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Motsi was very surprised – Kaye had great control and composure, but there were some mistakes and Kaye got nervous. Shirley thought Kaye’s frame was good in places, but there were too many mistakes. Anton liked some elements, but it wasn’t Kaye’s best performance. Craig really liked it, he expected it to be terrible. Oh Craig, you never change.
This is actually really solid work by Kaye, she’s putting on a good Tango face and her timing is fantastic. Both the top and bottom are a bit shaky but this is a very decent effort for week 1. Good job Kaye and well done Kai.
It’s time for Kaye and Kai!
His first dance is the Tango to ‘Voulez-Vouz’ by ABBA. Tonight’s entire set list has a wedding DJ feel to it, and I mean that in the best possible way.
There were hints in last night’s group dance that Kaye might not be the most confident dancer, so being firmly in Kai’s arms for the Tango is probably a good place to start.
Score: 4,7,6,6 – a total of 23 for Jayde and Karen. Nose blowing is going to get tiresome very quickly, isn’t it?
Craig thought it was a little loose and her laps needed help (okay) but Jayde’s hips had great rhythm. Motsi loved the energy – the technique needs work, but it was a great start. Shirley loved the attitude, but agrees with Craig that it was flat-footed. Anton agrees there were problems underneath, but it was great upstairs.
Jayde and Karen ditch their boiler suits and have full sequins and feathers underneath. Jayde’s footwork looks like she’s stepping on grapes, but the whole routine is fun, sexy and sassy and I love it.
It’s Jayde and Karen time!
Their first dance is Samba to Christina Aguilera’s ‘Dirrty’ with Redman, because of course. Jayde and Karen are setting up their stall early, and I’m very much here for it.
Please keep the VT rehearsal room footage from all series, strictly; this makes the show that much better.
Score: 4,5,7,6 – A total of 21 for Tyler and Dianne. Claudia actually checks that Shirley wanted this, but apparently she did.
Anton rambles on about the lightweight men’s and ladies’ belts, but in essence he thought it was gorgeous even though Tyler has some issues below the waterline. Craig thought he looked a bit pedestrian, with sloppy footwork and a lack of emotion. But he loved the lift and can see potential. Motsi loved their connection to the music and to each other – he sees something special. Shirley thought some bits were very nice, but she needs to work on her footwork.
Well, that’s nice – the strictly fairy light tree is out and we’ve gone romantic. Tyler’s pose needs work (his ass is in a different zip code than the rest of him), but good timing and connection between these two. Slightly chaotic angel lift at the end, but nice.
Updated at 7.10pm BST
Next up: It’s Tyler and Dianne!
His first dance is the American Smooth to ‘Falling’ by Harry Styles. The little glimpse we got last night suggested that Tyler could make some serious moves in the Latin dances, so interested to see if he has poise and style in the ballroom as well.
Dianne’s dedication to this hair color is commendable. She is totally engaged, and the roots must be a nightmare.
Score: 4,6,6,7 – a total of 23 for Kym and Graziano.
What a way to open the show, says Shirley. They kept it simple and Kym had great pace. Anton loved it, the technique was good, but Kym needs to work on her twists and turns. Craig thought it was a bit slow and needed more power, but thought the turns were very good. Motsi loved how comfortable Kym looked on the dance floor, and Kym has definitely nailed it.
Job reference! Drink! This is a pretty tentative Jive from Kym, but she has good footwork and they look great together. It’s good that Graz has toned down this choreography: at this stage of the competition, less is definitely more.
First up is Kym and Graziano!
Her first dance is Merry Clayton’s Jive to ‘Yes’. It’s a pretty full tune for a Jive, but then Graziano has a solid track record of frenetic Jives. Will Kym be able to keep up? The title of the song certainly thinks so.
Kym has left her family VERY early. Risky strategy.
The stars come out!
You can smell the nerves from here – it’s a heady combination of sweat and digestive biscuits, so maybe it’s a fake tan. They all look amazing, but there are a lot of them. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed – bear with me folks and forgive my mistakes.