Strictly Come Dancing 2018, week 8 live: Danny John-Jules in dance-off danger after shaky samba and bullying allegations
Ashley Roberts topped leaderboard. Danny John-Jules at bottom
Couples bidding to get through to next week's Blackpool special
Talking Strictly: subscribe to The Telegraph’s brand new podcast with Debbie McGee and friends
Ballroom Bulletin: sign up to our Strictly newsletter, your essential weekly companion
The battle for Blackpool saw a wedding cake, window-cleaning, an aerobics class and high scores all round. But who'll miss the bus north next week?
Here are all the talking points and social media reaction from Saturday night's show...
Danny John-Jules could be doomed
Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules has been all over the tabloids these past two days, with allegations that he's been bullying pro partner Amy Dowden and is unpopular behind-the-Strictly-scenes. Media stitch-up or deserved comeuppance? The debate rages on. Either way, he looks in serious dance-off danger after finishing bottom of the scoreboard for the second week running.
Danny's Caribbean-themed samba was stiff and straight-legged, lacking fluidity or body undulation. It duly scored 27 points - Danny's joint second worst and three points adrift of his nearest rival.
However, was he harshly treated? The judges cracked down hard on Danny but over-marked some of the other celebrities. He was also handed the "slot of death" - out second and directly before Ashley Roberts, meaning he'd likely get blown out of the water.
Perhaps the producers want Danny out due to bad publicity, but do the public? Viewer votes saved him from the bottom two last week. He might not be so lucky this time.
Respectful nods to Remembrance Day
It might have been the night before Remembrance Sunday but the themes of thanking the armed forces and honouring the dead ran through this emotional episode - without ever becoming too sombre or sentimental for a Saturday night entertainment show.
Ashley Roberts dedicated her emotional Contemporary routine to her late father. Head judge Shirley Ballas tearfully told her: "You spoke for everyone who's lost somebody - it came from a beautiful place and your dad would be proud of you".
Faye Tozer got sent a pre-jive video message from army personnel out in Oman, where she'd performed with her group Steps - and the plucky troops even danced in the desert.
There's a Remembrance routine still to come from the pro troupe on Sunday's results show but this made for a poignant and perfectly judged prelude.
Ashley Roberts was one point off perfection again
Pace-setting popstrel Ashley Roberts topped the leaderboard with 39 points for the third week running and remains one Craig Revel Horwood criticism away from a perfect 40.
For their Couple's Choice, pro partner Pasha Kovalev opted for the Contemporary style and choreographed a barefoot routine full of emotional storytelling and spectacular lifts. The judges hailed it as breathtakingly beautiful.
Ashley is a cut above but the suspicion remains that she's a tad too good, with too much dance experience. Ashley might well make it to the final but the likes of Joe Sugg and Stacey Dooley - less gifted but on more of a journey? - will probably pip her to glitterball trophy.
Resilient Charles Venn bounced back yet again
The last time Charles Venn appeared in the dance-off, he came storming back with his Couples' Choice streetdance and came joint second on the scoreboard. It was a similar story tonight.
Having survived his third dance-off last week, the beleaguered Casualty actor closed the show with a barnstorming window cleaning-themed Charleston, packed with swivel, lifts, tricks and hip-hop details. There was even a one-armed cartwheel and the return of Charles' patented "hankie-ography".
He notched 35 points, his second highest score, and soared to third in the standings. Surely enough to save him from a fourth dance-off. Charleston Vest deserves his place on the bus to Blackpool.
Blackpool overkill was back with a vengeance
It's always the Strictly way. The week before the annual trip up to the prestigious Tower Ballroom, the show goes bonkers for Blackpool. True to form, it got mentioned at every turn tonight.
At least this was wittily acknowledged by co-host Claudia Winkleman, who made several references to "the Blackpool game", where viewers take a drink every time the B-word (not Brexit) gets mentioned.
By the time the closing credits rolled, Claudia was recommending strong black coffee and a full English breakfast. Sound advice for any Sunday morning. Especially in Blackpool. Oops. Drink!
Big improvement from inspiring Lauren
The judges spent the first six weeks of this series telling Paralympian Lauren Steadman to let herself go and lose herself to dance. Well, she's finally doing just that and it's lovely to see.
After last week's high-energy skate park jive, she went to the opposite end of the scale with a romantic Viennese waltz which twirled and flowed around the floor. A word of praise also for pro partner AJ Pritchard, who celebrated his 24th birthday with the nines that he wanted and who is choreographing routines creatively around Lauren's disability.
The couple clocked up their highest score, have hit their stride at the right time and should be with us for a week or three yet.
