AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington Charleston ✨ BBC Strictly 2021

[@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.

[@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 🙌🎶💜

[@victoriamullins7965]

Oct 2024....just watched this again, having watched every Strictly series I think this has to be my favourite Charleston. Authentic, quirky, loads of content, in time...perfect partnership, looked beautiful & did a great job. They should have got 40 😢.

[@lery2523]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@tomhopper3187]

I honestly don’t think this will ever be topped it’s got to be the best charleston ever?

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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....

[@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.

[@rxox2419]

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

[@cjcicco]

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

[@maryamshabestari7960]

Should have got 40! One of the top 3 Charleston’s ever on Strictly.

[@naheed03]

I agree. So difficult and AJ was incredible. Since this version, we haven't had an even better Charleston than this.

[@sonzdillirno4997]

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

[@zingo2664]

yes

[@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

[@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

[@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 😁

[@VeryCherryCherry]

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

[@lindaaitken7679]

I can see AJ on the stage after this.

[@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.

[@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😢

[@tattooedandy93]

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

[@Drag4lifez]

Watching back 3 years later , I don’t think this Charleston has been topped ever …..

[@deinehdefoinnee]

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

[@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.

[@literaryellie]

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

[@mystikev]

This was a perfect 40 for me, absolutely marvelous.

[@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 💕⭐️

[@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

[@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 .

[@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!!

[@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 🏆….

[@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.

[@amyk9813]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@lesleycooper7544]

Wow that was just awesome. She looked so good. What a beautiful girl she is. Loved them xxxxxxxxxx

[@rossanaglasgow2561]

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

[@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. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@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.

[@yourbuddyash]

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

[@rickoddttc]

HOW DID THIS NOT GET A 40. Ridiuclous. I don't need to say anything. My score - 10

[@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! 💖

[@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 😂

[@maheen158]

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

[@smtwd6839]

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

[@TheGreatPresenter]

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

[@naheed03]

Even after all these years, there hasn't been such a difficult, complex and technical Charleston as this dance with AJ. How she never got 40 for the perfect dance and crazy hard lifts that made my head spin, is still beyond me. Recent and current strictly hasn't managed such a brilliant Charleston since and I guess it is difficult to match such a complex routine.

[@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

[@creshaunh]

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.

[@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!

[@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 🥰🕺🏼💃🏾

[@martinforrester8249]

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

[@merryjeanburgess1656]

Kai is bloody amazing, love them together

[@doz39]

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

[@lorrainefrancis3418]

So brilliant they are my winners 🏆

[@mhodgson66]

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

[@natgordon268]

AJ killed it Absolutely brilliant She gets better every week

[@Concerto86]

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

[@ravenclawrumba7096]

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

[@lesleycooper7544]

Just beautiful. She put everything in that. And such a lovely girl. FORTY 👏❤️💥🥂🏆🥇

[@bethny2811]

robbed of a 40 and i will stay upset! the dancing and characterisation is incredible and AJ went above and beyond perfection, this girl can do no wrong !! i’m also starting a petition to keep kai forever on this show!

[@sharoncarter4086]

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

[@MsSera21]

They’re insane. How did they pull this off? It’s giving Josephine Baker! Obsessed

[@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 🔥

[@teacherkate1]

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

[@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!! :)

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@lexiwilliams9422]

She is so good and just gets better and better.

[@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

[@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!

[@zingo2664]

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

[@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!

[@siletamus2016]

Like 2 professionals. Amazing this.

[@DanceQueenEva]

I really enjoy watching Kai and his amazing intricate choreographies! The Charleston is an impossibly difficult task for AJ with her long arms and legs but she delivered!

[@louisemcd2937]

Kai didn’t choreograph this but I agree. He gets it spot on every time, never goes too over the top either.

[@juliewales]

I couldn't stop smiling all the way through that it was amazing I think I was holding my breath too absolutely brilliant +++++++++

[@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!

[@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

[@tessa5233]

Love a good old-fashioned charleston! And she absolutely looked the part! That was amazing!

[@victorinealendy2761]

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

[@_eddo]

Miss this 😢

[@hannahbubeer7852]

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

[@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 ..

[@oliviachristianson8158]

Craig not giving a 10 to AJ and Kai is no surprise, as everyone will be talking about him, and he will be loving it!

[@dajtoad1]

I think he wants to see them do it again in the finale and then give it a 10

[@ruthline24]

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

[@brazilcultural]

I really think they are going to win. She gets better and better each week. And they both are sooooooo beautiful!

[@CPMV71]

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

[@talkingitout1623]

Come on everyone let's vote for them to win

[@MITCH31785]

AJ is incredible!

[@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.

[@gaelle4328]

Still love this so much! It has character!

[@wtfrlly]

I love this song and love how they utilized the playfulness of it

[@robm7449]

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

[@thorneluna]

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

[@juneburns1565]

This was off the scale!!! Unbelievably fantastic!! ..