Strictly Come Dancing 2017, week 8, Saturday live show: Davood Ghadami and Alexandra Burke tied at top of leaderboard

• Davood Ghadami's charleston and Alexandra Burke's Argentine tango tied at top of leaderboard

• Debbie McGee in third place after spicy salsa

• Ruth Langsford rock bottom. Jonnie Peacock and Mollie King also in dance-off danger

• Results show airs at 7.20pm Sunday on BBC One

It was a night of spectacular lifts, fancy footwork and post-Aston, pre-Blackpool jitters in the Strictly ballroom. Here's all the talking points and social media reaction from Saturday night's live show... 

Davood is dancing his way into contention

EastEnders man-bear Davood Ghadami had his breakthrough dance last week with a stylish American smooth featuring "that" bum-lift. Tonight he came out full of confidence for a Cockney-themed charleston which riffed on his role as Walford Market trader Kush.

Kookily choreographed by pro partner Nadiya Bykova, it was packed with kicks, flicks, tricks and, yes, more lifts. It earned the couple their first 10s and Craig Revel Horwood even deemed it "a-may-zing!"

Tied at the top of the leaderboard, Davood is now right up there with Joe McFadden as the best remaining male celebrity. Could it be those two competing for the third slot in the final alongside Debbie McGee and Alexandra Burke? We'll find out over the net few weeks. In the meantime: lovely jubbly, geezer.

Alexandra Burke nailed this year's first Argentine tango

The Argentine tango is a Strictly viewers' favourite and difficult to pull off, since it's all about intricate details. Yet Alexandra Burke and her partner Gorka Marquez proved more than up to the task.

Their dazzlingly intense routine featured feather fans, a flight of stairs, flicking footwork, stunning drags, drops and lifts. Co-host Claudia Winkleman jokingly checked that the impressive trick where Alexandra stood on Gorka's feet was deliberately done. 

Always a passionate performer, Alexandra is technically accomplished, consistently excellent and choreographically versatile. Now that her friend-cum-rival Aston Merrygold has departed, she's looking like a nailed-on finalist. The only question is whether she's too good - or, indeed, likeable enough to win.

Ruth deserves to go but will viewers rescue her again?

She's been bookies' favourite for elimination quite a while. She's finished rock bottom of the leaderboard in three of the last four weeks. Yet plucky Ruth Langsford's popularity with viewers - not to mention her partner Anton Du Beke's - has been enough to keep her out of the dance-off so far. 

Surely enough is now enough. Her foxtrot lacked grace and glide. It was all forgotten steps and sagging frame. The judges said she was more galloping horse than trotting fox. Ruth was duly tearful - although that was apparently because her late father loved their song, Mack The Knife, rather than a reaction to the "robust" comments. 

Anton defended Ruth gallantly and amusingly, but she was the only celebrity with a score stuck down in the teens. She's already outlasted a far superior dancer in Aston Merrygold. Another one would be downright annoying. 

The B-word is getting overused already

Blackpool, Blackpool, Blackpool. It was impossible to miss the fact that next week's show comes from the Tower Ballroom, spiritual home of dancing. Everyone was "bidding to get to Blackpool", "desperate to reach Blackpool" or wanted to be "on the bus to Blackpool". It was mentioned as many times as there are bulbs in the illuminations.

Imagine how often we're going to hear the B-word next week when we're actually there. At least Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly had enough self-awareness to make a knowing joke of it. Before mentioning it several more times. 

Debbie McGee's salsa was a slight dip

After topping the leaderboard for three weeks running and notching a perfect 40 points last week, it was always going to be hard for Debbie McGee and partner Giovanni Pernice to maintain that sky-high standard. So it proved - although their scarlet-clad salsa was still so impressive, it nearly left Craig Revel Horwood speechless again. 

There were fast feet, leggy spins and spectacular lifts. Debbie looked confident in the solo sections and fearless for the tricks. It's testament to the extraordinary 59-year-old's recent form that three nines and third spot on the leaderboard somehow felt like a mild let-down. Now that's still magic. 

Jonnie and Mollie both in dance-off danger - but is Gemma?