Scoring was high but erratic
With eight out of the nine couples up in the 30s tonight, scoring certainly erred on the generous side. Marks in Blackpool tend to be high too. If the judges aren't careful, they'll leave themselves with nowhere to go in the competition's home stretch.
The panel also lacked consistency. Shirley Ballas was extra-harsh on Faye Tozer, for some strange reason, but over-generous towards Stacey Dooley, Joe Sugg and Lauren Steadman.
Bruno Tonioli did his usual trick of flailing his arms wildly, while marking every dance a point or two too high.
Thanks goodness for voices of sanity Craig Revel Horwood, dah-ling, and Darcey Bussell, yah?
Assassin Villanelle was in the house
Hit BBC thriller Killing Eve reached its climax last week and actress Jodie Comer, who stars as fashion-forward Russian hitwoman Villanelle, was celebrating by sitting on the front row of Strictly's studio audience.
It got viewers speculating about who she might be there to "take out". The consensus seemed to be Anton Du Beke, Danny John-Jules or Dave Arch. If looks could kill...
Who might join Danny in the dance-off?
Alongside Danny John-Jules, the most likely candidates for Sunday's dreaded dance-off look to be Kate Silverton or Graeme Swann - even though both notched their highest scores.
Newsreader Kate, after struggling with moody dances for the past two weeks, opened the show with a bright, light and lively wedding-themed quickstep. She was delighted with a personal best of 30 points, yet still finished second from bottom on the scoreboard.
Just one point above her was former cricketer Swanny, who went for full comedy value with his fitness-themed day-glo salsa, brilliantly choreographed by partner Oti Mabuse for maximum feel-the-burn fun.
Both exceeded expectations but will be looking nervous tomorrow. The results show airs at 7.50pm Sunday, so please join us back on the liveblog then. And in the meantime, as is industry standard: keeeeeep dancing!
Battle for Blackpool in full
Here's your routine-by-routine Saturday night recap...
That's the last blow in the battle for Blackpool
All manner of "bus to Blackpool" tomfoolery up on the Clauditorium, before tonight's nine routines get recapped. Stay with us for analysis and social media reaction. Keeeeeeeep dancing!
Charles and Karen's Charleston
He survived his third dance-off last week. Will the dance not-really-named after him suit Charles? Window-cleaning theme as they descend in a hoist with hankie-ography for the second times this series, Lots of swivel, stage presence and style. Great sync in the side-by-side and changes of pace. Nifty tricks, lifts, flips, jumps and a one-armed cartwheel. This is right up there with his triumphant Couples' Choice streetdance. Terrific.
Music: 'No Diggity' by Minimatic
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "superb ending to a superb show, cool as a cucumber and timing on-point, phenomenal". Bruno says "sparkling, squeaky clean and not a smudge to spoil the view, hip-hop elements were very now, your best dance yet". Craig says "too controlled and lacked eccentricity (boo!), only my opinion dah-ling". Darcey concludes "strong characterisation, great swivel, keep pushing that crazy fun side because I love it".
Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Third on the leaderboard. Deserved it.
Lauren and AJ's Viennese waltz
They got three 8s last week. Now ambitious AJ wants a 9 - and he turned 24 this week, so it would make the perfect birthday present. Pink-clad and romantic. some lovely spins and lifts to start, then they float and twirl around the floor. Lauren's footwork is struggling to keep up at times but chemistry and connection improving fast. Floor spins and drops towards the end. Sweet as sugar.
Music: 'You Are The Reason' by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "great work, ease of rotation, kept the flow, seamless transitions, AJ is testing you but exaggerate the topline, yes? You're maturing every week, yes?". Shirley says "inspiring and amazing, great pivots and heel drive, congratulations". Bruno gives her a hug and says "you're getting better every week and you're learning to love to dance, that's why people watch this show". Craig concludes "you were dancing for the first time without judgement, absolutely brilliant".
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. Her best yet and AJ got his birthday present. Third on the leaderboard with one dance to go.
Joe and Dianne's samba
The YouTuber is endearingly desperate to get to Blackpool to perform in front of his Nanna Phyllis, so has been training for 13 hours per day to crack this tricky dance. Festival theme, with Joe as a rock drummer leaping down from the stage to dance with a girl in the crowd. Fabulous rainbow fringed frock for Dianne. A Dr Ranj tribute shoulder shimmy, lacking a little hip action but great timing, musicality and crowd-pleasing party feel.
Music: 'MmmBop' by Hanson
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "exaggerated, overstated and that shimmy could start a tsunami but it made me smile". Darcey says "I was distracted by you mouthing the words but you sold it and gave it your all". Shirley says "I applaud you for exaggerating and showing off all your moves" Bruno concludes "pop sensational, insta-adorable, you can bounce, another hit in my book".
