Strictly Come Dancing returned for its second live show of the series on Saturday night.
Amy Dowden, who’s partnered with the controversial businessman Thomas Skinner for the 2025 series, admitted on the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two earlier this week that she was feeling “under the weather” ahead of week two.
However, she still performed a lift-packed salsa to “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden with Skinner - and you certainly wouldn’t have known the pro dancer hadn’t been feeling too great.
The latest series of the BBC competition began with a launch show that saw contestants partnered with their respective professional, followed by a first week of dances in which nobody was eliminated.
In tonight’s episode, the judges’ scores from last week were rolled over and combined with the audience vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off during Sunday’s results show (5 October).
Follow the latest updates below:
Strictly updates
- Shocking vote twist that ‘will change everything’ announced
- Karen Carney's nerves show as she tangos with Carlos Gu
- Shirley Ballas disagrees with fellow judges over Lewis Cope's modern waltz
- Alex Kingston sambas her way to the top of the leaderboard
- Tom Skinner delivers a bonkers (lift-packed!) salsa
- Balvinder Sopal closes the show with a Charleston - and nearly doubles her score
Who is taking part in this year's ‘Strictly’?
12:55 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThere are 15 celebrities participating in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing – and you can find out everything you need to know about them, and which professional dancer they’re paired with, here:
A reminder of last week's scores
12:58 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThis week, the judges’ scores from last week will roll over and will then be combined with the viewer vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off tomorrow.
Here’s a reminder of last week’s scores...
Strictly Come Dancing latest: Karen Carney tops leaderboard before major show change
Who's partnered with who?
13:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottStrictly’s glittering launch show saw this year’s celebrity cohort partnered with their respective professional dancer.
Here’s a reminder of who’s partnered with who for the 2025 series as they couple’s return to the dance floor:
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
What dances and songs will the couples be performing this week?
13:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottHere are this week’s song choices and dances that the couples will be performing:
Karen Carney - Tango to “Training Season” by Dua Lipa
Vicky Pattison - Foxtrot to “Rein Me In” by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean
Alex Kingston - Samba to “La Bamba” by Connie Francis
Chris Robshaw - Viennese Waltz to “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Ellie Goldstein - Waltz to “Your Song” by Ellie Goulding
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - Cha Cha Cha to “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Santa Esmeralda
La Voix - Tango to “Objection (Tango)” by Shakira
Ross King - Waltz to “Sunshine on Leith” by The Proclaimers
Stefan Dennis - Cha Cha Cha to '80s hit “Give it Up” by KC & The Sunshine Band
Lewis Cope - Viennese Waltz to “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims
George Clarke - Paso Doble to “Game of Survival” by Ruelle
Thomas Skinner - Salsa to “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helde
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - Quickstep to “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” by The Blues Brothers
Balvinder Sopal - Charleston to “Been Like This” by Meghan Trainor and T-Pain
Amber Davies - Samba to “Bam Bam” by Ed Sheeran and Camila Cabello
Strictly star defends contestants with past dance experience after backlash
14:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottStrictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley has defended contestants on this year’s show after they faced backlash for having previous dance experience.
Two of the celebrities of the 2025 edition of the BBC competition, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope and Love Island winner Amber Davies, have both had dancing training prior to joining the show.
The wife of Rugby player Chris Robshaw, who finished near the bottom of the leaderboard on the opening week of this year’s show, said it was “wild” that some contestants already had more experience than others.
Read Oakley’s response to the backlash here:
Strictly star defends contestants with past dance experience after backlash
Amber Davies addresses past dance experience after fan backlash
14:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottFormer Love Island winner and West End star Amber Davies addressed her previous dance experience this week after fan backlash.
On Monday's (29 September) It Takes Two, she told Fleur East: “Ballroom and Latin are worlds apart from what I experienced on the West End show... It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.”
Strictly’s Amber Davies addresses past dance experience after fan backlash
How will Amber Davies fair after four full days of rehearsals?
15:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThe second Strictly live show marks the first time Amber Davies will take to the dance floor after a full four days of rehearsals.
Davies was rushed in as a replacement contestant last week after Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury.
She is set to perform a Samba to “Bam Bam” by Ed Sheeran and Camila Cabello alongside Nikita Kuzmin.
Kuzmin dubbed the samba the “hardest dance” on Strictly’s roster but added they plan to “shimmy” and “have fun” this weekend.
Let’s see how they get on...
Nikita Kuzmin reveals advice Dani Dyer gave him after her Strictly injury
15:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottDani Dyer quit this year’s Strictly series last week after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals. Kuzmin was subsequently re-partnered with another Love Island winner, Amber Davies.
The pro dancer said his former partner had some wise words to give him as he rushed to choreograph a new routine with Davies. Read the full story here:
Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin reveals advice Dani Dyer gave him after her injury
Meet Amber Davies: The last-minute Strictly contestant rushed in to replace Dani Dyer
16:00 , Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Meet Amber Davies: The Strictly contestant rushed in to replace Dani Dyer
Claudia Winkleman reveals bizarre Strictly Come Dancing pre-show ritual
16:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottIt won’t just be the celebrity contestants who’re battling their pre-show jitters ahead of week two.
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman has admitted she gets “very, very, nervous” before the cameras roll...
Claudia Winkleman reveals bizarre Strictly Come Dancing pre-show ritual
Thomas Skinner: The controversial Strictly star who rose to fame on The Apprentice
17:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottHere’s everything you need to know about this year’s most divisive Strictly contestant:
Thomas Skinner: The controversial Strictly star who rose to fame on The Apprentice
Strictly Come Dancing announces shocking vote twist that ‘will change everything’
17:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottHead judge Shirley Ballas has long criticised a particular element of the show’s voting system – and it will be axed this series:
Strictly Come Dancing announces shocking vote twist that ‘will change everything’
The countdown is on!
18:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottUnder half an hour to go until the second Strictly live show kicks off. Get your snacks ready!
Here we go!
18:19 , Rachel McGrathWeek two is officially under way - and tonight will be one couple's final live show. The celebs were eased in last week as while the judges gave their scores as normal, there was no public vote or dance-off.
Tonight though - for better of worse... - they'll get to find out what the viewers think. I'm pretty sure everyone knows the drill by now, but just in case you're new here: the judges' scores from last Saturday and tonight will be added together.
These will then be combined with viewers' votes and the two celebs at the bottom will face the dreaded dance-off, with one going home.
While anything could happen, it's fair to say the celebs currently at the bottom of the leaderboard will be feeling a little nervous (and that’s Ross King and Tom Skinner).
La Voix opens the show
18:29 , Rachel McGrathUp first it's La Voix and Aljaz, one of my fave pairings so far this year.
The Drag Race star brought the laughs on and off the dancefloor last week and I really hope she lasts in the competition.
Tonight, she's taking on a jive to Shakira's "Objection (Tango)".
There’s been a costume change which I am, of course, a huge fan of but it doesn’t look like the jive is a natural fit for La Voix. She’s making up for it with plenty of personality but I can’t see Craig being kind about this one...
La Voix's personality wins praise
18:34 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges had to say...
Shirley: “You certainly know how to push your strengths, which is personality and narrative - that’s going to carry you a long way in this show.”
Anton: “I don’t think there’s any fear of not being entertained! Your timing is immaculate. When you’re doing ther jive section, your free leg was working beautifully so you’re halfway there.”
Craig: “I’d like to see a little bit more weight over the toe. It looked a bit flat from here. But what I did love about it was that you kept it deliciously compact.”
Motsi: “I would love to speak about the upper part of the body because that’s important as well. It needs to breathe and be a little more flexible. But you’re always entertaining with a lot of class and I enjoy that.”
And the judges scores are: 4, 5, 5 and 5: 19.
Added to last week’s 24, that’s an overall total of 43.
Lioness Karen tangos into week two
18:37 , Rachel McGrathHere comes Karen - the undeniable standout star of week one.
