Week 12 Strictly Come Dancing

In last week's quarter final, the competition really heated up. You

teased me. That was perfection. That was just brilliant. The return of

the swing-a-thon saw Natalie and Artem blow away the competition. It

was precision timing. Spot on. Despite being on top of the

leaderboard, Patrick found himself in the dreaded dance-off. In the

end, we waved goodbye to Ashley. Hello celebrities, your mission,

should you choose to accept it, is to get to the final. This message

will self-destruct. What on earth are you doing? Let's

get back to training. Live from the Strictly ballroom,

this is the Strictly Come Dancing semifinal. Please welcome your hosts

Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly. I love that. Thank you Brucie. You

scrub up well yourself. It's like being in prison or something.

When do I get out? Good evening ladies and gentleman and children,

welcome to Strictly Come Dancing the semifinal! Yes!

APPLAUSE It's nice to see you, to see you...

Nice! Yes, it's nice to see you, Brucie. This is the semifinal and

our five semifinalists are raring to go back stage. They certainly are.

Four celebrity ladies but just one celebrity man, Patrick Robinson. Any

way, I said to Patrick, "You are the last man standing. The hopes of

millions of British men rest on your shoulders. Only you can restore the

male pride of this nation! Now put on your make up, put on your

sequinned shirt and shimmy!" LAUGHTER

Nice! This is it ladies and gentleman, after 11 weeks of

ballroom battles, we have reached the Strictly semifinals. Tonight

they must dance twice, hoping to win ape place in the Grand Final. It's

all to play for as our couples dance for our judges' scores and for your

votes. Shall we start the semifinal? I think we should, I'll put my teeth

in. Don't worry about that, I can't see anything against it at all.

After all, it's time to meet the stars of our show.

Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor and her partner Brendan Cole. BBC Breakfast

presenter Susanna Reid and her partner Kevin Clifton. Coronation

Street Star Natalie Gumede and her partner Artem Chigvintsev. Model and

TV presenter Abbey Clancy and her partner Aljaz Skornajec. And

Casualty star Patrick Robinson and his partner Anya Garnis.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE There they all are. You've been so

wonderful this series, you really have. There they all are. We know

you're doing two dances tonight and after 11 weeks, you must be

exhausted. I've spoken to the producer and I managed to arrange

some time off for you. That's nice. That's it, time's up. You deserved

it. Didn't they deserve it? Only four of these couples can make it to

the final, so you can guarantee they'll pull out all the stops to

make sure they'll be there next week. I think it's time to dance. It

is indeed. Our first couple tonight is Natalie and her partner Artem.

Let's hear it. APPLAUSE

Their first dance is a salsa, but their second dance, later tonight,

will be an Argentine tango. They'll be dancing on a giant chess board.

They're going to have massive chess pieces all over the floor. Natalie

wanted to know what large chees pieces they could be. I said it

could be a big bishop, it could be a big castle or it could be a big

knight - if you play your cards right!

Good luck to you for this very special night. Here they are in

training. Before my dance, I never have any

predictions. Anything can happen. On Saturday night, it did. You teased

me, it was too much faffing about. You're in deer diafter that dance.

-- you're in jeopardy after that dance. I was knocked off my feet

with Len's comments. When Len, being the head judge, says those things,

you feel like a naughty schoolgirl. The swing-a-thon is an endurance

test. It felt amazing to be the last couple standing. You can't be

complacent at this stage. We all want to make it through. We're so

close now. I don't want to go home tonight. ( Two dance that's week. My

mind has just gone. My first dance this week is salsa. If we can make

people at home party with us, I think it could be good. I'll bring

the party, you bring the steps. Artem surprised me and brought in

some messages of support from the public. We really want you to win.

Good luck with the competition, Natalie. Good luck. Team Natalie!

There were gorgeous messages. All the best for the weekend. I know you

can do it. Hi, I'm four years old, good luck Natalie. Oh, my word. He's

adorable. This week we're dancing not only to get into the final, but

this salsa is a big thank you to everyone who's supported us.

Dancing the Salsa, Natalie and Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev.

Wonderful. How many turns at the end? A few. I few? I lost count. I

think that dress has put the price of Turkies up. Who says that? I'm

basted. I thought you said wasted. Let's welcome our judges. Len's

grumpiness upset a few people last week. Some of the dancers... BOO

Some of the dancers were upset because Len was rude to them. And

Craig was absolutely furious, because that's his job.

APPLAUSE Len, you're not going to be grumpy

tonight. I wasn't grumpy. I was in a good mood. I was trying to be

honest. What did you think of that? For me, this is the tightest

semifinal we've ever had. Any one of our five remaining ones could win it

and any one could go home tomorrow night. For me, and this is not just

for you, all of our couples, every move you make, every step you take,

every rule you break, I'll be watching you! And I was watching you

and I know you've got another dance to come, if you can dance that to

this standard, 100%, you're in the final. We're not afraid of Len.

Lovely. I couldn't agree more. Nothing has been tighter. Bruno?

Look at you. All luscious and sergeuous. -- sentuous. What was

good, most people overwhush the salsa and you let it come out. You

just had the, that wonderful sense of tease and flirtacious fun, all

the ingredients for a fantastic salsa you had. Wonderful.

