Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Frontrunner Aston Merrygold brings 'Despacito' to the ballroom in week 2
Standing ovations and dance disasters were peppered throughout the evening’s performances
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The stakes are rising at a breathless pace in this year's Strictly Come Dancing just one week after this year’s crop of celebrities dusted off their sequins for the very first time.
Week two saw high scores, standing ovations and dance disasters peppered throughout the evening’s performances in a show which saw the frontrunners for 2017 emerge.
Setting the tone for the rest of the show, former JLS star Aston Merrygold impressed judges and audiences alike with a neon festival-themed salsa.
Although he worried fans by dropping partner Janette Manrara on her head during rehearsals, the risks paid off in a jaw-dropping lift sequence which earned the first 'Nine' score of this series so far.
Dancing to "Despacito" - officially one of the world's most listened to songs - Merrygold’s performance introduced an unusually eclectic mix of pop songs to the ballroom.
Maroon 5’s "Sugar" sadly couldn’t help Charlotte Hawkins’ dance branded a “complete dance disaster” by in-house Grinch Craig Revel Horwood.
Holby City actor Joe McFadden - ever likeable but with perhaps too much attack - danced a tango with partner Katya Jones.
While head judge Shirley Ballas gave McFadden a standing ovation last week, it was singer and stage actress Alexandra Burke who blew the judges away with an explosive Paso Doble on this occasion.
After last week's emotional routine, Alexandra and partner Gorka Marquez scored 36, just behind Debbie McGee who lived up to last week’s expectations by delivering a gliding Viennese waltz.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Showing off a brand new blade and a fast-paced jive, Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock proved he’s here to stay alongside the frontrunners, with some impressive hat tricks and Shirley-approved kicks and flicks.
There’s no murder, but the drama is certainly high on the dancefloor already, as the voting opens for the series tonight.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments