Strictly Come Dancing: week two results – as it happened

Thanks for watching along with me, fleckerl fans. Our 14 surviving pro-celebrity pairs now progress to the annual feast of fancy dress that is Movie Week – with guest mentor Cynthia Erivo from off of Wicked joining the filmic fun.

The third live show airs at next Saturday at 6.05pm on BBC1. Meet you back here to whoop at the trailers and weep at the endings. In the meantime, you know the drill by now: keeeeeeep dancing! Nighty night.

If you’ll indulge me for a moment, just a quick plug for your loyal liveblogger’s debut novel: a canine-themed cosy crime affair called The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency. It’s published on Thursday 9th October by Penguin Michael Joseph, or available for preorder now. There’s £1 off the RRP via the Guardian bookshop.

Any sparkly support gratefully received. This advertisement feature now ends and normal service resumes. Let’s never speak of this again. Bosh?

A swift straw poll of your comments. jdeery says “What were the BBC thinking? Amy survived cancer and all the horrors that brings, then they land her with Thomas Skinner on her return. Surely not too much to ask to give her a partner with some chance of getting through the first few shows.”

Smoggie 76 says: “Aw, Amy, those words floored me. Think a lot of emotion of the last few years came out there.”

TheMathDiva adds “Right result tonight. I didn’t see Tom’s ‘dance’ last night, but watching him in the dance-off was an experience I’m glad to have suffered only once. Sad for the lovely Amy, but she summed it up nicely. There are a lot of things she has to be grateful for and in the greater scheme of things not winning the glitterball is no biggie.”

TV viewers can now stay on BBC1 for Antiques Roadshow, flick to Channel 4 for Educating Yorkshire or head to BBC4 for South Asian Music at the BBC. At 9pm, Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker star in new drama Frauds on ITV1 or there’s Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip on BBC2.

Fairly slim pickings film-wise but tonight’s highlights are Up Close & Personal (9pm on Great TV), Batman Begins (10.20pm on ITV1) or Walk the Line (10.50pm on BBC2).

It’s a shame to see Amy Dowden out of the contest so soon. The much-loved Welsh wonder isn’t just a rare home-grown talent among the female pros but she has no luck whatsoever. When she’s not saddled with the oldest male celebrity (see Brian Conley and Danny John-Jules), she’s benched or eliminated unexpectedly early (see Tom Fletcher and James Bye).

The high point of her eight years on the show was reaching the 2019 final with Karim Zeroual. Last year, her partner JB Gill went all the way but poor Amy didn’t. She was forced to withdraw with an injury midway through the series and replaced by Lauren Oakley. This time, she was paired with the unpromising Thomas Skinner but taught him with typical grace and generosity. She’d been nursing a heavy cold all week, just to make her thankless task even trickier.

Dowden deserves better. That’s even before you factor in her struggles with breast cancer and chronic Crohn’s disease. Yet she remains refreshingly upbeat and retains her sense of perspective. As she wisely pointed out in her exit speech: “Happiness, health and being alive are more important than anything.” Too true, Amy. And better luck next year.

Taxi for Bosh Spice! Strictly producers might be secretly pleased that the show’s uneasy foray into the culture wars has come to a natural early end. Eyebrows were raised when Thomas Skinner’s signing was unveiled. The Maga hat-wearing Apprentice alumnus and mate of JD Vance didn’t seem terribly on-brand for the cosy ballroom contest. His casting instead felt designed to counter accusations of liberal bias. A backlash was soon brewing.

The proud Essex geezer, pillow salesman, greasy spoon enthusiast and right-wing provocateur sparked a slew of lurid headlines during his short stint – mostly about unedifying marital or business scandals. The incident where he petulantly snatched a female reporter’s phone and stormed out of a promotional event rang further alarm bells. Rather than ratings gold, this polarising figure felt like a PR disaster waiting to happen.

