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Short filmTranscript
00:00Please welcome your host, Fleur East.
00:30Hello and welcome to It Takes Two, live on BBC Two and iPlayer.
00:36What a weekend.
00:37And although our couples weren't surfing in the USA,
00:40they certainly made a splash in Blackpool.
00:42And I, for one, am still riding the wave of a swell Saturday.
00:47We were all swept away by the announcement of no elimination.
00:50George turned the tide with the first tens for a Blackpool salsa.
00:53And Amber went to great depths with her quick step.
00:56Literally, it was under the sea.
00:57OK, I think you get the drift.
01:01Here's what else you can look forward to tonight.
01:04Sadly, due to an injury, LaVoie had to withdraw from the competition.
01:08So Chris and Aliash join us to look back on their fabulous Strictly journey.
01:12They've been a pure joy to watch,
01:13and LaVoie will always have a special place in our heart.
01:17She's been a professional dancer since the age of 17,
01:20our Strictly head judge since 2017, and an icon forever.
01:24Shirley Ballas will be here tonight revealing her thoughts
01:27on all six of our remaining celebs.
01:30And don't forget, you can send in any question, big or small,
01:33such as, does our head judge have any other hobbies?
01:36Shirley, she does.
01:37WhatsApp them on our number 0800 022 3801,
01:41or just scan the QR code.
01:43And we've got an exclusive for you tonight,
01:47because there is no time like the present to gift you
01:50with the reveal of our third Christmas celeb.
01:53Here's a little it-takes clue for you.
01:55She's going to be a strong contender.
01:59That's the only clue you're getting for now,
02:01so stay tuned to find out who it is later in the show.
02:06But first, let's look back at the weekend,
02:08and it's time to find out what I can tick off
02:10from my Blackpool bucket list.
02:12Thanks.
02:12A fabulous 40, tick.
02:16Craig comparing a celeb to a seagull, tick.
02:19And a promise from Tess and Claude of Blackpool tattoos, tick.
02:23But here's a reminder of what else made Blackpool so brilliant.
02:27Hello, Blackpool.
02:29Wow!
02:30Lavoie very sadly had to withdraw from the competition.
02:35But first, we can reveal,
02:37no-one will be leaving Strictly this weekend.
02:39CHEERING
02:40You gave it the Stelza face.
02:44You went, mm-hmm.
02:45I did!
02:46That's your best dance so far.
02:48You flew around that floor
02:52faster than a seagull
02:54swooping in for a chip, darling.
02:57Moody, atmospheric.
02:59You keep fighting, girl.
03:02This is so stylish and sophisticated,
03:04and I love this number.
03:07That's how you score a goal.
03:09That's for sure.
03:10You are incredible.
03:13CHEERING
03:13It was extraordinary.
03:18Thank you, I love it.
03:23This is how you set down Blackpool!
03:26I don't know if I've experienced a better Blackpool than this.
03:29CHEERING
03:29Sadly, among the highs of Blackpool came the lows of saying goodbye to Lavoie and Aliash.
03:37But they're here tonight, it's Chris and Aliash.
03:41It's lovely to have you.
03:42Now, it wasn't the ending that Lavoie imagined, but it was still a full-circle moment,
03:46because Lavoie said her goodbyes where it all began for her, in Blackpool.
03:51Yes.
03:51Here you are.
03:51Oh, look at that.
03:53That is, like, ten years apart.
03:55Look at it.
03:55And how does she look younger now?
03:57That's the question.
03:59That is the question.
04:00Oh, you know, it really was a full-circle moment.
04:03As I said, the North Pier Theatre in Blackpool was where I started touring all the theatres,
04:06and to see that creation of Lavoie ten years apart for me,
04:10being on that Strictly Tower board with Strictly, is amazing.
04:13I was in Blackpool only yesterday, and the North Pier Theatre was there,
04:16the Tower was there, and I was like,
04:17if only I'd known that would be where to go, it is amazing.
04:20It was wonderful.
04:21Yeah, and on her socials, Eliash Lavoie spoke about letting you down.
04:26How do you respond to that?
04:28No, goodness me.
04:30No, no, she did not.
04:32I think it's the opposite.
04:34It's being a pleasure, bitch.
