'Strictly' gets back to the dancing - who got the judges' five 10s?

Keep calm and carry on, Strictly Come Dancing fans – normal easy-viewing service has resumed now that tabloid terrors Seann Walsh and Katya Jones have gone home.

We’re back to family entertainment values this week as the contest hits halfway point, and all eyes are on making it to Blackpool.

It was a week to remember purely for the dancing quality this time, as Ashley Roberts chalked up another near-perfect 39 (including three 10s), Faye Tozer was right behind her with 38 (the other two 10s), and Joe Sugg earned nines from three judges.

Here’s everything that went down in week seven of Strictly.

Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard

Dance: Jive to Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne

What we thought: A brilliantly energetic start to the show from Lauren, and without wanting to sound too much like Louis Walsh, it was young and fun.

If even a Paralympic athlete looks knackered at the end, you know it’s been a challenging routine.

What the judges thought: Bruno Tonioli said: “It was such a sharp clean and clear Jive. You put the whole range of it in, very difficult to do.”

Craig Revel Horwood said: “That is the liveliest and the most energetic I’ve seen you, you’re going down the right track.”

Score: 31

Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse

Dance: Waltz to The Last Waltz by Engelbert Humperdinck

What we thought: This week, Graeme has ditched the comedy routines for a classic, graceful Waltz.

He’ll be hoping to avoid the dance off after last week’s close call and hopefully his emosh story about dedicating the dance to his grandparents, roping his parents into the VT, and crying a bit afterwards will have helped him out.

What the judges thought: Bruno said: “Last week you were like a rhinoceros, this week you were like a swan.”

Darcey Bussell said: “You captured the style, there was feeling, there was romance, it was actually quite touching.”

Score: 29

Kate Silverton and Aljaz Skorjanec

Dance: Argentine Tango to Assassin’s Tango by John Powell

What we thought: Kate does the sultry Latin numbers so well, and took the first Argentine Tango of the series in her stride.

We’re expecting she’ll get plenty of viewer votes despite some negative comments from the judges, especially as she danced it with a nasty rib injury.

What the judges thought: Craig said: “I felt it was stuck in the mud. I know the audience loved it, but I felt it was far too heavy.”

Shirley Ballas said: “It all looked just a little bit laboured, but a better try than last week.”

Score: 23

Dr Ranj and Janette Manrara

Dance: Samba to Freedom 90 by George Michael

What we thought: Dr Ranj is back to his kids-TV-level-energy self, after shedding the fluffy suit from Halloween week.

If this had been a few seasons ago, Dr Ranj would definitely have been the winner – but can he ever keep up with the likes of Charles and Danny?

What the judges thought: Darcey said: “The technique is not always perfect, but you sold it, you have great performance value.”

Bruno said: “I was dazzled by the dentistry. I need sunglasses. Between that and the eyebrow, you’ve got plenty going on.”

Score: 27

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton

Dance: Couples’ Choice – Street/Commercial to Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys

What we thought: This style really suited Stacey and Kevin – they looked like they loved dancing it, despite Stacey also having a rib injury.

You’d never know Stacey had no dance experience, she just takes every week in her stride.

What the judges thought: Shirley said: “A modern twist on street commercial, fantastic. It doesn’t matter what style you’re given.”

Craig said: “Absolutely everything I love.”

Score: 36

Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden

Dance: Quickstep to Freedom by Pharrell Williams

What we thought: Quickstep is just made for Danny – that’s exactly how we’d describe his dancing style.

Ok, he had a few timing and mis-step issues, but did you see how high he kicked his legs?

What the judges thought: Bruno said: “You covered a multitude of mistakes so well, you made it look like she was wrong.”

Craig said: “I think nerves and adrenaline took over on that performance because it was completely out of whack.”

Score: 22

Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev

Dance: Foxtrot to Orange Coloured Sky by Natalie Cole

What we thought: It’s weirdly relaxing watching Ashley dance – you just know she’s never going to make a mistake.

Right now, we kind of feel like the only reason she hasn’t got a 40 yet is because there’d be no progression left, because she deserves full marks every week.

What the judges thought: Shirley said: “Exquisite, classic Foxtrot. I found it very difficult to find a foot error, and I was looking.”

Bruno said: “It was like watching Ashley Rogers and Pasha Astaire.”

Score: 39

Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice

Dance: Tango to Call Me by Blondie

What we thought: Ah, the old chestnut of pretending in the VT to be on the point of dance disaster, all the better to emphasise what was always going to be an amazing performance.

It was one of Faye’s best dances, and surely the contest is between her and Ashley now.

What the judges thought: Darcey said: “I’m in love.”

Bruno said: “That was tighter than Craig’s girdle. She was like a Tango machine.”

Score: 38

Charles Venn and Karen Clifton

Dance: Viennese Waltz to Piano Man by Billy Joel

What we thought: This has got to be the strongest year ever for Strictly celebs – Charles is so effortless in every performance.

Charles might not have the same dance pro experience as Ashley and Faye, but he has the edge with his acting skill.

What the judges thought: Shirley said: “You must have the most beautiful heart because that was genuine and sincere.”

Bruno said: “This guy can play the romantic lead in his sleep.”

Score: We loved the other dancers chanting “26! 26!” as the routine finished, but Charles and Karen smashed it with…28!

Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell

Dance: Paso Doble to Pompeii by Bastille

What we thought: Just when we were ready to think that Ashley and Faye had stolen the show, Joe “Dark Horse” Sugg came out last and earned a standing ovation.

His judges’ scores didn’t quite reflect the audience reaction, so we’re confident he’s straight through to next week.

What the judges thought: Bruno said: “You were like a young bull dressed like Gucci.”

Darcey said: “It was dramatic, it was powerful, you used every part of that body.”

Score: 34

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