All I can say is WOW! After last week’s incredible week, the celebs and their partners upped their game yet again for an incredible week four. Here’s the lowdown on my Strictly 2022 week 4 review.
Ellie S and Nikita
I think that was Ellie’s best dance yet. So full of confidence and fearlessness in those lifts! The footwork is much improved and the timing was better. However, a couple of mistakes again and a little bit more hip action is needed. She really needs to iron out those nerves or she might not make it much further in the competition. Can we stop with the stupid themes already? A dentist storyline because the song’s called I Love Your Smile? Really?
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 = 30
My score: 8
Will and Nancy
As a massive Swiftie, I’m always sad when it’s one of my least favourite songs of hers featured on the show! That storytelling was stunning, like actual goosebumps. I thought Will and Nancy would do a raunchy Rumba but I loved the softer, subtlety to it. Unfortunately, the technique was a bit of a hot mess. A good attempt and extra points for beautiful acting. However, we can forgive him because he probably should’ve taken a bye through to next week with his illness!
Judges’ scores: 4, 7, 5, 7 = 23
My score: 7
Matt and Nadiya
I loved the 50s vibe and all the Elvis-isms were perfect. And then the jive started. Matt’s kicks and flicks had no retraction whatsoever and I cannot get over his flexed, floppy feet. He’s so musical yet his coordination isn’t getting there quick enough and his posture is awful. I genuinely thought this would be his dance but I think his time might be up.
Judges’ scores: 3, 6, 5, 6 = 20
My score: 5
Jayde and Karen
Such a gorgeous dance from Jayde and Karen. I loved seeing a softer side to her and the sentiment was beautiful. Her sister, Jenna, would be so proud of this dance. Incredibly graceful and simple. Switching the frame from following to leading was so subtle but worked! The whole performance was like dancing on a cloud. One of her best so far.
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 = 31
My score: 8
Molly and Carlos
A stylised Cha Cha is right up my street. That choreography was so quirky. You could see the technique there: straight legs, strong arms, neat footwork, and playing around with the rhythm. The choreography from Carlos was sublime too; he’s going to become one of my favourite pros very quickly. I agree that she could work on her posture a little but the routine was almost perfection!
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 = 35
My score: 9
James and Amy
James’ best dance yet! For a tall guy, this must be such a tricky dance. Being limby can be great for a dancer but can work in the complete opposite way too. His frame was so much better and the footwork was light. I agree that they could have travelled a little more but it was such a neat routine.
Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 = 32
My score: 8
Fleur and Vito
Yep, that was the one for me. Really, really dramatic and suuuuper sexy. The musicality of this piece was spot on, hitting every single note. Fleur really upped her game, she came back fighting! It was sharp, sensual and sophisticated. She contained her excitement, improved massively on her technique and created such an atmosphere on the floor.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 = 38
My score: 10
Kym and Graziano
Kym is another one who’s so rhythmical (no idea if that’s even a word). She’s grown in confidence again but I’d still love her to attack it even more. Super consistent and she’s going to be on the show until the very end. Packed full of technique too, which I love! Again, no idea what the set-up of an aeroplane had to do with the song so don’t bother!
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 = 32
My score: 8
Tony and Katya
Tony’s acting was amazing for a non-actor. Finally, he got a proper serious dance. I know we live for the entertainment but it would be nice if the ‘joke’ act every year gets a decent dance at some point. Was the technique perfect? No, but it was full of heart, effort and emotion. A complete change from last week.
Judges’ scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 = 26
My score: 7
Hamza and Jowita
HOLY MOLY! What a performance from Hamza and Jowita! He has so much natural rhythm and such an ease when he moves. The lifts, the footwork, the hips, the shimmys! Never thought he’d be a Latin guy but that was a smash! The outfits had far too much orange on for me though, it’s my least favourite colour.
Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 = 39
My score: 10
Helen and Gorka
Helen is improving so much every week. She’s so effortless and clean with her frame and footwork. I adored the Flamenco at the end too. Again, she just needs to attack it more to get to that next level. Everything else is great so just keep bringing it! Massive props to Gorka for giving Helen a little pep talk after their dance in the Clauditorium. He’s such a lovely man.
Judges’ scores: 6, 8, 7, 8 = 29
My score: 8
Ellie T and Johannes
Was the theme really necessary? However, Johannes’ outfit for their farm visit was so extra and I loved it. Ellie’s frame was so much better, her technique was improved and she’s another one who’s very musical. She really shines in ballroom and this partnership is a favourite of mine! I can see her making it to Blackpool at least.
Judges’ scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 = 30
My score: 8
Tyler and Dianne
That was a crazy hard routine and Tyler made it look so effortless again. I disagree with Craig because some street styles are much more relaxed and fluid. If you’ve not done the style before, it might be difficult to understand. It makes it looks more conversational and spontaneous, which is where hip-hop originates from: people dancing off on the streets of The Bronx in the 70s. That style is much harder to make look natural than a more hard-hitting routine. We were all big fans of the Garage Megamix too (and Shirley showing her age, too).
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 10, 10 = 37
My score: 10
Fleur, Hamza and Tyler were outstanding tonight. I’m worried about Matt and Will being the bottom two. However, those in the high twenties/low thirties could get dragged into the dance-off! The standard was so high tonight, topping last week’s Movie Week!
If you enjoyed my Strictly 2022 week 4 review, check out my live tweets and catch up on the previous instalments.
