Strictly week 12
Dec. 12th, 2023 08:27 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shallownessOn ITT, we eventually learned that Ellie and Vito’s couples choice would be commercial (but with canes) to a Dua Lipa medley. Lauren won the pro challenge. Well done, Lauren.
SEMI-FINALS!
On the night itself, Tess wore a one-sleeve bright pink long gown that was a lot of sleeve. The slight pouff of the sleeves of Claudia’s short black dress was as nothing compared to that. There was some texture to Craig’s jacket, Motsi wore a sparkly grey pebbled dress, Shirley wore the same pink as Tess, but part of it was shiny. Anton was there too.
To be honest, I was rather tense until I saw that all the couples were present and correct and capable of walking down the stairs, which suggested they were uninjured. Phew.
The VTs for the first round of dances would involve the couples getting to see what the judges had to say about them. (For at least half of them, my response was, ‘Pfft, listen to your pro.’)
Opening up: Bobby in tails and Dianne in a fetching green velvet gown, dancing a quickstep. Assured from the start and it built increasingly as it went on. There was scarcely any gapping and the height difference didn’t seem to be a problem. I snarked as to whether Dianne had done the single pendulum step correctly, and perhaps the last run was a bit ragged, but that was very accomplished. Two 9s (I’d have given it a 9 too) two 10s, making it his best score and the best quickstep score of the series.
Aljiaz and Janette were in the studio audience (I would put any noises from the audience down to them for the rest of the episode, although I think that, overall, it was an excitable audience.)
There’d be a vote, so there were Ts and Cs, read by Vernon Kay. Claudia made a big deal of him ‘throwing to Tess’ in a romantic voice and…he clearly got to his wife. Heh.
Layton and Nikita (the overall effect of their greys was muted) would be doing a rumba. The judges’ (Anton’s most of all) talk of potential danger because of footwork and partnering seemed to really get to Layton. (But, dude, it’s a rumba.)
And it was very accomplished, with great finish and whole (or upper) body movement, plus impressive balance. I would have liked it if he’d closed his mouth occasionally. Anton and Craig wanted more softness, Layton looked chagrined that he was getting one critique among huge praise from all the judges. (But, dude, it’s a rumba, even if you were following more than leading, so the usual ‘male rumba’ stuff was tempered.) Four 9s, which was fair and made it the best rumba of the series.
The judges made Annabel AND Johannes cry in their VT. From the opening of their salsa, it was clear that Johannes was protecting her and going big on THE LIFTS. The Latin salsa bits in between were…not great. We had several explanations from the judges about why the bum spin didn’t work, but they complimented her recovery. I expected it to be the worst dance of the night, and didn’t agree with the pros that it was undermarked.
I loved Ellie and Vito’s look for their cha cha, and I enjoyed it a lot. I thought she was fierce, so I didn’t get Craig’s criticism. Three 9s and a Motsi 10.
We then went to the combined leaderboard, which felt weird – denying Bobby his moment at the top, with Ellie second and Layton third. But what it did show was that Annabel was off the pace.
The VTs for the second dances involved messages from family and friends.
Bobby and Dianne’s paso started with a lot of atmosphere in the set, and I thought the dance was very accomplished again. His intent came through in his hands, posture, even his nostrils spoke of arrogance. The kneeling was controlled. He turned up to these semis, no question. I take the judges’ points about a lack of shaping, but I thought Craig’s 8 was picky. The rest gave it a 9.
Claudia asked Dianne, as she would ask all the pros, to say why she thought Bobby ought to be in the final. (I think they’d all then make Claudia and the gallery wish they could be pithier.)
Layton and Nikita would be performing a Singin’ in the Rain inspired Charleston, and it was magnificent, with extraordinary tricks. There was no problem with their syncro, which I had thought might be a weakness. It was one of those where Layton arguably outdanced Nikita, but it was easily the best Charleston of the year (Craig and Motsi would rate it higher.) In fact, Craig gave it a standing O. Unquestionably, a full house.
Annabel and Johannes’s Viennese Waltz was beautiful. As ever, they drew me in, and I think her ballroom dancing would be worthy of the final. Despite all the positive comments, she got three 8s, with only Anton giving it a 9. For once, I was glad of his generosity, and agreed with the pros that that was undermarked. Johannes broke us all with his tribute to Annabel.
