Live blog: Can Rose Ayling-Ellis maintain her progress on Strictly Come Dancing?

Posted on October 16, 2021 by



Tonight, deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, and her fellow dancers face their third public vote!

Charlie Swinbourne will be live blogging every dance with Liam O’Dell giving updates on our Twitter feed, and Hearns Sebuado 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!

20.58 – The scores are in and at the top of the leaderboard tonight is Sara, followed by Tilly.

Rose was in eighth position tonight, out of 11 dancers. Will that be good enough to avoid the public vote?

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

20.56 – TV presenter AJ Odudu dances with Kai Widdrington.

They dance the Samba to Don’t Go Yet by Camila Cabello.

This couple are one of the favourites and they’ve been outstanding so far, scoring over 30 each week. Can they keep it up?

This has to be the dance of the night, full of life and energy, and you can tell AJ is putting everything into it!

Liam says: AJ is such a confident dancer!

What the judges say: Ooh they’re not as into it as we are! Craig says technically it was really poor and lacking and it wasn’t AJ’s dance tonight. Motsi says she came in with conviction, but needed more coordination, but more technique is needed with the legs. Shirley says it was vibrant and had attitude and body rhythm. But she needed to track from the top of the leg. Anton says he loves watching her dance and well done.

Hearns’s verdict:  That was an okay performance so much potential! Apart from the mistakes in the beginning. I love her confidence and commitment to the performance but samba technique is lacking. Score: 6

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 5
Motsi Mabuse 7
Shirley Ballas 8
Anton Du Beke 8

Total: 28 (wk 3: 35 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 34)

Watch it:

20.48 – Now it’s swimmer and five-time Olympic medallist Adam Peaty dancing with Katya Jones.

They’re dancing the Argentine Tango to Tango in the Night by Fleetwood Mac.

After starting with a whopping 30 in the first week, their scores have dropped massively since, with 19 and 20 in the last two shows.

It’s time for Olympic swimmer Peaty to get into full flow, or he might start to sink in the shallow end…

Charlie says: Impressive physicality from Adam here but not matched by the fluency, in my view.

What the judges say: Anton says it was one of the most impressive sequences of lifts ever. His intensity was a hit tonight. Craig says he thought it was brilliant. Motsi says he’s working from inside. Shirley gives them a tip – to get flexibility and music within his own body.

Hearns’s verdict:  I love the lifts its so stunning, he leads Katya so well. The sharpness on his feet and his leg extension is excellent. I would love for him to explore more of intensity! Score 8

Judges scores:

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

Total: 32 (wk 3: 20 | wk 2: 19 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

20.38 – Stand-up comedian and Loose Women presenter Judi Love dances with Graziano Di Prima.

They’re dancing the Waltz to Hero by Mariah Carey. This will be a bit of a tear-jerker, we reckon.

These two have been the most consistent scorers, with 24, 25 and 24 in the last three weeks.

But can they start to be heroes themselves and jump up from their middling scores? We wouldn’t put it past them…

This dance is dedicated to Judi’s late parents and it’s brilliant.

Liam says: That was a beautiful, powerful performance!

What the judges say: Shirley says it was beautifully executed. Says Judi is lovely inside and out. Anton says she made the connection between the dance, the music and the sentiment. Craig says it was wonderful, wonderful sentiment.

Hearns’s verdict:  She look beautiful in blue dress! It was beautiful and emotionally. I can feel she pour her heart and soul into the performance. She move nicely across the floor. I would love to see her push it even more and travel a bit more. Score 8

Judges scores:

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

Total: 24 (wk 3: 24 | wk 2: 25 | wk 1: 24)

Watch it:

20.29 – BBC Breakfast and sport presenter Dan Walker dances with Nadiya Bychkova.

They’re dancing the Cha Cha Cha to U Can’t Touch This/Superfreak by MC Hammer/Rick James.

Dan’s been a Gladiator then a prince in the last two weeks. What’s he going to be this time around?

This is Dan’s best dance so far, I reckon! More presence for sure.

What the judges say: Motsi says it was fun to watch, it was passionate, but needs more leg action. But this is the Dan she likes to see. Shirley says it was entertaining, that Dan looked like he believes in himself more, was committed to each step. Anton says Dan believed and has to do that every week. Craig says Dan is committed, but the performance was worth the 1min 30.

Hearns’s verdict: That was fun performance however technically his footwork need a lot work! I love his commitment to the performance however I am looking for more cha cha cha footwork which lacking. Score 7

Judges scores:

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

Total: 26 (wk 3: 21 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 24)

Watch it: 

20.22 – Dragon’s Den star and businesswoman Sara Davies MBE dances with pro Aljaž Škorjanec.

They’re dancing the Tango to Por Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel.

They were unrecognisable in Shreck green last week, and after what must have been hours in make up, they got a respectable score of 28.

