Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have topped the 'Strictly Come Dancing' leaderboard.
Ellie Leach tops Strictly leaderboard
The former 'Coronation Street' actress is currently taking part in the BBC Latin and ballroom competition alongside professional partner Vito Coppola and following their performance of the Argentine Tango to Destiny's Child hit 'Bills, Bills, Bills' on Saturday (25.11.23) attained a score of 38.
Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman, she said: "It was very serious, and it's hard to be serious when all we do is laugh. But I loved it, it was such a change from last week!"
Despite coming top of the leaderboard, their routine sparked a debate amongst the judges about what was lacking in the performance.
Anton Du Beke noted that the dance was "brilliant" but felt that it "lacked intensity", whilst Craig Revel Horwood said it "lacked intimacy" and Motsi Mabuse felt as if the routine depicted a "challenge" between a man and a woman.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "I'm with Motsi, I don't think you need to always be in each other's face. These are very, very difficult moves to do and I found that focus and that control to be absolutely outstanding."
Just one point behind Ellie and Vito on the leaderboard was 'EastEnders' actor Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, who scored 37 points for Couple's Choice to set to 'This Woman's Work', performed in memory of Bobby's late mum Jade Goody.
The 'Big Brother' legend died in 2009 at the age of 27 following a battle with cancer and after the performance, Bobby broke down in tears as his dad Jeff Brazier watched on from the studio audience.
He said: "All I can think is how blessed I am. I've got beautiful friends, I've got a beautiful family. I'm here. I've got a beautiful partner."
In third place on the leaderboard was tennis legend Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe, who scored a 36 for their Paso Doble to 'España Cañi'', whilst the lower end of the leaderboard was made up of 'Sex Education' star Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, who managed to score 34 for their American Smooth to 'Bjork classic It's Oh So Quiet.
'Casualty' actor Nigel Harman and Katya Jones scored 33 for their Rumba to Celine Dion hit 'It's All Coming Back to Me Now', whilst 'The One Show' presenter Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu finished in last place with a score of 31 following their Cha Cha to Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive'.