Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has criticised Cach Mercer's Movie Week Samba routine, calling it "way, way over-marked" and saying it contained "zero technique". The routine, performed on the BBC show last weekend, was awarded a total of 29 points by the judges.
Former pro's verdict on the Samba
Speaking to the ScreenTime team at Reach Plc via WhichBingo, Jordan gave his thoughts on which celebrities he believed were overmarked. He said: "Cach, way, way over-marked. Didn't even do the dance he was asked to do, in my opinion. With Cach, as a performance, this was fantastic, and if it were in the West End, it would be brilliant."
He added: "As a samba, it was pretty diabolical. He said in the VT that he wanted to get the technique down. Well, unfortunately, mate, it was non-existent."
Jordan, who was part of the show for eight years before leaving at the end of series 11, did highlight that he likes Cach and Alexis, stating that he thinks the Love Island star is "brilliant", but he expected more in relation to performing the fundamentals of the Samba.
Judges' response and other scores
He continued: "Like I said, I love the performance, and people can say I'm being super harsh at home. I am a professional Latin dancer, a Latin expert. There was zero technique in that. And for the judges to go, oh, I think you just created a new dance — well, unfortunately, we weren't supposed to be creating a new dance. You're supposed to be marking a samba. So was it a samba? No, it wasn't."
Jordan also thought Delta Goodrem and Graeme Hall were over-marked, while he believes Jaime Winstone and Dani Dyer were under-marked.
Dance-off and elimination
In the end, Cach avoided being in the dance-off and was saved by the public to continue in the competition. However, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton found themselves in the dance-off and had to perform their routines again for the judges.
After a unanimous decision, the judges opted to save Jaime, marking the end of Chris's time in the competition alongside his Strictly pro, Amy Dowden. Speaking about their exit, Amy commented at the time: "I know, unfortunately, only too well heartbreak. But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we've formed, and that's something that isn't going anywhere. From the nerves, the laughter and the endless rehearsals to the moments when things felt tough, you gave everything you had."
"You showed such heart, determination and kindness, and it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you. Strictly may have brought us together as partners, but I truly believe it has given me a friend for life. Our dancing journey may have ended, but our friendship certainly hasn't."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:15pm.
