Reality TV
What the judges said: 'Strictly' Week Four
Published Sunday, Oct 24 2010, 13:46 BST | By Alex Fletcher
The remaining 12 celebrities danced Charlestons and tangos last night, but how did their routines fare with the judges? Keep reading to find out Len, Bruno, Alesha and Craig's verdicts:
Jimi Mistry and Flavia Cacace - Charleston
Len: (7) "The Charleston more than any dance is a performance dance. It's got to be fun, it's got to be furious. It's got to be full-on. And that's what I thought you came out and did. You really went for it, which is great entertainment. The only one technical thing with the Charleston is the swivelling action in your ankles and feet. I didn't feel you got that and I wasn't sure about the window stuff at the start."
Bruno: (7) "I was a bit worried at the start because I wasn't sure if I was watching Wisteria Lane or the Tardis. While you kept going, you really went into character, you were so full-on you lost timing. You did, you did. I spotted it. And because of the speed, you lost sync. But as for characterisation, it was great."
Craig: (6) "There are a few small technical things. You need to straighten your legs and point your feet when you do a cartwheel otherwise it looks awful. And Len's right, there does need to be a lot more swivel in your footwork. It was very flat-footed all the way through. Arms and hands when you were doing that little changeover didn't go too well - there needs to be more precise work throughout it. However... there is a lovely energy and I thought the facial expressions and storytelling were fabulous."
Alesha: (7) "It wasn't technically perfect, but it was full of energy and you came out and performed. It was lively - I enjoyed the routine and I didn't mind the window. I thought it was a great opener to the show."
Total: 27
Scott Maslen and Natalie Lowe - Tango
Len: (9) "The tango is all about passion, drama, intensity, clean good lines and a staccato action - and I saw that by and large. I think there was an incident in that corner. A tad of an incident. But I'll tell you what, I'm in a devil-may-care mood and that was the best dance I've seen this series!"
Bruno: (9) "SCOTT! You tango beast! Masterful. Powerful, but sleek and stealthy when required. You went to power and passion and romance beautifully. Len is right, you did miss an embellishment in the corner, but I totally agree with him: best dance so far."
Craig: (8) "I thought the performance was strong, dynamic and you made great use of the floor. You handled the gear change into the romantic section extremely well and especially with your hand going through the veil, that is really difficult. Full of machismo and hutzpah - it was great."
Alesha: (9) "It was full of intent. The way you lead Natalie around the room is superb. You are full of passion, you are oozing confidence and I feel like you mean business. Serious business."
Total: 35
Tina O'Brien and Jared Murillo - Charleston
Len: (7) "You are tight, you are together - there is a sweetness about you two as a couple. It could have been a bit tighter on the feet, but overall it was fun and entertaining and I enjoyed watching it. Well done."
Bruno: (7) "Oh darling, you make a cute little flapper. You got the Tallulah character and Bugsy Malone theme spot on. Great to see you back. At times it needed slightly more energy, it's just a tiny little thing, it could have been a bit more precise and slightly stronger."
Craig: (7) "I loved the double progressive cartwheel section that you did. That was brilliant. I thought the whole thing was character-driven, which was great. What sort of let you down actually was for me the footwork. It was a little on the sloppy side and also your timing just went out a little bit. But really, altogether fantastic."
Alesha: (8) "It's great to see you back and well done on lifting Jared, that was brilliant. You really threw yourself into that and you weren't afraid to show a goofy side. It was springy, cheeky and quirky. I think you played it just right and I think this is your dance."
Total: 29
Felicity Kendall and Vincent Simone - Tango
Len: (7) "I liked the story. The strumpet sat at the bar, the Italian oils his way across, and then you went into that beautiful opening segment of the dance. It was beautifully choreographed and well danced. I do have to agree with Craig that as the dance progressed it lacked a bit of movement, fire and attack, but good job - well done Felicity."
Bruno: (8) "Ooh Felicity, the mysterious lady and the gigolo. All the way through, 'I'm not going to give it to him. I am going to give it to him. Will I give it? Won't I give it? Then I give it in the end with a big smackeroony' - just the way that I like it!"
Craig: (7) "I suppose if you think the idea of a lonely woman sat at a cocktail bar being seduced by a small hairy Italian is a good one, then you would like this dance. And in fact I did like it very, very much. But I did think that you were too much up on your toes, there was no real pow in the kicks and you need to be a bit lower in the knees. But I loved the floor spin segment, that was gorgeous. You achieved that beautifully."
