Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Movie Week: Aston Merrygold tops the leaderboard, Rev Richard is a flash in the pan
Movie Week saw Aston Merrygold top the leaderboard with a sensational Trolls-themed cha cha
Rev Richard Coles languishes at the bottom; Ruth and Charlotte not far behind
Brendan Coles and Shirley Ballas clashed in an awkward spat
The whole cast opened the show with a La La Land group performance
Sheridan Smith will perform My Man from hit musical Funny Girl on tomorrow's results show
Who's in the Danger Zone?
Singer Aston Merrygold and partner Janette Manrara topped the leaderboard again as they scored 35 points out of 40 for their hip-hop-infused Cha Cha. Aston has long been the favourite to win the competition and shows no signs of abating. It was a terrific routine. Shantay, you stay.
Other highlights included comedian Susan Calman, who transformed into Wonder Woman to dance the first samba of the series with Kevin Clifton, while actor Davood Ghadami ruffled a few feathers with his pelvic thrusts as he discovered his inner John Travolta for his Saturday Night Fever samba.
“It looked like a ferret in your pants,” declared Bruno Tonioli.
Reverend Richard Coles, in blond wig and bright red cape, entertained with his Flash Gordon-themed paso doble. However, his technical skill placed him at the bottom of the leaderboard. But with Ruth and Charlotte not far behind, it's anyone's guess who'll be hit with the dreaded red light of doom.
Brendan gets lippy
Was Brendan Cole right to call out judge Shirley Ballas for her criticism of Charlotte Hawkins? Ballas said that their tango displayed too much “rise and fall”.
“There was no rise and fall,” insisted Brendan. When Shirley suggested that he play the routine back again, he retorted “I will, dear, I will”.
Bruno Tonioli then defended his fellow judge and asked Brendan to be more respectful.
It was an tense exchange that will no doubt knock Charlotte's confidence. She looked extremely uncomfortable throughout the outburst and is in an awkward position since Shirley and Brendan seem to have a poor relationship. Craig at least gave Charlotte some credit and offered her support by saying that she had improved on last week. We all know it makes good telly but Charlotte and Brendan could be in jeopardy in tomorrow's results show because of the clash.
Lighten up Shirley
She sure knows her stuff and is precise and eloquent as she explains how her points are awarded, but head judge Shirley, who took over from former judge Len Goodman this series, was rather forthright tonight (see above). Is she taking the fun out of the show, or merely fuelling the fire of the competition? Perhaps it's just a case of balancing criticism with being supportive, but there were cries of favouritism on social media. Whatever your view, she has certainly brought a new dynamic to the panel.
Rules are rules
Last week, Mollie and AJ, and Davood and Nadiya were given a telling off for breaking the show's rules. Craig and Shirley were not impressed that the pairs had performed illegal lifts in their routines. This week, it was Debbie McGee and Giovanni whose wrists got slapped.
“So, six or seven sets of eight before we start… I’m not a fan. When we start over there… I’m not going to deduct any points. I’m just pointing out. But you are a dancer so you could get on with it.” Then Craig added: “You broke the 10 second rule. You’re only allowed to have 10 seconds in the middle of a routine out of hold."
That's them told.
Ditch the VTs
The inclusion of the interim footage of the dancers in training has long been a sticking point for viewers. But this week it seemed to grind more than most. It is a light entertainment show but the scripted sections were "embarrassing" said one viewer, while many others claimed that they were "silly" and a waste of licence-payers fees.
The return of Robbie Savage
I mean. Jonnie Peacock as Indiana Jones was one thing. But when he whipped off that hat and tossed his long, blond mane, it was as if Robbie Savage had slid back onto the dancefloor. The former footballer was something of a hit on the show back in 2011, most notably for his distinctive peroxide tresses. And that trademark lob is similarly doing wonders for Jonnie. Peacock by name, peacock by nature.
The secret behind the celery
Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez danced a love-erly American Smooth inspired by My Fair Lady, complete with cockney market stall as backdrop. But did Gorka present her with a bunch of celery at the end? Was it an accident? Was it a joke? OR, dear readers, was it perhaps a nod to our dearly departed head judge Len Goodman?
Chew on this: Goodman's grandfather once worked as a costermonger, selling fruit and vegetables. Growing up in Bethnal Green, east London, young Len would help him out. While being wheeled around in his grandfather's barrow, it was his job to make sure the veg looked fresh – even when it wasn't. He would dip elderly celery into ice-cold water to stiffen the stalks.
Join former Strictly Come Dancing stars Kristina Rihanoff and Ian Waite for Waltzing down the Danube, a wonderful eight-day cruise into the artistic highlights of the river and watch a private ballroom dance in the Palais Liechtenstein by Rihanoff and Waite. Book now at telegraph.co.uk/tt- waltzingdanube
Movie Week, dance by dance
Here's your full recap of the week three action.
A blockbuster of a show
Well, that's it as the curtains close on another Strictly special. Who was your favourite movie-maker? Lots of praise for WonderWoman Susan Calman and Brian must take the medal for most improved. Get your votes in before the lines close at 9pm.
