Strictly Come Dancing: Annabel Croft’s emotional routine and divisive judges’ scores

After a night of horrors (in a good way, don’t worry), we sadly had to wave farewell to Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima. There was one Halloween trick waiting for us though, as they ended up unexpectedly facing Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk in the dance off, even though the pair’s American Smooth had bewitched the judges.

Despite putting her best skeletal foot forward, the judges opted to save Adam. But who will be in danger tonight?

After topping last week’s leaderboard, Ellie Leach is currently one of the favourite to take home the Glitterball Trophy, but how much do you know about the former Coronation Street star?

Thankfully, we have this article here, if you’re finding yourself curious about the star.

Annabel Croft will be dancing an incredibly emotional routine this week, as it is dedicated to her late husband, Mel, who sadly died earlier in the year just months after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Is there any dance Layton can’t deliver on? The I Kissed a Boy narrator has taken every dance in his stride, and the Jive was truly in his ballpark. Layton and Nikita continue to prove why they’re regularly at the top of the leaderboard!

Judges scores: 36 (8, 10, 10,8).This is the highest jive of the competition, but what a division from the judges!

I was only in Paris a few weeks ago, although I sadly wasn’t doing a romantic Waltz by the Eiffel Tower, I will be calling out my friend on this! Angela danced as gracefully as she ever does, but the judges did notice some foot faults during the routine and Motsi wanted a “little bit” more from the star. What do you think?

Judges’ scores:  28 (7, 8, 6, 7), a score that had Neil Jones looking open-mouthed.

Well it didn’t land with Craig, who had plenty of complaints to make, including a lack of “passion” but Motsi was the polar opposite of the show’s resident mean judge. Nigel has been wildly inconsistent throughout the series, but we think he managed to land the routine this week, and as long as he continues to impress viewers, he’s on a good road!

Judges’ scores: 33 (7, 9, 9, 8)

Did anyone else get a little bit of a paso feel from that? Angela was able to command the dance, which is typcially seen as one of the hardest ones on Strictly, although the eagle-eyed judges were able to spot some errors and had plenty of encouraging words for the presenter. Will this dance see her safely into next week?

Judges’ scores: 27 (6, 7, 7, 7), which is one of the couple’s lowest marks in the show.

What a dance, what a tribute! Annabel left everyone in tears with her dance dedicated in his memory, and her VT was equally as emotional with the tennis champ tearing up on numerous occasions as she recalled the happier moments with Mel. The routine was just as magical and it really touched my heart. I really hope Annabel makes it through to next week.

Judges’ scores: 35 (8, 9, 9, 9), their highest mark so far, and deservedly so.Currently, only Layton are ahead of Annabel on the leaderboard.

Bobby was as sultry as he needed to be for this passionate Argentine Tango. He brought the drama and lots of passion, although Craig was left worried by how “aggressive” the routine was and other judges noticed some issues. Could Bobby be in danger following this routine?

Judges’ scores: 30 (6, 8, 8, 8), which is usually what the pair score

Even though she was dancing to Ain’t That a Kick in the Head? and has unintentionally injured Vito on a few occasions, Ellie was on top of her game for this week’s American Smooth, with Motsi believing the routine gave off “final” vibes. And who are we to disagree? The actress is proving to be a pocket rocket throughout the competition and has to be a contender for the Glitterball.

Judges’ scores: 39 (9, 10, 10, 10), the runaway top of the leaderboard with their near-perfect score

I still don’t think Adam should have been anywhere near the dance-off last week, but he didn’t let the nerves get to him and delivered a standout routine. It might not have been the best dance of the night, but the Rumba is a very difficult dance and Adam actually danced it extremely well, with Shirley lavishing praise on him, although hoped for a little more.

Judges’ scores: 27 (6, 7, 7, 7), which sees them at the bottom of the leaderboard alongside Angela Scanlon.

Yes, it’s still 2023 and you haven’t been transported back to the 80s. It didn’t seem like Krishnan’s most confident routine, but that smile on his face can forgive a multitude of errors. He embodies what Strictly really is about, and considering I thought he’d either be an early exit or the joke act, Krishnan continues to show he’s in this competition through talent!

Judges’ scores: 29 (6, 8, 8, 7), one of the lower dances on the leaderboard