Strictly Come Dancing 2020, Blackpool week results: Caroline Quentin departs after dance-off defeat to Maisie Smith
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A surprise dance-off and a sad elimination. Here are all the talking points and social media reaction from Strictly 2020’s week five results show…
Caroline went out with a bang (and a lick)
Caroline Quentin’s contest feels like one of unfulfilled potential and untapped talent. She did ballet as a child, then tap and modern dance in her teens. It might have been decades ago but Caroline retained a dancer’s grace. Her elegant arms, clean footwork and exquisite shapes were praised early in the series, seeming to mark her out as a contender.
However, she failed to kick on very far from there. For three weeks, she was stuck on a score of 21 points. The judges kept telling Caroline she was too precise and polite, needing more impact and attack. As her fellow celebrities improved and overtook her, she steadily slipped down the standings.
Her scores improved over the past fortnight but only slightly, to 22 points, then 24 for last night’s cha cha. Its daft fireman theme finally enabled Caroline to exaggerate the character and play it for camp Carry On-style laughs - including that eyebrow-raising lick of her pro partner Johannes Radebe’s armpit. It was too little, too late.
Caroline might have survived a dance-off against Clara Amfo or JJ Chalmers but against Maisie Smith, she was doomed. She departs on a high at least, after her top score and what Anton Du Beke hailed as "her best dance by far",
Wryly funny Caroline and gentle Johannes formed an endearing partnership. “I love him,” she grinned when they were first paired up. “I can’t even pretend that I wanted anybody else.” They went on to become one of the most entertaining couples in the contest and will be much missed. Their farewell speeches were full of affection.
It’s also a shame that we’ve lost another mature female in 60-year-old Caroline. With former politician Jacqui Smith, 57, already out, it leaves 47-year-old Ranvir Singh flying the flag for mothers everywhere.
We've adored this iconic partnership! RT to give @quentyquestions and @jojo_radebe the fab-u-lous #Strictly send off they deserve 🎉 pic.twitter.com/O9UVOKFy21
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 22, 2020
"I'm surprised to see you here, in the bottom two, when you were second from last on the leaderboard and I gave you the second-lowest score I gave anybody all night" #SCD
— Steven Perkins (@stevenperkins) November 22, 2020
(I love Caroline but I think she can leave the licking out of her second go at this). #Strictly #scd
— Kitty Gallagher (@KittyLGallagher) November 22, 2020
Can’t help thinking that Caroline Quentin leaving #Strictly diminishes the Show She has been a complete joy from start to departure 😱☹️
— Nick Stewart (@colonelstewart) November 22, 2020
Maisie Smith got another scare and isn't winning hearts
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith clearly isn’t connecting with voting viewers. Last week’s cha cha was her worst dance yet and saw her narrowly survive a dance-off against Max George. This time she was much improved, with her spicy salsa scoring a personal best of 27 points, taking her to joint second on the leaderboard. Yet the public didn’t back her and she tumbled down into the bottom two again.
She never looked in serious danger of elimination, especially when she raised her game in the dance-off, while Caroline Quentin made some minor mistakes. The three-point gap between them looked even wider.
However, poor Maisie will be wondering what she’s doing wrong. Are the public turned off by her dance training and whiff of being a ringer? By partner Gorka Marquez’s showy, lift-packed Latin choreography? By her youthful pout, which can sometimes appear sulky? The 19-year-old has admitted that she’s struggled with the extra scrutiny that Strictly brings, along with the pressure of being an early pace-setter.
A second consecutive dance-off won’t make her feel much better but she needs to shake it off and come back fighting next week. As Craig Revel Horwood kindly and wisely counselled her, many Strictly champions have bounced back from the dance-off.
