Strictly Come Dancing 2017, fourth live show: Alexandra Burke's jive gets first 10s of series
Alexandra Burke tops scoreboard with 39-point Tina Turner jive
Gemma Atkinson's powerful paso doble puts her in second place
Susan Calman closes Saturday's show with nostalgic Morecambe and Wise quickstep
Simon Rimmer and Charlotte Hawkins joint bottom and in dance-off danger
Bring sunshine like Eric and shake it like Tina. Here's all the talking points and social media reaction from Saturday evening's fourth live show...
Alexandra Burke dedicates best dance of series to her mother
Alexandra's mother, Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell, sadly passed away a week before this series started. So there wasn't a dry eye in the house when Alexandra sobbed "I wish my mum was here to see this" after her spectacular jive scored the first perfect 10s of the series and took her to the top of the leaderboard by some distance.
Her partner Gorka "The Corka" Marquez had choreographed a fast, furious, full-on routine to Tina Turner's Proud Mary but Alexandra kept pace superbly. Sweat, silver tassels and huge hair flew everywhere. There was brilliant bounce, high-octane lifts, high-risk drops and sharp leg action. The last two champions, Jay McGuinness and Ore Oduba, both made their breakthroughs with a jive. Did La Burke just join them?
Susan Calman warms cockles with Morecambe and Wise closer
Bring Me Sunshine isn't just a song synonymous with Susan Calman's comedy heroes but was the first dance at her wedding. Her wife and parents were also watching from the front row. So it could have been moving or even mawkish - yet her show-closing quickstep was instead a thing of rare joy. Jazzy and jaunty, full of fun, fast feet and gleeful facial expressions.
It was evocative, nostalgic and a lovely tribute, cleverly choreographed by pro partner Kevin Clifton and charmingly performed. "Second best day of my life," beamed Susan, before collapsing into Claudia Winkleman's arms in surprise at her 30-point score. Fifth on the leaderboard. Dizzy heights, well-deserved.
Who's in dance-off danger?
Joint bottom of the Saturday night scoreboard were stompy chef Simon Rimmer after his disco-dad samba and stiff newsreader Charlotte Hawkins, whose wedding-themed jive was more laboured than Jeremy Corbyn with contractions. They deserve to scrap it out in Sunday's dreaded dance-off.
However, if either gets hauled out of the mire by viewer votes, Brian Conley or Joe McFadden could be vulnerable. Brian did a paso without the doble, while Joe's awkward cha cha was eight points down on last week's lovely Russian waltz. Perhaps shaving off his Doctor Zhivago moustache had a Samson effect. Quick, grow it back by 7.15pm Sunday - when we'll be back on the liveblog, so see you back here then.
Shirley might be fab-ew-lous but she must stop forgetting celebs' names
Shirley "Queen Of Latin" Ballashas shaken up the panel, brought something fresh and was last week nominated for a National TV Award on the basis of her first fortnight in the head judgely chair. She was entertainingly exacting again here, switching from technical stickler to encouraging coach in the blink of an eye - before pulling tango faces with Bruno Tonioli and declaring "it's never too early for a 10 from Shirley" (not quite as snappy as "from Len, the 10").
She's clearly got the respect of the pros and made the other judges' raise their game. However, her fluffing the contestants' names is becoming an unfortunate habit. A fortnight ago, she referred to Chizzy Akudolu as "Lizzy". Now she called Charlotte Hawkins "Mollie". They're hardly household names and she's been living in America so we sympathise - but it's still deeply awkward. Sort it out, Shirley Bassey. Sorry, Maria Callas. Whatever your name is.
Gemma and Davood were the pluckiest performers
The two soap stars both shone in their own ways. Gemma Atkinson is the contest's steadiest improver, with scores creeping up by around five points each week. Her contemporary Coldplay paso doble was powerful, intense and creatively choreographed by partner Alijaz Skorjanec, who whooped with infectious delight when she delivered it. If it hadn't been for Alexandra Burke's next-level performance, Gemma would have hogged the headlines.
Meanwhile, EastEnders beefcake Davood Ghadami had been suffering from motion sickness all week from the dizzying spins in his Viennese waltz. So badly, in fact, there were rumours he'd be too sick to perform. The show must go on, though, and his romantic routine was surprisingly sophisticated - even if he could see two Tess Dalys by the end.
Judges getting tough but Darcey has a relapse
Week four is around the time that the judges stop treating the celebrities like brave beginners and begin to look for improvement. They want detail, technique, posture, footwork and evidence of hard graft in the training rooms.
