Strictly Week 10: Every dance ranked from worst to best

4. Layton and Nikita – American Smooth

Layton and Nikita are perhaps the most consistent couple on Strictly Come Dancing this year, so expectations from their American Smooth were always going to be high. Although Layton has been very upfront about his dance experience prior to Strictly, he has also noted that his struggles have come from Ballroom routines, so there was a lot of pressure on to see if this one could deliver.

All in all, it did deliver, as the pair produced another memorable routine that opened the show on such a high. It also got pretty high scores from the judges, with Craig and Shirley awarding it 8s, and Motsi and Anton giving it 9s, so Layton did very well here. Unfortunately, the judges really brought the moment down with the extent of their critique, which had the audience expecting a much lower score.

We get that they have to be extra picky with Layton, but it did really open the show on a bum note (after the dance started it on a high). That said, they were right in their criticism that it occasionally looked a little bumpy instead of the smooth nature that the American Smooth requires.

I think if Layton really wants to surprise audiences, a quiet Ballroom routine would be the way to go. Not only would that make for a change from the larger-than-life performances he has given us in recent weeks, it would allow him and Nikita to work on the little things. I really feel that these two would be capable of a beautiful Waltz.

Seriously Strictly, where are all the Waltzes?

Score: 9