Have a lot of respect for Craig's comments re: Maisie, recognising that a 19-year-old girl felt incredibly vulnerable on national TV and choosing to #BeKind. #Strictly #SCD
— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) November 22, 2020
people hate seeing a young lady be confident. maisie in the dance off? ridiculous. #StrictlyComeDancing
— helen 🦇 (@helenblight2001) November 22, 2020
I really like Maisie – what’s the public’s issue with her? I’ve seen some absolutely shocking comments about her online. #Strictly
— Justin Myers (@theguyliner) November 22, 2020
People are just being mean to Maisie. Shouldn’t be in that dance off.
— Chris Addison (@mrchrisaddison) November 22, 2020
Erratic scoring by judges needs to stop
The scoring was all over the place last night, with female celebrities suffering more than the men. Clara Amfo and Caroline Quentin were marked harshly and left as the bottom two. Maisie Smith was scored more fairly but still criticised.
By stark contrast, the likes of Jamie Laing, JJ Chalmers and even Bill Bailey were overscored, seemingly given points for effort and energy, while getting a free pass on precisely the type of technical flaws for which the women were being picked up.
It all led to a topsy-turvy scoreboard. Was Clara really six points worse than the rest? Did Jamie Laing truly merit two 10s? Is it right that JJ has already seen off Max George and Caroline, both arguably better dancers?
Viewer votes righted things to an extent. However, unless the panel's scoring becomes more consistent, it risks unfair eliminations and making a mockery of Strictly as a proper hoofing contest.
The absolute RANGE of dances that got 9s from Shirley last night, I’m SO confused #Strictly
— Erin ミ☆ (@_erinz_) November 22, 2020
This is the best result of a stupid scoring week. JJ should have gone, if not Jamie, but here we are #strictly #scd
— Marianka Swain (@mkmswain) November 22, 2020
Me: That was TERRIBLE, HAHAHAHAHAA
Judges: 9, 9, 10#Strictly— Lissa Not Moving On Evans (@LissaKEvans) November 21, 2020
Another cha cha of doom for poor Johannes
Caroline’s popular pro partner Johannes Radebe could be forgiven for cursing a certain Cuban dance style tonight. Last year, in his debut series with a celebrity partner, the South African Latin champion was eliminated fifth after a cha cha with Catherine Tyldesley.
History repeated itself almost spookily here: same week, same dance and another actress partner. Johannes will be looking at next year’s dance roster with trepidation.
Can we get a hunk who’s also a massive ringer to take Johannes all the way to final next year thanks #Strictly
— Sid (@HertsSid) November 22, 2020
Anton’s judging stint came to an end. Well, for now
He’s waited 18 series to get his chance and stalwart pro Anton Du Beke was palpably thrilled to be invited onto the judging panel. Filling in for the quarantined Motsi Mabuse, he’s proved a huge hit with viewers.
Anton’s sheer enthusiasm for dance has shone through. His critiques have been supportive, detailed and constructive. His judging style shows the hallmark of being influenced by his mentor Len Goodman. He also clearly had a whale of a time, with a grin as wide as a glitterball. All he needs to do is sort out his pronunciation of "samba" and "Oti".
Motsi returns from self-isolation next Saturday but Anton has surely pencilled himself in for a future full-time judging role. Motsi promised to bring him a box of chocolates to say thank you for keeping her seat warm. Producers could give Anton an even sweeter gift next year.
Ok @bbcstrictly please let @TheAntonDuBeke stay on the judging panel. He’s funny. He’s fair. And he’s a strictly legend. #Strictly
— Barbara Wallace (@babswallace) November 22, 2020
@bbcstrictly please keep @TheAntonDuBeke as a judge. If Bruno thinks the USA is that lucrative they can keep him. We want Anton!!
— tania chivers (@topcat137) November 22, 2020
Can we not keep Anton as a judge until Bruno returns, and have 4 judges? #StrictlyComeDancing
— Big, Tall & Loud (@BigTallLoud) November 22, 2020
Anton needs to become a permanent fixture on that panel#StrictlyComeDancing
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) November 22, 2020
Clara Amfo breathed a big sigh of relief
It was quite the reversal of fortune on Saturday night when Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo plummeted from the dizzy heights to rock bottom. Last week, she deservedly topped the scoreboard for her glorious flapper girl Charleston. This week, her misfiring samba was harshly marked and left her at the opposite end of the table.
