Strictly Come Dancing 2020: week four results - as it happened

So that’s it for another week on Strictly – let’s see if we can make it to next Saturday without anyone else falling of the back of the glitterbus. Next week would normally have been the Blackpool special, but instead we’re sticking with a Blackpool tribute show in lovely Elstree. Somebody string some fairy lights between the studio and the Ibis Hotel opposite, nobody will notice the difference.

Thanks for joining in this week and being marvellous, amazing and fabulous - kick off is at 7.15pm next Saturday, so I’ll see you then! Have a great week, Hx

Max and Dianne say lovely things about each other, then take to the floor for their final dance, to ‘World Of Our Own’ by Westlife. I did not have to look this up.

Judging time! Anton and Craig save Maisie and Gorka, but Shirley would have saved Max and Dianne. Gorka’s going to be spitting feathers over that, Shirley’s clearly got beef with something or other.

Time for the dance off! Max does a nice job, if anything I thought that was better than last night so he’ll definitely be going out on a high.

I could have done without watching this Barbie Girl Cha Cha again if I’m honest, but Maisie’s smashing it as usual.

Ooh, next week is Faux Blackpool. I need a word for that. Fakepool? Mockpool?

Next week Ranvir and Giovanni are doing the first Argentine Tango, very much looking forward to that.

‘It’s not over just yet’ says Tess, lying through her teeth. That wasn’t the best Cha Cha we’ve ever seen, but Maisie is in a different league to Max.

So who is joining Maisie and Gorka in the bottom two? My guess is Max and Dianne, but it’s a weird week. Bill and Oti are safe, along with Jamie and Karen and Ranvir and Giovanni.

Which means MAX AND DIANNE are in the dance off!

OK I’m going to guess the name of this song is ‘Married in Vegas.’ Nice to see Neil and Nancy on the dancefloor, there aren’t many men who can pull off white jeans and Neil definitely isn’t one of them.

Time for a musical interlude, courtesy of British boyband The Vamps, who are singing a song I don’t know the name of. Helpful, this liveblogging business.

What do I know about The Vamps? Not very much, sorry. I remember they were huge in 2014-ish, not sure what they’ve been doing since. My main knowledge of this band was lead singer Bradley being on Celebrity First Dates a few years ago and being possibly the loveliest man ever.

Good work JJ for making it through this year. This week Prince Harry, next week Prince Harry’s nan.

Woo, Pairs on the Stairs and Claudia’s Chatterpillar both got a shout out. Those were OURS. I forgive Strictly for last week.

Also can I just say that Claudia’s dress is DIVINE.

So which couple are the first in tonight’s dance off, and who is safely through to next week? Caroline and Johannes are safe, along with HRVY and JNTT, JJ and Amy (oh heck I’m really worried about Ranvir now) and Clara and Aljaz.

First couple in the dance-off: MAISIE AND GORKA. Well, that’s was unexpected.

I also watched Jamie and Karen’s Samba this morning and liked it a lot more on second viewing; normally I love a Samba so have no idea why I was being such a grumpy cow last night. He’s improved massively and deserves to hang around a bit longer.

Out come the judges! Craig’s put a dinner jacket on, presumably to out-tux Anton. Shirley is a green goddess.

Last night on Strictly: a really fun show, I thought. Highlights: Bill and Oti’s Couples’ Choice, which will go down in Strictly legend, Clara and Aljaz’s Charleston, Ranvir’s sass and the ongoing air of joy and positivity that is the highlight of my week.

Lowlights: mad overscoring, Maisie’s robot Cha cha, Max dropping the F-bomb. For the record, it’s definitely too early for a ten from Shirley.

TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess dipped in tar again, Claudia in scarlet power shoulders.

And we’re off! Tonight’s pro dance has a 60s theme, to ‘Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag’ by James Brown. It’s set in a supermarket, but nobody is wearing a mask and it’s making me anxious.

For some reason it’s just morphed in Jamiroquai’s ‘Canned Heat’. How is it that Oti still looks fabulous in a tabard?

