Strictly Come Dancing: week four – as it happened

9.16pm BST Thank you and a glittery goodnight - for now That concludes Saturday’s twinkle-toed liveblog but we’ll be back in ballroom hold tomorrow. The results show airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll reboot the blog at 6.45pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter (we still don’t call it X, right?), so please do samba-bounce over and say hi. Thanks for watching along with me and your excellent company as always. Meet you here for the third elimination tomorrow. And in the meantime, you know what to do: keeeeeep dancing! Take care, my Tumnus-trousered favourites. 9.14pm BST And before I go, it would be frankly remiss of me not to mention that for some autumnal reading – involving mutts, murder and mirth in a seaside setting – my debut novel The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency has just been published by Penguin Michael Joseph. I see a few of you in the comments are already reading and being lovely about it, which is making me glow like a glitterball. All orders gratefully rewarded with tail-wags and face-licks (don’t worry, not from me). 9.12pm BST Finally, some of your thoughts on Ellie Goldstein’s Couple’s Choice show-closer. joanieloves says: “So much energy and enthusiasm from Ellie. She’s clearly having the time of her life.” ADreamOfWhiteHorses says: “Life affirming.” Jennifera030 says: “Ellie is living her best life and I wish I had a quarter of her confidence and skill. She is great and this dance is bringing me joy.” Toesturnedin says: “Well. I’m very glad to have watched that. Yes I’m very dusty. Who cares? Bloody lovely end to the show.” Somersetlass says: “Oh, Vito. ‘When Ellie comes into the room, everything lights up. All of a sudden the world is in colours’. My heart.” EmmyHarb adds: “I’m so glad that Vito didn’t go down the sweet, schmaltzy route with Ellie’s CC. That was fun and funky. She smashed it!” Updated at 9.18pm BST 9.09pm BST On Amber Davies’ Argentine tango, JoMK73 says: “I loved that AT. Pure filth, not clean as a whistle. Loved the choreography.” Vicc says: “That final shot of Amber and Nikita was excellent. Gave the atmosphere precisely.” Audreyshandbag adds: “They look like they’ve been shat on by the goose that lays the golden eggs!” Updated at 9.19pm BST 9.08pm BST On Chris Robshaw, Poppieshen says: “Nadiya really can dance. Chris can chuck her around but can’t dance.” IvanTiger says: “Chris still needs to loosen up more, but that wasn’t bad and better than before. Fab arms.” Southoftheriver1 adds: “Big improvement from Chris, although he sometimes just forgets to dance and walks between marks. Unbelievable lifts, though.” Updated at 9.19pm BST 9.05pm BST MarkRoche says: “Alex Kingston was sensational but Shirley overcompensating for earlier behaviour, methinks.” heroica says: “I just love Alex and Johannes. That was so beautiful and I’m a bit weepy. The lyrics are poignant.” LazyMillennial says: “The bit in Fast Car where the song just explodes is still one of my favourite moments in popular music.” Shazza2704 says: “Was that a Shirley equivalent of a Paul Hollywood handshake?” anniebygaslight adds: “Greetin’ like a Christmas card for Alex and Jojo.” Updated at 9.20pm BST 9.04pm BST MartGray says of Balvinder Sopal’s paso doble: “Great costumes, authentic music, but horribly distracting laser beams.” MikeMoonlight says: “Balvinder must be the first contestant to actually play their Naan card.” AndyPandy21 adds: “Public .don’t you dare put Balvinder in the dance-off. She does not deserve it. Her moves are very clean and such a good recognisable paso routine with Julian.” Updated at 9.21pm BST 9.02pm BST SparklingDormouse says: “Not good from La Voix. Just didn’t suit her. No hip movement and messy. I’m afraid. Shame as I love the jokes and she’s been better!” bewilderedpenguin says: “Well, that’s a first: Aljaz looking awful. And I loathe boxing. Grump grump grump. Must refill my glass.” MarkRoche says: “Not for the first time, the theme got in the way of the dance. Slightly disappointed with that from La Voix and Aljaz.” MissMartini adds: “I don’t think that was entirely La Voix’s fault. Terrible