'Strictly': Are Seann Walsh and Katya Jones set for dance off again after nightmare Halloween week?

It was another week of horror at Strictly Come Dancing for Seann Walsh and Katya Jones as their awkward Halloween-themed performance was panned by the judges – and is expected to land them back in the dance-off.

The gruesome twosome danced a Viennese Waltz using ever-more-inventive choreography to keep their bodies as far apart as possible, with less room for romance than an Ed Balls Gangnam Style routine.

But while Seann is languishing near the bottom of the leaderboard, Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer are riding high having both scored 39 – the highest scores of the series.

As far as the best episodes of Strictly go, in our humble opinion the order is Grand Final, Blackpool, and Halloween Week – mostly because of the insane costumes the wardrobe department come up with.

The opening group dance was our favourite of the series so far, with a Day of the Dead theme that included some of the best costumes of the night.

Also, the one and only Moira Stuart read the terms and conditions this week.

Which of the contestants left us screaming for more, and who had a Halloween nightmare?

Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse

Dance: Cha Cha to Thriller by Michael Jackson

What we thought: Graeme, Oti, Thriller…what’s not to love? Well, his terrible moonwalk for a start.

We love Graeme and the Thriller elements were great, but he really struggled with the Cha Cha and even though it’s the first routine we saw tonight, we wouldn’t be surprised if he was in the bottom two.

What the judges thought: Shirley Ballas said: “A few of his bits thrilled me.”

Bruno Tonioli said: “You always deliver on the brief, that was tremendously horrendous.”

Score: 21

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton

Dance: Tango to the Doctor Who theme

What we thought: The BBC loves a bit of cross-show publicising, but this one was justified and Stacey’s Doctor-inspired costume was actually better than Jodie Whittaker’s.

Their Tango was near-perfect, but the unforgettable moment was Stacey as the hand of a clock, managing to be spun around at a 180-degree angle.

What the judges thought: Craig Revel Horwood said: “You are unstoppable.”

Darcey Bussell said: “You danced from beginning until the very end. Brilliant, loved it.”

Score: 35

Dr Ranj and Janette Manrara

Dance: Jive to The Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett

What we thought: Someone always has to dance to The Monster Mash – it’s Strictly law.

The amazingly fluffy costume seemed to be carrying Dr Ranj tonight though, as he was very lacklustre compared to his usual performances.

What the judges thought: Craig said: “I think the kids at home probably loved that – I didn’t. The costume was covering a multitude of sins.”

Bruno said: “It happens to every performer, we all have an off night.”

Score: 20

Kate Silverton and Aljaz Skorjanec

Dance: Rumba to Skin by Rag ‘n’ Bone Man

What we thought: Does anyone ever really love the Rumba? Just being given that dance would be enough of a Halloween horror for most of the celebs.

Kate made a valiant effort and claimed to have enjoyed herself, but it looked as awkward as it is for just about every contestant who’s taken it on.

What the judges thought: Darcey said: “When you have that length and that height, you have to be proud of it.”

Bruno said: “The Rumba cannot be frozen, it has to be fluid. You took the ice queen literally. We all need a hot toddy after this, you have to thaw for next week.”

Score: 20

Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden

Dance: American Smooth to Spirit in the Sky by Doctor and the Medics

What we thought: There’s no nonsense with Danny – no squeezed-out tears in the VT, no shocking tabloid headlines, he just cracks on and does a brilliant job every week.

He makes it look so easy and efficient, and if this man doesn’t breeze through to Blackpool, we’ll eat our witches’ hats.

What the judges thought: Shirley said: “Really, you are Mr Consistent.”

Darcey said: “A great improvement, this is your best ballroom.”

Score: 30

Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev

Dance: Charleston to Witch Doctor by Don Lang

What we thought: It’s a 10 from us!

Best. Charleston. Ever. Plus Nicole Scherzinger was in the audience, what more do you want?

What the judges thought: It’s going to be one of those that you remember, one of the best Strictly moments of the season.”

Shirley said: “It was one of the best choreographic routines I’ve ever seen. Outstanding.”

Score: 39

Seann Walsh and Katya Jones

Dance: Viennese Waltz to I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

What we thought: How much longer can Strictly keep giving these two routines that keep them as far apart and as unromantic as possible?

Seann’s trousers were uncomfortably tight, both for the wearer and for the viewer, and Bruno’s comment below sums up most of our feelings about Seann and Katya each week.

What the judges thought: Craig said: “I think he’ll find himself in the dance-off again after that. There were timing issues everywhere, I felt like you weren’t hearing the music.”

Bruno said: “It was like watching Coppelia, directed by Tim Burton, danced by Beetlejuice. Technically it wasn’t very good, but visually it was intriguing.”

Score: 20

Charles Venn and Karen Clifton

Dance: Jive to Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

What we thought: It’s a complete mystery why people aren’t voting for Charles – he deserves a place in the final more than anyone else.

But please, Charles, stop counting out loud through every dance.

What the judges thought: Darcey said: “It was fast, it was frantic, really impressive Jive. But there were moments where you really had timing issues.”

Shirley said: “It wasn’t two mistakes you made, it was about four or five times on the wrong foot. But entertaining.”

Score: 25 (again)

Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice

Dance: Couple’s Choice – Theatre and Jazz to Fever by Peggy Lee

What we thought: Loved, loved, loved it – no idea what theatre jazz should look like, and nor do most of the judges (bar Craig), but Faye was typically amazing.

Perfectly in time and pure entertainment.

What the judges thought: Craig said: “A.Ma.Zing.”

Darcey said: “There was so much I loved about it. Absolutely brilliant, stunning performance.”

Score: 39

Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell

Dance: Foxtrot to Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer

What we thought: A nice, solid Foxtrot, if not overly exciting.

Joe is flying under the radar as one of the strongest dancers in this series – in another year, he might even have been the clear winner.

What the judges thought: Bruno said: “Your improvement really exceeds all of my expectations. You’re controlling the dance now almost like a professional.”

Craig said: “I might even start following you now darling on social media.”

Score: 35

Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard

Dance: Paso Doble to Poison by Nicole Scherzinger

What we thought: Lauren has improved so much – she might not be up there with Ashley and Faye, but come on, those two are professional dancers.

She really sold the drama of the Paso Doble and had one of the best costumes of the night as Maleficent.

What the judges thought: Darcey said: “You have this natural determination, this power, this intention.”

Shirley said: “I think your attitude was placed just right. I think this dance suited your character – your best dance so far.”

Score: 29

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