As things hot up this week for our contestants both on and off the dance floor and we head towards the quarter finals, I find myself asking: ‘What is to become of Ricky Whittle’ and the incident that occurred this week?

How would our celebrities and professionals cope with two new dances never shown before on Strictly, Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Charleston? Was the new group number just to help pad out the show as we are a contestant down losing Jade and Ian?

Chris Hollins and Ola
CHARLESTON: What an opening to the show! There was certainly no flapping around these two! Great musicality with fabulous choreography, amazing fun and energy, Chris’ kicks were even, clean and precise with excellent rhythmical content. I loved every minute and it was one of the best Charleston performances I have ever seen. Chris’ best performance to date. Even Craig made nice comments and a standing ovation was given by the audience; definitely a performance deserving of a nine if not a ten. I would love for Chris and Ola to make it to the final. I truly believe they deserve it.

Ricky Whittle and Natalie
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: Ricky was obviously not himself. He was nervous and almost looked distracted and the steps he missed at the beginning did not help his confidence either, which was down to the routine being under-rehearsed. There were however some great lifts and throws, but the joining movements between the tricks were quite lame. A low scoring routine from the judges as it was not his best. It was the right decision for Ricky to be in the dreaded dance-off this week, where he did dance better but I still feel that Ricky is fast approaching the end of his journey, only because he has not continued to improve. Do you agree?

Ali Bastian and Brian
CHARLESTON: The bookies' favourite and you can tell why. Ali was loving every second and it easily her best performance of the series. It was full of comedy although at times it looked a little wild but her kicks and leg lines are unbelievable. If I am honest I found it difficult to spot the difference between the celebrity and the professional, but I do not agree with the judges marks scoring this routine three marks higher than Chris and Ola as it was not as polished.

Natalie Cassidy and Vincent
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: Natalie, we still love you but this was not your best dance. The choreography was more Jive than Rock ‘n’ Roll, it was very heavy and awkward looking with very few tricks and stunts.

It was more pretend than performance. It was right for Natalie and Vincent to be in the bottom two this week and even though Natalie’s performance in the dance-off had upped a gear, it was the choreography that let her down this week, to which Vincent realised as he was very emotional as the result was delivered. I will certainly miss Natalie and hope she continues to dance.

Laila Rouass and Anton
CHARLESTON: I actually think Anton is in it to win it. This dance suited them both to a t. Laila looked like an Egyptian goddess, the routine definitely improved as the beginning was quite heavy but Laila found her confidence and blew us away. They showed us great entertainment value, great gimmicks, comedy timing and a very audience pleasing routine.

Group
VIENNESE WALTZ: This reminded me more of a supermarket car park at Christmas time rather than a dancing competition, everyone trying to get in everyone else’s place. It was all very frantic and uncontrollable to which the Viennese Waltz should be graceful, flowing and lilting. The judges scoring seemed as frantic as the dancing. I would have preferred to have seen the judges place the couples 1st to 5th as we would do in a competition.

Judges Scores

Ali and Brian 10
Ricky and Natalie 9
Liala and Anton 8
Chris and Ola 7
Natalie and Vincent 7

My Scores

Laila and Anton 1st
Ali and Brian 2nd
Chris and Ola 3rd
Ricky and Natalie 4th
Natalie and Vincent 5th

All our couples have two dances next week, and with the introduction of fifth Judge Darcey Bussell, it will make the voting decision easier as then the majority rules.

Make your prediction below as to whom you would like to see in the final?