Strictly Come Dancing 2019 week 8, live: Motsi Mabuse makes 'affair' faux-pas but Saffron Barker waltzes to top of leaderboard

• Under the Strictly Glitterball with Michelle Visage: 'Onwards and upwards, Mike – ignore the haters'

• The night the masks slipped on Strictly: Shirley snaps, Anton cracks and Saffron rejects Tess

• Who will win Strictly Come Dancing 2019? Predict the winner

A few pre-Blackpool nerves set in, but we enjoyed several cracking routines and a deeply awkward breakout of foot-in-mouth disease.

Here are all the major talking points and social media reaction from this year’s seventh live show…

Motsi Mabuse made "curse of Strictly" faux-pas

Oops, that was awkward. Everyone knew what judge Motsi Mabuse meant when she addressed her comments to Alex Scott and back-from-injury pro partner Neil Jones but it still made an amusingly foot-in-mouth moment.

“I feel like we've seen a new couple," said Motsi after they opened the show with their cute Fifties jive. "We knew them but then somebody had an affair and now the light is back on." Riiiight.

Perhaps as a new arrival from the show's German edition, Motsi was blissfully unaware of last year's showmance scandal after Neil's wife Katya Jones was photographed snogging her partner Seann Walsh. There was a sharp intake of breath in the Elstree Studios ballroom and Neil's face was a picture.

A shame too, since this cringe-making turn-of-phrase overshadowed a light, bright and sunny routine which saw the ever-improving Alex notch her fourth consecutive score in the 30s and lead almost as much as she followed. But what a way for poor Neil to return.

Saffron Barker wowed with near-perfect waltz

Could YouTuber Saffron Barker be making a perfectly timed run towards the glitterball trophy? Don't rule it out.

She topped the leaderboard for the second time in four weeks with her beautifully romantic waltz, which notched a score of 39 - equalling the highest total of the series so far and just one Craig Revel Horwood point away from perfection.

The 19-year-old vlogger has surprised herself by becoming a ballroom girl and her pro partner AJ Pritchard's clever choreography struck a balance between eye-catching tricks and classic content. Their routine had rise, fall, superb footwork and a sweepingly soppy mood. What a way for AJ to celebrate his 25th birthday.  I know, sickeningly young.

Michelle Visage ensured that women dominated

It's currently a woman's world out on that ballroom floor. Female celebrities have now topped the leaderboard for three of the past four weeks and they occupied the top two slots tonight.

Tucked in behind Saffron Barker was the magnificent Michelle Visage, who transcended the dowdy housewifely styling of her American smooth foxtrot to deliver a sassy routine packed with lovely details and flawless flourishes.

It got a clean sweep of nines and meant Michelle has now scored in the 30s every week but one - and even in that week, she notched 29 points. She's the most consistent performer in the contest and surely a finalist in waiting.

blockquote class="twitter-tweet">

So...could Michelle win this whole thing? #Strictly

— Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) November 9, 2019

Pressure told on tearful Karim Zeroual

He topped the scores last week but rather than gain confidence from this, Karim Zeroual seemed to wilt under the pressure. He's been talking all week in training, perhaps too much, about desperately wanting to get pro partner Amy Dowden through to Blackpool and tonight the nerves got to him.

His Viennese waltz had faltering footwork and a few fluffed moments - hardly helped by Karim becoming entangled in Amy's floaty sleeves. He was tearful with frustration afterwards, which set Amy off too.

They were left third from bottom on the leaderboard. It would be a travesty if the couple were consigned to tomorrow's dance-off but after this series of surprises, don't rule it out.

Anton and Emma bounced back in bowler-hatted style

EastEnders actress Emma Barton and stalwart pro Anton Du Beke got a scare last week when their misfiring rumba left them bottom of the leaderboard. Luckily, viewer votes lifted them clear of the dreaded dance-off.

They needed to raise their game and had the right routine to do it, with Anton's first ever Couple's Choice. Cue a musical theatre jazzy number with matching monochrome outfits, sparkly millinery and chair-ography. It was Bob Fosse-inspired, subtle and stylised.

It took Emma into the top half of the leaderboard for the first time in a month and should secure her seat on the sequin-spangled coach up to Blackpool.

The B-word was inescapable

Nope, we don’t mean Brexit. We mean Blackpool. Next weekend sees Strictly’s annual trip north to the bouncy-floored splendour of the fabled Tower Ballroom and boy, didn’t we know it?

If it was mentioned once, it was mentioned several dozen times - from the pre-titles VT right through to the climactic train-based chaos on the balcony, in every interview and presenter link.

