0:00:07 > 0:00:11Tonight is the night you've been waiting for. Our Strictly
0:00:11 > 0:00:11professionals
0:00:11 > 0:00:12waiting for. Our Strictly professionals have swivelled back
0:00:12 > 0:00:18and forth all they can but they will only be one winner. Will it be
0:00:18 > 0:00:21Janette Manrara, Anton Du Beke or the reigning champion, Giovanni
0:00:21 > 0:00:28pennies? Victory is within their reach but who will claim the world
0:00:28 > 0:00:40record title and be crowned the Pro Challenge Thampi? -- Pro Challenge
0:00:40 > 0:00:43champion?
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Live from London, this is Strictly it takes to. Please welcome your
0:01:20 > 0:01:37host, Zoe Ball.Come on! Give me a salsa, give me a salsa. Love it!
0:01:37 > 0:01:47Here we go. Hello and welcome to it takes to. We have been counting down
0:01:47 > 0:01:50to the semifinal all week and I can now declare with much greater
0:01:50 > 0:02:00accuracy that there is just, look at that, 24 hours, 43 minutes and 11
0:02:00 > 0:02:06seconds to go. Our dancers are quaking in their boots. In between
0:02:06 > 0:02:11rehearsing, for about dancers have stepped by -- stopped by, looking
0:02:11 > 0:02:15divine.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18I'm joined on the Friday panel by a group of people collectively
0:02:18 > 0:02:19known as "well fit".
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Rick Edwards, Lisa Snowdon and Danny Mac.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Plus, once the incredible voice of Keane, Tom Chaplin will be
0:02:25 > 0:02:34here to sing us a Christmas classic.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37But now, you might be familiar with a fine piece of Welsh rarebit
0:02:37 > 0:02:39called Gethin Jones, who can often be found
0:02:39 > 0:02:40wandering around Elstree studios hunting for gossip.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Let's see what he's uncovered.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52It may be cold outside but things are heating up in Elstree Studios
0:02:52 > 0:02:57because it is semifinal either. So much to look forward to on the dance
0:02:57 > 0:03:02floor tomorrow but at the moment, Mali and AJ are rehearsing their
0:03:02 > 0:03:16samba to Shakira's Whenever, Wherever. Those hips don't Lie and I
0:03:16 > 0:03:20am going to make sure the you don't miss a trick.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Thank you, Mr Jones.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Now, I've got a good "feline" about our first guests.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Because if my "meow-mory" serves me correctly,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31they danced a "claw-some" American Smooth last weekend.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35And nine out of ten cats would agree.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38There's always one isn't there, Craig.
0:03:38 > 0:03:48It's Debbie and Giovanni.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Debbie was stunning. I am pairing with delight. It was absolutely
0:03:52 > 0:03:59seamless.That was hugely impressive.Well ban, Debbie. The
0:03:59 > 0:04:10story arc was told so beautifully. It was mesmerising.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14# How will I know if he really loves me
0:04:14 > 0:04:17# Aides say a prayer with every heartbeat
0:04:17 > 0:04:26# I fall in love when ever we meet # Semifinalists. Feast your eyes upon
0:04:26 > 0:04:32their brilliance. Shirley said that dance would be etched on people's
0:04:32 > 0:04:38memories for ever. How about you? Absolutely. I will never forget last
0:04:38 > 0:04:45weekend. We just loved dancing that dance.Have you watched it back?How
0:04:45 > 0:04:55many times about three times.Darcey said it was seamless, Bruno said
0:04:55 > 0:05:02Lawless. When you hear comments like that, does it make your heart glow?
0:05:02 > 0:05:11-- Bruno said Lawless.Definitely. Every minute of that dance, I really
0:05:11 > 0:05:15felt the emotion, we really felt like we were dancing as one, so then
0:05:15 > 0:05:20when the judges loved it as well, and you could feel it in the
0:05:20 > 0:05:26audience, in the studio. That is what you want.It's a magical thing.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Craig actually purred with delight, which was quite something, then he
0:05:30 > 0:05:35only gave you and nine. Why does he never give you attend?I really
0:05:35 > 0:05:41don't know. I don't know. It was a great dance, I think, because I
0:05:41 > 0:05:44watched it back just a couple of times. Maybe a couple of hundred
0:05:44 > 0:05:55times. I don't know, everything was there, elegant. I really don't know.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01I don't know. He is a tough one to crack. The spin left, we need to see
0:06:01 > 0:06:06it again because it was amazing. We are hoping to recreate that with
0:06:06 > 0:06:12audience members in a moment. How tricky is that, Giovanni?When we
0:06:12 > 0:06:16did they read Tim, I said to Debbie, this is an ambitious moment because
0:06:16 > 0:06:26from that, we have to go bombers standing spin into a pivot. It's
0:06:26 > 0:06:31really difficult because of dizziness. I was dizzy on my legs. I
0:06:31 > 0:06:37was like, where is she? She did brilliantly. Really good. It was
0:06:37 > 0:06:44really difficult, but you know.Can we practice that later on?Why not
0:06:44 > 0:06:52now?I want to spin the year round. And you are the cats that get the
0:06:52 > 0:06:57cream, because you are three to the semifinal. Top of the leaderboard,
0:06:57 > 0:07:02but as we saw with Alexandra, it doesn't mean you are safe. Our tents
0:07:02 > 0:07:12were you?Really tense.Petrified. At this stage of the competition, we
0:07:12 > 0:07:19have both worked really hard, so we want to go through. When you heard
0:07:19 > 0:07:26your name, it's utter relief. Petrified is the word.Yes, I hate
0:07:26 > 0:07:35that sound.So, too dancers, but before that, actually, a friend of
0:07:35 > 0:07:40the show, Miranda Hart did tweet, this is good, I love them all but I
0:07:40 > 0:07:46am fully Tim Debbie McGee...
