Live blog: Rose takes on Week Five in Strictly!

Posted on October 23, 2021 by



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

Charlie Swinbourne will be live blogging every dance and taking care of the Twitter feed, while deaf actor and presenter Donna Mullings is this week’s 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!

20.52 – The scores are in and at the top of the leaderboard tonight is John and Johannes, followed by Rose and Giovani!

That was Rose’s biggest score of the series so far, even getting a 10! Adding a bit of acting to the performance really bumped things up a level.

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

A massive thanks to our guest judge tonight, the brilliant Donna Mullings! Hope you have a great evening and see you again this time next week!

20.49 – CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson dances with Nancy Xu.

They’re dancing the American Smooth to I’ve Got The World On a String by Michael Bublé.

Charlie says: Rhys is one of my favourites on this show, and once again he shows why! He can dance – full of confidence and smoothness, gliding across the dance floor. Notes of exuberance here as well. Motsi was on her feet as they finished!

What the judges say: Anton says it was very good, he’s becoming a more rounded dancer. He says Rhys is a real talent. Craig says Rhys lost his balance after his turns at the beginning and needs to keep his frame solid, but he says he could watch him dance all night. Motsi says it was a great performance and Rhys showed how diverse he is, we’ve seen different sides of him each week. She says Rhys is a star, but he needs to see himself there. Shirley says he is a rising star.

Donna’s verdict:  Rhys and Nancy – score: 10

They’re always give full of energy every week but this time, Rhys still did brilliantly with his America Smooth dance at his own pace! They always put a smile on my face!

Judges scores:

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

Total: 32 (wk 4: 31 | wk 3: 37 | wk 2: 30 | wk 1: 27)

Watch it:

20.38 – 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 Viennese Waltz to Fallin’ by Alicia Keys.

This should have a romantic and slower feel, which should suit Rose, who said she preferred a slower dance two weeks ago, and scored her highest score so far.

There’s a hint that Giovani might sign in this… and he does! They both do!

Charlie says: Rose said she’d like this one because she can act in it, and this really felt like a story being performed by these two, of a tempestuous couple! With a bit of a signed drama between them at the start, then Rose walking away from him at the end! That was brilliant.

What the judges say: Shirley says it was like watching her life story. She loved the narrative and how they sold it. Anton says her posture and arm line are immaculate. Craig says only one word: fab-u-lous. Motsi says it was magical.

Donna’s verdict:  Rose and Giovanni – score: 10

BRILLIANT!!! I LOVE it! The love and hate relationship works really well between them! The communication between them is top notch!! A big hands wave in the air! 🙌🏾

Judges scores:

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

Total: 37  (wk 4: 27 | wk 3: 36 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 22)

That’s Rose’s highest score so far!

Watch it:

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

They’re dancing the Charleston to Milord by Édith Plaf.

Charlie says: Such a good team, these two – great synch! Rapturous response from the audience in the studio!

What the judges say:  Motsi says it was spectacular and she feels like taking them up to broadway. Shirley says flawless. Anton says it was just amazing and it was a mirror image. Craig says he loved the French vibe, it was amazing.

Donna’s verdict:  John and Johannes – score: 10!

They did fantastic in the Charleston dance!! I can’t see any fault in them, they brings out the joy in them and I have always enjoyed watching them!

Judges scores:

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

Total: 38 (wk 4: 29 | wk 3: 39 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

20.21 – Sports pundit and former rugby union player Ugo Monye dances with pro – and winner of the last two Strictly’s – Oti Mabuse.

They’re dancing the Rumba to Leave The Door Open by Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak and Silk Sonic.

After a week off through injury, will Ugo’s back last the distance?

What the judges say: Craig says it lacked musicality and was heavy footed. Shirley agrees, says Ugo must roll his shoulders back, says it was all a little bit off today. Anton says there was an element of fear going on.

Donna’s verdict:  Ugo and Oti – score: 6

Oti is sexy, she got the quality, she’s give everything she had got and I can see Ugo is really trying his hardest to give his best quality in Rumba. He did well, he just needs to give give a bit more.

Judges scores:

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

Total: 20 (wk 4 N/A | wk 3: 31 | wk 2: 25 | wk 1: 18)

Watch it:

20.13 – TV presenter AJ Odudu dances with Kai Widdrington.

They dance the Argentine Tango to Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks.

Charlie says: Wow! This was full of sensuality, energy, great footwork. Really impressed!

What the judges say: Anton says AJ’s quality of line is great and he loved it. Craig says he’d have liked to see more follow and reaction but it was off the chart and amazing. Motsi says AJ brings many beautiful things and that was phenomenal. Shirley just stands up and applauds! Then she says she loved it and it was AJ’s best dance so far. Big scores ahead, I reckon.

Donna’s verdict:  AJ and Kai – score: 10

Wow AJ is sexy, loving her long legs!! She did really brilliant with her legs technique! Both of them have such quality in their Tango Style!

Judges scores:

Craig Revel-Horwood 8
Motsi Mabuse 8
Shirley Ballas 10
Anton Du Beke 9

Total: 35 (wk 4: 28 wk 3: 35 | wk 2: 31 | wk 1: 34)

Watch it:

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

They dance the Foxtrot to Little Things by One Direction.