Alesha: (7) "You were like a seductive temptress and I am loving the chemistry between you both. For me, the storytelling was great and there were some really beautiful moments. Well done."
Total: 29
Patsy Kensit and Robin Windsor - Charleston
Len: (8) "If you were a horse last week, you have come out a thoroughbred. I disagree with Craig, it was a full-on entertaining performance from beginning to end."
Bruno: (7) "Darling, you look gorgeous. And as Charlestons go, this was the most true-to-form. It did look like a proper Charleston all the way through. The only thing is that you have to keep the energy happening. If you don't have the stamina, some of the moves will get a bit sloppy. But the performance was good and it was a real Charleston."
Craig: (6) "I have to say that you got off to a brilliant start. There was a great amount of energy and of course this dance is about stamina, from the beginning, through the middle, right through to the very end. And towards the end it started getting a little bit more heavy and sluggish. I know the disasters of middle age!"
Alesha: (7) "I'm loving the look and Patsy you came out and really gave it a go. Some of the moves you nailed and certain moves looked like you were struggling to keep up, but you are definitely having a good time and half of that is what the Charleston's about. From my point of view, I enjoyed it."
Total: 28
Gavin Henson and Katya Virshilas - Tango
Len: (6) "Your footwork was good, you had great body contact, flexed knees and these are all positives. They are difficult things to get. But I'm not sure if it was the nerves getting to you, but in this dance you need to portray a character. Last week in the rumba you needed more passion and romance and this week you needed more passion and attack. But, you know, you are not an actor, so it is difficult for you. You did okay, but it was not your best."
Bruno: (6) "It sounds like we are really having a go at you, but we are doing it because we actually like you. I can see there are some moments where it all comes together - they are very short - but they are there. But then it all crumbles, the footwork goes and you become hesitant. We see a glimmer of what it could be, but we don't want sparks, we want flames. Deliver because you have got it. We've been waiting four weeks now."
Craig: (5) "Facial expressions - I just wonder when we are going to lose the Botox advertisement. I'm not asking him to smile, I'm just asking for a sign of aggression or leadership in this dance. You fell down at the steps at the beginning and that set off a whole load of problems and your legs were shaking all the way through. But I do think this - you are certainly better in hold than out of hold."
Alesha: (6) "Not bad Gavin, but you looked a little bit out of your depth. At times, I thought you looked vulnerable. And when I watch the tango I want an air of arrogance. When you dance it looks like you are not sure what is about to happen. You have to believe in yourself."
Total: 23
Peter Shilton and Erin Boag - Charleston
Len: (5) "I must say Erin, you have gone to town with your outfit. Blimey. I wish you'd gone a bit more to town with your performance Peter. You are more comfortable in hold doing proper dancing. It wasn't your finest hour."
Bruno: (4) "Oh Peter, you looked like a penguin stuck in the mud. You couldn't quite get going. It's true that you've never done it before and it's tough, because the timing has to be spot on with high energy. It didn't really gel."
Craig: (2) "I'm glad you had a good time, I couldn't wait for it to finish darling. The white gloves were a big mistake, they just magnified everything that was wrong with it."
Alesha: (6) "You are really sweet. I really like the lifts and I really like the braces. However, there was massive, massive timing issues. It's like your body doesn't have an understanding of what the Charleston is. It's such a shame because last week was really positive and it feels like you've taken a little step backwards."
Total: 17
Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan - Tango
Len: (8) "You've done four dances now, all to a really high standard. And this was no exception. The guys are right, you just lost your posture here and there. Maybe your frame could have been tighter, but consistently good."
Bruno: (9) "My God, you were like catwoman. You were playing cat and mouse. There was a steely look of determination. You are so precise, so musical, you surprise me every week. A tiny little thing in this though: just be careful you don't get too tight between the shoulders. But that's the only thing I can find wrong with this, otherwise it is stunning."
Craig: (8) "It was clean, it was precise, it had attack, it had style. I lost a little bit of theatricality, but that's my own personal opinion of course. And you did lose your neckline a little bit and need to hyper-extend a little more through the back, but overall absolutely brilliant.
Alesha: (9) "Sharp head turns, great kicks, you are on fire. I really love how you can go from the soft and sincere last week to the strong feline tonight."
Total: 34
Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani - Charleston
Len: (9) "There were a couple of little moments, but it was the best Charleston of the night and your best of the series so far. Well done."