choreography, music and concept. I think she has more to give, so she may get all my votes.” Updated at 9.22pm BST 9.00pm BST Pancake01 says: “I love George Clarke and I like Alexis. However, I think Alexis has fallen into the trap that many new pros fall into. She needs to make him work on his ‘fundamentals’ more. I think the new pros are so concerned with doing the routine correctly, performing and looking good, and they assume that the celebs have more skill than they actually do. I think George is definitely a dancer though and I want him to go far.” irreverentnurse says: Yes, agree with Anton, George does have a calm quietness about him which I like.” diamondcat adds: “I honestly cannot believe that George hasn’t danced before. He’s extraordinary!” Updated at 9.23pm BST 8.59pm BST On Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, VictoriasSecret says: “Lovely family, nice sentiment. Still don’t approve of Couple’s Choice.” Miranda07 says: “Jimmy totally took me back to my childhood. Just fabulous and he is pure joy personified.” SnailyWhaley says: “Sorry, didn’t love that. I thought Lauren showed him up rather than showing him off.” Somersetlass adds: “Jimmy is a REVELATION! That hip work was wonderful, and he’s got real musicality. The whole dance was full of joy.” Updated at 9.24pm BST 8.57pm BST On Lewis Cope, ReclinedPotato says: “What a gorgeous routine from Katya and Lewis. That dismount from the step ladder was worth an extra point alone.” heroica says: “smooth foxtrot. Didn’t really need that spin on the floor, I thought. Spoilt the mood. Lovely otherwise.” Toesturnedin adds: “Oh. that was cute off the stepladder. I’ll try that with the lads at work.” Updated at 9.25pm BST 8.55pm BST joanieloves says: “Thought that was a great routine from Stefan Dennis. Dianne is a genius at playing to her partner’s strengths.” Jennifera030 says: “That was a big improvement from Stefan, who definitely wasn’t spending last week in remedial dancing classes.” IvanTiger adds: “Once they got round to it, some really nice moves from Stefan, but needed more dance and less staging.” Updated at 9.26pm BST 8.53pm BST On Vicky Pattison’s La Isla Bonita samba, elfwyn says: “I see I’m not the only one who sings ‘Young girl with eyes like potatoes’! Up there with ‘I can see clearly now, Lorraine has gone, I can see four lobster claws in my way.’” Somersetlass says: “Vicky full of party spirit there. Lots of hip and fringe movement (those trousers never stopped moving), and real attitude. Great fun.” LekisP adds: “Loved that from Vicki, she brought the party. Really enjoying her patter.” Updated at 9.27pm BST 8.51pm BST irreverentnurse says: “I do like Harry’s long legs, find him quite graceful given he’s muscle bound, with great posture. MikeMoonlight says: “It’s notable that even Vito has actually worn more buttons this series than Harry.” Lidoswimmer adds: “Not quite as good as Jimmy’s but we’ve had two really decent ‘difficult for the man’ rumbas.” Updated at 9.28pm BST 8.49pm BST Readers’ verdicts are in Time to take the temperature of your comments. On Karen Carney’s quickstep, jagadox says “Carlos seems another pro who has been finding his feet and that quickstep was bright, breezy and bouncy.” Bianco says: “Great song, amazing dress and she seemed to have a good time! A lovely start to the evening!” girlpanic says: “Fab-u-lous from Karen & Carlos. Her feet were great and she seemed to really enjoy it. Her upper body could be more elegant but I loved it overall.” ReclinedPotato adds “Oh, Karen is ever so slightly maniacal when she dances and I absolutely love it. Talk about going glitterballs deep!” Updated at 9.29pm BST 8.47pm BST Hold the front page, it’s the Golden Glitterballs They’re the most coveted made-up awards this side of a Scottish castle where the corridors smell faintly of Celia Imrie’s farts. Here are this week’s gong-grabbers… Best dance: Alex Kingston’s rumba, say the judges. Ellie Goldstein’s showstopper, say I. Worst dance: La Voix’s cha cha travesty by a long chalk. Best music choice: Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. Also loved Nat King Cole and Dance Monkey. Worst music choice: La Voix’s uneasy combo of music, concept and styling did her no favours at all. Best outfit: A tie between Karen Carney and Alexis Warr’s gowns. Worst outfit: La Voix as Tina Turner-meets-Rocky. Why oh why? Vicky’s Mr Tumnus trews in second place. Best VT: Ellie Goldstein’s proud mum. Something in my eye. Worst VT: Balvinder taking Julian for a curry, merely because it made me hungry. Best judges’ comment: “I heard somebody scream, then I realised it was me” – Anton on Harry’s rumba. Best Claudia quip: That kisscam spoof with her beloved Dave Arch. Be still, my beating satire. 