Strictly Come Dancing, Saturday 6.50pm, BBC One

Posted by Liberty Jones

        

Strictly joker Ricky Groves was voted off last night's show after a performance riddled with mistakes. The former EastEnder scored a miserable 22 points for his tango and even told the audience it was time to vote him off. "It's a dance competition, so maybe it's my turn to go out," he admitted. Unfortunately, we found ourselves agreeing.

Ricky and his partner Erin Boag – who looked like a cross between Chewbacca and a lampshade in a truly hideous fringed frock – faced Laila Rouass and Anton du Beke in the dance-off. Just for once, there was no agonising from the judges, who all agreed that Laila should live to dance another day.

One person who won't be dancing again is injured Jade Johnson. The long-jumper was close to tears as she told Tess she'd sustained a serious tear in one of her knee ligaments and was bowing out of the competition. Poor Jade… we wish her a speedy recovery.

The best performance of the night came from Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe. The pair's American Smooth was simply spectacular, although Len wasn't too impressed with Ricky's overhead lift, which he described as "incongruous". Alesha disagreed, saying: "I think every woman would like the opportunity to be lifted like that." Erm, not us, love.

Also faring well were Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna, who notched up 35 points for their foxtrot. "If that was a pudding it would be an Angel Delight," cooed Len. Just below Ali on the leaderboard was Chris Hollins, who'd thankfully toned down the scary facial expressions for his Viennese waltz.

Less impressive was Natalie Cassidy's samba. Craig said her open mouth looked like "a big old Venus fly-trap" (charming!), while Bruno described the routine as "more Bournemouth than Brazil". Double ouch.

Next week, the dancers must perform either a rock 'n' roll or a Charleston. Until then, folks, keeeep dancing!

Picture BBC

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Comments

[sheila]

Please bring back Phil "the cat" to replace Jade,what a great body!

[Betty]

Anton Should take over from Bruce,He would be the perfect choice as he would also know how good or not they have danced. So he could fill either seat Bruce or Len's.
He would bring a much needed entertainment value the show.
Its not fair that Aleisha is judging as she herself was a learner not so long ago.
Betty

[Joy]

I do think Bruce is past his sell by date, he has been a fantastic performer but lets have someone else. Certainly not Tess Daley's other half as others have mentioned Claudia did a good job. Has this show had its time? The public vote for a personality NOT a dancer, we have seen so many good ones go off this series and we still have the duff ones in!!! Go for it Chris

[Deborah Cole]

what is wrong with you people?bruce is an institution a true entertainer and somebody we have all had the privilege to be entertained by, have a little respect and show some good manners this man is one of the show biz greats.

[lizzy]

Whilst I agree with other comments about Bruce and his slow delivery and cringeworthy jokes, I did watch Dancing with the Stars recently and no way would I want to substitute the type of presenter on that show for our Brucie. For his personal sake though I agree that he should step down now and retire gracefully, maybe this should be his last series. Personally would not like Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, not a fan of either of them, much too "plastic-like". Claudia definitely did very well last week and has a great personality (which for me Tess does not) but as for the "front-man" not sure who, depends if we want a "comedian" or more serious presenter - Peter Kay would be great fun!!!

[J .A .K]

Not just Bruce but Len as well, about time he is retired.He always argues with Graig which is uncomfortable to watch. Thought last week's programme with Tess and Claudia was excellent! Whenever Bruce says something my mother covers both her ears!

[Anne-Marie]

Brucie has always been entertaining but corny but unfortunately his delivery is now so slow that it hurts to watch the disintegrating of a career.
Please bow out gracefully, and perhaps Vernon Kay can take over presenting with his wife, Tess Daly. They are a great partnership both on and off the screen and Vernon is a natural frontman for this show.
Even Ronnie Corbett was better last week than Bruce, and I can't stand Ronnie Corbett.
Bye Bye Brucie, Goodbye.

[Bubbles]

Yes I am afraid I must agree, poor Brucy has seen better days, he makes mistakes ALL the time and his so called quips are terrible. Sorry Bruce. Quit while you are at the top.

[Flossie]

Why not just change Bruce's script writers!!!

[jules]

Yes - Thank Goodness for Tess she holds it all together and manages to cover up a few of the pregnant pauses

[Alan]

They will have to bring a coffin on stage. That's the only way our 'Mr. Entertainment' will go.
He has been entertaining us for 70 years, and has hosted Strictly for the last 5 of them.
Are we such miseries that we can't allow him to see his days out on the programme (sorry Bruce).
We, hopefully, watch the programme for the dancing stars, the colour and the music.
Personally, there are times when the judges are worse than Brucie.

[david]

We admire Bruce - he has been a legend in his own lifetime BUT we feel embarrassed by his poor jokes and hesitant delivery. He is also making more mistakes. There comes a time in our lives when we have to admit that we are 'past it'. Suely even Bruce must realise that he should retire with dignity. I'm not sure who should replace him - Natasha Kaplinsky was good. Certainly not the idiot who presented the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical shows but there must be lots of people who could do the job with dignity and good humour.

[margaret]

claudia did a wonderful job last week replacing bruce he
is way to old now and should bow out

[Les]

Bruce is back with more mistakes, a backward step from last weeks presentation by Tess and Claudia, he must now be replaced. People making a fool of themselves is not entertainment.