Yes, and what about Craig? Well, I'm a bit upset actually because I

couldn't find much wrong with it, to be honest with you.

Never mind! That's the most animated I think I've ever seen you. It was

just wonderful to watch. It was brilliant. A wonderful routine.

Darcey, do you agree? I do. It was, the dance content was amazing.

Artem, what you put in there, everything in that suitcase, my

goodness. Those underarm turns was beautifully done. Fantastic end,

that lunge, bang, right at the end. So many, so clean, so precise. You

can be too careful, which is weird. But maybe a bit more frivolous, but

fabulous performance. Wonderful again. Off you go. Good luck

tonight. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Now that is the way to kick off a semifinal. Ecstatic praise from the

judges. Though Craig was cross because he couldn't find anything

wrong with it. How does it feel to have made it this far? Just amazing.

It just feels like every week you come out and dance as if it's your

last, and tonight it feels like that. It feels so special. Let's

hope it's not your last. You have another dance coming up. What's in

store? Argentine tango, leg flicking. I have high hopes for

that. I have high hopes for the scores, they're in:

What a way to start the show. It doesn't get better than that. Your

first perfect score of the series. She's shaking. That's my first 40,

in my whole history. Thank you. He said "thank you". It couldn't have

started better. The first dance of the semifinal has the party started.

You don't want to be starting voting until after all our couples have

danced twice tonight. For these two call: You can vote for free online.

Get permission from whoever pays the bill. Don't call new or your vote

won't count as you may be charged. Let's meet our next contender.

Now then four 10s and no standing ovation. Can't you get up? Can't you

move yourselves? I'd love you lot in Cabaret. For our next couple,

Patrick and his partner Anya. Now then, Patrick and Anya did a very

raunchy rumba last week. I was very annoyed. If I'd have known last

Saturday he was going to be that raunchy, I wouldn't have had the

night off. But I did get -- but it got me in a romantic mood. I

couldn't help it. So I cooked my wife a little late supper, very

intimate. I used all my cordon bleu skills to make her a dish with a

French sounding name, Pot Noudelle. APPLAUSE

Nearly worked. Here they are in training.

The rumba I was pretty apprehensive about because I couldn't get the

steps initially and I couldn't get anything from the music. There is a

moment that I thought, this is really lovely. I love doing this.

You really gave us something I haven't seen before. Darcey said

that she saw a different side of you and that's what I was going for. To

be top of the leaderboard in the quarter finals is great. It holds a

little kudos for a few seconds. I've been in the dance-off. It doesn't

get any seizier. Who are you going to save? Patrick and Anya It's

fantastic to be saved by the judges. To find ourselves in the semifinal,

we have to put everything on the line. To be the oldest male celeb in

the final ever, it would be just amazing. I go under. My first dance

this week is the waltz. Last time we did a ballroom dance, the judges

commented on the frame and the position of your head. Because it's

such an important week, everything needs to be perfect. In the training

room today, we were played these amazing messages of support. Hi

Patrick, I'm out shopping and I think you're brilliant. Don't break

a leg and end up in casualty. All the best. Good luck. Go on Patrick!

We love you. Go Patrick, see you in the final. You can do it Patrick,

all the way to the final, come on, son, you're a smooth legend. I want

to do the best dance that I can do for you guys on Saturday. So

hopefully the waltz will go smooth as silk.

Dancing the Waltz, Patrick Robinson and Anya Garnis.

Oh, your mic. What a beautiful routine. That had more rise and fall

than a Yorkshire pudding. Now then, whilst you two get your breath back,

it's a good time to welcome our fabulous singers, Dave Arch and his

wonderful orchestra. APPLAUSE

Great. They really are so good. Bruno, start us off. Patrick, look

at you, how smart. The poise, the sense of distinction you brought to

the stage, you really placed it so well. I could really see you took so

much care in getting it right. Overall, you kind of did it. There

were a couple of issues on the foot work. I think it's because, I know

it's difficult, it's the semifinal, you get a little bit tense - don't!

Don't do that. You have to come out here and go for it. Overall it was

very good. Don't tighten up because then tiny mistakes tend to creep in.

Overall, it was very nice. I've done the microphone. Thank you.

Craig? I thought it was absolutely gorgeous, really, really gorgeous.

It could have done with a little more swing and sway, a bit of a

stronger heel lead on the down beat, but the flow around the floor was

magnificent. A lovely move to it. It went so much with the music. Right,

Darcey? The improvement in your frame was so improved. I mean, I

haven't seen you better in hold before. That was such an

improvement. There is a slight impingement on your right shoulder,

only occasionally though, just a little. But a charming waltz.

Lovely. Len? As the song says "lonely rivers flow to the sea", and

that had the most lovely flow and movement to it. I thought that part

of it was beautiful. As Darcey said, your upper body and frame was very

good. What is the strangest thing with this dancing that must drive

people mad, last week and your rumba I complained because you were

stepping forward on your heels, now I'm saying to you, you didn't step

forward enough on your heels. But that's one of the things. But

listen, the dance, the look of it, the way you came down the stairs

with that, absolutely lovely. Thank you.

