Strictly: Craig Revel Horwood defends Matt Goss

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Strictly Come Dancing is well underway and BBC viewers have already watched Kaye Adams and Richie Anderson face elimination from the show. It has been a tough few weeks for the celebrities, and it’s safe to say some of the stars are struggling to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke.

However, in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, professor of dance, Dr Jill shared her thoughts on the celebrities’ dance moves.

On behalf of Heart Bingo, Dr Jill discussed the latest dance-off between Fleur East and Richie.

On Sunday night, the X Factor star and presenter landed in the bottom two and had to battle it out in front of the judges.

In the end, three out of four judges chose to save Fleur, meaning Richie and his dance partner Giovanni Pernice were sent home.

Dr Jill seemed to think that Richie and Giovanni’s costumes could have been their downfall.

The duo were dressed up as Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King for Movie Week.

Discussing their routine, Dr Jill explained: “I personally did not like the Timon and Pumbaa costumes.

“It is true that sometimes costumes can interfere with performances, especially with a novice like Richie, who already tends to go for expression through facial gesture versus embodiment.

“Although the Timon and Pumbaa costumes were not the sole reasons that Ritchie was eliminated, the costumes didn’t impinge either Richie or Giovanni’s movement.”

She added: “Overall, Richie didn’t perform well enough in the dance-off, period.

“Giovanni, as with the other professionals, geared the choreography to the level of his celebrity partner, Richie.

“Certainly, there is an observable difference in the level of Richie and some of the other celebrities.”

The expert went on to defend the public vote, explaining she believes the right person went home on Sunday.

Dr Jill continued: “The public did simply not vote for his performance and so he was at risk of elimination.

“Although I do feel it was the right decision to eventually eliminate Richie Anderson for a variety of reasons.

“There was very little content in the original routine; technically, the steps were ‘stilted’ because Richie’s centre of gravity was too high.

Turning her attention to who is at risk of leaving this weekend, Dr Jill believes singer Matt Goss is vulnerable.

The pop star faced some harsh criticism from the judges at the weekend, and Dr Jill believes it may have cost him his place in the competition.

“There were many celebrity contestants who were able to dance the choreography fairly well but whose performances were not memorable become they were unable to bring meaning to the dance, tell a story, in moving with their partner,” the expert said.

“This is where we can see some celebrities falling back on their acting skills and/or charm.

“I suspect Matt Goss may be next up the next for elimination. Although it is hard to predict as there are others at risk of sliding into a dance-off at this stage.

“The spotlight should be on strength, energy, line, expression, embodiment and meaning – all important elements of the performing art of dance.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.

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