Episode 49 Strictly - It Takes Two

Hello, Brendan is finding out how he got on the pro challenge.

And with us tonight is Jason Gilkenson. This is exciting. This is

It Takes Two, how do we get it all in? Live from London, this is

Strictly, It Takes Two. Please welcome your host, Zoe Ball.

Hello and welcome. It is Thursday. Strictly quarter-final is drawing

closer. You would think by know that the celebrities would have a whole

new learning a dance and delivering it on a Saturday down by now but it

seems that they are really feeling the pressure. Let's see how they are

getting on in training. This week I have the salsa. I am

going to smash the pants out of this one. This will be a full on proper

salsa. There is no hiding in the dance it

is full on. Fast hands. Fast feet. Fast everything. There is a lot that

could go wrong in the routine. Lots of jumps, flips, flops and lifts!

There is a lot of salsa steps and moves.

You don't get one arm, then that is it, the rest is gone. You have to

make sure you have the right arm, and you go on the right beet.

If I get this right on the night it will make Strictly history.

We have the Tango. It is a powerful dance and a strong dance.

There is a certain attitude to it. I have a Tango face... I can really

see the character that she's been building week on week really coming

out and shining. There. Good. Boom! Pick yourself up.

If you are trying to be intense and a little more assertive and

aggressive, the tendency is to put your chin down. I have to keep the

right attitude. She is growing as a dancer and a performer. This could

be the week she puts her mark on the competition with the Tango.

Looking good. More news throughout the show from the training room.

Before that, please, welcome to the show, Sophie and Brendan. Goodness

me, congratulations on your dance on Saturday. Joint high score along

with the Charleston. Such a moment. I had tears in my eyes watching that

at home. Were you delighted with a Sophie? I was elated. It felt

glorious. Even on the Sunday I was so happy. Such a lovely moment to

spin about like that with the lights and the music.

And the dress and everything all came together.

Brendan, Bruno was full of praise for the choreography. Was it

important to deliver a pure Viennese waltz, which you did in It was a

pleasure, in a way. I was saying to Sophie in the car. When you have

somebody who can do it, who is inspired by it. I am inspired to do

the best for Sophie so she has the best experience. I am. The whole

thing is coming together, it feels right.

I can't stop beaming! It is wonderful! Len was very happy,

Sophie, with you and your fleckles. How hard are they to master, and so

many of them as well? Well, it has been a head in my week, to stay down

on the fleckle. I'm amazed that I know what one is now.

You will never forget. Never. With the Viennese waltz it is repetitive,

but if you lose the technique it goes pear-shaped. It is hard to get

back in your stride. Putting the feckle in it is a challenge.

And going at the speed, you build up a momentum. Snoo and Craig was there

the week before, saying that the Rumba was cold, no chemistry, then

on Saturday he praised it. Is that something that you worked on or

thought about? You always felt there was chemistry? I do. It is odd when

somebody says that we are not. We are loving working together. Having

a great time in the studio. When I watch the dances coming back, I see

it, if they are not it hurts a little. The fact that he recognised

that, that it is there it is a good thing.

It is important. An incredible store but still

mid-table. When Karen Hardy was here on Tuesday, she did say you should

have seen tens, would you agree? It was nice to hear that from Karen. I

loved the dance. It felt perfect. If they don't give ten, it was maybe

not there 100%, but I'm the judge that would not give that many tens.

So... You would be as hard? I probably would. Nothing is ever that

perfect, but as the stages go on, everyone is getting better. The tens

are coming out. We would love one. I would not know what to do with a

ten. What would you do with a ten? !

Brendan, obviously we saw you singing in the make-up room. It has

seemed you have been in vocal training all week. Join us on this.

# These are a few of my favourite things. Hshg hshg

# When the dog bites... # When the bee stings...

# When I'm feeling sad, # I simply remember my favourite

things, # Then I don't feel so bad. If I had

not been a dancer, I would have been a singer.