The ex-England player and her partner Carlos Gu closed the show with a football-themed (of course) jive last week, and shot deservedly straight to the top of the leaderboard. Having shown herself as one to watch, tonight Karen is performing a tango to Dua Lipa's "Training Season".
In her VT, Karen has discussed how having a curve in her space - a condition she’s had since she was a child - makes some of the moves difficult.
Judges 'could feel the nerves' from Karen
18:45 , Rachel McGrathKaren didn’t look as comfortable there as she did with last week’s jive, but she’s still very much one to watch in the competition.
Motsi: “Thank you for sharing with us about your curved spine, it’s something we’re going to have challenge because it’s a ballroom dance and there’s a certain posture you need. This week, I could feel the nerves. There was a slight jitterbug with everything you did.”
Shirley: “The things I liked - you’re going to do a great paso that comes up I can tell. You’ve got this thing where when you go out, you’re competing and you’re so precise.”
Anton: “You can open yourself up. You’re very square which made you come very close, but open slightly, go on the angle. This will give you naturally a bit more space and you’ll feel more relaxed. You’ve got so much to offer and you bring so much. You’re going to be a powerhouse in this competition.
Craig: “Tango should be a wide frame so there’s more air between your bodies. I found the whole thing a little bit skippy and it should be on one level. Some awkwardness in the underarm turns but you were driving that, my darling. You hit some amaing lines.”
The scores are: 4 (ouch!), 5, 5 and 6: a total of 20.
That’ll be added to Karen’s 31 from last week.
Jimmy gives the cha cha a go
18:48 , Rachel McGrathIt's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's turn to cha cha. He's vowed to break the (male) footballers' curse of traditionally being pretty terrible and having ended up joint third last week, he's off to a more than solid start.
Tonight, the ex-Chelsea star and partner Lauren are performing to "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".
And it’s not bad at all! There’s certainly some hip action (which can’t be said for most of the male footballers who’ve preceded him on the show...).
Jimmy's hip action impresses the panel - even Craig
18:53 , Rachel McGrathWell Jimmy is certainly smiling! He seems very happy with his performance and clearly loved it.
Here’s what the judges said:
Craig: “It was a little bit heavy, I’ve got to be honest. Those hips were swinging so much they were hitting the front row.”
Motsi: “There was joy in the hips, joy in the face. I love the fact you enjoyed yourself. I would love for you to work on your leg action but you’ve got a Latin feeling and we love it.”
Shirley: “You have what we call, this is the feeling you will get on the streets of Cuba. It’s not all so structured. I don’t agree it was heavy, I’d choose the word grounded. You’ve got a great chemistry together, I thought you did a grand job.”
Anton: “I loved it! That’s exactly the cha cha I like. I don’t want the straight leg. This is how it’s supposed to be. Thank you very much.”
And the scores are: 6, 6, 6 and 7 - a total of 25.
Lewis brings unexpected drama in his Viennese waltz
18:57 , Rachel McGrathA serious contender for the Glitterball is up now - Emmerdale's Lewis Cope, who is paired with Katya.
They wound up in second place with a fast-paced jive and now it's time for a gear change, as they're waltzing to "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims.
Lewis has started the routine solo and he’s bringing the drama, which I’m a fan of as waltzes can often be a little... well, plain. Will the judges like this additional flavour or complain it’s not super traditional choreo? We shall see...
Shirley disagrees with fellow judges over Lewis's powerful waltz
19:03 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the panel said...
Anton: “That was powerful. I love that old fashioned dance coming together with this very modern take on it. You’re very talented so for you, it’s about refinement. I want you to keep the power and passion but I need refinement and quality of line.”
Craig: “I thought your turns were a little bit up and down but I’ve got to agree wirth Anton - power, power, power. I love the idea of putting a passionate tango on top of the waltz.”
Motsi: “I feel you have improved on refinement. I love the fact you have the control of these explosive moments, then come back to your partner. What I need is that when you connect with her on the ballroom part, it’s more together.”
