Van Outen tops 'Strictly' leaderboard

Denise Van Outen topped the leaderboard on last night's 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

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.

more courts articles

Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape
Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

British Academy Film Awards 2024 Christopher Nolan and wife Emma Thomas to receive knighthood and damehood
Alessandro Michele Former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele named Valentino creative director
The 88th Academy Awards - Vanity Fair Party - Los Angeles Whoopi Goldberg: Script for Sister Act 3 is in the works
Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited