The performance was breathtaking – a spectacle rivaling anything seen on a West End stage. The synchronicity, the charisma, the sheer skill on display were unbelievably impressive, destined to be remembered as a defining moment of this series, standing alongside iconic routines from years past.
Beyond that single, stunning dance, one other performance truly captivated: Karen Carney’s debut Jive. It was a shocking, unexpected triumph that immediately propelled her to the top of the leaderboard. While her journey hasn’t been consistently flawless, that initial burst of energy remains a standout.
Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom has a unique effect, often inspiring generosity from the judges. It’s likely Lewis won’t be the only contestant joining the exclusive perfect-40 club after tonight’s performances, fueled by the electric atmosphere and grand production.
Amber and her partner have finally received the flawless score they deserve. Week after week, she has delivered captivating performances, but her Paso Doble to Aerosmith was utterly breathtaking – a truly unmissable experience from beginning to end.
Despite her consistent excellence, Amber has surprisingly found herself in the bottom two, proving that prior dance training isn’t always an advantage on *Strictly*. It can, in fact, be a hindrance, as the public’s perception doesn’t always align with technical skill.
Personally, the hope is that Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe will lift the Glitterball trophy. Their chemistry is the most compelling element of the entire series. Alex consistently appears astonished by her own progress and the judges’ praise, and together, they are simply magical.
Lewis and Amber both deserve a place in the semi-final, and at least one of them should reach the final – a final that will feature only three couples this year due to an unforeseen withdrawal. Even with fluctuating scores, one contestant remains the clear favorite to win.
Despite being the bookmakers’ frontrunner, the affection for George Clarke runs deep. His warmth, vulnerability, and genuine enjoyment of the dance are endearing qualities. However, the series wouldn’t be the phenomenal success it is without the extraordinary talent of Lewis and Amber.
Both Lewis and Amber faced an uphill battle to win over public support from the start, constantly facing questions about their previous dance experience. It’s a strange notion – to question the value of world-class dancing in a dance competition.
Had they entered without any prior experience, they would undoubtedly be the favorites. Without their presence, this series could have easily been unremarkable. It’s remarkable that both were initially reserves, stepping in after injuries sidelined other contestants.
The public needs to embrace celebrities with dance experience. Without them, *Strictly* would be reduced to a local talent show. While there have been incredible dancers with no formal training – like Bill Bailey and Chris McCausland – this series lacks a comparable surprise.
No one this year has consistently delivered jaw-dropping routines without a dance background, making Lewis and Amber’s talent all the more vital to the show’s excitement. There was a strong feeling that another contestant, Dani Dyer, might have been a dark horse, but injury prevented her from competing.
The absence of La Voix this week is a devastating loss, especially as this felt like her moment to shine. Hopefully, she’ll remain involved, offering her signature wit and playful jabs at the hosts. Despite this setback, the Blackpool spectacular promises to be the most exciting yet.
Instead of dismissing Lewis and Amber’s talent, viewers should support their continued journey. Their absence would be keenly felt, a testament to the extraordinary impact they’ve had on this series.