Away you go! APPLAUSE

You smooth legend. You're a Latin guy through and through but I love

you in the ballroom. Thank you. I loved that. Craig used the words

"Georgeous and magnificent", high praise indeed. Absolutely, thank you

Craig. Last week in the dance-off, did you ever think you'd make it

here tonight? I've been trying not to think of next week, the following

week, just enjoy every dance as it comes. Again, this is what I'm

doing. I had a great waltz. How about the pressure of learning two

dances in a week? Tough? It's fine, with work and the rest of it, no

problem (! ) You are our last man standing. How do you fancy making

Strictly history and being the eldest male star we've ever had in

the final? APPLAUSE

Thank you. I'm doing it for the over 50s. Come on! Scores are in:

All the nines. Get in says Patrick. If you want to see Patrick and Anya

make history in next week's final, the number to call is:

you can vote online as well. Don't vote until all our couples have

danced twice tonight. Still to come: Susanna and Kevin are coming back

fighting, with a fabulous foxtrot and can Abbey and Aljaz's samba get

them on the guest list to the final. We find out soon.

Next up is Sophie and her partner Brendan.

APPLAUSE Another popular couple. Everybody is

so good tonight. They're dancing to a piece of music

from the Romeo and Juliet ballet. I was chatting to Darcey about the

ballet earlier and I told her I once met that wonderful Russian dancer --

dancer, Randolph Nureyev. She's saying it's Rudolph, but it's near

number. -- enough. That's what I meant, Rudolph near enough.

APPLAUSE Here they are in training.

Before the quarter final, I must confess, I felt very nervous. It was

very important to me that the judges appreciate the performance aspect

because it was a fun routine and it had a cheekiness to it. I absolutely

loved that routine. I am genuinely excited to be in the semifinals.

We're nearly at the end of the series, which is very sad. It's been

so brilliant. It's a once in a lifetime thing. I thought I might as

well just go for it. I have nothing to lose. My first dance this week in

the semifinal is the paso doble. I have got a few bruises on my knees,

elbows, but it will all be worth it. This week we've had two dances to

learn, which is quite daunting. Buff we had a lovely time. We went to

Downing Street for the children's Christmas party. There's amazing

charities being supported by what's happening in there today. It's a

special day so very nice to be here. Fantastic, I feel I know you all

because I was watching last night. We met some lovely children. I had a

cuddle with a six weekend baby called -- week old baby called

Sophie. The support from the public is phenomenal. It's an incredible

feeling to know that people are enjoying what we're doing and

willing us on. I'm very aware that I would not be here without those

people. You're doing so well. Get to that final. Good luck to Sophie and

Brendan, you're amazing. Keep dancing! I'm grateful to everybody

that's supporting us and I wouldn't be here without them. I won't waste

the opportunity they've given me now.

Dancing the Paso Doble, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Brendan Cole.

What have you done? They're on their feet.

Incredible. You must so proud. Well done.

I don't think they're going, but I never thought I'd see anyone dance

to Alan Sugar's signature tune. It was so dramatic, so beautiful.

Craig? For me, it was a little bit starchy and stiff. BOO. It just

lacked a little bit of Spanish line, for me. The shoulders were a little

bit raised, particularly towards the end. But the attitude you brought to

that dance was something else. A great routine. Darcey? That music is

so close to my heart and to be able to equal that passion and drama is

so difficult, but for me, you came power that I haven't seen you give

to a dance before. I really wasn't expecting that. It's true, in the

arms, they could have had more strength and curve to them. That

shaping was missing, but overall, I love that choreography. I wanted to

be on there with you. Fabulous. Did you surprise yourself? Yeah, I

think I pulled dancer face. The music had drama and I must say, you

interpreted that drama through your body. I've got to be honest, I was

concerned about this. Because I've been saying you're a little bit

Brittle, a bit weak, but you've come out toned, full on, loads of attack.

After this, you've got the second half coming on, American smooth,

come out and just wow us like you've just done.

Bruno? The content, the passion and the intent in delivering it was

incredible. You've done what we've always asked of you - come out here

and kill it. You did it. That means so much to me. Another

thing, that piece of music has to be one of the most difficult to keep up

to it, because the timing an the accent are absolutely never regular.

It comes and goes. You managed to keep up with it. Yes, you could have

done with a little bit more shaping, but you really made yourself proud

with this dance. You surprised yourself. I really

did. Thank you so much. Go on then. Well done both of you!

APPLAUSE Yes, that was a fierce look you

gave. She brought the power to the paso. And the audience went wild for

it, standing ovation. I tried to take a snapshot of that in my head.

Oh, that that feeling. The atmosphere like tonight? Brilliant,

what an amazing crowd. The energy in the room.

CHEERING After 11 weeks taking part, how have

you - how's the public reaction to you? Overwhelming. I'm very clear I

wouldn't be here without this guy and their support. I think we all

have been blown away. Up underestimate the amazing affection

people have for Strictly and the people doing it. Len has high hopes

for your American smooth? Can ittive -- live up to it? Definitely! The

scores are in: 35, one score less than your highest

score. Gasps of shock over the eight. We don't mind. That felt

insane to dance, the emotion, wow. Wait for the next one. Think, Sophie

and Brendan are one dance from the final. They don't want to hear the

words, "you're fired". You might want to be here for this bit. Call

to vote: or vote online. It's a night of double dancing and double

the pressure. Tonight, there's more spectacular routines, stay with me,

and plenty of surprises. Brendan walking off. Who's next?

