Strictly Come Dancing 2018 week four live show: Stacey Dooley tops leaderboard as Seann Walsh's 'Charleston of Shame' finishes fifth
Strictly Come Dancing's fourth live show saw 13 pro-celeb couples dance for survival
Stacey Dooley topped leaderboard. Seann Walsh in fifth place. Katie Piper at bottom
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It was a jam-packed two hours of gossip, glitter and galumphing. Here are all the talking points from Saturday night's live show...
Judges forgave Seann and Katya - but will viewers too?
Those canny Strictly producers knew full well that the night's major talking point would be the "charleston of shame?" by snoggees Sean(n) Walsh and Katya Jones, so duly saved their dance until second last. The illicit couple were careful not to betray any signs of chemistry on the "Clauditorium", with Katya often shown standing next to her husband Neil Jones. Nothing to see here.
Despite the copious headline-grabbing distractions of the past week, the couple's routine - chosen for its chaste and fully-clothed nature - was surprisingly impressive. Pizzeria-themed, creatively choreographed, lacking a little swivel but featuring nifty lifts - and loads of fun, almost in defiance of the moral backlash. Yep, Seann the sheepish bounced back pretty strongly.
The judges' comments were kind and didn't mention the showmance elephant in the ballroom. A score of 28 points was Seann's second best, leaving the couple fifth out of 13 on the leaderboard. Might the much-reviled pair get enough public votes to keep them out of Sunday's dance-off? And if not, which way will the judges go? It's intriguingly poised and the BBC must be secretly loving all the drama. All kiss-outside-the-pub-licity is good publicity.
Kate and Katie were bottom two by far
The K-girls might be two of the more popular contestants but they both had sequin-spangled stinkers tonight.
Katie Piper seemed to have a breakthrough in Movie Week but slipped backwards with a fuzzy, flat-footed and off-time 60s jive. Katie, who turned 35 yesterday, protested "it was my birthday dance" but she's by some margin the poorest dancer left in the field. Sympathetic viewers pointed out that her acid attacker was released from prison this week after serving a nine-year sentence, which would understandably make her anxious and distracted.
Meanwhile, newsreader Kate Silverton struggled with the tricky samba, seriously lacking footwork, fluidity and bounce. The K'n'K pair were left five points adrift at the foot of the leaderboard but will viewer votes lift them clear of dance-off danger? If not, Silverton especially looks at serious risk.
Generously scored Stacey Dooley topped standings
They came third last week with their crowd-pleasing Minions jive but now Stacey Dooley and partner Kevin Clifton went two better, closing the show and foxtrotting to the top of the leaderboard.
Their Sixties theme and skippy, sparkly routine was cunningly crowd-pleasing but one can't hep thinking the couple were over-generously marked at 32 points. Head judge Shirley Ballas referred to the loveable Stacey as a "non-dancer" for the second week running - presumably as opposed to the likes of Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Danny John-Jules, who all have choreographic entries on their showbiz CVs and are getting penalised for it.
Pro partner Kevin is also a big favourite, as evidenced by the 35th birthday cake brought out for him on Claudia Winkleman's balcony - which Kev duly shoved his face into. All very amusing but would every Strictly pro get a birthday cake live on-air? I would venture not.
Bruno more sane but Shirley Ballas booed
This was another lively week behind the judges' table. Bruno Tonioli might have managed to stay on his chair for the duration of the evening but the Italian stallion was as preposterously flamboyant as ever, rising out of his seat and nearly taking neighbour Shirley Ballas' eye out with his wild gesticulations.
Craig Revel Horwood is typecast as the panel's panto vilain but couldn't conceal his glee when the head judge's comments about Faye Tozer's rumba were met with audience disapproval. "I'm just pleased that Shirley's being booed," he drawled. "Welcome to the show, sweetie." She's behind you! Oh yes, she is!
Back to reality after Movie Week
Most couples raised their game last week and the film-themed, fancy-dressed extravaganza saw more than half of them notch their best scores yet. Well, they came crashing back down to earth tonight.