Most importantly, though, he was no kind of dancer. He looked lumpen during the launch show group dance. His paso doble was all Trump-style pouting and toddler-style stomping. Last night’s salsa was equally low on actual hoofing. Skinner might have lost a stone but that unflattering Bacofoil costume didn’t do him many favours either. There was optimistic talk of him being “a ballroom boy” but he didn’t last long enough to see. He got a two from Craig both weeks, scoring 16 and 13 – the second lowest combined total in the contest.

Unlike Ross King, he wasn’t warm or likeable enough to garner sufficient viewer votes. There were theories that BBC bashers could mobilise to keep him in and teach the “libs” a lesson. That didn’t come to pass. As soon as the public had their say, Skinner was sent packing. With regret, he’s fired. OK, without much regret. Bye, Tommy bosh. He’s gone from boardroom to ballroom to first bus home.

Chris Robshaw won’t be the only one mopping his brow. Lowest scorer Ross King dodged a bullet. Perhaps he successfully mobilised the Scottish vote with his Highland VT, kilt and Proclaimers song choice. The Hollywood reporter will be delighted to make it to Movie Week, which was his stated aim when he signed up.

However, both need to show serious improvement next week or they’ll soon be edging towards the Elstree exit doors.

As the eliminated pair take a final twirl around the ballroom to Easy by The Commodores, the credits roll and the other couples crowd in to commiserate. Please stay with us for analysis and reaction.

His pro partner Amy Dowden says, with a wobbly lip: “I’ve got to know the real Tom and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve worked so hard and laughed so much. A glitterball would’ve been amazing but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything. I’ve made a friend for life and I wouldn’t change a thing. There is a ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do ballroom but the last three years as you know have been quite difficult for me. I lost all confidence as a dancer - but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back. Honestly, thank you.”

Aww, Amy. Beautifully said. I may have something in my eye.

In his exit interview, Thomas Skinner tells Tess: “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before and my stay was short but Amy’s amazing. I can’t really dance that well but I’ve had great fun. Thank you, Amy. Sorry that we ain’t done too good, because you’re a different class.”

Well said. And not one mention of the b-word (bosh).

No split decision to start the series, so the new rotating casting vote isn’t needed. However, Motsi Mabuse – who this week was the judge with the deciding vote – says she would also have saved Chris and Nadiya.

The Apprentice alumnus is fired. He becomes the first celebrity to depart the 2025 dancefloor. What a load of old tut, as Lord Sugar might say.

Chris and Nadiya, saying “rhey had more polish and technique”.

Chris and Nadiya, saying “just because of better quality”.

Chris and Nadiya, saying “they had better flow than yesterday”.

Over to the panel. Three of the judges scored Chris’s Viennese waltz a point more than Thomas’ salsa last night, while Shirley Ballas gave them both a four.

Chris Robshaw and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova now have another go at their Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The judges said last night it was better than week one but he needed to work on his posture, pivoting and fluidity.

It scored 16 points, three more than Thomas and Amy, so surely he just needs to get through it without any dance dis-ah-sters.

Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden reprise their salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden. The judges said last night that he resembled a fairground strongman in Skegness and needed more salsa content.

It notched 13 points, three less than Chris and Nadiya, so he’ll need to show improvement – and perhaps pray that Chris makes some glaring mistakes.

Thomas and Amy will also dance again for survival. They were last night’s lowest scorers, second from bottom on the combined leaderboard and haven’t been saved by viewer votes.

Chris and Nadiya are consigned to the dreaded dance-off. He was third from bottom, both on the night and overall, so can’t complain too hard.

Now to find out who’s doomed for the dance-off.

Up to the Clauditorium again for the return of the feature formerly known as Len’s Lens. Nice to hear dear old Mr Goodman getting a shout-out from Anton last night. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Musical performance now from Swedish singer-songwriter Zara Larsson, performing her recent single Midnight Sun.

Michelle Tsiakkas and Carlos Gu provide choreographic accompaniment.

La Voix says she wasn’t doing full ballroom frame in week one, so it “looks like I’ve had a journey”.They’re dancing to Mary Poppins next week.