0:07:49 > 0:08:02Here here.We love Miranda.She is so funny, isn't she?So, to dancers
0:08:02 > 0:08:18you have got and you are going to be starting with this one.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24It is his favourite and it is the jive. Has he been putting you
0:08:24 > 0:08:33through your paces?I have been so tired, I have been eating double
0:08:33 > 0:08:40what I normally eat and I have been eating double all series. I love
0:08:40 > 0:08:43watching his face when we do it because he loves doing the jive so
0:08:43 > 0:08:50much.Your little base. Are you looking at yourself or Debbie?He is
0:08:50 > 0:09:00looking at himself.Have you stuck with your training plan?We have
0:09:00 > 0:09:06tried, but she is really busy.I have been very busy, doing half a
0:09:06 > 0:09:13day of learning lines for panto, then the rest with Giovanni.Also
0:09:13 > 0:09:18doing the foxtrot to this.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23MUSIC: Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.
0:09:23 > 0:09:29Tell us about their stance, Giovanni.It is a song that makes
0:09:29 > 0:09:35you smile whenever you play at. This is the semifinal. At this point in
0:09:35 > 0:09:40the competition, you want to show the judges that we can achieve a
0:09:40 > 0:09:45good technique, so my priority this week is to show a pure technique,
0:09:45 > 0:09:50pure dance, no messing around, just in hold for one minute and 45,
0:09:50 > 0:09:55dancing beautifully. That is my point.He has got the chat, hasn't
0:09:55 > 0:10:03he.He has been tough.He has to be. You are brilliant. Fingers crossed
0:10:03 > 0:10:06for you that we see you in the final. Let's hear it for Debbie and
0:10:06 > 0:10:11Giovanni. And we will be seeing Giovanni in a little bit because
0:10:11 > 0:10:17he's back for the final of the Pro Challenge. Could he make it two
0:10:17 > 0:10:20years in a row? Let's find out.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Now, Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat
0:10:22 > 0:10:24and our couples are training for not one but two dances.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27To whet your appetite, here's a look at Alexandra's salsa
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and Joe's American Smooth.
0:10:30 > 0:10:36The salsa training is so much fun. It's fast, energetic. If you think
0:10:36 > 0:10:40about the next step, you've already missed a beat.In this dance,
0:10:40 > 0:10:45there's going to be a lot of fast movements, sensitive movements and
0:10:45 > 0:10:54tricks.I've got Gorka and a salsa. I'm so lucky. I know he's really
0:10:54 > 0:11:02going to push me to my limit and more.One, two, three.You have got
0:11:02 > 0:11:09to show you are loving life with the salsa.Beautiful.The American
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Smooth bill is nice at the dance. It's like the old black and white
0:11:12 > 0:11:18films I used to watch.I haven't done anything so glamorous before.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24Are you sure about this? One dance was more than enough to be doing in
0:11:24 > 0:11:27a week and to dancers build very overwhelming. It is real showmanship
0:11:27 > 0:11:35required. Doing the technique but remembering to enjoy it and to look
0:11:35 > 0:11:38like you are enjoying it, that is the challenge.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Now, a semifinal calls for some expert punditry.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer weren't available, so please
0:11:46 > 0:11:48put your hands together for Rick Edwards, Lisa
0:11:48 > 0:11:58Snowdon and Danny Mac.
0:12:00 > 0:12:09# Do you think I'm sexy # If you really need me
0:12:09 > 0:12:17# Just reach out and touch me... # Well come back, song and dance man,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Danny Mac. Finalist last year. How are you,
0:12:20 > 0:12:27honey?I'm so good. It's great to be back.We have missed you. Have you
0:12:27 > 0:12:34missed us?Absolutely. I didn't at first, I wanted my life back, but
0:12:34 > 0:12:39two weeks into this season I was like, I've got to go back.Lisa, you
0:12:39 > 0:12:45are back. She was amazing. What a calibre they have been this year.
0:12:45 > 0:12:52Have you been impressed?From the get go. Remembering Debbie's Paso
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Robles on the first night, I was like, how can they do this so early
0:12:55 > 0:13:04in the series? It's just got better and better.Rick Edwards, I hear you
0:13:04 > 0:13:08get your Strictly on on a Saturday night. Have you ever thought about
0:13:08 > 0:13:13getting your Tony Mann Aero on and doing what these two have done?I
0:13:13 > 0:13:16have a specific skill which is always being offbeat and I don't
0:13:16 > 0:13:24know how that would go down with the judges.Let me introduce you to
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Karen Clifton, Janette Manrara. They could work with that. Now, let's
0:13:28 > 0:13:38have a look at this tango to My Sharona. This is Gemma and Aljaz in
0:13:38 > 0:13:46training. Never been bottom two. Has she picked this up brilliantly?
