Strictly Come Dancing Week 8: Denise Van Outen At The Top Again

It was back to the studio after last week’s spectacular at Wembley but some things don’t change. Denise Van Outen again topped the leaderboard with a score of 37. However, there were some great performances from the rest of the chasing pack with Dani and Nicky just one point behind.

Dani Harmer looked hot as she opened the show with Vincent Simone. They scored a 36 for what Darcey Bussell described as “a keen Samba“. Dani is rapidly becoming one of my favorites for the final.

Kimberley Walsh and  Pasha Kovalev performed the Tango, with Craig and Darcey both describing it as “brilliant“.  Len and Bruno also loved it and overall the judges scored them at 34.

Victoria Pendleton needs to up her game if she is to go much further. Her Salsa with Brendan Cole was solid but not spectacular. Darcey liked Brendan’s choreography and the lifts. “It needed a bit more go in it” said Len. “When you stand still you’re gorgeous” summed up Bruno’s view. A score of 21 in week 8 is not too promising. Get on those phones if you want Victoria Pendleton to go further.

Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace were dancing the Paso Doble this week.  They still show potential but did not impress the judges. “I wanted you to perform” said Darcey. “There was no fire in it” complained Len. “You have to learn to act these dances if you want to go further” said Craig, helpfully. Louis scored 27 which gives room for improvement. Come on Louis, give it some.

Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor performed the Rumba. “It was nice but understated” Bruno commented. “Tempestuous, it’s not a dance that suits you but you danced it well” said Craig as the judges scored Lisa at 27.

After their strong performance at Wembley last week, Michael Vaughan and Natalie Lowe performed the Argentinian Tango. The reaction from the judges was alittle more muted this week. “That wasn’t sexy it was just a series of steps” said Bruno. “There was no lead from Michael and you were very stiff” noted Craig. “I missed the domineering man, you were concentrating too hard. Be more arrogant” commented Darcey. Len was a little more supportive and bickered with Craig. The judges scored them at 26. This could be dance-off territory unless they get viewer support.

“It wasn’t a disaster darling” reported Craig as Nicky Byrne and Karen Hauer danced the Charleston. “Brilliant” said Bruno. “You are going to be top of the leaderboard” promised Len as the judges rewarded them with a 36 to equal Dani’s score.

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan closed the show with an American Smooth. They had a few mishaps in training with the lifts but it went alright on the night. “That was graceful, you are a pleasure to watch. The lifts were effortless” gushed Darcey. “It was like the sea. Wave after wave of effortless motion” said Len. “For me it was perfection” said Bruno. “You were perfect Denise. James your thumb was sticking up!” teased Craig. A score of 37 gave Denise another week at the top of the leaderboard.

For full detail on the judges scores see Strictly Come Dancing Results.