04:38Wow, that's because we stay.
04:40Wow, that's a good one.
04:44It's, I would say, on the contrary, really.
04:47Of letting me down.
04:48I feel like every single week, I was amazed how far you can push the storytelling.
04:55You know, being whatever story is, you know, there's only this many steps in Bournemouth Latin,
05:01but when you can add a boxing glove to a New Yorker,
05:04or when you can add a pigeon to a natural turn in the walls, you know what I mean?
05:09You're like, it's fascinating, really.
05:11You're basically saying she needed gimmicks at all times to cover up the dancing.
05:15That's what you're...
05:16No, boxing gloves are not a gimmick.
05:18It's just a part of a costume.
05:20Stop bringing it to boxing glove week.
05:21But there's been a lot of love online, on socials,
05:24a lot of comments of people saying how proud Lavoie should be of her time,
05:28including one from this loyal fan and Strictly alumni and drag race icon...
05:34Oh, look.
05:35...Michelle Visage.
05:36Listen, my darling, everything happens for a reason,
05:38and you did what you came to do.
05:39You made a difference.
05:40I love you.
05:41We love you.
05:42Now heal.
05:44Oh, that's lovely.
05:45Michelle is...
05:46Michelle is everything.
05:47She's been such an amazing sort of friend and ally of mine.
05:49She really has.
05:50And, you know, I didn't come on this show with any ulterior motive
05:53other than to learn to dance and to have the most amazing time.
05:56And my main aim was to entertain.
05:59And I think, I'd like to think, that I achieved a bit of that
06:01during the show and with Lavoie on a Saturday night at the same time.
06:04And if I've had any impact on anything else on top of that,
06:07it's a bonus for me because it's just about being yourself and having fun.
06:10And if I can do it, anyone can do it.
06:12Yes!
06:14Beautiful.
06:15I love that.
06:16Aliash, what would you say is the difference that Lavoie has made
06:19on your outlook on life?
06:21I mean...
06:22Wow.
06:23We're getting deep.
06:24We're getting deep.
06:24Where do I begin?
06:25Our outlook on life.
06:26Where do I begin?
06:30Do you know what?
06:31I mean, just basically, I think I've said it on the show pretty well,
06:36actually, to see sort of creating a character over 23 years ago,
06:43I think it is.
06:45And the amount of attention to detail, the amount of work,
06:49the amount of rehearsals, the amount of turning every single stone
06:53to then deliver that on stage or in the moment when it matters.
06:58One thing is to practice, but the other thing is to execute it right.
07:02And it's fascinating to see how much, how long that process is.
07:08And I feel like all those years of Lavoie, you know, going from North Pier Theatre in Blackpool
07:14all around the UK through the theatres and then to have this, you know, entertainment masterclass
07:21delivered on Strictly Come Dancing, because it is.
07:24Listen, we all, all of us dancers are creative, we love to entertain,
07:29but how Lavoie does it, it was just incredible to witness and to have the front row seat for it too.
07:37I think I've learned.
07:38You know what was the first thing I said on Strictly?
07:40I said, I think I'm going to learn more than you will learn.
07:43And I think we're both learning a lot,
07:46but I feel like I've learned just as much as you have with dancing.
07:49Honestly, it's been magical to watch you giving us countless highlights.
07:53Let's look back at your best bits.
07:56Strictly is showbiz in Kana, and I'm so proud to be part of it.
08:01Yes!
08:02And there's doing Strictly, and there's doing Strictly with Aliash.
08:12This is exactly the sort of number I would put together for you.
08:14I mean, it's just genius.
08:16I love this.
08:17I've got a bath mat that matches.
08:18We should speak.
08:22In my head, it's this.
08:24The hand giant, that's all I know.
08:25Yes!
08:28Your personality and comic timing is exquisite.
08:32I think you are so real and authentic.
08:36I think you're beautiful.
08:38I want to show a sort of sassy, feisty side of Lavoie.
08:42Just a bit fierce.
08:43This is so satisfying.
08:45You never got off to a good start from the beginning.
08:48You just had one of those days.
08:51Two!
08:53We love you.
08:56You can come back strong from this.
08:58The biggest thing we need to work on this week is confidence.
09:01Yes, he can do this.
