24/10/2026
SHANNAH'S STRICTLY THOUGHTS - WEEK 5
Loved the music choices tonight!!
My rankings
Bethany & Nancy (Arg Tango) - an all-lady Argentine Tango is quite rare, so this week's offering has been much anticipated. I thought it went well on the whole, Bethany seemed better suited to the leader sections, she didn't have the necessary foot articulation when following. Maybe more costume contrast or leg visibility would also have helped as it was difficult to 'read' at times. Having said that, the overall picture looked finished and well rehearsed. A good job.
Delta & Kai (Rumba) - welcome back Delta, a huge asset to the programme. It looks like she had to contend with Storm Austen in the studio as well 😆 Beautiful tone through her feet and ankles, brushing ankles through each step, I agree it was a little high out of the floor, but that's understandable with a rib injury. I loved it, but not quite as much as Anton lol.
Tabby & Mark (Couple's Choice) - one of the best contemporary Couples Choices I can remember. There was so much partner work, she emoted with every part of her body and it came across more like a Pro showdance.
John & Katya (Quickstep) - it could have gone so wrong, but it didn't!! So many different, challenging syncopations, a height difference and a routine that required full focus. But this guy rises to pressure, he needed to wait until the end of the evening, but brought out his best when it mattered. Light, bright and totally focused.
Graeme & Lauren (Tango) - ooooo lots of quality shown here. 3 sets of slip pivots into earthy Viennese Crosses with clear Tango syncopation. Very strong, but maybe tried just a little too hard in places, the connection was lost and he got ahead of the music... but wow, very impressive overall
Dani & Nikita (Salsa) - WELL DONE DANI!!!! You should be so proud of yourself ❤️ Well done also to Nikita for developing the necessary trust to carry off those lifts - I gasped at nearly all of them, especially as she had hair all over her face for most of it!! It was an exuberant, sassy, high energy salsa and would have got a higher place on my ranking if her shoulders had been less loose. So pleased for them
Will & Dianne (Cha) - awww what a shame about the off time Cuban break.... it was excellent otherwise. Classic Cha music, readable syllabus work, fun storytelling, but all with snappy straightening of his legs and yes Guapacha timing in the Turkish Towel!!! Most improved 😀
Cach & Maddie (Cha) - gosh you can't take your eyes off him, he certainly has the X-factor. When he's good, he's outstanding, but when he doesn't have the technique, it does sadly unravel. This Cha has the potential for a 40 ... if he could just marry his natural talent with the technicalities of ballroom/ latin he will be unstoppable.
Jaime & Carlos (Foxtrot) - enjoyed it!! Jaime's now starting to show a softer side with more control than the recent powerhouse performances. It was a very upbeat, swingy piece of music, so the choreography and bouncy/jazzy approach worked for me. I loved her dress!
Lacey & Vito (Tango) - hmmmm well what a fabulous showdance, but Tango it wasn't. There was no Slow counts, heel lead or stillness within. She is so watchable, has the best Prom Pos of the celebs and COULD have blown us away. What a wasted opportunity
Laurence & Jowita (Jive) - He should be so proud of himself, boy oh boy he worked hard. Yes, it was flat footed and the base was way too big and therefore he ended up behind the music.... but there were lots of great lines, accents and a fabulous committed 'rock' narrative. I hope he stays in.
Shaun & Alexis (Jive) - he's clearly light on his feet, but this was a little beyond him. Messy feet and littered with errors. There was lots of basic work which is to be applauded, but sadly immediately exposes any mistakes/ lack of technique. I think his journey may be at an end.
