Strictly Come Dancing: Shayne Ward hits back on criticism he was ‘over-confident’
Strictly Come Dancing week two was eventful. Shayne Ward hit back at social media abuse, Chris McCausland made the best joke of the season, we had a Shania Twain number and Nick Knowles managed to dance after an injury meant he could only train for 16 hours.
In his VT ahead of performing, singer Ward said: “After the show on Saturday [of week one] I received some negative comments on social media saying I was over-confident. Some of them did get to me, when in truth I’m only human, I was scared, I was terrified. And I hid it behind as much smiling as possible.”
He was then shown hugging his partner Nancy Xu, before they performed their Tango to “The Door” by Teddy Swims. Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “I’ve seen the way the week’s gone for you and it hasn’t been pleasant in any way, shape or form.”
The first two weeks of the BBC competition had eased this year’s crop of stars into proceedings, with a launch show that saw the contestants partnered with their respective professional, and a first week of dances in which nobody was eliminated.
However, tonight, the judges’ scores from last week rolled over and will then be combined with the viewer vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off during Sunday’s results show (29 September).
Catch up on the events of week two here...
Strictly updates
The ‘secret code’ Strictly star Pete Wicks has with partner Jowita Przystal
What joke did Chris McCausland make about Craig?
Shayne’s trolling comments in full
Who is topping the ‘Strictly’ leaderboard?
10:37 , Jacob Stolworthy
While nobody was eliminated from last week’s Strictly, that doesn’t mean the episode has no bearing on what occurs tonight.
The judges’ scores will roll over and be combined with whatever the celebrities manage to get tonight.
With this in mind, here’s how the leaderboard currently stands:
Strictly 2024 leaderboard: The scores from week one of the BBC dance competition
What dances and songs will the couples be performing this week?
11:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
The biggest talking points from last week’s episode included one rather odd song choice that saw poor Paul Merson dancing an American Smooth-of-sorts to Fat Les’s “Vindaloo”.
While it’s clear why they wanted Merson – a retired footballer – to dance to a football song, there were claims ahead of the episode that he felt somewhat shafted by the decision. Of course, it went down like a lead balloon and many believe he could be this year’s “joke” contestant.
Here are this week’s song choices and dances that the couples will be performing:
Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs for Week 2
‘Strictly’ star will perform despite arm injury
11:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
Nick Knowles suffered an arm injury this week, which threw his Strictly future into question.
However, it’s believed the 62-year-old DIY SOS presenter, who is currently competing on the show alongside professional dancer Luba Mushtuk, will perform tonight after doctors gave him permission.
A source told The Mirror: ”Nick and Luba’s attitude is very much that the show must go on, and they were thrilled when he was given the go ahead. They are even going to attempt a lift.
Find out more about what happened to Knowles here:
Nick Knowles shares health update as Strictly future remains uncertain
One ‘Strictly’ couple has a ‘secret code'
12:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has revealed the secret code that she and her dance partner Pete Wicks use in training sessions.
The Only Way is Essex star Wicks is competing in this year’s Strictly competition along 14 more celebrities vying for the glitterball trophy. He is partnered with Przystal, who has worked on the show since 2021.
Appearing on Wicks’s Staying Relevant podcast, which he co-presents with former Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, Przystal discussed her bond with Wicks – and said they instantly “connected” when they first met.
Read more here:
The ‘secret code’ Strictly star Pete Wicks has with partner Jowita Przystal
Who is taking part in this year's ‘Strictly’?
12:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
There are 15 celebrities participating in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing – and you can find out everything you need to know about them, and which professional dancer they’re paired with, here:
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
Nick Knowles says he’s had just ‘two days' to rehearse due to injury
13:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Nick Knowles has confirmed he will perform on tonight’s Strictly after suffering an injury.
Earlier this week, the DIY SOS host hurt his shoulder, which has led him to have just two days of training ahead of his next performance.
On Saturday morning (28 September), he shared a video on Instagram, telling his fans: "On my way to the studios – this is show day. I’ve had two days to learn the dance as well as I possibly can. I promise to give it everything tonight and try and perform it well.
“Luba [Mushtuk] has worked her magic in choreographing something amazing. All I have to do now is perform it. It's been a tough week but I'm very excited to dance later this evening and don't worry about me, my shoulder's getting stronger every single day.”
He thanked his fans and said he “will try to do my best” for everyone who sent him support, acknowledging that he’s in danger of going home if he doesn’t perform well as he’s in the bottom four of the current leaderboard rolled over from last week.
