Strictly Come Dancing 2019, week 5 live: Saffron Barker foxtrots to top of the scoreboard, jiving David James stuck at rock bottom
Strictly's fifth live show saw YouTuber Saffron Burrows top the scores
Viscountess Emma Weymouth and Karim Zeroual were joint second
David James bottom of standings, Mike Bushell just above
Emma Weymouth's Strictly Diary: 'I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown'
Surprises at the top of the scoreboard, more predictable down the bottom - and a guest judge to boot.
Here are all the major talking points and social media reaction from this year’s fifth live show…
Saffron Barker closed show in style to top scores
Who'd have guessed that it would be the teen social media star to provide tonight's dollop of classic Hollywood glamour? Saffron Barker closed the show with her first classic ballroom number and went for full-on glitz, complete with hats, canes and a big band arrangement of "New York, New York".
Cleverly choreographed by pro partner AJ Pritchard, their razzle-dazzle foxtrot had heel turns, rise and fall, swing, sway and serious panache. Saffron duly scored a pair of perfect 10s for a total of 38 points, beating her previous best by five points and high-kicking her way to the top of the standings. We clicked "like" and so did the judges.
Ah I really loved that! Good choice of music makes such a difference to a routine. Saffron is improving every week and I'm liking her more and more. AJ is working wonders. One of the best dances tonight by far! #Strictly#SCD
— Amy (@geordiegalg) October 19, 2019
Saffron and AJ are consistently under-scored. She CAUGHT the cane. If she ever deserved high scores, tonight is the night! ��
#strictly#StrictlyComeDancing#SCD— Sophie Eilish (@Sophie_Eillish) October 19, 2019
Saffron on #Strictly reminds me of the Silence from #DoctorWho.
If she’s not on screen I forget she exists. A good #Pointless answer in a year or two.
HOWEVER that foxtrot might have changed that. Makes her a contender.— Darren King (@DarrenK73) October 19, 2019
Inspirational Will Bayley had whole ballroom in tears
Paralympic table tennis champion Will Bayley and his pro partner Janette Manrara - choreographing her first ever Couple's Choice - didn't leave a dry eye in the house after their beautiful, barefoot contemporary dance.
Dedicated to the plucky patients and dedicated staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital, it told the story of how Will was born with arthrogryposis, before being diagnosed with cancer aged seven, but bravely bounced back from both conditions.
It was full of fight and air-punching triumph, lifts and lovely moments. The raw emotional routine reduced most of the judges to tears (Motsi Mabuse couldn't even speak and ruined her eye make-up), not to mention Will's rightly proud mother Chrissie in the studio audience. It scored 32 points, his best yet, cracking the top half of the leaderboard. No more than this courageous character deserved.
The bit that effected me the most about Will and Janette’s performance was the he didn’t cover his feet. @WillBayleytt that may be a little thing but to a disabled child with limbs that don’t look ‘normal’. That meant one hell of a lot. Thank you. #StrictlyComeDancing
— Jasmine Skye (@chronicallyjas) October 19, 2019
I think Will is a lovely, lovely guy. Not sure we're meant to critique anything about the actual dancing...which is the whole issue with Couple's Choice. So...yes. There we are #strictly#scd
— Marianka Swain (@mkmswain) October 19, 2019
I think @WillBayleytt & @JManrara’s dance was one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen on #Strictly. I’m in pieces. That was beautiful
— Sarah Burr (@SarahEHBurr) October 19, 2019
OMG Will!! I didn’t know he was a cancer survivor. I’m so inspired by him and so glad he got Jeanette as a partner as she’s just the loveliest person. Oh and Motsi... now I’m crying #Strictly
— Mary Roulston (@marycroulston) October 19, 2019
Novelty wore off with guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro
With judge Bruno Tonioli having his annual week off, he was replaced once again by guest panellist Alfonso Ribeiro, aka Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and a former winner of Strictly’s US sister show, Dancing With The Stars.
Smooth dude Alfonso went down a storm with viewers when he filled in last year. However, his charms certainly faded second time around.
His comments weren't so much critiques as a string of catchphrases and clichés. He overmarked pretty much every dance, just because he could. At the other end of the judges' table, Craig Revel Horwood ended up scoring everything down a point or two, just to counteract the Alfonso effect.
The joke has definitely worn off now. Come back, Bruno, all that arm-waving and chair-falling is forgiven.
