Peter Andre steps up performance to lead Strictly Come Dancing

Updated

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.

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 Andre "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, Andre 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.

In an evening of contrasts last night, former athlete Iwan Thomas and Ola Jordan did their best to cha cha cha to LMFAO's Sexy And I Know It. But 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.

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott had a good night with partner Natalie Lowe. Their lively salsa to Don't Touch My Tomatoes by Josephine Baker scored 26 points.

Broadcaster Jeremy Vine's enthusiasm was infectious. The American smooth he performed with partner Karen was given 17 points.

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.

And boxer Anthony Ogogo 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," Goodman decided. The panel all agreed, awarding 19 points for the waltz.

BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was one Strictly contestant to up her performance level from last week. The 53-year old's American smooth with partner Pasha Kovalev earned 20 points.

Glamour arrived in the shape of TV presenter Anita Rani. Her vivacious Charleston with new professional Gleb Savchenko won praise and a score of 27 points.

Former Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote and new professional Giovanni Pernice 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 judges. Head judge Goodman instructed: "There was not one heel lead throughout that waltz. You've got to drive through."

Genial Irish singer Daniel O"Donnell and partner Kristina Rihanoff danced a cheeky Charleston to Let's Misbehave by Cole Porter. Judge Bussell said "I was not expecting that." The 53-year-old earned 23 points for his week two routine.

Call The Midwife actress Helen George and Aljaz Skorjanec 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," but her week two dance scored 29 points.

Pop star Jay McGuiness and Strictly professional Aliona Vilani performed a dreamy waltz and secured 31 points. The 25-year-old brought out this joke from Goodman. "As you moved across the floor, I thought: Jay's fluid!"

If you want to keep your eyes on a performer with potential, look no further than broadcaster Katie Derham who scored 28 points for her dramatic tango with Strictly stalwart Anton du Beke.

EastEnders star Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton 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.

TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher and Brendan Cole performed a surprisingly stiff salsa to Ricki Lee's U Wanna A Little Of This and the dance was given a score of 20 points.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman kept the show running smoothly and boosted any celebrities who felt down after facing the judging panel.

By the end of Sunday's results show, Strictly Come Dancing 2015 will lose its first couple. The next episode of Strictly Come Dancing airs at 7.15pm.

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