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Honestly, when you said expert judge, I just went, well, it looks
0:13:50 > 0:13:56nice to me. I also think the thing with Gemma is, the audience love
0:13:56 > 0:14:02her. She is such a popular dancer. I think she will be fine. Also, I'm
0:14:02 > 0:14:06feeling slightly guilty because I've just met Aljaz.He does have that
0:14:06 > 0:14:18effect.I work in Talay but I was like, I've met Aljaz! -- I work in
0:14:18 > 0:14:25television, but I was like, I've met Aljaz. He was so nice.They are also
0:14:25 > 0:14:32doing a rumble. Last week, Shirley said she needs to bring out her
0:14:32 > 0:14:41acting skills. What do you think here?She is my mums favourite and I
0:14:41 > 0:14:43know Gemma as well, she's a fantastic actress, but there's so
0:14:43 > 0:14:48much to think about the night, it's hard to remember that but after that
0:14:48 > 0:14:52advice last week, I think Gemma be fine.She will smash it. She'll be
0:14:52 > 0:15:01amazing tonight. Let's move on to Mollie and AJ. They have been in the
0:15:01 > 0:15:05bottom two for the last two weeks. Have they got the momentum? Dancing
0:15:05 > 0:15:08to Shakira.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12MUSIC: Whenever, Wherever by Shakira
0:15:12 > 0:15:18The hips do not lie, as they say. You have just got to really go for
0:15:18 > 0:15:25it.It was one of your strongest, would you give her advice?That is
0:15:25 > 0:15:30the time when you have to let it go, because if you hold back, it has a
0:15:30 > 0:15:34tendency to be awkward and I only knew that because I lost it that
0:15:34 > 0:15:43week.And we loved it. Rick, they have the waltz. You are a man of
0:15:43 > 0:15:49strong frame. What do you reckon to Mollie's topline? Does it look like
0:15:49 > 0:15:56perfection?Do we have romance? When I was watching on Wednesday when Ian
0:15:56 > 0:16:00said something about a right angle but not quite.You have been
0:16:00 > 0:16:13observant!There was some bend in the arm. I am saying the armography.
0:16:13 > 0:16:20I said, if I am coming on the show, I am saying armography!Last man
0:16:20 > 0:16:25standing, Joe, the Argentine tango, everybody loves this dance. Katya
0:16:25 > 0:16:30has pushed him with complex choreography. You can see him
0:16:30 > 0:16:33dancing to Rag 'n' Bone Man.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38MUSIC: Human by Rag 'n' Bone Man
0:16:38 > 0:16:44He surprises me and I love it. The chemistry. Her enthusiasm is
0:16:44 > 0:16:50infectious and really works. I think it will be a good week for Joe.She
0:16:50 > 0:16:56has not heard the word fatigue, so she does not suffer from it.
0:16:56 > 0:17:02American Smooth, Danny and like Gemma, he has never been in the
0:17:02 > 0:17:11bottom two. Craig said he was a dark horse. Front runner?I think he is
0:17:11 > 0:17:21fab. I love Joe. And he has two show stopping dances. And Katya is
0:17:21 > 0:17:26fantastic with choreography.Dancing to Robbie Williams. Rick, this will
0:17:26 > 0:17:31be memorable.The jogging bottoms and shoes combination is memorable.
0:17:31 > 0:17:41I cannot believe how good he is because he did not start that good.
0:17:41 > 0:17:51Incredible, and such a nice man. Lovely. Very good. We will have more
0:17:51 > 0:17:54later. The Friday Panel. APPLAUSE
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Now, have you met Mr Jones?
0:17:56 > 0:17:57Of course you have.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58He gets around.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59He's been at Elstree all day.
0:17:59 > 0:18:05Let's see who's fallen for the old Gethin charm this time.
0:18:05 > 0:18:15I have grabbed time with team Alorka.Two dances, a Viennese waltz
0:18:15 > 0:18:23and salsa. You cannot get those two confused, can you?I can.He won't.
0:18:23 > 0:18:33It is very different. Slowdowns in too fast. -- a slow dance.How are
0:18:33 > 0:18:40you feeling about them?I am feeling nervous about both but I am excited
0:18:40 > 0:18:45because the salsa is what I have always wanted to do and the Viennese
0:18:45 > 0:18:49waltz is beautiful and I have not seen my dress is it, but I have
0:18:49 > 0:18:55heard they are out of this world.I have seen them and they are amazing.
0:18:55 > 0:19:06You are dancing to Everybody Hurts. Is everything hurting? Yes, we have
0:19:06 > 0:19:16been rehearsing nonstop but no pain, no gain.Listen, big night tomorrow,
0:19:16 > 0:19:22the semifinal. All the very best tomorrow.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Time to welcome our next couple.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Last weekend, they quickstepped their way into the semifinal
0:19:26 > 0:19:33with some old-fashioned razzle dazzle.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35And a few gorgeous feather fans, darling.
0:19:35 > 0:19:42It's Gemma and Aljaz.
0:19:42 > 0:19:49# Hello Dolly. Back-up, boys, here comes Gemma.I felt it needed to be
0:19:49 > 0:19:54lighter but I loved the theatricality.You had an immaculate
0:19:54 > 0:20:07frame, beautiful footwork, I felt it needed 20% more.
0:20:07 > 0:20:19# Baby, hands up. # Give me your heart. Hello, baby,
0:20:19 > 0:20:28looking beautiful. Did you hear Rick Edwards? Do not slide off the edge.
0:20:28 > 0:20:36Hello, Dolly. Gemma, looking gorgeous. Aljaz looks all right. How
0:20:36 > 0:20:46was it last week? Talk about a way to open musical week.I loved it,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50the concept, the fact we went for it and I had a really good night on
0:20:50 > 0:20:57Saturday. Nerves were still there but we have so much fun.When you
0:20:57 > 0:21:01have the extra dancers, it is like a Broadway production. Look at that.