8.38pm BST From cha-chas to chefs You can now flip to BBC2 for 40 Hits Of 1975 at the BBC or to ITV1 for The 1% Club. At 9.20pm, fun plane crash thriller Nine Bodies In A Mexican Morgue continues on BBC1. At 9.45pm, French domestic noir The Intruder climaxes with a double bill on BBC4. Tonight’s film picks are The Menu (9pm on Channel 4), Bone Tomahawk (11.05pm on Film4) or As Good As It Gets (11.25pm on Comedy Central). Good times, noodle salad. 8.38pm BST Witness the week four leaderboard Alex Kingston tops the standings, with Lewis Cope in second spot. La Voix is cut adrift way down at the foot of the scoreboard, 10 points below the rest, with Chris Robshaw second from bottom. As always, though, the viewer vote helps decide which two couples are consigned to tomorrow night’s dance-off. It could be a nervy wait for Stefan Dennis, too. Updated at 9.29pm BST 8.35pm BST Credits roll “Keeeeeep dancing,” trill Tess and Claud, snuggling in. As the sparkly dust settles, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments. 8.35pm BST This week's casting vote goes to... Craig gets the honour tomorrow. “About time, darling,” he says. All a bit underwhelming unless it has to be used. 8.33pm BST Tonight’s routines now get rewound on-screen. Which ballroom heroes are you voting for? Which hoofing zeroes are you definitely not? 8.33pm BST And the vote is… wait for it… open! Cue prop-waving pandemonium. Hen party stetsons must be on special offer. 8.32pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Fourth place. Ellie and Vito’s bond is so beautiful. Caring is sharing. Or is it the other way around? 8.30pm BST Judges’ comments: Anton says “you’re amazing and Vito I literally love you”. Craig says “OMG darling, don’t let your energy move ahead of the beat but that a display of self-expression”. A tearful Motsi says “strong, powerful, your golden moment, really touched me”. Shirley concludes “ending the show with your heart and soul, amazing”. Eights ahoy? Updated at 8.32pm BST 8.27pm BST Ellie and Vito’s Couple’s Choice Pro Vito Coppola says this number is simply a celebration of Ellie Goldstein herself and her groundbreaking, expectation-defying life so far. She’s looking even more sparkly than usual in a gold fringed dress with hot pants and metallic trainers. Powerful shapes and strong streetdance moves. Quirky, happy and full of energy. Jumping around, bouncy as a bunny. Lit up the ballroom and our living rooms. Solo twerking section and a spinning lift. A moment. Song: Golden by HUNTR/X. The second week in a row that we’ve had a song from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Is Dave Arch on commission? Updated at 9.31pm BST 8.22pm BST Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. “I’m your biggest fan,” a tearful Nikita tells Amber. Updated at 9.32pm BST 8.20pm BST Judges’ comments: Motsi says “musical, lifts on a different level, fast with sharp steps, so intense that I couldn’t look away”. Shirley says “love the lifts, place the legs and point the feet, otherwise well done”. Anton says “clean as a whistle but felt like hard work rather than reactive”. Craig concludes “loosen the legs, too placed and stagey but you’re incredible”. Eights and nines? 8.17pm BST Amber and Nikita’s Argentine Tango Late arrival Amber Davies and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin get the honour of dancing the first Argentine of the series. Nikita’s last one was with Layton Williams two years ago and scored 39 points, then a perfect 40 in the final. No pressure. They’ve been training long hours to do it justice. Fast, detailed, intense and packed with steps. Powerful, poised and passionate with close body contact. Intricate kicks and flicks. Connection, chemistry and serious sizzle. She was worried about the lifts but it doesn’t show. Damn, that was good. Song: Angel of My Dreams by JADE. The Little Mixer’s debut solo single samples the 1967 Eurovision-winning Puppet On A String by barefoot Sandie Shaw. Douze points! 