Strictly Come Dancing: Near fatal attack of Liftitis

This series is rapidly being overtaken by controversies. Well actually, it’s not, as usual, it’s a few hysterical fans (usually quite new to the show) and the media stirring things up.

Injuries. Ok, for those out there complaining about people getting a bye to the next week. This is not a new rule, the Beeb are not making it up as they go along.

And stop confusing temporary injuries (Laura’s ankle) with conditions that aren’t going away (Jimmy Tarbuck’s heart). If they still can’t dance the following week, then they withdraw (Jade Johnson’s knee). They cannot get a bye all the way to the final. Seriously, get a grip.

At least, me and a few other fans believe that to be the case, in the absence of an answer from @bbcstrictly.

Highlight (of sorts) this weekend, was of course, that lift. I hate lifts. Save them for the Showdance, I say (and don’t be surprised if you lose). And even then, keep them classy and fitting in with the dance. Loved Alesha and Ramps, hated their showdances. Loved Tom Chambers - his is still the benchmark for a decent showdance, where the lifts were in keeping with the character of the dance. Loved Natalie and Ricky, heart sank when she walked out in a leotard. Just, no.

So poor Ed, he started so well and did a couple of nice lifts in keeping with the flow of the dance, then succumbed to the Peter Kay parody and a too ambitious lift that could’ve seen partner Katya end up in hospital. It was like watching a natural disaster unfold in slow motion. Why a song like Amarillo? Why the stupid backpack/Hitchhiker theme? Why not a nice Nat King Cole number, and let them just dance?

Lesley and Anton’s tango, was sadly, alternately too skippy and too walky. She’s been doing so well, I was expecting more, but I guess she’s pretty tired this week from working and training. Sadly, it meant her vote diminished and we said farewell, after a dance off that saw Daisy and Aljaz join them in the bottom two - mid table horrors again. No-one is safe.

Talking of song choices, that 100mph Young Hearts Run Free for Claudia’s samba was appalling, as was Amarillo for Ed - someone else might have got away with it. I remember the days when the professionals chose their music, so they could tailor to their celebrities needs. And you got a different signature with each couple, now, they’re tending to merge into one because of the damn gimmicks and props. Anyway, Claudia did the best she could but it was far too frantic and there was no bounce, she just didn’t have time to finish each move.

How wonderful is the partnership between the Judge and Oksana? They seem to really get each other and they’re a joy to watch. Exuberant as ever, he doesn’t seem to tire at all and they both seem to be having a great time. I loved the song and theme for this jive, he really got into the character of a wartime GI and his gal. I was smiling all through it.

To say I’m relieved Greg and Natalie got through is to echo many a thought of other fans. He’s a lovely guy, they’re a great partnership and I want to see more ballroom from them. The Cha Cha really wasn’t his thing, his lines were strong, but the routine tripped him up.

Delighted for Anastacia and Gorka the Corker, standing in for the ill Brendan - get well soon! This was a beautifully choreographed routine by Brendan, full of wondrous little touches, and how lovely to see Gorka once more. Light and frothy, and gave Anastacia a boost. A change is as good as a rest, they say, and this certainly seemed to be the case as she delivered her best, most confident dance.

Louise and Kevin - people complaining about them taking a trip to Paris? Really? I hardly think £58pp return is going to break the budget. It’s only £12 more (without drinks) than the two course menu in Dance Le Noir, where Daisy and Aljaz went. Honestly, people, you’re just making yourselves look like numpties. Ok, it wasn’t the most earth shattering sensual rumba, more romantic and sweet but at least Louise is enjoying herself, and she’s a pleasure to watch - you’re not holding your breath wondering if she’ll get through it.

A waltz for Ore and Jo this week, and maybe I was expecting something ultra special, but it didn’t really do it for me and I can’t put my finger on why. He’s a beautiful dancer and she’s a fantastic teacher, so I think it was because it never seemed to really get going before they stopped in the middle of it. I’m all for a bit of storytelling but equally, I can’t be doing with too much faffing about, and they seemed to be out of hold as long as they were in it.

Daisy and Aljaz’s Charleston divided fans and voters this week, some loving the opening (I’m one of those) and some hating it. It was good fun and danced well, except she lacked energy, which showed in the second half. But definitely didn’t deserve to be in the dance off.

The only dance that really wowed me this week was, again, Danny and Oti - and I can’t stand rumbas, as you know. So this was a surprise. Performed to a beautiful version of How Will I Know, it was manly, as Len said, and I found it captivating, I didn’t want to blink. Beautiful lines, constant, lyrical movement, and their smiles just hooked me.

What else did we learn on the results show?

• Darcey Bussell is the classiest lady on TV
  

• Oti and Gorka dancing together is gorgeousness personified
  

• Greg and Natalie were utterly convinced they were in the dance off
  

• Lesley and Daisy both improved but the judges were unanimous in saving Daisy
  

• Daisy has the capacity to set me off crying
  

Halloween next week, which is always greeted with a sense of foreboding as well as excitement. And I don’t mean foreboding as in scary, not in the usual sense. It’s scary because of what terrible songs choices and themes the contestants might have to do their best to overcome.

Want to chat TV? Find me @Scattyjan on Twitter.