‘Strictly’ judges to perform ‘avant garde’ dance
13:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
The BBC has revealed that the four Strictly judges will battle for a throne during an “avant garde gothic tango” alongside the show’s professional dancers.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will participate in the dramatic performance on tomorrow night’s results show.
Meet JB Gill, the current ‘Strictly’ favourite
14:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Following in the footsteps of his JLS bandmate Aston Merrygold, performer JB Gill is among the 15 celebrities taking part in this year’s 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 37-year-old rose to fame in 2008 with his boyband JLS, comprised of singers Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes and Merrygold. While the band formed in 2006, it was their performances on 2008’s edition of The X Factor that saw the group become a household name.
Find out more about the current leaderboard winner here:
Meet the JLS boyband member JB Gill taking on Strictly Come Dancing
Paul Merson finding ‘Strictly’ experience ‘really hard’
14:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
Paul Merson has made an admission about his participation on Strictly Come Dancing.
Days after the former Arsenal and England footballer performed an American Smooth to Fat Les song “Vindaloo”, Merson, who ended near the bottom of the leaderboard, said he was finding his time on the BBC show “really hard”. However, this is not due to the technicalities required to dance.
Find out more here:
Paul Merson says he’s finding Strictly ‘really hard’ after bizarre first dance
‘Strictly’ star admits to fancying professional partner
15:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Strictly Come Dancing’s Sarah Hadland has admitted that she fancies her professional partner Vito Coppola.
The 53-year-old comedy actor, best known for playing the joke shop manager Stevie Sutton in the BBC sitcom Miranda, freely admitted to fancying the 32-year-old Italian ballroom dancer the minute they met.
“Yes, I fancied him. I’m alive, aren’t I?” she replied when asked if she found him attractive. “If you’re female and have a heartbeat, how could he NOT be anybody’s type?”
Read more here:
Strictly Come Dancing star admits to fancying their professional partner
Who is topping the ‘Strictly’ leaderboard?
15:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
While nobody was eliminated from last week’s Strictly, that doesn’t mean the episode has no bearing on what occurs tonight.
The judges’ scores will roll over and be combined with whatever the celebrities manage to get tonight.
With this in mind, here’s how the leaderboard currently stands:
Strictly 2024 leaderboard: The scores from week one of the BBC dance competition
Chris McCausland involved in rehearsal mishap
16:15 , Jacob Stolworthy
Chris McCausland has detailed a mishap he and Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell suffered ahead of the series’ first live show.
The comedian, 47, who is the show’s first blind contestant, performed a cha cha with his professional partner to “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles on Saturday night (21 September).
Strictly’s judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke, were in awe of what McCausland had achieved and scored the performance 23 out of 40 points.
But McCausland, who lost his sight aged 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, later revealed to the Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman that training had not been without its difficulties.
Read more here:
Chris McCausland reveals Dianne Buswell kicked him during Strictly rehearsal
Hidden ‘Strictly’ mics reveal what stars say to each other during live dance
16:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
Hidden microphones worn by the stars of Strictly Come Dancing have revealed what the dancers were really saying to each other during their first live performance.
For everyone apart from the couples on the dancefloor, it’s impossible to hear what the dancers say while they’re performing – even though we can see their mouths moving as the music plays.
However, a new clip released by Strictly includes the audio from last Saturday’s show, and it reveals some intriguing insights into what the pros and their celebrity partners say to communicate mid-routine.
Find out what they were saying here:
Hidden mics reveal what Strictly stars were really saying to each other on stage
Strictly’s Pete Wicks ‘in love’ with dance partner Jowita Przystal, admits his podcast co-host Sam Thompson
17:10 , Ellie Muir
Everything you need to know about Strictly’s Chris
17:29 , Ellie Muir
Strictly’s first blind celebrity hoping to lift 2024 trophy
Nick Knowles’ DIY SOS colleagues send well-wishes after injury
17:45 , Ellie Muir
Billy Byrne, the charismatic electrician on DIY SOS, has sent his well-wishes to Nick Knowles before he dances live on Strictly following his injury.
“There’s a lot of people sending a lot of love,” said Byrne. “Good luck, son.”
All the songs and dances to expect in week two
17:50 , Ellie Harrison
Good evening, I’m Ellie, and I’ll be giving you all the glitziest updates on Strictly tonight. Is there going to be a moment that matches the deranged chaos of Paul Merson’s American Smooth to “Vindaloo”? It remains to be seen. In the meantime, here are the planned dances for week two...
Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs for Week 2
Chris McCausland appreciation post
18:05 , Ellie Harrison
Absolutely loved seeing Chris McCausland dance last week. Here’s a reminder of his performance. Can’t wait to see his Foxtrot to “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” by The Tams tonight
Just how incredibly inspirational is Chris McCausland he is blind and he can do this please keep him in the competition and let’s see how he gets on #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #chrismccausland pic.twitter.com/ax3YXJhhJV
— Lee Hood (@Mofoman360) September 22, 2024
Claudia Winkleman is all set for the show
18:08 , Ellie Harrison
The woman with the best fringe in showbiz has revealed her outfit for tonight, and it’s a shimmering green number paired with black and emerald shoes and popping scarlet nail varnish. Four 10s from me
Here we go - week two begins...
18:14 , Ellie Harrison
Alan Carr, as much as we love ya, it’s time to take your chatty antics off BBC One because Strictly week two is officially here. This is the first show where fans can vote and one pair will be eliminated tomorrow. The stakes are high!
A reminder of last week’s scores
18:23 , Ellie Harrison
This week, the judges’ scores from last week will roll over and will then be combined with the viewer vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off tomorrow.
“We don’t want to lose anyone, but we must.” Is it just me or was Claudia Winkleman channelling her brutal Traitors energy when she delivered this line during tonight’s opening?
Strictly 2024 leaderboard: The scores from week one of the BBC dance competition
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova do the Cha Cha
18:25 , Ellie Harrison
They’re all glitter for their dance to “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Last week these two scored 23. Can they beat it?
Tom Dean’s scores are in...
18:31 , Ellie Harrison
A 3 from Craig, a 6 from Motsi, a 5 from Shirley and a 6 from Anton is...... 20! Not as good as last week’s 23 but here’s a lush pic of them in all their glitter
Punam is dancing to Shania
18:34 , Ellie Harrison
If you’re dancing to Shania Twain, you’ve got my vote. Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez’s Foxtrot to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” is in full swing and they’re looking sleek all in black. Gorka’s trousers are making me think of that Friends scene with Ross and the leather trousers and the talc and the cream...
Punam’s scores are in
18:41 , Ellie Harrison
So, Anton compared Punam to a floppy fish. Not super ideal. But the scores are in...
A 4 from Craig, 5 from Motsi, 4 from Shirley and 5 from Anton - that’s 18. One point off last week’s 19... but she’s never danced before! And she’s just danced to Shania on BBC One on a Saturday night ! Go girl.
Paul Merson leaves Shirley speechless
18:45 , Ellie Harrison
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer have done the Salsa to “Fireball” by Pitbull. And now they’re being eviscerated by the judges.
Well, it certainly wasn’t as wild as last week’s American Smooth to “Vindaloo”, but my colleague did just say: “Oh gawd he’s giving bbq dad.”
As Anton put it: “I don’t want to talk to you about the technique because there wasn’t any.” Shirley said she was “speechless”.
Paul’s scores are in
18:48 , Ellie Harrison
Bless Paul, he said even his wife “slaughtered” his performance when she saw a video of rehearsals. It was a 2 from Craig, 4 from Motsi, 4 from Shirley and 5 from Anton
Chris McCausland makes hilarious dig at Craig
18:55 , Ellie Harrison
“By the sound of it, Craig is blinder than I am” - this was what Chris, the show’s first ever blind contestant, had to say after Craig dissed Paul’s week two dance. Love it
Wynne’s scores are in
18:58 , Ellie Harrison
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones danced the Viennese Waltz to “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II
The moving dance received a 7 from Craig, a 7 from Motsi, an 8 from Shirley and an 8 from Anton, that’s 30... so a good improvement on last week’s 26!
Can JB top the leaderboard again?
19:05 , Ellie Harrison
In week one, the leaderboard was topped with 31 points by JLS star JB Gill and Amy Dowden.
This week, they performed the Cha Cha to “Closer” by Ne-Yo...
The scores were 7 from Craig, 7 from Motsi, 6 from Shirley and 7 from Anton. That’s 27... still fairly strong but is it enough?
The scores for Sam’s Charleston are here
19:14 , Ellie Harrison
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin danced the Charleston to Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys.
Craig called it “sloppy and heavy” but he was impressed by the “swivel at the end” - “amazing”, he said.
And the scores aaaaare - Craig 4, Motsi 6, Shirley 6, Anton 6. So 22 overall.
That’s a little down from last week’s score, which was 23.
Huge standing ovation for Chris
19:17 , Ellie Harrison
“Everyone in this room is on their feet right now. Oh my goodness! I think you’re a popular man,” said Tess. “It’s a lot, innit,” came Chris’s reply. Absolutely here for this British understatement
How did Chris and Dianne do?
