I think the right decision was made - JJ’s time was up whereas I think Jamie still has a little bit left in him. He wasn’t great on Saturday but it wasn’t terrible and I think a lot of the theme and the musical being unknown didn’t so him any favours. He’s got a great personality (on this program ive never seen his other program) and is very gracious and sensible in his comments when he lands in the DO. He’s got a good attitude and I’d really like to see him in the final as he is very entertaining. It’s sadly think he’ll go this week though.
Having said JJ was the right one to go (he was) it was strange that this was the first week I quite liked him! His VT was good funny showed a fun side and his dance was alright although not as fun and lively as Charleston usually is for me. I’m beginning to think JJ has actually been done a bit of a disservice. You could finally see in his VT he had a fun side whereas it’s all been so serious and drab up to now. I don’t agree with prior comments about Scottish men being dour although I do think they are generally more reserved and show their fun side in a more quiet way rather than an OTT celebrity look at me way. I think they completely pigeon holed JJ won’t help wounded marine narrative and wouldn’t let him escape that and show his own personality and any lightheartedness. I could see some of it this week esp in the VT and I wonder what JJ thinks of how he’s been portrayed on Strictly? I can’t imagine he wants to be viewed as a poor old wounded marine “isn’t he doing well to be dancing at all and his physio didn’t think he could even more this way but look he did it”. Amy on the other hand was happy to play up that narrative (and the producers of course) and saw it as their secret weapon. I think she is very steely under all that sweetness she’s hard as nails and competitive to boot. She’s got the “competition” manner constantly (words she uses, smile plastered on face, perfect standing position, etc etc). It’s so fake feeling. I understand it’s ingrained for years and years of competitive dancing but I don’t think she’s clicking that this is actually a reality show not a proper dance competition and she can lighten up just slightly. I never see any of the other pros looking like they are “competing” they seem to show some genuine personality and fun. Is Amy’s approach maybe how it was back in the early series when it was more a proper dancing competition? Any way long story short - glad JJ went but began to feel sorry for way they portrayed him and wonder if he was really okay with that. Oh also Shirley was off her rocker when she was giving him advice before DO saying it’s daunting but his military training will have prepared him!!! Yeah Shirley because being in the DO is just as traumatic as being in the services 
I know they rush and have to say things in the spot. I wonder if the cringe at themselves afterwards.
Ranvir was beautiful. No faulting lovely dance and she’s good at the emotional acting and playing the character. Not quite sure I like the storyline they/she is giving - under confidence low self esteem single mum turning into self assured woman through the power of dance. Little worn that storyline although I think she’s genuine with it rather than making it up for the cameras. I heard her contract is up in January so she might be looking for different opportunities so hopefully this will give her the confidence (and raises profile) to go for something she wants. I also like that she doesn’t seem to be showing her son off much - am I forgetting any vt featuring her child? I know there has been mention of his and a photograph but I can’t recall seeing him. I’ve no idea what his name is or his age either which suggests to me she’s not pushing him out there which I like.
NVWLS was great. Ringer and has yooofth on his side. Also seems a nice enough man and the family angle (he loves his supportive family) will be playing well. Janette is turning into my favourite female Pro. I really like the way she is with her celebrities and her choreography is good. I think them being out of Claudia’s areas has really helped her because she’s not able to act like an idiot playing up for the camera.
Maisie was good. She can dance no denying that. I still can’t take to her much though. I don’t feel much watching her dances although she does better with the ones where there is a strong character to act out. The VT with her getting up doing rehearsal then going home - blah. Was that suppose to show she had good work ethic or to show she was living alone? I’m not sure what I was suppose to be thinking watching that. I do think she’ll have a good worth ethic but the whole up at 9am back home 11pm (or was it midnight she said?) didn’t leave me feeling overly sympathetic. Loads of people have 14/15hrs days with commuting and work. Loads of 19 year olds also do full on days of day university jobs etc etc whilst living alone or worse in halls or shared accommodation. Maisie has a lovely flat to herself with no roommate worries etx and a well paid job with money isn’t the bank. No one is making her so a dance show alongside her job so suck it up - rehearsals until 11pm that she mentioned for the upcoming week don’t seem that bad to me for the money you’ll be paid and the potential for future work from high profile. That applies to all contestants actually / no one is forcing them to do this. I feel more sorry for the pros whose whole schedule is determined by the celebrities and who isn’t on mega bucks really.
Bill - ah well it just wasn’t his dance but then I don’t think AT is anyone’s dance esp make celebrities. Glad he’s in and next week should be interesting.
I think sadly Jamie will be going next week unless he really pulls it out the bag with high scores as he doesn’t seem to have as much public votes. I’d much rather Maisie went leaving Bill, Ranvir, Jamie and Harvey in the finals. I’m not overly opinionated in who I want to win this year which to me means the series has had no stand out dances or celebrities as yet.