Strictly Come Dancing: ‘The dance of the season!’ HRVY and Janette Manrara top the leaderboard for a second week with an ‘amazing’ American Smooth… as fans say Maisie Smith was ‘ROBBED’ after her Jive
It never fails to showcase the very best of ballroom glitz and sparkle.
And Strictly Come Dancing’s Musicals Week was certainly one to remember for HRVY and Janette Manrara, 37, as they managed to top the leaderboard for the second week running.
The YouTuber, 21, and his professional partner dazzled the judges with their ‘amazing’ American Smooth to One (Singular Sensation) from A Chorus Line – scoring an impressive 29.
However some fans were left unimpressed after Maisie Smith and Gorka Marquez were only given a score of 28 despite performing an energetic and ‘complex’ Jive to Little Shop Of Horrors.
Showstopper! Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Musicals Week was certainly one to remember for HRVY and Janette Manrara after they managed to top the leaderboard for the second week running – with an impressive 29 points
All of the judges loved HRVY and Janette’s routine, with them cheering for the couple as they made their way over to the sidelines to hear the verdict.
Motsi Mabuse could hardly contain her excitement as she said: ‘I have to calm myself down! I’ve never seen anybody use this dance floor, this routine challenged you…
‘What I adore is that you don’t sit on your talent, you show your skill. You took the risk with this and didn’t miss a step.. the dance of the season, the dance of the decade! This has to be the dance. It was amazing!’
In classic style, Craig Revel Horwood tried to bring the mood down with some comments on technique, but quickly changed his tune after some boos from the background and went on to make a cheeky joke.
Putting on a show: The YouTuber, 21, and his professional partner dazzled the judges with their ‘amazing’ American Smooth to One (Singular Sensation) from A Chorus Line
He said: ‘You slightly missed the timing [loud boos], as I was saying, the double chaney into the explosion and you were a little early at the end… but it’s like looking in the mirror darling. You can sing, you can dance, you’re a triple threat darling… I might have to call my self CRH now!’
Head judge Shirley Ballas then added: ‘Janette you did your student proud! There was a little mishap with a hat HRVY, but you kicked it out the way and carried on, so professional… you’re so on your way!’
The dancing duo were rewarded for their sparkling efforts with an impressive score of 29 points- albeit down on last week’s 30 – with Craig giving them 9 and Shirley and Motsi both flashing up the 10 card.
The next highest-scoring couple on Musicals Week was Maisie Smith and her dance partner Gorka Marquez who stormed the stage with a very energetic performance of a jive to Little Shop Of Horrors, getting a 28 overall.
Full of energy: Maisie Smith and her dance partner Gorka Marquez also stormed the stage with a very energetic performance of a jive to Little Shop Of Horrors, getting a 28 overall
Thoughts: Some Strictly viewers were left unimpressed at the couple’s score, saying Maisie was ‘robbed’ after giving such an impressive performance and not bagging all 10s
Craig was impressed with their technique, giving them 9 points, and saying: ‘The energy was insane, there were lots of complex changes of rhythm which you nailed!’
Shirley also agreed, giving them a 10, adding: ‘Your feet are starting to go in beautiful ladylike position!’ which got a loud cheer out of Gorka.
Mosti, who also awarded them a 9, was overjoyed with the routine saying: ‘It’s a full house, no way I cannot live for that! You put such a great importance on the music.’
However some Strictly viewers were left unimpressed at the outcome, saying Maisie was ‘robbed’ after giving such an impressive performance and not bagging all 10s.
Comments: The couple were given praise from the judges, with Craig telling them he was impressed with their technique and ‘insane energy’
Reaction: Dozens of Strictly fans asked ‘what more can Maisie do’ after she didn’t get a 30 for the impressive routine
One person tweeted: ‘Maisie will be gutted with that score!! What does she have to do to get 30?! As irritating as she is, she’s phenomenal. Robbed !!!!
Strictly Musicals Week leaderboard
HRVY and Janette – 29
Maisie and Gorka – 28
Ranvir and Giovanni – 27
Bill and Oti – 24
Jamie and Karen – 24
JJ and Amy – 20
While another added: ‘What on earth does Maisie have to do to get three 10’s??? I’m beyond confused.’
