Why there’s no Strictly routine more powerful than a Couple’s Choice

24 days ago

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On Strictly Come Dancing, not every dance style is the same. Throughout each season, the celebrities and their professional partners perform a variety of dances, ranging from graceful Viennese waltzes to passionate Argentine tangos.

It's no secret that certain dance styles tend to get more attention than others. The samba, for instance, has been linked to various curse rumors due to the high number of contestants who have left the show after performing it. In 2019, Saffron Barker even pleaded with the show's producers to let her avoid it, but her request was ignored, and she ended up dancing it before being voted off. Similarly, the rumba is known for being particularly challenging, especially for the male contestants.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, flawlessly performed charlestons have frequently taken couples to the highest ranks, just like outstanding paso dobles. However, one dance has solidified its status as the ultimate routine that surpasses all others: the Couple’s Choice.

Launched in 2018, the dance competition originally offered celebrities a selection of three styles: theatre/jazz, contemporary, or street/commercial. Over the years, the guidelines have been loosened, allowing various stars to showcase different dance styles on the Strictly stage.

In 2022, Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal introduced afrobeats to the dance floor, while earlier in the season, Dr. Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez made waves by being the first to perform a complete Bollywood routine on the show. Both performances propelled these celebrities to the top of the rankings. For Yassin, his Couple’s Choice routine transformed him from an underdog into a strong competitor for the Glitterball Trophy, which he ultimately won.

Dr. Krishan was cut from this year's competition during Halloween week, but it's clear that her Couples' Choice routine three weeks earlier gave her a bit of a lifeline. Up until that point, she had been hovering near the bottom of the rankings, but her vibrant Bollywood dance rightfully boosted her to a tie for second place.

Montell Douglas led the Movie Week rankings with her performance, while during Icons Week, Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill, who have consistently wowed everyone, ended up tied for the top of the leaderboard last week.

What makes a Couple's Choice so unique? Not only does it allow celebrities to showcase something distinctive and unforgettable, but it also gives them a platform to share their stories more fully. Douglas explored the significance of dance in her life and honored her remarkable grandmother. Meanwhile, former Love Island contestant Ghouri delivered a breathtaking performance that expressed feelings of invisibility and being unheard. In her heartfelt video segment, she discussed the challenges she faces as a person with deafness.

This week, as two more members of the Class of 2024 faced the pressure of securing their spot at Blackpool, they showcased their performances. It may come off as a bit jaded, but for both of them, the timing of the Couple’s Choice routine was absolutely ideal.

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Pete Wicks performed a heartfelt dance in memory of his beloved grandmother, with whom he shared a deep bond. Mosti Mabuse remarked that this performance revealed a different side of the Towie star, who has openly acknowledged his "ladies' man" image. The routine earned him his best score so far, placing him in a tie for third on the leaderboard.

Chris McCausland, a standout performer since the very first episode, made a strong comeback after a challenging few weeks with an upbeat routine. There was a dramatic moment when the entire studio went dark, only to be illuminated again to reveal him and Dianne joyfully spinning together, surrounded by fireworks.

It's not only about getting the highest score. Even though Wicks and McCausland didn't come in first, their heartfelt performances will definitely connect with the audience, just like they did with the judges. I'm sure Dr. Krishan would agree that regardless of how far they go in the competition, these routines will be memorable moments they will cherish.