More balcony badinage now. Ross King is dancing a Thunderbirds paso doble next week. Very good, m’lady. Amber Davies is dancing to the Sound Of Music. Yodel-ay-oo indeed.

Ross King is safely through to Movie Week. He was bottom of the scoreboard, so that’s a surprise.

A group number from the professional troupe now. It’s a magical contemporary ballroom number, set to Ordinary by Alex Warren, led by Jowita Przystał and Nikita Kuzmin.

In a continuing bid for the yoof vote, he’s dancing to K-Pop Demon Hunters next week. Which will mean precisely zilch to anyone over 25.

A moment of confusion there, as Claudia thinks Jojo eats raw mince for lunch. Don’t worry, it’s actually mints. Alex Kingston and the minty-fresh pro are dancing to The Devil Wears Prada next week.

Ellie Goldstein will be doing a Barbie Movie routine next week. Think pink.

La Winkle welcomes the six (so far) relieved couples to her balcony of bantz. Vicky Pattison admits she’s walking the fine line between “canny and unhinged”. Lewis Cope is proud to inspire fellow working-class boys from Hartlepool to dance.

So are graceful giraffe Vicky Pattison, waltzing Ellie Goldstein, Lewis “Yes I can” Cope, samba queen Alex Kingston and George Clarke, the “content creator”. And that’s where Tess leaves it, the big tease.

Uh-oh, the red spotlight of risk is fired up for the first time this year. Time for tension-building… long… pauses… as we find out who’s safe. Remember to think slightly less of anyone who forgets to say thank you down the camera because they’re too busy celebrating.

Our 15 pro-celebrity couples will soon be cruelly cut to 14. Which will be the unlucky pair? At least it’ll reduce the spray tan budget.

Last night’s live action gets recapped. Super-sub Amber Davies tops the combined scoreboard! Alex Kingston and Balvinder Sopal prove the pick of the night! Stefan Dennis in a wig! Ross King in a kilt! Thomas Skinner as the world’s lowest-budget Cyberman!

Here’s our presentational dream duo, so let’s run the rule over their garms. Tess Daly is in an asymmetric pink affair. Claudia Winkleman is in an ivory silk blouse and trouser. Claud wins.

Roll recap of Saturday night’s backstage action.

Musical guest tonight is Stockholm songstress Zara Larsson, who will forever go down in Strictly history as the guest vocalist on Clean Bandit’s Symphony – soundtrack to that Bafta-winning Couple’s Choice routine by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice with stunning silent interlude.

Mere minutes now until the glittery curtain comes up…

In a format tweak for 2025, head judge Shirley Ballas won’t get the casting vote each week. Instead the judges will take it in turns.

It was announced on last night’s live show that tonight the honour goes to Motsi Mabuse. Plot twist! A mere 15 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning again…

We’re promised something spine-tingling from tonight’s group number, with pro dancers flying off into the night. Presumably it will be rather more graceful than Ann Widdecombe flying down from the balcony for her 2010 tango – a moment which saw judge Bruno Tonioli dub her “Starship Widdecombe”. Enduring image.

Just 20 minutes until we’re back in the ballroom…

Coming into this first elimination weekend, bookmakers’ odds-on favourite for the exit was Ross King. His kilt-clad waltz was a five-point improvement on last week’s wobbly cha-cha but still left him stuck to the bottom of the combined scoreboard, with just 25 points from two routines. Will the Hollywood correspondent win enough public votes to save his skin?

Thomas Skinner and Chris Robshaw were next in the betting, so it’s squeaky trouser time for them too. It’s 25 minutes until showtime…

Autumn has truly begun because Strictly Sundays are back. Yes, it’s this year’s inaugural results show. Good evening and welcome to the first nail-biting knockout from Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner. Please watch along with me as this year’s first celebrity gets packed off home with their dancing shoes barely broken in.

Following last night’s live epic, our 15 pro-celebrity pairs now wait to find out their fates. Saturday night’s judges’ scores were added to week one’s. These were then combined with the results of last night’s public vote and the bottom two couples face the first dance-off of Strictly’s 23rd series.

