Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for its second live show, leaving fans eager to see who will dazzle on the dance floor this time.
The nation’s favourite dance extravaganza returned with a bang last weekend as the celebrity contestants and their professional partners debuted their moves, aiming to impress both the judges and viewers at home.
While the first episode didn’t see anyone hang up their dancing shoes, the second week promises more drama, with one couple set to end their Strictly journey prematurely.
As we await the results on Sunday, September 28, speculation is rife about who might top the leaderboard and who could be at risk of an early exit.
Here’s a rundown of all 15 couples’ scores, along with the songs they danced to and the judges’ comments from week two of Strictly Come Dancing.
Strictly Come Dancing week 2 leaderboard
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova – 20
Kicking off the week’s performances was Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, delivering a Cha Cha to Earth, Wind and Fire’s Boogie Wonderland with partner Nadiya Bychkova.
Despite a “tiny mishap” due to a costume issue, as noted by Shirley Bassey, she commended Tom for how he “coped and carried on”.
Anton Du Beke remarked on his “bit hesitant” performance, while Craig Revel Horwood critiqued his “lacking fluidity”.
Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez – 18
TV doctor Punam Krishan brought sass to the stage with a Foxtrot to Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like A Woman!
Motsi Mabuse expressed her admiration for the solo parts of the performance, but advised that posture needed improvement when in hold.
Shirley praised her as one of the “most dynamic performers” in the competition, however, she noted that her lower body performance was lacking.
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer – 15
The former footballer and manager gave his all in a Salsa to Pitbull’s Fire with dance partner Karen Hauer.
Craig likened the routine to a “comedy dance at a wedding”, while Shirley was left speechless, yet insisted it was “pure entertainment”.
Anton was delighted to see Paul dance, but humorously remarked that he didn’t want to discuss the “technique because there wasn’t any”.
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones – 30
Go Compare Man Wynne Evans performed the Viennese Waltz to The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II with Katya Jones, much to the delight of the judges.
Shirley complimented his good frame and expressed her desire to give him a “always want to give you a snuggle bunny cuddle”, which led Anton to give the celebrity a hug.
Motsi suggested that he needed to strive to “keep it constant until the end”, while Craig noted there weren’t “many heel leads”, but still enjoyed the performance.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden – 27
JLS star JB Gill delivered a smooth Cha Cha with Amy Dowden to Ne-Yo’s Closer.
Anton appreciated the technique, stating it was “coming on beautifully”, but would like to see more fluidity.
Craig remarked that the performance had “almost too much attack” but was nevertheless wowed by the hip rolls that “blew” him away.
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin – 22
Sam Quek teamed up with Nikita Kuzmin for an energetic Charleston to a number by Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys.
Craig didn’t hold back with his critique, noting that Quek was off-beat, had “sloppy” footwork, and completed “heavy” lifts, although he praised her final swivel as “amazing”.
Motsi beamed, expressing love for Quek’s spirit on the dance floor and encouraged her to maintain it.
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell – 29
Meanwhile, blind comedian Chris McCausland endeavoured the Foxtrot alongside Dianne Buswell to The Tams’ Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy, which prompted smiles from the judges.
Anton dubbed it “wonderful”, while Shirley heralded Dianne’s coaching, calling McCausland’s performance “off the wall” with some “some beautiful footwork”.
Nevertheless, Craig noted McCausland’s “banana fingers” and suggested he should smile more.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas – 27
Jamie Borthwick, known for his role in EastEnders, attempted a Rumba with Michelle Tsiakkas to Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine, marking the first week-two Rumba in 15 years.
Craig felt an emotional connection was missing, yet Shirley disagreed, commending Borthwick for dancing “danced with no fear” and pleasing her immensely.
Motsi Mabuse agreed with the compliment, praising Jamie for doing a “man’s job in a Rumba” and recognizing his talent.
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones – 18
Toyah Willcox joined forces with Neil Jones showcasing her Jive skills to Tina Turner’s ‘Nutbush City Limits’. Anton du Beke commended her saying she improved “1,000 times better” than the previous week, and Shirley Ballas concurred.
Craig Revel Horwood pointed out Toyah was “flat footed”, but couldn’t help adoring her energy, saying “love, love, love your energy”. Motsi was impressed by Toyah’s embodiment of the jive, announcing “loved it”.
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk – 21
DIY SOS’s Nick Knowles encountered a tough week after sustaining an arm injury. Despite this, he danced an American Smooth with Luba Mushtuk to Blurs Park Life.
Craig found the performance a “bit ploddy” yet acknowledged Nick’s “potential”.
Shirley Ballas chose to highlight the impressive 16-hour rehearsal feat also due to Nick’s injury, saying “What you did for 16 hours is absolutely amazing”.
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe – 30
Gladiator Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe brought fiery moves with their Samba to Elenii Foureira’s ‘Fuego’.
Motsi suggested working on footwork but still found their performance “fire”.
Anton was thoroughly entertained, encouraging Montell to stick with the formula for future performances.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec – 35
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec received a standing ovation from judges Motsi and Shirley for their Viennese Waltz to Dorothy Moore’s Misty Blue.
Anton praised Tasha’s “immaculate” frame, while Craig dubbed it the “dance of the night”.
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu – 31
Actor and singer Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu performed a dramatic Tango to Teddy Swim’s The Door.
Shirley commended Shayne’s hard work and nerves, while Anton suggested he could be a “real powerhouse”.
Craig agreed that Shayne was “one to watch”, and Motsi described the performance as a “shining star of a Tango”.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal – 22
Former Towie star Pete Wicks and his partner Jowita Przystal performed an American Smooth to Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s I Had Some Help. Anton complimented Pete on his performance, calling it “brilliant” and “gripping”.
Craig, however, described it as “more lumberjack than cowboy”, but praised the lifts in the dance.
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola – 32
Actress Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola took on the Paso Doble to Freed From Desire by Gala, Molella, Phil Jay.
Craig Revel Horwood was enthused, remarking that it “got me going, darling”, and proceeded to praise the performance for its “fire, power, intent and attack”.
Motsi Mabuse was captivated by the “beautiful story” and admired how the dancer looked “so controlled”, even after a minor slip-up where she persevered.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.