Strictly Come Dancing 2017 second live show: Alexandra Burke tops leaderboard, Charlotte Hawkins bottom after cha-cha disaster
Alexandra Burke topped tonight's leaderboard after sizzlingly passionate paso doble
Debbie McGee in second place tonight and went top when scores were combined with last week's
Charlotte Hawkins and Reverend Richard Coles rock bottom of standings
Brian Conley and Simon Rimmer also in dance-off danger
Viewers now vote for first time this year. Results show airs Sunday at 7.15pm on BBC One
Here's all the talking points, routine recaps and social media reaction from Saturday night's second Strictly 2017 live show...
Alexandra and Debbie blow the boys away
It was a distinctly middling standard of dancing tonight - well, until the lovely Debbie McGee? and Alexandra Burke took to the floor in the home stretch. Luckily, the ever-canny Strictly producers had saved the best until last.
Debbie followed last week's high-kicking paso doble with another impressive leg extension, before launching into a dreamy, floatily romantic Viennese waltz full of dizzying spins. This year's oldest contestant already looks like a force to be reckoned with.
Then came that fierce, precise and powerfully dramatic paso doble from Alexandra, which had the judges - even panto villain Craig Revel Horwood, after some gentle prodding - on their feet and raising their "nine" paddles far earlier in the contest than we're used to seeing.
Once Saturday's scores were combined with last week's, Debbie McGee was top - who'd have predicted that a few weeks ago? - with Alexandra Burke in third. Yes indeed, it was definitely ladies' night in the Elstree ballroom.
Aston impresses again despite ringer rumblings
Sandwiched between Debbie and Alexandra in second slot on the combined scoreboard was JLS alumnus Aston Merrygold. He followed last week's stylishly reinvented foxtrot with a spicy salsa that resembled a showdance at times, it was packed with so many high-risk lifts and tricks.
Tight, slickly timed and confident, it was so good that it saw grumbles resurface on social media about Aston being a little too accomplished. If there's one thing Strictly fans love, it's the j-word: a "journey".
New head judge Shirley Ballas continues to surprise
Last week, we saw that the expert new leader of the judging panel wasn't just a stickler for technical detail but supportive, kind and encouraging too. Now we saw an emotional side to the "Queen Of Latin".
When Liverpool FC fanatic Simon Rimmer performed a waltz dedicated to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, rehearsed on the hallowed Anfield turf and set to Kop anthem You'll Never Walk Alone, Merseyside-born Ballas was visibly moved and stood to give Rimmer a hug. We never got that from Len Goodman.
La Ballas proceeded to put choreographic concerns aside and scored him a six - probably twice as many points as Rimmer's hesitant routine deserved. Sometimes, the heart rules the head. But will bloc-voting from at least half of the Scouse city be enough to save the clod-hopping chef? He'll have hope in his heart.
Jiving Jonnie Peacock was most improved performer
The Paralympic sprinter is a fierce competitor and had clearly trained hard for his Wild West jive. He swapped the prosthetic leg used in last week's waltz for a brand new blade to give extra bounce and speed. The routine suited the 24-year-old too, his black tie shyness replaced by cowboy-hatted yee-hah attitude.
Flicking, kicking, floor-sliding Peacock duly saw his score rocket from 20 points to 29. It's this sort of inspirational attitude and impressive improvement that could propel him a long way through the competition. As his colleagues sang up in the Clauditorium: go, Jonnie, go.
Limp show until the last gasp
Until Debbie McGee and Alexandra Burke came out late and stormed to the top of the standings, this year's second live show was in serious danger of damp squibness.
The couples had half as much training time this week and overall, it showed. The shaky, shonky routines from Charlotte Hawkins, Joe McFadden and Chizzy Akudolu were particularly disappointing - they were down 10, seven and five points on last week respectively.
The VTs were awkward with tenuous themes. Music from Dave Arch and his band was distractingly poor, notably the honking massacringd of Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5 and The Strokes.
Scoring was erratic, with a preposterous four-point variation on Mollie King's tango and judges' comments frequently not being reflected by their subsequent raised paddle.