Joe Sugg's creaky cha cha cha got his joint lowest mark. Even pace-setting popstrels Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer saw their scores slump.
The fast improving Vick Hope was a rarity, notching a personal best of 29 points for her frothy, featherlight Motown quickstep. For the rest , the Hollywood honeymoon is well and truly over.
Charles and Lauren in dance-off danger
The duo have been bumping around the bottom of the leaderboard for a few weeks now, so could they be dancing for survival come Sunday evening?
Casualty hunk Charles Venn made a shock appearance in the bottom two last weekend and despite pulling out all the vote-grabbing stops tonight - removing clothing, having his wife in the studio audience and his children in his training VT - Charles still finished low down for a salsa lacking in that all-important hip action.
He scored 25 points for the fourth week running, which is surely some kind of Strictly record, yet has been harshly marked for at least two of those.
Charles notched the same as Paralympian Lauren Steadman, whose scores are also flatlining in the 20s, despite her embracing the quickstep and seeming to enjoy herself the most so far. Joint third from bottom on tonight's leaderboard, Lauren and Charles might both be losing sleep tonight.
Sunday's show should be a cracker
Will Sean(n) and Katya get punished for their "extra training" or will there be a dance-off shocker? It promises to be the spiciest Sunday show of the series so far.
The results show airs at 7.45pm Sunday on BBC One, with a girl-powered group dance from the pros and a musical medley from the Backstreet Boys.
Please join us back on the Lycra-clad liveblog then. In the meantime, you know the drill: keeeeep dancing!
Saturday night's action in full
Here's your routine-by-routine recap...
13 dances done and credits roll
We're fully recapped. The voting lines are open. Will enough viewers vote for Seann Walsh to keep him out of the bottom two? Keeeeeeep dancing! Stay with us for reaction and analysis.
Stacey and Kevin's foxtrot
They've wiped off their yellow Minions make-up to tackle the dance Stacey's been calling "the foxy", set to the wedding disco classic. A motorbike and sidecar to Grimsby, monochrome outfits and a slow start. But then things speed up and they travel around the floor. Skippy and fun but lacking in technique at times.
Music: Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "love the theme, impressed with the opening footwork, it was bubbly and sparkly, for a non-dancer I applaud you". Bruno says "it was a retro trot, styled like a 60s it-girl, brilliant". Craig says "not a classic foxtrot, leaned towards an American Smooth, you put that big old heel in for Shirley, I get it but it was great". Darcey concludes "very, very nice".
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Top of the leaderboard. Kev gets a Minions birthday cake and puts his face in it to celebrate. Okaaaay.
Seann and Katya's charleston
Time for the charleston of shame. There's been a big backlash this week over the snog scandal. Can Seann’s performance possibly change the public’s perception? Pizzeria theme at "Papa Seann's Pizza". Insufficient swivel and ploddy feet but tricksy lifts and a great bit where Katya walks up him. Some pizza box-ography, cleverly choreographed and bags of fun despite, you know, everything. A legs-akimbo lift to finish, which is brave.
Music: Bills by Lunchmoney Lewis.
Judges’ verdict: Darcy says "fun, impressive but clumsy and needed precision" Shorley says "outstanding choreography, high energy, saved the last lift, entertaining routine, loved it". Bruno says "extra large with extra toppings, it was manic in a good way, gangly finishing but you went for it". Craig concludes "packed and you did it well".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 8, 7 for a total of 28 points. Fourth so far.
Ashley and Pasha's tango
Last week's Dirty Dancers get serious for a passionate tango. Chess theme, black-and-red outfits and fierce feel. Lots of head swivels, sharp kicks and nice staccato. They're not always in synch and full body contact but a smouldering, sensuous mood and swivelling lift to finish. Strong. Hot.