09:03Your timing was immaculate.
09:05I could watch you every night doing that.
09:07Do you know the address where you send your CV?
09:08Just in case there's any new jobs coming up.
09:11This is me after week 97 on Strictly.
09:14I've never played a baddie.
09:16I've always wanted to.
09:17And this is my chance.
09:18This is everything to me this week.
09:21You had power.
09:22You had passion.
09:24You had authority, darling.
09:26You owned it.
09:27I think that is your personal best.
09:30Nice!
09:30For the first time ever means more to me than I think I realised it would.
09:36Because it's really healing.
09:37I'm going to get emotional.
09:39This needs to be mistake proof.
09:41I felt like you were dancing different dancers.
09:46Overall, it lacked a togetherness.
09:51So my mum was a complete amazing supporter from an early age.
09:56I lost her in April this year.
09:58Just your work stops.
09:59I am immensely proud of what he's achieved.
10:03And his mother would be looking down at him.
10:06I get emotional about numbers like that because they're special.
10:09From the fabulous confidence Ali Ash has given me,
10:12I feel like I'm going to walk away going,
10:14Do you know what?
10:15I think I can dance.
10:16I hope I'm opening doors for other people to step in my shoes.
10:24It's a gift that I was the one pro that got to dance with her.
10:28How lucky am I?
10:29This has been everything I've wanted to be and more.
10:33Strictly might have ended for me,
10:34but that memory of doing Strictly, that will never end.
10:42Oh, my gosh.
10:43It's lovely to watch that.
10:45Now, most celebs' best bits are focused mainly on their dancing,
10:48but LaVoie made such an impact with her quick wit.
10:51What did LaVoie enjoy the most?
10:53Oh, my gosh.
10:54I think the whole process was just so much fun.
10:57Everything about it.
10:58I didn't like the dancing on the dance floor bit.
11:00But that bit, if they could cut that bit out of Strictly,
11:05it would be such a great show.
11:07But I think, for me, channeling LaVoie and doing the comedy of chatting
11:11to the judges, to Tess and Claudia, to you in the rehearsal room,
11:15I mean, I've just never laughed so much.
11:16I felt like I found a comedy partner.
11:18I just found someone who has my similar energy.
11:20I've never belly laughed as much in my life.
11:22And I think what Eliash did is he gave me the joy in learning,
11:26not just about being perfect on stage.
11:28It's about the joy in the process.
11:30And I've always been so hard on myself with that.
11:33And the best bit for me has just been having this guy who's just picked me up
11:39when I've been bawling his eyes out in tears.
11:41I stamped on his foot so hard one day, he said,
11:44I'm seeing stars.
11:45And, you know, he still was willing to, you know,
11:48step on that dance floor.
11:49And I just felt like I've danced on Strictly as someone
11:51who never had confidence in dancing.
11:53And I just think that's been amazing.
11:56But I've missed, you know, talking to Tess about her outfits.
12:00I know.
12:01We're going to miss all of your one-liners.
12:03You've been such a joy and so entertaining to watch for the last time.
12:07It's Chris and Eliash, everyone!
12:11Keep dancing.
12:13Keep dancing.
12:14OK, the bright lights of Blackpool are now behind us
12:17and the quarterfinal is suddenly within reach.
12:19So all six of our celebs are hoping to stay in the competition
12:22as long as possible.
12:24Here's what the Strictly experience has meant to them so far.
12:26And warning, the J-word will appear.
12:36My Strictly journey so far has been
12:39lots of amazing highs,
12:41lots of tears and frustration and doubt.
12:47But that is Strictly.
12:49It's like a dream come true every single day.
12:54So open your eyes and see.
12:59I can't really believe that I've made it this far.
13:02It feels like I've only just put my dancing shoes on.
13:05Each week it becomes more of a big sigh of relief.
13:08George and Alexis.
13:10Slash big beam of joy when you make it through.
13:14This journey is something that I never really fully imagined
13:20or anticipated.
13:21It's been incredibly rewarding.
13:26I'm grateful to make it through to another week.
13:29It's been a beautiful challenge.
13:31And I've enjoyed every single second of it.
13:35I want to bring some more joy
13:36and just have the best time that I possibly can
13:39on that dance floor.