Christ this Alfonso eejit!!!
— Mariaaaaaarrggghn sKrceams �������� (@MarianKeyes) October 19, 2019
Welcome back, Alfonso Inflation Rate �� #strictly#scd
— Marianka Swain (@mkmswain) October 19, 2019
At least with Alfonso on the panel it gives you time to make a cup of tea, look at other websites, learn Davids dance better than he has etc.#scd#Strictly#strictly2019#StrictlyComeDancing
— Vikki Jane Vile (@VikkiJane) October 19, 2019
Viscountess Weymouth's waltz was a brilliant comeback
Last week's dance-off survivor showed her character and work ethic by becoming one of this week's big improvers. Viscountess Emma Weymouth's white-clad Viennese waltz twirled and whirled around the floor romantically, with both her frame and footwork wowing.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said it represented a "miraculous recovery, I've never seen such an improvement in one week". Emma scored a clean sweep of nines for 36 points, her first time in the 30s and joint second.
It wasn't Emma's fault that she was in the bottom two alongside Dev Griffin last week, nor that he was shockingly sent home. As Craig Revel Horwood pointed out, this dance showed why she was still in the competition.
Emma W’s turn to do her dance of the series. Her Post-It Note dress was a triumph too. Great Viennese Waltz from Alijaz. #strictly#scd#StrictlyComeDancing
— Kevin Farrell (@Fazzinchi) October 19, 2019
Ok, judges definitely overmarked Emma and Aljaz there to try and justify keeping them last week. It was good dance, but not 9 level. #Strictly#SCD
— Tal (@iseemagpies) October 19, 2019
Alex Scott let loose and finally arrived in the contest
Footballer-turned-pundit Alex Scott came into the hoofing competition hotly tipped but hadn't remotely lived up to her promise, with her scores stuck in the low 20s. She even finished bottom of the scoreboard last week, although she was lifted clear of the dance-off by the public vote.
Judge Motsi Mabuse advised her to forget about trying to please the judges and just dance for her own enjoyment. She duly did just that. It was Alex's 35th birthday this week and her characterfully quirky, tuxedo-clad Charleston felt suitably celebratory. It was stylishly choreographed by partner "Ginger Neil" Jones to be light, fast and full of chemistry, with goofy faces and tricksy lifts as an added bonus.
A score of 33 points beat her previous best by 10 and took her to the dizzy heights of joint fourth on the leaderboard - challenging for a place in Europe, as she might say. Let's hope the likeable Alex kicks on from here.
Amazing improvement from @AlexScott and fab choreography @Mr_NJones@bbcstrictly#strictly Bravo!!!
— Matthew Bourne (@SirMattBourne) October 19, 2019
At last the marks @AlexScott and @Mr_NJones deserve. Loved that electro-swing charleston. #scd
— Kathie (@kathieks72) October 19, 2019
FINALLY Alex gets the mad scores everyone else has been enjoying #strictly#scd
— Marianka Swain (@mkmswain) October 19, 2019
"Special Ks" didn't have it all their own way
We've become accustomed in recent weeks to Karim Zeroual and Kelvin Fletcher dominating the scoreboard. They hardly flopped by finishing in joint second and joint fourth place respectively but this still felt like a slight comedown for the pace-setting pair.
Karim's salsa was packed with lift, tricks and impressive streetdance-style flourishes but didn't have that spicy Cuban flavour. Kelvin's cha-cha-cha leg action was a little stiff and lacking in fluidity.
The two special Ks will doubtless still be battling it out for the glitterball trophy come December. Tonight, though, they found themselves overshadowed by female rivals Saffron Barker, Viscountess Emma Weymouth and Alex Scott.
Wow all dance based based feedback for Kevin, proof that a denim jacket is the least sexual thing in the world.#scd#Strictly#strictly2019#StrictlyComeDancing
— Vikki Jane Vile (@VikkiJane) October 19, 2019
If Kelvin has never had any dance training, he is EXTRORDINARY. He’s FABULOUS. #Strictly
— Emma Kennedy (@EmmaKennedy) October 19, 2019
It's nice they let Kelvin go first, show the rest what it's meant to look like. #Strictly
— Enough Of That Now (@AndyGilder) October 19, 2019
I mean, Karim is great... but he’s also a west end kid ��♀️ definitely the judges favourite! #strictly2019
— Ashleigh Anne Brown (@xAshleighAnne) October 19, 2019
I’ll warn you now... once you see the @mikebreakfast beam-of-light hip-thrust it cannot be unseen ��
Magnificent ������#Strictly#StrictlyComeDancing@bbcstrictlypic.twitter.com/vbUE1qxWO5— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) October 19, 2019
Just watching Mike Bushell confirms how wrong it was that Dev left last week and what is going on with the scoring this week ! #Strictly
— Caroline Shrimpton (@Cas_Shrimpton) October 19, 2019
Dad-dancers in elimination danger
If there's any justice in Strictly world, tomorrow night's dance-off will be between David James and Mike Bushell. The jive can be tricky or tall, leggy celebrities but David's leaden attempt was riddled with mistakes and it might well be third time unlucky if he finds himself in the bottom two again.
BBC Breakfast's dad-dancer Mike, meanwhile, delivered one of the least samba-like sambas in Strictly history. It was designed as a shameless favour-currying homage to guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro but even he looked embarrassed by Bushell's protruding bottom and cringe-inducing lack of swag.
However, as we saw last week, anything could happen. Comedian Chris Ramsey could be at risk, as could the night's two disappointments: EastEnders actress Emma Barton, whose paso doble was widely criticised, and Drag Race diva Michelle Visage, whose rumba was her worst dance yet.
The results show airs at 7.15pm on Sunday, when the bottom two will face the dreaded dance-off and one unlucky couple will be sent home. There’s also another spectacular routine from the pros and a performance by pop star Mabel. Me neither.
Please join us back on the liveblog then. In the meantime, it’s the usual two words of advice: keeeeeeeep dancing!
yup, Mike still just looks like Paddington Bear do the Macarena #scd#strictly
— AAAAH-riadne Grrr-iffin (@Ariadne_Griffin) October 19, 2019
Motsi has her head in her hands - Says it all about Katya & Mike's dance. Cannot be unseen #SCD#SCD2019#StrictlyComeDancing#StrictlyComeDancing2019pic.twitter.com/wbVhIcVi9E
— ☘️ �� (@Loves_Pink_Gin) October 19, 2019
Emma's paso face suggesting she's thinking a lot about the EastEnders scheduler who didn't give her enough time to rehearse properly #scd
— Steven Perkins (@stevenperkins) October 19, 2019
Nadiya has the air of "I'm probably doing out this week, so I'm going to wear my sexy new shoes" #Strictly
— Frankie and Clover (@strictlyblog) October 19, 2019
When David James dances, 90 seconds stretches to an eternity #Strictly
— Michael (@Michael97023070) October 19, 2019
Watching David James doing almost no jiving and remembering we could have still had Dev instead of this. #Strictlypic.twitter.com/4j9VOZ91zu
— Witch Hazel �� (@Snozzlenut) October 19, 2019
Saturday’s show in full
Here’s your routine-by-routine recap…
Dances done and dusted
The routines are recapped, the credits are ready to roll and that concludes tonight’s sequin-spangled action.
But who’s at risk of the fourth elimination? Stay with us for analysis and social media reaction…
Saffron and AJ’s foxtrot
To close the show, it’s the YouTuber’s first classic ballroom routine and they’ve really gone for it with a high-kicking big band classic, hats and canes. Can Saffron turn on the sophistication? Razzle-dazzle opening and this is really rather good. Old Hollywood feel. Marginally better in the solo sections than in hold but even that's respectable. Rise and fall impressive. Ritzy big finish. That was much better than I was expecting, to be honest. Very well played indeed.
Music: “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "a big iconic song and you had the personality to bring it on, you gave me showbiz, technique and feeling". Shirley says "you danced at the end of each beat, heel turns, very impressed with your timing". Alfonso says "that was awesome, rise and fall was spectacular, I loved it, you hit it with a bang". Craig concludes "technlcally brilliant, loved the over-sway and cane stuff, a clever ending, you've really surprised me tonight". "You caned it," adds AJ, the punster.
Judges' scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 38 points. Wowsers. Top of the leaderboard.
Chris and Karen’s quickstep
Can the Geordie joker continue his slow-but-steady improvement? They’re starting and finishing this routine up on the judges’ table, so mind your notepads and pens, panellists. All a bit disco, then into hold. Chris is flat-footed and dad-dancey, walking around too much rather than bouncing on the balls of his feet, but his timing is good and he's working the cameras and crowd well. Guitar solo on Karen's leg to finish. Sparks fly. Quickstep content lacking but lots of fun.