A weird old episode, in short. Second week nerves seemed to be widespread.
Bruno kept his hands to himself for a change
There was controversy last week after gesticulating Bruno Tonioli went too far and fondled fellow judge Shirley Ballas' breast while commenting on Alexandra Burke's touchy-feely tango.
So there were sharp intakes of breath this week when the Italian stallion excitedly demonstrated Mollie King's tango moves by waving his arms around and again looming over his neighbour Shirley.
This time, however, Bruno turned to presenter Tess Daly in mock innocence and, with a knowing twinkle, yelled: "I did not touch anything!" Quite right too.
Who'll be the first celebrity sent home?
After the first two weekends' scores were combined, joint bottom of the standings stood newsreader Charlotte Hawkins, whose cha cha cha was "dance dis-ah-ster" - sadly, not just according to Craig Revel Horwood - and rocking vicar Reverend Richard Coles.
The disco clergyman's whole-hearted efforts, waspish wit and sheer entertainment value should be enough to keep him in. Think Ed Balls in a clerical collar.
This means that Simon Rimmer, Brian Conley, Ruth Langsford and even Chizzy Akudolu could be in dance-off danger. The results show airs Sunday at 7.15pm on BBC One, so please join us back on the liveblog then. And until then, you know what to do: keeeeeeeep dancing!
Join former Strictly Come Dancing stars Kristina Rihanoff and Ian Waite for Waltzing down the Danube, a wonderful eight-day cruise into the artistic highlights of the river and watch a private ballroom dance in the Palais Liechtenstein by Rihanoff and Waite. Book now at telegraph.co.uk/tt- waltzingdanube
Saturday night, dance-by-dance
Here's your full recap of the week two action...
And the voting lines are...
Drum roll... wind machine... Open! As the routines are recapped and the credits roll on-screen, stay with us for analysis, reaction and the best of your comments.
Alexandra and Gorka's paso doble
A romantic waltz last week. Now can the singer find her inner senorita? Bare-chested Gorka the corka "for the laydeez". Skirt-swishing from La Burke and some fierce shapes. High-speed, dramatic, passionate, lacking a little classic Spanish shaping but she's very good indeed. Phew.
Music: Ven a Bailar by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
Judges' verdict: A standing ovation from the judges - even Craig, after some Tess-prompting. Darcey says "Oh my God, the strength, the drama, expressive musicality, it whisked me away and took my breath away". Shirley says "you can shift your weight, which will serve you well. Amazing content, fierce and fearless, loved it". Bruno says "you took me with you every step of the way". No time for a Craig comment, sadly.
Judges' scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a leaderboard-topping total of 36 points.
Davood and Nadiya's quickstep
First quickstep of the series from EastEnders beefcake Kush and the new Ukrainian pro. A fast, rocky tune and a routine to match. Pink plaid-clad librarians throw off their specs to skip around the dancefloor. He rips off her skirt Bucks Fizz-style, then tears open his shirt to reveal a black sparkly vest. They finish up on the desk. Great routine, if a little unrelated to the quickstep at times.
Music: Last Nite by The Strokes.
Judges’ verdict: "A fast and furious race straight to the bedroom," leers Bruno. "Rough but you get down to it. Love your passion, just bring a bit more elegance." Craig says "illegal lift, lacked a little style but incredible energy". Darcey says "light, spirited, impressive but keep that energy out of the upper body". Shirley says "too much messing about, didn't get it, you could be a frontrunner so let the man dance".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Same as last week and fourth so far.
Debbie and Giovanni's Viennese waltz
Last week's surprise star and major talking point. Paso doble queen Debbie high-kicked her way to second on the scoreboard. Now she's going from passion to romance. Another balletic high-kick in the opening section, then into hold for some dizzying spins around the floor. Floaty, light and dreamy. Graceful arms, great timing and a hug rather than a smooch to end this time. Gorgeous. Another huge hit.
