HomeTVStrictly Come Dancing 2016 week 2 recap

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 week 2 recap

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 kicked off its week 1 live shows over two nights last weekend as we got to see all 15 couples dance for the first time.

At the end of the weekend model Daisy Lowe and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec topped the leaderboard and proved to be a bit controversial when they were awarded a 9 for their first dance. Honestly the scores were fairly high for a first week and I thought if anyone deserved a 9 it was actor Danny Mac and his partner Oti Mabuse.

Tonight all 15 couples danced again to impress both the judges and the public ahead of the first elimination of the series tomorrow night. Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman were on hand to keep order while judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli offered their usual mix of critique.

Who impressed and who disappointed? Keep reading our recap to find out.

Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton

Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

BBC Sports presenter Ore Oduba had a really good first week and after last Friday’s show he was joint first on the leaderboard. His Tango impressed the judges and he was commended for doing something a little different. During the week Joanne Clifton took Ore to a fire station to get into the spirit for their fireman themed Cha Cha to Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff.

The dance: Latin definitely suits Ore and he gave it all the energy he had on that ballroom. He wiggled, shimmied and grooved like his life depended on it and it’s clear that he’s going to go far in the competition.

The comments: Len said the routine could have done with a little more polish but commended Ore for coming out full on and fierce. Bruno commented on Ore’s saucy energy but told him that sometimes he raced ahead of the music. Craig said Ore was sharp and energetic but criticised him for being stiff in the hip department. Darcey said that Ore was selling it but told him to watch his ‘frilly’ hands.

The score: 27 out of 40

Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard

Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane got a decent score for her routine during week 1 but she was criticised by Len for using her gymnastics skills to perform tricks. This week Claudia was dancing a Waltz with her pro partner AJ Pritchard so there was no room for theatrics. During the week Claudia took AJ to a gymnastics class so he could see what her life is like. Claudia and AJ danced their Waltz to You Light Up My Life.

The dance: Claudia performed an elegant Waltz with AJ. She managed to get a little of her gymnastics skills in there but I felt it showed off her dancing ability better this week. I think she performed better than week 1.

The comments: Bruno said it was like watching West Side Story set to a Waltz and told Claudia her performance was lovely. Craig criticised Claudia’s spotting and told her that she over extends, much to the disagreement of the other judges. Darcey said that she loved Claudia’s fluidity and told her it was better than last week. Len said that Claudia lit up the ballroom.

The score: 30 out of 40

Will Young & Karen Clifton

Will Young & Karen Clifton
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Singer Will Young had a very good first week scoring an 8 from Craig for his Tango. his week Will and his partner Karen Clifton are dancing a Jive. During the week Will took Karen out for a drive in a 50s American car and Karen used the opportunity to critique his training sessions. Will and Karen danced their Jive to Rockin’ Around the Clock.

The dance: Will’s Jive was a little messy tonight. He looked like he wasn’t as sure with the moves and I think he might have messed up in the middle. After his dance, Will told Tess that he pulled a muscle.

The comments: Craig said that the Jive was flat-footed and criticised Will’s mistakes during the routine. Darcey said it was a classic Jive but told him that he was a little too relaxed in places. Len said that Will was moving like clockwork and told him that he loved his energy. Bruno said that Will always gets into character and told him his performance level was brilliant.

The score: 27 out of 40

Lesley Joseph & Anton du Beke

Credit: BBC / Guy Levy
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph made a great first impression with her Waltz last week. I thought she was scored a little low given how well she carried it off. This week Lesley and her partner Anton du Beke are dancing a Cha Cha and Lesley admitted she was nervous about doing the Latin dances. Lesley and Anton danced their Cha Cha to Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.

The dance: Oh Lesley! She’s done so well so far in the competition and I loved her routine tonight. It was cheeky and she danced it well. She pulled off all the tricks and moves easily and she was amazing.

