Strictly Come Dancing - Wrong Call Judges

Layla and Anton dodged a bullet yet again this weekend with the judges definitely getting it wrong in the dance-off. There is no doubt that Layla has more potential than Ricky but as they keep telling us each week it’s about the dance-off performance not the entire package. There is no doubt that Ricky was the better on the night on both occasions.

Even Len said it before agreeing with the verdict of the other three. The fact is I cannot remember the last time that Layla and Anton turned in a good performance. I know they impressed in the early weeks but we have had a couple of Latin disasters since then not to mention injuries. She only trained for a couple of hours last week but he literally dragged her around the floor on Saturday and it was a waltz which is arguably the easiest dance on the programme. She is really going to have to pull something out of the bag next weekend to justify her continuing presence. I suspect if Zoe was still in it at this stage she would be turning in spectacular performances.

Ricky went out on a high on Saturday with a strong performance and how nice it was to see a celebrity actually dancing the final dance as the credits rolled as if to say “see I told you I could dance”.

So we are really getting down to it now with just five remaining. I was surprised Jade didn’t make but considering her Olympic ambitions I am sure she made the right choice. I never really warmed to her but she had demonstrated spectacular improvement and could have made the final.

I wasn’t wowed on Saturday by the top two – Ali and Brian and Ricky and Natalie. Both turned in strong if unspectacular performances (despite Ricky’s lift). Is it just me or have the dances been more impressive at this stage in previous years? Where are all the tens? Natalie and Vincent’s samba wasn’t pretty. She sells each dance but it was fairly lumpy.

My favourite dance of the night was Chris and Ola’s but yet again the judges gave average comments. I think they are a great couple and I would love them to make the final but the judges don’t seem that impressed so they may struggle.

So Brucie was back on Saturday and did what Brucie usually does (including a sketch with Dame Shirley Bassey wearing a tea cosy). I think his one-week off demonstrated that he is central to the show despite his gaffes and unfunny jokes. The person who is expendable I think is actually Tess. They should team Bruce with Claudia next year combining the cheese of Bruce with the unpredictability of Claude. It would make for a more interesting show.

Team Cola all the way!!

Bree Treacy