Alesha & Matthew - Viennese Waltz
Absoloutly gorgeous! Great to see them back on the ballroom floor! Alesha is sooo much stronger at ballroom than latin and this Waltz was, IMO her best dance! Technically accomplished and she performed it, as ever beautifully and looked stunning too! And, unlike Craig I liked the "suggestive" opening as it suited the music and contrasted well with the "classic" waltz.
10
Lisa & Brendan - Quickstep
I've always loved Lisa as she brings personality and character to every dance, and as Craig said, it transported me back to the 20's/30's glamour era! The most festive dance of the night IMO, we all know she can Quickstep like the best but tonight she did make a couple of mistakes and the gapping was back..in an ordinary competition i'd give a 7 but as it's Christmas...
8
(p.s anyone else think she seemed rather "tipsy"..
Jill & Darren - American Smooth
Well this was what I was waiting to see and boy did Jill return with a bang! WOW!! I adored their AS!!

Darren is an amazing choreographer, the Viennese Waltz into Quickstep with elements of Samba..it was a specatcle to behold! Jill dances like no other, her spins, her arms, hands, feet and legs are sooo controlled yet she gives soo much energy!! I'm going to be watching this dance over and over I tell you!
10!
Rachel & Vincent - Rumba
I have to say if any dance was made for this pair its the Rumba..Rachel has a great hip action from her perfect technique in her footwork. However, I thought tonights performance was "safe", it was virtually the same choreography as her previous Rumba with a few lifts. Also, Rachel doesn't seem to do transitions between figures smoothly, they can still be a bit "sticky" in places. Still not a bad effort!
8
Kelly & Brian - Jive
It's great to see her back after her tradgedy last year. I still don't think the Jive is her best dance, she just seems to be too placed and precise, and I feel more energy was needed in the kicks and flicks. Also, Brian occasionally "outdanced" her..however she performed it very well, it suits her personality.
9
Tom & Camilla - Foxtrot
I enjoy the performance Tom give's these showy ballroom dances, like his showdance! Him and Camilla have great interplay and, admittedly he did do only half the dance in hold but I loved it and it was very festive and enjoyable!
9
My leaderboard
1. Jill and Darren
= Alesha and Matthew
3. Kelly and Brian
4. Tom and Camilla
5. Lisa and Brendan
6. Rachel and Vincent
Overall a great evening of entertainment, great to see Kelly, Alesha and Jill back on the floor.
Jill was a deserving winner, when Darren said they had only 5 sessions of training it just confirmed for me how talented and naturally gifted at dance Jill truly is!
Bring on Strictly '09!
Best wishes, and a Happy New Year!

astraeus