AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington Charleston ✨ BBC Strictly 2021

To Don’t Bring Lulu by Dorothy Provine, Pinky, The Girls.
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Celebrities take to the dance floor to perform a dazzling display of ballroom routines.
Strictly Come Dancing ✨ Series 19 ✨ BBC
#BBCStrictly #BBCStrictlyComeDancing #BBCiPlayer #BBCStrictly2021 #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #SCD #dance #dancing

[@nicetomeetmew]

I cannot believe this didn't get 40. Aj is freaking phenomenal and she and Kai are so good together. Wow.

[@Aaron-he3qd]

I know! It deserved 40. I’ve never seen such challenging and risky lifts on this show. I feel like Craig is extra picky with Charlestons

[@zingo2664]

totally agree !!!!!

[@jackiecronin7778]

Totally agree. They are definitely my favourite couple on the show

[@aljones75]

According to Craig, this and Angela Rippon’s are both 9’s then. What an absolute joke, used to trust him to score more fairly than the others.

[@kath36912]

The fact this didn't get 40 is baffling me to this day. Even if it wasn't thought to be absolutely flawless, flawed dances have received scores of 40 in this series and this was absolutely amazing! Like two pros dancing. Is it only absolute perfection that will get a 40?

[@ania5038]

They all think AJ is lying and has loads of dance training that's why. It's funny cause the fan favourite Rose actually has loads of dance training but no one's questioning her dance experience. Only when it's a black woman do people seem to try to be demeaning her and dismissing her hard work.

[@venicawood3894]

@@ania5038 I absolutely adore AJ but please drop the race card. She doesn't deserve that last comment of yours.

[@ania5038]

@@venicawood3894 I was defending AJ... I think she deserves all of her success...

[@naheed03]

@@venicawood3894 it’s true though. Rose won because she is deaf not because she was the best dancer last year. I don’t know if you’re an ethnic minority but I am (mixed race) and the race card still applies in this day and age would you believe but those with white privilege cannot empathise or relate to this. We don’t just throw the race card unless we need to. Let’s just say it’s instinct. I didn’t take offence to the commenter in this instance as she is factually correct. Rose got the sympathy vote albeit so much dance experience but she wasn’t the best. And before anyone comes attacking me I have two disabilities 😂

[@gemstar7286]

Truly amazing 🙌🎶💜

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Sorry but that was one of the best dances I've ever watched on strictly. It was just perfection, all the lifts, swivel, coordonation, side by side, bees knees was perfectly in sync, so many Josephine Baker references, it had a nice swing feel. It was just perfection from beggining to end the theme and song suited it perfectly and great rhythm to. It had everything a Charleston needs it was absolutely breathtaking, I forgot where I was when I watched that I felt I was in a 1920's flapper girl dream I almost spat my coffee out at the sheer perfection of this. Should have been a 40 all day what was Craig thinking!!! *10/10*

[@han-oq6bo]

My guess is he's the only Charleston expert on the panel and something must have been wrong, though I must say I was expecting 40

[@han-oq6bo]

@@laurasenz they've been handling out the 10s since week 3... if Craig didn't give it a 10 I suspect it's because he saw something we and the other judges didn't see...

[@sandieprice3700]

It is all about Craig, he likes to make an impact when he gives a 10. I fail to see what they could have done better, that was perfection👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@PANDAFACEEYES]

@@han-oq6bo he should have said then what the problem was

[@SanTa-wk4ld]

They want Rose to win and it has become nauseating.

[@feeltheforce10]

Craig ruins it again with his 9 and spoils it having 4 10's.He has done this far too often over the years. This dance was top notch - brilliant.

[@lucy2028]

this was insane!! Aj just keeps getting better and better, and she totally deserved a 40 for this dance. It just made me so happy and it was such a perfect dance I would definitely say it’s up there with caroline & pasha and Georgia & gio’s Charleston’s and all the other amazing ones. Aj & kai are amazing I’m wanting them and rose & Giovanni to win!!!

