Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep

Perfect marks in the final for their Quickstep makes this a strong contender, though hopefully there'll be some new choreography.

Thought there was a slight slip up in the middle, but otherwise a very good performance, will the judges overlook the lift at the end though?

Technically it seemed perfect but have to knock off a mark for the lift so will give them a 9.

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Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep

Up first then is Ricky to bring in the Grand Final.



Looking very good so far. Ricky's head is very much improved over what i've seen in recent weeks, needs to make sure he keeps looking up and doesn't look at the floor when they're apart though.

I would say a faultless performance and I'm going to have to say a 10!

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Natalie Cassidy & Vincent Simone - Quickstep

Natalie performed a good Jive last week, how is she going to cope with the energy levels required for this week's Quickstep?

Natalie has to control those shoulders, which do raise up at times, and the dance seems to have a very laboured start - though it does pick up after that.

A slight mistake as they recommence from their 'Jive' section in the middle but not bad overall, should achieve 30 again.

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

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Ricky Whittle & Natalie Lowe - Quickstep

I hope Natalie has worked on Ricky's frame, as that's the one part of his dancing that I've felt has been particularly lacking.

An energetic performance and hard to fault at times (though he needs to ensure he brings the feet closer together during the scatter chasses).

I really found it hard to fault and this could see a perfect score...

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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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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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Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Quickstep

So Phil has a knee problem and is going in for surgery tomorrow, let's see how it affects this quick and high-impact dance.

I wonder if Katya had to adjust the routine after Phil's knee diagnosis?

Nice start though needs to relax the shoulders and they lose connection just as they're starting the scatter chasses.

A few mistakes but all round a nice Quickstep, but 6-7 for me.

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Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Quickstep

Anton is the only actual Ballroom professional in the males so this should be good.

With Anton's charm, and Laila's looks this could be the first time he makes it to the final, but let's get through the first couple of months eh Anton!

A couple of mistakes there, and for me the dance is lacking drive and energy. Laila needs to have more tension in her upper body.

Think this should be solid 7's though.

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Jade Johnson & Ian Waite - Quickstep

A fast dance which could suit Jade's athleticism, even if it ends up wearing Ian out!

Jade looks a little uncomfortable during the jump from the stage, and is a little behind at the start of the next jump section.

Needs to relax the shoulders and make sure she isn't pushing the head forward.

Certainly full of energy but I think 6-7

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Craig Kelly & Flavia Cacace - Quickstep

Problems with his arm lines last week could be recreated in this fast and difficult dance.

Not too sure on Flavia's dress but an energetic start, though Craig needs to keep his shoulders down.

The worst thing about Quickstep is how noticeable it is when you jump and your partner doesn't, unfortunately Craig's errors are very noticeable.

Top line still requires a lot of work and I think this could be 5's

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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

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Chris Hollins & Ola Jordan - Quickstep

Another top dancer from a fortnight ago, fast dances normally suit shorter competitors so will be interesting to see how this shapes up.

Keep the head up Chris at the start, but good hands as always (contrary to Len's criticism...!

Looks a little flat and laboured and appears to be a lack of connection between them, probably due to Chris' bum being a little stuck out.

I'm afraid I think this will only be a 6.

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Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna - Quickstep

Very good Waltz last time they danced ballroom and should have the elegance to pull off a good quickstep.

Nice classic music choice.

Floaty and elegant beginning.

Good movement and control, though the top line looks a little nervous and she looks almost like she's leaning.

Shaming about the slight mistake there.

Fast and accurate footwork mainly , needs to stand up a little more at times.

7-8

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