8.14pm BST Judges’ scores: 4, 6, 7, 7 for a total of 24 points. They’re jubilant. Nadiya throws enjoyable shade at the male pros for being short and not strapping enough. 8.12pm BST Judges’ comments: Craig says “lacked any rotation but those lifts were extraordinary”. Motsi says “improving every week, nervous to start but strong performance, keep going and opening up”. Shirley says “those lifts were world champion level, needs more rotation downstairs”. Anton concludes “seamless lifts, brilliant, your best dance by far”. Sixes incoming? 8.09pm BST Chris and Nadiya’s salsa Rugby player Chris Robshaw and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova were delighted to dodge the dance-off with last week’s Thor-themed paso doble but he’s one of the hot tips to depart this week. Can they shake and shimmy out of danger? He’s well out of his comfort zone, bless him, but needs to unleash his hips. He’s been channelling “El Christof” in training to embrace his Latin side. Lacking spice and sauce, a bit slow, stiff and static in places, but scarlet-clad fun with strong, spectacular lifts. Song: María by Ricky Martin. This 1995 flamenco number was the Puerto Rican singer’s first international hit, four years before he went stratospheric with Livin’ la Vida Loca. Updated at 9.33pm BST 8.05pm BST Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 10 (never too early from Shirley), 9 for a total of 36 points. Top of the pops. Updated at 9.34pm BST 8.03pm BST Judges’ comments: Shirley says “perfect legs, stunning routine” and comes over to give Alex a kiss. Wow. Anton comes over for a handshake says “well done”. Craig says “exaggerate the topline but legs, balance and tone all there, you’re becoming quite a dancer”. Motsi concludes “different level”. They liked it a little more than me. Nines? Updated at 8.07pm BST 8.00pm BST Alex and Jojo’s rumba The second of two rumbas tonight is from actor Alex Kingston and her pro partner Johannes Radebe. They’ve promised a tender and sensitive take, rather than anything too sexual *purses lips, hitches bosom*. Intensity but occasionally unsteady for me. Dips, drops and drags. Sweeping legs and smooth transitions between movements. Alex said this week that the rumba was her favourite dance so far and that was lovely, leggy storytelling. Song: Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. Her Grammy-winning 1988 debut single about a working woman trying to escape the cycle of poverty. The original version of Dreams by Gabrielle was based around a sample from Fast Car but it couldn’t be cleared, so was removed from the final song. You can imagine it, though, right? Updated at 9.33pm BST 7.56pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Mid-table. Hope she’s safe this week. Updated at 9.35pm BST 7.54pm BST Judges’ comments: Anton says “much more like it, add consistency and carry this on”. Craig says “a raised shoulder, messy flow and turned-in feet but brilliant arms and hands”. Motsi says “you showedfight and commitment, intense, lacked the odd detail but you lived it, you’re a powerhouse”. Shirley concludes “atmospheric, mishaps as you tired but you worked that skirt superbly, true flavour”. Sevens, do we think? An eight from Motsi? 7.51pm BST Balvinder and Julian’s paso doble EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and new Australian pro Julian Caillon – aka “Team Ballion” – survived last week’s dance-off last week but have the ideal dance with which to come out fighting. A traditional paso with bold modern flourishes. Passionate, fiery, flamenco-flavoured and full of intent. Shirley was harsh on Balvinder’s technique and footwork last week, so Julian has been drilling her hard. Skirt-swishing, strong shapes. Lacking a little curve and finished lines but hot as hell. Olé! Song: Diablo Rojo by Rodrigo y Gabriela. The Mexican guitar duo have soundtracked plenty of previous Strictly pasos, including those by Tilly Ramsay, Greg Rutherford, Mike Bushell and Helen Skelton. 