Strictly Come Dancing – live: Shayne Ward hits back on criticism he was ‘over-confident’
All the updates from week two of the BBC dancing competition
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Strictly Come Dancing week two is in full swing – and it’s already been eventful. Shayne Ward has hit back at social media abuse, Chris McCausland has made the best joke of the season, we’ve had a Shania Twain number and Nick Knowles managed to dance after an injury meant he could only train for 16 hours.
Earlier this week, the DIY SOS host suffered a shouder injury, throwing his participation into question – but he did perform despite having just “two days” to rehearse.
The first two weeks of the BBC competition have eased this year’s crop of stars into proceedings, with a launch show that saw the contestants partnered with their respective professional, and a first week of dances in which nobody was eliminated.
However, this week, the judges’ scores from last week will roll over and will then be combined with the viewer vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off during Sunday’s results show (29 September).
Out of the 15 couples who danced in week one, the leaderboard was topped with 31 points by JLS star JB Gill and Amy Dowden, who made a triumphant return to Strictly after being too ill to compete in last year’s series as she was recovering from treatment for stage three breast cancer.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale is punk-rock singer Toyah Willcox, who scored 12 out of 40, and former Arsenal player Merson, who received just 17 for his American Smooth to the football anthem “Vindaloo”.
Punam is dancing to Shania
If you’re dancing to Shania Twain, you’ve got my vote. Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez’s Foxtrot to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” is in full swing and they’re looking sleek all in black. Gorka’s trousers are making me think of that Friends scene with Ross and the leather trousers and the talc and the cream...
Tom Dean’s scores are in...
A 3 from Craig, a 6 from Motsi, a 5 from Shirley and a 6 from Anton is...... 20! Not as good as last week’s 23 but here’s a lush pic of them in all their glitter
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova do the Cha Cha
They’re all glitter for their dance to “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Last week these two scored 23. Can they beat it?
A reminder of last week’s scores
This week, the judges’ scores from last week will roll over and will then be combined with the viewer vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off tomorrow.
“We don’t want to lose anyone, but we must.” Is it just me or was Claudia Winkleman channelling her brutal Traitors energy when she delivered this line during tonight’s opening?
Strictly 2024 leaderboard: The scores from week one of the BBC dance competition
Recapping how the judges marked the ‘Strictly’ couples in week one
Here we go - week two begins...
Alan Carr, as much as we love ya, it’s time to take your chatty antics off BBC One because Strictly week two is officially here. This is the first show where fans can vote and one pair will be eliminated tomorrow. The stakes are high!
Claudia Winkleman is all set for the show
The woman with the best fringe in showbiz has revealed her outfit for tonight, and it’s a shimmering green number paired with black and emerald shoes and popping scarlet nail varnish. Four 10s from me
Chris McCausland appreciation post
Absolutely loved seeing Chris McCausland dance last week. Here’s a reminder of his performance. Can’t wait to see his Foxtrot to “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” by The Tams tonight
All the songs and dances to expect in week two
Good evening, I’m Ellie, and I’ll be giving you all the glitziest updates on Strictly tonight. Is there going to be a moment that matches the deranged chaos of Paul Merson’s American Smooth to “Vindaloo”? It remains to be seen. In the meantime, here are the planned dances for week two...
Nick Knowles’ DIY SOS colleagues send well-wishes after injury
Billy Byrne, the charismatic electrician on DIY SOS, has sent his well-wishes to Nick Knowles before he dances live on Strictly following his injury.
“There’s a lot of people sending a lot of love,” said Byrne. “Good luck, son.”
Everything you need to know about Strictly’s Chris
Strictly’s first blind celebrity hoping to lift 2024 trophy
Comedian is making history with appearance on this year’s series
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