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points.
Stacey and Kevin's waltz
Sweetly, our Stace has never seen Breakfast At Tiffany’s and only recognised this song from a chocolate ad. Opening section on a little pier, then down onto the floor for a slow, smooth, gliding waltz. Sweet storytelling. Stacey's frame and footwork wobbling at times, lacked a little flow, but good leg extensions and overall adorable.
Music: 'Moon River' by Audrey Hepburn
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "Audrey Hepburn would have loved that - genuine, natural, worked hard on footwork but elongate the lines with your arms". Craig says "upper body needs more flow and expression but a well studied performance". Darcey says "lovely routine, natural quality and connection but needs more flow and finish your lines". Shirley says "Kevin pushed the envelope, the beginning melted my heart, you blow my mind every week".
Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Third so far.
Faye and Giovanni's jive
Can the Steps alumnus do justice to Giovanni’s favourite dance? Ice cream theme as he serves on "Gio's Gelato stall", then into a jive that's big on spins, kicks and flicks. Great leg action from Faye, tight side-by-side sections and high kicks. Fun, flat-out and as lickable as a 99 on a scorchio day. Giovanni ends up covered in ice cream. Want a flake in that, love?
Music: 'Reet Petite' by Jackie Wilson
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "confident and capable but it lacked changes of energy and I expected more". Bruno says "picture-perfect 1940s pin-up, precise, compact and immaculate styling". Craig says "I loved it". That gets a gleeful air-punch from Giovanni. Darcey concludes "you coped with the speed brilliantly, brilliant balance, great job".
Judges' scores: 9, 9, 8, 10 for a total of 36 points. Second on the scoreboard so far.
Graeme and Oti's salsa
If in doubt, get your shimmy out. A fitness instructor theme and fluorescent spandex outfits. He lifts her like a barbell to start, then some step class action. Oti looking fabulous. Some treadmill-ography and nice lifts. Graeme's dad-dancing at times, it's all a bit novelty and way too much messin' abaht, as dear old Len Goodman would say, but huge fun.
Music: 'Follow The Leader' by Soca Boys
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "I strangely loved that, good body isolations, fearless lifts, liked the concept, you were flat-footed but gave it your all". Shirley says "100% impact, bright and jolly, a few mistakes but you went for it". Bruno says "I can feel the burn but it's my retinas, you have to release a fitness DVD, Davina McCall watch out". Craig concludes "one of the oddest salsas I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing, you handled a complex routine really well".
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points - matching Spider-Swanny's best, way back in week 3.
Ashley and Pasha's Couples’ Choice
She's scored 39 points and topped the leaderboard for both the last two weeks. Can Ashley achieve that elusive 40? They've chosen the Contemporary style - and Pasha got a perfect 40 for his contemporary showdance with Caroline Flack in the 2014 final, if that's an omen.
Affectingly, Ashley's dedicating the dance to her late dad. Mistake in the solo section at the start - deliberately to tie in with the song title, perhaps? - then Pasha appears and they're into a powerful barefoot routine, full of emotion and lifts. Sweet storytelling and a drop into a spinning lift to finish.
Music: 'Unsteady' by Erich Lee (Gravity Remix by X Ambassadors)
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "I think you're super-incredible: extension, elevation, took flight but I wanted to more breath, difficult to find anything else wrong with it". Darcey disagrees and says "wonderful strength, beautiful flexibility, took my breath away". An emotional Shirley says "you spoke for everyone who's lost somebody, it was sincere, from a beautiful place and your dad would be proud". Bruno concludes "a hauntingly beautiful tribute, danced to perfection, flawless".
Judges' scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points - for the third week running. Consistently excellent.
Danny and Amy's samba
He's one of the bookies' favourites to go out after tabloid reports of training room bust-ups and Danny bullying his pro partner Amy. He also made a shock appearance at the bottom of last week's leaderboard, so badly needs to bounce back. Caribbean feel, playing on his Dominican background. Shoulder shimmies and hip wiggles but he's stiff and straight-legged, lacking that fluid action and undulation. But upbeat party feel, high energy and lovely arms. A hard-working samba.
Music: 'Feels Like Home' by Sigala
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "went for it like a Dominican express but it was too sharp and staccato, needed soft bounce". Craig says "stiff, spiky, lacked fluidity, too much energy and I never say that, you need to chill out a little bit, dah-ling". Darcey says "no mistakes, lots of content, needs more undulating body action but you're a performer". Shirley concludes "a miracle after last week, good bounce but need to be continuous, flexible and fluid".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Five more than last week but dance-off danger, I suspect.