[@zingo2664]

totally agree

[@henrymanley4116]

They can't both win

[@lucy2028]

@@henrymanley4116 I know but I’m saying they’re my two favourites and I want either of them to win

[@henrymanley4116]

@@lucy2028 I know, I was just joking

[@chesterred4460]

@@lucy2028 rubbish Tom was the best dancer

[@lery2523]

Im still here watching, wishing they got that 40 My favourite charleston

[@rxox2419]

This was something else! Get married! Dance like that forever! Underscored! At least at the top of the leader board!! Just LOVE them 🔥😍🔥😍🔥🔥😍🔥😍😍🔥🔥😍🔥😍😍

[@sonzdillirno4997]

Fan-blooming-tastic!! Deserved 4x10’s!

[@zingo2664]

yes

[@lindaaitken7679]

I can see AJ on the stage after this.

[@SpacemanPat]

This may well be my favourite Charleston I've seen on Strictly. Pure Josephine Baker. AJ and Kai were completely robbed of the perfect 40. They were on a whole other level this week. Amazing.

[@lil5306]

Best Charleston was last years Gio and Faye from sound of music

[@eastenderstv4259]

@@lil5306 faye wasnt on it last year 💀

[@nicolacross5920]

Yes I agree. My favourite up until now was Faye and Gio's Lonely Goatherd as it was so unique and fun, but this one for me has blown it out of the park. I feel it's been such an underrated dance this season. The choreography, the timing, the characterisation, the amount of proper old timey charleston steps packed in... just an outstanding dance in my opinion.

[@SiasCreations]

Was there a single moment without tonnes of content? This was INSANE! I wish it'd gotten a 40 but never mind, there's always dancing it again in the final for that! She was so nervous about this dance but all her effort has really paid off, I love this partnership so much!

[@sandieprice3700]

She is genuinely humble and doesn't realise how blooming wonderful she is, she is perfection

[@cjcicco]

The best dance of the series so far for me. AJ is incredible, should have scored a 40!

[@rosewaterpetals6487]

I'm just going to say this now, she's the most deserving winner of this group. John is a very close second though!

[@pogawagaming7894]

AJ was the winner in my eyes! Such a shame she can’t perform😭. Will miss her in the final. It just won’t be the same😢

[@HaTer-xs8sh]

Craig not giving this a 10 is a crime!

[@lesleycooper7544]

True RIDICULOUS. He said AMAZING. THEN GIVES THEM A 9. WHATS going on

[@HaTer-xs8sh]

@@amylouise1842 experts yet their scoring this series has been all over the place!

[@swine4013]

@@amylouise1842 then why didn’t voice it in his criticism he has tendencies of underscoring them them giving all positive feedback and no criticism

[@angelaburrow8114]

@@amylouise1842 He's great at giving constructive criticism, so why did he simply say "amazing"? If he doesn't award a 10 that means there was something wrong. He should have told her what she needed to improve imo. I think the others are too generous with their scoring at times, but I've always appreciated Craig. It's clear that he's passionate about dance & wants people to dance well. That means learners need to be told what their mistakes are. How can AJ improve& het a 10 from him if he doesn't tell her why he's not judged it higher?

[@chesterred4460]

Wrong Tom deserved all 10 on Saturday

[@hali_55]

Strictly is definitely a popularity contest cause AJ is 100% the best celeb dancer there and if it were purely based on dancing she would definitely win the season.

[@erinrimmer9878]

Excuse me while i sit in a corner wondering "how on earth did this not get a 40?" This performance has to make her go to the final and if not im going to be upset.

[@louisemcd2937]

can’t wait until she performs it in the final and gets a 40 😂

[@LexalexusYT]

A MAZ ING! Swivel, personality, energy, brilliant lifts, double bounce action. This dance has everything and it flowed from beginning to end. I checked to see if her energy dropped near the end. For me she kept it up the whole dance! Wowzers! 10!

[@annabelleharris1264]

AJ and Kai were brilliant just a shame really that they get under scored every week … however it’s the public choice who wins this competition … so please everybody please keep voting for Kai and AJ

[@bessieburnet9816]

Underscored? This was almost 40

[@annabelleharris1264]

@@bessieburnet9816 should of been a 40 not 39.. in my opinion this dance was perfect … as did James Jordan on Twitter , Shirley , Motsi , and Anton

[@michellekennedy4426]

@@annabelleharris1264 Love following James's twitter comments during Strictly too!!