Ross King was left at the foot of the judges’ joint scoreboard, with Thomas Skinner second from bottom. But will voting viewers agree? If not, the likes of Chris Robshaw, Stefan Dennis or even La Voix could come into choreographic contention.

It’s results showtime at 7.15pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and pumpkin-spiced snark. So plump your sparkliest cushions and see you on the sofa.

As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is back open for dance discourse. I’ll samba-bounce down there intermittently to gauge your reaction to the show and relay your comments. So please don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.

Somebody’s Strictly journey is about to be cut short. Nearly time to staaaaaart eliminating!

That concludes Saturday’s liveblog larks. But we’ll be back right here for the first results show of the series, which airs at 7.15pm Sunday on BBC1. I’ll fire the blog back up at 6.45pm for build-up, so I hope you’ll rejoin me then. In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on Twitter, so do samba-bounce over and say hi.

Thanks for watching along with me and being such excellent company. Until tomorrow, Team Sparkle. In the meantime, it’s the family motto: keeeeeep dancing! Nighty night.

A rapid-fire round-up of your wisest and wittiest words. Phoebe says: “Claudia’s fringe is the longest I’ve ever seen it. She’ll be tripping over it if she isn’t careful. She’s having to hold her head high and look down her nose so she can actually peer out.”

Somersetlass says: “Two things I’m finding refreshing so far this year: some useful instructive critiques from the judges and far more realistic scoring. Long may it last.”

EastofStratford says: “Neil has found his niche. Cake bearer. Though I note they don’t trust him with fire or sharp things so no candles, no knives.”

emilyscatnaps adds: “Lewis’s brother gets a ticket through the ballot? Yeah, right. SOME of us, love, have put in for that ballot for TEN FECKIN’ YEARS and still haven’t been granted the opportunity to sit on an uncomfortable chair for six hours, with the added thrill of a glimpse of Dave Arch and The Wunnerfuls! (Hi Dave! Hi Wunnerfuls!).”

TV viewers can stay on BBC1 for The Weakest Link’s Radio 2 special (c’mon, Rylan and Sally Traffic) or flip to BBC2 for Grand Ole Opry Live: 100 Years of Country Music.

Then there’s true crime with The Essex Murders: Who Killed Goldfinger? (9pm on Sky Documentaries) or made-up crime with Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue (9.30pm on BBC1). At midnight, Anthony Mackie action comedy Twisted Metal arrives on BBC1.

If you’re in the market for a film, try ace French drama Rosalie (9pm on BBC4), The Taking Of Pelham 123 (9pm on 5Action), Dune (9.15pm on ITV1), National Lampoon’s Animal House (10pm on Comedy Central|) or Scarface (11.55pm on Film4).

They’re the most coveted awards in, well, this liveblog. And also my mum’s house. Here are this week’s proud gong-getters…

Best dance: A dead heat for me between Alex Kingston’s samba and Balvinder Sopal’s Charleston. Midlife women for the win.

Worst dance: Thomas Skinner’s salsa was one long tinfoil-trousered cringe.

Best music choice: Sunshine On Leith by The Proclaimers. Never not moving.

Worst music choice: Bonkers was, you guessed it, bonkers.

Best outfit: Karen Carney, Amber Davies and Balvinder Sopal’s frocks were all winners. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s trouser-bulge was also a talking point. Ahem.

Worst outfit: Thomas Crapper the Christmas turkey.

Best VT: Ellie Goldstein in the butterfly house, followed by Ross’ trip to Scotland and Amber’s to Wales.

Worst VT: The cute kids and the gratuitous nans.

Best judges’ comment: “Alright, shut your facer, the tickets were free,” said Anton after a groan-inducing gag. Honourable mention for Craig’s demented Charleston demo.

Best Claudia quip: To Lewis, whose sibling was in the studio audience: “Which brother? There are 72 of them.”

When tonight’s scores are added to last week’s, Amber Davies tops the joint leaderboard, with Lewis Cope in second spot. Triumph of the super-subs with dance experience.