0:21:01 > 0:21:13Beautiful. Neil would be drawn on moustache. I loved that. Did Gemma
0:21:13 > 0:21:29pass this one theory test? -- swan theory test?She did.Make something
0:21:29 > 0:21:37up. 16 months we have been here, people.Absolutely, quickstep is the
0:21:37 > 0:21:47hardest dance to keep the hold and I choreographed it so that we kept the
0:21:47 > 0:21:54hold and we got through it with honours.We got through it.It is a
0:21:54 > 0:21:59team thing. There was disagreement between Craig and surely about the
0:21:59 > 0:22:03frame. Shirley said immaculate, Craig said bow seat.Whose side are
0:22:03 > 0:22:12you one? Our side. It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. I have to
0:22:12 > 0:22:18say to get to this stage in the competition for Gemma, who gets up
0:22:18 > 0:22:24at 4:30am. We rehearse eight hours. She never complains. It is
0:22:24 > 0:22:29incredible how much you have improved from weak one, to be in the
0:22:29 > 0:22:39semifinal. It is amazing for anyone. Well said.Honestly. We have been
0:22:39 > 0:22:42training so hard and when you get out there you try to do your
0:22:42 > 0:22:49absolute best. That dance, when it finished, and you could vividly tell
0:22:49 > 0:22:56because I was probably overreacting. It was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
0:22:56 > 0:23:04Down to me, it was a beautiful frame.We laughed the Barnett, we
0:23:04 > 0:23:11are calling it the onion.They put like a sponge doughnut and attached
0:23:11 > 0:23:23it to my hair. I looked like my mum. As we predicted the scores went up.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27The technical roller-coaster theory working. How scared were you waiting
0:23:27 > 0:23:31because you were joint bottom of the Leader Board?It is horrible because
0:23:31 > 0:23:37when you are bottom of the Leader Board, you think the judges did not
0:23:37 > 0:23:41like the dancers much as we did and you get panicked but when your name
0:23:41 > 0:23:46is called, it is a relief because it is the public who have put us in the
0:23:46 > 0:23:52semifinal and it means so much. I said afterwards, I said I cannot
0:23:52 > 0:23:58believe people have enjoyed watching me dance, enjoyed your choreography.
0:23:58 > 0:24:11They love it. Thank you. Two dances this weekend. Starting with a rumba
0:24:11 > 0:24:26to Labrinth. It is emotional. Aljaz, what can you tell us about it?A
0:24:26 > 0:24:32lot, there is a lot of beautiful rumba steps and as we can see, Don
0:24:32 > 0:24:39beautifully. It will be very romantic, very sensual. When we did
0:24:39 > 0:24:44it on the first rehearsal, when I saw how incredible Gemma is going to
0:24:44 > 0:24:51be at it, I put in more rumba.And higher shoes. He is making me where
0:24:51 > 0:25:00higher shoes.You have to to pretend to be in love with Aljaz, the rumba.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05I know, it is a tough job to ask of people. We thought we would help you
0:25:05 > 0:25:12to get in the mood. Rather than staring into each other's eyes,
0:25:12 > 0:25:19looked down the camera lens. Let's see if we are convinced.
0:25:19 > 0:25:33LAUGHTER. You have nailed it.That was half of
0:25:33 > 0:25:48the choreography.Onto the tango to My Sharona.
0:25:48 > 0:25:58# My Sharona. How is it, a change of pace, how are you liking it?You
0:25:58 > 0:26:04look amazing in this. I have struggled to learn the steps but
0:26:04 > 0:26:09because the rumba is straight legged, pointy toes, and this is
0:26:09 > 0:26:17done on bent legs but I feel safe in hold with Aljaz now so if I keep my
0:26:17 > 0:26:26frame, I am hoping he can drag me around. But I love the music.With
0:26:26 > 0:26:32the paso, you have that great character, as well. Never have been
0:26:32 > 0:26:36in the bottom two, does that give you confidence about the final?We
0:26:36 > 0:26:41have said since the first week we need to take every Saturday as a
0:26:41 > 0:26:48Saturday and not think it is the semifinal. I get nervous. This week,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52we have two dances and hopefully it will go well and hopefully the week
0:26:52 > 0:27:05after, we will have three dances. Now we are fluent in Slovenian.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09SPEAKS SLOVENIAN. Go and get them.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11It's time now to check in with Gethin.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I've just received word he's walked into wardrobe completely undetected.
0:27:13 > 0:27:20Smooth as ever.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24I am in the best wardrobe department in the world, led by the mighty
0:27:24 > 0:27:32Vicky Gill. I think this needs some work before tomorrow. The semifinal.
0:27:32 > 0:27:40So many people ask about your team. Who are they?They are a fantastic
0:27:40 > 0:27:45team, amazing. Not everybody is here. It is hard to get everybody in
0:27:45 > 0:27:51one place. Jane is hiding I think. They will pretend they are shy and
0:27:51 > 0:27:56do not have much of that opinion but yes, they definitely do.Everybody
0:27:56 > 0:28:04is working hard at the moment. Preparing for the semifinal. Give
0:28:04 > 0:28:14them a wave. There is nothing in that book, you are pretending to
0:28:14 > 0:28:20look busy! Tell me about your boss Vicky Gill. I feel like it is like
0:28:20 > 0:28:29Meryl Streep in the Devil wears Prada.She is amazing to work for, a
0:28:29 > 0:28:34brilliant designer.We love working here. You are a close-knit team.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38This could be trouble. Last night we saw some of the dresses for
0:28:38 > 0:28:45tomorrow.This is Mollie's. It is not quite ready. We need to get this
0:28:45 > 0:28:58up here. So that when she wiggles, it moves.I can imagine it is mad on
0:28:58 > 0:29:04Friday getting ready.Friday is the big day. Quite a nice day. A good
0:29:04 > 0:29:10feeling on Friday night when everybody's shoes are there and
0:29:10 > 0:29:14everything is put behind their name. Can you show us something we have
0:29:14 > 0:29:23not seen for tomorrow.This is for Mollie's waltz. There is a lot of
0:29:23 > 0:29:29work that goes into that. This would have been worked on by Cash and his
0:29:29 > 0:29:36girls. They never stop.They go all night. And thanks to you, all of the
0:29:36 > 0:29:46Couples look fantastic on Saturday night. Thank you, wardrobe. They are
0:29:46 > 0:29:47amazing.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Now, the training updates are coming thick and fast.