The comments: Darcey said that Lesley was flirty and fun but told her to be careful with her balance at times. Len said that Lesley’s Cha Cha was full of fizz and commended the amount of content. Bruno said that Dorian was back and that Lesley’s legs were excellent but told her she needs a little bit more control. Craig said that Lesley threw herself into it too much and told her he didn’t like the ‘bum rub’ part of the dance.

The score: 26 out of 40

Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe

Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford had a very good first week and he surpassed his own expectations. This week Greg and his partner Natalie Lowe were dancing the Tango. During training Natalie took Greg to the largest wind tunnel in Britain to see if he could maintain his posture. Greg and Natalie danced their Tango to Van Halen’s Jump.

The dance: Tango wasn’t Greg’s dance. You could tell he put his all into it but he was flat-footed and fairly stompy throughout the routine. He certainly didn’t glide over the floor like he did last week, which was a real shame.

The comments: Len said that Greg’s bum sticks out while he’s dancing but told him he liked the fire and the spirit of the performance. Bruno said Greg was strong, powerful and handsome and told him he went like a locomotive at full steam but told him the routine was stepped. Craig also criticised Greg’s bum but told him he loved the intent and aggression. Darcey said she liked Greg’s buttocks and told him his performance was powerful.

The score: 26 out of 40

Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez

Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

EastEnders star Tameka Empson enjoyed her time on the dance floor last week and this week she had the tough task of a Charleston to contend with. During the week Tameka took her partner Gorka Marquez to the seaside to get into the spirit of their routine. Could Tameka impress for week 2?

The dance: Such a shame that Tameka had a small mistake while sliding through Gorka’s legs. The routine was a lot of fun and she performed with gusto. Had she not have slipped, she may have topped the leaderboard tonight.

The comments: Bruno said that the dance suited Tameka and called her the ‘Queen of Slapstick’. Craig said he loved that the dance was completely character driven. Darcey said that she loved Tameka’s character and commended the detail of the dance. Len said that Tameka wasn’t going any where after that performance.

The score: 29 out of 40

Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice

Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore was the first celebrity to dance last week and her performance was fairly well received. This week Laura and Giovanni Pernice were tackling the Waltz. During the week Laura and Giovanni climbed The O2 in London so they could dance under the stars. Tonight they performed to Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You.

The dance: Laura seemed more relaxed and confident this week. Giovanni’s routine was stunning and Laura performed it with a lot of heart. I think she definitely improved on week 1.

The comments: Craig said that Laura’s performance was gorgeous and romantic telling her he enjoyed it a lot. Darcey said that Laura’s control was stunning. Len said that Laura’s frame was good and that he liked the mix of light and shade. Bruno said that Laura was silky smooth and commented on the performance’s sizzling intensity.

The score: 32 out of 40

Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara

Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Presenter Melvin Odoom had plenty of energy during week 1 but he didn’t really manage to get the moves down. Craig commented that an ironing board wasn’t as stiff as Melvin was. Ouch! During the week Janette Manrara stepped into Melvin’s shoes to see what a normal day was like for him. Tonight Melvin and Janette danced the Tango to Moving On Up by M People.

The dance: Melvin still seemed a little stiff to me tonight. To be honest the music choice didn’t really help and it wasn’t really suitable for a Tango. One of the weaker performances of the night.

The comments: Darcey said that the performance was full of great dance content but told Melvin to watch his right shoulder. Len said that he didn’t think Melvin’s dancing was Moving On Up but commended him for giving it a go. Bruno said that Melvin was keen and enthusiastic but clumsy at times. Craig told Melvin that his posture and frame was a worry and called the performance ‘mediocre’.

The score: 23 out of 40

Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton

Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Former popstar Louise Redknapp was happy with her performance last week after getting a good score for her Jive. This week Louise was dancing the Viennese Waltz with her partner Kevin Clifton. During the week Louise struggled with the spins so Kevin took her zorbing to get over her sickness. Tonight Louise and Kevin danced their Viennese Waltz to Hallelujah.

