The week after a theme week, when we go back to normal and a random collection of dances and songs, always feels a bit flat. But this week there’s a really interesting selection of songs that mean I’m on board to see who can pull out all the stops and earn another week of dancing.

Ellie & Vito - Samba

I’m quite enjoying that each week Vito comes up with a new way of pronouncing something. This week, his attempt at peacock. Anyway, the dance, I felt like it was a bit frantic and I don’t know if it was the character but she didn’t look like she was enjoying herself. A good and entertaining dance for the samba, which is notoriously tough. All the judges mentioned her turned in feet, something to watch for in the future.

Adam & Luba - Waltz

Well Adam scrubs up well, bit of a change after the moustaches last week. They looked like a lovely couple, and Adam seemed to have upped his game a lot this week. Nothing wrong with it as far as I can see, but not the most interesting of dances (a waltz, you know). Did notice his very closed hand which should make Craig happy.

Jody & Jowita - Salsa

Waxing his chest - ouch! Good start, but then he looked quite nervous throughout. Strong lifts though, and kept time but the steps weren’t really there enough. A 3 from Craig is realistic but feels harsh at this stage in the competition.

Amanda & Giovanni - Foxtrot

Amanda really sounded like a hard worker and determined in the VT. What a tune! That was a very cute dance, looked good from where I was sitting. Vaguely could see that she was concentrating on the technique too much? “If you lot can’t boo properly then don’t bother.”

Krishnan & Lauren - Paso Doble

First ever Red Hot Chilli Peppers - incredible bass if that was live! Was listening to the music because the dance wasn’t really doing it for me. He looked more grumpy than angry, and mostly ended up watching Lauren. Love the welcome sign to the son. “He’s livid.”

Zara & Graziano - Viennese Waltz

Incredible dress. Seemed alright, just not that interesting. Good comments from the judges though, and Zara pointing out that she could have gone either emosh this week after being in the bottom two, or use it as fire. A dig at Nikita?

Annabel & Johannes - Jive

I was worried about this one but it’s better than I thought. Not a classic jive but pretty good. Her legs are to die for. Double cartwheel at the end was fun. Maybe slightly overmarked but love Annabel so no complaints.

Eddie & Karen - American Smooth

Entertaining but I’m not sure I actually liked the style too much. And, you know, the song didn’t really help. Not 10s worthy, anyway. Harsh criticism but good on Shirley for sticking to her guns.

Layton & Nikita - Cha Cha Cha

The catsuit is absolutely incredible. Dance pretty good too - like that he was confused by the counts, because he’s a trained dancer so it must be difficult. The whisk and then into a leaping splits - wtf?? Slightly out of sync with each other but otherwise brilliant. 9s but a 10 from Motsi!!

Nigel & Katya - Salsa

Hate it when the VTs make me stress about lifts. Really good, the lifts were fine, good hips great rhythm, no character because he was concentrating so hard. Might have lost his feet on a couple of occasions. “Proper Patrick Swayze vibes.” Great scores. Coming out of his shell again.

Angela & Carlos - Viennese Waltz

Bit of gapping, bit bouncy in places, but she took on all of Carlos’ details and implemented them, so not all bad. Shirley said she danced all of it on her tippy toes. Can’t be a 7 if Shirley says ALL her technique was wrong.

Angela & Kai - Rumba

Angela is amazing, sliding splits not once but twice, incredible legs. But not the best rumba I’ve seen, to be honest. Shirley’s comments come across as 100% jealous. Good scores.

Bobby & Dianne - Tango

Take or leave that to be honest. Why did we want to finish the show with this one? It was danced well but didn’t give me strong tango vibes. Seemed a bit of a shame to end on that.

Bit of a shuffle around this week with Layton and Nikita at the top, Nigel and Adam not too far behind. Four couples were all on the same score on the second half of the leaderboard - I’m not sure if we’re quite at the stage where being in the middle of the table is the most dangerous place to be yet, but we’re getting there. Anyway, my money was one Jody and Zara for the dance off.

It was Jody but Eddie and Karen joined him and Jowita in the dance off, and I’m sure the judges didn’t have a difficult choice. It’s a shame because I think Jody has more of a journey in him than Eddie does, but that’s the way these things go. On to the next week!