Bruno: (8) "Showmanship, circus and physical theatre. There were quite a few mistakes, but I think that was because it was the most difficult Charleston that we've seen. But the showmanship was amazing"
Craig: (9) "Not perfect, there was a slip and some unison timing issues, but I have to say... I loved it! I love a man with a moustache as well."
Alesha: (9) "Timing aside, that was a wonderful Charleston routine. It was effortless and I felt like I was transported to a different era."
Total: 35
Michelle Williams and Ian Waite. - Tango
Len: (7) "Very gallant of Ian to admit to his mistake, I'm sure Brendan wouldn't have done that. Getting a new pro is like getting a new pair of shoes and you have to get comfortable. You did look comfortable, but it was all a bit in-and-out. Sometimes your footwork was good, sometimes not so good. But overall, I think you coped very, very well."
Bruno: (7) "You are getting stronger, you are getting better. There were a few mistakes and a few kerfuffles with the feet, but as a performance, much, much better."
Craig: (6) "Balance is very much still a problem and your footwork went wrong. But can I say, I think being in hold and this dance is definitely your thing!"
Alesha: (7) "Mistake aside, that was full of character and intent. You have coped really well this week Michelle with the changes and well done Ian, a fantastic job. You are getting into your stride now - keep it up."
Total: 27
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev - Charleston
Len: (8) "It was a very, very competent performance, but it lacked a bit of impact. You danced it very well, but you've got give it a bit more welly."
Bruno: (8) "Oh you look like a real jazz hot babe. You went for the real cotton club, jazzy feel to it. You could put a little more welly into it, because you have the ability. More fire, more sex.
Craig: (8) "I adored all the Josephine Baker references at the start. I loved the double bounces, the swivelling was there. I could have seen a little bit more quirk and extreme lining."
Alesha: (8) "I do agree with the boys, I want to see a bit more fire and spirit, but it's undeniable that the footwork was brilliant and the routine was amazing. Well done."
Total: 32
Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke - Tango
Len: (7) "Seeing Ann Widdecombe come flying down there was worth at least half of the BBC license fee alone. I'm going to back you. I thought it was very well done. There were lots of basic steps and I liked the outside swivel, I saw some nice foot placement. How Craig can be so cruel, I don't understand. It was very entertaining.
Bruno: (5) "Truly out of this world. Was it a bird, was it a plane, no... it's Starship Widdecombe. But then you did actually tango like ET's mum. You did all the steps like ET's mum."
Craig: (3) "I thought it was more like the dancing hippos darling. At the beginning it was gorgeous, it was ethereal, it was light... and then you landed darling. And that I'm afraid is where the problems began."
Alesha: (6) "Ann, you are taking Strictly Come Dancing to a whole new level. I love you, I love that you are trying. I really love you."
Total: 21
Len: (7) "The Charleston more than any dance is a performance dance. It's got to be fun, it's got to be furious. It's got to be full-on. And that's what I thought you came out and did. You really went for it, which is great entertainment. The only one technical thing with the Charleston is the swivelling action in your ankles and feet. I didn't feel you got that and I wasn't sure about the window stuff at the start."
Bruno: (7) "I was a bit worried at the start because I wasn't sure if I was watching Wisteria Lane or the Tardis. While you kept going, you really went into character, you were so full-on you lost timing. You did, you did. I spotted it. And because of the speed, you lost sync. But as for characterisation, it was great."
Craig: (6) "There are a few small technical things. You need to straighten your legs and point your feet when you do a cartwheel otherwise it looks awful. And Len's right, there does need to be a lot more swivel in your footwork. It was very flat-footed all the way through. Arms and hands when you were doing that little changeover didn't go too well - there needs to be more precise work throughout it. However... there is a lovely energy and I thought the facial expressions and storytelling were fabulous."
Alesha: (7) "It wasn't technically perfect, but it was full of energy and you came out and performed. It was lively - I enjoyed the routine and I didn't mind the window. I thought it was a great opener to the show."
Total: 27
Len: (9) "The tango is all about passion, drama, intensity, clean good lines and a staccato action - and I saw that by and large. I think there was an incident in that corner. A tad of an incident. But I'll tell you what, I'm in a devil-may-care mood and that was the best dance I've seen this series!"
Bruno: (9) "SCOTT! You tango beast! Masterful. Powerful, but sleek and stealthy when required. You went to power and passion and romance beautifully. Len is right, you did miss an embellishment in the corner, but I totally agree with him: best dance so far."
Craig: (8) "I thought the performance was strong, dynamic and you made great use of the floor. You handled the gear change into the romantic section extremely well and especially with your hand going through the veil, that is really difficult. Full of machismo and hutzpah - it was great."
