The semi-final, and whilst the quality remains incredibly high, and the dancing very entertaining this felt like a bit of a letdown of a show - because the conclusion was so foregone. Given recent dance offs, it was entirely obvious who would be in the bottom two, and thus who would be going home. However, before all that, the dancing had to be done and this time we have two turns per couple!

Balvinder & Julian - Salsa

The judges seemed to really like this dance, I must admit it didn’t quite do it for me. She was giving it some and there were great improvements on previous weeks, particularly in the lifts. But there didn’t seem to be a lot of joy in it, not that came across on screen, anyway.

Amber & Nikita - Tango

Good dance, great character, no major notes. It did look a bit less polished than previous dances, which is no doubt down to having to perfect two routines rather than just one.

Karen & Carlos - Waltz

Karen danced this well, and the frame was improved but still didn’t quite work. Super elegant for Karen, and it looked like she was enjoying it which was great. The song annoyed me though, being in the wrong time signature.

George & Alexis - Samba

George really gave this his all, chest and hips and everything. He really let go and the confidence from the start was outstanding. Samba can be cringe and it wasn’t perfect but it was very watchable.

Balvinder & Julian - Waltz

A few wobbles, but Balvinder danced this really well. Again I didn’t enjoy the song for this waltz, but it was a good performance.

Amber & Nikita - Couple’s Choice

Beautiful and glamorous, proper Old School Hollywood. I wondered if it was a bit safe, compared to the tricks and insanity of the Charleston, but what she did was beautifully done.

Karen & Carlos - Salsa

Great dance, a few moments that weren’t quite right, the exits from the lifts were sometimes awkward, but it was so much fun. And I could see improvements on being in sync with Carlos.

George & Alexis - Charleston

Loved this. Incredible. Great character, very funny, insane lifts, a proper favourite.

So yea, I really wanted George and Karen to be in the final, the rest was up to chance… or up to the judges anyway.

It was Amber and Balvinder in the dance off, and given that she scored a 40, it was hardly a surprise that Amber was saved to make it through to the final. Balvinder finally succumbed at the sixth time of asking, which is absolutely incredible… what a fighter.

The final next week! We assume that Amber isn’t going to win it, so it’s really between George and Karen. I’ve liked George right from the start and would love for him to win, but to be honest, either of them would be an absolute triumph. As always, it all comes down to the showdance! Can’t wait.