Haha, I’ve just had a thank you from Nick Miller on Twitter. Day made.

Tonight’s Countryfile Casual Weather is courtesy of the splendid Nick Miller channelling his inner Brokeback Mountain. Excellent jeans, plaid shirt and rolled up sleeves combo. A classic of the CCW genre.

Thank you all for getting stuck in to tonight’s liveblog, you put the heel leads in my Waltz and the hip action in my Salsa. I’ll be back tomorrow for the results at 7.25pm, so join me then! Hx

So that’s IT for the dancing, and the vote is open! Motsi’s on Zoom and thought it was an amazing show. Time for a recap!

My votes tonight going to Bill and Oti, Clara and Aljaz and Ranvir and Giovanni, because I think they might be in trouble. Tough to call the bottom two tonight, there are a lot of couples floating around in that middle zone. If I had to guess, I’d say Max and Dianne and JJ and Amy in the dance-off. Any advances?

Scores: 9,10,10 - a total of 29 for Clara and Aljaz. I loved that but tens have now ceased to have any meaning, haven’t they?

Craig doesn’t want to see that again until the final. Shirley thought that was an incredible transformation, and she particularly loved Clara’s ‘legs of death’. Anton’s had a wonderful night and Clara has topped it off.

Clara’s gold muppet playsuit is oddly fabulous, and I’m loving the finger waves. Also what is it about Aljaz in a waistcoat? Think I need to turn the heating down, it’s a bit warm in here. Lovely swivel and great energy from Clara, and love the quirky madness of this. A little untidy in places but wobbly timing at the end, but a great way to end the show.

And finally it’s CLARA AND ALJAZ! This week they’re dancing the Charleston to ‘Baby Face’ by Julie Andrews. This is from the soundtrack of Thoroughly Modern Millie, so theoretically it could have been used in Musicals Week, Movie Week or All Themes Are Now Irrelevant Week.

Scores: 8,8,9 - a total of 25 for Jamie and Karen #justiceforranvir

Anton thought it was fabulous, and for some reason pronounces it ‘sarm-ba’. It was also amazing (DRINK). It also made Craig happy and was fantastic. Shirley thought it was one of the better Sambas she’s seen on Strictly. Did they watch a different dance from me? Am I just getting grumpy in my old age? I’ll watch it again later.

For reasons unclear, Jamie and Karen are both wearing the same outfit, which looks like somebody asked Keith Haring to draw a matador. Jamie is undoubted one of this year’s improvers, but this is quite constipated for a Samba. There’s a lot of pointing and grinding, but I’m afraid that wasn’t a party I’d buy a ticket for.

Two left! Next up it’s JAMIE AND KAREN! This week they’re dancing the Samba to ‘Bamboleo’ by Gipsy Kings, and if you’ve ever listened to Scott Mills’ show on Radio 1 you’ll know that this is a song that can only ever be played on a Wednesday. I don’t make the rules. Anyway it’s another Strictly Samba Standard. Try saying that after a Baileys.

Scores: 7,7,8 - a total of 22 for Caroline and Johannes.

Shirley loved Caroline’s ankle shape but there were a few foot faults to correct. Anton wants to whisk Caroline around the floor, she looked beautiful and it was absolute joy. Craig wanted more body contact and less gapping, but it was elegant and confident with great storytelling.

Loving Caroline in lilac and purple, she looks beautiful. Some lovely lines and gorgeous footwork, but the height difference between her and Johannes doesn’t help her top line, A really nice Waltz, however, and a lovely performance of that song.

It’s time for CAROLINE AND JOHANNES! This week they’re dancing the Waltz to ‘With You I’m Born Again’ by Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright. This is one of my favourite songs ever; it’s been used many times for a Strictly Waltz, most recently by Davood and Nadiya a few years ago. I have high hopes for this being equally dreamy.

Scores: 8,10,9 - a total of 27 for Bill and Oti. I look forward to seeing that dance again in the Grand Final.