Music: Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "sharp, staccato, mixed in Argentine tango, loved it". Darcey says "intense, dramatic but the emotion went into the shoulders in the second half and you lost your neck, yes?". Shirley says "high ability but you bounced when you needed stillness". Bruno concludes "checkmate, the red queen takes it all, powerful and theatrical, loved the attitude". He acts it out with Shirley, who almost seems to enjoy it. Or at least tolerate it.
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Top of the leaderboard with two dances to go.
Graeme and Oti's jive
He was last week's highest-scoring male with his SpiderMan charleston. Now it's another fun, fast-paced dance. Lunar setting and spaceman outfits for no apparent reason, then eventually launches into a pink-clad jive. Flicks, kicks, arm-ography, disco dad moves. Lacks sharpness and retraction but decent timing. Couple of mistakes but much fun and a dive to finish.
Music: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "you didn't miss a beat, a bit flat-footed but I really enjoyed it". Craig says "technically imprecise but good showmanship". Darcey says "your face worked hard, very good timing, sold it but needed stronger pointing of the foot". Shirley concludes "I rather liked it and love your personality".
Judges' scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. His second highest. Mid-table.
Kate and Alja?'s samba
The newsreader, who slinked around as Jessica Rabbit last week, now unleashes her saucy side for a sizzling samba. Jungle theme, footwork falters, timing off, lacks fluidity and bounce. Nice drop to finish but not enough.
Music: Africa by Toto.
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you have charisma but clunky footwork, wasn't your dance, not your best night". Bruno says "glamorous but you got stuck and couldn't get into the natural bounce". Craig says "that dance belonged behind the news desk". Darcey concludes "didn't look comfortable".
Judges' scores: 4. 5. 5. 6 for a total of 20 points. Second bottom so far. Kate's apologetic on the Clauditorium. Alijaz is too busy being delighted about becoming an uncle this week.
Dr Ranj and Janette's paso doble
He was joint second bottom last week, so the TV to needs to improve or he could be in dance-off danger. Smiley Ranj getting serious in a black and purple outfit. He's up his toes and striking the curved moves but lacks resistance in his body. Attempts some lifts and knee-walks. Not masterful enough but traditional feel and fun to watch.
Music: Cancion del Mariachi by Los Lobos
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "nice surprise, signs of a true matador, Spanish lines could be improved but I quite like that side of you". Shirley gave him a standing ovation and says "no mistakes, beautiful basics, improvement from last week" Bruno says "machismo was there but give the lines depth". Craig concludes "it wasn't danced, it was deliberately placed".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 6 for a total of 27 points.
blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Not a bad PASO DOBLE by DR RANJ and @JManrara
I'd score it ( 7 )#SCD#Strictly@bbcstrictly
— Mark Wix SCD (@MarkWix2) October 13, 2018 7:39PM
Lauren and AJ's quickstep
The ballroom babies go for the yoof vote with a contemporary quickstep. The speed of this dance should suit an athlete. Red outfits, she lacks lightness of footwork and glide but high pace, decent timing and hopping around respectably. She apologises for the mistakes at the end but AJ's having none of it.
Music: If You’re Over Me by Years and Years
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "the most energy you've seen in your body". Darcey says "improved confidence but came out of synch twice." Shirley says "beautiful footwork and personality, shame you went wrong several times". Bruno concludes "gorgeous, you can do it".
Judges' scores: 6, 6, 6, 7 for a total of 25 points. Her equal best and five up on last week.
Charles and Karen's salsa
Last week's dance-off survivors bid to bounce back. They've been stuck on 25 points for three weeks, can they break that barrier? Back to Latin. A launderette theme. Confident solo section from Charles to open. A striptease element, as he gets down to a Venn vest. Karen pulling out the stops to try and keep him in the contest here. Disco moves, tricky lifts. Not sure it was enough of a salsa but lots of spicy fun.
Music: Use It Up and Wear It Out by Odyssey
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "I'm on a high-spin cycle, it had swagger and charisma, not enough salsa hip action but it worked". Craig says "a lot going on, loved the lifts but non-existent hips in the basic". Darcey says "you're definitely hot, rhythmic but keep it compact and contained". Shirley concludes "loved the pelvic thrusting but sort the weight and footwork". Sixes en route?
