The pressure was on as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ headed to Blackpool on Saturday (18 November) night, but one contestant who certainly pulled it out of the bag was Alexandra Burke.
The singer had three of the judges reaching for their ’10′ paddles after her impressive Quickstep routine to ‘We’re in the Money’ by Ginger Rogers.
Former ‘X Factor’ winner Alexandra and her partner Gorka Marquez topped the leaderboard, bagging 39 points out of a possible 40 for their performance at the iconic Tower Ballroom.
Judge Bruno Tonioli said: “As precious as 24-carat gold. The detail, the style, the accuracy, the intricacy, all done. It was magic, I couldn’t see any effort and yet you did something that could come out of a classic Hollywood movie.”
But Gemma Atkinson was hot on her heels, as she was awarded her highest score so far.
The ‘Emmerdale’ star scored two 10s and a overall score of 38, as she and partner Aljaz Skorjanec performed an American Smooth to ’Downtown’ by Petula Clark.
Head Judge Shirley Ballas remarked: “It takes a great lady to listen to the man leading. You had some great arm styling, you made me quite emotional actually. Your energy was wonderful.”
Elsewhere, Davood Ghadami scored 35 for his Paso Doble to ‘Live and Let Die’, while Debbie McGee had to settle for fifth place on the leaderboard, picking up 33 points for her Samba to a Spice Girls medley - one less than Joe McFadden scored for his 90s-inspired Salsa.
Susan Calman and Jonnie Peacock look to be in danger ahead of Sunday’s results show, scoring only 25 and 26 points respectively for their routines.
Find out who is next to leave the competition on Sunday at 7.15pm on BBC One.
15 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Danny Dyer(01 of15)
Open Image ModalSeeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
Open Image ModalNigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
Open Image ModalBosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
Open Image ModalHe may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
Open Image ModalWhen it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
Open Image ModalJust imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
Open Image ModalThe 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
Open Image ModalSnapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
Open Image ModalThe former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
Open Image ModalEvery series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
Open Image ModalFrom the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Greg James(12 of15)
Open Image ModalHaving taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
Open Image ModalFar be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
Open Image ModalThe Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
Open Image ModalLet the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)