Paralympian Jonnie Peacock has struggled for the past fortnight with Latin dances. Back to his favoured ballroom tonight, many hoped for a return to form. Unfortunately, his foxtrot was hesitant, hunched and laboured. He duly finished second bottom of the leaderboard, so needs viewer votes to keep him out of the dreaded dance-off. 

Meanwhile, it was hard not to feel for poor old Mollie King. Her confidence has been knocked by two consecutive dance-offs and, after a week of 12-hour training days, she threw herself whole-heartedly into her paso doble. Yet the curved Spanish line didn't happen, she lost balance and lacked artistry. Third bottom on the scoreboard, she should probably prepare herself for a hat-trick of dance-offs.

Or could Gemma Atkinson be in jeopardy too? Her Viennese waltz was disappointing, mistake-riddled and got a mauling from the judges. She had a rib injury last week and motion sickness tonight but, like Mollie and Jonnie, does seem to have flatlined in recent weeks. 

Gimmick-free VTs made a refreshing change

Strictly often tries far too hard with its pre-routine video packages: clunky horror spoofs for Halloween, random days out with tenuous connections to the dances and, no doubt, Blackpool-themed skits next week.

So it was blessed relief that the production team kept it simple tonight, with stripped-back training room footage and simple interviews. Boring? Possibly. But at least they weren't an irritatingly unamusing distraction this week. 

9:45PM

Saturday night in full

Here's your routine-by-routine recap of all the action...

8:04PM

All nine dances done

That concludes the night's choreographic action. As it turns into a Rio carnival up on the Clauditorium and they recap the routines on screen, please stay with us for analysis and social media reaction.

7:59PM

Debbie and Giovanni's salsa

It could be tricky maintaining her recent standard, not helped by a pulled back muscle this week. Debbie loves the song - made famous by Frankie Valli, Andy Williams and Pet Shop Boys - after seeing Jersey Boys on Broadway with late husband Paul Daniels. She’s playing an optician, giving Giovanni an eye test - but will they play a blinder or be a sight for sore eyes? Comedy opening, red outfits, Debbie's looking frisky and confident in the solo sections. Fast feet, leggy spins, spot-on timing - but lacks a little sexy hip action. Wow, what a spinning lift. Pace flagged a tad towards the end but that was a disco inferno. 

Music: Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Boys Town Gang 

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "some mistakes but you went for the lift, you're amazing". Bruno says "first class ticket to Blackpool, what a saucy strumpet you were out there, infused with the spirit of youth, great fluidity". Craig says "whatever you're on, darling, I want some - absolutely ridiculous". Darcey says "compact, tight, speedy, incredibly impressive". Eights and nines, do we reckon?

Judges' scores: 9, 9, 8, 9 for a total of 35 points. Third on the leaderboard.

7:51PM

Jonnie and Oti's foxtrot

He's struggled with Latin dances for the last two weeks but now it's back to ballroom, where Paralympian Peacock looks more comfortable. Soft romantic mood, takes an age to get into hold, then a little hesitant and flat-footed. Jonnie's frame looks too hunched and slumped but lovely spins and a bittersweet ending. 

Music: Someone Like You by Adele

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "gentlemanly but it felt uncomfortable, topline strained, focus didn't seem there, you were better a couple of weeks ago". Shirley says "right arm was beautiful but head got on wrong side, footwork needs to improve". Bruno says "sticking your bum out and hands still like shovels, controlled, not much va-va-voom but controlled and balanced". Craig concludes "dull, dull, dull". Boos from the studio audience. 

Judges' scores: 4, 5, 6, 6 for a total of 21 points - second bottom. 

7:43PM

Mollie and AJ's paso doble

They've been in the dance-off for the past two weeks and stuck on 27 points. Now can they go better and avoid a Sunday showdown? Mollie will also wants to prove judges Shirley and Craig were right to save her. They're doing pro AJ Pritchard’s favourite dance in his birthday week - the young pup has just turned 23. Traditional gold, red and black outfits. Dramatic mood, fast footwork but Mollie lacks that crucial curved Spanish line. Spins, kicks, flamenco claps and skirt swishing. Running to keep up at times but great floor sides to finish. 

Music: Layla by Derek and the Dominos.

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "some shapes were very awkward and ungainly, but it had power and presence". Darcey says "attitude, drama and determination, you threw some shapes away, keep working on your core strength". Shirley says "nice content, pivots on standing foot too jerky, lost balance". Bruno says "so pumped up, you popped like a Christmas cracker but the artistry went away and lost timing". 

