Strictly Come Dancing continued tonight as the celebrities and their pro partners danced one last time ahead of the first elimination of the series.
Last week Strictly returned giving us the first glimpse of this year’s celebs in action. Taking place over two nights, every couple danced and it was singer/TV personality Peter Andre that came out on top with his partner Janette Manrara. At the bottom of the leaderboard was weather presenter Carol Kirkwood and her partner Pasha Kovalev.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman watched over tonight’s proceedings with judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcy Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli offered their usual mix of witty critique but who was left in danger after tonight’s show?
Keep reading to find out how all of the couples performed during tonight’s live show…
Jamelia and Tristian MacManus
Jamelia didn’t have a great first week after messing up during the Waltz. In her intro VT she admitted that she would be gutted to leave the competition first. For week 2 Jamelia performed the Cha Cha with her partner Tristan MacManus and to get into the diva spirit she practiced her diva technique on everyone she encountered.
The dance: Jamelia danced the Cha Cha better than the Waltz even with a fan issue that saw her fighting to keep her hair out of her eyes. Overall she did a better performance but it felt a little flat for a Cha Cha.
The comments: Len said Jamelia’s performance level was ‘high’ but her technique was ‘low’. Bruno said Jamelia was more ‘assertive’ and told her that her attitude was great throughout the routine. Craig criticised the performance saying Jamelia’s foot placement was ‘dodgy’ but admitted that he liked her bump and grind sections. Darcey told Jamelia she would go places if she kept performing the way she did.
The score: 21 out of 40
Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff
Irish entertainer Daniel O’Donnell admitted that he was very nervous during the first week of the live shows. He was told by Len that his footwork had been the best of the weekend but that did nothing to help his confidence as he prepared to dance the Charleston. Kristina invited Daniel’s wife along for the week to help get Daniel into the spirit.
The dance: The race themed dance was a lot of fun but Daniel struggled to keep his energy level up. He put in a valiant effort but we suspect that the Ballroom is going to be his strength. Daniel looked like he had a lot of fun but he’ll need to up his game to progress much further in the competition.
The comments: Bruno told Daniel that he needed to go ‘full gallop, all the time’ to keep up with Kristina and stay true to the Charleston. Craig gave Daniel a list of criticism but told him that he has fantastic rhythm. Darcey told Daniel that he ‘came alive’ for her. Len said the performance was a ‘tad on the safe side’ but didn’t think Daniel was in danger of leaving the competition.
The score: 23 out of 40
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole
Kirsty Gallacher was overcome with nerves during her debut performance last week and she fell to pieces during her routine. In her intro VT she insisted that she would have more fun with the Salsa and show what she can really do. Brendan helped Kirsty work on her confidence by going to work with her and seeing her in action.
The dance: Kirsty was definitely more confident this week and she was happier with the Latin routine. There were a few times she didn’t look like she knew what was coming next but she performed a lot better than last week.
The comments: Craig said that Kirsty’s performance lacked ‘fluidity’ but told her she’d done really well. Darcey said that Kirsty threw herself into the routine and told her she put on a very good show. Len said the Salsa was all about having fun and admitted Kirsty did have fun before telling her she ‘sizzled’. Bruno said that Kirsty had all of the steps but criticised them for not fitting with the music.
The score: 20 out of 40
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
The Wanted star Jay McGuiness performed a great Cha Cha last week and he looked genuinely surprised when he got good comments and a good score. This week Jay was dancing the Waltz with his partner Aliona Vilani and he admitted that being graceful didn’t come naturally. During the week Aliona took him to get his hair cut short so he felt more elegant.
The dance: Despite being very nervous about the routine, Jay performed it really well. He came across confident as he led Aliona across the ballroom. We think he could be one to watch in the competition if he keeps improving like this week-on-week.
The comments: Darcey said she was ‘blown away’ by Jay’s performance telling him that he achieved the technique and romance. Len said that Jay got him ‘excited’. Bruno said that he loved the way Jay turned and told him it was a great performance. Craig told Jay that his thumb was sticking up but told him the rest was well danced.
The score: 31 out of 40
Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan
We had high expectations from Iwan Thomas but his week 1 performance left a lot to be desired. Iwan admitted that he was disappointed with the reaction his performance got. He confided to Ola that he wasn’t happy with the comments from the judges and during training he struggled with the Cha Cha routine. Did he pull it all together on the night?
The dance: It still didn’t really come together for Iwan tonight. He attempted to distract us from his dodgy moves by ripping his shirt open but it wasn’t a great performance. He really could be in danger tomorrow night.
