Strictly quarter-final sees Danny Mac defend his place at the top of the leaderboard

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Tonight's Strictly Come Dancing quarter-final saw the contestants take on characters from the musicals. Danny Mac defended his place at the top of the leaderboard after scoring 38 points.

Tonight's Strictly quarter-final kicked off with a dazzling performance from the show's professionals, led by Anton Du Beke showcasing his singing talents.

The first celebrity to perform was Ore Oduba and partner Joanne Clifton dancing a Willy Wonka-themed Foxtrot to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory classic 'Pure Imagination'.

Rehearsal footage saw the couple head to the West End to meet the actor currently playing Willy Wonka on stage.

The dance floor was disguised as Willy Wonka's factory, and all judges praised the performance, with Darcey, Len, Bruno and Craig describing the dance as "elegant".

Head judge Len Goodman said the dance was "delicious" and said "the candy man can kick off a show in style", but said there were a couple of "unsteady moments" during the routine.

The couple received a near-perfect score of 9 from all of the judges.

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Judge Rinder and Oksana Platero were next up, dancing a 1960s-themed Samba to 'Oh What a Night' from musical Jersey Boys.

The couple were in the dance-off last week, but the judges unanimously decided to send Ed Balls and Katya Jones home, giving Judge Rinder and Oksana another chance to defend their place in the contest.

Bruno Tonioli described the couple's Samba as "flat footed but great fun", while Craig Revel Howood said the dance had "fantastic energy", and said Judge Rinder's "bottom was dancing for Brazil."

The couple scored a total of 31 points - 2 points more than last week.

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Louise Redknapp and partner Kevin Clifton were next to hit the Strictly dance floor, performing a cowboy-themed quickstep to 'The Deadwood Stage’, from western musical Calamity Jane.

Craig said he loved the routine, especially the bits of tap that were incorporated into the dance. He also said Louise's characterisation was brilliant, and the timing was "fantastic", while Darcey described the dance as "gorgeous".

Len Goodman praised Louise's talents, saying her dancing is good enough for a place on the West End.

The pair scored a total of 37 points.

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Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane and AJ Pritchard were next to perform, dancing a Salsa to 'I Just Can't Wait to be King' from hit musical and Disney film The Lion King.

Claudia was given the part of a lion cub, and rehearsal footage showed the pair heading to London Zoo in an attempt to gather some inspiration from the lions.

Speaking after Claudia's performance, judge Darcey Bussell said: "Wow. That dance was packed full. You were using that body. Well done."

Len said: "You captured the flavour of The Lion King and you captured the flavour of the salsa. You are clean and precise. You are a terrific dancer and you are a bundle of joy."

Craig, Darcey and Len all awarded Claudia with 9 points, while Bruno Tonioli gave the gymnast her first 10 of the competition.

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Former Hollyoaks star Danny Mac was the last celebrity to perform with partner Oti Mabuse. Danny scored a perfect 40 points last week after wowing the judges with his Samba.

This week, Danny and Oti danced to 'One Night Only' from hit musical Dreamgirls.

Speaking after the performance, Len said: "Every night you come out on this floor you produce fantastic dancing."

Bruno Tonioli described Danny as the "star of the show" and said "you took it like a leading man."

The performance wasn't enough to match last week's score, but Danny and Oti defended their place at the top of the leaderboard after scoring 38 points.

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Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7:20pm on BBC1.