[@annabelleharris1264]

@@michellekennedy4426 yep I find him very honest

[@han-oq6bo]

@@annabelleharris1264 and of the 5 only Craig is a Charleston expert....

[@maggie_galle7651]

this should have been 10's across the board, come on CRAIG! this was absolutely insane!! welle done AJ, and ofc Kai too 😁

[@_eddo]

Miss this 😢

[@literaryellie]

This rocked; if I didn't know any better I wouldn't know who the professional was.

[@rjlondon5801]

Aj to win! Make sure you vote because it’s obvious who they want to win x

[@rebelhenz]

That’s facts #teamkjforthewin. They won’t succeed this year.

[@mystikev]

This was a perfect 40 for me, absolutely marvelous.

[@dorinnefacey6436]

Confession... I don't even watch the whole show... I only ever watch AJ and Kai on catch up... always a great joy to watch... you two make me smile everytime 🥰🕺🏼💃🏾

[@denisepaul99]

AJ and Kai you have not been up to the final because of an accident but you have left your prints on this ' strictly come dancing ' forever. Each dance you have performed in that competition was just a spectacular show that I enjoy to watch everyday. Thank you for having shared with us such an entertainment .

[@elevs8437]

Its so so unfair that this didn’t get a 40 - craig is holding her to a much higher standard than everyone else, shes in exactly the same competition as them. It doesn’t matter how much potential you think she has, you should score her the same as everyone else. If any of the others else would’ve danced this it would’ve been a definite 40. I can’t believe he gave her the same score he did Tom.

[@mariancounsellor]

I can’t believe it either. No way was Tom’s performance on the same level as this! Craig had no reason to not give this a 10

[@amelialaird2281]

@@mariancounsellor tom was my fav tonight

[@dorispotter1435]

Maybe he has a favorite!

[@stephenbrown2512]

@@amelialaird2281 good for you but not the point. He criticised Tom, didn’t with Aj, but they get the same score. Aj’s was a much tougher routine and executed perfectly.

[@thomasedwards1881]

@@dorispotter1435 Rose !

[@tattooedandy93]

She's got the most amazing legs. She's incredible.

[@ConversationsWithYveAnmore]

This was so authentic and fun. Is there nothing AJ can't do? I barely looked at Kai because she was so compelling and looked so gorgeous. But it's his great choreography and coaching that made her look so good and dance so well, so taking nothing away from him.

[@strictlystarlight]

They were brilliant, the Charleston, salsa and A. Tango dances are choreographed by other professionals that are brought in by the producers so Kai didn’t do this one. But still he is a fab teacher 💕⭐️

[@Dion_Mustard]

S E N S A T I O N A L...I love AJ...she has such an infectious and bubbly personality..Craig definitely should have awarded her 10 !

[@Thebestiesnumber1fan]

I agree.

[@smtwd6839]

I am amazed she can dance like that in heels ! I can't even walk in heels. 👠👠

[@oliverpearce2144]

Only just realised what they did with the song... Changing the names at the beginning to Shirl and Mots for Shirley and Motsi... Very clever!

[@maheen158]

They’re toooo good!!! Absolutely brilliant to watch every week!! I love them! My winners by far

[@amyk9813]

Ever since their Jive, I've been dying to see them do the Charleston... Not disappointed!

[@Pixydust143]

Guys can we all make a promise to vote for these two till the final...

[@lisahilton7377]

Yes yes yes....my vote is for KAI and AJ ... Show stoppers ...

[@rebelhenz]

That’s right to win 🏆….

[@gill5570]

My girl & Kai were ROBBED of 4 tens! This Charleston is one of the best ever. So natural, so fun, so audacious & so bloody brilliant! 💖

[@lorrainefrancis3418]

So brilliant they are my winners 🏆

[@bessieburnet9816]

Wow! What another quality dance from AJ! That really was a pure, top quality style that a 20s girl would dance the Charleston. The character and the story telling! Wow! And such daring lifts and choreography!! She is such a natural dancer! Seriously, if she took the dancer path as a child, she could be one of these pros, probably. And we gotta thank Kai, for shaping and nurturing her innate ability.