Charlie says: Great footwork from Tilly there. I felt the dance was a bit lacking in life and intensity though.

What the judges say: Shirley says Tilly’s frame has really improved. Anton says she has a natural air about her and he loved this dance. Craig says it had flow, elegance, grace, gorgeous. Motsi says something about Tilly’s dancing touches her heart and Tilly carries her spine beautifully.

Donna’s verdict:  Tilly and Nlkita – score: 9.

I think they both are gorgeous and well suit! Loving the text messages! Beautiful foxtrot, can see the romance blossom between them, the way they dance, the way they looked into each other’s eyes and the way they held their hands! It’s just perfect – magical. They really look after each other!

Judges scores:

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

Total: 36 (wk 4: 32 | wk 3: 27 | wk 2: 34 | wk 1: 21)

Watch it:

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

They’re dancing the Salsa to Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles.

Will this be sweet or sour?

Charlie says: Tom’s really getting into his groove, lots of energy snd presence. He’s got rhythm and they were in synch here. And Shirley and Motsi gave them a standing ovation!

What the judges say: Motsi says it was cool and casual and the lifts were great – for her, his best dance so far. Shirley agrees it was his best dance so far! Anton says Tom came back well from one of the early lifts. Craig says he thought Tom led the dance really well and has gone from strength to strength!

Donna’s verdict:  Tom and Amy – score: 8.

I love Tom’s character, he’s unique and quirky, he’s always trying, trying his hardest best with his dance but this one, he upped his game and did brilliantly, giving Amy the lift and swinging her around and cartwheeling – using one hand!

Judges scores:

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

Total: 34 (wk 4: 29 | wk 3: 32 | wk 2: N/A | wk 1: 21)

Watch it:

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

They’re dancing the Rumba to You’re Still The One by Shania Twain.

This duo keep improving every week, and they’ve got to be one of the favourites. But will their dance tonight suit a different Shania Twain song – That Don’t Impress Me Much?

Charlie says: A little stiff, in my view, but competent.

What the judges say: Craig says he thought it lacked passion. Motsi says there were many positives and she loved the connection between them. Shirley says Sara has a great vertical spine but needed more pendulum action, thought it was beautiful. Anton says her feet were terrific.

Donna’s verdict: Sara and Aljaz – score: 5

Very nice, simple and gentle but it doesn’t make me feel drawn to them! I wanted to see more Rumba with passion and fiery with body movement. Overall they did well, just need to give it a little bit more!

Judges scores:

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

Total: 25 (wk 4: 36 | wk 3: 28 | wk 2: 34 | wk 1: 17)

Watch it:

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

They’re dancing the Samba to Faith by George Michael.

Charlie says: Well, Adam had the look of George Michael with that white t-shirt and jeans, but he didn’t look much like a dancer there, I’m afraid to say. He’s got rhythm in the pool but not on the dance floor, in my view.

What the judges say: Anton says it was amazing, but he doesn’t know why. (I think he was watching a different dance there.) Craig says it lacked fluidity at times but he had bounce and well done. Motsi says watching Adam is like watching a glitterball. Shirley says Adam managed to stay in the pocket of the music and is improving each week.

Donna’s verdict: Adam and Katya – Score: 7

Love his bum twist at the start!! Adam did really well with the Samba, it is not easy dancing it because you have to use your hip/body a lot and move your footwork quickly! Score: 7

Judges scores:

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

Total: 29 (wk 4: 32 | wk 3: 20 | wk 2: 19 | wk 1: 30)

Watch it:

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

They’re dancing the Viennese Waltz to She’s Always a Woman by Billy Joel.

It’s one of Dan’s wife Mrs Walker’s favourite tunes apparently… let’s hope it still is in ten minutes time…

Charlie says: For me, that was solid, but not spectacular. Confession – I can never get excited about Dan, whatever he’s doing. Sorry Dan!

What the judges say: Shirley says Dan needs more belief in himself. Craig says he did really really well. Motsi says she loves the way he is so dedicated and delicate, and compliments his long legs!

Donna’s verdict: Dan and Nadiya – score 8:

Beautiful and elegant! Love the posture! Dan has improved his footstep, very swiftly and softly.

Judges scores:

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

Total: 28 (wk 4: 26 | wk 3: 21 | wk 2: 26 | wk 1: 24)

Watch it:

19.19 – As the couples come out, a reminder that we’re five couples down this week, as Judi is missing this week due to Covid.

Last week, Greg got voted out, after a bad case of dad-dancing, following Katie and Nina in leaving the competition. Of course, Robert withdrew two weeks ago with health issues.

But Ugo is back tonight, which means we’ve got 10 couples to look forward to.

19.07 – And here’s a clip of Rose and Giovani appearing on It Takes Two!

19.00 – Welcome to this week’s live blog!

Tonight, deaf actor Rose Alying-Ellis returning to the the dance floor, hoping to improve her scores after finishing just below halfway last week.

Our Deaf Guest Dance Judge this week is Donna Mullings! She will be be giving her 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.

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

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

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Posted in: charlie swinbourne, live blog