Music: “Let's Go Crazy” by Prince
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "I copped quite an eyeful, darling, but you need to use more of the floor, steps were a little bit namby-pamby and your topline went mad but great to watch". Motsi says "improved again, keep pushing it higher". Shirley says "you've come back with determination and power, work on your flat feet but you're improving". Alfonso concludes "you make people smile".
Judges' scores: 5, 6, 7, 7 for a total of 25 points. Third from bottom.
Will and Janette’s Couple’s Choice
The third Couple’s Choice routine of the series and, like Saffron last week, they’ve opted for the contemporary style. This is likely to be a tear-jerker. The VT tells Will’s own story about how he was born with arthrogryposis, then diagnosed with cancer aged seven. He visits Great Ormond Street and dedicates the routine to them. They begin sat side-by-side on the floor, barefoot, then into an emotional routine with lift and sweet changes of pace. Lots of fight and moments of triumph. Will gets Janette's skirt over his face in a slight wardrobe malfunction but inspirational and downright lovely.
Music: “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
Judges’ verdict: Alfonso is in tears and says "it gave me chills, incredibly inspiring, little boys and girls will watch that and know that anything is possible". Craig says "clear, emotional storytelling and a complete inspiration - however, you need more free movement in your torso, but it had punch and purpose, it was great". Motsi is also tearful and gets a cuddle from Will. Shirley concludes "you put your mind to it and did it, you give the whole nation hope, a beautiful number, so well executed".
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points. His highest, fifth on the scoreboard so far.
Mike and Katya’s samba
He leapt up the leaderboard last week. Now Mike Bushell is going from chips to hips. They’re paying tribute to guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro by dancing to the 1981 rap hit which became Carlton’s signature tune on The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. The routine incorporates his trademark moves, too. Brave or foolhardy?Pink outfits. Dad dancing moves. This is pretty terrible. More novelty than samba and Mike's backside is sticking out like a constipated duck's. Mild improvement towards the end but... Blimey.
Music: “Apache (Jump On It)” by The Sugarhill Gang
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "a crowd-pleaser but as a samba, I'll leave it at that". Alfonso says "we're also not gonna talk about the samba," then he comes out to do it together. Contractual obligation but it makes Mike look even worse. Craig says "I recoiled in horror from beginning to end, darling, it was like a three-year-old's attempt". Motsi says "you leave me confused, you did everything my teacher told me not to do, but so much love and energy but you made me need therapy".
Judges' scores: 3, 6, 5, 7 for a total of 21 points. Second from bottom and deservedly so.
Viscountess Weymouth and Aljaž’s Viennese waltz
Last week’s dance-off survivor goes back to ballroom, which suits her. Can “Posh & Steps” tap into their new-found resilience? White outfits, romantic mood, fleckerls and rotation. Twirling and whirling around nicely. Smooth pivots, strong topline and sweetly soppy. Lovely stuff and a great recovery after last week's scare.
Music: “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston
Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "so beautiful in every aspect, great feeling". Shirley says "miraculous recovery, you've worked on your frame, never seen such improvement in one week". Alfonso says "you have to feel amazing, that journey is what this show is all about". Craig concludes "now for the truth darling: that was actually rather good, Alijaz you have worked wonders, that dance proves why you're still here".
Judges' scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Joint top. Her best yet. She's endearingly chuffed. Not as chuffed as Alijaz but who is?
Alex and Neil’s Charleston
Alex Scott was bottom of leaderboard last week but lifted clear of danger by viewer votes. Can she get out of the low 20s, where her scores have been stuck? She celebrated her 35th birthday this week and has a fittingly party-starting dance, set to a jazzy rearrangement of 1989 house anthem. Matching tuxedos and quirky choreography. This might be here best yet. Some frenetic and leaden footwork at times but tricksy lifts, nifty side-bye side sections and they're bang in sync. Sweet and entertaining.
Music: “Pump Up the Jam” by Swingrowers.
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "a lot of improvement, complete transformation, totally suits you". Motsi says "we had to wait five weeks but you let loose I loved it, light, fast and fun, you can't go back to old Alex, we want this one". Shirley says "by far your best to date, you took control, lovely dynamic and chemistry". Alfonso concludes "perfect song, came out of your shell and now you're a wonderful butterfly, keep flying". Mixed metaphors but this looks like she might crack the 30s at last.
