It was quite nice this weekend that there was no theme, there was no drama, no injuries, it was just straight on with the business at hand. Judges appear, couples down the stairs, let the games begin!

JB & Amy - Jive

Using polaroids as a learning tool is interesting, I know it was to tie in with the theme of the dance, but actually seems to work quite well. There was something a bit off about the knees or the feet or something here, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Still a competent dance and he looked like he was having fun.

Punam & Gorka - Viennese Waltz

A sweet dance and I couldn’t see any major mistakes, but she didn’t look at all comfortable doing it. The stride was so small, they weren’t covering much ground, but I didn’t dislike it.

Jamie & Michelle - Paso Doble

A little live Eastenders skit, why not? I’ve not been that bothered about this couple before, but the VT made them start to grow on me, and then the dance was brilliant. Really good shapes, super hard timing in the song, great attitude, top work. Overall it was a bit too traditional for my tastest but what a strong effort!

Chris & Dianne - Waltz

You could see all the basic waltz steps here that were so beautifully done… to start with. I do think it degraded a bit towards the end but then doing that bit by himself, wow. It was emotional and again, really well done. Oti spotted in the audience crying, and bless Chris for giving Tommy a shoutout!

Tasha & Aljaž - Tango

An okay dance, not that interesting to me, there didn’t seem to be much of a story in there and I’m not sure whatever they were doing fitted the song. But they danced it well.

Paul & Karen - Samba

Samba is always going to be a challenge for someone like Paul but once again it was so much better than I expected. Not great, but not cringe, we’ve definitely seen much worse! You can tell he’s trying and you can recognise the steps, but it was a bit stop start. And those wibbler things behind him were crazy distracting.

Sam & Nikita - Quickstep

Sam is definitely leaning into the floaty feminine pastels look now, a good dance with great energy. She had a lovely smile and looked like she was enjoying it. It did feel a bit wonky in places but so much improvement each week.

Pete & Jowita - Rumba

I love that Pete called JB to have a chat about the dance, that doesn’t happen very often, seeking advice from other contestants. Definitely could see his hips and I noticed him using the full length of his arms for good extensions. Could have worked on the face and emotion a little bit more, the concentration was real. But the scores did feel low.

Sarah & Vito - Samba

It was really confusing me for the entire show that Sarah’s wig made her look like Toyah. The samba fits Sarah’s energy completely, I’m not sure it was technically perfect but the bounce and the attack and the sheer joy was just wonderful.

Shayne & Nancy - American Smooth

Good lifts and a good dance but it didn’t have much chemistry or personality going for it, to my mind. It should be enough to keep him in unless the public have turned against him.

Wynne & Katya - Quickstep

Not the best technique I’ve seen but what great energy for this guy, and some great tricks in the storytelling. I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again but Katya is a choreography genius. The jump didn’t work as well as it did at the top of the stairs, and I think he ran out of energy a bit but it was fun and I loved it.

Montell & Johannes - Couple’s Choice

I can see why they left this till last, the dance made a heck of a mess! But just great, another one where the couple are dancing a style that means so much to them and their culture so it’s just a joy. Jojo was living his best life! Some fantastic lifts, great rhythm, impressive scores.

I love that we’re now at the point in the series where it’s all eyes on Craig waiting for that 10 paddle to come out. Not this time! My prediction was Punam and Shayne but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was Paul, finally in the bottom two and obviously the one to leave the competition - sad but ultimately the right result. JB was also in the dance off which was a surprise but it’s the third time out of four weeks where the dancer who goes first in the show ends up in the dance off. Intriguing pattern!

Halloween next week so hope the hair, make up and costumes teams are working super hard!