It's the couple of Susanna and her partner Kevin.

APPLAUSE Very popular. As Susanna is a BBC

lady I thought I'd buy her a Christmas present. But the sales

assistants were so rude where I went. I asked, how much a box of

chocolates was. She stared at me and walked away. I asked how much the

bottle of perfume was and she also walked away. I said to the manager,

"What kind of a shop do you call this? He said, "The pound shop."

Here they are in training. Last week, we did the Argentine

tango, which felt really dramatic and passionate and intense. Lacked

mood and atmosphere for me. We have everything to play for in the

swing-a-thon. All about that. We worked hard on our swing-a-thon and

we were called off. It felt like we hadn't started. I was upset, because

I felt if we were going tonight, I would have let Susanna town. We're

at the stage where there's one more show until the final. It's

extraordinary to have got this far. We don't want to go home. Our first

dance this week is the foxtrot. To get to the final, this foxtrot needs

to be perfect and beautiful. I just want to make sure I get this right.

Every dance is a challenge for me. With the foxtrot, I think it will be

keeping the frame in the right position and making sure that the

steps flow beautifully. Susanna has been working so hard this week. I

thought I'd give an extra boost by bringing in some messages from the

people supporting her. Nice to see you, to see you... Nice! I'm wishing

you all the best luck in the world. We think you're superb, well done

and fingers crossed for the finals. We want you to do well in the final.

We're rooting for you. Do a fantastic job, getting up early to

do the TV as well. Good luck. We are supporting Susanna and Kevin!

Remember, keep dancing! I love you guys. Listening to their messages of

support puts a massive smile on our faces as well. It's magic.

Dancing the Foxtrot, Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton.

I'd love one. Dancing is like a box of chocolates. You don't know what

you're going to get. You gave us the most beautiful performance. Susanna

and Kevin. APPLAUSE

it was lovely. Now then, start us off Darcey. I really like the story.

I like you playing hard to get. That was nice at the beginning. It

carried through. The technique was all there. You were smooth across

the dance floor. That was a nice foxtrot, very nice. Great pivot

turns at the end. You are shining again.

Thank you. Like you should be. Len? It was a lark in the park. There's

Susanna, Kevin from Grimsby, there was nothing grim about it. I'm

telling you. It was a delight. A touch of springtime on a cold

December evening. I thought it was terrific, well done.

Thank you Len. The nation's sweet heart at her

charming best - all sweetness and light and full of life. I loved the

change of pace in the dance from lovely and flowy to the sweeping

turns, the story telling, the face and expression, you work today girl,

you work today hard. It shows, great. I'm worried about Craig. I'll

stand by. Craig? Sickly, saccharin, sweet, all the things I detest

darling, but I have to say the dancing was magnificent.

There you are. What were you afraid of. It was beautiful. Off you go and

be proud. another standing O from the

audience. You've had such highs and the lows of last week's bottom of

the leaderboard. Darcey says you are shining again. What does it mean to

be here in the semifinal? I've put these on so I can properly look at

the scores when they come in. It would mean the world, particularly

as it's Kevin's first year and we've had such amazing support and it's

been bliss to dance in the semifinal. I couldn't believe that

we've got this far. Thanks everybody. Its been fantastic.

Training for two dances this week, it must have been exhausting. Erm...

It's been twice the fun. It has to be honest. We've had a great time

this week. What can we expect? I'm getting me chest out. Are you? I've

had it shaved especially. How you tease us. The scores are in:

They're bouncing off the floor. And why not? What an incredible stuff.

Two 10s. Well done. Pulled it out of the bag when it matters. She can't

speak now. Call to vote: Or vote online if you couldn't take your

eyes off Susanna and Kevin and you want to see them next week. All our

couples are dancing two new routines tonight. So Natalie and Artem are

ready to tackle the Argentine tango and Patrick and Anya are hoping

their paso will put them in the final. Congratulations you two.

Let's get back to the dance floor. Dancing next are Abbey and her

partner Aljaz. APPLAUSE

All these dancers are so beautiful. Their second dance later on will be

based on a prom night. A prom night in America is a party you have when

you leave school. I remember the party on my last day at school -

there were flashing lights, fireworks and lots of great big

bangs. Hang "Minute, that wasn't the -- hang on a minute, that wasn't a

party, that was an air raid. I lived through it all. Here they are in

training. Saturday night I felt extremely

nervous. I just thought, I love me dance, I just wanted to go out there

and do me best. To hear Craig say... What he did. Biggest surprise of the

entire competition. It just felt our hard work has paid off. This week we

have to learn two dances in four days. That is really scary. If we

get through this week, we're going to be if the final -- in the final.

I can't believe it. It feels like a dream. My first dance this week is

the samba. The only thing I know about the samba is that it tearifies

the life out of me. I'm panicking now. I started doing the dance and

realised no matter what I do, it's going to look awful. I really

freaked out. I've forgotten everything. Throughout this

competition I've tried to show people that I'm working hard and

that I just love it. And to have the support I've had has been amazing. I

really want Taufiq win. Abbey you're great, I love your personality.

