Strictly Come Dancing Week 1 Recap: Lewis Cope Takes the Lead with Perfect Score
Lewis Cope has taken the lead on the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard with the first perfect score of the series. His Paso Double with partner Katya Jones to The Plaza Of Execution from The Mask of Zorro wowed the judges, earning them a total of 37 points. The performance was hailed as the dance of the night by Judge Motsi Mabuse, who awarded them the first 10 points of the season. The actor's commitment and passion in the dance impressed guest mentor Cynthia Erivo, who praised their performance.
Former Love Island winner Amber Davies followed closely behind with a score of 35 for her American Smooth to Sixteen Going on Seventeen from The Sound of Music. Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey secured third place on the leaderboard with a score of 32 for his Salsa to I Always Wanted a Brother from Mufasa: The Lion King. The judges commended his progress and performance in every aspect of the dance.
Social media star George Clarke showcased a couple's choice dance to Soda Pop from K-Pop Demon Hunters, earning 31 points. While Anton Du Beke praised his performance, judge Craig Revel Horwood noted the need for sharper execution and synchronization. Actor Alex Kingston received a score of 30 for her quickstep to Suddenly I See from The Devil Wears Prada, while drag artist La Voix and partner Aljaz Skorjanec scored 28 for their waltz to Feed The Birds from Mary Poppins.
Former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink impressed the judges with his rumba to James Bond title track No Time To Die, earning a score of 28. EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon received 26 for their foxtrot to The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra. Model Ellie Goldstein, the first person with Down's syndrome to compete on the main series of Strictly, danced the samba to Dance The Night from Barbie and scored 27.
Former Lioness Karen Carney danced a cha cha to She's A Lady by Tom Jones from Miss Congeniality, receiving a score of 25. Reality TV star Vicky Pattison and her partner Kai Widdrington also scored 25 for their Charleston to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby. Former England rugby player Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova scored 22 for their paso doble to Sweet Child O' Mine from Thor.
TV star Ross King received the lowest score of the evening with 19 points for his paso doble to the theme from Thunderbirds Are Go. Despite the low score, judge Anton Du Beke praised King as the most improved dancer of the week. Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis missed the show due to illness but is expected to return next week with a "rip roaring dance." As per the competition rules, Dennis and his partner Dianne Buswell will receive a bye to next week's show.