Magical - Mollie and AJ's Strictly Story

Part 32 - How love feels

I couldn't help myself. Right before the live show, I shared a video from the training room. To me, it shows how love feels. I could watch that film all day, every day and still be fascinated. He pulls me in, lifts me up and spins me around, but the joy on our faces is unparalleled. It shows a couple in love. I can't even think of an alternative explanation. He said we are doing this dance for our fans. I know they would want to see that video.

Then we had the show to do. I knew I'd be lucky to get anything over a 7 from Craig. Especially with the lift. But we aren't dancing for him now. We dance for each other, and we dance for the fans.

I loved the routine. I loved my costume. I definitely loved his costume. I loved that he trusted me enough to start the dance all by myself. I loved that he would join me and hold me close. But the part I loved the best was where I had to run and jump off the platform into his waiting arms. I've seen it back. I know Craig meant it sarcastically, but it is 'spectacular'. That isn't just a dance move. That is a life choice. In that split-second I chose AJ. I knew he would catch me. It was a beautiful moment.

And you know what, Mollie? I am so proud of you – you did the whole dance with no mistakes, no wobbles and you didn't lose control and kiss him in that last position. Can't say it hadn't crossed my mind.

Guess what Craig's mark was – a six. According to him, I was dancing by numbers. Really? I don't get how else I could get emotion into that routine – I am in love with my leading man, after all. The other judges were more complimentary – although I don't get Darcy saying Grease is her favourite film and then telling me she wanted it to be more sultry – I've seen that movie hundreds of times and Sandy is not sultry at that point!

I might slightly be in love with Shirley and Bruno – they both gave us a 9! AJ and I were on such a high! And Shirley said my timing was impeccable. From her, that is such an amazing compliment. I was buzzing...we both were. But other people, as always, were getting stronger scores than us. It would probably be us going home. And that would be fine. I had no regrets.

We've just filmed the dance off. Davood was announced first. I would be proud if I went out to him. He's such a lovely man and a wonderful dancer. We were in the final three couples waiting for results – us, Gemma and Aljaz, Alex and Gorka. I was sure it was us – Alex was in the dance off last week and Ellen has always said most couples get a bounce-back after that – and Gemma is such a wonderful role model and so popular. I was standing there thinking, this is great, I get to go out dancing a rumba with a man I love and we've done so well to get this far. Then Tess said we were safe! I was beyond ecstatic!

I look in the mirror. I look at a semi-finalist. Me. A semi-finalist? I look in shock!