The comments: Len said that Iwan came out with so much aggression and attack that the performance lost its finesse. Bruno agreed with Len and told him he ‘smashed it to the point of extinction’. Craig said that all of Iwan’s training during the week was wasted and told him that the routine didn’t work. Darcey said it’s important to have fun on the dancefloor and told him well done for his effort.
The score: 13 out of 40
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice
Georgia May Foote had a good week last week with her debut performance in the ballroom. Tonight Georgia was dancing the Waltz with her partner Giovanni. During the week she took her partner to her local market to sample black pudding, which Giovanni didn’t seem to enjoy or appreciate. Did they have another good night?
The dance: Georgia and Giovanni are a perfect match for one another. They remind us of the great partnership between Dani Harmer and Vincent Simone. They dance together beautifully and their Waltz was one of the finest moments of the night.
The comments: Bruno told Georgia to be careful with her top line as it spoilt the performance on a couple of occasions. Craig said that Georgia needs to dance the stop and held moments of the routine. Darcey said there was sophistication in the performance that she didn’t expect to see. Len said that Georgia needs to walk on the detail and told her she needs to pay more attention to the finer details.
The score: 25 out of 40
Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe
TV chef Ainsley Harriott didn’t have a great first week so he knew that he had a lot to prove tonight. Tonight Ainsley and his partner Natalie Lowe danced the Salsa. During training Natalie tried to work on Ainsley’s hip movement and his timing. Was Ainsley a natural at the Latin dance?
The dance: It wasn’t the neatest Salsa we’ve ever seen but you can’t criticise Ainsley for a lack of energy. He clearly had fun with the routine despite making a few errors but it wasn’t a fantastic performance.
The comments: Craig said that he thought the dance suited Ainsley’s personality and told him he liked the performance. Darcey said that Ainsley was totally in his zone and admitted that she loved it. Len said Ainsley was ‘juicy and delicious’ like a tomato. Bruno said he loves a Salsa filled with spice and told him it was fun to watch.
The score: 26 out of 40
Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev
If last week’s performance was anything to go by weather presenter Carol Kirkwood will need her fans to vote for her if she wants to stay in the competition. Her Cha Cha landed her at the bottom of the leaderboard but tonight she moved to Ballroom for a Foxtrot. Carol’s partner Pasha Kovalev pointed out her unwavering optimism during the week and told her it was key to giving a good performance.
The dance: The performance was definitely an improvement on last week’s Cha Cha. There were still mistakes in the routine but Carol is clearly more comfortable doing Ballroom. It’s too early to label her a dark horse in the competition though.
The comments: Darcey told Carol that she could see the hard work that had gone into the routine but pointed out that her top line was letting her down. Len called Carol a ‘ray of sunshine’ but told her that she needs to exaggerate her movement more. Bruno said he could see a bright spot on the horizon and told Carol to continue improving. Craig said the performance lacked movement and told her to be more delicate.
The score: 20 out of 40
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton
EastEnders star Kellie Bright opened the show last week and she acquitted herself really well. For this week’s routine Kellie and her partner Kevin Clifton tackled the Cha Cha. Kevin promised to take Kellie to the seaside to get her into the spirit but took her to London’s Southbank instead. Did Kellie impress the judges once again?
The dance: Kellie looked like she had a lot of fun with the Cha Cha
The comments: Len said that the routine was ‘tasty’ just like fish’n’chips. Bruno told Kellie to be careful as she was over-clipping her movements. Craig said that the routine was a little bit spiky and aggressive for his taste. Darcey said that the cheeky energy between Kellie and Kevin was great but told her to calm her arm strength down.
The score: 27 out of 40
Anthony Ogogo and Oti Mabuse
Last week boxer Anthony Ogogo had an embarrassing mishap when he split his trousers during his performance. He’s also been struggling with a shoulder injury that could have made his Waltz very difficult. During the week Oti arranged for Anthony to spend some time dancing with his partner to get him into the romantic mood.
The dance: Anthony showed a lot more control this week and his shoulder didn’t seem to hamper him too much. He gave a better performance than last week and we think he could be the competition’s dark horse.
The comments: Bruno told Anthony that he needs to work really hard on the footwork. Craig said that Anthony wasn’t better this week but admitted that he could see him trying to work harder. Darcey said that Anthony didn’t look comfortable during the Waltz and told him he would be better doing the Paso Doble if he gets through to next week. Len said it was ‘OK’ but not a ‘KO’.
The score: 19 out of 40
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko
TV presenter Anita Rani impressed the judges with her Cha Cha last week and was delighted with the comments and score she’d received. During the week Anita visited her The One Show colleagues, both of whom have appeared on Strictly previously. This week Anita danced the Charleston with Gleb Savchenko.
