Strictly Come Dancing, week 9

There's a change to the usual presenters this week, as Brucie has been signed off by the doctor with a nasty bout of the flu.

Instead Tess Daly is joined by Ronnie Corbett, while Claudia Winkleman of It Takes Two presents backstage with the contestants.

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There's another surprise in store, as it's announced that Jade Johnson will be sitting out this week's show after sustaining a serious knee injury during the dress rehearsal.

Poor Jade chats to Claudia and is visibly upset and in pain - so we're all wishing her a speedy recovery for next week.

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Phil Tufnell and Katya dance first, delighting the audience with their American smooth.

Craig was a little disappointed, telling them it "wasn't showy enough," but Len disagreed, saying: "Well, I wasn't disappointed at all. I thought it was much more determined, I could see a will to win. You did a very good job."

Alesha agreed, adding: "You've definitely got your swagger back. I thought it was smooth and entertaining.


Bruno was full of praise too: "Smooth take off, smooth landing, a bit of turbulence in the middle, but you handled it very, very well.

They get 31 points, their highest score so far.


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Ricky Whittle and Natalie shake things up with a lively jive. After a few slip up lasts week, the couple are determined to raise their game (especially now Ali Bastian beat them to the perfect score!)

Len is first to give his feedback, telling Ricky: "You're the front runner but you musn't get complacent. Keep focused and keep this standard of dancing.

Alesha agreed, adding: "That was a fast jive. It was fun, cheeky - amazing!"

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Bruno was impressed with the performance, exclaiming: "Ricky, talk about a tight package full of power!" but then went on to pick up on timing faults.

Craig agreed, adding: "As much as I loved it, it losed technique because of the speed."

The couple score 35 points, the same as last week.

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Ricky Groves and Erin are hoping that their Viennese waltz will be enough to keep them out of the dance-off this week.

Bruno said: "It made me spin in disbelief - in a good way! I've never seen you with such composure and restraint... and you kept in time all the way through."

Craig noticed more technical errors, saying: "I thought you were very, very tense... but you coped well."


"I disagree with both of these," said Len: "I didn't see tension. Well done."

Alesha agreed, adding: "I see real improvement in you. You should be very proud of yourself."

The couple score 29 points.

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Chris Hollins and Ola are keen to impress with their paso doble after their excellent 34-point score last week - and they certainly give it plenty of attitude.

"You're a nice, loveable, charming chap," said Len, "so I thought you weren't going to pull it off but you did... You could have been a bit firmer in the buttocks but I loved the attack of the dance, well done."

Alesha said: "I love you two. It was intense the whole way through, you performed it brilliantly."

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Bruno said: "That was awful, but I liked it. There was an incredibly lack of artistry. The attack was there but it's time to put some refinement and artistry into what you're doing."

Craig agreed, saying: "It had danger, menace and aggression but you forgot to dance. I felt it lacked the dignity and honour that a matador has."

They get 30 points for their efforts.

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Laila Rouass and Anton attempt the rhumba, despite Laila having injured her ankle after tripping on the stairs earlier in the day. Unfortunately, it gets too much and she ends up in tears.

Craig tells her: "Obviously the pain got to you and you found it hard to carry on, so I'm finding it very difficult to mark you.

The other judges agree, and say they will mark on the beginning bit of the performance only.

They get 22 points - the same score they received for their jive.

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Natalie Cassidy and Vincent deliver an elegant foxtrot that's full of magic moment.

Bruno said: "Sometimes it lacked a little bit of freedom of movement. You need to get the technique and the performance right - but a good job.

Craig agreed, adding "It didn't have the flow around the floor, but the routine was beautifuly simple, it was sweet, honest, smooth."

Len was also positive telling her: "It was your best dance so far." Alesha agreed: "It was elegant and composed, a beautiful foxtrot."

They get an impressive 34 points.

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