Strictly Come Dancing 2019, Musicals Week results show live: Alex Scott knocked out after dance-off defeat to Chris Ramsey
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The Musicals Week-themed quarter-final saw a split decision and a sad exit.
Here are all the talking points and social media reaction from Sunday night's results show…
Alex Scott can count herself unlucky
We got our third female exit in a row as footballer-turned-pundit Alex Scott MBE was knocked out on a split decision. She can consider herself unfortunate, not just to lose out so narrowly but to get such a tricky dance at a vital stage of the contest.
Not only did the likeable 34-year-old have to tackle the notoriously tricky samba but its Sister Act theme, street/commercial choreography and hymn-like “Joyful, Joyful” music simply didn’t go together. As the judges said, her routine resembled hip-hop as much as a classic samba. It was more of a New York street party than a Rio carnival.
Still, as a complete performance novice, Alex did superbly to get this far. Having won a Sport Relief Strictly special last year, she was initially one of the bookies’ favourites but dropped down the odds when everyone realised how little dance experience she had compared to some of her rivals.
However, the former Arsenal and England defender’s competitive instincts kicked in, she trained like a demon and coped brilliantly with switching partners mid-series when Neil Jones got injured. She improved steadily throughout the contest, discovered her inner dancer and went on one of those fabled Strictly journeys™.
For the first month of the contest, her score crept up by a single point each week. After judge Motsi Mabuse told her to forget about trying to please everyone and just enjoy herself, Alex had a breakthrough in week five with her electro-swing Charleston, then led last-minute partner Kevin Clifton through her Ghostbusters streetdance on Halloween. Alex’s other highlight was her girl-powered Beyoncé paso doble in Blackpool, which register her fifth consecutive score in the 30s.
Saddled with the technically tricky Argentine tango and cursed samba over the past fortnight, Alex understandably dipped. She departs the dancefloor with many new fans and her popularity assured. As Craig Revel Horwood said tonight: 'Your personality has grown and grown and now it's shining through like a bright star.'
Well played, Lioness. For 11 weeks, you roared.
Imagine being Alex at this point knowing that it's either you or Kelvin in the dance-off, which means it's you in the dance-off #scd
— Steven Perkins (@stevenperkins) December 1, 2019
Chris Ramsey had yet another narrow escape
How Geordie joker Chris Ramsey has managed to reach the semi-final is a mystery for the ages. He’s the lowest scorer left in the contest, has been a regular in the lower reaches of the leaderboard but somehow escaped the dreaded dance-off until now. As Chris self-deprecatingly acknowledged tonight: 'Let's face it, it had to happen eventually. I't's been a long time coming.'
His Oliver!-themed foxtrot was more musical theatre than ballroom and the judges were clearly torn. They seemed to be swayed by Chris’ higher performance levels and characterisation, which you’d expect from a comedian facing a sportsperson. On dance ability, Alex was marginally superior yet Chris survived by the skin of his Artful Dodger top hat.
The cheeky Geordie joker’s popularity with viewers has carried him a long way but the fact that the public vote didn’t lift him clear of the bottom two this time suggests that fans know the jig is up. Learning two dances for next week’s semi-final should see him bow out.
Chris and Karen had an utter ball during that #Strictly
— Steph (@wuthering_alice) December 1, 2019
Chris is a MILLION times better in hold in the DO than he was the first time around #Strictly#SCD
— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) December 1, 2019
Samba’s “dance of doom” status was sealed
How everyone must moan, groan and get a sinking feeling when told they’re dancing the samba. It’s seen off more contestants than any other dance in Strictly history and now claimed a third celebrity this series, with Alex Scott joining Saffron Barker (only last week) and Viscountess Emma Weymouth (back in week seven).
Emma Barton is the only one of the four semi-finalists not to have danced the samba yet but has dodged the bullet, because she's performing a waltz and a cha-cha-cha next week. A concession to partner Anton Du Beke's status as The King Of Ballroom (and his lack of Latin ability) perhaps?
Alex’s samba exit also continues the remarkable trend this series for everyone being eliminated after Latin or speciality dances. This year’s 10 exit routines have been three sambas, two jives, two cha-cha-chas, a Charleston, a paso doble and a Couple’s Choice.
Stick to ballroom, avoid the samba and you’ll be safe - that’s definitely the lesson of Strictly 2019.
Voting glitch grumbles not going away
There was a technical issue with the online voting on Saturday night, although it was soon fixed. The poll was kept open for an extra 10 minutes to compensate and the phonelines were working just fine.
