Singer Peter Andre is top of Strictly Come Dancing’s leaderboard thanks to 30 points on the night for his lively quickstep with partner Janette Manrara.
The 42-year-old impressed with his routine to Valerie, made famous by Amy Winehouse. “That was crisp, it was clear and I loved the little variations you put in,” said judge Bruno Tonioli.
Peter Andre and Janette Manrara (BBC Pictures)
But fellow panellist Craig Revel Horwood had to find something to pick at: “I thought your knees were way too high in the runs,” he stated.
However, even the normally curmudgeonly critic had to admit: “The timing was absolutely excellent and what a showman!” Former ballerina Darcey Bussell added: “You’re so light on your feet.”
Meanwhile, head judge Len Goodman felt Peter “galloped a bit here and there”. But he also piled on the praise: “It was excellent, but you’ve got more to come.”
The pop star and TV personality earned a combined score of 60 for his two dances, leaving him at the summit with 15 points after these first two weeks of competition.
Barring a major catastrophe, Peter will be back to dance next week as the phone lines are now open for the public vote. However, one Strictly couple will not be so lucky as the 15 couples will become 14 by the end of Sunday’s results show.
Ainsley Harriott and Natalie Lowe (BBC Pictures)
Celebrity chef Ainsley had a good night; his lively salsa to Don’t Touch My Tomatoes by Josephine Baker scored 26 points.
“No one’s going to mess with your tomatoes after that, my love!” cried judge Craig. “You did some of it wrong, but you did it wrong with style and panache.”
Anita Rani and Gleb Savchenko (BBC Pictures)
Glamour arrived in the shape of TV presenter Anita. Her vivacious Charleston with new professional Gleb Savchenko won praise and a score of 27 points.
Judge Darcey noted: “I have to say, Anita, I don’t think there’s a dance you can’t make your own.”
Carol Kirkwood and Pasha Kovalev (BBC Pictures)
BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol was one Strictly contestant to up her performance level from last week. The 53-year-old’s American smooth earned 20 points.
Daniel O'Donnell and Kristina Rihanoff (BBC Pictures)
The genial Irish singer danced a cheeky Charleston to Let’s Misbehave by Cole Porter. Judge Darcey said: “I was not expecting that.” Daniel earned 23 points for his week two routine.
Helen George and Aljaz Skorjanec (BBC Pictures)
Call The Midwife actress Helen and partner Aljaz livened up the show with their cha cha cha to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl.
The 31-year-old was told to “loosen up a bit,” by judge Craig, but her week two dance scored 29 points.
Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan (BBC Pictures)
On a night of contrasts, the former athlete did his best to cha cha cha to LMFAO’s Sexy And I Know It. However, the 41-year-old’s routine only scored 13 and he ended the night at the bottom with a score of six points after his performance from last week was taken into account.
Jamelia and Tristan MacManus (BBC Pictures)
Singer and presenter Jamelia opened the show and turned up the heat alongside partner Tristan MacManus. They danced a sultry cha cha cha and received 21 points for the performance.
The Loose Women panellist isn’t looking too comfortable performing ballroom dance. “Your performance level was high, but unfortunately, your technique level was low,” head judge Len said.
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani (BBC Pictures)
The pop star performed a dreamy waltz with partner Aliona and secured 31 points. Jay brought out this joke from judge Len. “As you moved across the floor, I thought: Jay’s fluid!” Cue groans from the studio audience.
The Wanted singer had a different look; much shorter hair, courtesy of a hair cut. It suits him.
Katie Derham and Anton du Beke (BBC Pictures)
If you want to keep your eyes on a performer with potential, look no further than the broadcaster who scored 28 points for her dramatic tango with Strictly stalwart Anton, who must be delightd finally to have a partner with real talent.
However, she stumbled a little and it was seen by head judge Len: “It was truly a mango of a tango. I’ve not been that annoyed since Zayn left One Direction – you made that little mistake!” he cried.
Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton (BBC Pictures)
The EastEnders star performed a jolly cha cha cha to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John & Kiki Dee. The 39-year-old was told to improve her arm action, but the Albert Square favourite’s cha cha cha was given 27 points by the panel.
Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole (BBC Pictures)
The TV presenter performed a surprisingly stiff salsa to Ricki Lee’s U Wanna A Little Of This. Judge Bruno’s assessment was frank: “You had all the steps, they didn’t quite fit the music. You have to hit the beats. You cannot be slightly behind it – you’ve got to be on it.”
The 39-year-old’s salsa earned a score of 20.
Anthony Ogogo and Otlile Mabuse (BBC Pictures)
On the plus side, the boxer kept his trousers intact this week. They did not rip as he danced his waltz with new professional Otlile Mabuse.
“It was OK, but it wasn’t a KO,” head judge Len decided. The panel all agreed, awarding 19 points for the waltz.
Jeremy Vine and Karen Clifton (BBC Pictures)
Broadcaster Jeremy Vine is not the best dancer but his enthusiasm is infectious. The American smooth he performed with partner Karen was given 17 points.
“Now that is what I call making a dance your own!” cried Bruno as he continued his backhanded compliment. “You owned it. You really are a pioneer; you actually invented something new.”
However, the 50-year-old was given a compliment by the head judge: “I enjoyed watching you, Jeremy. I saw you do a heel lead – well done!”
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice (BBC Pictures)
The former Coronation Street star and new professional Giovanni had the audience on their side with their waltz to Georgia On My Mind by Ray Charles.
The 24-year-old’s routine won 25 points from the panel. Head judge Goodman instructed: “There was not one heel lead throughout that waltz. You’ve got to drive through.”
Catch Strictly Come Dancing's first results show tonight at 7.15pm on BBC1.