Cut adrift by six points at the bottom, Clara faced the ignominy of going from leaderboard-topper to exit door. However, fans clearly mobilised and voted in enough numbers to lift her clear of the bottom two. "Operation Clara" worked and rightly so. The likeable Strictly superfan deserves another week at least. Such a sudden exit would have seemed way too cruel.
oh my god it worked, OPERATION SAVE CLARA WORKED #SCD
— Steven Perkins (@stevenperkins) November 22, 2020
Maybe next week the judges can lay off Clara, the public can lay off Maisie, and together they can both put JJ in the bottom two #Strictly
— Sid (@HertsSid) November 22, 2020
Contest now enters the home stretch
Our magnificent seven couples now progress to the sixth live show, as the ballroom battle intensifies and they bid to make it through to the quarter-final.
The next live show airs at 7.15pm on Saturday. Please join us back here to analyse the action. In the meantime, as is now industry standard: keeeeeep dancing!
08:21 PMSunday night as it happened
Sunday night as it happened
Here’s your full results show recap…
08:07 PMCaroline and Jojo’s last dance
Caroline and Jojo’s last dance
As the eliminated couple take a final turn around the ballroom floor to Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac (tune!) and the credits roll, don’t go anywhere just yet. Please stay with us for analysis, talking points and social media reaction…
08:06 PMJohannes returns the compliment
Johannes returns the compliment
Her pro partner Johanne Radebe says: “Oh my gosh, what a woman, thank you, thank you again. I had a beautiful journey with you, thank you my darling.”
So in summary: thank you. They're both a bit weepy, bless 'em. Caroline said they're friends for life and will be in a bubble forever.
08:04 PMCaroline’s exit interview
Caroline’s exit interview
Caroline tells Tess: “I fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a dancer. I’ve had the honour and privilege of working with some of the greatest dancers this country has ever known. They are absolutely fantastic. But of course, my greatest gift coming on this show is this man.”
08:04 PMHead judge Shirley Ballas agrees
Head judge Shirley Ballas agrees
Twirly Shirley says she would also have saved Maisie Smith, unlike last week.
08:03 PMCaroline Quentin is eliminated
Caroline Quentin is eliminated
The actress becomes the fifth celebrity tossed onto the sequin-spangled scrapheap, joining Jacqui Smith, Jason Bell, Max George and Covid casualty Nicola Adams.
08:03 PMAnton du Beke chooses to to save…
Anton du Beke chooses to to save…
Maisie and Gorka, saying they were “a bit cleaner without a couple of mistakes in there”.
08:02 PMCraig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Maisie and Gorka, saying they were “outstanding and danced as though their lives depended on it.”
08:02 PMCouple of mistakes from Caroline
Couple of mistakes from Caroline
That might seal it, if it wasn't a done deal. At least she kissed his face this time, rather than licking his armpit.
08:00 PMCaroline takes her turn
Caroline takes her turn
Caroline Quentin and her partner Johannes Radebe reprise their cha cha to Rescue Me by Fontella Bass. The judges said last night that it was cheeky, cheesy fun.
Shirley Ballas said Caroline had “the prettiest legs and feet in the competition, while Craig Revel Horwood added: “I could have done without the tongue action. It was like watching Mrs Slocombe from Are You Being Served?”
I’m free!
07:59 PMMaisie goes first in dance-off
Maisie goes first in dance-off
Maisie Smith and her pro partner Gorka Marquez have another go at their salsa to Better When I’m Dancing by Meghan Trainor.
The judges said last night that it was accomplished and fearless, although she needs to work on her landings and footwork. They gave it 27 points.
This one looks even slicker if anything and the dismounts are cleaner. Caroline will have to go some to beat this.
07:56 PMJJ Chalmers will be kilt-clad next week
JJ Chalmers will be kilt-clad next week
A sparkly sporran, perhaps? Hoots, mon.