13:40I think I've started to grow in confidence
13:47and also hopefully show a different side to people at home
13:51away from football.
13:54Honestly, every week I learn more about myself.
13:56I've been taking Strictly one day at a time.
14:05It's gone so fast.
14:07It's so fun.
14:09You're learning so much.
14:12It feels like a bit of a gift.
14:14It truly is a gift to compete in Strictly.
14:27And speaking of gifts,
14:29I hope you haven't been sleeping on that clue from earlier.
14:32But before I reveal tonight's Christmas celebrity,
14:35which crackers have we already given away?
14:38On Friday, Scarlett Moffat revealed herself
14:40and she's dancing with Vito.
14:42They'll make a great Coppola.
14:45And earlier today on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show,
14:48Scott Mills revealed that singer Melanie Blatt
14:51will be dancing with Kai.
14:52Kai Rissmus came early for her.
14:55And now it's time to reveal our third celebrity.
14:58Drum roll, please.
15:03It's Jodie Oonsley, a.k.a. Fury from Gladiators.
15:12This is so cool.
15:19Yeah, tell me about it.
15:21Well, you're not only a gladiator, you're also a rugby player.
15:25But what made you want to give Strictly a try?
15:27Do you know what?
15:28I think I just wanted a bit of a challenge.
15:30You know, I've seen Montel, I've seen Harriet,
15:32and I think if they can do it, I'm going to push myself to do it
15:35and just have a bit of fun with it.
15:37Well, you've already made history twice
15:39by being the first deaf gladiator
15:40and the first deaf woman to play rugby for England.
15:43But what would make this Strictly Christmas historic for you?
15:46I think for me, if you've seen me as a gladiator
15:49or as a rugby player, I'm serious, I'm powerful,
15:52I don't mess around.
15:54But with this, I really just want to be able to let go
15:56and, you know, just to dance and just have fun with it.
15:59So, just going with the flow and letting go.
16:02OK, well, I'm excited to share with everyone.
16:04The Strictly pro you're dancing with is...
16:06It's Neil!
16:08Yay!
16:10How happy are you to be paired with him?
16:14I'm chuffed because, obviously, as a amazing dancer,
16:17but, you know, he just gets into character
16:19and I think that's exactly what I need, just us together.
16:23Hopefully, I'll be flying.
16:25Well, we won't reveal the dance style or the song for the moment,
16:28but how's training going?
16:30It's been all right.
16:31It's been better than I thought and, yeah, I'm loving it
16:34and I'm just... I'm actually generally really excited.
16:37So, yeah, just see what the next few weeks bring.
16:40Well, final question.
16:41On Friday, Scarlett Muffett said
16:43she's made space on her mantelpiece for the Glitterball Trophy.
16:46So, please, look down the camera
16:48and in true Fury style, give us your best fighting line.
16:52Watch out, Scarlett, cos I'm coming after you, love.
16:54CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
16:56Oh, it's getting tense.
16:57Thank you so much for popping in.
16:59We can't wait for Christmas Day.
17:01Give it up for Jodie!
17:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
17:04And join me tomorrow
17:07when I'll be announcing two more celebs.
17:10OK, it's now time for our final chat of the night.
17:13This weekend, Blackpool finals aside,
17:15we witnessed the highest-scoring Blackpool week
17:17in Strictly history with an average of 37 points.
17:21Not that I'm keeping score,
17:22but our next guest certainly is.
17:24It's head judge Shirley Ballas.
17:25Shirley Ballas!
17:28CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
17:28Your cartwheels were synchronised to perfection.
17:36Shirley, you're wrong.
17:38I'm not.
17:38I, E, S, B, C, T
17:40I'm not what it means to me.
17:42I, E, S, B, C, T
17:44I, E, S, B, C, T
17:46She's the Queen of Latin,
17:59the Sovereign of Strictly,
18:00the Boss of Boreham Wood.
18:01It's Shirley Ballas!
18:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
18:04Wow, it's such a pleasure to have you on here.
18:15Thank you so much for stopping by.
18:17We've got so much to talk about, Shirley.
18:19But first, Blackpool,
18:20what was it like being in the Las Vegas of the north?
18:23Well, I first went there when I was seven
18:25and it's the most fantastic ballroom.