It is bad enough she has to hear it every day in training.

There are dogs barking all over the country. The Tango, how has it been

going in training? Fun! I really like the Tango. It is a strong

dance. We have had a good week. We have.

What is it you love about the Tango? I like the way it is assertive and

dynamic. It feels good. All of the right words. Brendan is

pleased. Is it a help or a hindrance with the

Argentine? There is the same intensity about it in many ways. In

the Argentine tango, you are close together at the head. This is the

opposite. You travel across. The Argentine Tango is stationery. I

loved that Argentine Tango. This is a strong one for us.

It does. You have amazing music. Let's have a listen.

So for two people born in the 70s, an 08s track is perfect.

Will you be dressed as Madonna? I think so.

Obviously in the video, she was playing an homage to Marilyn.

Snoo Oh, I like it. And the swing-a-thon, are you looking

forward to that? What is that? Well, we have something new for you. What

do you like as a dance? I really liked the Lindy Hop.

But there are a lot of lifts. I am long.

I could be using my head as a weapon.

That's it. Good luck this weekend. Brendan, we are seeing you soon for

the Pro Challenge. I can't wait.

Let's get back to the training rooms to see how Abbey and Natalie are

getting on. This week we are dancing the

Viennese waltz, which I am excited about. I can't wait. I love it

already. It is a very rotational dance, the Viennese waltz. We are

getting dizzy every 20 seconds. It is extremely important to keep the

posture. To make it look good you have to stay there.

Aljaz is drilling it into me to stay close, no gaps between us. That way

you lose the posture and the frame. No gapping.

We can start to iron out the mistakes soon and make it look

pretty and picture perfect, hopefully.

We are adapting the Paso Doble. It is very fierce. It is a different

Latin style from the others. So there is a different technique

involved. I know that Artem is upping the ante. The Flamenco is not

easy to achieve. It is very specificic. This This can look

really limp and lame if you don't get it right with the Paso Doble. I

have to find my inner Senorita. I don't have it at the moment! It will

come. Have faith. Please, welcome Natalie and Artem! Hello you two!

Paso Doble is obviously coming this weekend, but first let's have a look

back to your stunning American Smooth. How was it for you out on

the floor, Natalie? The best moment of Strictly for me. I just

absolutely immersed myself in it. I think that I finally completely let

go. I will remember it forover ever. Even said that to the music there. I

am Welling up! We loved your jacket, Artem. You looked like a little

glitter bug. All beautiful! Did you? Natalie was saying she was

struggling with the lifts but watching that performance from

Saturday, we could not tell where was the stress. She had nailed it,

it was there! I think it helped with the trapeze. Then the lifts were

nothing. After swinging up in the air nine metres.

It works! Len gave you an eight. Did you feel surprised by that.

Len has rules about the American Smooth. He is following that, that

is what the rules said. Like I said, there is a fine line to add, to give

all of the aspects of the routine, so it does not just become about the

steps but also about the story. I think I am leaning towards telling

the story through the dance instead of showing the technical aspect it

is a gamble you take. It paid off. We love your

choreography. Is it true your mum sent you flower last weekend as a

surprise? Yes, beautiful red roses. Bless her, it is such a lovely thing

to do. How proud of her best girl is she? Her only girl! Yes, which other

girl? ! How protective is she over you when facing the judges? I think

we have been lucky with the judges' comments so far. There is always a

first time, but of course she is protective. This is a very exposing

experience. It is natural that your parents go on this crazy ride with

you. So she feels everything that I feel. So yeah, very protective.

This week it is a Paso Doble. Very, very excited. Your training is

looking incredible. Are you enjoying it, Natalie? Yes and no. There is

always the mid-week pushing the boulder up the mountain and watching

it roll back down again, but I think we are getting there. Slowly but

surely. I love the character of the dance. I am hoping to adopt that a

little more by Saturday. He looks pleased.