The dance: What a stunning performance from Louise. Her side-by-side parts were truly wonderful and she was so elegant and graceful. She also managed not to vomit during the spins so well done!

The comments: Len said that he was excited because he spotted the first fleckle of the series and told Louise she was a terrific dancer. Bruno said the performance was exquisitely lyrical and told Louise the routine was beautiful. Craig said there was too much rise and fall but commended Louise for her control. Darcey said the quality Louise sustained throughout the dance was fantastic and told her she knows how to fill out the beat of the music.

The score: 32 out of 40

Anastacia & Brendan Cole

Anastacia & Brendan Cole
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Popstar Anastacia had a decent first week and Craig told her he loved the filth of the routine. During training Anastacia suffered an injury forcing Brendan Cole to change some of the choreography. Anastacia got into character as Latinastacia so she could pull off her Salsa. Tonight Anastacia and Brendan danced their Salsa to Fleur East’s Sax.

The dance: There’s was something a little off with Anastacia’s performance tonight. Maybe it was the injury but the whole thing lacked energy. It’s a real shame because it was a great routine.

The comments: Bruno said that Anastacia could have done with much more hip action but pointed out that her injury prevented that. Craig said that the underarm turns were clunky and then criticised pretty much everything else. Darcey said that Anastacia was hot and spicy but she could tell she was frustrated that she couldn’t do more. Len said that considering Anastacia had an injury, he thought she’d done a great job.

The score: 22 out of 40

Ed Balls & Katya Jones

Ed Balls & Katya Jones
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Former politician Ed Balls landed at the bottom of the leaderboard last weekend but I’m pretty sure he’s going to be in the competition for a while. During training Ed was delighted to find out he was doing the Charleston and his partner Katya Jones was determined to bring Ed’s performance side out. Did she succeed?

The dance: Oh Ed! What a mess but it was so entertaining. Katya once again saved the day with her clever choreography and some neat tricks. Ed managed about 50% of the choreography but he was pretty lost on the rest of it.

The comments: Craig said it was a sight he wished he’d never see again and told Ed he was the wrong side of goofy. Darcey said that Ed was oozing character and commended him for staying in sync throughout the routine. Len said Ed came out with enthusiasm and told him the performance was fun. Bruno said he couldn’t believe what a comeback Ed made and told him it was good to see the funny side of him.

The score: 23 out of 40

Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev

Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty admitted that she was a bit disappointed after her dance last week but was pleased that the judges saw potential in her. This week Naga was visited by a hula hoopist to help her get into the spirit of the Cha Cha. Tonight Naga and Pasha danced their Cha Cha to Tina Turner’s A Fool in Love.

The dance: Naga showed quite the transformation tonight. She really got into character and she was confident and feisty. I think Naga may be more comfortable in Latin than Ballroom.

The comments: Darcey said that Naga looked stunning and told her she started well. She did tell her that she could see the concentration on her face too much. Len said there were a lot of mistakes during Naga’s performance and told her he would like her to nail the routine more. Bruno said he loved Naga’s vamped up attitude but told her that her tension doesn’t carry through her body the whole time. Craig said it was spiky, jolty and flat-footed before saying ‘not a great one’.

The score: 23 out of 40

Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero

Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Judge Rinder was one of the big surprises of the first live show thanks to his very, very energetic performance. His partner Oksana Platero said that she thought he deserved better scores than he received. This week Judge Rinder was dancing the American Smooth Foxtrot and during the week he invited his grandparents to watch him rehearse. Tonight Judge Rinder and Oksana danced their routine to Charlie Puth’s Marvin Gaye.

The dance: He may not be the most technically accurate but Judge Rinder always gives it everything he’s got. There were some daring lifts with Oksana in the routine that he handled well. Overall a solid performance.