18:27When I say in the world,
18:29every competitor around the world
18:30wants to dance at the Tower of Boreham
18:32because of the sprung floor.
18:34The ambience is just absolutely sensational
18:37and this weekend,
18:38the whole show was off the chart.
18:41And we need to check in with you.
18:42Tell us about the fish bone.
18:43Well, I was having my Harry Ramsden's fish.
18:47I didn't have any chips, just the fish.
18:49And the bone of the fish got logged in my throat
18:52and it all closed up.
18:54Oh, gosh.
18:54And I couldn't breathe at all.
18:56And we were trying to breathe and this and that.
18:59And then Jane, who does my hair,
19:00she literally just picked me up.
19:01My feet were waggling.
19:03Just my underwear on.
19:04She was giving me this Heimlich manoeuvre.
19:06And it was just unbelievably scary.
19:10So it took me a minute to sort of calm down
19:12and then 20 minutes later we were live.
19:14I couldn't really project very far with my voice.
19:16Because even now it's scratched all the inside here
19:19because we think the bone went down.
19:21And, yeah, it's been the last two days
19:24a little bit sore and scary.
19:26But today, tonight, I'm feeling a little bit better.
19:28Well, we're glad you're better
19:29and that you're here with us.
19:30My goodness, how scary is that?
19:32It is.
19:32So before you took part in Strictly,
19:34I want to know, what were your favourite moments
19:36and memories from the Tower Ballroom?
19:38Well, the best results I ever got at the Tower Ballroom,
19:40I was fourth in the North of England Ballroom Championships
19:42with a chap called David Fleet.
19:44And, you know, it was just the most...
19:47He was the most fantastic partner.
19:48He was my first boy partner.
19:50And beautiful dress there and just in the Tower.
19:53And semi-final in the Latin.
19:55So that was my best result as an under-16 dancer.
19:59That's so cool to see that photo as well.
20:00It is, isn't it?
20:01OK, let's talk about our couples.
20:02Let's start with Alex and Johannes.
20:04Now, the couple's choice was a celebration of life.
20:07How defiantly does she embody this message?
20:10Well, first of all, she not only embodies the message,
20:12but from the very, very start of the show,
20:14I've been impressed with her.
20:15I can tell and I've heard also in the studio
20:17that her work ethic is second to none.
20:20She never complains.
20:21She just comes on.
20:22She gets on with it.
20:23And I think she's the epitome of femininity.
20:26And I think the routine that Johannes did for her
20:28was just absolutely fully her.
20:31And she embodied the whole spirit of the evening.
20:33Just thought she was great.
20:35And in week four, you awarded Alex the earliest ever ten for a rumba.
20:38But she hasn't seen a ten since then.
20:40So what can she do to impress you this weekend with her cha-cha-cha?
20:43I don't think it's so much about impressing.
20:45First of all, I've never seen a rumba like that
20:47on any show around the world in all 66 countries.
20:50I thought her, her leg action and her fluidity and her flow,
20:54that dance suited her body, suited her as a dancer.
20:58If she can go into the cha-cha-cha and she gives us plenty of rhythm,
21:01don't forget it's a much faster dance.
21:03She's still got to have those straight legs.
21:04They've got to be moving and snapping and going.
21:06If she embodies it and if she actually gets a little bit
21:09of the technique down, I think she's going to do very well
21:12in the cha-cha-cha too.
21:13Oh, exciting.
21:14OK, on to Karen and Carlos and that Paso.
21:17I mean, you said this will go down in Strictly history.
21:20What made it so special?
21:21Well, first of all, Carlos was a top competitor in my industry.
21:25And one of his best dancers was Paso Doble.
21:27And I never thought he would have a partner that would be able
21:30to do a competitive routine like our professionals in our industry.
21:34And he was able to go all out.
21:36She went all out.
21:37I've never seen somebody so balanced.
21:40Her work was so fast.
21:42As Anton would say, she whipped over here and whipped over there
21:44and up down round there.
21:45And then she went and landed and never even so much as moved her feet.
21:49It was the most impressive Paso Doble I'd ever seen.
21:52Like I say, at Blackpool this year,
21:54all the performances were absolutely outstanding.