You're going to do really well. You're our favourite. We hope you

win. Go head Abbey. Go! You're one of the most glamorous mums I've ever

come across and you dance well. It's funny you forget people are actually

watching. Never in my life have I felt support like this. For everyone

to be behind us feels incredible. Dancing the Samba, Abbey Clancy and

Aljaz Skorjanec. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE enjoy it. Breathe it all in. She's

nearly crying. Len? To combine rhythm with technique and

performance, this is hard to achieve. For me, you did and there

were so many wonderful little touches. You did those and slipped

in a little timing. It was, I'm telling you, you're a natural. That

was fantastic. Yes, you are a natural.

Bruno, what due think? And apart from the technique, sex on legs! Sex

appeal. You can turn it on. Me too actually, I think. I mean in a good

way. It was spontaneous, it wasn't forced. It just came. It was like

watching Bridget Bardot in woman created - oh, I don't know. I can't

say anything, I'm going to be into trouble.

I will get into terrible trouble, but you know what I mean. Loved it.

You're absolutely right. Now then, Craig? I think Bruno's on the turn,

darling. LAUGHTER

I'd like to have seen a little more bounce. But you coped with those

rhythm changes brilliantly. It was really, truly amazing.

Craig, I'll do the jokes, all right? That was wonderful. Finish up with

Darcey. You have got the vibe. I was, you know it's fresh, vibrant.

To each dance, you are so natural, as Len said. You don't lose any of

the detail, any of the technique and that is difficult to do. You're

going flying into that final. You really are. It was beautiful.

You deserve it. Don't be so... Go on, wallow in it. Off you go.

You left Bruno speechless. I don't think that's ever happened in

Strictly history. Did you enjoy that? Loved it. It's a great song

and we just went out and tried to have fun. Because it could be our

last time on t dance floor. Well you have one more dance tonight. Well,

yeah! You started the show as a novice, nerves have been a factor.

How are you feeling now, are you feeling like a dancer? She is one.

Guess what, you are one. Thank you. The scores are in:

A well deserved three 10s. I'm getting a hug as well. I'll take it

where I can get it. I don't mind a sweaty hug. They need more than

faith to get them to the final. They need your votes. Call to vote: Or

vote online. We've reached the halfway point of

our sensational semifinal. Let's look at the leaderboard:

A high-scoring night tonight. Anything can happen in the next half

hour as all our couples are about to dance again. Here's a reminder of

their performances so far: What a night. Remember, don't vote

until later on. Round two coming up. It's time to welcome back Natalie

and her partner Artem. Now before they perform their final

dance of the evening, here's what the judges think Natalie and Artem

need to do to get to the final. Natalie constantly comes out with

great performances. As a dance, corking. Technically, she has been

absolutely brilliant. Have a look at this. I was pal p Tating, %

operating and -- persperating and flatulating. That was gorgeous. You

tend to be perfect, you tend to be predictable. Sho has to do something

we don't expect. Lacked a little bit of drama. For Natalie, she's relied

on her technique. It is so leer cull and -- lyrical and beautiful to

watch. But all the dances become the same, especially the ballroom for

me. For me, too much whooshing and not enough foxtrotting. Semifinal

and the stakes are high. I want her to come out and really show me the

real Natalie. Has Natalie plateaued? Argentine tango, Natalie and Artem,

that should be right up her street. If Natalie can really get into the

character of the Argentine tango, it's going to be fantastic. Craig,

you might have to dust off your ten darling. Don't hold your breath. My

biggest challenge is bringing a sense of intimacy to the dance. I

have to dance as if Artem is the only one there. Taking Argentine

tango to a semifinal is not an easy task. It has to be pretty perfect.

You only -- you're only as good as your last performance. That's got to

come across on screen as well. If it doesn't, it could be the end of the

road. Dancing the Argentine Tango,

Nataalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE They're up again. They're with us

now. They're not tired any more. That was lovely. The red devil, I'll

call you. Wasn't that beautiful. Incredible. What astonishes me is

the precision, the placement, the line, it was almost like watching a

surgical operation, everything was right on the spot. The beauty of the

lines was mesmerising. The intensity of your rapport with Artem that you

started in the first half of the show continued, in another way, that

I found absolutely voluming and beautiful to see. -- involving and

butying to see. -- beautiful to see. Craig? I agree, actually. The

gaunchos need to be looser. This dance needs to look improvised. It

should look like Artem is leading you. I felt that you were taking the

lead sometimes. And your feet need to pass through one another. They

have to come together when you do the ochos as well. Tiny details, but

what a dance routine! Darcey, what did you think? The expertise of

difficulty could not be better. It is an extraordinary dance you gave

us. I would only like a little more attitude in your character. It was

very sensual for an Argentine tango. I would like you to be a little

more, you know, come on, give it more, babe. You did it in those last

three moves, you gave it again another perfect end. The finish was

fantastic. Len? Dance is like fire, some dances should warm, Argentine

tango should burn. I'm telling you, you sizzled out there, girl! You're

a sizzler. Get up there, sizzler, take him with you.

you? This whole experience has been so magical and I've never felt so

alive. Thank you so everyone who's supported us. We've been thrilled to

perform for you. The scores are in:

Bringing the 10s. What about these scores tonight? What about the

standard of dancing. Are these two your king and queen of the dance

floor? Check you have the numbers and vote: Or vote online as soon as

everybody has danced. The atmosphere in the ballroom tonight is reck

trick. If you can't get enough -- electric, if you can't get enough go

to Twitter, Facebook for more. Patrick and Anya are next.

