The first two live shows of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contest have finished with singer/TV presenter Peter Andre (opens in new tab) at the top of the leaderboard with 30/40, one point ahead of Call The Midwife’s Helen George (opens in new tab), who led the pack at the end of Friday night’s show.
Head judge Len Goodman (opens in new tab) said Peter’s Cha Cha with Janette Manrara (opens in new tab) was “the best dance of the two nights”, even though “the action was a little clipped”.
“It was a showstopper,” Craig Revel Horwood (opens in new tab) told Peter. “I really, really enjoyed it. You romped it, darling.”
“Fantastic!” agreed Bruno Tonioli (opens in new tab). “But get some hip action; get some fire in the loins.”
Former Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote (opens in new tab) scored 27/40 for her Jive with new pro Giovanni Pernice (opens in new tab).
“You two are made for each other,” said Bruno. “Your chemistry was tangible. A wonderful first dance.”
The Wanted singer Jay McGuiness (opens in new tab) also scored 27 for his Cha Cha with Aliona Vilani - despite being so nervous that presenter Tess Daly (opens in new tab) could feel him shaking even after the dance.
“You have the potential to be a great hit on the dance floor,” Bruno told him.
TV and radio presenter Katie Derham (opens in new tab) also impressed with her Jive with Anton Du Beke (opens in new tab).
“I’ve got a lot of hope that this could be the glory year for Anton,” said Len. “This could be the year, Anton, that you realise Strictly goes right up to Christmas.”
And Craig thrilled the couple with his comment: “It was the most sophisticated and stylish Jive we’ve ever had on the programme,” he told them.
“I could not take my eyes off you,” added Bruno. “Anton, you have first class material to be moulded into a masterpiece.”
But the judges weren’t thrilled by all the performances…
None of the judges said anything like that to singer Jamelia (opens in new tab), Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine (opens in new tab), former athlete Iwan Thomas (opens in new tab), sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher (opens in new tab) or chef Ainsley Harriott (opens in new tab)…
Jamelia scored 21 for her Waltz that Bruno said “started like a dream but didn’t continue like that”.
Kirsty and Ainsley each scored 20 points. Kirsty’s Waltz was said to have “balance issues” by Craig, and Ainsley was “moving like a headless chicken” in his Tango, said Bruno.
Jeremy scored 19 for his Cha Cha that Craig said had “bizarre bottom wiggle things going on”.
Iwan was the lowest scorer of Saturday night, with 17 points, one more than weather presenter Carol Kirkwood (opens in new tab), who danced on Friday night. Darcey Bussell (opens in new tab) said Iwan’s Tango “got out of control”.
Click here (opens in new tab) for pictures of all the Saturday-night performances.
And click here (opens in new tab) for our picture special on the Friday-night show.
Strictly Come Dancing (opens in new tab) continues on BBC1, Saturday, October 3, 6.20pm.
