Annabel tugs on the judges’ heartstrings
Motsi says “I absolutely enjoyed it”. Shirley adds: “This was so extraordinarily beautiful … your sense of time, energy and love for each other was absolutely spellbinding.”
Anton says Annabel and Johannes “touches him” more than any other couple, before adding that they were the “most improved”. Craig says “your left shoulder popped up on occassion (more boos),” but adds that Annabel “has come a long way.”
“It’s the most incredible energy … and so much history here,” Annabel says of dancing at the Tower Ballroom.
Scores: 8 from Craig, 9 from Motsi, 9 from Shirley, 9 from Anton. Annabel and Johannes are overjoyed with that.
Annabel and Johannes’ turn
Like Angela before, Annabel will perform the American Smooth to Unchained Melody by Benedetta Caretta.
Fans want a perfect 40 for Layton
Strictly fans weren’t happy about Craig’s rogue 9, yet again denying Layton and Nikita a perfect score for the couple’s third 39 of the season.
“I normally agree with Craig with the other contestants but he should of [sic] given Layton a 10 for that,” said one fan on X.
Layton stuns in sexy, sassy Couple’s Choice
The crowd goes wild for the cabaret style dance – Layton is really on another level in this competition.
“It’s a bit of a dilemma for me because I loved it, but it wasn’t entirely in sync,” says Craig, who gets the loudest boos of the night. But he adds: “You are one of the most incredible dancers I have seen on this show.”
“That was incredible … epic,” says Motsi. “I didn’t see what you saw Craig … pure artistic genius for me,” adds Shirley. Anton says: “You are just incredible.”
Layton dedicates the dance to his mum, who is in the audience: “She would be on the pole with me.”
Scores: 9 from Craig (boos), 10 from Motsi, 10 from Shirley, 10 from Anton.
What does Layton have to do to get a 10 from Craig?
Layton and Nikita is next
It’s time for the show’s favourite Layton Williams, who is coming off a score of 39 last week.
Can he and parter Nikita do one better and get the season’s first perfect score?
They will be dancing a Couple’s Choice to Ain’t No Other Man by Christina Aguilera.
Angela’s ‘full circle moment’
Tess Daly hails Angela’s “full circle moment” after her performance on her return to Blackpool.
Anton calls the dance “elegant”. Craig says the dance “could’ve been smoother … there was a fumble in the breakout section.” Motsi agrees “there was a stumble” but praises Angela’s “story.” Shirley adds: “Yes there was one little hiccup but you can be so proud of yourself.”
“I did enjoy that,” says Angela. “That one was quite complicated.”
Scores: 6 from Craig. 7 from Motsi. 7 from Shirley. 8 from Anton.