Some couples hammed up their personal links to the seaside resort. Others (notably Michelle Visage) had never been nor barely heard of it, but that didn't stop the incessant Blackpool bonkersness. Heaven knows how bad it will be when they're actually there. Kiss-me-quick, mention-me-a-lot.

Dad-dancing duo surely in danger

If there's any hoofing justice, Sunday night's dance-off will be a battle between Mike Bushell and Chris Ramsey. They're not only the two lowest overall scorers left in the contest but they were the bottom two tonight, cut four points adrift of the rest.

Comedian Chris' tango was serious-faced but flawed footwork-wise, with him walking through the routine rather than dancing it. The judges duly marked him eight points down on last week. As Craig Revel Horwood said: "Technically it was a complete dis-ah-ster. Loved last week, hated this week, sorry."

Mike's paso doble was even worse: flat-footed, lumpen and lacking in flow. He seemed to be striking poses rather than telling a fluid story and not even partner Katya Jones' choreographic trickery could cover his deficiencies.

Will viewer votes come to the pair's rescue? The results show airs at 7.20pm on Sunday, five minutes later than usual. The bottom two will face the dreaded dance-off and one will be sent home. There’s also music from Welsh actor and former West End star Luke Evans, while the Strictly pros will perform a poignant Remembrance Sunday routine.

Please join us back on the liveblog then. In the meantime, if you would be so kind: keeeeeep dancing!

8:05PM

Blackpool train-based chaos in the Clauditorium

The routines get rewound, the voting phonelines get plugged and the credits roll. That concludes tonight’s hot hoofing action.

But who’s at risk of the next elimination? Please stay with us for analysis and social media reaction…

8:00PM

Kelvin and Oti’s salsa

Calm yourselves, judges. Kelvin is back to Latin and unleashing those hips again to the 1984 hit from the film Footloose. A motor racing-themed routine as Kelvin plays a victorious driver celebrating a win with champagne and dancing. Podium-ography to open, a moonwalk, then into a spicy, saucy salsa with lots of hip wiggles and booty shakes. Spins, knee-slides and  tribal sections. A hen party of a salsa, perfectly synchronised, spinning lifts and strong finish. Phew. Not mad on the theme or naff costumes, though.

Music: “Let's Hear It For the Boy” by Deniece Williams

Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "body movements, speed, rhythm, leading Oti, changes of pace, oh my God". Shirley says "musical hips, almost perfect, a few timing issues but overall very enjoyable". Bruno says "racy, a salsa in Top Gear with turbo-charged hips, confidently performed". Craig concludes "I couldn't enjoy because Motsi was screeching in my ear all the way through, hip-tastic darling".

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

7:50PM

Saffron and AJ’s waltz

Back to ballroom, where Saffron notched her highest score three weeks ago. It was pro partner AJ’s 25th birthday this week, so can they celebrate with another hit routine, set to an Elton John cover? Heel turns, pivots, soppy storytelling and some clever tricks before they begin to travel around. Her frame has really improved, lots of rise and fall. Lovely drag and one-legged spin. That was very sweet indeed. Beautifully choreographed, well executed and classily accomplished.

Music: “Your Song” by Ellie Goulding

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "AJ, who's a clever cherub? Absolutely gaw-jus". Motsi says "Best dance I've seen on my first season of Strictly". Shirley says "superb footwork, sensitivity of touch, ticked all the boxes and made everything look easy on the eye". Bruno concludes "I'm starry-eyed and swept away in a ballroom dream, a dance of the highest quality".

Judges' scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points. Top of the pops and joint highest score of the series so far.

7:42PM

Emma and Anton’s Couple's Choice

Needing to bounce back after bottom-scoring last week, they’ve opted for the first theatre/jazz routine of the series, set to a cover of the 60s jazz song popularised by Mel Tormé. It’s Anton’s first ever Couple’s Choice, too. A Bob Fosse-style number with matching monochrome outfits,  bowler hats and chair-ography. Little stumbly mistake early on but razzle-dazzle, shoulder shrugs, head wiggles, jazzy styling and expressive faces. Nice tricks and staccato moments.

Music: “Right Now” by The Pussycat Dolls

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "looked good, feels good, love the Fosse elements down to the hat trick, you were in your element, mirroring fell at times but fantastic job, welcome back". Craig says 'understated, stylised, your dance, my darling". Motsi says "loved the timing, subtle movements, I love you". Shirley concludes "nice peripheral vision to stay synchronised, small details which I appreciate, one of your better dances". Eights, maybe a nine?

Judges' scores: 8, 9, 8, 8 for a total of 33 points. Second so far and 11 points more than last week.

