Strictly Come Dancing latest: Tasha Ghouri lands first 40 as JB Gill wins the Samba-thon
Craig Revel Horwood finally reached for his 10 paddle after Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec’s emotional American Smooth
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Your support makes all the difference.There was plenty to celebrate on this week’s Strictly Come Dancing as the first 40 of the series was finally awarded.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec — who had previously been given 39s on three occasions — landed the score thanks to their emotional American Smooth, dedicated to the professional’s young daughter, Lyra.
Giving their critiques, the judges labelled the routine “perfection” and “the Rolls Royce of the American Foxtrot”.
“Unfortunately, now for the truth darling, your right little finger... ” Craig Revel Horwood quipped, before adding: “Fab-u-lous.”
The live show also saw Chris McCausland take on the Paso Doble, which was extra special as his partner Dianne Buswell’s parents had flown over from Australia and were watching in the audience.
Sarah Hadland impressed with a Rumba (which Vito Coppola had packed with difficult choreography) while Pete Wicks’ fans suggested his song choice may have impacted his scores.
The action all took place after a tense Blackpool week that saw Wynne Evans and his partner Katya Jones eliminated.
Another celebrity will leave the competition in Sunday (November 24) night’s results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.20pm.
Here’s Saturday night’s show as it happened.
A standing ovation for Sarah
And the judges loved it (mostly).
“For me, that was choreography that belonged in a major championship,” said Shirley, the Queen of the Rumba. “It had everything. I would have to say that’s the best Rumba of the season so far.”
Anton added: “I would agree. That’s probably one of the best dances you’ve done of the season so far.” He then told an anecdote about bumping into a woman in a supermarket, which was sort of relevant, I guess?
Anyway, what did Craig say? Well. “I thought it was a very technical routine. It was technically very very good however, I feel it lacked chemistry.” I think we were watching different Rumbas?
Motsi did not agree... but then decided she did. “I feel like there was so much choreography but I would have loved a bit more ooziness. I need a moment where you use the music to show the softness.”
Sarah’s scores are in...
It’s 8s from Craig and Motsi, and 10s from Shirley and Anton, for a total of 36.
I’m taking a moment to reflect on the fact I agree with Anton for once.
JB’s doing the Charleston
I say this every time someone dances one, but I do love a Charleston. Poor Wynne struggled with his last week - and was booted out of the competition on Sunday - but I have high hopes for JB.
JB’s Charleston delivers
He didn’t get worn out halfway through, which is a genuine achievement in its own right. The lifts were great too.
Craig didn’t have anything bad to say, succintly remarking: “That was pure class.” Could he finally reach for his 10 paddle?
“Your joy for the dance was superb,” said Shirley. “Thak you for bringing so much joy, that was amazing.”
“Absolutely brilliant,” said Anton. “Just loose, brilliant, stylish, fantastic.”
JB’s scores are in...
It’s a 9 from Craig and 10s from the rest, putting JB and Lauren top of the leaderboard with 39.
Jamie gives the Foxtrot a go
How can you possibly top being lowered into the Blackpool Tower ballroom on a glittering bottle of ketchup? I have no idea to be honest, but Jamie is trying with a Foxtrot to “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King.
What a beautiful routine, though it is a little slow for my liking. Jamie looks properly dapper in a waistcoat and tie though, which Anton will surely love.
Judges call for Jamie to ‘go to the next level’
“I love the fact when you rehearse you think of me,” said Anton. “I can see a lot has rubbed off, your boyish charm, your good looks.
He did then give a useful critique though, saying: “You dance beautifully but I want you to go to the next level. I want to see what you have inside coming out. Go mad for a day in rehearsal, be ridiculous and over the top. This is the bit you lack.”
“You’ve got all the facility in the world, you just need a bit of swing and sway in there,” said Craig.
Motsi added: “It had an old school vibe but maybe that can look a little bit slow and monotone.”
Shirley concluded: “I think we’ll agree you’re one of the frontrunners when it comes to men. There were some nice things I liked but I agree with Motsi, it seemed a monotone, all on one level. But keep working on it, we all believe in you.”
Jamie’s scores are in...
It’s 8s from Craig and Motsi, a 7 from Shirley and a 9 from Anton, which makes 32.
Dianne’s mum and dad make a guest appearance
Tonight’s performance is special for Dianne as her parents have flown over and are sitting in the audience. Chris had made it his mission to last long enough in the competition so Di’s parents could see them dance and he’s actually done it!
Chris has plenty to celebrate when it comes to Strictly, but that’s another acheivement to add to the list.
Chris gets his game face on
I do love a good Paso face. That was slightly stompy in the more walk-like parts... I’m not sure how much Chris loved the Paso Doble.
Dianne’s dead is in tears, which is very sweet.
And Chris had a cracker ready for Craig. “Before you speak, I’d just like to say I’ve listened to your album and I thought it was really good,” he quipped. “We were saying 10 out of 10 really.”
Did it work? Craig had a few bones to pick but ultimately labelled it “a really solid performance”.
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