07:54 PMChatterpillar part two
Chatterpillar part two
While we digest that news, more saved couples exchange chit-chat with Claud. Clara Amfo is tearful with gratitude and reveals that she's channelling Tina Turner next week.
07:52 PMMaisie Smith in dance-off again
Maisie Smith in dance-off again
She was joint second on the leaderboard last night but Maisie Smith has plummeted into the bottom two for the second week running. She’s clearly not getting public backing.
07:51 PMClara Amfo is safe
Clara Amfo is safe
She's been saved by viewer votes, so that means we might get a dance-off shocker. HRVY is also safe. So is it JJ or Maisie?
07:50 PMWho'll face Caroline in the dance-off?
Who'll face Caroline in the dance-off?
Time for the red light of doom again.
07:48 PMDance debrief
Dance debrief
Up to the socially distanced Clauditorium now for a closer look at this week’s dances - the featurette known in days of yore as Len’s Lens.
Motsi Mabuse chips in over Zoom, wearing the requisite amount of sparkle. Good to see there's no loungewear, Uggs nor slankets at Motsi Mansions.
Craig Revel Horwood demonstrates fab-ew-lous hip isolation. Anton Du Beke says farewell from his judging stint. Strangely emotional.
07:43 PMSir William Of Ocean will see you now
Sir William Of Ocean will see you now
Musical guest Billy Ocean performs a medley of his R&B pop anthems, including Caribbean Queen, Love Really Hurts Without You, Red Light Spells Danger, When the Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Going, There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) and Get Outta My Dreams Get into My Car. Quite partial to a long song title was our Billy.
Some other Billy Ocean factoids for you: he used to be a Savile Row tailor, so it’s no surprise he’s always so dapper; his song Loverboy was featured in the first ever scene from BBC One medical drama Casualty; and he had a cameo role in “comedy” film Keith Lemon: The Movie as the titular character’s father.
That’s probably enough Billy Ocean trivia, isn't it?
07:42 PMJamie Laing the homeboy
Jamie Laing the homeboy
The world's poshest streetdancer is chuffed to go through.
07:41 PMClaudia’s chatterpillar
Claudia’s chatterpillar
The safe couples queue up for their interviews with La Winkle. Ranvir Singh discusses turning into a diva when she dons her costume.
Bill Bailey might've had praise from the Sugarhill Gang, the Wurzels and Janet Jackson (an eclectic selection) but says who he really wants to impress is his partner Oti Mabuse. And they're jiving next week.
07:37 PMCaroline Quentin in dance-off for first time
Caroline Quentin in dance-off for first time
Not a massive surprise, considering she was second from bottom of the Saturday night scoreboard, but Caroline Quentin will dance again for survival.
07:37 PMBill Bailey is safe
Bill Bailey is safe
It was the ponytail wot dun it
07:36 PMJamie Laing is safe
Jamie Laing is safe
Fist punches and baseball-capped cuddles.
07:36 PMRanvir and Giovanni are safe
Ranvir and Giovanni are safe
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
07:35 PMDancing red light of doom
Dancing red light of doom
Uh-oh. Time to find out who’s safe and who’s in the dreaded dance-off.
07:32 PMBruno rewinds Saturday night
Bruno rewinds Saturday night
Signor Tonioli dials in from Los Angeles with a recap montage. Top hats! Chef's whites! Licked armpits!
07:31 PMHere come the judges
Here come the judges
This is tuxedo-clad Anton Du Beke’s last show as Motsi Mabuse’s stand-in. But will it be his last appearance on the judging panel full stop, I wonder?
07:30 PMFrockwatch
Frockwatch
Our co-hosts arrive, so time for our traditional couture comparison. Tess Daly is in black trousers and sparklyvest top. Claudia Winkleman is working a black mini-shift with 80s shoulder pads. A rare win for Tess.
07:28 PMPros open the show
Pros open the show
We begin with a group number from the professional troupe, led by Giovanni Pernice and Dianne Buswell, set to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. It's a spinning, romantic waltz set in an orchard. Fruity. Brolly-ography too. Lovely.
