No Brucie tonight. He's under doctor's orders to stay at home as he is ill. Get well soon Brucie! However, the show must go on and somebody's dancing their last dance tonight. Question is who? We'll find out soon...

Show kicks off:

Tess Daly's fitted dress is gorgeous! It's a creamy colour with lovely detail - I think that's my favourite so far. Here's a surprise! It's Ronnie Corbett stepping in! I'm sure he'll fill Bruces' shoes nicely... come to think of it, they'll probably be too big! But I'm not the only one doing 'short' jokes, Ronnie did too. As he comes down the stairs, he trips! Goodness, that would've been a weird way to kick things off.

Instead of Tess doing the leg on Bruce, it's Ronnie straining to get his leg on Tess. Haha! "Jacket from Savile Row, trousers by Action Man," he jokes. Nice to see that Bruce's 'joke' writer is on the same form as usual.

The celebs are now being introduced and we've just heard the sad news that Jade Johnson will not be dancing tonight due to an injury sustained in training earlier this week...

Phil & Katya – American smooth

It's time for Tuffers! He's dancing to the song Frank Sinatra made famous,  Come Fly With Me. I have to say, Tuffers is looking really relaxed on the dance floor. He's looking the part and the dance flows smoothly. I personally think this is his best dance to date.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "You've definitely got your swagger back... very smooth and very entertaining."

Judges' total score: 31. There was a silly segment with Ronnie Corbett on the mobile phone to Brucie who apparently wanted the lift to be: "Higher, higher!" If you watched Play Your Cards Right, you'll know what that's all about.

Ricky & Natalie – jive

We're getting Latin from the Hollywoodoaks man (it's an in-joke from my blog) this week. This couple are dancing to Little Richards' Rip It Up. Wow, Natalie looks amazing - she appears to be channeling Kylie Minogue's hot pants. I'd kill for her flat stomach but it looks like one of her breast pads is showing - embarrassing. The dance itself is energetic and lively, but there are some timing issues. He won't top his magnificent quick step this week.
 
Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "Occasionally, it looked like your timing was out... it was light-hearted, cheeky and amazing."

Judges' total score: 35 (as Claudia Winkleman talked to Ricky, Natalie's breast pad was oh-so-visible!)

Ricky G & Erin – Viennese waltz

It's the classic by The Moody Blues, Nights In White Satin, that provides the music for the ex EastEnder. Not only is his weight loss really noticeable, he's also wearing glasses. Who is that man?!? Ricky's looking rather nimble on his toes and he's focussed. He doesn't want to be in that dance off again this week. It's a nice routine. I liked it.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "I think you should be very proud of yourself."

Judges' total score: 29

Chris & Ola – paso doble

Here comes the little entertainer. Chris and Ola's song choice, I Believe In A Thing Called Love by The Darkness, isn't what I'd choose for a paso doble if it was me. However, as usual, Chris is putting his heart and soul into it - love the cape bit! He's intense and attacking the dance as it it's going to be his last one. I really hope not.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "I felt the passion... you performed that brilliantly."

Judges' total score:  30. Haha! Chris had the perfect response to Craig and Bruno's criticisms; he picked up his cape with a great deal of dramatic huff and flair. I can't do it justice in writing - you need to see it. Hope he stays - he's a little firecracker. 

Laila & Anton – rumba

Oh dear. Laila's ankle is all strapped up; she apparently tripped on the staircase. I hope it doesn't affect her routine. They're dancing to Take That's Rule The World and although it's a lovely routine - it's a case of what could've been because the injury is clearly on her mind and getting to her. Well done for giving it a go. 

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "What you lacked in technique, you made up for in passion."

Judges' total score: 22. Laila was in tears of pain as the judges were passing comments on her dancing. She's not going home tonight - I'll bet my house on it. 


Natalie & Vincent – foxtrot

If there's one thing for certain, it's that Natalie Cassidy will always put 100% effort into her routine. They dance to Magic Moments by Perry Como and the ex EastEnder is really growing in confidence. I love her dress and she's definitely lost weight, but more importantly, this is a lovely routine: refined, smooth and light as a feather. I think this will be her highest-scored dance.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "You are a dream to watch. Loved the song... I found that elegant and composed."

Judges' total score: 34

Ali & Brian – cha cha cha

Again here we go - Latin dance with music that simply doesn't fit. They're dancing to Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night by The Black Eyed Peas. Sorry, but that's just not a great music choice. Anyway, although she's a very decent dancer, Ali lacks passion. Natalie's nowhere near as good as her, but Natalie's got heart. I think Ali needs to put a bit more fire into this dance and all her dances otherwise she'll end up in the bottom two again.

Judges' comments:  Alesha said: "Technically very, very, good... you've loosened up but for me it was a tad polite."          

Judges' total score: 35 - that's too high. I personally think the judges have scored her too highly.

My favourite celeb tonight: Tuffers. I honestly think he's getting better and better each week.
My least favourite celeb: Ali Bastian. Yes, shes' technically great, but I'm not feeling a connection

Tess introduces the next segment. Professional dancers Brian Fortuna and Kristina Rihanoff (my favourite professional) are dancing a new dance; the bolero. They're routine is to She's Like The Wind by the late, great Patrick Swayze. Dirty Dancing is one of my very favourite films so this routine is moving me beyond words. Wow... they're just sensational. It's amazing - so wonderful. If you've missed the show, catch it again to see this heavenly routine.

Now we're seeing a VT with the public talking about their favourite celebs. It's all very diplomatic - nobody is left out. Tess speaks to the judges to find out their thoughts about what they've seen tonight and it's time for another dance from the professionals to One Night Only from the musical Dreamgirls.

The phone lines are now closed. We're now being entertained by The Jersey Boys - who've come from London's West End - they're singing Beggin' by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and they're accompanied by a group of street dancers who are absolutely brilliant! Even Craig Revel Horwood is rocking to the music!!!.

The Dance-off

We're about to find out who's through to the next round of the competition. A bit of a mini-shock - it's Ricky & Tuffers in the dance off! I reckon Ricky Groves will be going home.

Phil Tufnell is first to dance and he's a smooth operator as always...

Rick Groves is up next. He's actually done really well but he's definitely going tonight...

The Judges' Decisions

Craig saves Ricky 

Alesha saves Phil
 
Bruno saves Phil

Len saves Ricky!

Oh my goodness, a shocking result! Tuffers is out! I can't believe it! I think the judges have been very up and down with their marking. I'm sure Len marked Phil higher than Ricky earlier on and Tuffers' performance was just as good. Wow!

And that's a wrap! What did you think of tonight's show? Has the right person gone out? We'd love to hear from you so please have your say. That's it from me, I'm out of here. Join MSN's Strictly blogger Matt Ball for his full recap of tonight's show. I'll be back next week for another live blogging session.
 
Goodnight from Miss Bubbles.