It is Blackpool, the Vegas of the north, and the true home of ballroom dancing. The Blackpool Tower is where it all belongs, and there is nothing quite like seeing the ballroom lit up in all its glory. It is every dancer’s dream to glide across that famous sprung floor and to be surrounded by such an iconic and historic setting.
The great news is that no one is going home tonight. With two injuries now in the show, I assume the decision was made to ensure we are not left short for the final. I am gutted for La Voix, and I do feel a little sorry for Vicky, who was eliminated last week, especially as Blackpool week is such a milestone. It was very nice for everyone to have the opportunity to give La Voix a Strictly send off, and she deserved that moment. But I am also so happy for the rest of the contestants who get to enjoy this special experience.
Steps was the big number this year, and it was bursting with nostalgia. I remember dancing around the living room as a child to their songs and hearing them again added even more sparkle to the magic of Blackpool. I also loved seeing the past celebrities return to perform their iconic routines. They have still got it after all these years. It does make you wonder whether an all-stars version could be on the cards in the future.
So let us get to it. As usual, I will go through the couples in order of appearance.
Lewis Cope - Charleston (10)
Amazing way to open the show. It felt like I was watching a West End show performance, full of polish and excitement. He fitted in perfectly with all the dancers and shone brightly from the moment he stepped on the floor. The energy and the bounce were fantastic, and he carried the whole routine with real confidence and presence. He did not look tired at all, and his stamina was incredible throughout. I cannot really see what he could do better. It was simply perfect.
Balvinder Sopia – Argentine Tango (8)
I really liked it when she danced with the additional dancers, as it added to the atmosphere and showed her strength and intensity. She carried herself well, although the dance could have been a little sharper and I would like to see her feet turn out a bit more. Her balance was a little off at times, but overall it was a strong and committed attempt at an Argentine Tango.
Amber Davies – Quickstep (10)
What a performance. I loved it from the beginning all the way to the end. Her frame was absolute perfection, and her footwork was beautifully clean, showing real attention to detail. Her transitions in and out of hold were smooth and confident, which gave the whole routine a lovely flow. It was such a star dazzling performance, and her nana should be so proud of how far she has come. She glided across the entire floor with ease and elegance and truly made the dance her own.
Karen Carney – Paso Doble (10)
WOW. The drama and the tension were perfect. This is Karen’s dance, and she was epic throughout, truly commanding the entire routine with confidence and presence. I loved how she was able to stop the spin so cleanly, and her positioning from start to finish was absolutely fabulous. Every movement felt precise and full of intent. She was spectacular, and this was by far my favourite dance she has performed so far. She looked like a professional dancer completely in control, and her energy and focus filled the whole floor. From the football pitch to the dance floor, she continues to excel in everything she does.
Alex Kingston – Couples Choice (8)
She certainly had a strong presence in this dance. I really liked the routine, although to be honest, I feel she has delivered even stronger performances before. I loved the glamour of the dance and the effortless way she executed her lifts. Her lines were beautiful, and she looked incredibly sophisticated throughout. All eyes were on Alex, and she made every moment count.
George Clarke - Salsa (10)
George closed the show brilliantly. He truly brought the party to the dancefloor, filling every moment with energy and flair. The routine was packed with tricks, flips, and fantastic salsa content that kept you on the edge of your seat. When he danced alongside the other male professional dancers, he fitted in perfectly, yet this was clearly his dance. He was effortlessly cool, making the routine entirely his own. His hips had a life of their own, stealing the spotlight in every move. Brilliant!
What a night. Everyone really upped their performances this week. With the leaderboard separated by only seven points, it is all to play for. There were so many tens given out as well. I usually have a favourite or at least a couple I want to win, but this year I honestly cannot choose. I also cannot tell who is going to take the trophy. It is so close, and with the quarterfinals next week the tension is really starting to grow. All the celebs left are genuinely strong dancers, so it will probably come down to someone having an off week or getting a dance that they simply do not connect with. We will have to wait and see, and with the addition of the instant dance it is certainly going to make for another spectacular show next weekend.
Do you agree with my scores? Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Keep dancing,
Catherine
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