Strictly Come Dancing: hottest romances
Davood and Nadiya’s Samba
Disco-tastic. You can tell by the way he snakes those hips that something is alive tonight... He's chucking Nadiya around a bit. Might be a few thigh burns later. Decent effort and they make a great couple on the dance floor.
Music: Stayin’ Alive from Saturday Night Fever
Judges’ verdict: You're so rough - it looked like you had a ferret in your pants, says Bruno (that's exactly what I meant, readers). You need to sort your spatulistic hands out, says Craig. Contain that enthusiasm and those shoulders, says Darcey. Your posture collapsed like a fillet-o-fish, says Shirley. Quite.
Judges' scores: 4, 7, 7, 7 for a score of 25
Alexandra and Gorka’s American Smooth
I mean, Alexandra IS a musical theatre star so this is right up her alley. She's a flower girl and he's a cockney geezer. They're surrounded by apples and pears and flowers and it's bloomin' lovely, but that Gorka is wearing far too many clothes. Pretty and elegant. Very classy.
Music: Wouldn’t It Be Loverly from My Fair Lady
Judges’ verdict: You are amazing, says Shirely (plus some technical stuff about arm position). You are so versatile, says Darcey. No standing ovation from Craig this week - watch your free arm, he says. Wish
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a score of 33
Aston and Janette’s Cha Cha
Wowsers! Aston's certainly got "the feelin' in his body..." Incredible energy from these two. Clean moves, great control and tremendous flow. It's a real cha cha party and they've totally let their hair down. Even made those sickly, cartoonish Trolls appear rather cute. Top of the leaderboard. No question.
Music: Can’t Stop The Feeling from Trolls
Judges’ verdict: You were made for eachother, says Darcey. Timing and syncronisation were brilliant, says Shirley. You kept the cha cha style, says Bruno. You're very good, aren't you dah-ling, says Craig.
Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a score of 35
Joe and Katya’s Viennese Waltz
It's snowing. There's a sleigh. Joe even has facial hair to keep himself warm. Speedy routine with lots of travel across the floor. Joe is improving every week and we don't think he will ever stop smiling. This was just lovely. Pause for thought: who's gonna sweep up that snow..?
Music: Somewhere My Love from Doctor Zhivago
Judges’ verdict: My gosh, I enjoyed that! Says Darcey. Craig and Bruno both agreed it was beautiful.
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a score of 32
Susan and Kevin’s Samba
Susan is Wonder Woman. We're body-popping, we're strutting, we're up, we're down - Samb-ady stop them! She's a total hoot and absolutely releasing her inner Beyonce/Melissa McCarthy. What a (super) hero!
Music: the theme from Wonder Woman
Judges’ verdict: Not much bounce, says Craig. Shirley is a fan though and says she performed "four or five" Samba moves.
Judges' scores: 4, 5, 5, 6 for a score of 20
Jonnie and Oti’s Paso Doble
Jonnie swings in on a rope wearing a fedora. Tie me down, Indiana! Er, did he just get his whip out? Anyway, back to the dancing. Oti is on fire with this routine - jam-packed. Good attempt at arm positioning, though his shaping is a little off. Great job.
Music: The Raiders March from Indiana Jones
Judges’ verdict: Shirely loves it. Bruno loves it. Craig loves it. Darcey loves it.
Judges' scores: 6, 6, 7, 7 for a score of 26
Charlotte and Brendan’s Tango
This is a *right* tune. Brendan IS Maverick. Take me to bed or lose me fore-ver, etc, etc. Charlotte is revving it up on a motorbike - someone should teach her how to dismount with grace though. Bit slow for a Tango, kids. Charlotte is clinging onto Brendan for dear life. And why not!? She's got more confidence this week and definitely looks the part. But are we on a Highway to the Danger Zone of the dance-off..?
Music: Danger Zone from Top Gun
Judges’ verdict: Just a little bit better than last week, says Shirley, who's popped her red specs on to tell Brendan off for lack of rise and fall. You've got to do it right, says Bruno. Brendan is being very vocal in their defence. Craig's on their side though - You are going in the right direction, he says. And all of a sudden, Mr Revel Horwood is the nicest judge on the planet.
Judges' scores: 4, 5, 4, 4 for a score of 17
Gemma and Aljaz’s Charleston
She's a dark horse this one. Oh, sorry - she's Bagheera the black panther. And she's wearing a catsuit. A Bare Necessity, one might say. Aljaz looks flippin adorable as Baloo in a bear suit, complete with a belly. Lively and energetic and a top-scorer, no doubt. Though not that much Charleston content, dare we say..?
Music: The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book
Judges’ verdict: You only swivel on your right leg. Full of character and energy though, says Craig. Gemma you are one fit lady, says Darcey the eternal ballet dancer. You surprised me - I love it! Says Shirley. Can I take you both home, says Bruno. We'll leave it there...