Ross King is way down at the bottom with Thomas Skinner just above. However, the viewer vote will play its part in who will dance-off for survival tomorrow night. Chris Robshaw could also be in for a nervous wait.

“Keeeeeep dancing,” chorus Tess and Claud, clasped in their usual pose. “Gather!” adds Claudia, making the judges join in. As the dancefloor dust settles, please stay with us for analysis, reaction and a round-up of your comments.

Motsi! La Mabuse gets the honour in the first results show. Plot twist! Which probably won’t make any difference!

For the first time this series. Fancy-dressed mayhem in the studio. Ginger Neil grinding on a non-plussed Winkle.

EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and new Australian pro Julian Caillon looked good last week during their disco-style samba and were another couple who seemed harshly marked. Now they perform the first Charleston of series. Vintage car, flapper outfits, kooky energy, infectious excitement and bouncing on the balls of her feet. Natural swivel action which should satisfy Craig. Lifts, spins and tricks. Balvinder’s pigeon toes were criticised last week but are working in her favour here. A kittle lumpy in parts but bags of fun, stacks of style and a crowd-pleasing climax.

Song: Been Like This by Meghan Trainor and T-Pain. Last year’s jazz-tinged doo-wop duet was built to soundtrack a Charleston. “Ooh-wee, she got that booty…”

Only the second paso of the series and something tells me it will be an improvement on Thomas Skinner’s stomp-athon last week. Content creator George Clarke and new American pro Alexis Warr finished in the top five last week and duly rose up the glitterball betting. Now he’s switching into strong, serious mode. Bondage gear for a jam-packed, powerful paso. Knee walks and aggressive stamps. Smouldering attitude but enough curved line? Full of intensity and creatively choreographed. Olé, El George!

Song: Game of Survival by Ruelle. The sort of melodramatic electro pop that you’d hear on The Traitors.

Stefan “Paul Robinson off of Neighbours” Dennis delivered a very decent foxtrot last week and now showcases off his fun side. A 1980s theme, complete with Top Of The Pops graphics and mullet wig worthy of early Ramsay Street. Colourful choreography by Aussie pro Dianne Buswell. Cheeky feel, fast and flirty with loose hips. Knee-slide, floor work and tricks up his neon sleeve. A distinct lack of Cuban feel and too much walking around but decent timing.

Song: Give It Up by KC & The Sunshine Band. The second week running that they’ve appeared on the Strictly playlist. Is Dave Arch on commission? This comeback hit topped the UK charts for three weeks in summer 1983.

After opening the series with a samba, the rugby player gets his first taste of ballroom. It might just suit his height and physique. Gliding and sweeping across the floor. Romance and drama. He needs to take control and lead Nadiya Bychkova more, so they move as one, but strong and attentive partnering. Natural and reverse turns, standing spins, dizzying twirls. Lacking a little easy elegance but much improved.

Song: Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Last year’s soaring, 70s-style soul-meets-soft rock duet broke streaming records on Spotify and topped the charts in 30 countries.

She overcame her nerves last week to deliver a respectable cha cha which took Vicky Pattison into the top half of the leaderboard. Now she’s going from “Turbo sloth” stroke “Angry badger” to “Graceful giraffe” for this foxtrot, soundtracked by fellow Geordie Sam Fender. It’s partner Kai Widdrington’s favourite dance, so he’s bringing out her elegant side and taking her for a spin. Sweet opening but a slight hesitation. Better once they’re into hold. Wobbles and needs to point her toes but this is rather lovely. “You absolute beauty,” says Kai at the end as she squeals with delight.

Song: Rein Me In by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean. Released this summer, this stormy, starkly arranged anthem is about self-sabotage in relationships and the male tendency to reject anyone who gets too close.

Late arrival Amber Davies turned 29 today, so can she celebrate with a storming Brazilian party dance? She finished joint second on the scoreboard last week with just 24 hours’ practice. After a full week’s training, this should be even better. A tasselled yellow frock, solo opening, high speed and bags of personality. Supple, smiley and bouncy. Pro partner Nikita Kuzmin showing her off well. Shaking, shimmying and serious oomph.