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman apologised for the problem at the top of this results show, assuring viewers that 'the independent verifier has confirmed the fairness of tonight's result'.
However, this only seem to prompt further gripes and conspiracy theories on social media. We can't have too many complaints abut the outcome - after all, the bottom two scorers appeared in the dance-off and the lower of those went home - but it was extra controversy that this unpredictable series simply didn't need.
How can you have a fair and valid result when some people were able to vote tons of times and some not at all? ������ #Strictly
— Lauren (@Cherish4) December 1, 2019
"Our independent adjudicator has confirmed we have a fair and valid result" WELL LET'S SEE WHO GOES HOME FIRST AND THEN LET'S SEE IF I AGREE #scd
— Steven Perkins (@stevenperkins) December 1, 2019
Hope the wrong person doesn't end up going home tonight because of all the palava last night, they says its fair and valid but we only have their word on that. #Strictly
— samantha stanbridge (@MrsStanbridge) December 1, 2019
Decent full debut series for Ginger Neil
He'd become a cult figure as part of the Strictly ensemble for the past three years, then won fans' sympathy with his dignified reaction to wife Katya Jones' snog-gate indiscretion last year. So it was lovely to see loyalty repaid and Neil Jones get his first celebrity partner his year.
The 37-year-old formed a modest and warmly likeable team with Alex Scott, although it hit a hurdle mid-series when Neil pulled a hamstring and was out injured for two weeks. Fellow pro Kevin Clifton stepped in and was in danger of stealing poor Neil's thunder, since his arrival coincided with Alex's upturn in form and scores.
However, when fully fit Neil returned to the fray, both Alex and viewers were delighted to see him back. Could he have concentrated harder on improving Alex's technique? Could he have choreographed a more judge-friendly samba in this quarter-final? Perhaps so on both counts but Neil worked with what he had and opted to showcase his partner's personality instead.
His promotion from background hoofer to headline strutter was well deserved and gave him a chance to dance away the heartache. We hope he gets a celebrity partner again next year.
Goody, a dance-off where the main problem is the entire concept/music/theming of both routines, what a waste of everyone's time!! #strictly#scd
— Marianka Swain (@mkmswain) December 1, 2019
Beverley Knight outshone Idina Menzel
It was West End versus Broadway with tonight's two musical guests - and pleasingly, the home-grown performer won.
British soul diva Beverley Knight MBE opened the show with a big-haired, belting rendition of “Memory” from Cats, accompanied by a moodily romantic moonlit group dance from the pros. Fairylights twinkled, sparks fell from the ceiling and spines tingled.
Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel paled by comparison, partly down to her choice of a song from her new Christmas album. Many viewers felt disappointed that she didn't play to the crowd with signature ballad “Let It Go” from Disney megahit Frozen. With December just beginning and a sequel now in cinemas, it would have gone down a storm - especially with younger viewers.
An open goal was missed, hence the final score of West End 1, Broadway 0.
What do you mean she isn’t singing Let it Go?! #Strictly
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) December 1, 2019
Alijaz and Katya were simply stunning in that opening. It was like they were dancing on air. #Strictly
— Eileen M Cumiskey (@cumiskey55) December 1, 2019
As much as I love her coming to sing every year, I think Beverley Knight would make an amazing #Strictly contestant
— Frankie and Clover (@strictlyblog) December 1, 2019
That was beautiful, both the song and the routine. I will never not be floored by @Beverleyknight’s INCREDIBLE vocals! #Strictly
— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) December 1, 2019
Might we get Strictly’s first three-male final?
We now know our 2019 semi-final foursome: Karim Zeroual, Kelvin Fletcher, Chris Ramsey and Emma Barton.
Chris is bookies’ favourite to go home next week. However, should there be an upset and Emma was eliminated, we’d have a rare all-male Strictly final - quite a turnaround, after the last two finals were female-dominated.
We got an all-female final six years ago, when Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid, Natalie Gumede and Sophie Ellis-Bextor fought it out.
We also had mano-a-mano way back in series four, when just two couples competed in the final, which became a battle between sportsmen Matt Dawson and Mark Ramprakash.
However, we’ve never had three male celebrities survive to the end, so Emma - and indeed Anton du Beke - are doing it for the sisterhood. Who’d have predicted that?
Last four pairs now dance onto the semi-final
Our fab-ew-lous four surviving pro-celeb pairs now dance into next week’s semi-final, when they’ll perform two routines apiece: one ballroom and one Latin. Half the training time means double the pressure.