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points, her best by 10 points. Bravo, well deserved.
Emma and Anton’s paso doble
Bullfighter Du Beke, anyone? This is Anton’s first paso for two years. Swishy skirt-ography to start. Stalking walks and flamenco steps. Slightly out of sync then gets into its stride. Needs to get her hips forward for that curved, arched body shape but lots of attack and acting skills. Lovely storytelling and stylish choreography but lacked spark.
Music: “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” by Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus
Judges’ verdict: Alfonso says "great lines but lacked physical passion and energy throughout your body". Craig says "it lacked fire, haphazard free arm needs work, you looked like a bag of potatoes". Motsi says "no bag of potatoes, you looked beautiful and were in your element". Shirley concludes "I agree with the boys, it lacked passion between the two of you, too placed, lacked detail and undercooked".
Judges' scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Emma admits she's been filming the EastEnders Christmas episodes so lacked training time.
Michelle and Giovanni’s rumba
She’s notched four consecutive scores in the 30s. Can Michelle make it a fifth with the notoriously tricky rumba? Moody messin' abaht to start, then into some spins, walks and drags. Needs to settle into her hips more for that earthy feel and there's too much strolling around. Still, expressive arms and intense storytelling. Nowhere to hide.
Music: Too Good at Goodbyes” by Sam Smith
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "I applaud the choreography, it was elegant and clean but it lacked ooze or sensuality in the body". Alfonso says "I loved the connection and story, very hot". Craig says "Didn't ooze for me either, needed continuous movement, explosive storytelling but needs work". Motsi concludes "the feeling was on-point, Cuban part missing but it was lyrical and emotional".
Judges' scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points - her lowest yet.
Karim and Amy’s salsa
A barking mad song choice for last week’s leaderboard-toppers but will Karim show his pedigree? His CBBC sidekick Hacker T. Dog looks on approvingly from the studio audience, tail wagging. Flying leapfrog to open anf some streetdance moves to start. Then into some fast and furious salsa. Rump-shaking and shimmies but lacking some hip rotation and leg action. Slick handstands and breakdance tricks. Might not be enough salsa content for the judges but great lift to finish. Audience go wild.
Music: “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by Baha Men
Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "Who let Karim out? I loved that, body isolation on-point, lifts, acrobatic and leading, you took the contest to a whole new level". Shirley says "you set the bar even higher, that was off the charts, there's no part of your body you can't move, a delight to watch". Alfonso says "my man, you can dance". Craig concludes "smooth out your side-to-side basic and you dance too hard for me sometimes, show some light and shade - but I loved it".
Judges' scores: 8, 10, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points, taking him top so far.
Catherine and Johannes’ tango
The Coronation Street alumnus performed a crowd-pleasing, pink-clad Charleston last week. Now the pair are playing blue-and-green birds for this avian-themed tango. She descends on a rope swing, there's some robotics in a birdcage, then they're into hold. Stalking, pivoting and pirouetting around the floor but Catherine's footwork falters at times. Needs to be fiercer and more fiery but fine effort and nice storytelling.
Music: “Little Bird” by Annie Lennox
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "you weren't dancing as one, you were fighting each other, footwork sloppy, missed the V-shape but love your head placement, drive and purpose", Motsi says "you give variety and are growing but work on your resistance, speed and sharpness". Shirley says "frame is improving, issues with your footwork but I love your passion". Alfonso concludes "you brought out the hot character, gorgeous topline, footwork issues but I'm not technical, I just like what I see".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 28 points.
David and Nadiya’s jive
They got into the 20s and dodged the dance-off for the first time last week. Now David needs to unleash the fun for a jive, which often isn’t easy for tall, leggy celebrities (remember Jeremy “Daddy Long Legs” Vine?). Thirties theme and David's a little flat-footed. Needs to be up on the balls of his feet and get that pumping retraction through his legs. Felt more like a quickstep at times. Takes too long to start those flicks and kicks, fluffed some steps, but a jazzy, stylish feel.
Music: “Such A Night” by Michael Bublé
Judges’ verdict: Alfonso says "made a couple of mistakes but scream, let it out, have some fun and let it all hang out on the dancefloor". Craig says "no amount of screaming's gonna fix that, timing issues, mistakes, slow off the mark, needs a lot more energy but your body is moving much more freely". Motsi says "good upper half but get your lower half on-point". Shirley concludes "good basic content, made mistakes but carried on like a pro".
