No, overall he and Joanne deserved to top the leaderboard.

I thought the AT wasn't a good routine (didn't look like one to me), so Ore didn't have much to do, and what he did do was very flat. No AT atmosphere.

Danny's dances were both better imo. I thought Louise was better as well (though I prefer watching Ore).

It was fairly close between everyone, but definitely not Ore top.

His quick step was very good, his AT not so much and the routine wasn't that special.

Regarding the marks, the first dance of Louise was overmarked, so once again far too many 10's followed.

I agree, three tens? He stood doing nothing for 75% of the dance

Why would it be manipulated for Ore to get through? The winners get a plastic trophy, honesty it's not a competition of significant importance is it???

I'll be delighted if Ore and Jo make the final.

Everything crossed.

don't know about manipulation but really; Ore top of the judges leaderboard??

Please let this happen.

Ore was TERRIFIC tonight. Really chuffed.

I felt from the start of the show the judges want Ore, Louise and Danny in the final and that was reflected in the marking . Poor Claudia she excelled herself tonight and the judges didn't give her the marks she deserved

Overall I thought he was the best tonight. Disappointed with Claudia's first dance and Louise's second. Danny was overshadowed by Oti strutting her stuff.

But if the judges were guilty of manipulating it to save Ore they may find they end up inadevertently having to knock Louise out which will please the Kevin bashers and Louise bashers no end.

The thing is people see what they want to see. If you like Ore you'll say he was under marked and any criticism of his dancing is ridiculous. I prefer to try and keep an open mind and even criticise the people I enjoy watching if they mess up.

So in that light I agree, this was a very poor AT indeed. It was sloppy, lacked energy and snap other than in a couple of places such as the yank of Jo into his arms. He did a lot of posing as Jo danced the complicated steps around him. However I think to draw the AT on the week you have to learn 2 dances was incredibly hard on Ore, but then that's the luck of the draw. Also the mention of his parents, at least three times, was a little OTT for me. Mention them once, fine, but Tess sat with them before the dance, mentioned them when Ore walked over at the end of the dance, then Ore giving it more of a squeeze with Claudia ... not required at all.

I hope you are right!

The most ridiculous overmarking I have ever seen, he was constantly hunched in the Argentine Tango while she did all the moves. Anyone who thinks that was perfect knows as much about dancing as I know about nuclear physics. Ever since the judges were criticised for being "racist" they have favoured Ore. Totally ridiculous

Ore's posture in that AT was far, far closer to correct than Danny's was.

Agreed

Totally agree

But his footwork was abysmal

I don't think the marking has gone down well with viewers that's for sure

But then, when does it ever

I agree.

I think they massively undermarked Claudia and that will make people vote for her over Louise.

I think you are right, it might be a Louise/Ore dance off and Louise will get chucked off the show, even though Ore did worse dances tonight.

Based on the dancing and the technique yes he was incredibly over marked in comparison to the others. Marginally better than Louise but she was given the worst combination of dances this week.
Better that Danny or Claudia? Never. Not based on those two dances.

I have talked to some pro dancers I know on the phone and they all ranked Ore last in both dances. I do not know what the judges were watching.

You are Ore's Mum and I claim my £5!

The judges are wasting their efforts. It didn't work against Jay last series so you'd think they would learn. It's obvious they want both Clintons in the final. Just a shame for all of them, Danny's around to spoil it.