0:29:49 > 0:29:58Here's how Joe's Argentine tango and Mollie's samba are shaping up.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02The Argentine tango is very specific. It is quite difficult. You
0:30:02 > 0:30:10need a lot of attitude. You have to come with all guns blazing.There
0:30:10 > 0:30:19are so many details. It is a different posture and techniques. It
0:30:19 > 0:30:26is going to take us a little while to get it.It is good fun. I am
0:30:26 > 0:30:30enjoying every minute. For as long as it lasts, I am having a really
0:30:30 > 0:30:36nice time.Much better. With the samba the most difficult thing is to
0:30:36 > 0:30:39look like it is coming natural to me because there is nothing natural
0:30:39 > 0:30:47about this. There is so much to it, it is really fast. I have to get my
0:30:47 > 0:30:51hips moving and they are a bit stiff.Mollie is struggling with the
0:30:51 > 0:30:57different rhythm.I am hoping there will be a positive journey to
0:30:57 > 0:31:01Saturday.I can see where it is going. We have a long way to get
0:31:01 > 0:31:10there, but I can see where it is going for Saturday.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Good work from all of them.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Now, it's the moment you've all been waiting for.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17This year, 15 contenders entered the Pro Challenge Arena and now just
0:31:17 > 0:31:18three remain.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21And one of them will reign supreme.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23It gives me great pleasure to welcome super swivellers
0:31:23 > 0:31:28Giovanni, Janette and Anton.
0:31:37 > 0:31:43MUSIC: Pirates Of The Caribbean theme.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Well come. You can fill the competition between the three of
0:31:46 > 0:31:55them.It is on.Before we let this battle commence, may we remind you
0:31:55 > 0:32:00that 12 contenders have gone before you, so let's have a look at the
0:32:00 > 0:32:02leaderboard as it currently stands.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Brendan Cole is still languishing at the bottom.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10With Neil and Chloe for company.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Last night, Karen Clifton knocked Katya Jones off the top spot.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Well, she was getting a little too comfortable up
0:32:15 > 0:32:20there, if you ask me.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25So let's speak to the reigning champion of the Pro Challenge,
0:32:25 > 0:32:33Giovanni. Do you have what It Takes Two retain your crown, Giovanni?Of
0:32:33 > 0:32:38course I have. I have the fastest legs in the world so far, so I only
0:32:38 > 0:32:46used 50% of my energy just to give them a chance.Sure, sure!Hello,
0:32:46 > 0:32:52Janette. Your outfit is amazing. Joint second last year alongside
0:32:52 > 0:32:58your great friend, Karen Clifton. Can you go one better this year?I
0:32:58 > 0:33:02hope so because I am not going to be able to deal with him and his ego if
0:33:02 > 0:33:10he has one again. Or Anton. A lady needs to win.The old master, as he
0:33:10 > 0:33:19is. He has a golf handicap of five, which I believe is very good.Indeed
0:33:19 > 0:33:29I do.How are your swivels, sir? Absolutely exquisite. I am
0:33:29 > 0:33:33tremendous that swivelling. You must understand, I was there when the
0:33:33 > 0:33:39dance was invented.I am very talented. Shall we see how you got
0:33:39 > 0:33:45on, Anton Du Beke? Good luck.I mean, these youngsters can do a
0:33:45 > 0:33:48charleston to a certain level but not like the experienced ones. You
0:33:48 > 0:33:56have to be of a certain age to do a proper charleston.Here he is.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00Lovely to see you all. Thank you very much for inviting me here
0:34:00 > 0:34:07today. I shall do my best that I can. Now, my first song is... I
0:34:07 > 0:34:12shall never charleston alone. After three... Oh, the band aren't here.
0:34:12 > 0:34:18We will save that for later.Thank you, Anton, and welcome to the
0:34:18 > 0:34:23Strictly Pro Challenge. Now, do you have the presence that the
0:34:23 > 0:34:28charleston deserves? I think you will really give it justice. Please
0:34:28 > 0:34:36take your place on the dance floor. I shall.For your official attempt
0:34:36 > 0:34:45to beginning in three, two, one, go. Come on, Anton, keep it up.I'm a
0:34:45 > 0:34:51man of a certain age.You can do it. Keep it going. Keep your swivel
0:34:51 > 0:35:05going.15 seconds.Can't we take those than doubled up?Five, four,
0:35:05 > 0:35:17three, two, one, stop.Thank you so much!That's a charleston step I
0:35:17 > 0:35:20have never seen before. It was very interesting. What did you think,
0:35:20 > 0:35:31Bill?It was OK. You lost it towards the end.It was quite fast.It was
0:35:31 > 0:35:37quite brisk.Thank you so much, Anton. It's been lovely having you
0:35:37 > 0:35:42here.It's been lovely being hair. Thank you all very much indeed. I'll
0:35:42 > 0:35:49tell my agent to wait for the call. # I've got a dream... #
0:35:49 > 0:35:55I thought the technique was good, naturally.I mean, I was there when
0:35:55 > 0:35:58they invented the thing. They will have to count up. I think they might
0:35:58 > 0:36:06dock me a couple towards the end. You make us laugh, you really do.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Listen, they know. The people know. Ian Poulter technique was very
0:36:10 > 0:36:18interesting.I don't care what Ian thinks. He's not even in the shadow!
