Van Outen tops 'Strictly' leaderboard
Denise Van Outen topped the leaderboard on last night's 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The TV presenter and her partner James Jordan wowed the judges with their paso doble routine, which earned them impressive 36 out of 40, the highest score of the series so far.
Head judge Len Goodman told them: "Paso doble, I can hardly pass a comment, I thought it was fantastic."
Bruno Tonioli added: "The way you finished your Spanish lines with hints of flamenco was absolutely wonderful."
Denise had spent most of the week rehearsing with professional Ian Waite as James had injured his foot, but he was deemed fit enough to perform last night.
Also impressing the judges were actress Dani Harmer and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, who both picked up 34 out of 40 for their respective tango and Viennese Waltz.
Darcey Bussell dubbed Richard Arnold the "comeback kid" after he and partner Erin Boag scored a 29 for their Charleston, following his disastrous foxtrot last week.
Craig Revel Horwood added: "It was your best dance to date."
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith received 33 for his waltz while his fellow Team GB star Victoria Pendleton impressed the judges with her quickstep, earning 30 out of a possible 40.
Fern Britton received her best score yet with 27 for her salsa, although it wasn't enough to keep her out of the bottom two along with cricketer Michael Vaughan, who earned 26 for his salsa.
Lisa Riley impressed with her foxtrot, getting a 32 while Westlife star Nicky Byrne got 30 for his foxtrot.