19:22 , Ellie Harrison
Chris’s fingers were “splayed like bananas” said Craig. But the judge was definitely getting his own back on the comedian after Chris said he was “blinder” than him.
So how did they do for their Foxtrot to “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” by The Tams?
The scores are: 6 from Craig, 7 from Motsi, 8 from Shirley and 8 from Anton. That’s 29... up from last week’s 23!
Craig has been criticised for his Paul Merson comment
19:26 , Ellie Harrison
A remark the judge made about drinking, to the former footballer who has struggled with alcoholism, has been criticised by fans.
Read more here:
Strictly fans blast Craig Revel Horwood for ‘out of order’ Paul Merson comment
How did Jamie do for his Rumba?
19:32 , Ellie Harrison
For the first Rumba of the season, to “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, it was a 6 from Craig, 7 from Motsi, 7 from Shirley and 7 from Anton. That’s 27, so four up on last week’s 23. As Jamie put it, “rumba bumba babyyyy”. Here’s a little glimpse:
Rock chick Toyah gets her scores
19:40 , Ellie Harrison
She dazzled in her tassels but it was a low score - 3 from Craig, 5 from Motsi, 5 from Shirley and 5 from Anton. That’s 18, so 6 points up from last week
Nick is back after an injury
19:42 , Ellie Harrison
He’s dancing to Blur’s “Park Life”. I’m sold already. Here’s a reminder of his injury that meant he had to cut back on rehearsal time this week...
Nick Knowles shares health update as Strictly future remains uncertain
Nick only trained for 16 hours... how did he do?
19:48 , Ellie Harrison
He looked pretty broken at the end of that. Here are the scores for Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk’s American Smooth to “Parklife” by Blur.
5 from Craig, 5 from Motsi, 5 from Shirley and 6 from Anton. That’s 21 - 3 up from last week’s 18 and with an injury. Not bad at all.
Montell and Johannes stunned the judges
19:56 , Ellie Harrison
We knew it would be a high score from these two, after Craig said he “love love loved it”.
And they delivered - 30 overall, with 8 from Craig, 7 from Motsi, 7 from Shirley and 8 from Anton. That’s four better than last week for their Samba to “Fuego” by Eleni Foureira
Tasha gets highest ever score for Viennese Waltz in week two
20:04 , Ellie Harrison
After their 30 last week, expectations were already high. When Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec finished their Viennese Waltz to “Misty Blue” by Dorothy Moore tonight, lots of the judges said it was the “dance of the night”. Her dad was sobbing in the crowd. “Not a gentle cry,” said Claudia. Lol.
It was 8 from Craig, 9 from Motsi, 9 from Shirley and 9 from Anton... those are the first nines of the series adding up to 35!
Shayne hits back at trolls
20:10 , Ellie Harrison
In his VT, Shayne said: “After the show on Saturday I received some negative comments on social media saying I was over-confident. Some of them did get to me, when in truth I’m only human, I was scared, I was terrified. And I hid it behind as much smiling as possible.”
He was then shown hugging his partner Nancy.
After their Tango this week to “The Door” by Teddy Swims, Shirley said: “I’ve seen the way the week’s gone for you and it hasn’t been pleasant in any way, shape or form.”
Shayne scored a total of 31
20:11 , Ellie Harrison
Despite what he called a “tough” week, Shayne did well, scoring a total of 31 - 7 from Craig, 8 from Motsi, 8 from Shirley and 8 from Anton.
That’s a whole 10 points better than last week!
Pete’s scores are in
20:19 , Ellie Harrison
The penultimate dance tonight was Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał with their American Smooth to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone, Morgan Wallen.
Scores were 4 from Craig, 6 from Motsi, 6 from Shirley and 6 from Anton - so 22. That’s a big improvement on last week’s 17. Woop for Wicks!
Sarah is fierce!
20:23 , Ellie Harrison
Obsessed with this still from Sarah’s Paso Doble. As Motsi said: “Boom!”
How did Sarah do in the last dance of the night?
20:27 , Ellie Harrison
Bringing the night to an epic close were Sarah and Vito with their Paso Doble to “Freed From Desire” by Gala, Molella, Phil Jay.
Sarah’s admitted to fancying Vito - maybe that’s what made this dance so spicy?!
The scores were 8 from Craig, 8 from Motsi, 8 from Shirley and 8 from Anton. 32!
That’s up two from last week’s 30. A fantastic finish to a gorgeous, glittery night.
Strictly week two draws to a shimmering close
20:33 , Ellie Harrison
Well, that was fun! And weird and wonderful in a very Strictly way. That’s it from us for another week. We’ll be back for week three when just 14 couples will be taking to the dance floor. Thank you and good night!