7.47pm BST Judges’ scores: 3, 4, 2 (ooh!), 45 for a total of 14 points. Bottom so far, obviously. Consolation cuddles but dance-off danger. 7.45pm BST Judges’ comments: Craig says “like going to the dentist, it left me numb, so much went wrong, no rotation or hip action, legs fully akimbo but I can’t help loving you”. Motsi says “fix the flexibility in your body and leg action but loved the concept and love you”. Shirley says “I can’t judge that at all, got off to a bad start, one of those days”. Anton concludes “it was like you’d never met, good effort, got on with it”. Awkward. Fours? 7.41pm BST La Voix and Aljaž’s cha cha cha Drag queen La Voix showed her serious side last week with a lovely, slow Mary Poppins waltz. Now she’s unleashing her performance skills and bringing the party again with Aljaž Škorjanec. A cha-cha with a clunky, gimmicky boxing theme, married with 80s disco glamour. Channelling Tina Turner. Copious footwork and changes of rhythm. Is she nailing that Cuban leg action? Not fast or flirty enough for me. Beyond Thunderdome but not great for me. Song: Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar. This 1980 power-pop anthem is a big crowd favourite at US sporting events and was covered by Kelly “no relation to Jeremy” Clarkson. Updated at 9.36pm BST 7.37pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Second spot as it stands. 7.36pm BST Judges’ comments: Shirley says “fantastic footwork, got lost in the middle, mistakes meant legs became entangled but lots to like, on a good track”. Anton says “lie and you might get away with it but I love your quiet, calm confidence”. Craig says “you would nail it next time, widen the frame, too Argentine for my liking but you led well, you’re really impressing me”. Motsi concludes “fascinating, intense, loved it”. Sevens and an eight or two? Updated at 7.46pm BST 7.32pm BST George and Alexis’ Couples’ Choice Excellent kiss-cam gag from Claudia and Dave Arch. Anyway, from last week’s streetdance-style Couple’s Choice to a ballroom number. George Clarke needs to take charge and lead his pro partner Alexis Warr. Throne-ography to start, then into close hold, travelling flat across the floor. Sharp turns and swivels. Clipped, staccato movements. Perhaps a little lacking in passion and footwork got away from him at times but imperious, sharp, full of wow factor and drama. Strong finish. Catch that on kisscam. Song: Viva La Vida by Coldplay. The 2008 orchestral rock anthem’s Spanish title is taken from a Frida Kahlo painting. It’s been covered by Solange Knowles, Lady Gaga, Weezer, One Direction and Blackpink – and now Sir David Of Arch. Updated at 7.46pm BST 7.28pm BST Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. Full of Easter eggs. Not those kind, chocolate chops, just lovely little nods to his family. 7.26pm BST Judges’ comments: Motsi says “very emotional, showmanship improving, get those soca boys back in the dancehalls”. Shirley says “loved all the rhythms, got a little out of sync in the middle but you’re one of the best entertainers this series”. Anton says “a joyous celebration, magnificent”. Craig concludes “needed to be broader with bigger, cleaner shapes but I was loving your energy and commitment”. Eights, do we reckon? 7.24pm BST Jimmy and Lauren’s Couple’s Choice Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink goes back to his roots and throws a freestyle Caribbean party with partner Lauren Oakley. This number is dedicated to his grandparents, set to the music they loved, and his late mother. Plenty of attitude and swagger, full of tropical flavour. Rhythm, hips, groove and lifts. Jumping around joyously when it changes pace at the midway mark. I look forward to the judges trying to critique and score this but it’s irresistible fun. Floor slide and finger points to finish. “I love Soca,” indeed. Song: Soca Medley. Short for “soul of calypso”, the genre originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1970s. Updated at 9.39pm BST 7.19pm BST Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 8 for a total of 34 points. Top so far but might not stay there. 