Craig thought Bill was the king of pop and lock and he loved the amount of detail. Shirley could see how much work went into that, and Bill did brilliantly (for an old guy). Anton was expecting a mid-life crisis but Bill was unbelievable and brilliant.

Bill and Oti are both wearing pinstripe suits and this all has a bit of Smooth Criminal vibe to it, just without Michael Jackson, which is probably for the best.

I could watch Oti dance all day long, but this very much plays to Bill’s musicality, he’s got amazing timing and is effortlessly cool. Love the transition from hip-hop to disco, and the general uplifting joy of this. LOVED that.

Next up it’s BILL AND OTI! This week they’re dancing their Couple’s Choice to ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by The Sugarhill Gang. Even though this is clearly going to be amazing, I still object to Couple’s Choice on principle. There are only five weeks to go after this and we’ve barely seen any traditional ballroom. I will vote for any politician* who legislates that that you can’t even THINK about Couples’ Choice until you’ve danced a Foxtrot and a Waltz.

*terms and conditions apply

Apparently Max dropped the F-bomb after his dance. I didn’t notice but obviously I’ll watch it back on iPlayer.

Scores: 7,8,9 - a total of 24 for Maisie and Gorka. The first time Anton offers proper criticism, and he gives them a nine. What’s the point?

I’m adding Anton saying ‘AMAZING’ to the bingo. Just so you know.

Anton had an enormous amount of fun, and there was so much about that dance was fantastic, but Maisie needs to relax a bit more. Craig agreed it looked like Maisie had a rod up her back but he loved the timing and her hips were spectacular. Shirley loved the choreography but it needed more flexibility.

Maisie’s wearing a polyester ra-ra skirt and a bra made out of a dead swan. Gorka looks like he’s just got off a sun lounger in Mykonos. Maisie’s Cha Cha has incredible precision and musicality but I don’t like the stop-start vibe at all. It lacks flow, and it doesn’t look like a Cha Cha.

It’s MAISIE AND GORKA! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ by Cyndi Lauper. Maisie didn’t have a great week with her Frozen (American) Smoothie last week, but hopefully a bit of shimmy will get her back on track.

Apparently Max did a swear earlier, what did I miss?

Scores: 4,6,7 - a total of 17 for JJ and Amy.

‘You gave a feeling of celebration and I loved your package,’ says Shirley, and honestly live TV is amazing. Anton agrees with Shirley, it was absolutely fabulous (no mention of JJ’s package, however). Craig thought there was no retraction (DRINK), he loved the routine but it needed more attack.

I’m not sure Amy’s camo dress is suitable attire for battle, but on the upside it definitely doesn’t need ironing. This is not JJ’s naturally happy place, and he’s struggling with the kicks and flicks even though his timing is great. Great fun, but not his best dance.

Next up it’s JJ AND AMY! This is they’re dancing the Jive to ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ by Bette Midler. Bonus bingo drink if this is actually a Lindy Hop (it will almost certainly be a Lindy Hop).

In JJ’s VT, it’s Prince Harry! JJ sees your nan and raises you a MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY.

Scores: 5,7,8 - a total of 20 for Max and Dianne. Anton is basically Donny Osmond in a bow tie.

Craig agrees with me - it lacked style and his right hand was all over the shop. Shirley rather liked it, Max coped well with the lifts but needs to listen to the music more. Anton thought it was marvellous (DRINK), and Max has one of the best left arms he’s seen.

Dianne’s outfit has an Ariel The Little Mermaid vibe which I like very much. I’m not sure why Max is miming the words, but he’s doing an OK job of this. His frame is nice in hold and the timing is great, but his free arm is clunky and it’s not very stylish or elegant, sadly.

Time for MAX AND DIANNE! This week they’re dancing the American Smooth to ‘It Had To Be You’ by Harry Connick Jr. Max is definitely one of the potential improvers in this year’s competition, keen to see whether he can pull off a bit of ballroom panache.

Scores: 5,7,8 - a total of 20 for Ranvir and Giovanni. Bit mean, Craig.

