In advance of tonights show I've looked at the training updates and my comments and predictions follow.
The contestants have been allocated either a sultry Salsa, or the elegant Foxtrot.
Salsa normally involves fast complicated moves with lots of hip movement, whilst the Foxtrot is a slow elegant dance that should float across the floor.
Both are quite difficult dances to master but I've always considered the Foxtrot to be the most difficult dance technically.
So how is their training coming along?
Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Salsa
Need to keep the head up Chris, and the shoulders down. Having seen Chris' Rumba a couple of weeks ago I think this could be good, if he can just keep the performance element there.
For me though I think he could have another Quickstep moment, i.e. head down and just kicking like crazy! So I'm predicting 6-7.
Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Salsa
Salsa is Brian's forte so this should be good, if Ali can cope with the fast and intricate movements.
We've seen Ali perform two Ballroom, and one Latin dance so far. Ballroom is generally easier for the female celebrities and Ali also excelled in the slow Rumba, but how is she finding the faster Salsa?
I think this will be 7's
Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Salsa
Ricky is fast becoming the series favourite, but is it too much too soon?
Needs to watching the arm that isn't being used and make sure that it's not just left hanging.
This is definitely a dance that could really show off Ricky's abilities, and word has it that Ricky has previously had Salsa lessons.
Just like his Paso last week, I think Ricky will really perform this well but I'm seeing 8's not 9's.
Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Salsa
Jade injured herself in training midweek so it will be interesting to see how their routine has had to be adapted.
Definitely really good hip action and attitude, even if she does lack confidence. I'm predicting 8's for this
Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Salsa
Natalie showed in her Cha Cha that she's not afraid to wiggle her hips, let's see if she brings that confidence to the Salsa.
Looking at the training their Salsa is starting to shape up nicely and I think this will be 7's
Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Salsa
Phil had keyhole surgery on his knee this week, and I'm sure his recovery has seriously affected their available practice time. Let's hope for Phil's sake that his knee can hold up under the stress of performing a Salsa, he'd have been better off with Foxtrot.
Not looking good so far on the knee front, but most of the routine is looking pretty good. Unfortunately the effect of that knee is going to result in 6's.
Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Foxtrot
Strictly's funny man returns after an impressive Paso, let's see if he can keep those shoulders down in the Foxtrot.
Really needs to avoid shrugging throughout the dance, if he can sort that then could be looking at 7's, but realistically I think it'll be 6's
Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Foxtrot
Jo has struggled with the dances so far in the competition and I think this'll be another dance she struggles with as the ladies footwork is especially difficult in the Foxtrot.
Based on her previous performances she'll struggle to make 5's
Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Foxtrot
What a turbulent week these two will have had! Laila has asked that the events of a couple of weeks ago be put behind them, but how will the public vote?
One of Anton's strongest dances and it looks like Laila's picked it up excellently.
Could be their best dance yet, and the best of the night, 8-9.
Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Foxtrot
I can't work out which of the two dances would've been better for Joe, but I think probably the Foxtrot as there's zero hip action required!
Another dance where I think Joe will struggle to maintain his frame, and it looks like there are some issues with the relationship in training.
Sorry Joe but looks like you'll struggle to get 5's
Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Foxtrot
Craig's grame is looking improved, though haven't seen enough of the dance out of practice hold.
I'm saying 6-7.
Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - Foxtrot
Definitely lucky to have not been given the Salsa, let's see what she can do with the Foxtrot.
Looking very nice, though I can't see her footwork, definitely a dance best suited to Lynda's personality and style.
Could well be 7's.
Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Foxtrot
If Zoe copes with the footwork this could be a really good Foxtrot, Zoe has an elegance when she dances that will really complement the Foxtrot.
If all goes to plan this will be 8's.
So my prediction is for Laila to be top, and Joe still rooted to the bottom of the table. Do you agree?