So it proved tonight, with lots of leaning over the table to peer at feet (unlucky, Aston Merrygold), clamping down on illegal lifts (watch it, Davood Ghadami) and harsh marking (sorry, Mollie King and Debbie McGee).
Meanwhile, Darcey Bussell has reverted to her grating habit of saying "yes?" at the end of every comment, like an upward-inflecting Australian or Gordon Ramsay giving instructions to a sous chef. It's a verbal tic, yes? Try to stop it, yah? You managed it before, yeah OK? Sure, no worries. Wait, no. Say again?
Keep VTs to the training rooms and stop the lame comedy
We've said it before and we'll say it again: enough already with the try-hard training videos. Footage of the couples in rehearsal is fascinating enough, thank you, without producers feeling the need to crowbar in comedy skits which invariably end up cringe-inducing.
Tonight we had Jonnie Peacock's dream sequence (why?), Gemma and Alijaz's random visit to Greenwich Observatory (double why?) and Giovanni Pernice delivering parcels to Debbie McGee (just leave it with a neighbour, please). These sequences surely annoy far more viewers than they entertain. Have a word.
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
Saturday night in full
Here's your rewind of the action as it happened...
Roll recap and credits
That's all the dancefloor action for tonight but please stay with us for talking points, reaction and analysis.
Susan and Kevin's quickstep
Last out, it's Wonder Woman. Not only a song synonymous with Susan's comedy heroes Morecambe and Wise but it was also the first dance at her wedding. As if that wasn't enough emotion, her parents are in the front row, so expect tears. Top hats and canes to start, then into a fluffy, skippy, jazzy routine full of fun and facial delight. Musicality and timing is there, even if some of the technique isn't. She's improved so much. And a Morecambe and Wise move to finish. Fantastic.
Music: Bring Me Sunshine by The Jive Aces
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "Nostalgic, great music and choreography, well done". Bruno says "you're a box of delights, genius tribute, proper quickstep too". Craig says "you flew around that floor like a hellish fiend and went into lift-off, a personal best". Darcey concludes "bright, breezy and beautiful but hang onto that frame, yes?" "Second best day of my life" says Susan. Sweet.
Judges' scores: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Ten more than last week, her highest yet and Susan falls into Claudia's arms in delight.
Jonnie and Oti's American smooth
He played Indiana Jones last week. Now the Paralympian champ needs to channel Fred Astaire. Jazzy mood, spectacular lift to start. Jonnie doesn't look entirely comfortable being the Hollywood smoothie but style, spins and some spectacular tricks. Removes his jacket, passionate mood more akin to a tango at times but splendid storytelling.
Music: Michael Bublé's cover of Cry Me a River.
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "so much going right, daring lifts but you lean forward in hold, maintain that topline and exaggerate the character, yes?". Shirley says "impressive spins and turns, good footwork, definite improvement". Bruno says "cool dude, worked very well, you never lost the phrasing or fumbled, musically correct". Craig says "you stop acting when you get into hold, I suggest some acting lessons to free yourself, it would help your dancing - but I loved it". Jonnie's life-saving surgeon is in the studio audience. How lovely.
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. His best yet. Bravo.
Alexandra and Gorka's jive
From last week's My Fair Lady ballroom routine to a less lady-like jive. She's gone full Diva Turner in silver frock with huge hair. Fast and furious with lots of flicks and tricks. Helluva tune, tassles and hair flying everywhere. Great bounce, lifts, drops and leg action. Phew. Exhausted just watching it. Standing ovation in the studio.
Music: Proud Mary by Tina Turner
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "I have no idea where all that came from, darling, you created a nuclear reaction to split the atom, incredible". Darcey says "energy, zest, gave your all, stunning". Ms Ballas is "proud Shirley, you combined swing with jive, left me speechless". Bruno says "I had the honour to work with Tina Turner, she's a force of nature, you captured that quality and she would have loved that". Nines, surely?
Judges' scores: 9, 10 (first of the series!), "it's never too early for a 10 from Shirley", another 10 for a total of 39 points. Wow. Top. Tears. "I wish my mum was here". Aww.
Gemma and Alijaz's paso doble
No Jungle Book animal onesies this week, just swishy skirts and the story of the bullfight. Coldplay are Alijaz'a favourite band, bless his cloth ears. It's a contemporary paso rather than a traditional one. Muscular shapes and fierce faces. Sizzlingly intense, glittery finish. Strong.
Music: Viva La Vida by Coldplay
Judges' comments: Bruno says "you're becoming a polished gem, shine brighter every week in both performance value and technique, oh my darling, it was gorgeous". Craig says "sharper and more dynamic out of hold, take command of the space but that was powerful and you took ownership, really and truly loved it". Darcey says "gorgeous, oh my, fabulous shaping but you bury your chin a bit". Shirley concludes "powerful but sensual, you're here for the long run". Eights? A nine?
Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Her highest, the night's highest so far.
Simon and Karen's samba
Last week's dance-off survivor has the notoriously tricky "dance of death". No wonder he's bookies' favourite for elimination this weekend. He's in an Hawaiian shirt and panama hat, she's in a tiny tasselled, feathered frock. Simon's more disco dad than sexy Brazilian and spends half the routine with his hand on his hip. Loses control in the shaking segments but a whole-hearted effort.
Music: Copacabana by Barry Manilow
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says, "You made some mistakes but that was almost a pure basic samba, great try". Bruno says "it went down like a pina colada, more Benidorm than Brazil, high content but it went wrong". Craig says "lost balance, was a mess, great shame". Darcey says "disappointing". Fives ahoy, do we reckon?
Judges' scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points - same as last week and joint bottom with Charlotte.
Aston and Janette's quickstep
The pocket rockets and last week's leaderboard-topping Trolls now get back in hold. Top tune, fast feet, flashy staging. Judges leaning over their desks to peer at his footwork. Not quite up to Aston's usual standard but still very accomplished.
Music: Mr Blue Sky by ELO
Judges’ verdict: "Crazily fast, cheeky and light but a little disappointment with your footwork, pigeon-toed and fleck foot," says Darcey. Shirley says "agree, flat feet, bit plonky". Bruno says "the sky is the limit, the speed, timing and ease of movement was impressive". Craig says it "lacked elegance but loved the routine, agility was outstanding". Eights?
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. Top of the standings.
Ruth and Anton's tango
Bond girl last week, music by Bond this week. She's in safe hands with the king of ballroom. Opera mask moodiness to open and then into hold. Stalking around nicely but her head's all over the place, lacks body contact and snappy staccato. He's hauling her around a bit but long spins to finish and Anton's delighted for her, doing a little jig of joy.
Music: Allegretto by Bond
Judges’ verdict: "A bit more like it," says Craig. "Pleased you're making progress." Darcey says "determination, fix your frame and express the drama with your body". Shirley says "100 per cent improvement from last week". Bruno yells "you didn't go wrong once". Sixes? A seven maybe? Let's not go silly.
Judges' scores: 6, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Cheering and whooping up on the Clauditorium.
Joe and Katya's cha cha
He went from Dr Di Lucca to Dr Zhivago last week. Now it's Dr Disco. Joe was the birthday boy this week, turning 42 on Monday, so it's a suitably celebratory dance. Feisty storytelling and a slightly constipated facial expression from Joe but confident moves, body ripples and hip shaking. Not much cha cha at times but nice choreography, performed decently.
Music: You Keep Me Hanging On by Human Nature. Or Kim Wilde if you're an 80s fan.
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "frantic, like someone chasing a wildcat, legs were so wide apart I could drive a train through them, lost the footwork". Craig says "didn't master the action and looked awkward on you, not your finest hour, darling". Darcey says "challenging amount of content but you didn't do too badly, nice attitude and connection, difficult but you delivered confidently". Shirley says "you missed the mark, concentrate on basics".
Judges' scores: 5, 7, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Better than the judges' comments suggested.
Charlotte and Brendan's jive
Brendan answered back after criticism of last week's Top Gun tango. Now they need to let their feet do the talking. A wedding-themed jive with Brendan in a ludicrous pink waistcoat-and-trouser combo. There are bannister slides, a ring, too much messin' abaht... Then into a skippy, bouncy jive. She lacks musicality and is always slightly off the beat. Lacks those pumping knees, more prancing than dancing, further faffing to finish. Nice storytelling, mediocre dance.
Music: Marry You by Bruno Mars
Judges’ verdict: Shirley calls her "Mollie" by mistake. Awkward. Bruno says "footwork fuzzy, hands loosey-goosey". Craig says "laboured but pleasantly surprised - I liked part of it". Darcey says "confident, your enjoyment made us feel better and you kept those kickball changes going".
Judges' scores: 4, 5, 5, 5 for a total of 19 points. Bottom so far.
Reader email says Debbie McGee was undermarked
"Definitely marked down - can't believe Darcy marked her 6, the same as Brian Conley!" says Vivien Bowles on email. I agree, Vivien.
Davood and Nadiya's Viennese waltz
He was a hip-thrusting disco god last week. Now can the EastEnders beefcake show some grace? He suffers from motion sickness which has proved problematic while training for this spinning routine. Romantic mood, he's leading her well. Twirls, drags and floor spins. Kushy's back. If a tad green around the gills.
