Strictly '22 #14 — Craig's broken his duck! Who's next for a 40?

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

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I was watching 15 mins out on catch up, but still got chance to vote.

Will and Molly had good weeks, both their best in a while. I definitely prefered Molly's styling this week rather than the usual pink, peppy, big blonde hair. She looked like she felt the dance rather than the plastered on stage school grin.

On a similar theme, I enjoyed Helen's because she's increasing looking like she's letting go and letting the dance take over. It wasn't the most inspiring Samba, but I think she's done a much better job than she would have done in the early stages.

There was room for Hamza's legs to have been more elegant, but it was pretty pleasing.

Fleur did a decent job on her rumba too.

Nothing really outstanding tonight.

I think Ellie's time has come. I enjoyed the personality of her dance though.

Given it's been a weaker week, I've spread my votes through my long term favourites Hamza, Helen, Fleur. I came close to voting for Molly but hopefully she might be in a stronger position to swerve the dance off this week.

The Joe, Danny and Simon ATs all had a story/concept of jealousy, and music with lyrics telling a story - much easier to get into a role and dance with more passion and meaning with this type of music, Imo (not taking anything away from any of those ATs - all superb).

I’m not getting this Hamza love. He’s just a plodder, tonight was dreadful. Hopefully Molly, Will, Helen and Fleur go through, with Ellie and Hamza in the dance off.

I really liked wills dance
dont get the molly love, of course she can dance stage school taught her

He's really not a plodder. He is very light on his feet, technically very good in his footwork and timing and is the best male celeb I have ever seen doing seamless and seemingly effortless lifts. However, he's not an actor, and I don't think the passion and drama needed for some dances is his thing.

Another request not to post video links - they do make the thread slow to load.

Not the best example tonight, but for someone with no professional experience of sport, dance, music or acting (which comedy can utilise to some extent) he's done bloody well most weeks, and he just radiates joy of dancing and being there... which is not ideal for the mood of an Argentine Tango, but usually makes for an enjoyable dance.

His strength and lightness is normally impressive. The combination with Jowita works really well too.

Missed this week as went to Christmas light switch on but Kate Hudson is on Jonathon Ross is wearing a pink strapless dress and black boots in the style of Tess Daly!

Definitely not a plodder for me either.

he (for me) defines what this show should be. A novice taking up dance and improving his skills week on week. He makes me feel something. And I find him just as sexy as the likes of Gio or Kai. There’s something very sexy about a man comfortable in his own skin. And he and Jowita look like they have a solid partnership.

I am a Hamza lover/luster and proud.

I think the post-Blackpool show is about the pruning the celebs they don't want and getting certain ones to the final, hence the weird scoring and song choices.

Yes I agree. I think Blackpool is almost like a mini final and a reward for those who have lasted the course up to that point. Post Blackpool is for sorting the wheat from the chaff and finally getting rid of anyone whose been hanging on through the good will of the voting public alone. I have to say, though, for me only Hamza - who I think is both joyous, a representative of a non celeb everyman giving it his all and actually astonishingly good - definitely deserves a place in the final. The rest are just a bit dull and forgettable imo.

Just been watching some dances from previous years. AJ and Kai are a great example of the chemistry that is missing from some of this years pairings.

I haven't seen tonight's yet but I thought he was pigeon toed last week.

I've realised why I can't warm to Helen. She reminds me of Liz Truss.

When you compare against those posted earlier, Hamza’s AT had much less content. It was 7s at best, even for a “non-dancer” when he has shown he has such talent. These legs ruined it for me, Anton was dead right - can’t put my finger on it but I think it’s because his knee comes higher than his hip that it looked so awkward - definitely not something you see in any of those amazing ATs

Molly was the best dance for me - and her tango sassy attitude. Good to see!

There likely won't be an Irene Cara tribute till next season as the pro dances are planned and semi rehearsed way in advance.

IIRC from past Strictly info ( a much earlier season when they used to pad out the time with little pre-shot pieces), the Argentine Tango was danced in a restricted space, between the tables in a club / bar / brothel. Hence the little kicks (gauchos?) being very low and controlled. Hamza would have had the tables over, drinks spilled and a huge brawl started, kicking like that!

I hope the judges don't choose that one for him to do again in the final.

Let's face it hamza could have been awful and Shirley and motsi would still have needed the smelling salts to cope !!

Anton was right about the footballer legs. I couldn't help thinking it looked like he was "trying to get his leg over" 😁 Drained all the romance!

It seemed really weird and patronising. Like Jowita was a three year old who had danced nicely in her school play or something! And was it overall so that she could praise Hamza?

I have to ask did Shirley say something to Gorka about his 'tush' ? I rewound and that's all I could figure but maybe it was something completely different!

I will never get over them not winning! I didn't even know I held lifelong grudges till Danny and Oti lost😆

Unsurprisingly given he was a ringer he has gone on to have a successful career in musical theatre so I guess Strictly did its job anyway.

finally, next week they have the results show on Saturday!

Of course, it's because the main show is on Friday 😂