Judges' scores: 5, 6, 6, 5 for a total of 22 points - second bottom. Five points down on last week. Dance-off danger again, I fear. 

7:37PM

Alexandra and Gorka's Argentine tango

The first Argentine tango of the series from one of its top couples. Some stair-ography and a feather fan to start. Sultry and saucy mood, jazzy feel, lots of flicky, kicky footwork. Drags, drops and lifts. Intense, fast, furious and fabulously accomplished. 

Music: Mi Confession by Gotan Project

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "you are magnificent, extraordinary details". Craig says "you never cease to amaze me, that was incredible". Darcey says "sensuality, beautiful lines, loose hooks, emotion came into the shoulders but so passionate, I loved it" Shirley concludes "I was transported, you connected well with one another, superb". Nines and 10s?

Judges' scores: 9, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points - joint top with Davood.

7:28PM

Gemma and Alijaz's Viennese waltz

Gemma had her confidence knocked last week after a wobbly salsa, so needs to come out fighting. It's her favourite ballroom dance so far and the song apparently reminds her of "nanna Joyce and grandpa Norman". Aww. Silver frock for Gemma and a train station theme for little apparent reason. But better in hold, spinning around the dancefloor decently. Fleckerls, reverse fleckerls. Footwork and frame not faultless, lacked romantic mood but dizzying rotations. 

Music: You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me by Brenda Lee, her cover of Dusty Springfield’s Sixties classic.

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "not one for me, messed up the footwork ]due to her shoe coming off, it seems], too much rise and fall, work on those inner emotions and show them". Bruno says "you're holding Alijaz, not a laundry basket, express yourself and play the part". Craig says "seemed rushed and struggled to keep up". Darcey concludes "improved your eye level, shoulders took the strain, yes?". Sixes and sevens?

Judges' scores: 7,7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Mid-table so far.

7:20PM

Davood and Nadiya's charleston

Could last week's American smooth, complete with "bum lift", prove Davood's breakthrough dance? He won Sexiest Male at Inside Soap Awards this week but needs to park the sauciness for this Cockney-themed charleston. He's a market trader in a nod to his Kush-from-EastEnders role. Kicky, flicky and tricky, lots of lifts and jumps. Kooky choreography, complete with rowing-on-the-floor bi (very Oops Upside Your Head). Kept timing well but Craig will have a beady eye on that swivel. Another lift to finish. That was fun and rather fabulous.    

Music: The Lambeth Walk by The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, from musical Me & My Girl. 

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "you are on the way up, you kept the speed, details and control, quirky character, brilliant". Shirley says "outstanding choreography, executed flawlessly". Bruno says "your star is rising high, getting better week-by-week". Craig concludes "a-may-zing!" Nines? Their first 10?

Judges' scores: 9, 9, 10, 10 for a total of 38 points. His first 10s and top of the leaderboard so far. Cor lumme, me old China. 

7:11PM

Ruth and Anton's foxtrot

They're bookies' top tips for elimination again this weekend but they seem to have been for weeks. It's king of ballroom Anton du Beke's favourite dance, so let's hope they don't end up in a heap on the floor again. Some Hollywood business with hats and canes to start, then eventually into hold. Nice travel around the floor but footwork and frame both faltering. Off-balance, loads of gapping, not good. But at least she caught the hat and cane at the end. And didn't fall over. 

Music: Mack The Knife by Bobby Darin

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "lacked style and charisma, trotting like a horse". Anton gallantly tries to take the blame for the mistake on the stairs. Darcey says "no glide, it was like you were swimming in Anton's hold and sadly you were out of your depth". Shirley says "all quicks, no slows, looked like the quickstep, not my favourite". Bruno says "the fox lost the trot, it turned into a gallop, try to keep the steps in time and do the right ones".  Ouch. I fear fours and fives. 

Judges' scores: 4, 5, 4, 5 for a total of 18 points. Bottom so far, unsurprisingly.

7:03PM

Joe and Katya's rumba

He notched his highest score last week with his toy soldier charleston. Now Joe's tackling the notoriously tricky rumba. Dramatic armography to start. Good connection between the couple but static at times rather than continuous. Not sure he's nailing that undulating body action and figure-of-eight hips but lovely spins, chemistry and moodily masculine moves.  

