Live blog: Rose Ayling-Ellis takes on movie week on Strictly Come Dancing!

Posted on October 9, 2021 by



Tonight, deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, and her fellow dancers, take on movie week on Strictly Come Dancing and face their second public vote! 

Charlie Swinbourne will be live blogging every dance with Liam O’Dell on our Twitter feed, and Rebecca-Anne Withey as our guest dance judge!  Refresh this blog for regular updates, or follow our Twitter account!

Most recent updates posted first – scroll down to go back to the beginning!

20.59 – That’s the end of the show, in a week that saw a huge step forward for Rose Ayling-Ellis, getting a huge score and jumping to third place on the night. That’s a big improvement, which she’ll be hoping to continue.

We will find out who is leaving this week in the dance off tomorrow.

Goodbye from the three of us, me, Liam and Rebecca. Thanks so much to Rebecca for being guest deaf dance judge tonight!

We’ll leave you with some reactions from deaf and hearing audience members to Rose’s performance from Twitter:

20.51 – We now see the leaderboard for the night. John and Johannes are now at the top, closely followed by Rhys and Nancy, then our favourite (of course!) Rose!

Now all the phone numbers come up. Deaf viewers can vote online (hearing ones can too!) at this link.

20.50 – Strictly’s first male same-sex couple, baker John Whaite and pro dancer Johannes Radebe dance the Paso Doble to He’s a Pirate by Klaus Badelt, from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Two brilliant performances from these two in the last two weeks has put them second on the leaderboard. Can they maintain it, or will they be walking the er, plank?

This looks brilliant, you can hardly tell which was the pro and which was the celeb. Accomplished, in tune with one another. Brilliant.

Liam says: Did this song in my school orchestra. The score is phenomenal. Performed with impressive speed here from John and Johannes – I have to commend them for that!

What the judges say: Anton says it was the best thing he’s seen all night. So strong and believable. Craig says it was seriously hot, unbelievable. Motsi says they were the highlight, and tells them they are getting a 10! Shirley didn’t want to sit down, and says it was because she was so excited. They had a magnetic energy and says she has not seen anything like that. This is going to be a huge score. 10s I reckon!

Rebecca’s verdict: John and Johannes have blown me away. I thought I was watching two professionals! Strength, power, brilliant synchronisation. Standing ovation for me. It’s a 10!

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 9
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 10

Total: 39 (last week: 31, week 1: 30)

Watch the dance:

20.42 – CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu dance the Couple’s Choice to Spiderman Main Theme by P. Webster and J. Harris, from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (one of Liam’s favourite films!)

Solid scores for this couple so far, 30 last week and 27 the week before. Will Rhys dance as smoothly as he usually does? Or will he get tangled up in a, er, spider web? Ahem…

I think Rhys has been very smooth so far, and it’s the same this week. This is funky, very comic book, full of movement, a slight street feel to it.  Really enjoyable performance! (luckily Rebecca and Liam seem to agree with me this time!)

Liam says: Super slick from Rhys!

What the judges say: Shirley says she loved it, it was so athletic. Anton says he is really quite bouncy and this style suits Rhys. Craig says that was at professional standard. Motsi says he performed so, so well, and there were accents in his body, he had swagger and confidence.

Rebecca’s verdict: Wow! Amazing athleticism & strength in Rhys’ incredible couples choice as Spider-Man. Fast, fearless and incredibly skilled. An effortless 9.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 9
Motsi Mabuse 10
Shirley Ballas 9
Anton Du Beke 9

Total: 37 (last week: 30, week 1: 27)

Watch the dance:

20.33 – Former Corrie star Katie McGlynn and Gorka Marquez dance the American Smooth to Cruella De Vil by Mel Leven (Dr John version), from Cruella.

Katie ended up in the Dance Off last week, only surviving thanks to the judges, who voted three against one to keep her in the competition. Can she dance her way away from another dance off this week?

Katie is dressed as Cruella! It looks middling, like she hasn’t really got into character. I fear Katie might be headed for the Dance Off again this week. (I might be alone with this, Liam and Rebecca disagree with me below!)

Liam says: Katie has really gotten into character here, and once again, the hair, wigs and costume department have excelled themselves. So brilliantly sassy from the Corrie star.