Song: Bam Bam by Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran. The 2022 Latin pop hit was hailed as “a break-up bop” and nominated for a Grammy.

Judges’ comments: Motsi says “you’re more relaxed in ballroom but musicality is an issue”. Shirley says “better than last week, work on posture and frame, bring personality and light up with love”. Anton says “most improved, super-duper, delighted for you, take bigger strides and gain confidence”. Craig concludes “too cautious and erring on the side of dull, lacked movement but loved the sentiment, keep going, darling”. “I’m the poster boy for older men who can’t dance but want to,” says Ross. Fours? A sympathy five?

Hollywood correspondent Ross King was rock bottom of the scoreboard last week with just 10 points. Odds-on favourite to go home first, can he defy the odds and save his skin with a romantic waltz? Emotional Highland VT and kilt costume. Slow, stately and a smidge unsteady. Walking rather than dancing some of the time. Polish pocket rocket Jowita Przystal is doing the leading here but there’s rise, fall and flow if you look hard enough. Not gliding or graceful enough on his feet but sweet as a Tunnock’s teacake.

Song: Sunshine on Leith by The Proclaimers. The bespectacled folk-rock duo’s heartfelt ballad has become the unofficial terrace anthem of their beloved Hibernian FC and a firm favourite at Scottish funerals. My heart is broken. Sorrow, sorrow… Stop it, you’ll set me off.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, did some impressive press-ups with partner Karen Hauer standing on his back at the crescendo of last week’s spicy cha-cha. No such gimmicks this time. Both in checked trousers for a sparkling quickstep. The speed and tempo should suit the Olympic sprinter. Side-by-side good, a footwork fumble but frothy fun and packed with content. Perhaps lacking a little smoothness. He needs to be still on top and fast below. Razzle dazzle but timing issues and a little lumpy.

Song: Everybody Needs Somebody to Love by The Blues Brothers. The 60s R&B song was memorably covered by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the 1980 cult comedy *dons sunglasses*.

The Apprentice’s ruddy-cheeked Essex chappie finished in the bottom three last week with his Trump-pouting paso. Now Thomas Crapper, sorry, Skinner attempts the first salsa of the series. Pro partner Amy Dowden’s been suffering with a heavy cold all week. Poor Amy doesn’t have much luck, either in health or partners. Sparkly vest, silver slacks, tango tan and a DJ opening. His hips looks creaky and this is ropy. Party feel but his protruding bum is distracting. Spectacular lifts (“Up in the air? Bosh!”) including a head-banger and taking risks but facial expressions a little off-putting. Not much salsa, too much disco and most of it in the air.

Song: Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden. The 2009 hip-house chart-topper became a festival anthem and Dizzee performed it at the opening ceremony of London 2012. Halcyon days.

Ellie G dances to Ellie G. Some viewers were worried by Ellie Goldstein looking exhausted and emotional in the Clauditorium last week but the model and Malory Towers actress denied she was upset. She’s sweetly channelling a Disney princes for this floaty waltz with pro partner Vito Coppola playing the Prince Charming role. Elegant, smooth and light. Controlling her natural energy and enthusiasm well. Lovely storytelling. Petals fall. Magical.

Song: Your Song by Ellie Goulding. Her tender, fluttery cover of the Elton John classic was featured in the 2010 John Lewis Christmas advert. She also performed it at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding for their first dance. Sadly, everyone was too busy talking about Pippa’s bum to notice.

Many thought that actor Alex Kingston and beloved pro Johannes Radebe were undermarked for last week’s Viennese waltz. Now she’s shaking and shimmying in a flamenco-style orange tie-dyed dress. Fan-ography to start. Colourful Rio carnival feel, rhythmical and wiggly. Putting in lots of basics for Shirley Ballas, aka the Queen Of Latin. Needs more freedom and bounce. Stumble at the midway mark but brilliant musicality and seriously fun times.