0:36:18 > 0:36:28I'm only kidding, Ian. I love him. Now Giovanni.I feel really excited.
0:36:28 > 0:36:36I was born T-wing. I won last year, I will try to win again.Here he is,
0:36:36 > 0:36:43our reigning Strictly Pro Challenge champion.Stop it.Do you feel as
0:36:43 > 0:36:49though you have a little bit of pressure?I do, I do. I have a lot
0:36:49 > 0:36:53of pressure.I want to do it again. Do you think you can do this
0:36:53 > 0:37:00charleston step justice?I will try. Please take your position on the
0:37:00 > 0:37:06dance floor.OK, for your official attempt beginning in three, two,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09one, though.
0:37:22 > 0:37:3515 seconds.Come on, keep it going. Keep the swivel.Five, four, three,
0:37:35 > 0:37:45two, one, stop.Ran out of steam a little bit at the end, didn't you?
0:37:45 > 0:37:49But it looked very fast and compact. That is what I was trying to do,
0:37:49 > 0:37:59compact.It was really tight.Who knows. Thank you so much for doing
0:37:59 > 0:38:05the Pro Challenge.Thank you so much. I love you too. I do feel the
0:38:05 > 0:38:15pressure but it's a different challenge. I've still got one!
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Giovanni, Bill nodding his head there. How do you keep it so
0:38:18 > 0:38:27compact, Giovanni?You know, I just tried to do my best and again, it
0:38:27 > 0:38:31was only 50% of my energy and it still at great, so... There's always
0:38:31 > 0:38:39next year, guys.Anton was saying, he's going off on the left.He
0:38:39 > 0:38:46looked like he was made of wood.OK, finally, Latin sensation Janette
0:38:46 > 0:38:51Manrara. Let's see if you can out with all these guys. Good luck,
0:38:51 > 0:38:58darling.I love the charleston. It's one of my favourite dancers. The
0:38:58 > 0:39:01charleston swivel is one of my preferred steps as well, though I
0:39:01 > 0:39:07think it will be a good one.Hello, Janette, and welcome to this year's
0:39:07 > 0:39:12Strictly Pro Challenge.Are you excited? Very excited. I love the
0:39:12 > 0:39:16charleston and I am very small, I hope that the good thing.Last year,
0:39:16 > 0:39:20you were runner up by one step. Do you have what It Takes Two win this
0:39:20 > 0:39:31year?It's going to be my year, I feel it. OK, I'm going.For your
0:39:31 > 0:39:39official attempt beginning in three, two, one, go.
0:39:50 > 0:40:0315 seconds.Keep it going.Keep the swivel.Five, four, three, two, one,
0:40:03 > 0:40:12stop.Wow, that was a lot. That was a lot more tiring than I thought it
0:40:12 > 0:40:23would be.Oh, wow. And I thought you had all this energy.Yes, maybe not.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28For me, it looked very compact and very quick. What did you think?
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Absolutely. The swivels were there and you kept right on your toes as
0:40:32 > 0:40:41well. Really good.One of the neatest once we have seen.Yes!
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Thank you, guys. Fingers crossed. You would think that he second is
0:40:45 > 0:40:48not long but it feels quite long when you are doing swivels like
0:40:48 > 0:40:54that. I've come so close to winning the Pro Challenge every year, so I'm
0:40:54 > 0:41:00keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this is my year.I loved your
0:41:00 > 0:41:04little part in the middle. Very tidy swivelling. You have seen the
0:41:04 > 0:41:11others, Janette. What do you think? I have to say, I was very sick that
0:41:11 > 0:41:18day, so if I don't win, it's only because I was ill.Right, for one
0:41:18 > 0:41:27last time coming here is the legal bit. Each syllable was verified to
0:41:27 > 0:41:35make sure they were all accurate. -- each swivel. Before I can go any
0:41:35 > 0:41:39further, I would like to reveal that one of you completed a remarkable 31
0:41:39 > 0:41:50steps.Yes!However, that same person had a remarkable 19 steps
0:41:50 > 0:41:57disqualified. Who could that person be?Giovanni, I'm mortified for you.
0:41:57 > 0:42:07The person no longer in the running for the Pro Challenge is...
0:42:14 > 0:42:22It's Anton. APPLAUSE
0:42:22 > 0:42:33We love you still, baby. We love you.To be honest with you,
0:42:33 > 0:42:38I am going. I cannot lay a moment longer for this Sherrard. You have
0:42:38 > 0:42:45brought me in on a Friday night for this!But, you beat Brendan Cole.
0:42:45 > 0:42:52I've got to be honest with you, looking at that school, that wasn't
0:42:52 > 0:42:57very difficult. -- looking at that school, that wasn't very difficult.
0:42:57 > 0:43:05All I had to do was turn up. Don't patronise me!The real moment of
0:43:05 > 0:43:09truth, Janette and Giovanni, you are both still in the running towards
0:43:09 > 0:43:13becoming American's next top model. Of course I mean Pro Challenge
0:43:13 > 0:43:20champion. One of you completed 22 steps with only one
0:43:20 > 0:43:28disqualification. Giving you a total of 21 swivels. While the other
0:43:28 > 0:43:51completed 26 steps with twoo... Twoo?!Only two disqualifications,
0:43:51 > 0:43:56setting a new world record of 24 charleston swivels in 30 seconds.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01There is not much in it. I can confirm that this year's Pro
0:44:01 > 0:44:06Challenge champion and the new Guinness world record holder is...