To close, Ellie and Vito’s couples choice, which meant a slightly different VT, summarising Ellie’s life story/journey as the girl who’d grown up on Corrie turning up to Strictly about to embark on a new chapter in her life and becoming a confident woman. And to be fair, she did own that dance. I was especially impressed by the cane work and that long, long lift. A 10 from Shirley despite her commenting on a mistake. I’d say it was better than Molly’s showdance last year, but not as good as Fleur’s couples choice last year, the comparisons coming to mind because of the catsuit and dancing with Vito, respectively.
Vito, like Dianne and Johannes, pointed out that his celeb partner had had no dance experience. Unsurprisingly, Nikita…couldn’t.
I voted for Ellie a lot because she’s been my favourite for ages, even while I acknowledge that Layton’s Charleston was the dance of the night, and once for Bobby because I thought he’d upped his game, just when he needed to. His paso and quickstep were almost equally good, I’d favour the quickstep slightly. I think it’s probably time for Annabel to go, but we’ll see how the couples’ popularity plays into voting, though surely Layton is safe.
Results
Lauren was the star of the opening routine, although we first saw Katya and partner, and I was reminded what a great year Katya has had costume wise. Yes, I know all the ladies wore the same dress, and Nacy’s pale grey was exquisite on her, but still – I did wonder if they all found the gloves a faff.) Anyway, Lauren was sadly decorating her Christmas tree alone while all the rest were coupling up ‘outside’, until she dreamed of her Mr Right and started dancing with Graziano (eyes closed for most of it, right?) Lovely ballroom work. Her dream partner disappeared and she opened her eyes to find herself all alone, until a dog ran up to her (the studio audience went wild,) followed by his owner…Graziano. The dog kind of overset it all (never work with children or animals as Bruce Forsythe would have told them.)
Recap of the night played it straight, going down the leaderboard in descending order, showing both dances and playing clips of positive comments from the judges.
All four couples were on the dancefloor dressed for their highest-scoring dance, so Bobby and Dianne had had to change to hear from Tess that…Ellie and Vito were in the final. Big emotional response. In the dance-off would be…Bobby and Dianne. Mild tension because if he’d be facing Layton, he’d be out, if he was facing Annabel, he had a chance of getting through. Shirley told him not to make mistakes and to dance like he wanted to get through to the final.
In the Clauditorium, a still emotional Ellie and Vito, and she got most of the attention. Claudia gave her a chance to say what she wanted to Vito. Then I think we had a trailer for It Takes Two, where Craig gamely got all made up to be the punchline in one shot. Fleur was in the audience alongside Janette!
Judges debrief to talk about their favourite moments from the series: Angela Rayner’s leg for Craig (and Shirley was showing off her legs in tribute), Krishnan’s willingness to go for it and joy, also from the very beginning, for Shirley, her interaction with Craig for Motsi (a bit egotistical. And given that she’s the biggest Layton stan, surprising), Angela S’s Argentine Tango at Blackpool and Blackpool itself for Anton. Requisite clips of the judges over the season to close.
Then Claudia said Take That were performing, but I thought they’d turned into four of the pro ladies. They hadn’t, obviously. Instead we got a somewhat integrated performance, with Gary heading for the piano as soon as he decently could, Mark interacting with the judges, basically begging the producers to book him, please. I’m not sure about what’s going on with his hair. Maybe the song itself will be a grower?
Next set of results: through to the final Layton (apparently he and Nikita can’t do maths because they were genuinely shocked.) In the dance-off: Annabel. Motsi gave her some constructive advice, which somewhat explained all the 8s for her VW, which she’d be doing again. Layton and Nikita went up to the Clauditorium and we were reminded again that Nikita has never been in the final before.
Then (I think, I may have got the order of things scrambled) we got a trailer where they had nastily made all the celebs spend some time with the glitterball, but told them they couldn’t touch it. Ellie could barely look at it.
