It’s International week, where our seven remaining couples get to perform to an array of music from around the world, but with only four weeks remaining until we crown our Strictly Champion, the competition could not be any harder.

A great Bollywood opening Choreographed by Naz Choudhury to open Saturdays show, which gave a true international feel, that for me, was one of the most uplifting numbers we have ever seen.

Pixie & Trent Viennese Waltz C9 D9 L10 B10 T38

Performing to ‘Tulips from Amsterdam’ Pixie has a great strong foot and leg action which helps to create the flow of this style, her top line never faulted. It was a very clean precise, fluid performance with true rise and fall. For me this was Pixie’s best technical performance of the series so far.

Mark & Karen Salsa C7 D8 L9 B8 T32

Performing to ‘Viva las Vegas’ Mark looks so much more comfortable in his performance, I loved the constant flow with the choreography and tricks and flicks that were off the scale. Mark has a good basic action and his hip action deserves a ten. His timing was slightly fast in a couple of places but his control on the lifts and death drop were show stopping.

Sunetra & Brendan Rumba C5 D7 L8 B7 T27

Performing to ‘The girl from Ipanema’ For me Sunetra is the most improved female celebrity, her upper body is so fluid and graceful, it would have helped if her feet pushed into the floor on her Rumba walks as she did dance a couple of heel leads, but I loved the story telling and the sheer beauty of their performance.

Caroline & Pasha Charleston C9 D10 L10 B10 T39

Performing to ‘Istanbul not Constantinople’ A truly amazing and show stopping performance from these two this week. Great presentation, great technique, and great choreography, a true winning performance and fit for any stage in the country.

Simon & Kristina Waltz C9 D10 L10 B10 T39

For me this was the dance of the evening and Simon’s best dance yet. Effortless fluid movements, a great top line making an amazing true Waltz, one of the hardest of the Ballroom dances to make look beautiful, Simon has obviously worked extremely hard as his footwork, sway and lilt made the performance even better. This dance has just secured him a place in the final.

Frankie & Kevin Jive C9 D9 L9 B9 T36

Performing to ‘Surfing USA’ Frankie’s leg line is perfect for the Latin rhythms; this was a continuous red hot roaring Jive, where they didn’t lose energy throughout the performance, another true choreographed routine securing them a place in the final. And I would have scored a ten.

Jake & Janette Argentine Tango C5 D8 L8 B8 T29

Performed to ‘Zorbaz dance’ I loved the presentation as it was an extremely clever concept, yes there were several little issues that could have been ironed out with more rehearsal time, but on the whole it was a very nice Argentine Tango performed with passion. Upah Jake!

Sunday Results show

An Irish opening to our results show with the cast of ‘Lord of the Dance’ joining our professional dancers, but with Mark & Karen and Sunetra & Brendan in the dreaded dance off, both couples were determined more than ever to dance their hearts out.

Both couples were closely matched but we see Mark & Karen dance again next week in the quarter finals.