Strictly Come Dancing live: Blackpool week gets competitive ahead of Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks’ performances

A 9 from Craig and 10s across the board give Sarah a total of 39, putting her top of the leaderboard (for now at least!).

A Couple’s Choice to Padam Padam? This is the dance I’ve been looking forward to most tonight and, quite frankly, what I pay my license fee for.

That was absolutely sensational. Sarah looks stunning and she was brimming with confidence.

Craig’s critique has the audience in stitches. “That’s my only gripe... it was a little bit too perfect,” he said. “It lacked attitude in those still moments to bring you out of the crowd.” I’m guessing his 10 paddle will remain untouched.

The other judges have heaped praise on the routine though, Shirley says it’s Sarah’s best dance yet and Motsi has labelled her “iconic”.

“You had perfect timing, you had perfect co-ordination,” said Anton. “It was extraordinary.”

She’s received an 8 and three 9s, for a total of 35 — making it the highest scored Salsa of the series.

“I mean... I just kept on saying ‘woah’,” Motsi said. “[You’re] the biggest showgirl ever tonight. You looked so at ease with so much joy, your improvement has been consistant, that was amazing.”

Shirley has paid the ultimate compliment: “You looked like one of the professionals to me.”

And Craig? “I felt like you needed to engage your body a little more,” he said. “It needed to be a little more seamless than it was. But all that being said, you have the most incredible rhytym and you sell a number 100%.”

Montell has been consistently improving as the series has gone along, clearly taking on the judges’ comments and loving every second she has on the dancefloor with Johannes.

Last week, they ended up joint third on the leaderboard and have started to look like they could be in with a place in the final.

This is a really fun Salsa. Montell and Johannes both look amazing, the Gladiators star has a lot of natural rhythm and she’s totally unfazed by dancing solo, away from her partner.

I know the Strictly VTs are divisive but I personally adore them and these Blackpool ones are great. Johannes is bingo calling for goodness sake, what’s not to love?

Going along the panel, he’s landed an 8, a 9 and two 10s, for a total of 37. Amazing!

Emotions are already running high, and Dianne is in tears at their brilliant score.

They’re impressed! Shirley said: “Only the bets feet belong on this floor, and your feet were the best feet I’ve seen in a long time. Your grace, your beauty.... you did not miss a beat. That was phenomenal.”

“This is the number I wish I’d danced,” Anton said. “The style, the tailsuit, your movement was exemplary. If anything can beat this tonight, I’ll be amazed.”

You can always count on Craig to bring the vibe down though. He said: “I thought you were slightly ahead getting in the line-up, your arm extensions could do with some finesse. It lacked any swing or sway but your frame, I have to say, has improved beyond compare and you did that dance justice.”

“I just want to say what a way to open the show,” Motsi added. “This was a statement. This was beautiful dancing.”

Chris and Dianne’s beautiful Couple’s Choice kept them in the competiton last week and tonight, they’re dancing the American Smooth and opening the show.

As you’ll see with all the dances this week, extra dancers are involved which, as Dianne explained in the VT, is especially challenging for Chris.

What a way to open the show, though. That was properly brilliant, a super stylish performance with a big band number, plenty of impressive lifts and fireworks to finish. We’re off to a brilliant start.

The Pet Shop Boys are brilliant aren’t they? They never let you down and I can’t think of an act more suited to kicking off the Strictly Blackpool special. The ballroom looks stunning and I think every shred of silver fabric in the country is currently on this stage and dancefloor.