What the judges say: Motsi says it was really entertaining and fun to watch. Shirley loved it, says it had moments of jazzy brilliance. Anton  says if she can bring out the hold then her performance will go through the roof. Craig says seeing Gorka on all fours has made his evening.

Rebecca’s verdict: Katie plays the villain brilliantly in this sophisticated American smooth. Great characterisation! More technique whilst in hold needed as there was lots of gapping. A 6 from me.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 5
Motsi Mabuse 7
Shirley Ballas 6
Anton Du Beke 6

Total: 24 (last week: 21, week 1: 22)

Watch the dance:

20.26 – Now it’s swimmer and five-time Olympic medallist Adam Peaty and Katya Jones dancing the Rumba to I See You by Leona Lewis, from Avatar.

Their score dropped massively last week, to an abysmal 19 after getting 30 in week one. Can Peaty get back to full, er flow? Or will he be left doing the doggy paddle?

This is very atmospheric. They’ve got the Avatar costumes on, everything is bathed in blue. Peaty looks like he’s m ore assured than last week and this is a very beautiful performance. Mrs Charlie doesn’t rate him but I reckon it was pretty good.

Liam says: The set department have knocked it out the park this evening! The dancefloor became beautiful Pandora there.

What the judges say: Shirley says Adam has a great centre line through his body but it doesn’t breathe. Everything has to breathe. She says he actually did very well. Anton says there was a great quality of line and he thinks Adam will be top drawer.

Rebecca’s verdict: Adam looked stunning in tonight’s rumba, I felt he commandeered control and led Katya beautifully. The rumba rhythm and flow was missing but I loved the clean lines and powerful shapes. It’s a 6

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 4
Motsi Mabuse 5
Shirley Ballas 5
Anton Du Beke 6

Total: 20 (last week: 19, week 1: 30)

Watch the dance:

20.17 – After a fortnight away following a positive Covid test, former McFly band member, author and actor Tom Fletcher returns to the dance floor with Amy Dowden.

Aptly for someone who shot to fame in a band called McFly, Tom’s dancing the Jive to Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry, from Back To The Future, which just happens to be one of my favourite films. Let’s hope Tom doesn’t start to disappear as he dances this one, as Marty does in the film…

Two weeks ago, they got just 21, including a score of just 4 from judge Craig Revel Horwood. Will Tom, er, McFly tonight, or will he get Busted?

Mrs Charlie is really impressed! Maybe he’s practiced for two weeks for this? Tom’s really going for it and it’s full of energy! Amy Dowden impressed as well. I think the judges will like this one!

Liam says: I can see Tom enjoyed that one as a band frontman!

What the judges say: Anton says great energy, great technique. Craig says it was flat footed at the start but got better and better and better. Motsi says she’d missed him. Shirley disagrees with Craig, says he was cools a cucumber and commends his dancing with the guitar.

Rebecca’s verdict: Tom was on fire in tonight’s jive! Absolutely embodied the spirit of jive and performed with the style & swagger needed. I loved it. 8.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 8
Motsi Mabuse 8
Shirley Ballas 8
Anton Du Beke 8

Total: 32 (week 1: 21)

Watch the dance:

20.09 – Sports pundit and former rugby union player Ugo Monye and pro Oti Mabuse dance the Couple’s Choice to You’re Welcome by Dwayne Johnson, from Moana.

After a poor start in week one, when they scored 18, they got 25 last week. Can they maintain their improvement or will Ugo find himself scrummaging to stay in the competition on Sunday night?

This is a big improvement on the previous two weeks, but will the judges, Liam and Rebecca agree?

Liam says: Seriously impressive from Ugo, with a lot of flips and jumps, and I’m not surprised that he’s out of breath!

What the judges say: Anton says it was absolutely brilliant. Craig says it lacked a little musicality but it was a fantastic dance. Motsi says there is a huge improvement in his performance skills!

Rebecca’s verdict: A couples choice for Ugo tonight with a tribal feel. Awesome athleticism but in exciting choreography for me im afraid. Just a 4.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 7
Motsi Mabuse 8
Shirley Ballas 8
Anton Du Beke 8

Total: 31 (last week: 25, week 1: 18)

Watch the dance:

 

20.02 – We have a BSL video review of Rose’s performance from Rebecca!

