Olympic champion Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita shot to the top of the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard in week five, scoring 37 points for their Couple's Choice routine set to an Olivia Rodrigo track. The pair earned two 10s from the judges, with their emotional performance leaving them well clear of the rest of the field.
Delta Goodrem made a triumphant return to the ballroom after suffering a rib injury, scoring 34 points with Kai Widdrington. She received the first 10 of the series from Anton Du Beke but got just a 7 from Craig Revel Horwood. John and Katya followed close behind with 32 points.
Leaderboard Shake-Up
The week five scores turned the leaderboard on its head, with several couples who impressed during Icons Week crashing down the rankings. Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystal dropped to second bottom with a shock score of 19 for their Jive, while Cach and Maddie scored 24 for their Cha Cha Cha, and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu scored just 25 for their Foxtrot.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 17 out of 40, but the footballer was close to tears after spotting his famous dad Ian in the crowd. Graeme and Lauren, Will and Dianne, and Dani and Nikita all landed on a score of 31, while Lacey and Vito scored 28.
Elimination Result Leaked
The result of who was sent packing was leaked online overnight, as has happened in previous weeks. Fans have been left speechless over one judge's vote on who they wanted to save, with accusations of bias on social media. One X user commented: "I think this takes the cake for the most bizarre." The result and which judge made the vote are being kept under wraps until the results show.
Meanwhile, the BBC has rubbished claims that Strictly's new trio of hosts will be switched out next year, branding the reports "pure and utter speculation". The claims suggested senior bosses had been canvassing opinions from industry figures about what to do next year.
Judges Under Fire
Fans have called for Shirley Ballas to be axed following her critiques last night, particularly regarding the female competitors. One fan commented on X: "#Strictly Just wanted to pick up on Shirley's comments towards Bethany following her Argentine Tango tonight. Shirley shows hints of bias and sexism when she comments on young women during SCD." Another wrote: "Ok, it's now impossible to ignore Shirley's bias against the female celebs."
The Last Leg's Adam Hills joked that Josh Widdicombe's appointment on the show has left him feeling like he's "moved on". Speaking on Virgin Radio UK with Chris Evans, Adam said: "Do you know what? Watching him now, it feels like he's broken up with us and he's moved on." The results show will air on Sunday at 19:10, featuring Jamie Miller and Antonio Cipriano in their UK TV debut.