Now then, it has been a series of ups and downs for Patrick. Last week

saw him topping the leaderboard and then ending up in the dance-off. The

second time, by the way, in the dance-off. So tonight, can they win

over the public as well as the judges? Here's what the judges think

about Patrick and Anya. Patrick most certainly has been our

best male celebrity. He had natural rhythm from the beginning, but he

didn't know how to contain it. He's nifty for 50. His energy is that of

a 20-year-old. The last few weeks he's come to life. He started and a

little bit faltering. He started rough. He used to get it all wrong.

If you make a mistake, keep the flow. Then the bad hand. In the

dance-off. After that, something happened. That was the quickstep.

Beautiful. He just changed. The energy was phenomenal. I loved the

theatricality of the whole thing. I think he knew what his strength was.

He gets the character of the dance. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was an

example. Was amazing. He took a classic and made it his own. A lot

of it is about the detail. That's the key to whoever wins Strictly

Come Dancing. Let's hope it continues and it gets even better.

It's semifinal, everyone's got to up their game. In ballroom, he needs to

refine. In hold he looked down a bit. His Latin is fantastic. My

expectations are very high. My only concern with the paso doble is that

one of Patrick's secrets is his rhythm and paso doble is more of a

march. You don't want hip action. If he can pull that off, Patrick the

matador, woo-hoo. He doesn't we won't see him in the final. This has

the attitude of the mad tore and -- matador and has strength. It's very

definite. I just have to focus to get it right. A very serious week

because it's semifinals. This is a serious dance. We need to pull

everything together to give the best possible dance. Having worked so

hard for three months, it would be a real shame not to get into the

final. Yeah, I'd be gutted. Dancing the Paso Doble, Patrick

Robinson and Anya Garnis. And again, how many are we going to

have tonight? Even upstairs. My friends are there. Well done both of

you. Craig would you like to start us off? Yes, well, it had control

and it had command. But it didn't have a Spanish feel at all. It was

very square and I think the dance actually exposed your weaknesses.

Walking seemed to be a problem. It was the walking that was very odd.

That's the first thing that you need to correct. The attitude. Darcey? I

was waiting for you to turn it on as well. There was attack there, but

there was no grrr. Anya I felt that you were leading him. That shape,

it's so important in a paso to create shape and tuck that bum

under. I was missing that. It's very tricky for me. I know it's tricky,

you have a nice bottom. You have to tuck it under. Not your best dance.

I accept that absolutely. A shame. Len? I saw arrogance and attitude

coming out there, but it was a bit... Yay. But it was a bit off and

on. But it didn't maintain it. However, I thought that the whole

dance was full of verve, energy. OK, more shaping, but I liked it. Good

job. He liked it. Bruno? You had great

power, great determination. You led very, very well. You played with

your cape. The thing is what happens in this circumstance, you want it so

badly that what happens you lose the finesse, you lose the Spanish line.

You lose the details that at this stage are very, very important. The

performance was very, very good. The content was there. It needed a

little bit more artistry. But overall, it wasn't bad, my darling.

We all loved it. They all stood up. Don't forget that Patrick.

Mixed response from the judges there. But the audience loved it.

They were on their feet. How due feel? I felt pretty good. It's gone

better in rehearsals, about you pretty good. Do you think you've

done enough to get to the final? Who knows the secret of the black magic

box. If you get there, will you give us some of your spectacular lifts in

the show dance? You're the lift meister? I don't know about that.

Yes, yes, you will. Yes. Anya says so. The scores are in:

Let's hope everyone feels the same as Craig getting booed. Ring to

vote: Or vote online later, if you think Patrick and Anya deserve the

extra push into the Grand Final. Three more couples left and then the

vote opens. I'm so excited. Just can't hide it. What does our

next couple have in store? Next to dance again are Sophie and

her partner Brendan. From week one, Sophie has excelled

in the ballroom dances. So she must be hoping to impress with her next

dance the American smooth. Here's what the judges had to say about

Sophie and Brendan's Strictly story. For me, Sophie - clean, clear,

precise. I think she's one of the most naturally elegant competitors

we've ever had. Her charleston was beautiful. We expected so much

because of that show she did. I think that's the key. That

charleston was a blessing and a curse. Our expectation flew. When

she finds the character of the role, she's brilliant. When she's not sure

of the character, it really holds her back. I would like a little bit

more passion coming out in it. And getting a little bit more involved

in the dance. When she has to go beyond the comfort zone, she starts

to almost giggle. In the rumba, she started to giggle and go, "What am I

doing? No, you can't do that. She's introverted in her emotions somehow.

I know it's there, but it doesn't come out. I want to see Sophie

explode on that dance floor. There's so much more in you. Get out there

and attack it. She's got the looks. She needs the power. Can I tell you

what her biggest competition is? It's herself. Convincing herself

that she's a good dancer. We have know she's good. She doesn't think

she is. American smooth and Sophie could be stunning. American smooth

is a class dance. If she can get that Hollywood flavour, there she

goes straight in the final. The only thing that Sophie will fail is her

consistency all the way through. It's making sure that she's focussed

from the beginning to the end. If she doesn't do that, I don't see her

going through. I think this American smooth needs to be a real showpiece.