[@modmutha8608]

It was worth more than 10s!! It was absolutely stunning. She is beautiful and those fabulous legs! What a dancer! AJ to win by a country mile!!

[@TheGreatPresenter]

A-maz-ing darling! I was looking forward to AJ's Charleston and it didn't disappoint. AJ to win!

[@87eargasm]

This was a 40 all day long. This was better than Leyton's, in my opinion. His was undeniably impressive, very acrobatic, but I felt like it needed more 'dance' in it. It felt more like a routine - a very impressive routine, of course - but I didn't particularly feel much about it. AJ just GOT the Charleston on a deep level. She understood it, and why she was moving, and what her character was doing in any moment. The music, the character, the details, the acting - just perfect. This getting a 39 is one of the all-time crimes on SCD.

[@rossanaglasgow2561]

From Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Have watched this several times, My couple to win

[@tolatade2182]

The public gave this a 40. Strictly already determined their winner. AJ & Kai were hands down the best dancers every week...the public have crowned the true king& queen

[@kassjazzy]

What more do they have to do to get a 40? It was perfection, underscored by Craig as usual he didn't even give any constructive criticism.

[@sharoncarter4086]

Oh my goodness, you were amazing. Go girl, you're a born dancer!!!! Superb charlston, such fun, perfectly fabulous 💜💜💜💜💜

[@sheareroid]

How this didn’t get 🔟🔟🔟🔟 I’ll never know!

[@LovedByYou]

I don’t think people really how fast this was. It was soooo hard, that lift that looks like a lift up, must’ve taken so much strength !!! I’m so proud of her. She deserves it.

[@chesterred4460]

No Tom's dance was way better also he was the lead dancer it's harder for a guy to lead a Dance

[@rebelhenz]

@@chesterred4460 that’s absolutely fair enough. Please don’t come on here and spam by constantly saying Tom is better. You have every right to feel that way but we AJ fans, don’t do that on Tom videos. You Rose, and Tom fans wouldn’t like us to do that to them, and I’m sure both Rose and Tom wouldn’t like you bushing their friend AJ. Stop it please it’s becoming annoying. Also it’s quite concerning that Tom, and Rose fans are bushing AJ like this, what did she do to you. I would never tell someone what to do. However when you’re actually coming across to hurt peoples feelings. You need to rethink things. Would you like somebody to do that to you? I usually don’t say anything or comment in regards to this. But this is ridiculous. Just leave us alone please. We don’t come on Rose and Toms page so don’t come on AJ‘s page with this rubbish please. One more thing she was undermarked. This woman literally hurt herself multiple times with the lifts. I would love to see you try. As she deserved every 10 she got. In fact she should’ve got the last 10. Have a good one!

[@xxtaylor_kittenxx465]

@@rebelhenz you are literally the sweetest person I have ever come across in my life wow

[@LovedByYou]

@@chesterred4460 this literally had no opportunity for Kai to lead her, she had to pull her own strength. She did. It was amazing

[@CPMV71]

How is this not a perfect 40? Really Craig? What made you give this ‘A-MA-ZING’ performance a 9!

[@Thomassteven00]

Just going to say it the finals will not feel whole if AJ is not there she’s been a huge surprise this season the fact she’s doing this well with no dance background shows you how much of a natural she is. Amazing Charleston I normally would say AJ reminds me of a past contestant but not today AJ is the first AJ and that’s amazing itself 🔥

[@doz39]

Well that has been the best Charleston I have ever seen on Strictly, shame on you Craig so deserved a 10.

[@pennyandfishy7241]

So sad we will not get to see this again 😪😪😪 💖

[@annabel978]

;(

[@pennyandfishy7241]

@@sergioroman2920 But it wasn't their fault AJ injured herself

[@pennyandfishy7241]

@@sergioroman2920 so you think that the haters pushed AJ to do over complicated steps that injured her? I see that view point if so

[@pennyandfishy7241]

@@sergioroman2920 Well I'm thankful that Dan was gone before AJ :). Bez did go too far but he didn't go further than anybody who could have won atleast

[@jakebowler9763]

A Charleston that was simply out of this world. Technically brilliant and bursting with energy and daring lifts and tricks. Can see why AJ was so battered and bruised after training this week. A hard earnt 10.

