Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

It's never a dull day in the Strictly Come Dancing studio, and this week's episode brought plenty of diamante-encrusted drama for us to get stuck into.

There's certainly been a lot to talk about this week.

Actress Alex Kingston shimmied her way to the highest score of tonight with her vibrant Samba, while YouTuber George Clarke and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal were both close on her heels.

We saw Apprentice star Thomas Skinner - sporting a clingy, sparkly vest top - bench-press his partner over his head.

And spare a thought for Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, who crawled along the floor - particularly impressive given he's the oldest contestant in the series, as his partner Dianne Buswell reminded us.

There were some touching moments too - as Ross King braved a waltz, despite confessing he'd had his confidence knocked last week. Getting a bit emotional, he declared himself the "poster boy for people who can't dance but want to".

But the party can't last forever.

This week, someone is going home.

So one foot wrong or a toe out of line could see a contestant hanging up their dancing shoes for good. We'll find out the results in tomorrow's show.

Meanwhile, we're wrapping up our coverage now - thanks for reading!

Now it's time to see those scores.

Alex Kingston topped the leaderboard this evening with 31 points, but Love Islander and West End performer Amber Davies is still out in front with a total of 56 points over the past two weeks.

Ross King is trailing with 25 points, despite a stronger showing today that netted him 15.

Just a reminder: the scores from last week and this week are combined and will both count towards tomorrow's result, along with the popular vote.

As we've mentioned, this year Strictly is shaking things up.

Judges vote for which couple they want to save out of the bottom two during eliminations.

Previously, if there was a tie, the deciding vote landed with the head judge, Shirley Ballas.

This year, that tie-breaking power will rotate between the judges each week.

And we've just learned that tomorrow, the power sits with Motsi Mabuse.

Voting has just opened, presenter Claudia Winkleman announces - cue the whoops and cheers. It closes at 21:10 BST tonight.

You can vote by heading to this link. Full terms and conditions are available on the BBC website.

And a reminder from Claudia - please do not try to vote if you are watching on demand.

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

“You have to embrace the silliness, but I’m a little bit reserved,” says Balvinder Sopal in rehearsals - the first celebrity of the series brave enough to tackle the Charleston with her partner Julian Caillon.

It’s a worthy effort from the actor, who bounces around in a fringe flapper gown, as a projected New York skyline blazes across the stage behind her.

She’s spun a full 360 degrees by her partner and even pulls off that notorious “Charleston swivel” we saw her wrestle with in rehearsals.

“Who knew, darling?” says Craig Revel Horwood - “your swivel was gorgeous”.

“I don’t know what you did,” asks Motsi Mabuse, “but do it again next week”.

Now, how do they score?

Craig: 7

Motsi: 8

Shirley: 8

Anton: 7

Balvinder Sopal, star of EastEnders, is the last contestant tonight hoping to dazzle the judges.

She’s taking on a Charleston to Been Like This by Meghan Trainor and T-Pain, alongside partner Julian Caillon - a new professional dancer this season.

Last week’s performance earned them a modest 21 points - can they notch up a higher score this week?

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

To get into character for his Paso Doble, YouTuber George Clarke - who we first see struggling to "get angry" in rehearsals - gets some acting tips from fellow contestant Stefan Dennis ahead of today’s show.

Striking some bold poses from the start, George manages to create some quality content with his performance.

To pulsing rhythms, George brings the passion and stamps his way down the stage with partner Alexis Warr - and he’s rewarded with a standing ovation.

"You did absolutely outstanding," says Shirley Ballas. "You are absolutely in control."

"I don't often say this, but could we potentially be looking at a front runner here?" the judge adds.

Here's how the couple scored:

Craig: 7

Motsi: 7

Shirley: 8

Anton: 8

Now it's George Clarke's turn - the YouTuber and content creator is dancing with Alexis Warr.

Famous for his entertainment content, he's hoping to bring that same spark to the judges tonight.

He's taking on a Paso Doble to Game of Survival by Ruelle.

But can he top last week's score of 24?

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

"It's been a bit of a struggle," says Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, as he wrestles his way through a Cha Cha Cha in rehearsals.

The 80s pop star theme of today’s routine is hard to miss, with Stefan strutting out in a hot pink shirt and dazzling white trousers.

It’s a delightfully quirky performance - Stefan and his partner Dianne Buswell crawl along the floor and even throw in a few hip thrusts for good measure.

"You have a brilliant partnership - you're like sunshine," says Motsi Mabuse.

But Shirley Ballas reckons "nerves got the better of you".

The scores are in:

Craig: 4

Motsi: 4

Shirley: 4

Anton: 5

Noor Nanji
Culture reporter

There was a cuteness overload this week, as pregnant Strictly pro Dianne Buswell took to social media to share messages of support.

In a TikTok video from her dressing room, Buswell read out cards from people wishing her all the best with her pregnancy.

"'Our little boy is so loved already,' that's very true,” she said, looking down to her baby bump.

She carried on reading the notes and cards, before saying: "I'm getting emotional and it's not even 8am, guys. That was very cute. Thanks for all your lovely support and messages. I love it."

Buswell recently revealed she has got a baby boy on the way, due next year, with her real life partner, YouTuber and former Strictly contestant Joe Sugg.