Anton also absolutely loved it, it was fabulous, wonderful and other adjectives. Craig thought it was a big heavy but Ranvir’s musicality was second to none and she was absolutely selling it. Shirley loved the flirting and chemistry, but she wanted a straighter leg action and more rotation through the hip.

Ranvir’s rainbow fraggle dress is fabulous, but sadly all the buttons have fallen off Giovanni’s shirt. These things can happen, hopefully he’ll be able to dance through the inconvenience. It’s a little stiff and stilted in places, Ranvir needs softer knees or a straighter leg or something. But bags of attitude and absolute filth. Love it.

Next up it’s RANVIR AND GIOVANNI! This week they’re dancing the Cha Cha to ‘Oye Como Va / I Like It Like That’ by Santana / Pete Rodriguez.

I’m becoming increasingly convinced that Ranvir could win Strictly this year, this partnership is dynamite. So far we’ve seen them dance a Quickstep, a Paso and a Foxtrot – am very keen to see how Ranvir gets on with letting her hair down for some party Latin.

Craig David is doing the Terms & Conditions. I love Craig David with all my heart.

Scores: 8,10,9 - DRINK. There it is, first ten of the series. *sighs glitter*

Shirley is hot hot hot hot - it was powerful, musical and HRVY had amazing leading skills. Anton thought had great fluidity and armography. Craig wanted cleaner and more fluid transitions (THANK YOU) but the lifts and timing were brilliant.

Anton is basically Len, but shoutier.

There’s something rather sweet about HRVY, and man that boy can dance. He’s got great hip action and bags of energy, and even though the transitions in hold could do with a little more flow, he’s absolutely smashing the side-by-side stuff. Good start to the show, enjoyed that very much.

First up tonight it’s HRVY and JNTT! This week they’re dancing the Salsa to ‘Dynamite’ by BTS. For those of you who aren’t down with the kids, BTS are a huge K-Pop band with seven members. Basically they’re Gen Z’s answer to Madness. There’s a joke in here somewhere about ‘I like driving in my Kia’ but this VT isn’t long enough for me to give it the finesse it deserves.

Out come the stars! Out come the stars! Clara, Janette and Ranvir have ALL the fringing (DRINK x3) and Maisie has clearly upset the wardrobe department.

Out come the judges! Claudia is already taking the piss about how Anton ‘reluctantly accepted the invitation’. I love Claudia.

TESS AND CLAUDIA DRESS WATCH: Tess in a black velvet shroud, Claudia in...actually I’m not even sure what that is. Is it Halloween again?

And we’re off! Everyone is having an amazing experience, but it’s harder than they thought. How easy did you think it was going to be? Have you never watched Strictly before? Note to self: ask Clara Amfo where she gets her sports bras.

Are we all ready for Judge Anton? Loins girded? Brace position assumed?

This week’s Strictly Come Bingo: a slug of cooking sherry for an occurrence of the following:

• Retraction
• Swivel
  
• Fringing
• A rogue 10
• Anton saying ‘marvellous’

Question of the day: How is The Hit List still on TV? I love a music quiz but this one manages to be both hectic and tedious.

This celebrity special has Dev Griffin on it. He’s a Radio 1 DJ. That makes him the biggest Hit List ringer of all time.

Evening all, and welcome to this week’s Strictly Come Dancing liveblog! We’ve made it to Week 4, but it’s starting to feel a bit like the wheels are falling off the Strictly glitterbus; Katya and Nicola have had to leave the show after Katya contracted Covid, and Motsi is in quarantine after having to make an urgent trip home to Germany.

She’ll be back in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime Anton is filling in as a guest judge because apparently 2020 hasn’t been traumatic enough. Send thoughts and prayers to the good ship Strictly, and with any luck we’ll hold the show together until Christmas with a combination of glittery sellotape and crossed fingers.

Kick off tonight is at 7.10pm, so please sprinkle goodwill and happiness in the comment box below. See you in a bit!