Judges' scores: 3, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 16 points. In trouble, I fear.
Joe Lycett on the Ts & Cs
The Brummie comedian reads out the voting smallprint, standing very close to the autocue and wearing a very on-brand sparkly blazer.
Kelvin and Oti’s cha cha cha
One of the pace-setters opens the show. Another dance heavy on the hip action, which might just send the judges over the edge. Kelvin’s been struggling with the straight leg action in training. A Venice Beach theme and Kelvin looking swaggeringly confident. Lots of hip wiggles and cheekiness, but the judges will have a keen eye on that leg action - especially Shirley "Queen Of Latin" Ballas.
Music: “Get Stupid” by Aston Merrygold
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "cool, lots of sunshine but needs stronger leg action and more fluidity". Alfonso says "it's great to be back but it's better to see that, awesome hip action, the seat of your pants had the ladies hot". Craig says "a little bit stiff on the walks but amazing rhythm and isolation". Motsi concludes "great foot speed, love your natural expression, you have me the woo-hoo-hoo". Riiiight.
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 33 points. Strong start to proceedings.
Stars of our show
Not much fancy dress this week. Clearly saving the dressing-up box for next week's Halloween special.
Here come the judges
No Bruno but Alfonso Ribeiro in his seat. Lovely blue suit, albeit a big like Trigger's from Only Fools & Horses.
Frockwatch
Time for our weekly fashion face-off. Claudia Winkleman's in a white maxi-dress with black polka dots. Tess Daly working a midnight blue velvet jumpsuit with strange neckline. Claudia wins
Roll clapalong credits
Lots of cheesy grins, finger-points and fist-bumps. R.I.P Dev Griffin, Anneka Rice and James Cracknell (important note: they’re not dead, just out).
And we’re off!
Tension-building montage is go.
Bullfighting Du Beke
Another highlight tonight promises to be Emma Barton and Anton du Beke’s dramatic paso doble. It's Anton's first paso doble in two years, so he'll be getting his matador's cape out of mothballs.
Just five minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune...
Will's weepy routine
The latest Couple’s Choice will come from Will Bayley and Janette Manrara, who are dancing an emotional contemporary routine, dedicated to Great Ormond Street Hospital. There won’t be a dry eye in the ballroom.
Ten minutes until we go over live to the Elstree Studios ballroom...
Bye-bye Bruno, 'allo Alfonso
Bruno Tonioli is having his annual week off and will be replaced once again tonight by guest panellist Alfonso Ribeiro, aka Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air - and a former winner of Strictly’s US sister show Dancing With The Stars.
Smooth dude Alfonso went down a storm when he filled in last year. Will he do his Bruno impression again? Will he find an excuse to bust out the infamous “Carlton dance”? Let’s hope so, in both cases. Fifteen minutes to wait...
Can the “special Ks” continue to set the pace?
Karim Zeroual’s salsa looked promising in training but his song choice of “Who Let The Dogs Out?” is, well, a bit barking.
Meanwhile, Kelvin Fletcher’s been having trouble nailing the tricky leg action of his cha-cha-cha but he’ll be hoping those hellzapopping hips can compensate. Twenty minutes until showtime...
Forget Brexit, let's dance
After another day of drama in Westminster, there’s only one meaningful vote we’re interested in. Who will leave Strictly Come Dancing and who will remain?
Tonight at 6.40pm on BBC One, it’s the fifth live show of this year’s contest as our dancefloor dozen bid for survival once again.
Last week, Karim Zeroual joined the 10s club for his terrific tango, with Kelvin Fletcher in second spot after his sensual rumba got the judges swooning. Waltzing Emma Barton, quickstepping Mike Bushell and double dance-off survivor David James all shot up the standings after much improved performances.
Viscountess Emma Weymouth defeated Dev Griffin in the dreaded dance-off, meaning the Radio 1 DJ and his pro partner Dianne Buswell were sent home shockingly early. Dev-astated.
Now the remaining pro-celebrity pairs are aiming to get through to next week’s Halloween spooktacular. We'll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and a gratuitous bit of lip.
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.
Nobody’s safe, it seems. So who’ll be next to make their own Brexit (ballroom exit)? Nearly time to staaaaart dancing...