Dance-off, and I thought Bobby danced his quickstep cleanly and with confidence – the jump in the run at the end was still off. Annabel did her usual beautiful thing to an emotive song, and I took in how Johannes had choreographed a moment for her to settle after a particularly spinny bit before continuing to dance. I enjoyed seeing two ballroom dances in the dance-off, although, as Craig observed, they were very different in character. He seemed to suggest that Annabel had improved a lot and Bobby had lost ground and voted to save her. The other judges acknowledged that it was close but cited a hesitation/mistake coming out of a pivot from Annabel, and voted to save Bobby. First time it went to Shirley to decide! (Seriously don’t know what to think, because Craig is the strictest and fairest judge, but sometimes the other three remember their ballroom and Latin pedigree. Oh well, it was definitely the right call given how the semis went.) Bobby and Dianne couldn’t really celebrate their being through to the final.
Annabel got to say her thing, and was gracious and heartfelt, thanking Johannes for helping her heal. He was more emotional and namechecked her children. She got a second chance to praise the show, Tess said a little more (and it was one of those times where she did speak proper human and spoke true). The last dance was more of an extended hug, where Annabel’s maternal instincts kicked in hard. In the background, we got to see both Claudia and Tess wipe away tears.
It feels like the right final (may they all stay fit and healthy. They're practically the youngest celebs, which helps.) I look forward to seeing everyone return – although I doubt we’ll see Amanda, and I only want to see Nigel if he doesn’t hurt too much when he laughs. Otherwise, bring on the Angelas, Krishnan (and Jay) and lavish a lot of attention on Annabel. I expect to see Ellie’s American Smooth, Layton’s Argentine Tango and Bobby’s couples choice, (ha! Monday’s ITT confirmed that those were the dances the couples chose to reprise) but I could stand to see Ellie’s paso and Argentine Tango again, which means I’ll be disappointed. Will any of the ones with extra dancers be brought back and retooled? (Probably not Bobby’s jive or salsa, and probably not Ellie’s salsa because of the make-up.) As usual, I’m a bit chary of the showdance, although Vito produced a great one for Fleur last year, and Layton is capable of pyromaniacs even with no time to rehearse.
SEMI-FINALS!
On the night itself, Tess wore a one-sleeve bright pink long gown that was a lot of sleeve. The slight pouff of the sleeves of Claudia’s short black dress was as nothing compared to that. There was some texture to Craig’s jacket, Motsi wore a sparkly grey pebbled dress, Shirley wore the same pink as Tess, but part of it was shiny. Anton was there too.
To be honest, I was rather tense until I saw that all the couples were present and correct and capable of walking down the stairs, which suggested they were uninjured. Phew.
The VTs for the first round of dances would involve the couples getting to see what the judges had to say about them. (For at least half of them, my response was, ‘Pfft, listen to your pro.’)
Opening up: Bobby in tails and Dianne in a fetching green velvet gown, dancing a quickstep. Assured from the start and it built increasingly as it went on. There was scarcely any gapping and the height difference didn’t seem to be a problem. I snarked as to whether Dianne had done the single pendulum step correctly, and perhaps the last run was a bit ragged, but that was very accomplished. Two 9s (I’d have given it a 9 too) two 10s, making it his best score and the best quickstep score of the series.
Aljiaz and Janette were in the studio audience (I would put any noises from the audience down to them for the rest of the episode, although I think that, overall, it was an excitable audience.)
There’d be a vote, so there were Ts and Cs, read by Vernon Kay. Claudia made a big deal of him ‘throwing to Tess’ in a romantic voice and…he clearly got to his wife. Heh.
Layton and Nikita (the overall effect of their greys was muted) would be doing a rumba. The judges’ (Anton’s most of all) talk of potential danger because of footwork and partnering seemed to really get to Layton. (But, dude, it’s a rumba.)
And it was very accomplished, with great finish and whole (or upper) body movement, plus impressive balance. I would have liked it if he’d closed his mouth occasionally. Anton and Craig wanted more softness, Layton looked chagrined that he was getting one critique among huge praise from all the judges. (But, dude, it’s a rumba, even if you were following more than leading, so the usual ‘male rumba’ stuff was tempered.) Four 9s, which was fair and made it the best rumba of the series.