21:57She's amazing and definitely one to watch.
21:59Yes, and next up, a couple's choice off of the back of that Paso.
22:03Well, couple's choice.
22:04We saw the jive when she first did that at the beginning.
22:07We've seen this Paso Doble.
22:08I'm sure she's going to be, you know, as a footballer, she's graceful.
22:12I've watched her do her football.
22:13She has to have this most magnificent balance when she's doing a football
22:16and kicking her leg and going and catching.
22:20I think she's going to be sensational.
22:22And now he knows what she can do.
22:24So he's going to be really pushing it.
22:26I think they both really want to make the final.
22:28I think every week for them, they'll be giving it their all.
22:31On to Lewis and Katya.
22:32I know you said that Charleston was a Blackpool extravaganza
22:34and noted that Lewis must have been training hard at home
22:38to get that synchronicity.
22:40How could you tell that?
22:41Because the feet, when they were swiveling their feet
22:44and their arms were absolutely spot on together.
22:46So you could tell that they'd done some mirror work
22:48where they were really making sure that they were in tune with each other.
22:51Again, he came out, he opened our show.
22:54He's excelling.
22:54He's found the balance between doing tricks and highlights
22:57and actually doing great dancing.
23:00I just think he's absolutely spectacular.
23:03And I think Katya is also doing a fantastic job with him.
23:06He's the highest scoring celeb in the competition,
23:08but he's yet to receive a 10 from you for a Latin number.
23:12So how can he change the narrative?
23:14He's got a rumba coming up.
23:15Oh, a rumba.
23:17Oh.
23:17I remember, well, we will be hoping to see what we saw,
23:23you know, with Alex, the beautiful leg actions,
23:26straight leg, bent leg, some flexibility, some fluidity,
23:28and I hope she keeps him moving and he doesn't just stand there.
23:31I will be expecting quite a lot from him in the rumba.
23:34This is going to be a challenging dance for him,
23:36but I know when he really puts his mind to it,
23:39and Katya was the queen of rumba in her day when she danced with Neil.
23:43She was absolutely fantastic.
23:45So I think she will also be pushing the envelope.
23:47She knows he can't just stand there and rock from side to side,
23:50that's for sure.
23:50Well, I hope he doesn't stand there and rock from side to side.
23:54OK, on to Balvinda and Julian.
23:56Now, Balvinda, I mean, she's been in four dance-offs
23:58and you used the word gold to describe her comeback spirit
24:01with her Argentine tango.
24:03Why?
24:03Well, you know, in our industry, there's always somebody who has to lose
24:06and somebody who has to win, and I admire this lady so much.
24:10There she was in these dance-offs.
24:12She's a veteran.
24:13She never flinches when she's under pressure.
24:15She went out there at the weekend.
24:17She gives it her all.
24:18Even when she is in the bottom, she comes back fighting.
24:21You never underestimate a person like that.
24:23They're truly competitive, and their mind is as strong as their talent,
24:27and that's what it takes.
24:28And every week I look at her and I think, you go, girl.
24:31Yes.
24:31She's doing great.
24:32Now, she's the only celeb who still hasn't received a 10.
24:35So what can she do with her jive coming up to get a 10?
24:39Oh, jive.
24:40Yes.
24:40That's going to be fast.
24:42Yes.
24:43Well, I hope for Balvinda that he mixes the jive with some swing,
24:49you know, because jive is a very, very fast dance.
24:51If you make a mistake, as we saw with Vicky,
24:53if you start making mistakes, it's really hard to pick up.
24:56It's not like a rumba.
24:57It's easy to pick up a mistake.
24:58Yeah, mix the swing with the jive.
25:02That's more flat.
25:03And then some kicks and flicks, maybe some turns.
25:05She's going to have good stamina,
25:06and she's got to be as good at the beginning as she is at the end.
25:09So, you know, it's quite tough.
25:10It's not easy to do.
25:12On to George and Alexis.
25:13Now, George received his first 10s for his salsa.
25:15You admitted that you weren't expecting that.
25:18Why?
25:18Well, when George started, I thought, oh, really quiet soul.
25:21If you meet him backstage, he's exactly the same backstage
25:24as he is when he's in front of the cameras.
25:26But this week, I felt he really took a step up.