Shirley: “Maybe I’m more old school but the melody of that music was refined and soft, and I found [the dance] a little too much. I get your power, I love everything about you, but I would like to see more refinement and the beauty of what you create.”
Lewis’s scores are: 7, 7, 6 and 7. A total of 27.
Alex takes on the dreaded samba
19:07 , Rachel McGrathAfter waltzing her way to a respectable score of 21 last week, it's Alex's turn to take on the much-hated samba tonight.
She’s dancing to classic track “La Bamba” with partner Johannes and not doing too badly! There could be more hip action and she doesn’t look fully sold on it being a fun experience but her fast footwork is great.
All in all, not a bad samba - but I’m sure she’s glad it’s out of the way.
Alex sambas her way to the top of the leaderboard
19:12 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges said...
Motsi: “Wow, wow, wow. That was a real surprise! I loved the fluidity, the timing was brilliant. It’s really beautiful, a party dance - that’s a samba we love.”
Shirley: “It’s the dreaded samba, right? But this is one of the better sambas I’ve seen in a long time.”
Anton: “I have to tell you, I just... it was brilliant! I loved it. I hate the samba but I loved that.”
Craig: “It could have done with a little more tone. And I thought there could have been some more hip rotation but you did a classic range of steps which I loved and you danced them brilliantly.”
Alex’s scores are: 7, 8, 8 and 8 - a total of 31. Aamzing!
Ellie shows her softer side with beautiful waltz
19:16 , Rachel McGrathAnd now it's Ellie and Vito - who, when it comes to vibes, are one of my fave pairings this year.
They're waltzing to "Your Song" - specifically the Ellie Goulding cover. Well, the Strictly band's cover of Ellie Goulding's cover.
This is properly lovely. Vito is such a gent and Ellie is moving so softly across the dancefloor. I know I said waltzes can be boring earlier but I love this - and them - so much.
Ellie's impress the panel after taking feedback on board
19:21 , Rachel McGrathShirley: “Last week I asked you to keep your feet on the floor, caress the floor, and you did it marvellously. You were the epitome of grace and charm. And boy can you spin!”
Anton: “Your underarm spins are an absolute delight. Your feet coming together, beautiful. You’re moving beautifully.”
Craig: “When you do the little runs, they need to be smoothed down. There was not enough rise and fall for my liking. But the turns are so controlled and placed. Your commitment to the story is great.”
Motsi: “There’s a huge improvement in what you did today. You looked more controlled, you had beautiful arm movements. I loved the extensions. Feet have improved. Now, when we move on, we need to improve our musicality but this is going in the right direction. Well done girl!”
Ellie’s scores are: 5, 6, 6 and 6- a total of 23.
Tom delivers a bonkers (lift-packed) salsa
19:24 , Rachel McGrathBosh! It's Tom Skinner! Am I going to say bosh when he dances every week? Yes probably.
After an abysmal (sorry but it was) paso doble last week, Tom is salsa-ing tonight. To "Bonkers" by Dizzee Rascal.
And the performance really is matching up to the track... There’s a lot of bright silver fabric, I feel like I could do with sunnies to be honest.
Is there much salsa? I wouldn’t say so. Amy is spinning for her life though *and* she’s thrown loads of lifts in, which is a classic Strictly move when the moves themselves aren‘t quite there. She’s a braver gal than me.
Craig Revel Horwood doesn't hold back with Tom's critique
19:29 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges have said...
Craig: “It looked like you were competing in a weight-lifting competition in Skegness. It lacked any hip action or fluidity, but you have proved you have the strength of an ox.”
Motsi: “I love the gusto. You went for it! You’re in silver pants, there’s glitter and you stood there like ‘this is it!’. It was interesting to watch...”
Shirley: “He gave it a go and that’s the thing. Your family will be so proud of you because you really enjoyed yourself. But I have to go with Craig, I was expecting more moves.”
Anton: “I thought it was a good effort. You did not show any nerves, you ploughed on and gave it some.”