Let's have a listen to your music it is very good.

I don't know what that is, but it is very traditional. It is called

ElGatoMonte. When you did your Tango, Craig said

it lacked drama. Are you ready to throw drama at him by the bucket

loads? I think so. I think that the Paso Doble skirt

will slap him in the face with drama alone! We saw your dress. It is

looking stunning. And also, the swing athon, how competitive are you

feeling, Artem? That is about having fun. Having a laugh. That is what it

means to me. When you become competitive on that kind of dance it

does not come across as nice. So we will just have fun doing it.

The whole vibe, you did win it in series eight. Has he given you words

of wisdom as to how to tackle it? Always! Always! That's how he likes

to think of it! You were going to do a Jive in week seven but yourl

poorly. Is it good to show some of the bits you have learned? I was

gutted not to perform the Jive, so a chance to do that will be lovely.

Good luck. I am very, very excited about the Paso Doble! Natalie and

Artem! This week we kicked off the Challenge, the world record of a

number of drunk ensailors in 30 seconds. Here is how it is done:

This is a challenge to set a begins yes, sir world record for the most

drunken sailor dance steps in 30 seconds. A drunken sailor is a cross

step behind, a step to the side and a replacement of weight to the

starting foot. They have to make sure that they cross behind and

replace the weight. Let the battle commence.

Hoping his sailors a drunk and not just a bit tipsy, will you please

welcome, Brendan Cole. You're back! Thank goodness. I have missed your

face. So, now, although you have not won a Pro Challenge, you have come

close to tasting glory. How much do you want it this year? I would love

to have the title, but I was not very good. I will go uncompetitive.

OK, you are playing the game like that. We know you are headstrong.

Have you ever had a go at a bunch of drunken sailors.

--? Only once or twice. How difficult was it? I lost.

I arrived without my shoes. I was like an unprofessional dancer. I did

not give myself a good head start. I lost my zest for it.

Well, let's have a look. Let's see how amazing he really was. Take it

away. My long legs will not give me the

advantage on the drunken sailor, however it does not matter. Let's

get in there. Brendan. How are you feeling? Good,

thank you. You are known as feeling and acting

competitive, are you going to be competitive on the challenge? Yes.

That's what I like to hear. Are you ready? Ready.

Brendan, best of luck, for the record, three, two, one, go.

Stop. That is a travelling drunken sailor.

I should have put shoes on. I thought you did well. Generally,

you focus the, you gave it loads. Shoes would have helped me today,

but I think I have done enough to get myself off the bottom of the

leaderboard. Let's hear it for Brendan Cole.

I must say, if Sophie was doing drunk en sailor steps, I would be

miffed. They did not look proper, but it looked fast.

Now after each of the professionals tackle the drunken sailors, the

adjudicator watched in slow motion to verify every single one. Brendan,

how many did you think you knocked out in the steps? I reckon about

half were disqualified. OK. Let's have a look at the

leaderboard. Let's remind ourselves. Are you ready for this? OK, Brendan,

the steps have been counted and verified. I can reveal that you

performed... The drama is insane! 71 dreng en steps in 30 seconds.

He is not even surprised! Well, you know, I'm an old pro! You did get 76

but had five disqualified. You are top of the leaderboard. Look at that

37 years old, 23 years old, by the way! Exactly. Can you see anyone

else beating you? Well, there are about 79 pros on the show. I'm sure

that somebody will beat me and that will be annoying on the day.

Brendan, well done. Brendan Cole! Soon Strictly's director of

choreography will be here, but first one final trip to the training room.

Let's see how Patrick and Susanna Reid are getting on. Nice work.

This week we are dancing the Rumba. I knew that the Rumba would be

difficult for Patrick. It has little to do with the rhythm but more to do

with the technique. You do what you do. I will try to

keep up. The movement so stable but you have to look like you are

presenting your woman and dancing with her it is a fine balance.

