The first series of Sky One’s foray into reality talent shows is drawing to a close with the second night of semi-finals. I’ll confess, I haven’t seen the show in a couple of weeks, so it’ll be nice to see who’s progressed to this stage of the competition.

And just in case you’d missed Davina McCall since Celebrity Big Brother wrapped up on Friday night, she’s still presenting this! Isn’t it unusual to see her wearing something colourful instead of her usual eviction night, all-black costumes?

Although we have our judging panel there to guide the public, it’s ultimately the public vote that will decide who goes through to the finals.

Kane Ricca’s tap routine

First up is tap-dancing hunk Kane. He gives a frantic routine, has a bit of stumble when he comes off a high platform. I can’t decide if I like this though, it seems to be all over the place. But then again, what the hell would I know? Adam disagrees with me – “Mate, that was awesome. From the moment it started, you just really danced with everything tonight. I just saw how much passion and conviction you danced with. As a performer, that’s where you really shine.” Kimberley says “You know how to own the stage, you have all the power and performance of a solo tap star.” Ashley compliments his stage presence. Three gold stars from the judges.

Raw Edge

The Raw Edge dancers are decked out in funky green, white and black costumes. Thankfully, they’re a street act, so a little bit more accessible than the tap stuff. They brilliantly work in an Irish dancing tune at the end of their piece which made me smile – very entertaining! Ashley thought “it needed to be more complete. The creativity was there and it was tight, but it fell that bit short. I’m on the fence.” Ouch, he gives them a red star. Kimberley says it “just built and built and built. You left me wanting more, and that’s a good thing.” Adam says he thinks they are unique. “It was a little jittery at the beginning. You guys really entertained me, so yes.” Raw Edge get two gold stars.

Beyond Repair

Oh, this gets my vote for using a clip from the old Doctor Who theme tune, then seguing into a Kashmir style riff. It’s a robotic, entertaining routine. The costumes and make-up are freaky – they call them a mixture of “David Bowie and Lady Gaga”. Kimberley – “I wanted more energy, and I don’t know if the dancing went with the music. Based on this performance I just have to say no.” Adam says “I love what you guys do – you’re different and marvellously weird. I thought you had more energy in your audition. I’m gonna have to say no. Ashley: “Based on that performance, I don’t think you deserve a place in the final.”

MJ Latin

This Lancashire based dance crew are doing ballroom dancing to Michael Jackson songs – weird and wonderful. I can see what they’re trying to achieve, but it’s not my thing – I don’t get it. Ashley says that though he was disappointed in them in the auditions, they impressed him tonight. Kimberley “I think that this performance was missing the attitude and energy that I loved from you guys. You’ve gotta walk like you own that stage.” Adam says that he’d forgotten how young the group are, “I don’t think it’s enough for the final.” MJ Latin get two red stars and only one gold star from Ashley Banjo.

DNA

This feisty, mostly girl dance crew certainly look the part – naturally, it’s another street dance act, but these ladies (and one gent) are really tight, they remind me of a female version of Ashley’s crew Diversity. Adam says “I liked it, it only got really exciting when it got quicker.” Kimberley says that “The pieces didn’t connect, therefore it wasn’t the whole package.” Ashley compliments their aggressive character, but still says they weren’t good enough to go to the final. He gives them one star, which is a bit pathetic – I don’t understand how they didn’t like that performance! Those judges are so inconsistent and fickle!

Matthew Koon

Remember Matthew? He wowed us all in Manchester, and drew rave reviews from the Got To Dance judges. He’s a hot favourite to make the final, but will the judges turn against him tonight as they’ve already done with so many other acts? It’s a distinctive dance from Matthew that puts me in mind of Robbie from So You Think You Can Dance, very athletic and acrobatic. The judges look amazed! They’re all on their feet! Kimberley: “I can’t remember the last time I was blessed to see such a talent. You bring me such emotion, it’s amazing!” Ashley: “That was my favourite performance on Got To Dance so far. You could go anywhere in the world and perform.” He gets three gold stars from the judges, and a lot of gushing from Adam.

After a sizzling solo routine from my new favourite Pussycat, Kimberley, Davina asks the judges who they’d like to see in the finals – they unanimously say Matthew Koon and Kane Ricca. However, when Davina announces the results (reprising her Big Brother line “the votes have been counted and verified” – I’m surprised she didn’t say “Please do not swear”) it’s Matthew Koon and MJ Latin who get through to the finals. That’s a surprise – I didn’t think MJ Latin were that good.