20.00 – IT’S TIME FOR ROSE! (can you tell who we are supporting?)

Deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis dances the foxtrot with Giovani Perni. The song is, aptly, Rose’s Theme from Titanic.

So what can we expect? Will they stand at the ship’s bow facing a sunset as Celine Dion sings her heart out? Will they end up submerged in the sea? Will Rose allow Giovani onto her wooden liferaft, or leave him to sink into the sea, like Kate Winslet did to Leonardo Di Caprio?

A foxtrot is defined on Wikipedia as ‘a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor.’

A reminder: Rose finished last week in 9th position out of 14 dancers, but remains the favourite with the bookies. She got 22 in the first week, but improved on that with 26 in the second week. Will this week bring further improvement?

This is very low-key, slow, tender. Emotional. Very Titanic. It’s the instrumental of My Heart Will Go On. Ends with Rose holding the necklace like in the film! Deaf applause! Afterwards, Rose says that because it was slower she didn’t have to count and could think about what she was doing more. Giovani says he is proud. This looks like a big step forward for Rose – but will the judges agree?

Liam says: Beautiful!

What the judges say: Motsi says they showed how it does not have to be complex, it can be simple and beautiful. Shirley says it was exquisite, beautiful choreography and foxtrot timing. Anton says he feels emotional and it was absolutely beautiful, and loved how her head turned from closed position to promenade position. Craig signs – ‘amazing’!!

Rebecca’s verdict: Rose, you were absolutely mesmerising! Your best dance yet. She glided across the floor in perfect synchrony with Giovanni. A beautiful connection between the two of them. A very instinctive dance. Loved it! 9 (see Rebecca’s BSL video review here!)

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 9
Motsi Mabuse 9
Shirley Ballas 9
Anton Du Beke 9

Total: 36 (last week: 26, week 1: 22)

Watch the dance:

19.53 – Daughter of Gordon Ramsey, TV presenter, chef, and social media influencer Tilly Ramsey and pro Nikita Kuzmin dance the Jive to Nicest Kids in Town by James Marsden, from Hairspray.

Tilly had her dad Gordon in tears last week after a hugely energetic performance which the judges loved, scoring a whopping 34. What emotion can she elicit from him this time? Let’s hope it’s not the version of her dad we’ve seen on Kitchen Nightmares, a strop wouldn’t go down to well with Claudia and Tess.

In the end Gordon isn’t even there, it’s her mum instead. This doesn’t look as good as last week, but it is solid.

What the judges say: Craig says it was very heavy of foot through the whole thing, but her personality was really shining through. Motsi says she felt the nerves and maybe the pressure was getting to her, but she believes in her. Shirley says overall she did very well. Anton says he’s enjoying her development over the weeks.

Rebecca’s verdict: Fun galore in Tilly’s Jive! She really managed that complex routine so well despite a small mistake. Great stamina & attack! Just be sure to. sharpen those kicks and flicks. 7 from me.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 6
Motsi Mabuse 7
Shirley Ballas 7
Anton Du Beke 7

Total: 27 (last week: 34, week 1: 21)

Watch the dance:

19.44 – Actor Greg Wise and Karen Hauer are dancing the Paso Doble to The James Bond Theme by Monty Norman, from James Bond.

Very emotional performance from Wise last week, when he and Karen danced disco in memory of his sister Clare. Incredibly, judge Craig Revel-Horwood rewarded him with a paltry score of 3.

Wise has got something of James Bond about him, so he should suit this one down to the ground. But will the judges be shaken or stirred by his performance?

Not sure Greg did much dancing there…

Liam says: If you’re going to clap your hands during the dance, at least do it in time!

What the judges say: Anton says his top half is super, he really likes him from the waist up. But it’s as though the legs trail behind’ (!). Craig puts the boot in – has he got it in for Greg? Motsi says she’d have loved to see more of the Paso coming through. Shirley says there were no mistakes and clear timing, but he has to engage his body.