Judges' scores: 6, 6, 6, 7 for a total of 25 points. For the fourth week running. Consistent if nothing else.
Katie and Gorka's jive
She made a breakthrough of sorts last week. Now she needs to continue coming out of her shell for this 60s jive. She's a student, he's her nerdy tutor. Better performance levels from Katie. A little flat-footed, needs to be up on the balls of her feet. Flicks and kicks too fluffy, lacks sharpness, energy and retraction but sweet storytelling.
Music: Why Do Fools Fall In Love by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "more dance content, you look adorable but a few hiccups and work on your timing". Bruno says "beauty and the geek, fun but feel the timing". Crag says "it was really off-time and stompy, it didn't suit you". Katie protests "it was my birthday dance". Darcey concludes "cute, endearing, needed sharpness but you are improving, so well done".
Judges' scores: 3 (boo!), 5, 5, 5 for a total of 18 points. Her second highest score but bottom so far.
Faye and Giovanni's rumba
Can last week’s leaderboard-toppers nail the first rumba of the series? Laser-lit chandelier set, seductive mood and a gold tasseled frock for Faye. Moody spins and swivels. Motion not always continuous and not extending every move. Technique patchy but lots to like.
Music: Chandelier by Sia
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "you did some lovely things, expressive but shoulders let you down, I'm being picky because you are good". Shirley says "liked the basic steps but leg action not quite there and I didn't truly believe it". Bruno says "I felt it my darling, a goddess making herself available, lovely lines and figures, lost the liquid fluidity at times but very strong". Craig concludes "I'm just pleased that Shirley's being booed. Welcome to the show, sweetie. You're a beautiful dancer but I missed the connectivity between you".
Judges' scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points - joint top with Vick Hope so far.
Danny and Amy's Viennese waltz
A circus-themed paso last week, now a retro Ratpack number by one of Danny's favourite crooners. Black-and-white opening, Vegas styling, lovely side-by-side sections and then into hold. Flowing and twirling romantically, a wobble with their hold but jazzy Hollywood feel. Another wobble at the end but not half bad.
Music: I’ve Gotta Be Me by Sammy Davis Jnr
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "over-expressive hands were too floral and fuzzed the edges, skippy, thumb stuck up but loved the rotation". Darcey says "musicality, divine start, one of the best postures in the contest but relax those knees, you have all the goods to be at the top". Shirley says "you look young for 58, beautiful shoulder line, impressive footwork, a step in the right direction". Bruno concludes "solid, covered the mistakes, you've got the skills but push it further". His flailing arms nearly take out Shirley yet again.
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Around his normal mark. Needs to improve.
Vick and Graziano's quickstep
It’s her mum’s favourite song. Can the huge-haired DJ do it justice? Pink outfits and cutesy theming. Graziano's tossing his head about and making it too much about him. Some timing issues but lots of travel, hopping and skipping around the floor. They finish by gliding off in a sort of heart-shaped rollercoaster cart. Next ride's a fast ride.
Music: Can’t Hurry Love by Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "sweet, light and fluffy as candy floss, you're improving fast" . Craig says "vast improvement, you've come to life, a bit trotty and lazy elbow but loved the choreography". Darcey says "lovely and light, too much bounce but good frame". Shirley says "basic steps executed well, pleased with you". Sevens ahoy?
Judges' scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points, her best yet.
Martin Kemp on the Ts and Cs
The Spandau bassist, EastEnders actor and all-round silver fox appears on Claudia's balcony to read the dull voting details.
Joe and Dianne's cha cha cha
The vlogger struggled in ballroom last Saturday, stuck out his "tiny bottom" and had his worst week yet. Now it's back to a higher tempo dance which should suit him more. Messin' abaht with a cashpoint to open before they launch into a disco-flavoured routine that's bigger on pose-striking than proper leg action. Some snap and hip action, though, plus some nifty little lifts. Not his best but decent.
