None of the judges were told who would be replacing Craig Revel Horwood on tonight’s Strictly after he tested positive for Covid. They found out when it was announced along with everyone else. All the dancers referred to the bosses as “upstairs” during my time on Strictly. No one knows what’s happening in “the gods” – they like to be in control! But while Cynthia Erivo is not exactly a household name, she is an award-winning musicals star, so she should have plenty to say on musicals week. Let’s see how she does!
At this stage in the competition it will be starting to feel like a marathon for the remaining celebrities.
They’ll need big performances and half the battle is to choose a popular song.
Last week’s show was the best I’ve seen. Rhys Stephenson scored a perfect 40 and Rose Ayling-Ellis gave one of Strictly’s most-memorable performances with her stunning – and partially silent – couple’s choice.
Tonight’s quickstep means a change of pace. She may be an audience favourite but she needs a clean fastfooted routine.
Tilly Ramsay’s couple’s choice to Matilda’s Revolting Children requires musicality and imagination.
AJ Odudu’s paso doble put her bottom of the leaderboard so she must come back strong tonight with her waltz to The Sound of Music’s Edelweiss.
Dan Walker’s ballroom had great floor work in his American Smooth, but lumpy lifts. He needs swivelling feet for his Charleston.
Rhys Stephenson deserved last week’s top marks, and this week’s jive should be another fabulous dance for him.
He needs a top leaderboard score to avoid the dance off as he’s not a viewers’ favourite.
John Whaite must improve his posture and open his diaphragm more fully for his Viennese waltz to Mary Poppins’ Chim Chim Cher-ee.
This week Tom Fletcher has a couple’s choice to the emotional On My Own from Les Mis. He should have the audience on their feet by the end.