7:36PM

Michelle and Giovanni’s American smooth

La Visage is American but is she smooth? Gorgeous song choice, made famous by the mid-90s “Diet Coke break” ad. Sofa-ography to start. She's playing the housewife to Gio's grumpy husband. Not loving Michelle's hair or frumpy dress but once they're into foxtrot steps and hold, things pick up considerably. Lovely details and styling. Loads of sassy attitude. She pushes him over to end. Attagirl.

Music: “I Just Want To Make Love To You” by Etta James

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you're anything but a housewife, you're definitely the boss, sophisticated with a little sass, naughty and nice like a cream cake". Bruno says "clear presentation, flawless storytelling, on-point flourishes:". Craig says "you are the mistress of detail, dah-ling, I loved it". Motsi concludes "the technicalities were great but the dancing  was better".

Judges' scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Top of the scoreboard so far. Thank you, thank you.

7:27PM

Chris and Karen’s tango

The Geordie joker is getting on his serious face for the first time to deliver a passionate tango to the German electronic duo’s cover of Destiny’s Child empowerment anthem. Sharp black outfits and flames on the dancefloor. Footwork falters and his frame is lacking but there's content and attack at least.  Needs passion, lower earthier posture and more bite in the staccato. Walking around too much and seriously loses tango flavour at times. Not good.

Music: “Survivor” by 2wei

Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "I felt the intensity and I love the serious Chris, but footwork could have been cleaner". Shirley says "admired the focus, footwork fairly decent, going in the right direction". Bruno says "no gimmicks, masculine purpose, lots of content but you were walking it". Craig concludes "up your game to go further, technically it was a complete dis-ah-ster, loved last week, hated this week, sorry". Chris takes it well, saying he never thought he'd get this far and "had to cancel a holiday".

Judges' scores: 5, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 26 points. Second bottom so far, one point above Mike Bushell.

7:14PM

Karim and Amy’s Viennese waltz

They topped the leaderboard last week with their 39-point quickstep but Karim has been a bit scared of the Viennese and struggling with the footwork in training. Messin' abaht with a lighthouse to open but eventually into hold. Footwork faltering but strong flame as they flow around the floor. Amy's wafty sleeves seem to be getting in the way at times. Too many wobbles and mistakes.

Music: “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "you must be disappointed with the two rather large mistakes and entanglement, too bumpy, too much rise and fall, over-egged, you have musicality in spades but terrible shame tonight". Motsi says "timing great, beautiful fluid arms, you're still the one to beat but don't let pressure and nerves get to you". Shirley says "uncomfortable in hold, footwork not great but nice fleckerl and clear frame, come back stronger next week". Bruno concludes "there was romantic storytelling and fresh creativity but you got tangled up". Karim and Amy both a bit weepy on the balcony, bless them.

Judges' scores: 6, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. A little generous, perhaps.

7:07PM

Mike and Katya’s paso doble

They’re the triple dance-off survivors and bookies’ hot tips for elimination, but can they defy the odds yet again and make it to Blackpool? Magic Mike become Matador Mike. Slightly off-time solo stamps to start and then Katya appears  to dance around him while visibly counting aloud. Seriously lacking curved shape and Spanish feel but the attack picks up towards the end and a great trick to finish.

Music: “Tamacun” by Rodrigo y Gabriela

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "I have indigestion, there was effort but you joined dots rather than danced it, it was too heavy, rigid and lacked artistry". Craig says "shaping showed promise, then it went horribly wrong, you were stuck to the floor, too placed and no flow". Motsi says "body tension and strong focus, steps weren't easy, it sagged in the middle but a great paso". Shirley concludes "you give 150 per cent, great positions, lacked flow but fantastic moments".

Judges' scores: 5, 7, 7, 6 for a total of 25 points. Dance-off danger again, I suspect.

7:03PM

Clara Amfo on the Ts & Cs

The Radio 1 DJ is on the balcony with the voting smallprint. Sparkly frock. She clearly paid attention to the dress code.

6:55PM

Alex and Neil’s jive

Her pro partner Neil Jones is back after a fortnight off crocked with a tweaked hamstring. On-a-journey Alex has notched three consecutive scores in the 30s and dancing seems to have clicked for her. Can she keep it up with a fast, frisky routine inspired by the 50s dance craze? Some mic-o-graphy to start and a full skirted elbow frock for Alex. Light, bright routine with a little Fortnite section. High-energy and huge fun, if lacking a little retraction and timing at times. Great finish.

Music: “Let's Twist Again” by Chubby Checker

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "did very well, love the concept, light on your feet, loved the windmill steps, executed the choreography well, you need to stay in the competition". Bruno says "bright, lively, sunny, retro feel and you're growing in confidence, you're the leader now but keep that retraction crisper".  Craig says "balance slightly off and more attack, sharper on the beat but you're selling it and working it, dah-ling". Motsi concludes "You feel like a new couple after having an affair" - oh dear, bit awkward. Neil raises an eyebrow. "But it was jolly, fresh and it's happening".

Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points.

6:53PM

Meet the stars of our show

Anton Du Bekeand Emma Barton seem to have come as a camp Laurel and Hardy. Kelvin Fletcher has come as a mid-life crisis cyclist.

6:52PM

Frockwatch

Time for our weekly fashion face-off.

Claudia Winkleman is sporting a black halterneck frock with white beaded trim. Tess Daly is wearing an asymmetric metallic minidress with a strange sort of sash skirt.

Claudia, as per usual, wins

6:49PM

Roll clapalong credits

Give a forlorn little wave to the seven celebrities who have departed the dancefloor: Viscountess Emma Weymouth, Will Bayley, Catherine Tyldesley, David James, Dev Griffin, Anneka Rice and James Cracknell.

6:49PM

And we’re off!

Roll Blackpool-themed montage and commence that tally of how many times the B-word will get mentioned tonight.

My prediction: blimmin’ loads.

6:45PM

A field of two halves

The eight celebrities certainly seem to be splitting into two groups of four. Beneath pace-setters Michelle, Kelvin, Karim and Saffron are the other four celebrities: Mike Bushell, Chris Ramsey, Emma Barton and Alex Scott.

Can any of this quartet bridge the gap and make the leap into the leading pack? Five minutes until we go over to the Elstree Studios ballroom...

6:40PM

Did Radio Times reveal the final four?

This week’s Radio Times cover was a Strictly special and got tongues wagging, since it featured the awesome foursome of Karim Zeroual, Saffron Barker, Michelle Visage and Kelvin Fletcher. Was this a clue as to who’ll ultimately become the contest’s final four?

Some swivel-eyed conspiracy theorists on social media cried foul, claiming this proves some sort of BBC fix. Instead it was merely the four remaining celebrities with the highest average scores - fair grounds for prediction, we’d say.

The listings magazine has run an equivalent front page for the past three years and all the cover stars bar one did go on reach the final (Davood Ghadami was eventually pipped by Gemma Atkinson in 2017). So it could be an omen but isn’t a guarantee.

Ten minutes until that ba-ba-daaa theme music...

6:34PM

Will it be bye-bye Bushell?

Bookmakers are, once again, convinced that dad-dancing BBC Breakfast sports reporter Mike Bushell is heading home this weekend.

But it’s been the same story for the last few weeks and he’s somehow survived three consecutive dance-offs. Might Magic Mike's luck finally run out? Fifteen minutes until we found out…

6:29PM

Viscountess curtsied out of contest

Last Sunday, we bade farewell to the elegant, ever-improving Viscountess Emma Weymouth and her popular pro partner Alijaz Skorjanec.

Nobody will want to follow heartbroken Emma out of the contest, missing the chance to dance on one of the world’s most fabled ballroom floors by one agonising week.

Twenty minutes to curtain up…

6:20PM

Neil Jones is back from injury

Breaking news from the ballroom is that “Ginger Neil” had a late fitness test on his hamstring with the Strictly physio yesterday and has happily been passed fit to dance, meaning the copper-topped pro will resume his partnership with Alex Scott.

Stand-in Kevin Clifton did a fab-ew-lous job filling in for the past fortnight but it will be good to see the couple reunited for tonight’s jive. Half an hour until showtime...

6:15PM

Prepare for incessant use of the B-word

Not Brexit, thankfully. Nor even Boris. And certainly not anything rude. No, we’re talking about Blackpool.

Strictly’s annual trip north up the M6 to the glorious Tower Ballroom is looming and at 6.50pm on BBC One, the surviving eight pro-celebrity pairs will be desperately dancing their socks off to get there.

It’s the eighth live show of this year’s contest and bookies’ odds-on favourite to suffer Blackpool heartbreak is three-time dance-off survivor Mike Bushell, but comedian Chris Ramsey also looks at serious risk.

Meanwhile, Emma Barton and Anton DuBeke need to bounce back from their shock appearance at the bottom of last week’s leaderboard. They have the right dance to do it, with a Couple’s Choice musical theatre/jazz routine in the Bob Fosse style, which should play to Emma's strengths and be a proper crowd-pleaser.

Other routines to look forward to include Michelle Visage’s American Smooth foxtrot and Kelvin Fletcher’s spicy salsa. Yep, he’s unleashing those hips again, so expect hysterics from the judges.

We'll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and gratuitous snark. Please join us - and 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 the battle for Blackpool…