Strictly Come Dancing: week eight – live | Strictly Come Dancing

Well, Sarah Hadland surely had to dance to the in-joke song from sitcom Miranda at some point. Here it is. After scoring nines and 10s in recent weeks, she’s become a strong glitterball contender. In fact, last week’s Madonna cha cha notched the highest score of the series for a dance which wasn’t a Couple’s Choice. Wind machine side-by-side section, then into a long lift. Foxtrot steps and soft knees for that smooth and airy feel, floating around floor. A colourful, upbeat, celebratory number with superbly executed lifts and tricks. She needs to dance flat, so is having to rein in her normal non-stop bouncy energy. Slightly hurried footwork at times but bags of style. Shame she can’t sing it too. Possibly while holding a cardboard cutout of Heather Small on a wooden stick. Such fun.

Song: Proud by Heather Small. Since its 2000 release, the M People diva’s debut solo single has become a rousing motivational anthem, often used at the Olympics and London Marathon.

Shayne Ward has survived two dance-offs but showed some fight last week, closing the show with his Beatles quickstep. He remains bookie’s favourite for the exit, though, and the technically tough rumba is notoriously exposing for celebrity males. Wynne Evans ended his rumba with a burst of song last week but we can probably assume Shayne won’t. They’ve gone mad with the augmented relaity this week. Forest projections this time. Slightly static to start, then passionate, rhythmic and flowing. Nice long lines and finger extensions but lacking a little sizzle and sensuality in the storytelling. Continuous hip action is present and correct but a little polite for me. Rose petals fall for a romantic finish.

Song: Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. Awarded Song Of Year at the 1985 Grammys, the pop ballad was used in cathartic prom scenes from both Napoleon Dynamite and Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion.

The Drag Race judge and Strictly alumna is this week’s Clauditorium guest to recite the voting smallprint. She even wore sparkles for the occasion

Last week’s Couple’s Choice meant that Tasha Gherouri has topped the scoreboard four times in seven weeks. Opening the show, can she maintain that form? Aljaž Škorjanec has increased the difficulty of the footwork for this quickstep, confident that Tasha can handle it. Crazy escalator projections making me feel a bit dizzy, frankly, then into a fast, full-on routine, with changes of rhythm and timing. Running and leaping around the floor. Slightly out of sync in the side-by-side sections? Showcasing great stamina to keep it smooth. Lots of spins with impressive head whips. Wow. A jazzy showstopper. Or rather showstarter.

Song: Fantasy by Mariah Carey. The 1999 dance-pop hit became Mariah’s ninth number one and helped popularise guest rappers on pop singles with its verses from Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Who has a lot in common with Dave Arch, I imagine. Kindred spirits.

Our nine couples emerge on the staircase of dreams to wave hi. A merciful lack of fancy dress this week but Pete Wicks is a symphony in mushroom. Wynne Evans in a sparkly rainbow tailcoat. Chris McCausland in all-white with matching top hat.

The paddle-raising panel make their grand entrance. Thank goodness Anton Du Beke has lost that dinnerlady-with-a-mullet wig. Motsi Mabuse looks fab-ew-lous.

Here’s our two-headed hosting hydra, so time for the traditional sartorial size-up. Tess Daly is in a sequinned teal mermaid dress. Claudia Winkleman is in classic black silk. Claudia wins.

Tap your feet! Hum along! Realise that you’d forgotten several of these couples ever existed!

Roll the industry standard tension-building VT. Blackpool is at stake, apparently. Who knew?