Who will thrive and who will dive? The 12th and penultimate live show airs next Saturday at 7pm on BBC One. Meet you back here to discuss who'll go through to the grand glitterball final and who’ll fall at the last hurdle.
In the meantime, you know the drill: keeeeeep dancing!
Musicals Week results as they happened
Here’s your full quarter-final results show recap…
Alex and Neil’s last dance
As the eliminated couple take a final turn around the ballroom floor to 'Circle Of Life' from The Lion King and the other couples crowd around for consoling cuddles, please stay with us for analysis and social media reaction.
Ginger Neil returns the compliment
Her pro partner Mr Jones is a bit choked up and says: “I’ve been so lucky because I got a partner and I got you. You were the best. She’s taught me so much.”
Alex says her goodbyes
In her post-match interview, Alex tells Tess: “I’ve been a fan of Strictly forever, so I’ve loved every moment. I have to thank everyone behind the scenes who makes this show work. I’ve lived out another dream: first I had football, then this chapter. I have to thank my dancer partner, he’s incredible. I’m proud of the struggle and I’m proud that people got to see me. Thank you for having me.”
Alex Scott is eliminated
The footballer-turned-pundit becomes the 11th celebrity to depart the dancefloor, joining Saffron Barker, Michelle Visage, Mike Bushell, Viscountess Emma Weymouth, injury casualty Will Bayley, Catherine Tyldesley, David James, Dev Griffin, Anneka Rice and James Cracknell on the sequin-spangled scrapheap.
Shirley Ballas gets the casting vote
Only the second split decision of the series, so the head judge must use her casting vote. Shirley chooses to save Chris and Karen, saying they “had more content and were more powerfully entertaining”.
Bruno Tonioli chooses to save…
Chris and Karen, saying they’ve “purely based on what I saw tonight, I firmly believe they were stronger overall, more convincing and entertaining”.
Motsi Mabuse chooses to save…
Alex and Neil, saying “this is one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do for a long time, you were both great, but I enjoyed their dance”.
Craig Revel Horwood chooses to save…
Alex and Neil, saying “I really loved the refreshing fusion of this particular dance and the fact that it was performed very, very well”.
Alex takes her turn
Alex Scott and Neil Jones now reprise their samba to “Joyful, Joyful” from Sister Act.
The judges said last night that it was happy and celebratory but too street/commercial, lacking hip action and the requisite samba bounce, awarding it 27 points.
Can Alex raise her game and close the narrow gap on Chris?
Chris goes first in dance-off
Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer have another go at their foxtrot to “Consider Yourself” from Oliver!.
The judges said last night that he put on a show and convinced during the character-driven theatrical sections but needed more swing, stride, refinement and flow around the floor.
They gave him 28 points, just a single point more than Alex’s samba. This is tight.
Kelvin Fletcher is safe
No shock there, although he still looks relieved. The bookies’ glitterball favourite is deservedly through to the semi-final.
Alex Scott in the dance-off
I suppose that was to be expected, since she was last night’s lowest scorer. Alex Scott and her pro partner Neil Jones will face Chris and Karen in the dreaded eliminator.
Who will dance off against Chris Ramsey?
Hold tight, dah-lings, we're about to find out.
Dance debrief
Up to the Clauditorium now for a closer look at last night’s choreographic details - the slot formerly known a the late, lamented Len’s Lens.
Dear old Mr Goodman would doubtless have deemed there was too much “messin’ abaht” last night
Idina Menzel lets it go
Time for another musical guest, in the form of Tony Award-winner and Broadway stalwart Idina Menzel. She's singing 'Seasons Of Love' from Rent - and her new Christmas album, 'A Season Of Love'. Confusing.
She's accompanied by a romantic routine from pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Karen Hauer.
Ms Menzel has starred in Rent, Wicked, If/Then, Glee and Enchanted - but is best known here for voicing ueen Elsa is Disney megahit Frozen, singing its Grammy-winning signature ballad “Let It Go.”
'Let's face it, it's been a long time coming'
Winningly self-deprecating reaction from Chris Ramsey.
But will he face Kelvin Fletcher or Alex Scott in the dance-off?
Chris Ramsey in dreaded dance-off
It had to happen eventually. After defying the odds to escape the dance-off for the past few weeks, comedian Chris Ramsey and his professional partner Karen Hauer will dance for survival. But who against?
Emma and Anton go through
The Du Beke dream is alive. Emma Barton and Anton Du Beke have reached the semi-final for only the third time in his 17-series Strictly career.