25:29And, of course, when he did his little hip bump and his arm,
25:32that's kind of his speciality figure,
25:34I just thought they are gelling really well together.
25:37Of course, Alexis, our new professional,
25:39is doing a wonderful job with him.
25:41But his personality, I think he realises now, OK, it's coming.
25:45We're getting forward towards that quarterfinal.
25:47And I can see also, actually, in all of them,
25:50none of them want to go home.
25:51It's exciting.
25:52So coming down after Blackpool, we go in the studio on Saturday.
25:55They're going to have to really pull that energy up
25:57because Blackpool, and then there'll be a little bit of drop in energy,
25:59then you've got to pick it back up again.
26:01It'll be interesting to see who does what this week.
26:03On to Amber and Nikita.
26:05Now, you've never awarded her a 10.
26:08Why did that quick step not make you want to reach
26:10for the perfect paddle, Shirley?
26:12Well, if you have a little love there.
26:14Oh, wow.
26:15As you see here, there's some gapping.
26:17You see this big gapping?
26:18There should be no gapping.
26:19You see, this should be the same.
26:22And she should be far off to the right side
26:23with his right arm up, elbow to elbow.
26:26So I'm not looking immensely for, like, over-technical details,
26:29but arms stay up, arms stay up, connection in the body.
26:33It was Blackpool.
26:34We've been on the show now for a while.
26:36So not quite perfect for me,
26:37but let me tell you what I do love about her.
26:39Her personality is outstanding.
26:41She's willing to give anything a go.
26:42So he's bringing some of his best work ever.
26:45So she's also really rocking it.
26:48And a 9 or a 10, you know, at the end of the day,
26:50the public, the public will be voting.
26:53So they have the ability to keep the couples in.
26:56So, you know, don't be giving me any stress now.
26:59If you love it, if you love it,
27:01and you think it's deserving of tens and points and calling
27:04or whatever, it's that new thing we do now with the code.
27:06QR code, yeah.
27:07That's it, that's it.
27:08My poor mother can't do it, but never mind.
27:11Yes, she's definitely one to watch as well.
27:13Well, for the first time in Strictly,
27:14we need to talk about the Instant Dance Challenge.
27:16What are you most looking forward to with that?
27:18The chaos.
27:19So, first of all, sitting next to Anton de Bec,
27:22it's chaos every week because when he starts going,
27:24he's like Bruno, a member of the arms and things.
27:27And we're all excited about it.
27:29You know, they've got to pick that Instant Dance,
27:31they've got to go down to the wardrobe,
27:32collect their clothes, and within, like,
27:34an instant and second, they've got to remember
27:36whatever the dance is.
27:38Now, they can't practice all the dances
27:39that they've done throughout the series.
27:41So will they remember the choreography?
27:43Will they stay in time to the music?
27:44Will they improvise opposite one another?
27:47Will they be giving it large?
27:49You know, will it be great?
27:50So I think it's going to be absolutely chaotic.
27:52We've had a lot of questions in, Shirley.
27:54Very quickly, Oliver wants to know,
27:56what's your favourite thing about being a judge?
27:58I just, I know it's sort of like,
28:00I just love the journey.
28:01I love to see all the new people that come on every year.
28:04Sometimes some of them I don't know
28:06because they're famous in their own area.
28:08And then you get to love each and every one of them.
28:10I mean, I just saw La Voix.
28:11I have a tear every time for her, you know.
28:14Fantastic.
28:15Each one of them has their own journey
28:17and their own story.
28:18And I like to just be that person
28:19that can guide them a little bit with some technique.
28:22Well, we're so happy that you could pop by
28:23and talk to us.
28:24It's all great to see.
28:25Make some noise.
28:26It's Shirley Ballas, everyone!
28:31Well, that's it for tonight.
28:32Thanks to all my guests.
28:33Tomorrow, I'll be joined by the fabulous
28:34Joanne Clifton for Choreography Corner.
28:37I'll be revealing all the details
28:38about this year's Pro Challenge.
28:40Plus, I'll be chatting to Karen and Carlos
28:41and Amber and Nikita about the buzz of Blackpool.
28:44That's from 6.30.
28:45Have a lovely evening.
28:46Woo!
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