Rebecca’s verdict: What a gaze from Greg in his paso doble! Strong, powerful stance but he comes across as a little stiff at times. More curving in the body needed for the Spanish feel. Great intensity but more paso lines please! 6.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 6
Motsi Mabuse 6
Shirley Ballas 7
Anton Du Beke 7

Total: 26 (last week: 23, week 1: 24)

Watch the dance:

 

19.36 – Now it’s Peep Show and Mitchell & Webb star, comedian Robert Webb, dancing with Dianne Buswell dance the Quickstep to The Muppet Show Theme by The Muppets, from The Muppets Movie.

Robert put in a bit of a parody performance in the first week, before getting all serious last week. I had a feeling we’ll be back to parody and see him dressed in a lot of green in this one… and that’s exactly what we’re getting!

What the judges say: Shirley says ‘a very very good performance’ and highlights how much fun it was. Anton says there were some mistakes, but a lot of it was good. Craig says it was a little jerky. Motsi says Robert needs to work on his ‘stability, concentration and stamina.’ Everything, then?

Rebecca’s verdict: Fast footwork from Robert in tonight’s quickstep with a few unfortunate mistakes. Lots of choreography, good timing but the frame dropped and the hold needs more strength. 6

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 6
Motsi Mabuse 6
Shirley Ballas 7
Anton Du Beke 6

Total: 25 (last week: 27, week 1: 20)

Watch the dance:

19.29 – TV presenter AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington dance the American Smooth to I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston, from The Bodyguard.

AJ scored 31 last week, and with her score of 34 in week 1, she tops the leaderboard.

AJ is one of the favourites for this competition, after winning the second series of Celebrity Karaoke Club on ITV2 earlier this year. She can sing, she can dance… but is she at Whitney’s level, and is Kai the kind of guy who’d jump in front of a bullet for her? We’ll leave the Bodyguard references there…

Mrs Charlie says she got goosebumps! The crowd go wild afterwards.

What the judges say: Motsi says she was ‘spellbound’, and there was ‘so much pure quality.’ Shirley says she’s definitely one to watch. Anton says he’s ‘delighted and well done.’ Craig says it was ‘incredible.’ The scores are going to be big…

Liam says: I agree with Motsi there. Movie magic.

Rebecca’s verdict: Superbly dramatic American Smooth from AJ. Full of passion and intensity! (My first goosebumps of the evening there…!) She can work on her delicate hand and arm placements but otherwise fab-u-lous! 8

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 8
Motsi Mabuse 9
Shirley Ballas 9
Anton Du Beke 9

Total: 35 (last week: 31, week 1: 34)

Watch the dance:

19.20 – Dragon’s Den star and businesswoman Sara Davies MBE and Aljaž Škorjanec dance the samba to Best Years of Our Lives by Modern Romance, from Shrek.

Last week, this duo scored the highest score for a Foxtrot in the history of the show, and managed to double their score from the week before. Was that a flash in the pan or are they now operating at a higher level?

They come out dressed as Shreck and Princess Fiona – they’re unrecognisable! And they get a huge response from the crowd, this dance looks like another winner. They even get a message from fellow dragon Peter Jones who sends all his love.

Liam says: That was smooth, and looked like a lot of fun. Chemistry between the two of them as good as Shrek and Fiona!

What the judges say: Shirley says she’d wondered if last week was a one off, but says Sara has an ‘inner timing clock’ and it was very well executed. Anton says it was terrific.

Rebecca’s verdict: A very sweet samba from Sara. Lots of content, lovely smiles, great energy! I’d like to see her driving her energy downwards more for a earthier, samba feel. More hip action on the Volta’s and samba walks too please. Good job though! A very competent 6 from me. PS. Hair and make up looking incredible!

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 7
Motsi Mabuse 7
Shirley Ballas 7
Anton Du Beke 7

Total: 28 (last week: 34, week 1: 17)

Watch the dance:

19.12 – BBC Breakfast and sport presenter Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova dance the Foxtrot to Once Upon a Dream by Seth MacFarlane, from Sleeping Beauty.

Walker was dressed as the Gladiator last week, so he started movie week a week early, a bit like turning up for a fancy dress party to find everyone else in normal clothes. I thought he’d be dressed as the Beast this week… or Sleeping Beauty, but he appears as the prince!