Tom’s scores are... 2, 3, 4 and 4 - a total of 13.
Olympic sprinter Harry tackles the quickstep
19:32 , Rachel McGrathLovely Harry, aka Nitro, is up next with Karen. The Gladiators star brought the energy (and some push-ups) with his cha cha last Saturday and now he's taking on the quickstep to "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" by The Blues Brothers.
I love Harry and Karen together, they always look like they’re having so much fun. This is a solid effort! Lots of actual quickstep which is brilliant. And some stunning facial expressions. Bravo!
Judges call for Harry to 'let loose'
19:37 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges told Harry...
Anton: “It was absolutely brilliant. You’ve got a wonderful natural hold. Your posture is excellent as well. You can see how much you’ve worked on control. That was an excellent job.”
Craig: “There was quite a bit of gapping going on, and your hands were splayed on Karen’s back. But you have amazing musicality and character. Outstanding.”
Motsi: “If you’re going to make tiny, little mistakes don’t do it in front of the judges - do it on the other side! But this is much much better than last week.”
Shirley: “It was certain parts of this, you got a little out of sync with Karen. Some of your best work though, Karen. This is showing great promise. I’d let him loose now.”
His scores are: 6, 7, 6 and 7 - a total of 26.
Ross pays homage to his Scottish roots
19:40 , Rachel McGrathHere comes Ross King - whose days in the competition could be numbered, I fear. His Hollywood cha cha certainly didn't come close to winning any awards last week and I'm sure he was very relieved to learn he would be waltzing tonight.
Having paid homage to his LA life last week, ITV's Scottish star is this week making a nod to his country of birth with a performance set to The Proclaimers' "Sunshine on Leith".
The waltz certainly suits him much more than the cha cha did! Which will certainly be a relief, as Ross seemed properly gutted about how last week went in his VT.
Emotional Ross King receives praise for upping his game
19:46 , Rachel McGrathAwww, Ross is in tears after that emotional performance!
“I feel like I’m the poster older man for people who can’t dance but want to dance,” he told Tess. “And I hope people do.”
Here’s what the judges said...
Motsi: “I feel like you’re more relaxed in the ballroom dances. We need to work on musicality, I think that was a bit of an issue. Better than last week.”
Shirley: “It was defintely better than last week. You’re going to have to keep working on the posture and that frame. When you started, you looked nervous but halfway through, you caught a look at [Jowita] and you just lit up! We need that all the way through.”
Anton: “You are most improved, let me tell you. That was super duper. I’m really delighted for you. That was a lovely performance.”
Craig: “It was too cautious and erring on the side of dull for me. It lacked any movement across the floor, it was very square. But I tell you this Ross - I loved the sentiment and what you were trying to do. And no matter what I say, you need to keep going darling. You really do.”
His scores are: 2, 4, 4 and 5 - a total of 15. A 50% improvement on his score from last week!
Amber delivers the second solid samba of the night
19:50 , Rachel McGrathAmber and Nikita are up next - and it's time for another samba. Having landed a score of 27 for her Viennese Waltz last week, Amber's in a good position on the leaderboard.
It is really difficult to predict how she'll do when it comes to votes though. Any great performances are bound to be met with a "Yes but..." as naysayers rush to point out her West End training, and her dance experience could mean some viewers are less likely to vote for her.
This is a really solid samba. Have Alex (who wowed the judges earlier) and Amber broken the routine’s curse? I think so!
Amber lands praise - and praise only! - from Craig
19:55 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges had to say...
Craig: “I loved, loved, loved that.”
Motsi: “I loved, loved, loved that but there is a but. What I really want you to work on are your foot placements. From now in, look in the direction of your feet. That being said, you have the most amazing body rhythm I have seen in a while.”
Shirley: “Can I give a shoutout to wardrobe, that dress is stunning. As you move forward, I’d like to see more seamless transitions, I want it more smooth. There were a few heel leads where they shouldn’t have been but you compensated with the upper half of your body.”