0:44:22 > 0:44:38It's Giovanni!
0:44:38 > 0:44:55Let's look at the Leader Board. There he is at the top. 24. Janette
0:44:55 > 0:45:03Manrara, second.That is the same as last year! I am not going to speak
0:45:03 > 0:45:14to Giovanni for a week.Can I just say, 31.Can we focus on Matt? To
0:45:14 > 0:45:23present the winner's certificate, Shanta Chinniah. How impressed were
0:45:23 > 0:45:28you with our professionals?Very impressive. It is a hard step
0:45:28 > 0:45:41especially for the ankles. The key is the technique.A certificate to
0:45:41 > 0:45:55the champion. Smile for the camera. Speech!I am really happy to be, for
0:45:55 > 0:46:04the second time...It is going to be too much, people. Thank you to the
0:46:04 > 0:46:10professionals who took part this year. Give it up for Giovanni, your
0:46:10 > 0:46:182017 Pro Challenge champion. We know Sicily breeds great champions.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20But how about the rest of the world?
0:46:20 > 0:46:23We sent Australia's Dianne, aka Reddo, to find out all about -
0:46:23 > 0:46:26you guessed it - Brazilian Strictly.
0:46:26 > 0:46:34I know, darling, 31. Strictly has become a global phenomenon and can
0:46:34 > 0:46:39be seen all over the world, including Brazil, which is where we
0:46:39 > 0:46:43are off to today. Well, it is not quite Brazil. But you would never
0:46:43 > 0:46:55know. The first season of Dancing Brazil premiered in April this year
0:46:55 > 0:47:00and they filmed the second season straight after the first. That is a
0:47:00 > 0:47:12lot of Strictly. The show's host is a massive deal in Brazil. She has
0:47:12 > 0:47:20sold over 50 million copies of her records. She is an all-round
0:47:20 > 0:47:27entertainer and even gets involved in the group dances. Like on
0:47:27 > 0:47:31Strictly, the Brazilian version is predominantly Latin and ballroom
0:47:31 > 0:47:36dancing. However, they do have some extra styles we do not have in the
0:47:36 > 0:47:47UK. Being a South American country with the Latin influence they have
0:47:47 > 0:47:54the bolero. And as home of the carnival they perform a dance with a
0:47:54 > 0:48:02fast carnival beat. Just like us, the Brazilians love a themed week.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06Check out the circus extravaganza, country week and even the Oscars.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11One of the biggest differences to Strictly is what they call a twist.
0:48:11 > 0:48:18In series one, the twist involved in actual partner swap. You heard it,
0:48:18 > 0:48:22with only six Couples remaining and eight weeks together, the
0:48:22 > 0:48:29celebrities changed partners. In series two, they brought in a series
0:48:29 > 0:48:34twist. This time they have two Couples sharing the dance floor and
0:48:34 > 0:48:39performing the same dance at the same time. The judges choose the
0:48:39 > 0:48:47favourite couple from each group. The show's elimination process works
0:48:47 > 0:48:51slightly different to ours. It is only the bottom three that go into
0:48:51 > 0:48:57what they call the red zone. Those in the red zone are up for
0:48:57 > 0:49:06elimination. Well, Brazil, it has been fun, but I have a plane to
0:49:06 > 0:49:11catch. I need to make it back to the Strictly Ballroom before the
0:49:11 > 0:49:14weekend.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16Welcome back to our Friday panel.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19Onto our final two couples now.
0:49:19 > 0:49:25Let's start with Alexandra and Gorka.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29Rick, despite finishing top of the Leader Board found themselves in the
0:49:29 > 0:49:34bottom two second week in a row. Viennese waltz, will this get the
0:49:34 > 0:49:38votes? Have a look. Dancing to Tina Arena.
0:49:38 > 0:49:43MUSIC: Everybody Hurts by Tina Arena.
0:49:43 > 0:49:50I think it will get the votes. It made me quite angry last weekend. So
0:49:50 > 0:49:55good, why are people not voting for her? Such a nice girl, brilliant at
0:49:55 > 0:50:03dancing, what is not to like?She is gorgeous. Danny, they are also doing
0:50:03 > 0:50:08a salsa which could not be further from the Viennese waltz. It is a
0:50:08 > 0:50:12party dance and she has been brilliant in the Latin dances.It
0:50:12 > 0:50:14will show the diversity between the two.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18MUSIC: Finally by CeCe Peniston.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22I have had the pleasure of working with people recently who have worked
0:50:22 > 0:50:29with her and people speak so highly of her, she is fantastic.She has
0:50:29 > 0:50:36had 39 for four dances, could she finally get the perfect 40.
0:50:36 > 0:50:46# Finally. I did not realise!She has got to get 40.She is fabulous.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49Danny, you deserved 40 quite a lot of times and when you got it, it was
0:50:49 > 0:50:56amazing. Debbie and Giovanni. Foxtrot with the Stevie Wonder
0:50:56 > 0:50:56classic.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01MUSIC: Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.
0:51:01 > 0:51:08It is going to make me cry, I love this song and I love the foxtrot.
