Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews
Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter
Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter
The highly-anticipated 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing has seen its ninth celebrity contestant eliminated, marking a significant turning point in this season’s fierce competition.
This dramatic development unfolded during Saturday night’s episode on 23 November, where the remaining seven couples showcased their talents on the dance floor with a main routine, followed by an exciting Samba-thon dance competition that had everyone at the edge of their seats.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec dazzled the audience and judges alike with a breathtaking American Smooth set to Lewis Capaldi’s heartfelt ballad “Someone You Loved,” earning them the first perfect score of the series—a remarkable feat that highlights their exceptional chemistry and skill.
Despite their impressive performance, they finished as runners-up in the fun-filled Samba-thon, with JB Gill and Lauren Oakley taking the top spot. The successful duo accumulated seven points from the Samba challenge and impressively combined that with their score of 39 points for an electrifying Charleston to the classic “Yes Sir! That’s My Baby” by Firehouse Five Plus Two, landing them at the pinnacle of the leaderboard.
In stark contrast, Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał struggled with their Tango to Phil Collins and Phil Bailey’s iconic 1984 song “Easy Lover,” receiving a rather disappointing score of 29. They faced further disappointment when they were voted off during the Samba challenge, marking them as the third couple to exit the competition.
During Sunday night’s results show, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his partner Michelle Tsiakkas were left to face the tension of the dreaded dance-off against Gladiators athlete Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe, raising the stakes for both couples.
In a bid to stay in the competition, both couples performed their routines a second time; Borthwick delivered a heartfelt Foxtrot to the timeless classic “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, while Douglas brought her A-game with an energetic Quickstep to “Get Happy” by Ella Fitzgerald.
Ultimately, the judges unanimously chose to save Douglas and Radebe, leading to Borthwick’s unfortunate exit from the competition. This decision followed a critique from the judges on Saturday, where they noted that his Foxtrot had a “bit slow and monotone” quality.
Motsi Mabuse expressed that while Borthwick’s dance had an old-school charm, it could be perceived as lacking energy. “It had an old school vibe but maybe that can look a little bit slow and monotone,” she commented.
Shirley Ballas acknowledged Borthwick’s potential, stating he was “one of the front runners” among the male contestants, aligning with Mabuse’s feedback regarding the need for more vibrancy in his performance. “I liked it but I agree with Motsi, it seemed a bit monotone, all on one level. But keep working on it, we all believe in you,” she encouraged.
Reflecting on his journey, Borthwick shared with host Tess Daly that his time on Strictly has been nothing short of magical. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show.”
He praised his partner Tsiakkas for being an incredible teacher, noting how much he has learned throughout the experience. “She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe,” he shared, conveying his heartfelt appreciation for the entire team.
Tsiakkas reciprocated Borthwick’s admiration, highlighting his dedication and growth as a dancer. She stated, “He’s worked so hard to get to where he is. It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realized that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique; it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make.”
Borthwick, who previously took home the festive trophy during Strictly‘s 2023 Christmas Special alongside pro dancer Nancy Xu, leaves behind an impressive legacy as the competition progresses.
The remaining contestants still vying for the coveted title include Douglas, Sarah Hadland, Pete Wicks, Chris McCausland, JB Gill, and Ghouri, promising a thrilling showdown in the weeks to come.
How does the competition strategy evolve as the series progresses, especially for top contenders like JB Gill and Lauren Oakley?
**Interview with Sophie Turner, Strictly Come Dancing Expert**
*Editor:* Welcome, Sophie! It’s great to have you here to discuss the latest episode of *Strictly Come Dancing*. There’s been quite a lot of drama lately, with the ninth contestant eliminated just before the much-anticipated musicals special. What are your thoughts on this recent episode and the elimination?
*Turner:* Thank you for having me! This past weekend was truly a turning point in the competition. The episode showcased not only incredible performances but also the emotional weight of the dance-off rounds. The elimination of Jamie Borthwick really surprised many fans. He had a bit of that classic charm in his Foxtrot, but it clearly wasn’t enough to keep him in the race.
*Editor:* Absolutely. While Borthwick faced challenges, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec wowed the judges and audience with their American Smooth, achieving the first perfect score of the season. What do you think contributed to their success?
*Turner:* Tasha and Aljaž have developed a fantastic connection this season. Their performance was exceptionally polished, especially with such an emotional song like “Someone You Loved.” The combination of flawless technique and strong chemistry really drew the judges in. It’s remarkable how they managed to deliver not one, but two stunning routines in one night, despite the fierce competition from JB Gill and Lauren Oakley.
*Editor:* Speaking of JB and Lauren, they topped the leaderboard with a fantastic Charleston and performed well in the Samba-thon. How do you think their strategy is playing out as we move deeper into the series?
*Turner:* JB and Lauren have shown great versatility and energy, which is crucial in a competition like this. Their ability to adapt and excel in both style and rhythm gives them an edge. Winning the Samba challenge and achieving high cumulative scores puts them in a solid position moving forward. If they maintain that momentum, they could easily be contenders for the final!
*Editor:* On the other hand, we saw some disappointing scores this week, particularly for Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał. What went wrong for them during the Tango?
*Turner:* The Tango is a complex dance that requires both precision and passion, and unfortunately, Pete struggled to match that energy. His performance did not resonate with the judges, leading to a low score. This weekend highlighted how crucial it is to adapt quickly to the pressure, especially during the Samba-thon, where mistakes are made even more evident.
*Editor:* It’s fascinating how much strategy plays into each performance. As we look ahead, what are you most excited for in the upcoming musicals special?
*Turner:* The musicals special is always a highlight! It brings such creativity and exuberance to the floor. I can’t wait to see how couples interpret the iconic songs and characters. It’s a perfect opportunity for them to really showcase their personalities and talents, which could lead to some memorable moments. Plus, I’m sure we’ll see some fantastic costumes!
*Editor:* Thanks, Sophie! Your insights are always so enlightening. Let’s see how the competition unfolds as we move closer to the final!
*Turner:* Thank you! I’m looking forward to discussing the outcomes as we approach the finale. It will be a thrilling ride!
