Too many tears and not enough technique but who’ll get to Blackpool?

Do you have to dance in a strict manner? Don’t be strict about crying, like. This was more emotional ringPerhaps even longer, maybe from the current BBC’s Hoof Contest series. Elstree Hall was so filthy that its famous ball was in danger of rusting. Use a tissue or a shimmering sequin squeezegee to help you. Blub-ew-lous, dear.

As the competition moved beyond midfield to the final, everyone was focused on one thing: Blackpool. While excitement is understandable for the trip north to the Tower Ballroom next weekend, it was important to keep the excitement from getting too high. Everywhere you turn, the B word is mentioned. Maybe the salty water that gushed from everyone’s eyes was a giddying attraction to the icy Irish Sea.

Kim Marsh dedicated Archie her soft American baby to Archie after she lost her baby just 18 weeks prematurely in 2009. Marsh shared her sorrow in the hope that others might feel less alone after experiencing the pain of premature labor. Graziano di prima, her professional partner, was just as impressed with Marsh as she was.

Will Mellor did a slow dance to “Three Times A Lady”, the song his father Bill had sang to Shirley before he died suddenly from the pandemic. Mellor was so agitated that he couldn’t speak. Nancy Shaw, Mellor’s professional partner, spoke on his behalf. She explained how their sweet, tail-hugging routine was for anyone who has lost loved ones and never had the chance to say goodbye. Palace’s jury chairperson stated that it made her miss her son, which was quite a stretch considering he was a professional on American version of the show. Have you heard of FaceTime Cheryl?

All that catharsis happened before we got to the show’s closing dance. Hamza Yassin was stunning in Afro-fusion and paid tribute to his heritage and homeland, complete with CGI wildlife. He also included inscriptions from his Sudanese relatives. Motsy Makbus, a South African judge said that she had never seen such a dance in person. She suggested Yasin’s companion, Goweta Przistal, take a DNA screening to check for African blood.

The category of couple selection is difficult to recognize, ambiguous and full of mischievous, but it showed its potential. Yassin, who rose from relative obscurity into a hot favourite, looks increasingly like Bill Bailey this year – the unlikely dancer whose natural music and ease in movement are combined with solid graft, progressing all of the way to the glistening trophy at the ball.

Floor East, who’s hot samba blew Elstree Studios’ roof, was however a point in his way. Criticisms of the East Committee as “too strong”, “wild” were racially charged. Unfairly, she appeared in two dances but took notes to deliver a compact, compact Rio Carnival cracker, scoring an almost perfect 39.

This was a show that the two owners were able to enjoy. The opening routines, which were a flat-footed Charleston performed by Ellie Taylor and Tyler West, brought in a modest 31. Helen SkeltonHe was only one point better for a salsa party marred by neurotic errors. Tony Adams, fan favorite, followed suit.

The 56-year old with a metal knee had a difficult week. He struggled with a high-energy jerk all week. Tonight’s effort was not able to do flicks or kicks and Craig Revell-Horwood said it was a technical show. The former soccer player looked more like he was jitterbugging than tossing a football at Row Z. Adams would be a shame to not be selected for Blackpool’s away match, but he is now at bottom of the scoreboard for six out of eight weeks. It might be time to take a shower.