Music: She’s Always A Woman by Billy Joel
Judges’ verdict: "Absolutely beautiful and a respectful routine from you, Giovanni". "Such grace and beauty," coos Bruno. "A-may-zing!" says Craig. Darcey concludes "ease, effortless, gorgeous".
Judges' scores: 8. 9, 9, 8 for a total of 34 points. First nines of the series and top of the leaderboard. Now that's magic.
Jonnie and Oti's jive
See what they've done with the song choice? *eye roll* He's dancing on a new blade, rather than his prosthetic leg like last week. Cowboy theme, some neat hat-ography and plenty of bounce. Flicks, kicks. Needs a little more retraction but pacy, lots of content and some floor-slides to finish. Yee-hah indeed.
Music: Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry
Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "wow, cowboy Jonnie, stamina and extra details, clean kickball changes, fearless and fabulous". Shirley says "kicks and flicks were outstanding, great body position, fantastic". Bruno says "if it looks good, it feels good - and trust me, you're good". Craig says "slight hesitation on the backstep on your blade, need more focus and energy in your arms - but brilliant".
Judges' scores: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Second on the leaderboard. Go, Jonnie, go.
Mollie and AJ's tango
In training, Mollie's been adopting the fierce character of “Tallulah the tango queen” to get into the zone. Fancy black-and-white photography effect to open, with Mollie's red dress the only flash of colour. Lacks a little bite and staccato but plenty of stalking around the floor and sharp head-turns. Not bad at all, Tallulah. Fireworks to finish. Bravo.
Music: Addicted To Love by Tina Turner, covering Robert Palmer's 80s classic
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "there was an illegal lift but it had attack and intent". Darcey says "passion, focus, clipped moves, great posture, just stop wiggling those little shoulders". Shirley was "impressed, good frame, soften the knees but that's the best tango we've seen so far". Bruno says "sparkle, connection with your partner, but hold the poses, don't wobble".
Judges' scores: 4, 6, 8, 7 for a total of 25 points. Erratic scoring but third on the leaderboard so far.
Simon and Karen's waltz
Liverpool FC fans may find something in their eye here - and hopefully not just at Simon's footwork. Lots of walking around and takes an age to get into hold, then improves slightly. A little hesitant, lacking rise and fall but fireworks and a floorspin for a rousing finish.
Music: You’ll Never Walk Alone by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "you scrub up well, started well but then an accident happened". Craig says "a real shame, showed promise, I felt for you, you were too busy concentrating to perform". Darcey says "intent, focus, but the emotion came over you". Shirley - a Merseysider herself - gives Simon a hug, wells up and says "that piece of music means so much to so many, you felt that today and it was very moving".
Judges' scores: 4, 4, 6, 5 for a total of 19 points - same as Brian Conley.
Ruth and Anton's charleston
Can she conquer last week's opening night nerves and haul herself off the bottom of the scoreboard? Chic Louise Brookes bob wig, period feel, no swivel but Anton's dancing his socks off to make up for her shortcomings. She looks more relaxed, like she's actually enjoying herself . Some character, synchronisation tightened up towards the end. Lumpen at times, bad posture but plucky effort.
Music: The Charleston by Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "100% better, great routine, stayed on-time, nailed it". Bruno calls her "a right flapper, not perfect but great improvement". Craig says "it needed 80% more energy and was limp, lame and lacklustre". Boo. Darcey says "enjoyment, confidence, believe in yourself and come back even stronger".
Judges' scores: 3, 5, 6, 6 for a total of 20 points. Four more than last week. Will it be enough to make Ruth safe?
Rev Richard and Dianne's American smooth
First American smooth of series from "Beauty and the priest". A theme of long-distance love between the hemispheres. It's not especially smooth, stumbling footwork and balance but charmingly whole-hearted from the Rev. Petals fall. I fear his scores might too.
Music: Love Really Hurts Without You by Billy Ocean
Judges’ verdict: "Lumpy," grimaces Darcey. "Lacked glamour but you're caring, the focus was divine, I'll never bore of watching you." Shirley says he has an "ear for music and was entertaining". Bruno also damns him with faint praise while Craig says "the falling petals had more grace".