7.17pm BST Judges’ comments: Anton says “super-duper, musical, beautiful movement and gorgeous feel but envelop her in your frame and dance together more”. Craig says “too much power sometimes but abundant American smooth feeling”. Motsi says “you’ve gelled so well, incredible, taken refinement to a whole different level, for me you are THE couple”. Shirley concludes “first-class, took it all on board, well done”. Eights, do we think? 7.13pm BST Lewis and Katya’s foxtrot Actor Lewis Cope notched the first perfect 10 of the series for last week’s Zorro paso doble. It was pro partner Katya Jones’ first maximum for eight years, surprisingly. Now he’s back to ballroom. The pressure is on because his lowest score so far was for a Viennese waltz. Lewis needs to show improvement with his feet, frame and leading. Ladder-ography to start. Wind machine in operation. Effortless feel and buttery flow around the floor. Slow, stylish, retro and refined. Jazzy and romantic with a lovely Hollywood feel. A rung above the rest so far. Song: L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. The 1964 jazz-swing classic was covered by Joss Stone to soundtrack a Noughties ad for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, starring Keira Knightley. Updated at 9.40pm BST 7.10pm BST Judges’ scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. His top score, tied with Harry. 7.08pm BST Judges’ comments: Craig says “stilted and safe, needed more musicality but brilliant storytelling”. Motsi is divorcing Craig and says “your best dance, you had a hit tonight”. Shirley says “back with a bang, coordinated and fantastic choreography”. Anton concludes “character-led and narrative-driven, pulled it off well”. Sixes and sevens again? Updated at 9.41pm BST 7.05pm BST Stefan and Dianne’s Charleston Stefan Dennis is back after his week off with vertigo but can’t ease himself back in. He’s not only tackling the demanding Charleston but he’s bookies’ favourite to go home this weekend. Straight in at the deep end. Table-ography to start and takes too long to get going. Bench-ography stolen from Bill Bailey. Lindyhop style and bags of character, telling a Bonnie & Clyde-style bank robber story. But how about that all-important bounce and swivel? Partner Dianne Buswell having a ball. Cartwheels, lifts, floor slides. A little slow but quirky and well-performed. Song: Dance Monkey by Tones and I. Another Australian artist for the all-Aussie couple. This record-breaking 2019 electro-pop hit topped the Australian singles chart for six months and the UK chart for 11 weeks. Blimey. Updated at 9.40pm BST 7.01pm BST Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 29 points. “I know my Charleston didn’t tickle Shirley’s pickle,” says Vicky. “But I wanted to impress her with this.” Her highest score yet. Updated at 9.43pm BST 7.00pm BST Judges’ comments: Shirley says “still improving, appreciate the difficult footwork, executed well, fix your arms and frame but steadily on the up”. Anton says “marvellous, not the finished product, cut loose and give it more power”. Craig says “needed sharper arms, light and shade but technically and performance-wise very good”. Motsi concludes “infectious fun, needed more body movement, went crazy in the solo parts”. Sevens ahoy? 6.56pm BST Vicky and Kai’s samba The Geordie lass’s confidence is gradually growing and so are her scores, which have been creeping up by one point each week. Getting into the groove now with a Rio carnival dance. Solo section in Mr Tumnus trousers to start. Rhythmical with fluid hip movements. Supple and synchronised with natural bounce action. Body rolls and ripples. Lacking a little musicality and off the beat in patches, bless her, but much better in the side-by-side sections. Did well with a tough routine. Song: La Isla Bonita by Madonna. The 1987 Latin pop hit was rejected by Michael Jackson before Madge picked up the track and added her own lyrics. Altogether now: “Young girl with eyes like potatoes…” Updated at 9.42pm BST 6.52pm BST Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. One fewer than Karen Carney. 