Anton: “I don’t want to repeat what my fellow judges have said... In the ballroom, do these feet and in the latin, do the other feet - then you’ll have cracked it. Well done!”
Amber’s scores are: 8, 7, 7, and another 7 - a total of 29.
Vicky celebrates her Geordie roots
19:58 , Rachel McGrathVicky was by her admission a total bag of nerves last week - but scored a more than respectiable 23 for her cha cha. If she can keep her nerves in check, then I think the Geordie Shore star could do well in the competiton.
With pro partner Kai, she's dancing a foxtrot to "Rain Me In" by fellow geordie Sam Fender and Olivia Dean.
This is another solid performance! Vicky has struggled with nerves but you wouldn’t know it to look at her smile on the dancefloor.
Vicky Pattison emotional as judges praise her foxtrot
20:05 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges said...
Anton: “I know you’ve been working on the heel turn for hours and you pulled it off beautifully. You have a gentleness of frame. The problem you have is it’s too close so I get a little bit nervous watching you dance and I shouldn’t feel like that. Just lean back, old school really. I need some space between you and Kai. You could be a ballroom queen.”
Craig: “There was an awful lot of gapping and a few lumps and bumps. What I really liked was the fact you danced with an earthy elegance and realness. I thought it was really charming.:
Motsi: “It’s true. The thing is, when you dance and I see your expression, I believe it. It comes from within. What I would love to have is the tone in the body. I just feel if the body had more tone and stretch, you would be able to hold yourself. At the moment, it feels you are too dependent on your dance partner.”
Shirley: “You need to move yourself over to Kai’s right side. There are shades in this of really great frame. You went past here and you looked so beautiful. My next thing is to you Kai. This girl could possibly go all the way. But you cannot babysit. I think she’s got the ability. Let her keep up with you.”
Aww and now Vicky is on the verge of tears, she’s so happy!
Her scores are... 6, 6, 6 and another 6 - a total of 24.
Chris Robshaw swaps the samba for the Viennese waltz
20:08 , Rachel McGrathHere come Chris and Nadiya - who no doubt breathed sighs of relief when they were told they'd be doing a Viennese waltz, after last week's samba left them first from bottom on the leaderboard with a score of 14.
Chris seems like such a lovely bloke and I really hope he stays in the competition. This certainly suits him better than the samba, there’s no doubt about that.
Motsi tells Chris to come up with an alter ego
20:14 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges told Chris...
Shirley: “This is certainly better than last week. I want you to keep a beautiful length in your body. Your posture and your arms are showing so much more promise than last week. You had some nice finish, improvements in the feet.”
Anton: “You are so tall and elegant, you have a lovely walking action. And the ballroom dancing is based on the walk. Dance your height. And you can adjust your arms accordingly. Look at you. you’re magnificent. I want you to feel like you’re standing [tall]. Work on that and I think the sky’s the limit.”
Craig: “I totally agree with Anton on that and that’s my major note. The frame, the posture. There’s a lot to work on but you have a magnificent frame for ballroom.”
Motsi: “I still believe that you are going to have to step out of your usual comfort zone. I believe when you feel it’s too much, it’s never going to be too much. You kind of have to have an alter ego. That person, put them on the dancefloor.”
And his scores are... 3 (ouch!!), 4, 4 and 5 - a total of 16.
Stefan cha chas into week two
20:17 , Rachel McGrathUp next it's the Aussies - Neighbours star Stefan and his pro partner Dianne. They managed a mid-table finish with their foxtrot last week and are hoping to add some more vital points to the board with a cha cha tonight.
First though: Stefan’s wig. It’s giving ‘80s silver fox.
And the dancing - it’s not too bad! There could certainly be more hip action but Stefan looks like he’s having fun which is half the battle with the cha cha.
Judges point out mistakes in Stefan's cha cha
20:22 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges told the Neighbours star...
Motsi: “You have a brilliant partnership and a brilliant energy. I love that. I’m going to have to address the elephant in the room, there were lots of tiny mistakes everywhere. Let’s just be honest. Let’s try next time to stick to the routine. We have to get one performance without those tiny creepers in there.”