Music: Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says it had "unusual intensity and focus, you'd tamed the beast within you and controlled your energy, keep smoothing it out." Shirley says "you've gone from grinding in my face to pure sophistication, executed the footwork outstandingly". Bruno says it had "smouldering romantic rapport, you led with conviction and kept the drive". Craig says "out of hold way too long, the floor spin didn't belong and lifts will lose you points". Sevens a-coming?
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points - his highest yet and top of the leaderboard so far.
Mollie and AJ's salsa
Can Mollie find her inner Beyoncé, shake her booty and continue the couple's steady improvement? Her bandmate (and former Strictly finalist) Frankie Bridge is supporting from the front row, having visited her in training this week. A leggy party salsa and she looks confident, if posing rather than dancing at times. Lost it in the middle and an undignified lift but some nice tricks and spins to finish. AJ was rather throwing her around. Hit the floor at the end but she's alive.
Music: Súbeme La Radio by Enrique Iglesias
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "footwork sloppy, lacked rotation but loved all those lifts". Darcey says "saucy, balance issues, focus with the eyes, yes? Good job on the lifts". Shirley says "committed but lacked dance content, foot pressure and hip rotation". Red specs on, footwork advice dispensed. Bruno says "keep the flow but it was ambitious".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points - joint top with Debbie so far.
Brian and Amy's paso doble
Serious face for the funnyman - and eyeliner too. He's a rock star, she's a groupie. Bit sexist. Some messin' abaht with a mic stand to start, although in Brian's hands it looks more like a golf club. Takes ages to get going and lacks that crucial curved shape, Spanish line and body resistance. More goth disco than bullfight.
Music: I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "it was a punko doble, the shapes went to pieces". Brian says it was an impression of Bruno. Craig says "stompy and dancing by numbers but well done for trying to achieve the shaping". Darcey says "great improvement". Shirley concludes "some proper steps, get an extra point for blowing the shape out". Fives, do we reckon?
Judges' scores: 4, 6, 6, 5 for a total of 21 points. One down on last week but he's still pleased.
Debbie and Giovanni's cha cha
Cheeky Debbie's back but will it be magic? He's playing a delivery man, she's a secretary - and he rips his overalls open to whoops from the audience. It's flirty and flexible, with a very high"standing splits" leg extension from Bendy McGee but lacking inhip action and chemistry.
Music: The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss) by Cher
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "too balletic and stilted but needs to be more grounded and earthy". Bruno says "Debbie always delivers, very dainty and bendy". Craig says it was "a Barbie doll dancing, too stiff and straight-legged". Darcey says "loosen up and show your cheeky side, yes? Too posed and calculated, relax and be more natural, yah?" Sixes and sevens en route?
Judges' scores: 6, 6, 7, 8 for a total of 27 points, their lowest yet.
Stars of our show
Here come the couples and Davood Ghadami is fit and well after all. Phew. Lots of sequins. Flashes of bare flesh. Novelty hats. All boxes ticked.
Frockwatch
Time for our weekly comparison of the co-presenters' fashions. Tess Daly in off-the-shoulder white, like a footballers' WAG's wedding dress. Claudia Winkleman in a black two-piece with metallic trim. Claudia clinches it, as per usualt. Meanwhile, head judge Shirley Ballas is sporting some sort of floral fright-gown.
Ah, Chizzy and the Rev
Like the ghost of couples past on the opening credits.
And we're off!
Roll recap of last time's Movie Week special! Roll jeopardy-building black and white VT!
Will Davood Ghadami be fit to dance?
The EastEnders actor, who suffers from motion sickness, has been ill while training for tonight's Viennese waltz. He's had dizzy spells and nausea, casting doubt over whether he'd be fit to participate. Five minutes until we find out...
Variety is the spice of Strictly
Nine different dances will be performed by the 13 couples tonight, including two cha chas, two jives, two quicksteps and a pair of paso dobles. Ten minutes 'til showtime...
Who's next for the sequinned scraphead?
We've given Chizzy a goodbye kissy. We've excommunicated Rev Richard. So who'll be the third celebrity to be handed their glittery P45?
Yes, it's the third elimination weekend of Strictly 2017, with our 13 remaining pro-celebrity couples taking to the famous Elstree Studios floor and dancing for survival.
Ballroom battle commences at 6.45pm on BBC One - and rejoice, those with short attention spans, because it's the first sub-two hour show of the series. Bladders nationwide will be relieved.
I'm Michael, the Telegraph's sequins and spray tans correspondent, and I'll be liveblogging from 6.25pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and mild sarcasm, so do join me and watch along with this blog.
And please 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 staaaaart Saturday night dancing!
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