07:26 PMAnd we’re off!
And we’re off!
Roll clapalong credits. Except there’s no audience inside the Elstree Studios ballroom to clap along, so we’ll have to do it ourselves at home.
07:24 PMTake your sofa seats and top up your glasses
Take your sofa seats and top up your glasses
We’re about to go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom...
07:20 PMErratic scoring caused a stir
Erratic scoring caused a stir
Two 10s for Jamie Laing? Two nines for JJ Chalmers? But a lowly five for Clara Amfo? The scoring paddles went a bit bonkers last night.
But what bearing will it have on tonight's result? Five minutes until that familiar ba-ba-daa theme tune…
07:16 PMBlackpool came to Borehamwood
Blackpool came to Borehamwood
The Strictly charabanc was unable to trundle north up the M6 this year, so last night's special show brought the spirit of the Tower Ballroom down to Elstree Studios.
The professionals’ group number was a seaside spectacular. The couples’ routines, props and costumes added even more old-style Blackpool glamour. It was a welcome dose of sand, sunshine and sparkle on a nippy autumn night.
But whose glitterball dreams are about to be dashed on the Pleasure Beach pebbles? Ten minutes to wait…
07:09 PMWhen the going gets tough, Billy Ocean gets going
When the going gets tough, Billy Ocean gets going
Tonight’s musical guest is Trinidadian-British R&B king Billy Ocean MBE.
Sir William Of Ocean will be crooning a medley of his classic Seventies and Eighties hits.
Fifteen minutes now until choreographic kick-off…
07:05 PMThe lead changed hands again last night
The lead changed hands again last night
Five weeks, five different scoreboard-toppers. Saturday’s pace-setters were Made In Chelsea socilaite Jamie Laing and his pro partner Karen Hauer, whose Couple's Choice routine saw them streetdance their way to a near-perfect 29 points.
You’d have got good odds on that when "Jamie Biscuits" was hovering near the foot of the table a few weeks ago. Can he maintain his rapid improvement and become a true glitterball contender?
Twenty minutes until showtime…
06:59 PMCan Clara Amfo climb out of danger?
Can Clara Amfo climb out of danger?
Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo was riding high after her charming Charleston topped last week's scoreboard. However, last night's disappointing samba saw her plummet all the way down to the foot of the standings.
The last celebrity to suffer such a dramatic drop was Casualty actor Patrick Robinson seven years ago. However, many of Clara’s fans were outraged and vowed to vote her out of danger. Did they succeed? We’ll find out soon,
It's 25 minutes until curtain up…
06:53 PMWho’ll be riding home on a seaside donkey?
Who’ll be riding home on a seaside donkey?
Eight celebrities reached last night’s Blackpool tribute special, marking the midway point of this shortened series. Only seven will progress. Yes, someone is about to pack up their bucket and spade because their Strictly holiday is over.
Tonight the fifth elimination beckons, as our pro-celebrity pairings find out who’s safe and who’s doomed to face the dreaded dance-off.
I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for Sunday evening’s results show. It’s showtime at 7.25pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 7pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, social media reaction and acidic asides.
Please join me - and you can join in, too. You can email me on michael.hogan@telegraph.co.uk, tweet me on @michaelhogan or leave comments at the bottom of this blog. I'll keep an eye on them all and report the highlights here.
On Saturday night, we saw yet another new face at the summit of the leaderboard, as Jamie Laing streetdanced his way to a near-perfect 29 points. Tucked in just behind in joint second place were spicy Latin ladies Ranvir Singh and Maisie Smith.
Down at the foot of the standings was Clara Amfo, in a dramatic fall from grace, with Caroline Quentin just above her. As usual, the judges’ scores will now be combined with the public vote and the two couples with the lowest combined scores will dance for survival - but will viewers agree with the judges? If not, the likes of JJ Chalmers or even Bill Bailey could come into choreographic contention.
Whose Blackpool illuminations are about to be switched off? Nearly time to staaaaaaart eliminating!