It makes her the first professional dancer to compete on the Strictly live show while pregnant.

Time to say g’day to Stefan Dennis, star of the Australian sitcom Neighbours. He and partner Dianne Buswell are taking on the Cha Cha Cha tonight, set to the 1980s hit Give It Up by KC & The Sunshine Band.

He’s aiming to beat last week’s score of 19.

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

No stranger to a hard tackle, former England Rugby Captain Chris Robshaw is taking on the famously dizzying Viennese Waltz.

Chris covers plenty of ground in this routine, with partner Nadiya Bychkova steering him across the dancefloor - a spotlight faithfully in tow.

Throwing in the occasional arm flourish, Chris manages to keep a grin plastered on his face throughout.

"You're definitely putting your best foot forward this week," says Shirley Ballas, applauding his progress.

"You are so tall and elegant," Anton Du Beke chimes in - noting that Chris is making his height work for him.

Here's how they scored:

Craig: 3

Motsi: 4

Shirley: 4

Anton: 5

It’s former England rugby player Chris Robshaw’s turn to charm the judges with his Waltz, set to Die with a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Robshaw kicked off the show last week, and he and his partner Nadiya Byckova managed a modest 14 - just one spot clear of the bottom of the leaderboard.

Head Judge Shirley Ballas flagged a few timing issues. Let’s see if he’s got the message this time.

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

Paying tribute to their shared Geordie roots with her Foxtrot this week, reality star turned TV presenter Vicky Pattison says she's "very proud" to be from the north east in her preview video.

It's a smooth start for Vicky and her partner Kai Widdrington, who are both grinning from ear to ear as they saunter across the ballroom for the Foxtrot.

As she wraps up her slow, sentimental routine, Vicky celebrates with a boisterous air punch.

"Dearly departed Len would have loved that heel turn," declares Anton Du Beke - a nod to former Strictly Judge Len Goodman, who has now passed away.

Craig Revel Horwood points out "a few lumps and bumps" throughout.

Here's the judges' marks:

Craig: 6

Motsi: 6

Shirley: 6

Anton: 6

Howay, reality TV star turned presenter Vicky Pattison is up next.

She’s dancing the foxtrot to Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s Rein Me In.

Pattison and her partner Kai Widdrington were at the higher end of the leaderboard last week with a score of 23.

Time will tell whether Pattison can keep her cool and win over the judges once again.

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

This week, Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin are focusing on getting to know each other a bit better, with a trip to Amber's hometown.

As we've mentioned, Amber joined the series late, stepping in for fellow Love Islander Dani Dyer, who had to bow out due to injury.

They’re tackling a jaunty Samba routine, packed with hip shaking and fiendishly tricky footwork.

"I love, love, loved that," says a surprisingly upbeat Craig Revel Horwood.

Shirley Ballas, ever the realist, brings things back down to earth: "It's a tale of two halves," she says, adding that Amber needs to work on her transitions.

And not to forget, it's Amber Davies's birthday today. Happy birthday!

Here's how the couple scored:

Craig: 8

Motsi: 7

Shirley: 7

Anton: 7

Noor Nanji
Culture reporter

It’s hard enough learning how to dance, for national TV.

So spare a thought for Strictly contestant Amber Davies, who had only 48 hours last week to rehearse after being rushed in to replace Dani Dyer in the line-up.

TV personality Dyer had to withdraw from the show after breaking her ankle.

Davies, who is an actress, West End star and former Love Island winner, was paired with Nikita Kuzmin. They came in joint third in the leaderboard in last week’s live show, with 27 points.

“What just happened !!!! 48 hours ago I had never met Nikita Kuzmin and we just danced a waltz on Strictly?!?!?!,” she wrote on Instagram after the show.

“I feel every emotion under the sun right now but mostly so unbelievable GRATEFUL to have experienced that special moment tonight!”

This week Amber Davies has had a full week to prepare - what will she bring, and how will she score?

And now it’s Amber Davies’ turn in the spotlight – former Love Island winner and currently treading the boards in the West End.

She’s stepped in to replace Dani Dyer, who had to bow out thanks to an injury.

Amber and her partner Nikita Kuzmin are taking on the Samba tonight, set to Bam Bam by Ed Sheeran and Camilla Cabello.

They’re hoping to build on last week’s score of 27.

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

“The little bit of confidence I had, it has been knocked,” confesses journalist and TV presenter Ross King in rehearsals, after finding himself at the very bottom of the leaderboard last week.

Sporting a kilt, Ross is taking it back to his roots with his Waltz tonight.

Guided by his partner Jowita Przystał, it’s a stand-up effort from Ross this evening.

Scottish thistles are projected all over the stage - another nod to his heritage.

“I feel like I’m the poster boy for people who can’t dance but want to dance,” says Ross, getting a little emotional.

“You are more relaxed in the ballroom dances,” says Motsi.

“It was definitely better than last week,” adds Shirley Ballas - though she suggests he works a bit more on his posture and frame.

Now for the scores:

Craig: 2

Motsi: 4

Shirley: 4

Anton: 5

Now it's time for journalist Ross King and his partner Jowita Przystal.

Last week was a bit of a stumble, with the pair scraping together just 10 points.

But maybe a waltz to Sunshine on Leith by The Proclaimers will be more up his street?