They’ve got a lot in their locker these two, they got the highest ever score for a foxtrot two weeks ago.

What can they do this time around?

What the judges say: Craig says it was spectacular and he couldn’t see anything wrong with that. Motsi says she really loved it and feels proud. She says Sara took respect and reflected their lives and passion for dance. I think Motsi might give them a 10! Shirley says Sara must be a phenomenal student. She adds: off the charts! Anton says it was almost perfect, but the one thing he didn’t like was her head. He says she goes left but tilts right, what he wants is her to lean to the left as she looks left, then he’ll give her a 12!

Hearns’s verdict: That was great tango!! The choreography is stunning this possibly her best dance so far. It was beautiful, intense and dramatic. Alijaz did an amazing job with the routine by making it traditional no props or other thing just dance! She has improved week after week! Score: 9

Judges scores:

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

Total: 36 (wk 3: 28 | wk 2: 34 | wk 1: 17)

Watch it:

20.12 – CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson dances with Nancy Xu.

They’re dancing the Salsa to Butter by BTS.

For my money, Rhys has been one of the smoothest dancers out there and last week, he got the score he deserved in earlier weeks (in my earnest opinion!) with a huge 37, dancing to a Spiderman song.

But the Salsa will be a whole new challenge. Salsa, butter, I’m getting hungry… anyway let’s see how this dance goes then I’ll think about getting a snack.

Rhys is so funky!

What the judges say: Anton loves his energy but says the dance was a bit too big for him, needed to be more like being in a club with people all around. Craig thought it was refreshing, so nice to see something different. Motsi loved the rhythm potential, but says the base should be smaller, but she loves the way he shines. Shirley says they bring out the best in each other. She says Rhys has good rhythm but need to polish the loose ends.

Hearns’s verdict: I love his explosive energy, he put everything into it. The armonography and lifts are stunning! I really enjoyed his performance. Score: 8

Judges scores:

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

Total: 31 (wk 3: 37 | wk 2: 30 | wk 1: 27)

Watch it:

20.04 – Baker John Whaite dances with pro dancer Johannes Radebe.

They’re dancing the American Smooth to I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) by George Michael and Aretha Franklin

Along with AJ, John’s got to be a huge favourite for this competition. Like her, he’s scored more than 30 every week, and he nearly reached perfection last week, getting 39.

Can they go one better and reach 40? Or will it be a step down for this brilliant duo?

Well, that looked brilliant, so in synch, a real powerhouse of a duo…

What the judges say: Shirley says it’s time for more footwork, but great consistency. Anton says John is a super super dancer, lovely grace and lovey style. Recommends he includes his hold. Craig wasn’t fond of it, too many ideas. Motsi says the chemistry is really special and beautiful between them, but to be aware of the technical aspect.

Hearns’s verdict: That performance is so cute!! Its very different type of American Smooth feels and I felt the connection between those 2. He could work on his footwork, he could straighten up his leg up a bit more when he did the jump. Overall the performance is nice. Score: 8

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood
6
Motsi Mabuse 7
Shirley Ballas 8
Anton Du Beke 8

Total: 29 (wk 3: 39 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

19.55 – Actor Greg Wise dances with Karen Hauer.

They’re dancing the Samba to Macarena by Los Del Rio.

Wise was Bond last week, but will he be more like Johnny English this time around?

In the pre-dance VT, Karen tells him how important his hip movement is for this dance…

This really is Johnny English. Very cringeworthy, clunky, doesn’t suit Greg at all. I’m scared to see what the results might be…

What the judges say: Motsi says it got better as it went on, but she wanted more from the body, a clearer body action. Shirley says Greg is so entertaining, but we’re on week 4, and it wasn’t a little mistake at the beginning. But by this point they need no mistakes, not his best dance. Greg agrees.  Anton gives lukewarm praise. Craig says it looked like Greg had come out of a double hip replacement operation. He does say he loved the shirt.

Hearns’s verdict: I don’t know what I can say… lost for words.. the performances was fun but more comedy into it however I didn’t see any bouncing action, he did made mistake in some part of the routine. And the hip action (i don’t know what to say) it was so bad!! Score: 3

Judges scores:

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

Total: 19 (wk 3: 26 | wk 2: 23 | wk 1: 24)

Watch it:

19.46 – Daughter of Gordon Ramsey, TV presenter, chef, and social media influencer Tilly Ramsay dances with pro Nikita Kuzmin.

They dance the Paso Doble to Diablo Rojo by Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Which of Tilly’s parents will be in the audience tonight, and can she make them cry, like she did with Gordon, two weeks ago?

What impresses me about this dance is Tilly’s presence on the dance floor, she’s commanding it. It’s full of attitude, great footwork too.

What the judges say: Craig says it felt like ‘half an investment’ which feels like he was watching a different dance. But says he loved the routine. But thinks Tilly can go a lot further. Motsi says don’t be afraid to push even more.  Shirley says she doesn’t know what Craig was looking at! Beautiful wrists and hands, and poise. Anton says he thinks it was her best dance of the season so far!