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a score of 31
Brian and Amy’s American Smooth
He was in the dance-off last week but this is much better from Brian tonight. Great characterisation and surprisingly light on his feet to say he's wearing a haystack on his head. He's the scarecrow, if you hadn't guessed.
Music: If I Only Had a Brain from The Wizard of Oz
Judges’ verdict: You acted it like a pro, says Bruno. An improvement, says Craig. You came back stronger but that was not a traditional foxtrot (otherwise known as a slap on the wrist), says Shirley.
Judges' scores: 5, 5, 6, 6 for a score of 22 (there are *screams* - no one has ever reacted to a 5 like that)
Debbie and Giovanni’s Quickstep
So disappointed not to see Debbie sporting those legwarmers she had on in rehearsals for this one. Looking resplendent as Gingers Rogers in gold sequins though so we'll let her off. Perfect timing and footwork with lots of quick steps. She's a sensation this one. If Len was here he'd say there was some "muckin' abaaat" to start with on the bench but she whizzed through that one with panache.
Music: Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off from Shall We Dance
Judges’ verdict: Light, frothy and glossy with spot-on mannerisms, says Bruno. Craig says they broke the 10-second rule being out of hold in the routine (?? #whatever - I give my toast at least 12 secs when I drop it butter down on the floor). You are constantly surprising us, says Darcey.
Judges' scores: 6, 8, 7, 8 for a score of 29
Rev Richard and Dianne’s Paso Doble
Oh dear. Gordon is alive and well. Or rather not... The Rev looks more like a Donald Trump/Austin Powers cross-over in that blond wig. Hope he gets rid of it for church tomorrow. We're into John Sergeant territory here I'm afraid, but let's give him a 10 for effort.
Music: Flash’s Theme from Flash Gordon
Judges’ verdict: Strangely powerful with extraordinary conviction, says Darcey. Appreciate the commitment but not your best, says Shirley. It was "out of this world" for Bruno while Craig said he was stomping around like a three year-old.
Judges' scores: 2, 4, 4, 4 for a score of 14
Mollie and AJ’s American Smooth
Cuteness from these two. Lots of lifts that go on forever (and ever) but beautiful routine and graceful arms from Mollie, which is an achievement since it must be such a distraction dancing in an apron...
Music: Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says Mollie has so much potential, while Bruno comments on their chemistry. Craig said it was beautiful.
Judges' scores: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a score of 30
Ruth and Anton’s Rumba
Ruth looks a-mazing, To Die For, infact. She's sporting a long blonde wig that, quite frankly, if I was her I would not be returning to the wardrobe department. She appears loads more confident despite this being the dreaded "sexy" routine. We need more hips, but she's giving it a mighty fine bash. Bravo for one brave Bond girl.
Music: the theme from Diamonds Are Forever
Judges’ verdict: More emotion please, says Bruno. Save yourself and act, advises Craig. A good try, says Shirley.
Judges' scores: 3, 5, 3, 4 for a total of 15
Simon and Karen’s Quickstep
Simon's dressed as Buzz Lightyear with Karen as cowgirl Jessie. Lots of energy from this pair, but surely someone's gonna make a comment about him being robotic?
Music: You’ve Got A Friend In Me from Toy Story
Judges’ verdict: One of the best frames in the competition, says judge Shirley. Craig doesn’t agree, naturally.
Judges' scores: 3, 5, 6, 5 for a score of 19
Christmas comes early...
Fashion show: Tess looks gorgeous in a slinky glittery gold gown, it's quite the sparkler! Claudia, meanwhile, goes for a Spanish edge with an off-the-shoulder flamenco frock. There's also a dangly earring-off between Shirley and Darcey... wonder whose lobes will surrender first?
It's show time!
It's Strictly-o-clock and we do love a theme night. Brendan and new pro Nadiya kick the La La Land opener off and the whole cast are joining in. Great opener, great energy - even the cameraman's had a workout!
Who's got the award-winning routine?
We've got Ruth as a Bond girl tonight, Jonnie as Indiana Jones and Davood giving it his best Travolta knee, but who's going to come out on top? And is anyone ever going to top Jay McGuiness' slick Pulp Fiction jive from 2015? Who knows, but just a word of warning... grab your sunglasses for Aston's appearance - he's dancing in bubblegum brights for a routine inspired by those tufty-haired Eighties Trolls.
Welcome to Saturday Night at the Movies
Movie Week is traditionally one of the most fun of the series. In previous years it has given us Kellie Bright’s out-of-this-world Star Wars Charleston, Jay McGuiness’s eye-popping Pulp Fiction jive, and the delight of Ed Balls in green face paint and a yellow suit for his smokin’ Mask routine.
But can the remaining 14 duos match those memorable homages? Surely Susan Calman’s Wonder Woman samba and Gemma Atkinson’s Jungle Book Charleston will be contenders?
Ballroom battle commences at 6.35pm on BBC One. We'll be here providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and gratuitous gags, so pop on your ruby slippers and watch along with this blog.