Judges' scores: 3, 4, 5, 5 for a total of 17 points. Five points and two places off the bottom.
Gemma and Alijaz's waltz
Gemma says she's a tomboyish Northern lass but now she needs to tap into her inner lady. Classic outfits and a gorgeous romantic feel. Proper music too. Her footwork and frame falters at times but the mood is spot-on. Floor spin and a rotating pivot to finish. Lovely.
Music: Un Giorno Per Noi (A Time For Us) by Josh Groban, from Zefirelli’s Romeo & Juliet.
Judges’ verdict: Craig says "an improvement, got lost in the spin but nice rise and fall, really enjoyed it". Darcey says "classy, elegant, controlled, the hard work has paid off". Shirley says "huge improvement, beautiful footwork and hit the timing, very impressive". Bruno says "stylish indeed, so much better, believe in yourself you've got it all within, so be yourself and let it flow". Sixes and sevens?
Judges' scores: 6, 6, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Six up on last week and second place so far.
Brian and Amy's cha cha
Joint bottom last week but a cheeky cha cha should suit the contest's senior gent. He's sporting more sparkle than Blackpool illuminations. Lots of disco, rather less cha-cha, but some good kicks towards the end, even a moonwalk and lots of facial expression. Entertaining, if not technically on-point.
Music: Shake Your Groove Thing by Peaches and Herb
Judges’ verdict: Bruno purrs "Saturday Night Fever and a little influenza, footwork got stuck in the 70s but great entertainment". Craig says "stompy, no hip action, timing was out". Darcey says "lively, bright, had attitude, free arms, loved the homage to the 70s". Shirley concludes "entertaining but don't be afraid of the technical aspects, know your timing and choreography inside out".
Judges' scores: 3, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 19 points - three more than last week. "Don't patronise me, Aston," yells Brian on the Clauditorium.
Joe and Katya's tango
The Scots actor was a surprise package last week, jiving to third spot on the leaderboard. Now he gets serious with a tartan McTango. Spends far too much time rummaging in a wardrobe to start. Lost his way and Katya took over leading. Terrible version of the song too.
Music: Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "took too long to get going and lost your frame". Bruno says "glide, don't skip, messy, all impetus and no control" Craig says "too much energy in the wrong places and your thumbs was up, which is my pet hate. You can do better." Darcey issues some encouraging platitudes. Oh McDear. A misfiring Highland fling.
Judges' scores: 5, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 22 points. Generous. Same as Susan.
Charlotte and Brendan's cha cha
Cha-cha-Charlotte brings the disco sass, looking great in silver tassels. Brendan's in a white suit with "hevage". No chemistry between them or cheeky attitude. Stiff, mistake-riddled and stilted. Quite a pedestrian, even dull routine.
Music: Sugar by Maroon 5
Judges’ verdict: "Such a shame," says Darcey. "You made a mistake, lost focus, you need to create a character to get over your fears." Shirley says: "My heart goes out to you. I couldn't find any technical elements. Needed a simpler routine." Charlotte looks teary. Brendan defends her - and himself, naturally. Bruno says "a bad day, not your dance." Craig says "a complete dance dis-ah-ster, darling". Oh dear. Twos and threes?
Judges' scores: 2, 4, 3, 3 for a total of 12 points - rock bottom.
Susan and Kevin's charleston
The character of this dance should suit the Scottish comic, not to mention Kevin from Grimsby. Courtroom theme and too much messin' abaht to start, then into a cheeky routine with lots of side-by-side synchronisation. Not enough bounce or swivel but bags of fun and character. Also, the first "literal song choice" klaxon of the evening. Lift to finish. Susan's exhausted.
Music: If You Knew Susie by Enoch Light and The Charleston City All-Stars
Judges' verdict: "No swivel, darling," drawls Craig. Darcey said "you made it your own and sold it". Shirley says "bright, entertaining and synchronised, I loved it". Bruno says "you're having much too much fun, it was like Pan's People gone demented, need sharper footwork".
