fans have loved the second live show but the burning question remains: who dazzled and tops the leaderboard this week?
The nation’s beloved dance spectacle returned with a bang last weekend as the celebrity contestants hit the dance floor for the first time, eager to impress both the discerning judges and audiences.
While the inaugural show didn’t see anyone hang up their dancing shoes, the second week promises more drama, with one star-studded pair set to bid an early farewell to their Strictly dream.
With the results looming on Sunday, September 28, speculation is rife about who’s leading the pack and who might be at risk of an untimely exit.
Here’s a rundown of all 15 couples’ scores, the tunes they danced to, and the judges’ critiques, reports .
Strictly Come Dancing week 2 leaderboard
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova – 20
Olympic champion kicked off the night with a Cha Cha to Earth, Wind and Fire’s Boogie Wonderland.
Shirley Ballas noted a “tiny mishap” due to Nadiya’s wardrobe malfunction but 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”.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard week 2: Who is at the top of the leaderboard? (Image: BBC)
Strictly’s Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola performed a Paso Doble in week two which earned them 32 points. (Image: BBC)
Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez – 18
TV medic delivered a sassy Foxtrot to Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like A Woman!
Motsi Mabuse expressed her admiration for the solo parts of the performance, but highlighted the need for improved posture during the hold.
Shirley praised her as one of the “most dynamic performers” in the competition, but pointed out that her lower body movements left room for improvement.
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer – 15
Former footballer and manager , partnered with Karen Hauer, gave a spirited Salsa performance to Pitbull’s Fire, scoring 15 points.
Craig likened the routine to a “comedy dance at a wedding”, while Shirley was “lost for words”, describing it as “pure entertainment”.
Anton expressed his delight at seeing Paul dance, but humorously noted the lack of technique.
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones – 30
, known as the Go Compare Man, performed the Viennese Waltz to The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II with Katya Jones, earning a score of 30.
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 hug the celebrity.
Motsi advised him to maintain consistency until the end, while Craig noted the lack of “many heel leads”, but still enjoyed the performance.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden – 27
JLS star delivered a smooth Cha Cha performance with Amy Dowden to Ne-Yo’s Closer, scoring 27 points.
Anton appreciated the technique, stating it was “coming on beautifully”, but suggested more fluidity would enhance the performance.
Craig Revel Horwood was enthused by the “almost too much attack” in one routine but remained captivated as the dancer’s hip rolls simply “blew” him away.
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin – 22
Olympic hockey star energetically performed a Charleston with Nikita Kuzmin to a tune from Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys.
Craig expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of their dance, noting Sam was trailing the beat, her footwork was “sloppy” and the lifts seemed “heavy” Nevertheless, he found her swivel towards the finale “amazing”.
Motsi Mabuse revealed that she adored her vivacious presence on the dance floor and encouraged her to sustain that energy.
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell – 29
Visually impaired comedian delighted audiences with a charming Foxtrot alongside Dianne Buswell to ‘Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy’ by The Tams, leaving judges beaming.
Anton Du Beke called their performance “wonderful” and Shirley Ballas praised Diannes guidance, labelling it “off the wall” due to Chris’s “some beautiful footwork”.
However, Craig couldn’t overlook Chris’s “banana fingers” and felt he could benefit from smiling more throughout his routine.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas – 27
‘ faced the challenge of performing the first Rumba in week two in 15 years, choosing Bill Withers’ classic ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ for his dance with Michelle Tsiakkas.
Craig commented on the lack of emotional connection within their performance, but Shirley had a different perspective, remarking that Jamie “danced with no fear” and his performance “pleased me no ends”.
Motsi Mabuse was in agreement and praised Jamie, saying he did a “man’s job in a Rumba” and acknowledged his “talented” performance.
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones – 18
Toyah Willcox and her partner Neil Jones scored 18 points for their energetic Jive to Tina Turner’s ‘Nutbush City Limits’. Anton Du Beke felt she had improved “1,000 times better” than the previous week, a view Shirley Ballas echoed.
Craig Revel Horwood pointed out Toyah’s “flat footed” moments but couldn’t help expressing his love for her energy. Motsi was thrilled with Toyah’s performance, stating she was “living” the jive and that she “loved it”.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu. (Image: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec were at the top of the Strictly leaderboard for week two with 35 points. (Image: BBC)
Strictly’s Wynne Evans and Katya Jones performing the Viennese Waltz. (Image: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk – 21
, despite suffering an arm injury, managed to score 21 with Luba Mushtuk for their American Smooth to Blur’s ‘Park Life’. Craig found it “a bit ploddy” yet saw “potential” in Nick.
Shirley chose to highlight the positive, praising Luba for adapting the routine within 16 hours, calling it “What you did for 16 hours is absolutely amazing”.
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe – 30
and Johannes Radebe dazzled with a sassy Samba to Elenii Foureira’s ‘Fuego’, earning them 30 points.
Motsi advised Montell to work on her footwork but described her as “fire”.
Anton was thoroughly impressed and encouraged her to maintain her approach in future dances.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec – 35
delivered a stunning performance of the Viennese Waltz with Aljaz Skorjanec to Dorothy Moore’s ‘Misty Blue’, earning praise from judges Motsi and Shirley, who both gave a standing ovation.
Anton Du Beke was enthralled by her “immaculate” frame, admitting he would award a 12 if possible, and Craig Revel Horwood called it the “dance of the night”.
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu – 31
In striking Tango fashion, and Nancy Xu danced to Teddy Swim’s ‘The Door’, with Shirley Ballas commenting on his backstage nerves but praising him as a “hard worker”.
Shayne was told by Anton that he could be a “real powerhouse”, while Craig dubbed him “one to watch” and Motsi pronounced the routine a “shining star of a Tango”.
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal – 22
, reality TV star, showed off slick moves in the American Smooth alongside Jowita Przystal, with their performance to Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s ‘I Had Some Help’.
Their performance captivated Anton, leading him to commend Pete for doing a “really good job”.
Craig remarked on its “more lumberjack than cowboy” quality, yet recognised the “fantastic” lifts.
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola – 32
Switching gears, actress and Vito Coppola channeled intensity in their Paso Doble set to Gala, Molella, Phil Jays ‘Freed From Desire’.
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.
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