Song: La Bamba by Connie Francis. The late New Jersey songstress died aged 87 this summer. This is her version of the Mexican folk song made famous by Ritchie Valens in the 50s and Los Lobos in the 80s.

Emmerdale alumnus Lewis Cope finished second on last week’s leaderboard for his firecracker jive. Now he’s slowing it down and deploying his acting skills in a romantic ballroom number. Moody black-and-red styling, dramatic start with some messin’ abaht in a cage, then into hold. This is his first time and it suits him. Technique, control and flow. He’s a natural dancer, leading partner Katya Jones well as they float around the floor. A few fumbles and stumbles but strong finish. Boldly choreographed and a cool take.

Song: Lose Control by Teddy Swims. The 2023 soul ballad by the American artist whose full name is Edwardian Swimmingtrunks (NB: might not be 100% true). This soppy sleeper hit took a record-breaking eight months to climb to the top of the US chart.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink proved a pleasant surprise last week, changing the narrative of footballers being dancefloor flops by quickstepping to fourth on the leaderboard. Can he keep up the standard after that strong start? Great Cuban setting, plenty of groove and hip action. Hat swapping. Wiggles and shimmies. Decent straight leg action but a little stiff, plodding and hesitant in places. Spicy fun, though.

Song: I Heard it Through the Grapevine by Santa Esmeralda. The French disco group’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s 60s Motown soul classic. For those of a certain vintage, it will forever be associated with Nick Kamen whipping off his Levi 501s in a launderette.

Karen Carney’s show-stopping jive last week made her the first footballer to top the Strictly scores since John Barnes 18 years ago. Now the pressure is on for the pace-setting Lioness. She’s been having trouble with the tango technique, partly down to her curved spin condition, and wearing a posture aid in training. Red frilly feathered frock and plenty of attack. Needs to keep her shoulders down. Slow, stalking promenades. Sharp turns and staccato movements. A touch of gapping but great mood. Lacking clean finish points, a footwork wobble but full of style and sizzle.

Song: Training Season by Dua Lipa. The Abba-esque 2024 Eurodisco number sees Dua Lipa chiding bad dates and detailing her romantic demands. Training season’s over, you see.

The silk-scarfed newsreader pops up on La Winkle’s balcony to read out the voting small print. Online only, what’s the world coming to? They’ll be using “apps” or “ChatGPT” next

The drag queen and Aljaž Škorjanec’s American smooth last week was super-camp, impressively dynamic and featured a malfunctioning fairground horse. Now she needs to keep it compact and high energy. She brings humour to her routines but does she have stamina to handle the pace? Rather ill-fitting Latin theme, takes too long to start jiving and little stop-start. Often more tango-ish than jive. Press-ups seems to be a trend this season. Lacking bounce, energy and speed. Disappointing for me.

Song: Objection (Tango) by Shakira. The first song that the Colombian singer wrote in English, after being encouraged to do so by no less than Gloria Estefan, is about a love triangle and was widely compared to the B-52s. Tin roof! Rusted!

Our 15 couples come out for welcome waves. Fancy dress includes frills, florals, corsages, hats, wigs and Thomas Skinner in a pair of Bacofoil slacks. Sweaty gusset alert.

The paddle-raising quartet of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas are in the building. Cue discotheque rug-cutting and the usual synchronised sit-down. But in the wrong chairs. With Anton arriving late.

Here come our hostesses with the mostesses, so time for the customary fashion face-off. Tess Daly is in a red velvet tux. Claudia Winkleman in a sparkly black one. A rare win for Tess?

Have you got a favourite bit of the new-look title sequence yet? Harry’s he-vage? The Aussie couple’s kangaroo hops? La Voix shoving Aljaž out of shot?

After finishing rock bottom of the week one scoreboard with just 10 points, poor old Ross King is still odds-on bookies’ favourite for the first elimination. Thomas Skinner is tipped to face him in the dance-off. Just behind are Chris Robshaw and Stefan Dennis.