The judges made Annabel AND Johannes cry in their VT. From the opening of their salsa, it was clear that Johannes was protecting her and going big on THE LIFTS. The Latin salsa bits in between were…not great. We had several explanations from the judges about why the bum spin didn’t work, but they complimented her recovery. I expected it to be the worst dance of the night, and didn’t agree with the pros that it was undermarked.
I loved Ellie and Vito’s look for their cha cha, and I enjoyed it a lot. I thought she was fierce, so I didn’t get Craig’s criticism. Three 9s and a Motsi 10.
We then went to the combined leaderboard, which felt weird – denying Bobby his moment at the top, with Ellie second and Layton third. But what it did show was that Annabel was off the pace.
The VTs for the second dances involved messages from family and friends.
Bobby and Dianne’s paso started with a lot of atmosphere in the set, and I thought the dance was very accomplished again. His intent came through in his hands, posture, even his nostrils spoke of arrogance. The kneeling was controlled. He turned up to these semis, no question. I take the judges’ points about a lack of shaping, but I thought Craig’s 8 was picky. The rest gave it a 9.
Claudia asked Dianne, as she would ask all the pros, to say why she thought Bobby ought to be in the final. (I think they’d all then make Claudia and the gallery wish they could be pithier.)
Layton and Nikita would be performing a Singin’ in the Rain inspired Charleston, and it was magnificent, with extraordinary tricks. There was no problem with their syncro, which I had thought might be a weakness. It was one of those where Layton arguably outdanced Nikita, but it was easily the best Charleston of the year (Craig and Motsi would rate it higher.) In fact, Craig gave it a standing O. Unquestionably, a full house.
Annabel and Johannes’s Viennese Waltz was beautiful. As ever, they drew me in, and I think her ballroom dancing would be worthy of the final. Despite all the positive comments, she got three 8s, with only Anton giving it a 9. For once, I was glad of his generosity, and agreed with the pros that that was undermarked. Johannes broke us all with his tribute to Annabel.
To close, Ellie and Vito’s couples choice, which meant a slightly different VT, summarising Ellie’s life story/journey as the girl who’d grown up on Corrie turning up to Strictly about to embark on a new chapter in her life and becoming a confident woman. And to be fair, she did own that dance. I was especially impressed by the cane work and that long, long lift. A 10 from Shirley despite her commenting on a mistake. I’d say it was better than Molly’s showdance last year, but not as good as Fleur’s couples choice last year, the comparisons coming to mind because of the catsuit and dancing with Vito, respectively.
Vito, like Dianne and Johannes, pointed out that his celeb partner had had no dance experience. Unsurprisingly, Nikita…couldn’t.
I voted for Ellie a lot because she’s been my favourite for ages, even while I acknowledge that Layton’s Charleston was the dance of the night, and once for Bobby because I thought he’d upped his game, just when he needed to. His paso and quickstep were almost equally good, I’d favour the quickstep slightly. I think it’s probably time for Annabel to go, but we’ll see how the couples’ popularity plays into voting, though surely Layton is safe.
Results
Lauren was the star of the opening routine, although we first saw Katya and partner, and I was reminded what a great year Katya has had costume wise. Yes, I know all the ladies wore the same dress, and Nacy’s pale grey was exquisite on her, but still – I did wonder if they all found the gloves a faff.) Anyway, Lauren was sadly decorating her Christmas tree alone while all the rest were coupling up ‘outside’, until she dreamed of her Mr Right and started dancing with Graziano (eyes closed for most of it, right?) Lovely ballroom work. Her dream partner disappeared and she opened her eyes to find herself all alone, until a dog ran up to her (the studio audience went wild,) followed by his owner…Graziano. The dog kind of overset it all (never work with children or animals as Bruce Forsythe would have told them.)
Recap of the night played it straight, going down the leaderboard in descending order, showing both dances and playing clips of positive comments from the judges.
All four couples were on the dancefloor dressed for their highest-scoring dance, so Bobby and Dianne had had to change to hear from Tess that…Ellie and Vito were in the final. Big emotional response. In the dance-off would be…Bobby and Dianne. Mild tension because if he’d be facing Layton, he’d be out, if he was facing Annabel, he had a chance of getting through. Shirley told him not to make mistakes and to dance like he wanted to get through to the final.
