Show only key events Please enable JavaScript to use this feature Score: 5,5,5,5 – a total of 20 for Matt, which puts him at the bottom of the leaderboard. I think this is really unfair. Shirley thought that Matt has a lot of potential, but his frame was lost and they have to go back to the plan. Anton loved how sleek it was and his timing was great, but his frame was too loose and looked like an unmade bed. Craig thought it was rough and a really great routine, actually. I AGREE WITH CRAIG. Mochi loved the feeling Matt brought to the track, but he still needs to do more rehearsals. Matt looks dreamy in an evening jacket and voluminous trousers, and his musicianship really shines through on this Quickstep. Another pigeon-toed set here and there, but his great energy and timing is great. Nice job, Matt Goss.
Next, Matt and Nadiya!
Their first dance is the Quickstep to ‘Sir Duke’ by The Chris Walden Big Band. Matt is such an interesting contestant this year – he obviously doesn’t have the jazzy hand confidence of some of the others, but I also suspect he’ll take the whole business incredibly seriously and train his socks off. Mostly I’d love for him to find a new side to himself in this competition, in a Louise Redknapp discovery sort of way. Scores: 7,8,8,8 – a total of 31 for Molly and Carlos. They are currently at the top of the leaderboard, with Kaye and Kai at the bottom. But we still have seven couples to dance. EEEK Updated at 20.05 BST Mochi thought it was the best dance of the night so far – it was a shooting star. Shirley loved it too – Molly gave her everything she wanted. Anton thought it was great and Craig couldn’t wait to see more. Molly looks amazing in this outfit and it’s a great fun routine. She has good hip action, helped a lot by the fringe of this skirt. A little dove in places and has a tendency to lean forward, but great energy and good effort for week 1. Another couple to see, I think.
It’s time for Molly and Carlos!
Their first dance is the Samba to ‘Kiss My (Uh Oh)’ by Anne Marie and Little Mix. One for the kids, although Anne Marie actually did it on Strictly last year. I really like a pop Samba, although I know it’s not for the purists. Scores: 6,7,6,7 – total 26 for Eleni and Gorka. Craig loved the energy and Mochi was really impressed. Shirley loved how Helen sat in the pocket of the music, whatever that means. Anton loved Helen’s turn and wants to have the dance for real. 7s and 8s all round? Helen’s dress is so gorgeous – she looks like one of those can-wear-anything types to me. We also found Ones To Watch – Helen is a wonderful dancer and this collaboration is adorable. Fascinating from start to finish – loved it.
It’s Eleni and Gorka!
Their first dance is American Smooth to ‘You Send Me’ by Aretha Franklin. Well, that’s going to be great, isn’t it? American Smooth is always such a showstopper, so I’m surprised they didn’t save it for later in the competition when they might need to play a joker. Now bust out a Cha Cha or one of the other dances that no one ever remembers. Score: 5,5,6,7 – total 23 for Ritchie and Giovanni. We have already reached the point where dancing is largely irrelevant to sheet music. Will Head Judge Nicky do something every week? Asking for me. Anton loved every second, including the seconds that weren’t on time. Craig thought it was stiff and edgy without any hipness, but full of points for entertainment. Motsi has seen a lot in her life, but she has never seen a Cha Cha like this before. Shirley would like to define “stiff.” Not now, Shirle. Oh Richie. I love you, and this partnership is (the edge of) heaven. But there were about eight seconds of Cha Cha Cha in that routine, and the rest was just both barreling down the dance floor at a wedding. I mean, we’ve all been there. Also can someone edit Richie’s dancing face? Updated at 19.47 BST
Sideraki, it’s time for Richie and Giovanni!
Their first dance is the Cha Cha Cha to ‘I’m Your Man’ by Wham! Oh Richie, you would. This is one of my favorite Wham! songs ever, and I really hope Ritchie has the hips for it. In the immortal words of George Michael – if you’re going to do it, do it right. Five down, ten to go. I may cry, send snacks. Scores: 6,5,5,6 – a total of 22 for James and Amy. Is Craig okay?