Can the four fellas raise their hoofing game? Five minutes until we hear that ba-ba-da theme tune…

It’s been confirmed that next week’s film-themed special is upping the star wattage with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo returning as guest judge. She’ll also be a “guest mentor” to the couples, giving them tips on how to inhabit their characters and raise their performance levels. Presumably by painting their face green and “holding space”.

Just 10 minutes left on the choreographic countdown, campers.

Tonight’s 15 routines are an eclectic mix with only a few overlaps. We’ll see 11 different dance styles, including two sambas, two waltzes, two cha-chas and two Viennese waltzes.

We will also be treated to the first salsa, tango and Charleston of the series. A mere 15 minutes until the glitterball starts spinning…

Tick them off when you spot them on-screen! Take a drink for each! Enjoy a kitchen disco and annoy the neighbours! Here’s your 10-point spotter’s checklist for tonight:

• An in-house face from a fellow BBC show pops up on the balcony to read out the voting Ts&Cs

• Head judge Shirley Ballas whips out her tiny Victorian ghost-child’s shoes

• Couple get a rousing ovation and Tess exclaims “They’re on their feet!”

• Celebrity plays the nan/cute kid/dog/crying card in blatant bid for votes

• Female pro barking instructions to male celeb all the way through their routine

• Zeitgeisty reference to Taylor Swift’s new album/Celebrity Traitors

• Dance-off is described as “dreaded” and its mere mention gets an “ooh!” from studio audience

• Overlong plug for spin-off show It Takes Two/a BBC podcast/social media account

• Mention of “comfort zone” or “showcasing a different side of myself”

• Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell bang on about being Team Aussie. We get it, ya flamin’ galahs

Last-minute replacement Amber Davies aside, the class of 2025 had two weeks to learn their first dance. This time, it was just a week but they still need to show improvement.

Last Saturday saw scores range from 2s to 8s. A huge 20-point gap opened up between the top and bottom of the leaderboard. Just 20 minutes until the shimmery curtain comes up…

Sorry, wrong show. But Strictly viewers can have their say for the first time tonight. Remember the phone vote has been dropped, so voting is now online-only. You’ll just need to register for a BBC account, if you haven’t got one already, then sign in and you’re good to go all series.

Last week’s will be combined with tonight’s and the viewer vote, before the bottom two couples dance-off for survival in tomorrow’s inaugural results show.

Male celebrities occupied the bottom three spots on the opening scoreboard, with Ross King, Thomas Skinner and Chris Robshaw all in danger. They’ll need to raise their games tonight to secure safety. It’s 25 minutes until choreographic kick-off…

Buckle up, ballroom fans, because Strictly is about to get serious – and viewers will get their say for the first time. Good evening and welcome to the first elimination weekend of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. I’m Michael, your cyber dance partner for tonight’s action. You are cordially invited to watch along with me as we go live for the second time this year.

After last week’s inaugural live show, our 15 pro-celebrity pairs will hit the Elstree Studios floor once again. Sure, there will be fewer first-night nerves. However, they’ve had half the training time and the stakes are higher, with the first departure from the dancefloor looming.

That’s right, 15 will soon become 14. Last week’s scores will be carried over and combined with tonight’s. Add in the first public vote, then the bottom two couples will hoof for survival on Sunday night. So who’ll be consigned to this year’s first dreaded dance-off? And who’ll be sent home with the sparkly-handled wooden spoon of shame?

It’s showtime at 6.20pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 5.50pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis, reaction and glittery gags. So draw the curtains on Storm Amy (Dowden), slip into your cosiest dancing slippers and I’ll see you on the sofa.

As always, I’d love to hear from you too. You can tweet me @michaelhogan, contact me on Bluesky or Threads @michaelhogan100, email me michael.hogan.freelance@guardian.co.uk and the comments section below is back open for ballroom business. I’ll matador knee-walk down there every now and again to gauge your reactions and report on your comments, so please do share your thoughts.

We’re about get down to proper ballroom business. Nearly time to staaaaaart dancing for survival!