6.50pm BST Judges’ comments: Anton says “intense, good timing and beautifully choreographed but needed more hip movement”. Craig says “lacked fluidity, dance the whole dance but you presented Karen well”. Motsi says “partnering skills were great, energy in the body, full of chemistry but needed more body motion”. Shirley concludes “challenging routine, storytelling good but seamless fluidity from foot to foot is your next project”. Sixes and sevens again? 6.46pm BST Harry and Karen’s rumba Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, and partner Karen Hauer notched their highest score with last week’s pec-tacular Lion King salsa. The only slow Latin dance might be more of a challenge. It’s notoriously tricky for celebrity males but Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink did a decent one last week. Harry needs to put his power and energy aside to tap into his musicality. Blue lighting. Pecs and six-pack out again. Sensual, rhythmic and romantic but not enough sizzle. Oozing and undulating. Lacking a little control at times and too stop-start, needing more continuous flow rather than pose-striking. Harry seems a little too upright to me, should be more earthy. Song: It Must Have Been Love by Roxette. The power ballad (just belted out karaoke-style by the judges) memorably soundtracked the climactic scene of Richard Gere/Julia Roberts romcom Pretty Woman. Big mistake. Huge. Updated at 9.44pm BST 6.44pm BST Claudia on smallprint duties They seem to have retired the surprise Clauditorium guests and the woman herself reads out the voting Ts & Cs. Online-only, remember. Don’t come around here with your old-fashioned “phone vote”, you dance dinosaurs. 6.42pm BST Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Up on last week. 6.41pm BST Judges’ comments: Motsi says “sassy and elegant, shining bright with a beautiful ending, I forgive the slip on the dress”. Shirley says “an improvement on your tango, outstanding energy but a little bit of gapping”. Anton says “grace, focus, tuck your legs under but clearer footwork, enjoyed it”. Craig concludes “slipping happens to the best of us, darling, quieten the topline and turn out your feet but I can’t wait to see you do a Charlestons”. Sevens, are we saying? 6.38pm BST Karen and Carlos’ quickstep Former Lioness Karen Carney has dipped in the past two weeks and been nervous about going back to ballroom. The judges told her that she’s power-packed but needs refinement and finesse, so let’s see if she and partner Carlos Gu has taken note. She needs to nail the details, show quality and be “Karen Classy”. Swingtime storytelling, then into hold. Fast, frothy, smooth and elegant. Bright and light on her feet as she flies around the floor but the odd heavy, hesitant step. Bouncy Charleston steps. Bags of fun, classic styling and a floor spin to finish. Song: Marvellous Party by Beverley Knight. The soul diva’s interpretation of the Noël Coward standard originally featured on the soundtrack to ITV wartime hotel drama The Halcyon. Remember that? Updated at 9.45pm BST 6.34pm BST Our Strictly stars™ First sighting of our couples as they come out for a welcome wave. Outfits are pleasingly restrained compared to last week’s Movie Week fancy dress. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has put his shirt back on but forgotten to button it up. Chris Robshaw has removed his Thor wig. La Voix in some sort of novelty boxing rig-out. 6.32pm BST Here come the hoofing inspectors, Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas make their big entrance. Synchronised sit-down as per. 6.32pm BST Frockwatch Our presentational pair arrive, so time for our weekly couture comparison. Tess Daly is in one-shouldered trouser suit. Claudia Winkleman is in a white tuxedo. La Winkle wins. 6.31pm BST Cue clapalong credits Two males have left so far, with Tom Skinner and Ross King becoming the first two celebrities to depart the dancefloor. Who’s next for the choreographic chop? 6.30pm BST And we’re off! Roll the industry standard scene-setting, tension-building montage. 