Judges's scores: 3, 6, 7 (blimey), 6 for a total of 22 points. Generous. A two-point improvement on last week.
Aston and Janette's salsa
The pocket rockets and last week's pace-setters perform the first salsa of the series. Slightly random glamping-at-a-festival theme, then into a spicy and rhythmic routine with some spectacular slides, spins and lifts. Janette's doing a lot more dancing than Aston - until a hip-shaking side-by-side section. Big spinning lift to finish, not entirely comfortable but for week two, that's impressive.
Music: Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber.
Judges’ verdict: Bruno's "eyes were on stalks, almost perfection but the last lift wasn't balanced". Craig says: "You missed your grip, wobbly dismount and lacked figure-of-eight hip rotation - but it had rhythm, timing, a-may-zing performance." Darcy says "a tight, compact salsa, kept your cool, oh my". Shirley "loved it, couple of stumbles but hey-ho, work on your sickle feet". Eights a-coming?
Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 9 for a total of 32 points - one more than last week.
Chizzy and Pasha's foxtrot
First out is the Holby City firecracker. After last week's disco cha cha, Chizzy needs to be less fizzy. Husband-and-wife storytelling, full of sass, not bad but outshone by her swishy skirt.
Music: I’m A Woman from Leiber and Stoller's ‘Smokey Joe’s Café’
Judges’ verdict: Shirley says: "Disappointing, lumpy, needed sophistication." Bruno: "Too sassy, too soon." Craig: "More foxtrot, less musical theatre." Darcey patronises her with: "At least it had performance value and enthusiasm."
Judges' scores: 3, 5, 4, 4 for a total of 16 points. Dance-off danger?
Time to meet our Strictly stars
Lots of fancy dress: straw boaters, cowboy hats, knotted pink blouses, more sparkle than an explosion in a sequin factory during the annual Christmas dinner-dance.
Give us a twirl, Shirl
Here come the panel, led by new head judge Shirley Ballas in slinky black.
Frockwatch
Tess Daly in an ivory off-the-shoulder jumpsuit. Claudia Winkleman in a lacy black slinky frock. Claudia wins.
Roll new-look credits
Davood Ghadami waggles his ample eyebrows! Susan Calman fans herself! Brian Conley give the thumbs up! But will viewers and judges give him the thumbs down again tonight?
And we're off!
Deploy recap! Deploy sweaty training room footage! Deploy inter-changeable jeopardy-building quotes from the celebrities!
Last week's winners and losers
Aston Merrygold topped the leaderboard with his stylish foxtrot - with Debbie McGee just one point behind after her high-kicking paso doble. Brian Conley and Ruth Langsford were joint bottom, with Simon Rimmer not far ahead. That trio could be in dance-off danger. Just five minutes to wait...
Will Ruth Langsford be fit to dance?
The daytime TV presenter and leaderboard propper-upper pulled a hamstring in training this week, meaning she missed yesterday's rehearsal. Ruth reckoned she'd be OK to take part tonight but we'll soon see for sure. Ten minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune...
Variety is the spice of Strictly
There will be 11 different dances between the 15 couples tonight, including the first American smooth, charleston, quickstep and salsa of the series. It should be a twinkle-toed cracker. 15 minutes until showtime...
Who'll be the first celebrity thrown on the sparkly scrapheap?
Yes, it's the first elimination weekend of Strictly 2017, with our 15 pro-celebrity couples taking to the floor for the second time and dancing for survival.
They had two weeks to rehearse last week's routine. This time, they've had half as long. So who will rise to the occasion and who will wilt under the glitterball?
It's a two-hour show, with last week's scores carried over, added to tonight's and viewers' first chance to vote for their favourites.
Ballroom battle commences at 6.45pm on BBC One. I'm Michael, the Telegraph's Strictly correspondent, and I'll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and gratuitous gags, so do join me and watch along with this blog.
And please join in too - you can email me on michael.hogan@ telegraph.co.uk, tweet me on @michaelhogan or leave comments at the bottom of this blog. I'll keep an eye on them all and report the highlights here.
Nearly time to staaaaart eliminating!