Strictly Come Dancing: the semi-final – live

1 month ago 11

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Judges’ scores for JB and Lauren: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points for the third week in a row. It’s his 38th birthday, so JB gets a singalong and a cake on the Clauditorium. An extra point might have been nice too.

Judges’ comments for JB and Lauren: Motsi says “amazing, loved the momentum and strength, clean lines. you led well and delivered”. Shirley says “you brought everything to that and executed the risky cape work perfectly”. Anton says “I got emotional, beautiful, a constant pulse but you embodied the narrative, epic”. Craig concludes “need to point your foot, over-strode but full of content, powerful, dramatic, brilliant”. Another 39-pointer for JB, do we reckon?

JB and Lauren’s paso doble

A classical tune and a starkly contrasting mood to his second dance, which will be a salsa. JB Gill hasn’t done a tango or an Argentine (why not, producers?) so this is the first time we’ve seen his serious side. Medieval-styled with castles and flames. Moody stalking to open. He’s powerful and masterful, swirling a green-lined cape. Moody, mysterious choreography. The paso requires plenty of technique, so he needs to keep the footwork, frame and posture on-point. Dramatic and intense. JB committing to the matadorial attitude with strong walks, imperious expressions and aggressive stamps. Enough Spanish line? Lacking a little resistance? Otherwise, wow. Wonderful.

Song: Requiem for a Tower by Clint Mansell. This orchestral orchestral composition by Mansell - the Pop Will Eat Itself frontman turned film score composer - was originally titled Lux Aeterna and performed by the Kronos Quartet for the film Requiem For A Dream.

Wallace and Gromit on the Ts & Cs

Not Gregg Wallace, luckily. The claymation duo are this week’s VIP guests, reading out the voting smallprint. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me,” says Claudia. More cheese?

Judges’ scores for Tasha and Aljaž: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Strong start but by no means unbeatable.

Judges’ comments for Tasha and Aljaž: Shirley says “you came out with fire in your belly but transitions suffered”. Anton says “brilliant technical quality and expression but not quite seamless”. Craig says “dance in and out of every transition but the lifts were phenomenal”. Motsi concludes “insane beginning, loved the movement and power”. Nines all-round, do we reckon?

Tasha and Aljaž’s salsa

A classic waltz later but first they’re unleashing the Latin party. Two starkly contrasting dances to showcase her versatility. Curly Tasha looking leggy in a fringed, embellished silver lilac dress. Some messin’ abaht on a platform with purple smoke to start, then into an all-action number. They’ve packed this routine with loads of steps and lifts but she needs to make it look free-spirited. High energy and fast-paced so it requires serious stamina. She’s keen to show the judges she’s worked on her groove. Body rolls and tricks. Hot and spicy. Fun and flirty. Lacking a little earthy hip action, maybe, but excellent lifts. Did they slightly fluff the last one? Otherwise spectacular.

Song: Something New by Girls Aloud. The official Comic Relief single from 2012, it was performed by the group on Strictly’s own Wembley special (remember that? Echoey).

Our Strictly stars™

Our first sight of the five semi-finalists. Relatively restrained on the fancy dress front but Tasha Ghouri’s got a curly perm for the occasion.

By jove, it’s the judges

A rare chance to see their legs as we welcome the paddle-raising panel. Motsi Mabuse is in a gorgeous green dress, Shirley Ballas in red. Festive. They bust out some disco moves to The Final Countdown. See what they did there?

Frockwatch

Here come our presenting duo, so time for the regular frockular face-off. Tess Daly is in a black-and-silver sparkly minidress. Claudia Winkleman is in a sequinned tuxedo. Claud wins.