Alesha: (9) "It was full of intent. The way you lead Natalie around the room is superb. You are full of passion, you are oozing confidence and I feel like you mean business. Serious business."
Total: 35
Len: (7) "You are tight, you are together - there is a sweetness about you two as a couple. It could have been a bit tighter on the feet, but overall it was fun and entertaining and I enjoyed watching it. Well done."
Bruno: (7) "Oh darling, you make a cute little flapper. You got the Tallulah character and Bugsy Malone theme spot on. Great to see you back. At times it needed slightly more energy, it's just a tiny little thing, it could have been a bit more precise and slightly stronger."
Craig: (7) "I loved the double progressive cartwheel section that you did. That was brilliant. I thought the whole thing was character-driven, which was great. What sort of let you down actually was for me the footwork. It was a little on the sloppy side and also your timing just went out a little bit. But really, altogether fantastic."
Alesha: (8) "It's great to see you back and well done on lifting Jared, that was brilliant. You really threw yourself into that and you weren't afraid to show a goofy side. It was springy, cheeky and quirky. I think you played it just right and I think this is your dance."
Total: 29
Len: (7) "I liked the story. The strumpet sat at the bar, the Italian oils his way across, and then you went into that beautiful opening segment of the dance. It was beautifully choreographed and well danced. I do have to agree with Craig that as the dance progressed it lacked a bit of movement, fire and attack, but good job - well done Felicity."
Bruno: (8) "Ooh Felicity, the mysterious lady and the gigolo. All the way through, 'I'm not going to give it to him. I am going to give it to him. Will I give it? Won't I give it? Then I give it in the end with a big smackeroony' - just the way that I like it!"
Craig: (7) "I suppose if you think the idea of a lonely woman sat at a cocktail bar being seduced by a small hairy Italian is a good one, then you would like this dance. And in fact I did like it very, very much. But I did think that you were too much up on your toes, there was no real pow in the kicks and you need to be a bit lower in the knees. But I loved the floor spin segment, that was gorgeous. You achieved that beautifully."
Alesha: (7) "You were like a seductive temptress and I am loving the chemistry between you both. For me, the storytelling was great and there were some really beautiful moments. Well done."
Total: 29
Len: (8) "If you were a horse last week, you have come out a thoroughbred. I disagree with Craig, it was a full-on entertaining performance from beginning to end."
Bruno: (7) "Darling, you look gorgeous. And as Charlestons go, this was the most true-to-form. It did look like a proper Charleston all the way through. The only thing is that you have to keep the energy happening. If you don't have the stamina, some of the moves will get a bit sloppy. But the performance was good and it was a real Charleston."
Craig: (6) "I have to say that you got off to a brilliant start. There was a great amount of energy and of course this dance is about stamina, from the beginning, through the middle, right through to the very end. And towards the end it started getting a little bit more heavy and sluggish. I know the disasters of middle age!"
Alesha: (7) "I'm loving the look and Patsy you came out and really gave it a go. Some of the moves you nailed and certain moves looked like you were struggling to keep up, but you are definitely having a good time and half of that is what the Charleston's about. From my point of view, I enjoyed it."
Total: 28
Len: (6) "Your footwork was good, you had great body contact, flexed knees and these are all positives. They are difficult things to get. But I'm not sure if it was the nerves getting to you, but in this dance you need to portray a character. Last week in the rumba you needed more passion and romance and this week you needed more passion and attack. But, you know, you are not an actor, so it is difficult for you. You did okay, but it was not your best."
Bruno: (6) "It sounds like we are really having a go at you, but we are doing it because we actually like you. I can see there are some moments where it all comes together - they are very short - but they are there. But then it all crumbles, the footwork goes and you become hesitant. We see a glimmer of what it could be, but we don't want sparks, we want flames. Deliver because you have got it. We've been waiting four weeks now."
Craig: (5) "Facial expressions - I just wonder when we are going to lose the Botox advertisement. I'm not asking him to smile, I'm just asking for a sign of aggression or leadership in this dance. You fell down at the steps at the beginning and that set off a whole load of problems and your legs were shaking all the way through. But I do think this - you are certainly better in hold than out of hold."
Alesha: (6) "Not bad Gavin, but you looked a little bit out of your depth. At times, I thought you looked vulnerable. And when I watch the tango I want an air of arrogance. When you dance it looks like you are not sure what is about to happen. You have to believe in yourself."