Elsewhere in the show, Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice also impressed with an incredible Viennese Waltz to She Used To Be Mine from Waitress.
The duo put on a very emotional performance as they took to the dancefloor after the TV presenter spoke very candidly about finding confidence in herself in a VT ahead of their routine.
Motsi was left emotional after the performance, telling them: ‘I was moved from your words from your VT and I think every mom has a connection, but I’m more emotional about your dancing!
‘Because now you’ve finally come into you… all your qualities came together today. For me that was such a magic moment.’
While Craig said: ‘You told the story so naturally was totally real and believable… apart from the pastry rolling at the beginning!
‘Your back is beautiful, it goes on for days…. little advice, the spin back in was a little messy. You’ve come a long way should be so proud
And Shirley Ballas, who gave them a standing ovation, added: ‘I was captivated, it was like poetry in motion. I feel like you’ve found yourself.
‘And the freckle! That was probably the best footwork I’ve seen on Strictly. Your frame was phenomenal.’
The duo ended up with an impressive 27 points at the end, with all the judges giving them 9s.
High praise: Judge Motsi Mabuse said HRVY and Janette’s performance was ‘the dance of the season… of the decade!’
Sparkling: The duo donned matching sequinned suits for their costumes (pictured with a glam Tess Daly)
Standing ovation! Shirley Ballas and Motsi stood up after HRVY and Janette danced their amazing routine
Wow! Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice also dazzled with a beautiful Viennese Waltz to She Used To Be Mine from Waitress
Ranvir candidly chatted about how she’s grown in confidence during the show in the video played ahead of her routine on Saturday.
She said: ‘Doing strictly has made me confront how I think, it does force you to look at yourself in a different way.
‘Each week you have to feel braver about your body, not hiding behind a big coat and boots like I’ve spent the past 20 years doing. It’s lovely to realise there’s untapped potential in yourself.’
The star then added: ‘So many women and mums watch the show and recognise themselves in my, you could say, discomfort, and finding a way to feel like you’re still worth feeling proud of.’
JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden opened Saturday’s show and dazzled with their Charleston to 1968 musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s title song.
Incredible: The duo sizzled on the dancefloor and ended up with an impressive score of 27
Emotional: Judge Motsi Mabuse got a little emotional and said she could relate to Ranvir’s comments about being a mom
In character: Ranvir started the routine by rolling pastry in a make-shift kitchen
Giving feedback, Shirley told them: ‘What a way to open the show with that iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! I never knew how long your legs were! To keep them coordinated with your upper half is no mean feat… you executed that choreography amazingly!’
While Motsi said: ‘Shirley discovered your legs and I discovered your smile! You get so serious sometimes, but this time I saw you laugh. It’s a fast dance but you never missed a beat. You could work on the stopping moments..’
And Craig Revel added: ‘It was too stop and start for my liking, just like Motsi said, you need to dance all the way through. The Charleston movement was a little bit flat… but I thought you could go a little more goofy with the characterisation. You do have wonderful elevation in your jumps!’
Craig gave a 6, Shirley a 7 and Motsi a 7, meaning they walked away with 20 points – the lowest of the night.
Speaking after the feedback, Amy praised her partner saying: ‘The physio team said today that he’s doing moves which should be impossible! Well done JJ.’
Sweet: Ranvir candidly chatted about how she’s grown in confidence during the show in the video which played ahead of her routine on Saturday (pictured with her son)
In synch: JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden opened the show on Saturday and dazzled with their Charleston to 1968 musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s title song
Bill Bailey and his partner Oti Mabuse also made a good impression and landed in the middle of the leaderboard with a score of 24 after dancing the Argentine Tango to the Phantom Of The Opera.
Shirley told the pair: ‘I do find it’s more difficult for a celebrity man to lead professional woman dancer, you did so well! You have the presence, command and attitude and I thought you did very well.’