[@thorneluna]

Bags of difficult content and infectious personality. How on earth this wasn’t 40, I’ll never know

[@HeartCoils]

AJ is simply sensational. To not have danced before and then to pull performances like this out of the bag, she is a flawless, talented queen ✨ They have to get to the final and I’m just so happy for her given the tough week she and Kai had in training. Go on girl 🎉

[@sonyag4404]

I couldn't agree more. Craig is just an attention-seeker!

[@zingo2664]

totally agree

[@MsEnfield23]

This was so amazing. AJ has never dance before and she is dancing like this?! 😮 She did so well with the difficult choreography. She did the lifts like they were nothing. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@martinforrester8249]

AJ looked beautiful and her dance routine was awesome. Kai is a great motivator, to put all of those complicated moves together, brilliant !

[@mhodgson66]

AJ was wonderful. She and Kai were a perfect pairing.

[@VeryCherryCherry]

This gave me so much joy, I laughed at the end. They exude happiness here. What a fantastic pair.

[@talkingitout1623]

Come on everyone let's vote for them to win

[@JaiMelancholia]

I love watching AJ and was excited to see her charleston. Then as soon as she came out I suddenly worried about her long legs and how they'd work in a charleston as they can be harder to control but make them look the right amount of goofy. But once she started I immediately questioned why I even worried! She combined the perfect balance of charleston mood with a hint of elegance and I loved it!

[@celi_xx]

I swear Craig has something against Aj, how are you gonna say it was perfect then give her a 9, this should of definitely been 40 mark, best dance of the night!!!

[@1902donna]

I agree, he resents that a non dancer is making it look easy imo.. AJ is amazing, too amazing for some ..

[@creshaunharris3781]

Score: *10!!!* AJ AJ AJ! YASS!! Those swivels was so precise and the energy was on ten from beginning to end. I like the characterization and the synchronization was just amazing. It felt like I was watching something out of the Great Gasby. I feel the tricks and lifts was just the cherry on top for this cheeky Charleston. The fact that this did not get a full 40 is ludacris!!

[@martinen.5025]

Agree with you...however, 'ludicrous' is spelt, thus. It comes from the Latin, 'lūdicrus', meaning 'sportive, playful' - used to describe something silly or absurd enough to cause laughter.

[@yourbuddyash]

My winners since week 1. In a league of their own, outstanding every week! So wish this had got a 40!!!

[@hannahbubeer7852]

Oh. My. Days! Phenomenal. Was a little annoyed that they didn’t get 40!

[@strictlyfan55]

10!!! I knew this was going to be great but my goodness, I wasn't expecting SUCH a polished performance. Perfect timing, amazing energy in her swivel and throughout, and the LIFTS?!!!! I don't think I've seen lifts, and transitions in and out of them, danced with so much ease ever on Strictly. Definitely not from a novice (maybe a "ringer"). I'm glad this got 10s but honestly I think it deserved a 40 and also don't think the judges were even complimentary enough!! This was the most polished dance we've seen in years (I'd say since Karim's jive in 2019)! Fab-u-lous!!!!

[@chrisrowe8746]

It annoys me more that 40 was given this week and not to AJ, both deserved it but this was the best dance of the series in my opinion, although the moment this week was beautiful

[@everything6770]

BEST DANCE OF THE SEASON thus far. She finally topped her jive for me! I reckon Craig will have to give a 10 when she (hopefully) KILLS this once again in the final ✨

[@aaronwilkins1843]

Nope. Rose's Tango

[@siletamus2016]

Like 2 professionals. Amazing this.

[@natgordon268]

AJ killed it Absolutely brilliant She gets better every week

[@merryjeanburgess1656]

Kai is bloody amazing, love them together

[@zxaddictxz]

Very impressive. AJ is an outstanding contestant. I can think of just a few celebrities throughout the SCD history who could dance as well as she. Her routine is full of content and is rather difficult for an amateur. Rose is adorable but AJ is a Dancer.