Total: 23
Len: (5) "I must say Erin, you have gone to town with your outfit. Blimey. I wish you'd gone a bit more to town with your performance Peter. You are more comfortable in hold doing proper dancing. It wasn't your finest hour."
Bruno: (4) "Oh Peter, you looked like a penguin stuck in the mud. You couldn't quite get going. It's true that you've never done it before and it's tough, because the timing has to be spot on with high energy. It didn't really gel."
Craig: (2) "I'm glad you had a good time, I couldn't wait for it to finish darling. The white gloves were a big mistake, they just magnified everything that was wrong with it."
Alesha: (6) "You are really sweet. I really like the lifts and I really like the braces. However, there was massive, massive timing issues. It's like your body doesn't have an understanding of what the Charleston is. It's such a shame because last week was really positive and it feels like you've taken a little step backwards."
Total: 17
Len: (8) "You've done four dances now, all to a really high standard. And this was no exception. The guys are right, you just lost your posture here and there. Maybe your frame could have been tighter, but consistently good."
Bruno: (9) "My God, you were like catwoman. You were playing cat and mouse. There was a steely look of determination. You are so precise, so musical, you surprise me every week. A tiny little thing in this though: just be careful you don't get too tight between the shoulders. But that's the only thing I can find wrong with this, otherwise it is stunning."
Craig: (8) "It was clean, it was precise, it had attack, it had style. I lost a little bit of theatricality, but that's my own personal opinion of course. And you did lose your neckline a little bit and need to hyper-extend a little more through the back, but overall absolutely brilliant.
Alesha: (9) "Sharp head turns, great kicks, you are on fire. I really love how you can go from the soft and sincere last week to the strong feline tonight."
Total: 34
Len: (9) "There were a couple of little moments, but it was the best Charleston of the night and your best of the series so far. Well done."
Bruno: (8) "Showmanship, circus and physical theatre. There were quite a few mistakes, but I think that was because it was the most difficult Charleston that we've seen. But the showmanship was amazing"
Craig: (9) "Not perfect, there was a slip and some unison timing issues, but I have to say... I loved it! I love a man with a moustache as well."
Alesha: (9) "Timing aside, that was a wonderful Charleston routine. It was effortless and I felt like I was transported to a different era."
Total: 35
Len: (7) "Very gallant of Ian to admit to his mistake, I'm sure Brendan wouldn't have done that. Getting a new pro is like getting a new pair of shoes and you have to get comfortable. You did look comfortable, but it was all a bit in-and-out. Sometimes your footwork was good, sometimes not so good. But overall, I think you coped very, very well."
Bruno: (7) "You are getting stronger, you are getting better. There were a few mistakes and a few kerfuffles with the feet, but as a performance, much, much better."
Craig: (6) "Balance is very much still a problem and your footwork went wrong. But can I say, I think being in hold and this dance is definitely your thing!"
Alesha: (7) "Mistake aside, that was full of character and intent. You have coped really well this week Michelle with the changes and well done Ian, a fantastic job. You are getting into your stride now - keep it up."
Total: 27
Len: (8) "It was a very, very competent performance, but it lacked a bit of impact. You danced it very well, but you've got give it a bit more welly."
Bruno: (8) "Oh you look like a real jazz hot babe. You went for the real cotton club, jazzy feel to it. You could put a little more welly into it, because you have the ability. More fire, more sex.
Craig: (8) "I adored all the Josephine Baker references at the start. I loved the double bounces, the swivelling was there. I could have seen a little bit more quirk and extreme lining."
Alesha: (8) "I do agree with the boys, I want to see a bit more fire and spirit, but it's undeniable that the footwork was brilliant and the routine was amazing. Well done."
Total: 32
Len: (7) "Seeing Ann Widdecombe come flying down there was worth at least half of the BBC license fee alone. I'm going to back you. I thought it was very well done. There were lots of basic steps and I liked the outside swivel, I saw some nice foot placement. How Craig can be so cruel, I don't understand. It was very entertaining.
Bruno: (5) "Truly out of this world. Was it a bird, was it a plane, no... it's Starship Widdecombe. But then you did actually tango like ET's mum. You did all the steps like ET's mum."
Craig: (3) "I thought it was more like the dancing hippos darling. At the beginning it was gorgeous, it was ethereal, it was light... and then you landed darling. And that I'm afraid is where the problems began."
Alesha: (6) "Ann, you are taking Strictly Come Dancing to a whole new level. I love you, I love that you are trying. I really love you."
Total: 21
Previous: In Pictures: 'Strictly' Week Four
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