The dance: The audience loved the routine and so did we. That was a fast and furious Charleston and Anita really attacked it. It may not have been technically perfect but it was a seriously good effort.
The comments: Craig said that the routine was ambitious and that Anita had pulled it off. Darcey said it was brilliant and told Anita it was ‘fabulous’. Len said it would be a crime if Anita wasn’t back next week but told her the routine needed a bit more Charleston content. Bruno said it was ‘very vivacious and very alive’ but told Anita that she lost sync with Gleb.
The score: 27 out of 40
Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton
Presenter Jeremy Vine was labelled a dad dancer by Craig last week but he took the criticism on the chin. This week Jeremy danced the American Smooth with his partner Karen Clifton. During the week Jeremy and Karen went to visit Jeremy’s daughter at school to perform for the kids. Could Jeremy climb up the leaderboard this weekend?
The dance: Jeremy definitely isn’t a natural dancer but you can see that Karen has been working hard with him. For us it was an improvement on week 1 but Jeremy still has quite a long way to go.
The comments: Darcey said that the American Smooth needs to have old school Hollywood glamour but told him that he didn’t quite pull it off. Len said he enjoyed Jeremy’s performance and could see that he was trying. Bruno said that Jeremy made the dance his own before telling him it was almost unrecognisable. Craig said it was like ‘a paranormal phenomenon’.
The score: 17 out of 40
Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke
Newsreader Katie Derham surprised everyone last week when she delivered a superb first week performance. Her performance has put her as one of the favourites to win this year’s series but we think it’s too early to call it. Tonight Katie danced the Tango with Anton du Beke.
The dance: Another strong performance from Katie this week. She is going to do well with the public as she’s one of the celebs without any real dance training. If she keeps going like this she’ll land in the final.
The comments: Len said it was a shame that Katie made a mistake during the performance. Bruno agreed but said it was a fantastic performance. Craig said he loved the drama in the routine and thought the ‘whole thing was lovely’.
The score: 28 out of 40
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara
Popstar Peter Andre landed at the top of the leaderboard last week with his partner Janette Manrara. During the week Janette took Peter for stamina training to get him prepared for this week’s routine. Tonight Peter and Janette danced the Quickstep.
The dance: Another strong performance from Peter. His movement was better than last week and he was showing more ballroom than pop when it came to the dance moves. He’s surely a favourite to win the whole series!
The comments: Bruno said it was a crisp performance and told Peter he was on to a ‘hit’. Craig criticised Peter’s legs and knees but told him he thought he was very good. Darcey said that Peter brings the dancefloor alive but told him to keep control of his top line. Len said that Peter galloped a little and told him he could have moved more.
The score: 30 out of 40
Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec
Rounding out the night was actress Helen George with her partner Aljaz Skorjanec. Helen admitted that she was petrified when she stepped onto the dancefloor but her nerves didn’t stop her from getting a good score. This week Helen and Aljaz danced the Cha Cha and promised a complicated and fast dance.
The dance: What an energetic end to a fantastic (and varied) evening of dancing! Helen is a natural mover and she gave a great performance.
The comments: Craig said that he felt Helen danced like she had a metal rod in her back but admitted it was the best Cha Cha yet. Darcey told Helen she needed to work on her hip movement during her performances. Len said it was really nice but told her that her ballet background meant she struggled with leg placement. Bruno called Helen an ‘uptown bombshell’ and told her she would be in the running for a very long time.
The score: 29 out of 40
Leaderboard
The leaderboard for tonight’s show is:
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani – 31
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara – 30
Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec – 29
Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke – 28
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko – 27
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton – 27
Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe – 26
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice – 25
Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff – 23
Jamelia and Tristian MacManus – 21
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole – 20
Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev – 20
Anthony Ogogo and Oti Mabuse – 19
Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton – 17
Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan – 13
The scores from tonight were added to the week 1 scores ahead of the first public vote. The overall leaderboard for the first two weeks is:
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara – 60
Helen George and Aljaž Skorjanec – 58
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani – 58
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko – 54
Katie Derham and Anton Du Beke – 54
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton – 54
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice – 52
Daniel O’Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff – 47
Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe – 46
Jamelia and Tristian MacManus – 42
Anthony Ogogo and Oti Mabuse – 40
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole – 40
Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev – 36
Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton – 36
Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan – 30
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night at 7.15pm on BBC One and one couple will leave the competition. Take a look at our gallery to see images of tonight’s couples in dress rehearsal earlier today:
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