[@hannaczapska527]

Agree

[@aaronwilkins1843]

hahahahaha

[@ianmelonie6440]

It brought a smile to my eye not only the fantastic dance routine but my Nan was always singing ‘Don’t bring Lulu’ HAPPY MEMORIES

[@MsGrockle]

Wowser! This was superb. AJ's performance was just brilliant, lots of energy, character, and she matched Kai step for step. I'm stumped as to how this didn't get 10's across the board. Loved this. AJ for the final!! :)

[@gabispn13]

They are the best

[@Concerto86]

One of the best dances I've ever seen from any celeb!

[@nicolea7086]

Heel in the patella was definitely worth it 😂😂😂

[@alexjoynes6557]

Dance of the series!

[@amandalandan8396]

Craig deserves jail time because what the hell was that 9 score

[@annabelleharris1264]

I will gladly bring Craig their myself

[@mariancounsellor]

Absolutely loved this! It’s so unfair that AJ and John are both competing this year because I’m torn between them as to who should win. This should have been a 40 because they gave it absolutely everything a Charleston should have! Brilliant 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🔥

[@astrid4532]

AJ, you are as always the best. U smashed it again. Another 10 from me!!! BRAVO! U r just so very talented! Another championship level. I love seeing you and Kai perform. Such a chemistry, perfection and professionalism!

[@lexiwilliams9422]

She is so good and just gets better and better.

[@thecreativemindfulheart3588]

AJ should change her name to Lulu ...Fantastic!! Made me smile thoroughly enjoyed it !❤❤❤

[@lesleycooper7544]

FABULOUS. COSTUME. JUST BEAUTIFUL XX

[@clumsypenguin5859]

I hope they win.

[@zingo2664]

Absolutely AMAZING dancers , AJ is SO SO SO Beautiful (kai too 😆) & love to see her dancing😁

[@lisawilliamson3385]

Every week another amazing performance, every week under marked. This for me was up there with Strictly’s best dances of all time 👏👏👏 well done Kai and AJ

[@peterrush5567]

easy like sunday morning you cant believe she never danced before being on this show imagine how good she would have been if she had chosen a vocation to be a pro dancer and kai for his first time as a new pro has just laughed at the baptism of fire meaning if these 2 dont win this series it will be a injustice of olympic standards

[@MITCH31785]

AJ is incredible!

[@ravenclawrumba7096]

Oh my god AJ is the best this season this was INCREDIBLE. 10/10

[@ruthline24]

OMG I loved this dance, it was the best dance, it deserved 4 tens...........

[@judithtaylor4767]

This is the best dance

[@jillosler9353]

What a happy, wonderfully danced Charleston. AJ is a natural and brings a smile to my face every week. A definite for the Final surely!

[@robm7449]

That was amazing to watch . She looks like a professional dancer 👌

[@gaelle4328]

Still love this so much! It has character!

[@stephenbrown2512]

I’m getting sick of Craig and undermarking her. He gave Tom the same score despite having zero criticism for her in comparison. It was the best dance of the season easily, with the toughest choreography. Rose deserved 40 last week, but this was better and should have gotten 40 as well.

[@han-oq6bo]

It's not as if he hasn't given a 9 with 0 criticism before. I hope he does offer his critique today at least, I don't think he's been underscoring her before now especially, which dance did you think was underscored

[@Aaron-he3qd]

I feel like Craig is extra picky with the Charleston for some reason

[@han-oq6bo]

@@Aaron-he3qd he's the only expert on the panel, the others dont know for sure what is good and what is brilliant

[@chesterred4460]

@Lottie no Tom's better

[@han-oq6bo]

@@polljones8921 um he might know little about ballroom. But Charleston is not ballroom. When it comes to the Charleston he is a bigger expert than the other three, which is why he is normally the only one to properly critique it.

[@janetleonard4111]

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, Love the Charleston and this one of the very best. Have already watched 5 times KAI & AJ perform this AMAZING routine! BRAVO!

[@ska2toneuk110]

best dance ever in strictly

[@teacherkate1]

Just incredible! At times her movement between steps and lifts was so smooth it was like she was on wheels!

[@victorinealendy2761]

What a wonderful dance, AJ and Kai, well done!

[@margaretharrop1607]

That should have been a 40 AJ and Kai are absolutely fantastic together. One of my fave Charlestons on Strictly along with Georgia and Giovanni"s brilliant

[@ghazalehbaghaie2328]

They really should win this!👏👏