Gethin Jones & Flavia Cacahe - American Smooth

So a new partnership for the Christmas Special, how will they perform together?

Doesn't really seem to be much chemistry between them, and I'm finding the performance a little stale, however the final lift drew some excited gasps from Emma's mother and sister.

Not a bad performance, but not as good as the others so far tonight so will have to say 8 I'm afraid.

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Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - American Smooth

A dance that should suit Ali better, although they have chosen quite a fast number.



Not sure about Ali having both hands above her head during her spins, looks a little untidy.

It looks like they've decided to quash any 'are they or aren't they' rumours with those kisses at the end.

A very good performance, not quite perfect for me but i think they may get full marks from the judges.

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Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - American Smooth

I was really enjoying the start, up until the slip in the spin. She really does have to watch those shoulders too. The dance does look like Anton is throwing her round quite a lot, and I don’t just mean in the lifts!

Started with lots of promise but I don’t think it delivered and I’m only going to give it a 7 I’m afraid.

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American Smooth tips from Erin Boag

Here are Erin Boag's top tips for the American Smooth...

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Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - American Smooth

Ricky was worried during the week about having to do the lifts, and I don't blame him! Nothing against Natalie, but lifting anyone completely off the ground is a difficult task.

Ricky's head still concerns me when he's dancing Ballroom, it always seems to be a little tilted, and he needs to make sure he keeps his bum in.

Amazing lift though, I know Kenny Logan did it with Ola, but there's a significant difference in both Kenny and Ricky's muscle mass and the size of Ola and Natalie.

Still room for improvement in Ricky's Ballroom and i'll give him an 8.

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The moment of truth, dance off, and result

I'm expecting Laila to be saved by public vote, and a Natalie Cassidy/Phil Tufnell dance-off - but how have the public voted?

Well that's one of my dance-off possibles saved by the public, could Laila be in trouble this week? Either way I think they'll save her till the bottom three.

As expected!

Out of these two I think Phil will be the one going home, assuming Ricky can make the Viennese a little smoother this time.

A nice performance from Phil & Katya, let's see Ricky's response.

Seems smoother this time, but still too skippy. Not quite as dynamic this time and I think Ricky could be in trouble.

It'll be a close call and I imagine it will be a Len decider tonight.

2-1 to Phil, then Len votes for Ricky so Phil gets sent home, the right decision I feel.

Do you agree with the decision?

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Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - American Smooth

Phil should be more at home in the ballroom dances, if he can just control his shoulders. The lifts should be interesting to see though.

It's a little frantic for a foxtrot for my liking but his top line is quite good. The lifts were executed well and overall not too bad a performance.

For me it's a 7

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Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - American Smooth

I expected Ali to struggle with the Jive last week and unfortunately was proved correct. Back to Ballroom should see Ali return to form.

Impressive leg lift in the middle of the routine, shame that there just appears to be a few issues occurring throughout the routine.

Definitely back on track, just a shame that a few errors appeared to creep in, should be looking at 8's though.

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Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - American Smooth

So an American Smooth with no lifts...that's a first for Strictly. How will it fair with the judges?

Natalie needs to relax the shoulders and make sure she is leaning away from Vincent as it does ruin the top line look at the moment.

A nice routine obviously lacking in the wow factor due to no lifts, and just felt a little lacklustre.

I think it should get 7's though.

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Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - American Smooth

Ricky and Erin have decided to choose a Viennese Waltz as their American Smooth dance and from the training videos I think that could prove to be a good choice.

Shame he was out of time at the start there as they came together. An excellent performance, with a cheeky bit of Quickstep thrown in for good measure. Looked a little uncomfortable during the second lift however.

Should comfortably get 8's.

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Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - American Smooth

A surprise dance-off competitor last week, this has really shown all the celebrities that you're never really safe if the public don't vote for you.

Having seen Zoe's previous ballroom outings I'm expecting something special tonight.

A very elegant performance really let down by the mistakes at the end of the routine. However I think this will easily get 8's.

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Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - American Smooth

Although I consider the Foxtrot to be the hardest of the ballroom dances, American Smooth is another thing entirely, due to the introduction of lifts.

The American Smooth is the application of a bit of Hollywood glitz and glamour to any of the five ballroom dances: the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep or Viennese Waltz. To bring in a semblance of rules for Strictly the couples are limited to two lifts in their routine.

Personally I would say that the male celebrities have the harder job due to being the ones that have to actually lift their partner.

It will be interesting to see how Chris copes with the technique involved.

I still think Chris has good hands, though they are a bit splayed at times, especially when he has his hand on Ola's back.

This is shaping up to be a very good performance and some well executed lifts. Couldn't see his footwork but this could well be 9's.

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