What the judges say: Anton says Dan’s dancing elegantly, but it went wrong. Craig says there were big mistakes and he feels Dan lost his confidence.  Motsi also says the confidence went. Shirley brings it back a bit and says it was fantastic and not to be hard on himself!

Rebecca’s verdict: A good effort from Dan in tonight’s Foxtrot but it wasn’t as charming as a Prince could be! Quite a hesitant start but he grew in confidence and there was a lovely flowing section where his footwork went well. I’d like him to watch his hands and to finish his lines nicely. 5.

Liam says: It was fairly average, I think. A few little wobbles and a lack of oomph to really blow my socks off.

The scores come in and they vary hugely! It’s Dan’s lowest score so far.

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 3
Motsi Mabuse 5
Shirley Ballas 7
Anton Du Beke 6

Total:  21 (last week: 26, week 1: 24)

Watch the dance:

19.02 – Stand-up comedian and Loose Women presenter Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima dance the Charleston to When You’re Good to Mama by Queen Latifah and Taye Diggs, from Chicago.

They got a lot of plaudits for their samba last week, but only improved their first week score by 1 point! What will they deliver this time round?

There’s an ecstatic response from the audience!

What the judges say: Shirley says Judi is rising too the challenge every week. Anton says it was tremendous and she has a future on the musical theatre stage! Craig’s bothered by her right foot swivel and says he’d like more dancing.

Rebecca’s verdict: A very sexy, sassy Charleston from Judy! Loving her confidence and style but her fumbled steps disappoint and it’s lacking the bounce and swivel a Charleston needs. Just a 4 from me.

The scores come in and they get 24! Very steady performances after getting 25 and 24 in previous weeks!

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 4
Motsi Mabuse 7
Shirley Ballas 7
Anton Du Beke 6

Total: 24  (last week: 25, week 1: 24)

Watch the dance: 

18.54 – The celebrity dancers have all come out – Robert Webb dressed as Kermit, I can also see Shreck and many other movie characters!

Liam says: The hair and costume department have smashed it with the looks this evening!

18.52 – Rebecca-Anne Withey gives her verdict on the Bridgeton-inspired opening dance:

Stunning opening to tonight’s show with a very modern take on a Viennese waltz. Wonderful to see so many same sex couples dancing, led by the very charming Johannes and Kai!

18.48 – A reminder that last week, Nina Waida and Neil Jones were the first couple to be eliminated from the show.

But the numbers stay the same as Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden will be back on the dance floor after missing last week’s show after positive Covid tests.

They got 21 in the first week and will be hoping to better that when they dance to Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry, from one of my personal favourite movies, Back to the Future!

18.45 – Welcome to this week’s live blog!

It’s Movie Night on Strictly tonight, with deaf actor Rose Alying-Ellis back on the dance floor, and this time she’ll be dancing a foxtrot to, aptly, ‘Rose’s Theme’ from Titanic!

The main question we’re asking is: will Geovani be allowed on her liferaft at the end? We’re sure there’s room…

This is a special week for us this week, as we have a guest deaf dance judge all of our own – Rebecca-Anne Withey! 

Rebecca writes for the site and as well as being an actor, is also a dancer. Here she is (left) in action!

She’ll be giving her own score for each of the acts, as they happen, with a special extra review when Rose appears – look out for it!

The whole of the UK deaf community is behind Rose, but she’ll be hoping to improve her scores.

By the end of last week’s show, Rose was in 9th position, out of 14 dancers, with a combined score of 48.

But she’s still the favourite with the bookmakers, closely followed by John Whaite, AJ Odudu and Adam Peaty. A

What will this week bring? We’ll have all the updates here, written by Charlie Swinbourne with Liam O’Dell, who’ll be working the Twitter feed, also chipping in, and of course Rebecca giving us her verdict!

We’ll also be posting videos of each dance shortly after they’ve left the dance floor, via the Strictly twitter account.

The music this week includes tracks from films like Back to the Future, Shreck, James Bond and Pirates of the Caribbean. Can’t wait!

And if you’ve missed our previous blogs, you can check out last week’s live blog here, week 2 here and week 1 here.

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