The comments: Len said that the parts in hold had elegance but told Judge Rinder that his footwork was a bit of a mess. Bruno said that Judge Rinder went from Fred Astaire to Fred Insane but told him he can dance. Craig said that Judge Rinder had hands like a bricklayers trowel and told him his dancing is very noisy. Darcey said she was surprised by how athletic Judge Rinder is and commended his lifts.

The score: 27 out of 40

Daisy Lowe & Aljaz Skorjanec

Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Model Daisy Lowe topped the leaderboard with her pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec last week. It may have caused controversy in the press (and with former pro James Jordan) that Daisy got a 9 but I’m reserving judgement until she’s danced a bit more. This week Daisy was tackling her first latin dance, the Cha Cha. She admitted that she was looking forward to playing a character and getting into the dance. Tonight Daisy and Aljaz danced their Cha Cha to Cee-Lo Green’s Forget You.

The dance: Daisy can definitely move. The performance was smooth and clean but it did lack a little bit of energy in places. It was nice to see Daisy doing something a little more fun.

The comments: Bruno said that Daisy served a hot Cha Cha and told her he was hooked. Craig said that Daisy’s upper body lacks a bit of attack but told her he enjoyed it. Darcey said she loved Daisy’s attitude and told her she was great. Len said that Daisy did a lift during the Cha Cha, which is outside the rules of the dance.

The score: 30 out of 40

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse
Credit: BBC / Guy Levy

Former Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac wowed with his Cha Cha last week, which I think was underscored. Danny is a natural mover and if that’s what he can do in week 1 then I can’t wait to see what he’ll do as the weeks go on. This week Danny and his partner Oti Mabuse were dancing the Viennese Waltz and he admitted he was finding the posture hard to get to grips with. Tonight Danny and Oti danced their Viennese Waltz to Never Tear Us Apart by INXS.

The dance: Danny is as good at Ballroom as he is at Latin. If he’s not in the final I’m going to be very surprised. He danced the routine so sophisticated and elegant that it was wonderful to watch.

The comments: Craig said that he thought Danny was a fantastic dancer and despite a few minor complaints he ended with ‘wow’. Darcey said that she could see Danny was aiming for the top and told him that he gets a little skippy sometimes. Len said he wasn’t transported to old Vienna but told Danny he loved the modern twist on the dance. Bruno said it was like watching a waltzing heart-throb and he told Danny he acted like a star.

The score: 32 out of 40

The leaderboard for the evening was:

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse ā€“ 32
Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice ā€“ 32
Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton ā€“ 32
Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard ā€“ 30
Daisy Lowe & Aljaz Skorjanec – 30
Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez ā€“ 29
Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton ā€“ 27
Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero ā€“ 27
Will Young & Karen Clifton ā€“ 27
Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe ā€“ 26
Lesley Joseph & Anton du Beke ā€“ 26
Ed Balls & Katya Jones ā€“ 23
Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara ā€“ 23
Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev ā€“ 23
Anastacia & Brendan Cole ā€“ 22

The overall leaderboard factoring in week 1 is:

Danny Mac & Oti Mabuse ā€“ 63
Louise Redknapp & Kevin Clifton ā€“ 63
Daisy Lowe & Aljaz Skorjanec ā€“ 62
Tameka Empson & Gorka Marquez ā€“ 58
Laura Whitmore & Giovanni Pernice ā€“ 57
Will Young & Karen Clifton ā€“ 57
Claudia Fragapane & AJ Pritchard ā€“ 56
Ore Oduba & Joanne Clifton ā€“ 54
Greg Rutherford & Natalie Lowe ā€“ 53
Judge Rinder & Oksana Platero ā€“ 52
Anastacia & Brendan Cole ā€“ 50
Lesley Joseph & Anton du Beke ā€“ 49
Naga Munchetty & Pasha Kovalev ā€“ 46
Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara ā€“ 45
Ed Balls & Katya Jones ā€“ 44

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 continues at 7.15pm tomorrow night and one couple will be leaving the competition. See all of the action from today’s dress rehearsal in our gallery below:

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Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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