The first two live shows of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contest have finished with singer/TV presenter Peter Andre at the top of the leaderboard with 30/40, one point ahead of Call The Midwife’s Helen George, who led the pack at the end of Friday night’s show.
Head judge Len Goodman said Peter’s Cha Cha with Janette Manrara was “the best dance of the two nights”, even though “the action was a little clipped”.
“It was a showstopper,” Craig Revel Horwood told Peter. “I really, really enjoyed it. You romped it, darling.”
“Fantastic!” agreed Bruno Tonioli. “But get some hip action; get some fire in the loins.”
Former Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote scored 27/40 for her Jive with new pro Giovanni Pernice.
“You two are made for each other,” said Bruno. “Your chemistry was tangible. A wonderful first dance.”
The Wanted singer Jay McGuiness also scored 27 for his Cha Cha with Aliona Vilani - despite being so nervous that presenter Tess Daly 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 also impressed with her Jive with Anton Du Beke.
“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, Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, former athlete Iwan Thomas, sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher or chef Ainsley Harriott…
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, who danced on Friday night. Darcey Bussell said Iwan’s Tango “got out of control”.
Click here for pictures of all the Saturday-night performances.
And click here for our picture special on the Friday-night show.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC1, Saturday, October 3, 6.20pm.
