Strictly Come Dancing 2018 continued following the departure of Blue singer Lee Ryan who was eliminated from the BBC competition last week.
The episode saw many highlights across its two-hour running time, ranging from Seann Walsh and dancing partner Katya Jones’s first dance after their headline-making kissing scandal as well as several acclaimed dances from candidates including Ashley Roberts, Vick Hope and Stacey Dooley.
1. Seann Walsh is handed unanimous praise for “outstanding” performance
All eyes were on Seann Walsh and his dancing partner Katya Jones who, earlier this week, were forced to apologise after being caught kissing in public despite being in relationships. Many were surprised the duo remained on the BBC series, however they graced the stage with an action-packed Charleston that won rave reviews from all four of the judges. Shirley Ballas deemed it “outstanding.”
2. But Tess and Claudia can’t resist...
Additional viewers probably tuned in this week to see if and how presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would acknowledge the scandal. Well, they did albeit quite subtly. Running through events from the past seven days, Daly capped her segment with: ”Other than that it’s been a quiet week.” Claudia, full aware Seann and Katy are waiting in the wings, replies: "Yes, other than the odd headline."
3. Stacey Dooley wows the judges
Documentary TV personality Stacey Dooley won the evening’s leaderboard following her Foxtrot to “Hi Ho Silver Lining.” As a result, she received her first nine of the series courtesy of Bruno Tonioli – the perfect birthday present for dancing partner Kevin Clifton whose face was planted into a birthday cake gifted to him by fellow professional, Aljaž.
4. Women reign supreme in the leaderboard
Stacey wasn't the only female contestant to earn big points. Steps singer Faye Tozer, DJ Vick Hope and Pussycat Dolls' Ashley Roberts all received overwhelming praise from the judges. The best performing male was Dr. Ranj Singh who got a total of 28 for his entertaining Paso Doble.
5. Katie Piper struggles to impress
At the bottom of this week's leaderboard was Katie Piper whose Jive to Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" failed to impress the judges. Still, as proved last week, this doesn't guarantee you a place in the dance off.
If you want to read how Strictly went down live, you can look back at our live coverage below
Strictly star Seann Walsh's ex-girlfriend breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing kiss
‘Believe in yourself and your instincts’
Seann Walsh defends himself on 'It Takes Two' following ex-girlfriend's open letter
He said he is not the person he is being portrayed as
Katie Piper given extra security by Strictly Come Dancing bosses as her acid attacker is released from prison
2008 attack left TV presenter with severe scarring
Strictly Come Dancing: Five talking points from movie week
Fourteen couples channelled Fame, The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing for a Hollywood special- Tess and Claudia on the scandal
Darcey Bussel - 7
Shirley Ballas - 7
Bruno Tonioli - 7
Joe Sugg's total score: 26
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One tomorrow night