6.28pm BST Replenish your drinks and refill your nibbles ramekins. We’re about to go over live to Elstree Studios… 6.25pm BST Could bullfight spell danger for Balvinder? Stats say that the paso doble has led to the most week four eliminations in Strictly history. And tonight, dance-off survivor Balvinder Sopal is tackling it. An ominous sign? Just five minutes until the glittery gong strikes… 6.20pm BST On your dance cards tonight An eclectic menu this week with 11 different dance styles. The only overlaps are a pair of rumbas and a couple of, er, Couple’s Choices. Heaven help us. A mere 10 minutes to wait now… 6.15pm BST Amanda Holden-hosted quiz The Celebrity Inner Circle just winding up on BBC1 now. Still no idea of the rules but Strictly alumni Montell Douglas and Colin Jackson were competing in this episode, so it’s not all bad. 6.14pm BST Icons Week beckons The couples are bidding to get through to Strictly’s second ever Icons Week next Saturday, with dances inspired by musical legends. Last year it happened in week seven and involved Chris McCausland in KISS make-up, Sarah Hadland in a Madonna cone bra and Shayne Ward dressed as a Beatle. Halycon days. Fifteen minutes until the glittery curtain comes up…. 6.10pm BST Eyes down for week four bingo Tick them off with a flourish when you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! End up asleep with a half-eaten kebab on your face! Here’s tonight’s 10-point spotter’s checklist: Misty-eyed reference to Cynthia Erivo’s guest judging turn last week Tess Daly exclaims “They’re on their feet!”, even though we can clearly see that everyone is on their feet Celebrity’s family member in the front row glances up at the monitor, then gives a sheepish wave Anton says “That was the sort of routine I’d have loved to dance” After last week’s nines and 10s, the judges clamp down and get stingy with their scores Motsi Mabuse looking fabulous in a wig and sculptural frock A mention of Icons Week is followed by “ooooh!” Anton stands up and borrows Dame Shirley to demonstrate the finer points of ballroom hold Main character energy from Ginger Neil in the Clauditorium Judge says “It’s week four now, so we’re looking for footwork, technique and details” 6.09pm BST Third elimination looms Will we lose another male celebrity this weekend? Well, Chris Robshaw and Stefan Dennis are bookies’ strong favourites for the chop. Next in the betting are Balvinder Sopal and La Voix. Twenty minutes until we get our first choreographic clues… 6.04pm BST Stefan Dennis is back from the sickbay Paul Robinson off of Neighbours had “a bit of a turn” and suffered vertigo last week but is now fully recovered and will return to the dancefloor tonight. Good news all round. After two injury withdrawals before the series even started, nobody wanted a dropout due to illness. It’s 25 minutes until spraytan-and-Spanx time… 6.00pm BST Back to ballroom business as usual The fancy dress has been packed away. Now it’s all about the footwork. Yes, the credits have rolled on Movie Week and there are no more novelty costumes for our couples to hide behind. Good evening and welcome to the latest live weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for tonight’s mercifully non-themed show. You are warmly invited to watch along with me as our 13 surviving pro-celebrity pairs hit the Elstree dancefloor once again. After last week’s cinematic silliness saw the first nines and 10s of the series, while Ross King joined Thomas Skinner on the sparkly scrapheap, our unlucky 13 will become a dancefloor dozen. Tonight’s scores will be combined with the public vote and the bottom two duos will hoof for survival on Sunday night. Stefan “Sicknote” Dennis is back after getting a bye through to this week but will it prove a short-lived stay? Everyone is tipping him and Chris Robshaw for the dance-off. It’s showtime at 6.30pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction, ballroom backchat and Latin lip. So pop on the central heating (treat yourself, it’s autumn) and I’ll see you on the sofa. As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is back open for ballroom business. I’ll shoulder-shimmy down there every now and again to gauge your reaction and report on your choice comments. So please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts. It’s week four on the teak floor. Nearly time to staaaart dancing!