Evening Show

A packed theatre in Blackpool's Winter Garden Opera House was the setting for the evening screening of Strictly Come Dancing.

There was an almost feverish party atmosphere in the theatre, and even though they were re-showing the highlight reel that we'd been subjected to earlier in the day, people were in the mood to cheer (Mark Ramprakash's Argentine Tango, Jill Halfpenny's Jive) or laugh (John Sergeant's Paso Doble, Fiona Bruce's Jive) at the various scenes.

Dominic Littlewood and Karen Hardy returned to host the evening show, we were told that the videos and pictures that had been taken throughout the day would be appearing on the BBC website during the coming week - none of us yet though!

We were shown a highlights reel of the morning dance sessions (we were on the afternoon session) and this was pretty much the same video you'll have seen on the live show.

Rav Wilding and Mark Foster were re-introduced onto the stage and we were shown some highlights of their appearances on the show before they had to duck out to head over to the Tower, but not before Mark put his arm round Karen and commented on how great she looked, how she should still be in the show, and 'You're my favourite'.

Dominic then introduced highlights of Karen's appearances on Strictly, including Gary Rhodes Cha Cha (receiving a lowly 1 from Craig) and Mark Ramprakash's Salsa. Karen talked about how much she loved dancing, which she'd being doing since the age of 5, and had been so honoured when Strictly had convinced her to come out of retirement after her 6 year break (and a baby).

Matthew and Aliona made a surprise visit to perform an elegant Viennese Waltz

Matthew talked about how everyone at the Tower was so excited, and due to the significantly increased audience numbers there was a really great atmosphere.

Aliona talked about how this was her first time visiting in Blackpool, and how much she was enjoying it.

Before the live show was due to start Karen gave her comments and predictions on the show to follow:

Ali Bastian was still suffering from her injured foot, and with a dance such as the Viennese Waltz - heavy on technique - she could find it difficult to perform.

Craig Kelly would most likely be going out as it was definitely his time to go.

Ricky Groves started as a clown but is now taking it seriously and could be a real dark horse in the competition.

It was then time for the live show, Karen told us she'd be sticking around to comment on the show at intervals, and I settled down ready to make my notes on the evening performances...

Click here to comment!

Moment of truth and dance-off

As predicted the audience have saved Joe Calzaghe.

Will Jo Wood also be saved?

Phil Tufnell will have a hard job next week as I imagine he can't train until he recovers from his knee surgery.

Whether she's through or not I think they'll leave Jo until the final three anyway, just to up the suspense.

...or not...lol

Again as predicted the audience have saved both the Jo(e)s. Is my earlier prediction going to prove correct?

...No!

So Lynda and Rav are in the final two, I think Rav will be saved again but the judges have surprised me in the past.

---

Slower Flamenco hand movement at the start, but still superfluous due to the speed as it has no impact.

I do think this is a better performance than earlier, but I don't think the lipstick nose look is good for Darren!

---

Rav looks like a defeated man and certainly showing a lack of confidence/drive at the start there.

Little bit shaky and still huge gaps between them, Rav is neglecting to close his feet on the chasses.

---

Based on the dance-off I'd have to actually give it to Lynda.

Click here to comment!

Rav Wilding & Aliona Vilani - Quickstep

Rav's a big man and I do think he may struggle with the Quickstep, at least at making it look effortless!

Nice line at the start, shame about the slip and the Charlstons looked slightly off in the feet.

Huge gap between them meaning that they're not really together throughout the dance. Rav seems to be making quite a few mistakes and he would've been lucky to not have to hear from Craig.

4-5's

Click here to comment!

The result

So Bruno and Len vote Rav and that sends Martina home (with Martina being two-love up at that point courtesy of Craig and Alisha).

Think both couples were unfortunate to be in the bottom two and thought Martina had more promise than Rav, but that's life I suppose.

Wish I could lip-read what Matt and Martina are saying to each other during their last dance!

Oh well, here's to next week and the remaining 8 celebrities.

Although I'll mention now that this blog won't be running live next Friday night due to our practice session on 25th September, but i'll blog per dance after we finish.

Hope people have found this interesting to read and i'll try and update during the week if anything interesting catches my eye!

By the way, if you want to apply for the ballot to get tickets for a special Strictly recording at Blackpool Tower on Saturday 7th November then please visit http://shows.external.bbc.co.uk/help/shows/Strictlycomedancing to apply before Sunday 27th September 10pm.  Only one application per household though!

Click here to comment!

The dance off!

Both dancing a Rumba, this makes comparison a lot easier!

...

Rav first...

A better performance I think than earlier on and hips are working better than earlier (though not always in the correct direction!)

...

Now Martina...

Just feels like there's more emotion in those first few steps than Rav's whole dance.  Taking slightly smaller steps now which is helping (wonder if she saw the blog!)

Loss of balance there as she gets carried away, let's hope that doesn't ruin her chances.

...

Will the judges base on both dances, or just the dance off?!  For me i'm afraid it has to be Rav still to go.

Click here to comment!

Rav Wilding & Aliona Vilani

Rumba is always a difficult dance for the boys, trying to move the hips whilst still looking manly.

...

Needs to be softer in his walking and give his hips a chance to actually work, though not too bad in places.  Lines are rushed at times.

Another 5-6

Click here to comment!

Rav Wilding & Aliona Vilani

Quite a large gap between them and he needs to stand up straighter as it's definitely affecting the balance, however powerful performance!

Click here to comment!