Music: Just Got Paid by Sigala feat Ella Eyre and Meghan Trainor.
Judges’ verdict: Shirley Ballas says "still need work on the hips but timing and details were good". Bruno Tonioli says "quirky, charming, good bum, lots of content but so angular, it looked like a puppet on a string". Craig Revel Horwood says "too placed and flat-footed but surprisingly watchable". Darcey Bussell concludes "lacked straight leg action but you pulled it off." Sixes a-coming?
Judges' scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Same as last week. And generous with it.
Time to meet our Strictly stars
Not so muchf ancy dress this week butcolourful costumes and a muted reception for the red-and-white striped Seann Walsh and Katya Jones.
Frockwatch
Time for our weekly fashion face-off. Claudia Winkleman's in aone shouldered black dress with polka dots, Tess Daly's in some sort of black asymmetric jumpsuit monstrosity with silver trimmings. Claudia wins.
And we're off!
Strictly's fourth live show is go. Roll pre-credits VT recapping Movie Week.
Who'll be out next?
Seann Walsh is hot favourite for elimination - but will viewers vote accordingly? And if so, will the judges' dance-off decision agree? Katie Piper, Charles Venn or Dr Ranj could also be in danger. Five minutes to wait...
Scores are on the up
Everyone raised their game last time out, with seven couples notching their highest score in Movie Week. Can they maintain the standard? Ten minutes until curtain up...
Popstrels setting early pace
Steps alumnus Faye Tozer and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts have taken ownership of the top two places on the leaderboard in recent weeks. With Stacey Dooley also impressing, judge Darcey Bussell says the girls are on top and the show needs a female winner for the first time in four years. Is she right? Fifteen minutes until showtime...
Movie Week headlines
Last weekend's film-themed extravaganza saw Faye Tozer top the leaderboard with her Grease quickstep, judge Bruno Tonioli fall off his chair (an annual occurrence, of course) and Lee Ryan become the second celebrity sent home. Now it's time for the sequel. Twenty minutes until the cameras start rolling...
The dreaded curse has struck again
Yes, there’s only been one story in Strictlyworld this week and it wasn’t anything that happened on the dancefloor. Seann Walsh and his pro partner Katya Jones hit the headlines after they were caught on camera having a drunken post-pub kiss - despite Walsh having a long-term girlfriend in actress Rebecca Humphries and Katya being married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones.
Comedian “Sean(n)”, as Humphries pointedly called him in her open Dear John letter, was accused of being controlling and emotionally abusive, as well as a cheat. He has duly seen his popularity plummet, despite last weekend’s Matrix-themed paso doble being his highest-scoring breakthrough dance. Seann and Katya appeared on Zoe Ball’s It Takes Two sofa on Wednesday to apologise - which met, let’s say, “a mixed reaction”.
In an attempt to damp down the snog scandal, producers reportedly changed the pair’s routine this week to a wholesome, fully-dressed charleston. The backlash means they’re bookies’ strong favourites for elimination tomorrow - but will viewer votes and the judges’ dance-off decision agree?
There is also the small matter of a dozen other couples performing tonight. We’ll see our first rumba of the year from last week’s leaderboard-topper Faye Tozer. The increasingly popular Stacey Dooley tackles the foxtrot, newsreader Kate Silverton unleashes a spicy samba, while Katie Piper and Graeme Swann both flick and kick their way through jives.
Strictly 2018’s fourth live show airs at 6.40pm on BBC One and promises to be a must-see for all manner of reasons. We'll be liveblogging from 6pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and sarky asides. Please join us - and join in too. You can email me on michael.hogan@ telegraph.co.uk, tweet me on @michaelhogan or leave comments at the bottom of this blog. I'll keep an eye on them all and report the highlights here.
Nearly time to staaaaaart dancing the charleston of shame!