Karim Zeroual jives on through
Well, that flawless jive sealed it and the CBBC presenter safely progresses to the semi-final.
Dancing light of doom
Right, down to serious ballroom business. Cue loooong… tension-building… pauses as we find out who’s safely through to next Saturday’s semi-final.
'Best jive ever on Strictly'
That's what Bruno said about Karim's routine. Have we forgotten Jill Halfpenny and Jay McGuinness? No we haven't.
Saturday's show rewound
Last night’s live show gets the highlights montage treatment.
Craig Revel Horwood as Dolly Levi! Chris Ramsey picks a pocket or two! Alex Scott gets back in the habit! Kelvin Fletcher channels beastly Gaston! Karim Zeroual jives to the top! Emma Barton turns flapper girl!
I forgot about Hello Dolly. Newly retraumatised #PTSD
— Viv Groskop (@VivGroskop) December 1, 2019
Apologies for last night's voting glitch
Tess and Claudia head off any complaints at the pass by saying that the independent verifier has confirmed the fairness of tonight's result. I wonder if that will be the last we heard of it.
Frockwatch
Our co-hosts arrive, so time for our traditional frockular face-off. Claudia Winkleman’s in a simple black dress with sequin-trimmed collar. Tess Daly’s in a bizarre red halter-neckmonstrosity. Claudia wins.
Well, that was a spine-tingler
Sparks fly. Shivers down the spine. Splendid.
Beverley Knight starts the show
British soul diva Beverley Knight MBE opens proceedings with a big-haired rendition of Memory from Cats . Choreographic accompaniment comes from the Strictly pros. Moody lighting and slow, romantic moves.
The 46-year-old singer has musical theatre on her CV, having starred in The Bodyguard, Memphis, The Drifters Girl and, of course, Cats. Miaow indeed.
And we’re off!
Roll those now-familiar clap-along credits. One of these grinning couples will be having their tearful last dance their last dance tonight. Any last predictions?
Famous five will become fab-ew-lous four
Five couples anxiously await the verdict but only four of them will return next weekend. Who will be departing the dancefloor?
We go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom in a couple of minutes…
Voting glitch vexed viewers
There was a technical problem with the online voting last night, although it was soon fixed and the phonelines were working just fine.
Let's hope there are no conspiracy theories or grumblings when the result comes in this evening.
Just five minutes until showtime...
Double bill of musical guests
Not one but two guest turns on tonight’s results show - namely Brit soul diva Beverley Knight and Broadway star Idina Menzel.
Will the latter be singing something from Disney phenomenon Frozen or has she Let It Go?
Ten minutes to wait…
Craig crooned better than Bruno last night
After Bruno Tonioli swapped his scoring paddle for a microphone last Saturday, the Musicals Week extravaganza opened with a Hello Dolly! group routine - and this time it was Craig Revel Horwood’s turn to come out from behind the judges’ table, donning full drag to lead the number and show off his impressive singing voice.
It was certainly more successful than Bruno’s assault on our eardrums.
Just 15 minutes until results o’clock…
Anton nearly gave himself a hernia
Anton Du Beke almost exploded with ecstasy last night, after his and Emma Barton's thoroughly modern Charleston scored a hat-trick of 10s for a total of 39 points, taking them to joint second on the leaderboard.
After 17 series and a mere 120 dances, it was the long-serving pro’s highest ever score. Could Tony Beak even be destined to lift the glitterball at long last?
Twenty minutes until that familiar ba-ba-daaa theme tune...
Who will bomb at the Musicals Week box office?
Put your Advent calendar chocolates down for 40 minutes because at 7.20pm on BBC One, the penultimate elimination of Strictly 2019 looms.
On Saturday night, Karim Zeroual bounced back from last weekend’s dance-off scare to register the first perfect 40-point score of the series for his Hairspray jive.
Tied in second place were Kelvin Fletcher and Emma Barton, who both notched a near-perfect 39 points
Bottom of the scoreboard, a daunting 12 points from safety, was Alex Scott for her Sister Act samba, with foxtrotting Artful Dodger Chris Ramsey just above.
As usual, the judges’ scores will now be combined with the public vote and the the two couples with the lowest combined totals will dance for survival - but will viewers agree with the judges? If not, the scoreboard could be turned upside down once again and anyone could be in dance-off danger.
We'll be liveblogging from 6.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and caustic asides. 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.
Nearly time to staaaaart semi-final qualifying…