We have a few lifts. The trouble is if that goes wrong, and it hurts,

you're suddenly aware of the consequences. Now we're in the

semifinal, you're aiming for perfection. I know I will give it

all I have got on the dance floor because I would love to be part of

the final. Dancing the American Smooth, Sophie

Ellis Bextor and Brendan Cole. MUSIC: They Can't Take That Away

From Me CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

They don't stay sitting for long. Wonderful, absolutely. You did it.

Brendan, coming down reminded me of me in the morning.

Darcey? This is your dance. I mean, those three lifts, from the top, the

middle and then the bottom, it was so graceful. You came in and out of

them seamlessly. That is so classy. Yet again, you ooze sophisticated

glamour. I loved that performance, well done. Len? Loved the lifts. I

loved the musical interpretation. I loved the whole feel of the dance

throughout, from those lifts right through, it had a beautiful flow to

it. There was an elegance and sophistication. A couple of times

your head went a little bit how's your father, sorry Brendan. But I'm

not going to lie to millions of people. No. That's what happened.

Pretend if you want. It was beautiful. So much style. So

impeccable. For me, your best performance to date. You can do it.

You did it. Craig? The only thing that bothered me that -- bothered me

in that routine is that you came out of hold. I don't feel you're holding

your own. I only feel confident when you're in Brendan's arms, sadly. But

it was a beautiful dance. Packed full of style, as Bruno said. Tell

yourself, you were wonderful. Such an elegant routine, wasn't it?

The judges loved the lifts. Did you feel you were floating on air? I

think the Strictly experience is made for dances like that. They feel

sublime. Gorgeous, Brendan, how proud are you? It's very hard to put

into words. Every week has been a delight and tonight, really tops off

a magical Strictly experience. The audience are fantastic. This girl is

fantastic too. Can she make it to the final? Yes.

Absolutely. Thank you, scores are in:

A ten. Her first ten. That's what it feels like, she says, long overdue.

Thank you to all of them. Sophie dreams of being in the final. Don't

take that from her. Ring to vote: Or go online and choose your favourite

when the vote opens later in the show.

It's been a night of high drama and high scores. Who's next?

Next to dance again are Susanna and her partner Kevin.

It's been a series of two halves for this couple. Their paso doble in

Blackpool brought the house down. Topped the judges' scores, but last

week's Argentine tango saw them at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Here's what the judges think they need to do to make it through to the

final. For me, Susanna is what this show is

all about. She's gone from reading the news to being the news on the

dance floor. No-one expected her to have that kind of natural ability to

connect, to play different parts. What I loved was her paso doble. It

was like a buffet of Spanish tapas. She sold that number. She dominated.

She was on top of the occasion. She is a bit of an all-rounder. Her

waltz was beautiful. Susanna struggles with parts of Latin, for

instance her cha cha cha. It did not pop or zing. It was mumsy.

Throughout the series there's always some dance that's don't suit you. It

was the hip action, it didn't have that natural, easy flow to it.

Sometimes they underdo it or overpush it. It was the first one

she didn't look comfortable in. The performances are always endearing.

It's the finishing of the movement. She's close. It's little details

here. If they get kicked out in the semifinal, devastated. I'm a little

concerned for Susanna. Salsa is a club dance. She has to come out and

really sizzle. They need to get this dance right, other-wise I'm afraid

it's game over. The salsa is a tough dance to

impress the dances with in the semifinals, lots of hip movement.

And there's complicated steps and lifts. It's quite a challenge doing

it in the semifinal. It can be here, but we don't want it to be here and

present it. Whereas we got criticised in samba for being muddy,

that's quite good in salsa. It's the difference between getting to the

final and going home. We have to bring everything we've got to the

dance floor. Dancing the Salsa, Susanna Reid and

Kevin Clifton. Here they are, Susanna and Kevin, a

lovely performance. Well done. Have you shaved your chest yet? I

have. Oh, you have. I always found a blowtorch was the best way. It looks

great. Len, what did you think? Full of

energy. There was no holding back. It was all or nothing. The final or

bust. With all that intensity, all that attack, on occasion it got a

tad messy here and there. But, it is what it is. You come out here and I

can really see you want to make it to that final. You work so hard. You

throw everything you've got into it. You sell it beautifully. I'm with

you with that. But it is the semifinal. Len is right, the

movement because you put so much into it, becomes a bit messy, you

don't finish properly. We told you before, precision. We love the

energy. Precision, precision, precision! These are the salsa girls

I like dancing with though. Craig? Darling, if I had a pound for

every facial expression you made, I'd be a multimillionaire. I could

make you a rich man, Craig. Exactly. A little bit heavy foot for me and

messy. Vivacious, darling. And Darcey, darling? For me, you looked

so much more relaxed and natural in the Latin, I haven't seen that.

That, you gave us tonight, 100% disco energy. The leg action is

something that comes in and out. But still full on. And we all loved it.

I loved dancing it. Off you go.

Still she shimmies. I love that. I know the Latin hasn't been your

favourite. But I've never seen you have so much fun. Did it feel good?

It felt ridiculously, fantastically good fun. To add to a muddy samba, I

can say I've done a messy salsa. Now all the judges agreed that you

threw everything into that. What would it mean to get through to the

final? It would be phenomenal. It really would. I mean, I just adore

dancing with Kevin. It's a total privilege and an honour. It has been

an incredible privilege to dance not once, but twice with you. Thanks

very much. And he shaved the chest for you.

