Strictly Come Dancing Week 10: A perfect score for Kimberley Walsh

It was dance fusion this week on Strictly with two different dance styles combined into one routine. Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev topped the leaderboard with a perfect score of 40 for their Cha Cha – Tango fusion.

Nicky Byrne and Lisa Riley propped up the leaderboard and will need the support of the viewers to advance to the semi-final.

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan opened the show with a dance combination of a Jive and a Quickstep. “Lovely start to the evening” said Len. “Lively and cheerful quickstep and the jive was incredible” commented Bruno. “Clicks and flicks were absolutely fantastic” said Craig. “A bit too much bounce in the quickstep” commented Darcey. Denise caught her heel in her outfit so it wasn’t flawless but a score of  35 should keep Denise and James in the hunt for a semi-final place.

Next up was Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor who were combining the Tango with the Cha Cha Cha to Abba’s Voulez Vous. Lisa’s personality shines every week but her technical skills are weaker than some of the other celebrities. “You were glittering like a glitterball under a search light. The Cha Cha Cha was much stronger” was Bruno’s view. “Yes, your top line is failing you in the Tango and the ballroom stuff” said Craig. “Your Tango for me was the stronger” disagreed Darcey. “Your enthusiasm is infectious. You had a terrbible incident in the Cha Cha Cha. It was all a bit too predictable” said Len.  A score of 30 condemned her to be in bottom two on the  judges’ leaderboard. Only the viewers’ votes can save her.

Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer were dancing the American Smooth and the Foxtrot. “Your posture in the American smooth was truly dreadful. I suspect we will be seeing that dance again” predicted Craig. “Your performance value was very good” consoled Darcey. “Your Samba was terrific but you never straighten your knees on the ballroom” complained Len. “A heroic effort but a lot of technical shortcomings” said Bruno. The viewers will have to get phoning to save Nicky and Karen after a score of 27 left them at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Dani Harmer and Vincent Simone were fusing the Quickstep and the Charleston to the song “Happy Feet”. “Dani that was extraordinary. You upped the technical ability. It was so beautiful. I loved it” said Darcey. “I would have been happier if I had seen the occasional heel lead” added Len. “It was like watching a flappers greatest hit. It was brilliant. Absolute perfection.” gushed Bruno. “A massively great job on that routine” was Craig’s considered view.  A 38 put them close to the top of the leaderboard.

Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace  danced a Tango-Rumba fusion. “You pulled it off” said Len. “Keep it up you are going the right way” commented Bruno. “You danced it with effortless dexterity” said Craig. “The emotion was perfect. One of your best.” praised Darcey. A 37 gives Louis and Flavia a good chance of making the semi-final next week.

Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev closed the show with a Cha Cha and Tango fusion to “It’s raining men”.”The dance of the season so far” beamed Bruno. “That is dancing” agreed Craig. “Fabulous, This suited you perfectly. I loved it” said Darcey. “Well done” applauded Len.  A good score seemed on the cards and Craig pulled out his first 10 of the season as the judges scored them at a perfect 40.

For full detail on the judges scores see Strictly Come Dancing Results.