Hearns’s verdict: I love the choreography Nikita did amazing job choreographing this routine! I feel like she could have push more give everything she got! I saw the determination and intensity in her performance would have been great to see it all the way through if she are able to push her performance make it bigger, She has got beautiful shape in some part. That is an improvement from last week. Score: 7

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 6
Motsi Mabuse 8
Shirley Ballas 9
Anton Du Beke 9

Total: 32 (wk 3: 27 | wk 2: 34 | wk 1: 21)

Watch it:

19.36 – McFly band member, author and actor Tom Fletcher dances with Amy Dowden.

They’re dancing the Foxtrot to Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra.

After missing a week with covid, this duo jumped to a huge score of 32 last week.

Will they shoot for the stars this week, or, ahem, will they return to Earth with a bump?

Massive reception to this! Very elegant and synchronised.

What the judges say: Anton says the whole thing was charming. The whole thing was gorgeous. But he says Tom needs to work on his footwork. Craig felt Tom could have led more, and was holding back at times. But it was confident and elegant. Motsi says they made it look easy and she loved it, exquisite. Shirley says there was a good effort with posture but more work needed on footwork. She ends by saying ‘the sky’s the limit!’

Hearns’s verdict: The performance was nice , however Tom need to work on his hold and posture and leading his partner. I love the synchronised and the feels of the performance is classy and elegant. It was nice performance he can work it on his next ballroom. Score: 7

Judges scores:

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

Total: 29 (wk 3: 32 | wk 2: N/A | wk 1: 21)

Watch it: 

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

Deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis dances with Giovani Perni. 

They’ll be dancing the Cha Cha Cha to Raspberry Beret by Prince.

This may not suit Rose, who said she preferred a slower dance last week as she didn’t have to count as much.

But we’re not writing her off. Rose finished last week in 3rd position with a massive score of 36. What can she do this week?

In the pre-dance VT, Giovani explains that this is a completely different dance to the three previous ones. We also see two deaf friends of Rose’s coming in to see her! Rose says how much it has motivated her.

Charlie says: Wow this is colourful – I need sunglasses to watch this! Lots of hip wriggling, loads of leg work, and I’ve got to say Rose is really embracing this, she looks like she’s having the time of her life here!

Rose on this week’s broken hearing aid drama: she says it’s “normal life for Deaf people”, while Giovanni jokes that “it was like talking to a speaker”!

What the judges say: Some mistakes, Shirley says, but brilliantly led. Anton says watching Rose dance is like a refreshing spritz! Much stronger foot actions and lovely swivel through her hips. Craig says she should have extended her line but loves the partnership. Motsi says there were some nerves but Rose is getting stronger and stronger and gaining confidence!

Hearns’s verdict: Must be nerve wracking for her to open the show. Cha cha cha is most difficult latin dance and Rose did so well especially opening show!! Great hip actions however I would love to see more get loose on Latin and have strong legs overall she did well with great rhythm. Score 7

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 7
Motsi Mabuse 6
Shirley Ballas 6
Anton Du Beke 8

Total: 27 (wk 3: 36 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 22)

Watch it:

19.12 – We’re three couples down this week!

Last week, Katie and Gorka (left) were voted out after the judges were unimpressed with her Cruella De Vill impression, and this was followed by Robert Webb’s withdrawal on health grounds.

Ugo Monye is sitting out this week due to problems with his back, though he hopes to be back next week.

And of course, Nina Waida and Neil Jones were the first couple to be eliminated from the show in the first week of eliminations.

Two weeks ago, 15 dancers took part, but tonight they’ll be only 11. That might be good news for us though, as it might mean the show is a little slower paced, and we won’t have to type as fast…

19.00 – Welcome to this week’s live blog! The programme starts at 7.10pm, so there’s not long to go!

Tonight, deaf actor Rose Alying-Ellis returning to the the dance floor after a massive improvement last week which saw her reach third place!

Our Deaf Guest Dance Judge this week is Hearns Sebuado!

Hearns (left) is a freelance deaf dance artist from London, originally from the Philippines.

He began his training at South Thames College. He studied for a National Diploma Performing Arts, getting Triple Distinctions and Graduated at Middlesex University with a Second class honours degree.

In 2014 Hearns toured with SDC in Louisiana and Miami, and performed with Cuban Poetry. His credits include Tango Transitions (Sadlers Wells), The Who’s Tommy Tour Ensemble, Mandirigma Room to Room, and Carnival Gloucestershire.

Hearns will be be giving his own score for each of the acts, as they happen!

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 Hearns giving us his 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 Prince, Mariah Carey and Fleetwood Mac. We can’t wait!

If you’ve missed our previous blogs, you can check out last week’s live blog here, week 3 here, week 2 here and week 1 here.

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