It has not gone in that easy. I have to remember that there is more

elements to it that I really have to focus and concentrate on. I think

that we have to rely on his acting skills a lot.

I don't hate it but I just can't do it. Yes, you can.

Hopefully by Saturday I'll know it! We are doing the Argentine Tango.

The steps are gorgeous. That involves a lot of intricate

foot patterns in the Quick Step that tripped us up a little bit.

Well I love drama and passion, that's what I'll be putting into it.

Is that Argentine Tango? Susanna will have to get into character. I

know she is looking forward to playing that. Knowing us too two, we

will be laughing at each other. I think it will be fiery and rather

exciting. I'm looking forward to it. Good, Susanna Reid with the flashy

leg movements. Time for a dance legend. During his career,

Australia's und'you feeted Latin champion. 17 years straight. He went

on to take the world title. He has since choreographed television

programmes across the globe and is the mastermind behind the successful

stage show, Burn The Floor. Please, welcome Jason Gilchristson.

Is it true, you were the inspiration for the film Strictly Ballroom?

Loosely. At the time my partner and I were

about to become world champions. So he asked to interview. We became the

prototype. That is Baz Luhrmann.

Of course and your partner is... ? Peta. I started dancing at the age

of four. We have been dancing together for 43 years.

That is incredible. Everyone is thinking how young you look. What

was your favourite dance? I love a Rumba.

What has been your favourite on the series? Have you had one? I think

Artem and Natalie on week two. Only week two as well. Since

competing, you have done choreography on a number of

television shows, talk us through some of them.

I have been lucky. Not only do I work on this one but I work in

Australia and America on Dancing With The Stars.

But I love this one. What do you do in your role as head

of choreography on Strictly? Each week we have the group routines, the

guests, and every week one or two groups. A couple of guest starters.

So we have to pluck who has been eliminated and put things together

with them and then the six or seven couple routines that happen in the

week. You are a sounding board for the

proef choreographers. -- professional choreographers? Yes.

How do you work out the professional routines that we all love? Funnily

enough we do all of them in August. So every day the pros learn a

different group routine. They remember it from August? ! By

day five they are scrambled, then we recap them the week that we do the

routine. How long do you get them for? Eight

hours to do all of the groups. It shows how good you and they are.

You have worked with a lot of the professional dancers before. Who are

you worked with along the way? Almost all of them. Just about all

of them it was really good, like coming to a big family.

You brought us Aljaz and January identity -- Janette and everyone

else! What about the costumes, do you have a say in that? Well, Vicky

is lovely. She is great. It is a collaborative thing. After 11

seasons now there are so many dances that have been done. So it is just

trying to come up with the next out jit, better each time. That is

incredible. Let's talk about the stand-out numbers, one was the

opener in Blackpool. All of the dancers, all different ages, how

difficult was that to put together? That was hard. We had one week. We

had 08 or 90 people. Rehearsing in all parts of the country. A couple

of hours where they came together and we did this all on the one day.

A lot of hard work, but the result was unbelievable.

Did it bring a tear to your eye? It did. To see them all together with

the pros, it was a great feeling. It fulfilled the group.

You see that and think that is what the show is all about. Let's talk

about Iveta, she flew in the sky. That was stunning. It was not the

original idea? Well, Natalie and I were collaborating on it, but then

Natalie hurt her foot. We had the idea of putting Iveta up on the

wire. It was a great idea. So, Natalie could not see it through but

was there in spirit. Hopefully she can fly next year. We

have three weeks left of the show. Have you got surprises up your

sleeves? The finale will be amazing. If you fr need my services, please

contact me! I have to ask you, who do you want to win, Jason? I would

have to say in the lead is... I'm not going to tell you that! You know

what, all six couples could take this.

It is incredible. It is awful, we will loose some of them! Br thank

you very much for the -- taking the time with us.

That's it for today. We are back on our Friday panel,