Shirley: “I do love the partnership, I want to say that. I think that nerves got the better of you. I know you’re better than what you delivered today and sometimes that happens. Brush it aside. Move on. Keep going. Just pretend it’s a day at the office and try to get that psyche in you.”
Anton: “It’s a two-sided coin really. Your actual performance was very good but unfortunately, there were a lot of elements that weren’t right.”
Craig: “I thought the overall thing was stiff. You’re picking your feet up way too much which makes it look stompy. But you know what I thought was good, it was full of proper content.”
Stefan’s scores are: 4, 4, 4 and a 5 - a total of 17.
George shows his serious side with the paso double
20:26 , Rachel McGrathThis is the penultimate dance of tonight’s show!
It’s George and Alexis who are up next - and it's paso o'clock! We did allegedly see a paso doble last week if you can count Tom Skinner's performance as one (don't come for me, it was terrible and we all know it) but I think it is safe to say George and Alexis - who have gone into week two with 24 points under their belts - are doing a better job.
George’s VT revealed he struggled with tapping into his serious and fierce side, but you wouldn’t know it from this routine. It’s got all the power and drama we all love to see in a paso. Bravo!
Judges name George as a frontrunner
20:32 , Rachel McGrathHe’s got a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience for his efforts!
Here’s what the judges told George...
Shirley: “I think you did absolutely outstanding. What I appreciate is you’re in control of every movement you do. Everything had an intention, you knew exactly where you were going. You’re narrative was good, I love that. Could we potentially be looking at a frontrunner here?”
Anton: “I really enjoyed your timing at the beginning. You were absolutely on it. You must tell the story through the face. If you lose it, you lose the spell - and you kept the spell tonight.”
Craig: “I thought you could have hyper-extended some of the lines, it didn’t go far enough for me. But I have to agree with everyone: power, passion. Lewis better watch his back.”
Motsi: “What we want in dancing is flexibility, and that’s we love. This calm, this collectedness. I saw your soul when you were dancing. I would like a little bit more fluidity when you move from foot to foot, but I think we have someone very special here that’s going to go very far.”
And George’s scores are... 7 (from Craig!), 7, 8, and 8, for a total of 30.
Balvinder closes the show with a Charleston
20:36 , Rachel McGrathIt's time for our first Charleston of the series!
Fwiw this is my fave dance style, prepare for lots of exclamation marks every time one is done well. Balvinder and Julian are taking on the high-energy style for a performance set to "Been Like This" by Meghan Trainor and T-Pain.
Balvinder is lurking towards the bottom of the leaderboard last week - but I think that's a reflection of the fact she had to do a samba, rather than her potential in the competition.
This isn’t a bad effort at a Charleston, especially for week two. It could be a little more high energy but I am loving the lifts and can we also take a minute for Balvinder’s amazing facial expressions?
Balvinder almost doubles her week one score
20:39 , Rachel McGrathHere’s what the judges said...
Craig: “I have to say, who knew, darling? That came from nowhere. You did so great, the lifts were fantastic and your swivel was gorgeous.”
Motsi: “Balvinder, what a comeback. Whatever you did this week, do it again next week. This was fantastic!”
Shirley: “It’s not very often I get shocked but that was absolutely outstanding. You were absolutely together, spot on. You’re doubling your score this week, you were great.”
Anton: “Last week to this week... the difference. You’re a different woman.”
Balvinder’s scores are... 7, 8, 8 and 7, for a total of 30.
Which is mighty impressive after her week one total of 17!
The voting has opened!
20:41 , Rachel McGrathAnd you don't have long to have your say. The vote closes at 9.10pm so go, go go!
In a change to previous years, voting via telephone and text is no longer an option - so the only way to have your say is via the Strictly website.
That's a wrap!
20:54 , Rachel McGrathThat’s it from me until next Saturday - when we’ll have one less pair taking to the floor.
We’ll find out who leaves the competition in tomorrow’s results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.15pm.
See you next week!