Motsi added: ‘I was a bit nervous, but I think you’ve pulled it off. Watching details I love how you use your feet and take Oti in the frame. I think it’s really difficult to stand still and hold posture and still know whats going on down here with the legs… I think I didn’t need to be that nervous!’
And Craig wrapped up the comments saying: ‘There was one sticky moment… your weight accidentally went onto the leg doing it which made it a bit sticky but you had complete control, command… if I was to sum it up in one word- fantaszmagorical!’
Host Tess also joined in the good comments, joking: ‘Andrew [Lloyd Webber] wants you to start Monday!’
Phenomenal: Bill Bailey and his partner Oti Mabuse also made a good impression and landed in the middle of the leaderboard with a score of 24 after dancing the Argentine Tango to the Phantom Of The Opera
Drama: Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse wowed with an Argentine Tango to the Phantom Of The Opera
And in a special twist, the original Phantom Michael Crawford sent Bill and Oti a video message to mark their routine.
He said: ‘It’s lovely to be here on special night… I wish Bill and Oti the best of luck doing one of the favourite things I did in my life, playing the Phantom.’
Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer closed the show, with the duo doing a Jive to the song Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
After giving his expected criticism Craig said: ‘I have got to say, you’re a powerhouse – an enthusiastic powerhouse of energy!’
Shirley added: ‘I thought you were quite light on your feel! Thought choreography was great, as we expect from you now, you always execute things 150 per cent.’
And Motsi said: ‘I love the fact that you had props on the stage and actually used them! With a jive I loved that your weight was forward and I can feel your musicality is improving every week… the technique will come!’
Giving it his all! Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer also impressed with their Jive to the song Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from the hit musical
Surprise: The show kicked off to an unexpected start with theatre icon Andrew Lloyd Webber made a cameo in support of the stars and the UK’s closed theatres
The show had kicked off with an unexpected start after theatre icon Andrew Lloyd Webber made a cameo in support of the stars and the UK’s closed theatres.
Producer Andrew opened the show with a pre-recorded message, speaking directly to viewers about his sadness over theatres having to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He said he and theatre lovers around the country couldn’t wait for the empty theatres, which are such ‘sources of joy and wonder’, to be open again and for shows to be live.
Andrew added: ‘Strictly is the perfect tonic for the country at all times, but now paying tribute to musical theatre is exactly what we want.’
Time to impress! Andrew watched the couples rehearse during the exciting segment (pictured, HRVY and Janette)
Andrew said: ‘Strictly is the perfect tonic for the country at all times, but now paying tribute to musical theatre is exactly what we want’
During the special segment Andrew sat in the stalls to watch the celebrity contestants rehearse ahead of musical week, shouting words of encouragement danced.
Making sure to set the standards high for the quarter final, the professionals also took to the floor with Giovanni, Gorka and Johannes dazzling as they donned drag to show off their skills.
Viewers were then treated to a very lively group dance by the pros, to musical delights Go West and Finally.
However it was Giovanni, Gorka and Johannes who stole the show as they quick changed into drag halfway through the routine.
Anton Du Beke also stood out in his glitterball-inspired hat, which boasted several disco balls stuck atop each other and certainly lit up the dance floor.
What a look: Anton Du Beke caught the eye in his glitterball-inspired hat and dazzling silver suit
So much talent: The pro dancers set the standards high for musicals week with their incredible group routine
Amazing! However it was Giovanni, Gorka and Johannes who stole the show as they quick changed into drag halfway through the routine
The Musicals Week extravaganza comes after reports that Strictly’s live audience is set to make a return next week.
It is thought that the contestants will finally get to perform to fans at Elstree Studios, although had to miss out on the notorious Musicals Week due to the time frame being too tight for the show to sort out logistics.
The BBC show has taken a number of precautions to keep dancers safe and the show going during the pandemic, with bosses now said to be ‘delighted’ at the change.
A source told The Sun: ‘The BBC are delighted they’re able to slowly introduce an audience back up at Elstree.’
Leading: Johannes rocked a silver sparkling ensemble with a fringed front
Style: Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also looked fantastic as they went for black and white ensembles on the night
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