My children are watching. Judges please, scores:

That's all right. Not your best or your worst. The That's what the

judges thought. Call to vote: Or vote online. That vote opens very

soon. We have just one couple left to take to the floor and dance for

their place in the Grand Final. Ladies and gentleman, are you ready?

CHEERING Take it away.

Back for their second dance it's our final couple of the evening, Abbey

and Aljaz. It's been a series of highs and lows

for all our couples. Abbey is no exception. She was the first

celebrity to score a perfect 40, but has also been in the dance-off. Now

before they dance, here's what the judges think about Abbey and Aljaz.

At the beginning, Abbey lacked a bit of consistency. She used to throw

away her moves. She wasn't aware of her body. She couldn't sort out her

left foot from her right foot. In the ballroom, she's elegant and you

kind of get that straight away. It really showed first in the Latin how

her confidence failed. She suddenly is nervous and uncomfortable. It

took a while for her to believe in herself. You can see a progression.

It's always happening. Every week, it's better. Every week, the

performance is stronger. She has gone from absolute zero to hero as

far as I'm concerned. That salsa, absolutely knocked us for dead. That

was great. Mesmerising. A-maz-ing. That girl can dance. Dusted off my

ten for Abbey. I'm hoping that she maintains that standard. Maintaining

the A game. If she loses it for a second then mistakes happen. It's a

bit like walking a tight rope, one false move and you're out. American

smooth, it's perfect for her. Fluent, ease of movement, little bit

in hold. Oh, come on Abbey. Don't let me down. Abbey's nerves could be

her downfall. We know she's had problems in the past. This is the

semifinal. Let's hope Abbey's nerves don't take over like they have in

the past. I'm so excited to do the American

smooth. I have been for the whole series. We're struggling a bit with

timing. It needs to look perfect. It's the semifinal, the judges are

not going to let us get away with anything. The thought of it coming

to an end breaks my heart. I'm still not ready to go. I don't want it to

end. Dancing the American Smooth, Abbey

Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Same again, two standing ovations. It was lovely, darling. Absolutely

lovely. Now then, Bruno? Another totally captivating performance from

you two. I tell you, you've got the full package - signed, sealed,

delivered, I'm yours! I wouldn't take that too seriously.

Don't be naughty. Go and have a lie down.

Craig? Yeah, it was full of charisma. You really have an

enormous amount of style. You're so watchable. I adore watching you

dance. There is a small point, darling, of your sickled feet in the

lifts, which you need to sort out. Apart from that. Nobody saw it, but

you. Darcey? I saw it as well. But really, you are high school musical

glamour, babe. Really, it was stunning. You came out there and you

sold it to me. You are a natural finalist. Just don't sickle the foot

in the lifts, all right? Perfect, though.

She's a natural dancer. What did you think? I'll see you next week in the

final. Don't let him down.

It was wonderful. Two standing ovations. Off you go.

What a way to end the show. Our prom king and queen. How was that for

you? It was amazing. I loved that dance. She was looking forward to

the American smooth. But still wafting up here on cloud nine. Len

and Darcey said they're going to see you in the final. How much do you

want to be there? I'm desperate to be in the final. I don't want it to

end. It's been the most amazing, amazing experience of my life. How

proud are you of abbey to get this far? There's no words to describe

it. Every week she delivers a million per cent and never lets me

down. I'm so proud, so happy. Proud are you of Aljaz, his first series

in the semifinal. I know! He's amazing. It's a love-in. The scores

are in: It's raining 10s. Congratulations.

That's it, our prom king and queen have danced all they can. Now it's

up to you to get them through to the final. Call to vote: Or go online.

The vote opens in a few seconds. Get ready, all of our couples have

performed two amazing routines. Where does that leave them on the

leaderboard? Those points are only half of the

story. Remember, you are voting for your Strictly Come Dancing 2013

finalists. So pick up the phone and go online, voting is now open.

CHEERING It's open.

Full terms and conditions are online. Lines close at 8. 55pm.

Here's a reminder of all of tonight's show stopping

performances. What a night! You fantastic

semifinalists have lived the Strictly life for three months and

none of them want to go home when they're so close to the Glitterball

trophy. To fall at the final hurdle would be heart breaking. It's

hideous, oh, man. I can't stand it. You do feel very exposed. Just

desperate to hear your name. You're flooded with relief. That hug, after

you know you're through, is the best hug of the night. I'm still not

ready to go. You're hoping that you've done enough. We don't want it

to end. We'd be devastated. I'd be gutted.

Brucie, what a night. Nobody wants to leave. Your votes could save

them. Voting closes at 8. 55pm. Didn't they do well. Yes. A

semifinal to remember. All five of our couples deserve to be in the

final. You really do, you all deserve it. Sadly, only four of them

can make it. Your votes will help decide who makes it into the Grand

Final. Join Tess and Claudia to find out which two couples will face our

final dance-off in the Results Show tomorrow night at the earlier time

of 7pm. Be there! We've got the World

Exhibition Dance Champions and Celine Dion will be performing. How

nice. That's tomorrow night. Concentrate. In the meantime, keep

dancing!