In the Clauditorium, a still emotional Ellie and Vito, and she got most of the attention. Claudia gave her a chance to say what she wanted to Vito. Then I think we had a trailer for It Takes Two, where Craig gamely got all made up to be the punchline in one shot. Fleur was in the audience alongside Janette!
Judges debrief to talk about their favourite moments from the series: Angela Rayner’s leg for Craig (and Shirley was showing off her legs in tribute), Krishnan’s willingness to go for it and joy, also from the very beginning, for Shirley, her interaction with Craig for Motsi (a bit egotistical. And given that she’s the biggest Layton stan, surprising), Angela S’s Argentine Tango at Blackpool and Blackpool itself for Anton. Requisite clips of the judges over the season to close.
Then Claudia said Take That were performing, but I thought they’d turned into four of the pro ladies. They hadn’t, obviously. Instead we got a somewhat integrated performance, with Gary heading for the piano as soon as he decently could, Mark interacting with the judges, basically begging the producers to book him, please. I’m not sure about what’s going on with his hair. Maybe the song itself will be a grower?
Next set of results: through to the final Layton (apparently he and Nikita can’t do maths because they were genuinely shocked.) In the dance-off: Annabel. Motsi gave her some constructive advice, which somewhat explained all the 8s for her VW, which she’d be doing again. Layton and Nikita went up to the Clauditorium and we were reminded again that Nikita has never been in the final before.
Then (I think, I may have got the order of things scrambled) we got a trailer where they had nastily made all the celebs spend some time with the glitterball, but told them they couldn’t touch it. Ellie could barely look at it.
Dance-off, and I thought Bobby danced his quickstep cleanly and with confidence – the jump in the run at the end was still off. Annabel did her usual beautiful thing to an emotive song, and I took in how Johannes had choreographed a moment for her to settle after a particularly spinny bit before continuing to dance. I enjoyed seeing two ballroom dances in the dance-off, although, as Craig observed, they were very different in character. He seemed to suggest that Annabel had improved a lot and Bobby had lost ground and voted to save her. The other judges acknowledged that it was close but cited a hesitation/mistake coming out of a pivot from Annabel, and voted to save Bobby. First time it went to Shirley to decide! (Seriously don’t know what to think, because Craig is the strictest and fairest judge, but sometimes the other three remember their ballroom and Latin pedigree. Oh well, it was definitely the right call given how the semis went.) Bobby and Dianne couldn’t really celebrate their being through to the final.
Annabel got to say her thing, and was gracious and heartfelt, thanking Johannes for helping her heal. He was more emotional and namechecked her children. She got a second chance to praise the show, Tess said a little more (and it was one of those times where she did speak proper human and spoke true). The last dance was more of an extended hug, where Annabel’s maternal instincts kicked in hard. In the background, we got to see both Claudia and Tess wipe away tears.
It feels like the right final (may they all stay fit and healthy. They're practically the youngest celebs, which helps.) I look forward to seeing everyone return – although I doubt we’ll see Amanda, and I only want to see Nigel if he doesn’t hurt too much when he laughs. Otherwise, bring on the Angelas, Krishnan (and Jay) and lavish a lot of attention on Annabel. I expect to see Ellie’s American Smooth, Layton’s Argentine Tango and Bobby’s couples choice, (ha! Monday’s ITT confirmed that those were the dances the couples chose to reprise) but I could stand to see Ellie’s paso and Argentine Tango again, which means I’ll be disappointed. Will any of the ones with extra dancers be brought back and retooled? (Probably not Bobby’s jive or salsa, and probably not Ellie’s salsa because of the make-up.) As usual, I’m a bit chary of the showdance, although Vito produced a great one for Fleur last year, and Layton is capable of pyromaniacs even with no time to rehearse.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-15 08:17 am (UTC)I doubt Annabel is bottling up her grief. She was clearly emoting at times, if not in the semi-final, and it's a process. Empathetic and kind Johannes was a great partner for her, and hopefully learning to dance, which is such an emotive experience, was overall a positive.
It feels as if Ellie is going to win the popular vote. (Although the ITT recaps of winners past reminded me that Ore was in the dance off twice...) Unless if someone both impresses and touches me with a particular routine, I expect I'll be voting for them.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-15 12:58 pm (UTC)