Music: One by U2 and Mary J Blige

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "a smouldering lover with a tender touch, perfect presentation and interaction, great shapes but extend the lines to your hands". Craig says "a little bit jolty but your hip action and partnering were lovely". Darcey says "smooth, earthy, well-balanced and controlled - not bad, not bad". Shirley concludes "you're still a dark horse in the contest, I disagree with Craig - you flowed and did an exquisite job". Eights en route?

Judges' scores: 7, 8, 9 (wow), 9 for a total of 33 points. His second highest.

6:54PM

Susan and Kevin's tango

They leapt up the leaderboard with last week's DIY-themed jive but there's no paint-spattered dungarees now, as Susan tries to showcase her passionate side and serious tango face. She turned 43 this week so can she get some high scores for a belated birthday gift? She's in fiery red, pouting moodily. Takes too long to get into the tango steps but once they do, there's some snap and staccato. Not a patch on Debbie McGee's tango last week, obviously, but striding with purpose, if not always precision. Fireworks to finish. Susan's weepily emotional after that, bless her. 

Music: Firework by Katy Perry

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you danced right from your heart, didn't miss a step, strong heel leads, work on your frame but you've come huge strides". Bruno says "pouting and snarling, like watching Suranne Jones in Doctor Foster (BBC cross-promotion alert), kept timing well". Craig says "posture bothers me, lacked dynamism and attack, feet weren't always closing and your face looked pained - but loved the serious side". Darcey concludes "focus, drama but frame softened".  Sevens, do we think?

Judges' scores: 5, 6, 8 (blimey), 8 for a total of 27 points. Solid. But safe?

6:50PM

Time to meet the stars of our show

Darcey Bussell's joined in Tess Daly's cut-outty-bits frock trend. And here come the pro-celeb couples. Outfits relatively restrained this week. Lots of male flesh from AJ Pritchard and Giovanni Pernice. How sexist and exploitative. I blame the matriarchy. 

6:48PM

Frockwatch

Here come our co-presenters, so time for our sartorial comparison. Tess Daly's in floorlength white with high neck and weird cut-out bits. Claudia Winkleman's in a black jumpsuit with tuxedo-style front. Claudia, as usual, wins it. 

6:45PM

And we're off!

Roll recap! First mention of Blackpool ticked off already!

6:42PM

Mixed bag of music tonight

On tonight's Strictly playlist, we've got U2, Adele and Katy Perry, plus classics from Dusty Springfield, Bobby Darin and Derek & The Dominoes. Mere minutes until showtime...

6:36PM

Joe McFadden tackles the dreaded rumba

It's known to be a dreaded dance for celebrity males but Joe McFadden is bravely performing a rumba tonight. Fingers crossed the Holby City actor doesn't end up in the choreographic casualty ward. 10 minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune...

6:31PM

First Argentine tango of series

It's a fan favourite which hasn't been seen yet this series but tonight, Alexandra Burke and her pro partner Gorka Marquez will perform the first Argentine tango of the series. Exciting times for devotees of flicky, kicky footwork. Fifteen minutes to wait...

6:25PM

Pocket rocket shocker last week

It was an early farewell to Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrara last time out - widely agreed to be the biggest shock in Strictly history. Nobody is safe. There's everything to dance for. Twenty minutes 'til showtime...

6:19PM

One dance to reach the Tower Ballroom! 

Yes, it's the eighth weekend of Strictly 2017, with our remaining nine pro-celebrity pairs bidding to get through to next week's Blackpool seaside spectacular. 

We go live to the Elstree Studios ballroom  at 6.45pm on BBC One. Can Debbie McGee top the scoreboard for the third week running? Will we get another ballroom upset to rival Aston Merrygold's shock elimination? And might Anton du Beke fall flat on his backside again?

I'm Michael, the Telegraph's rhinestone and rumba walks correspondent, and I'll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis and attempted gags, so do join me and watch along with this blog.  And please join in too - you can email me on michael.hogan@ telegraph.co.uk, tweet me on @michaelhogan or leave comments at the bottom of this blog. I'll keep an eye on them all and report the highlights here. 

Nearly time to staaaaart dancing towards Blackpool!