Austin Healey & Erin Boag - Paso Doble

Austin performed an amazing Paso Doble in 2008's competition and I felt was very unlucky to go out without reaching the final.

Well that's a start and a half, though I'd prefer a more Spanish arm shape at times.

However a very entertaining performance (as Austin always managed) and a great aggressive performance. A 9.5 from me and I think might get a couple of 10's.

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Paso tips from Vincent Simone

Looking to improve your Paso Doble (albeit we don't teach it in our classes!)?

Here's the top tips from Strictly Come Dancing's Vincent Simone:

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Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Tango

So I didn't expect a comical take on a Paso, let's see if Ricky can keep it serious for the Tango.



Emma's not really 'feeling' Erin's dress this week, and I must admit it does look a little weird.

Just loses a little bit of drive at times and his dropped head makes him look a little unconfident. Seems to be making mistakes but can't tell.

It was an ok performance but I don't think he'll score higher than a 7.

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Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Paso Doble

So Chris gave his best performance last week, can he keep it up with the Paso this week?

Not sure on the facial expressions, but definitely an aggressive attacking attitude. I don't personally like all the jumping stamps but the ending was very good and generally very good technique throughout.

Easily 8's, maybe even a 9 or two.

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Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Paso Doble

This should actually be a Latin American dance that Laila can cope with!

Smouldering start...but wait was that a lift?!!!

Excellent performance, not sure how the judges will feel about the lifts, though it did seem to lose drive as the dance progressed.

For me it would easily be a 9, if I ignore the lifts!

Judges scores: CRH 7, LG 7, AD 8, BT 8.

Anton, Anton, Anton...why did you do the lifts? You're not Brendan Cole!

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The dance off!

So who can impress the judges enough to make it to Blackpool?

First up Ali with her Paso Doble...and what's this no shoes? Which straight away results in a slip.

However I would say a much better performance than earlier on in the night.

How will Zoe reply to that?

No real improvement on her earlier dance, I didn't like it that much earlier and I think Zoe will be going home this week.

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Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Paso Doble

A slower Latin American dance (generally), Ali should fare better than her last outing in Jive.

Body shaping in training is looking really good, let's hope the stubbed toe doesn't affect the performance, though she looked a little 'off' coming down the stairs.

It's not a confident performance I feel, though the steps are generally looking pretty good - and there's no way i'd be able to do the splits!

Overall it just lacked energy for my liking, 7's again I think.

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The result

Based on the dance-off I'd put Lynda through.

Rav really let himself down in that dance-off, with a worse performance than actually during the competition.

Hat off to Lynda though, i'd written you off but you upped your game in the dance-off and definitely deserve to come back next week.

So, another week, another celebrity going home. Rav looks distraught and I can understand why, there's just no other feeling that can match dance competition when you really enjoy it.

Do you agree with the result, or even the final two?

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Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 35 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 32 points - Ali & Brian
3. 31 points - Zoe & James
4. 31 points - Jade & Ian
5. 30 points - Laila & Anton
6. 29 points - Ricky & Erin
7. 28 points - Natalie & Vincent
8. 25 points - Lynda & Darren
9. 24 points - Phil & Katya
10. 23 points - Chris & Ola
11. 21 points - Craig & Flavia
12. 20 points - Rav & Aliona
13. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
14. 19 points - Joe & Kristina

Given that Jo and Joe have both been saved by the audience from being in the bottom two it's fair to say that the same might happen this week.

This could mean that Rav and Craig both end up in the bottom two again, and I can't call it yet.

What's everyone elses viewpoint?

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Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Paso Doble

Facial hair seems to be a theme this week, let's see if Ricky can master the posture and lose the hips - save them for the other Latin dances!

He's certainly come out on the floor with the right attitude, not too sure about the scream though, is he in pain?

The trouble with wearing a bolero is that if you don't hold your frame correctly it will make your shoulders look hunched. I normally recommend my wedding grooms don't wear their jacket during the first dance for this very reason.

A lot of passion, albeit slightly poor footwork at times.

Based on the atmosphere he creates I'd give it a 7

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Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Paso

I had Jo down as the one to exit last week, let's see if she can repay all those people who voted for her.

Well definitely a better performance than last week, though needs to keep her head up, and her shoulders are a little off line at times.

Shame about the end being mucked up.

Think this will be 5's, but definitely an improvement.

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Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Paso Doble

The pre-series favourite sent the bookies laughing all the way to the bank in the first week. Paso however could be more his dance.

Interesting belt there Joe!

In Paso the man stands up straight with a slight curve outwards in the spine, Joe appears to be a little hunched over throughout.

Will definitely lose marks for lifting her, even if it wasn't intended as a lift.

Certainly a better performance than anything he brought to the floor in the first week, but lacked good posture.

Think it will be 5's, but may obtain a 6...

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Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Paso Doble

Marked as 'The One To Beat' last week, I wouldn't have marked him quite as highly myself but he's definitely the main contender, if he can keep it up.

Natalie looks a little nervous before walking out, but on the evidence of the first couple of moves I don't think there's anything to be nervous about.

A lot of passion and intensity and I must say a very impressive Paso performance so early in the series - helped by the quintessential Paso song.

This really could see the first 10 of the series but I think it will be a 9.

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Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Paso Doble

A chance for Natalie to really get her acting skills out, if she manages to get over the nerves.

Dancing is exhausting, especially for those coming to the 10 dance recaps all next week!

Better Flamenco hands at the start than Lynda's effort.

Hands are a little high when coming across her chest at times.

Much prefer traditional Paso music, gives much easier and more dramatic highlights.

A very good Paso, and Vincent shows John Sergeant how you SHOULD drag a lady across the floor!

For me an 8, but I think it will be 7-8

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Zoe Lucker & James Jordan - Paso Doble

Another top partnership back to dance again. Nice dress, now what about the dance?

Good shapes at the start and throughout, though really waiting for a big WOW moment, seems a little lacklustre.

I wonder if James grew the facial hair especially for the dance?

Hunched over at times but overall not too bad. Best Paso so far but still only a 7 for me.

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Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett - Paso Doble

A dance that requires passion and performance. Cha Cha wasn't very good last time but this could be a lot better.

Classic dress design, not quite sure about the Flamenco moves to start with - too rushed to get the impact.

Lacks 'attack' and is a bit too soft for my liking but definitely better than her first two outings on the dance floor.

Think this will only get a 6 however.

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