Rylan on the Ts&Cs
Rylan Clark-Neal, new Radio 2 host and the only man in showbiz with a more dazzling smile than Dr Ranj, pops up on the Clauditorium to read out the voting smallprint. Smashed it, babes.
Kate and Alja?'s quickstep
The newsreader is carrying a rib injury and has a tricky dance, so is one of the bookies' favourites to go home. It's her first happy dance after a few weeks of mean 'n' moody numbers. It's a wedding theme, with the pair playing bride-and-groom cake-toppers. Cute styling, takes a long time to get going but not bad when it does. Light, frothy, lots of travel around the floor but some gapping and footwork issues. Do I think it's an improvement on Kate's recent dances? I do.
Music: 'I Want You To Want Me' by Letters To Cleo
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "bright, light, crisp, didn't miss a beat, jerky but a huge improvement". Bruno crowbars in a mention of Meghan and Harry, then coos that it was "confident, joyful, welcome back Kate". Craig says "that's a bit more like it, dah-ling, some gapping but effervescent, in-sync and I loved your little pinkie detail". Darcey concludes "joyous, lively, fix that frame but a delight".
Judges' scores: 7, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points - her highest score and a good time to notch it.
Time to meet the stars of our show
Charles Venn in a vest! Alijaz and Kate as bride and groom! Graeme Swann in day-glo aerobics gear! Amy Dowden and Danny John-Jules pretending they like each other!
Frockwatch
Time for our weekly co-presenter fashion face-off. Claudia Winkleman's in a sparkly black jumpsuit. Tess Daly's in a red strapless geometric creation. Claudia wins. Both sporting poppies too, of course.
And we're off!
Roll pre-credits VT and battle for Blackpool tension-building.
Nearly there, dance fans
As the credits roll on Pointless Celebrities, I can almost smell the crowd and hear the greasepaint...
Who will be beside the seaside?
A Strictly milestone is looming and it's in the shape of the Blackpool Tower. Nine couples tonight battle it out for eight places on the bus up north. It promises to be tighter than Craig Revel Horwood's girdle. Five minutes until we go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom...
Charles Venn's hat-trick of narrow escapes
Casualty actor Charles Venn survived his third dance-off last weekend. Can he score enough points and garner enough viewer votes tonight to avoid a fourth eliminator? Ten minutes until we get our first clues...
Quick choreographic catch-up
Last week's show saw Dr Ranj Singh go home after dance-off defeat to Charles Venn. Ashley Roberts topped the leaderboard for the second week running following her fab-ew-lous foxtrot. Danny John-Jules was rock bottom due to some serious timing problems during his quickstep.
And that just about brings us up to speed. Fifteen minutes until showtime...
Danny John-Jules accused of bullying pro partner
The big news in Strictlyland these last two days has been the reported bust-ups between Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules and his partner Amy Dowden. He apparently left the Welsh professional in tears after a training room spat and has been given a final warning by BBC producers.
Can the couple show a united front tonight and bounce back from their shock appearance at the bottom of last week's leaderboard? Twenty minutes until we get our first clues...
Prepare for copious use of the B-word
No, not Brexit or anything rude but Blackpool. Yes, Strictly’s annual trip up the M6 to the Tower Ballroom is looming and the surviving nine pro-celebrity couples will be desperately dancing their socks off this Saturday to get there.
Last week, we waved goodbye to Dr Ranj Singh - the TV medic with the million dollar smile - and nobody will want to follow him out of the contest, missing the chance to dance on one of the world’s most fabled ballroom floors by one agonising week.
Bookies’ joint favourites to suffer Blackpool heartbreak are newsreader Kate Silverton and cricketer Graeme Swann, but three-time dance-off survivor Charles Venn also looks at serious risk.
Meanwhile, Danny John-Jules needs to bounce back from his shock appearance at the bottom of last week’s leaderboard - but might not be helped by the worrying bullying allegations which have surfaced in the last two days.
Tonight’s Couple’s Choice comes from pace-setters Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev, who'll be dancing a Contemporary routine. They’ve scored a near-perfect 39 points for the past fortnight. Can the pair go one better and notch the first maximum 40 this year? Or will Craig Revel Horwood keep his "10" paddle in mothballs a little longer?
The battle for Blackpool begins at 7pm Saturday on BBC One. We'll be liveblogging from 6.30pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and random smartarsery.
Please join us - and 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.
You’d be a donkey in a Kiss-Me-Quick hat to miss it. Nearly time to staaaaart seaside qualifying!