0:51:08 > 0:51:14Why is she so good? She is effortless and she has so much
0:51:14 > 0:51:19elegance and strength. Core strength. She is fearless.She makes
0:51:19 > 0:51:23it look easy and it clearly is not easy.She puts everything into it,
0:51:23 > 0:51:34brilliant.Jive, as well. I'm so excited, let's hear it.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38MUSIC: I'm So Excited by the Pointer Sisters.
0:51:38 > 0:51:45She can extend her legs. Can she do flicks and kicks? Danny, what do you
0:51:45 > 0:51:55reckon? Go on, Debbie.Any pointers? I am no expert. I think that is
0:51:55 > 0:52:00earlier in the week and I think she is stronger now.She is rehearsing
0:52:00 > 0:52:05for panto, as well and I said to Giovanni why not do it slower and he
0:52:05 > 0:52:12said she would keep up.He is pushing her and it is showing. This
0:52:12 > 0:52:17is the hardest week with half the time to do a dance.You are
0:52:17 > 0:52:22exhausted by this point, emotionally and physically.For me, jive was the
0:52:22 > 0:52:29hardest week. I do not doing that as well as another dance will be as
0:52:29 > 0:52:35good. It is half the amount of jiving.The taller you are, the
0:52:35 > 0:52:41longer you have to go...It is tough. Brendan was never going to
0:52:41 > 0:52:46make it easy for me, but this is Giovanni's dance, the jive. I think
0:52:46 > 0:52:53she will be good at this.It is a conversation not one wants to have.
0:52:53 > 0:53:00Rick, who do you think will miss out on the final? Do I have to?I am
0:53:00 > 0:53:09making you. I think Mollie.Lisa?I agree, Mollie. That is an easy way
0:53:09 > 0:53:18out!Look at Danny's beautiful eyes. You know how this feels.I don't
0:53:18 > 0:53:27know. I reckon Lisa made me say Mollie.What a Friday Panel they
0:53:27 > 0:53:35have been. I think Mollie will be fine. You cannot take it back.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37It's time for our final check in with Mr Gethin Jones.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40Let's see who's he's found on his travels.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45It has been a full on day but I have two semifinalists. Congratulations
0:53:45 > 0:53:54for getting here. The glitter wall is here but the glitterball is
0:53:54 > 0:53:58inside an Joe, you are the last man standing, are you feeling the
0:53:58 > 0:54:05pressure?Not at all, the men have had it too easy for far too long. It
0:54:05 > 0:54:11is good there are so many girls and such brilliant girls.Lovely company
0:54:11 > 0:54:17to have. Argentine tango, American Smooth to a Bridget Jones theme, are
0:54:17 > 0:54:22you Daniel Cleaver or Mark Darcey? Probably more Colin Firth than Hugh
0:54:22 > 0:54:32Grant.Mollie, nines last week and to say you were ecstatic is an
0:54:32 > 0:54:35understatement. I have seen your rehearsals, there is definitely
0:54:35 > 0:54:41attend. If you get a ten, how would you react?Do you think it could be
0:54:41 > 0:54:47a ten? I am so nervous, I cannot believe we got to the semifinals but
0:54:47 > 0:54:54getting the two nines, I thought I was going to collapse on the floor.
0:54:54 > 0:55:02Thanks Shirley, thanks Bruno. They are worlds apart, the samba and the
0:55:02 > 0:55:10waltz, one of them I have to looked like the life and soul of the party.
0:55:10 > 0:55:15You have changed colour. That is from feeling dizzy on the pivots. I
0:55:15 > 0:55:20had to tell AJ to slow down because he is flying me around the room. But
0:55:20 > 0:55:25I love it, it is so much fun.And how is the monster shoulder?It
0:55:25 > 0:55:32could show himself at any moment. Best of luck tomorrow. Thank you.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34That's all we have time for tonight.
0:55:34 > 0:55:39A huge thank you to all my guests.
0:55:39 > 0:55:40Strictly semifinal tomorrow
0:55:40 > 0:55:44at 6:45pm on BBC One.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47I'll be back on Monday.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49Singing us out with 2000 Miles from his new album,
0:55:49 > 0:55:58it's Tom Chaplin.
0:56:04 > 0:56:10# He's gone 2000 miles
0:56:10 > 0:56:15# It's very far
0:56:15 > 0:56:20# The snow is falling down
0:56:20 > 0:56:25# Gets colder day by day
0:56:25 > 0:56:30# I miss you
0:56:30 > 0:56:34# The children will sing
0:56:34 > 0:56:44# He'll be back at Christmas time
0:56:45 > 0:56:49# In these frozen and silent nights
0:56:49 > 0:56:59# Sometimes in a dream you appear
0:56:59 > 0:57:04# Outside under the purple sky
0:57:04 > 0:57:13# Diamonds in the snow sparkle
0:57:13 > 0:57:18# Our hearts were singing
0:57:18 > 0:57:28# It felt like Christmas time
0:57:29 > 0:57:32# 2000 miles
0:57:32 > 0:57:35# Is very far through the snow
0:57:35 > 0:57:39# I'll think of you
0:57:39 > 0:57:49# Wherever you go
0:57:50 > 0:57:59# He's gone 2000 miles
0:57:59 > 0:58:04# It's very far
0:58:04 > 0:58:08# The snow is falling down
0:58:08 > 0:58:13# Gets colder day by day
0:58:13 > 0:58:20# I miss you
0:58:20 > 0:58:23# I can hear people singing
0:58:23 > 0:58:31# It must be Christmas time
0:58:31 > 0:58:35# I hear people singing
0:58:35 > 0:58:44# It must be Christmas time #.
0:58:45 > 0:58:50APPLAUSE