'So close to being wonderful'

Praise and criticism for Chris McCausland on Strictly's musicals week

Chris McCausland finished in the bottom half of the Strictly leaderboad again tonight - but performed much better than frequently last-placed Pete Wicks

He and Dianne Buswell scored 32 points for their quickstep to You're The Top from Anything Goes, placing the comedian joint fourth with Montell Douglas.

But that was six points behind Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri, joint second with 38 points, just one point behind leader JB Gill.

Wicks and partner Jowita Przystal were another six points adrift from McCausland, at 26.

Shirley Ballas praisedthe blind comedian for being 'flexible, fluid' and having 'outstanding movement across the floor' but observed that his 'frame dropped a bit on one side, otherwise joyous.'

Anton Du Beke agreed saying: I’m with Shirley on your right arm, so close to being wonderful, don’t stop.'

Craig Revel Horwood praised MCausland's 'exceptional floor coverage' but again said his 'posture suffered, fudged footwork at end'.

Motsi Mabuse concluded the pair had 'excellent energy, let go as the dance progressed'.

However many fans thought viewers' favourite McCausland was marked harshly, including Victoria Coren Mitchell who tweeted: '"So close to being wonderful but it’s not quite" ??!! Words from another planet. @chrismccausland dancing might be the most wonderful thing that’s ever been on this show.'

Tonight was musicals week - and the quarter-final - of the show.