Strictly Come Dancing 2020, week five: Jamie Laing streetdances to top of scoreboard, Clara Amfo at bottom

• Under the Strictly Glitterball with Jamie Laing: ‘I thought dance was about making cool shapes’

• Bill Bailey's Strictly Diary: 'It makes me smile to have confounded people's expectations'

• Who will win Strictly Come Dancing 2020? Predict the winner

• Strictly Come Dancing 2020 celebrity contestants: meet this year's remaining couples

The shortened series reached its midway point with a Blackpool tribute, a record-breaking fall from grace and another surprise leaderboard-topper.

Here are all the talking points and social media reaction from Strictly 2020’s fifth live show…

Jamie Laing's energy took him to the top

It’s a close contest to call this year, with someone different topping the leaderboard each week so far. So far we’ve seen HRVY, Maisie Smith, Ranvir Singh and Clara Amfo at the summit. Now the trend continued with the slightly unlikely figure of Jamie Laing taking his turn at the dizzy heights.

His Couple's Choice streetdance with pro partner Karen Hauer was like something from a naff Nineties hip-hop video. Well, Jamie is "straight outta West Brompton", after all. He nailed the timing. He was agile, energetic and highly entertaining. Was it really worth 29 points, one short of perfection and the joint highest score of the seties? No. It also highlighted the problematic nature of the Couple's Choice category.

However, Jamie's puppyish enthusiasm is a blast of fresh air, he's improving all the time and it was hard to begrudge him a moment of glory. Now let's get him back in ballroom hold and see what he's really made of.

Clara Amfo plummeted from top to rock bottom

Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo was last week's surprise leaderboard-topper, with her fabulous flapper-style Charleston raising hopes that it would be her breakthrough dance. Now she came crashing back down to earth with a bump, dropping by 11 points and ending up bottom of the standings.

The samba is a notoriously tricky dance to nail and Clara struggled technically, with faltering footwork and several mistakes. The rather randomly tacked-on culinary theme didn't help, with her trussed up in chef's whites for no apparent reason. It was more Bray than Brazil.

However, she didn't deserve to score just 18 points, six fewer than anyone else. If she was to go out tomorrow, it would be a great shame and one of the most dramatic falls from grace in Strictly history.

Blackpool spirit lit up Elstree Studios

The Strictly charabanc was sadly unable to trundle north up the M6 this year - blame some health crisis or other - so instead Blackpool came to Borehamwood. This special show brought the spirit of the historic Tower Ballroom to Elstree, despite its lack of Victorian splendour and sprung dancefloor.

The professionals’ curtain-raising group number was a seaside spectacular, taking in all the sights and sounds of the Pleasure Beach. The couples’ routines, props and costumes brought more Blackpool glamour to our screens, complete with fairylights and floor projections. The set dressing, particularly under current restrictions, was to be applauded.

The Tower Ballroom means a lot to pro dancers, who travel from all over the world to compete there. They stressed as much tonight. We even saw some 'aww'-inducing childhood snaps. It’s also become an annual milestone on Strictly. Bright as the Blackpool illuminations, this celebratory show was a welcome dose of sand, sunshine and sparkle on a chilly autumn evening.

Scoring was all over the place and favoured the men

The contest is Covid-shortened this year, meaning we're at the halfway mark already. However, the judges seemed far too keen to raise their high-scoring paddles, like it was the latter stages of a normal series.  Tonight we not only saw three perfect 10s but also 10 near-perfect nines. Was the dancing really that high-quality? Certainly not.

It wouldn't be so bad if this was applied consistently but it wasn't. The judges repeatedly find fault with the finer details of Maisie Smith's footwork. They also came down particularly hard on Clara Amfo.

Meanwhile, the likes of JJ Chalmers, Jamie Laing and even Bill Bailey were scored too generously. JJ seems to get sympathy marks for effort. Jamie gets rewarded for his high energy. By contrast, several of the celebrity females were punished for their technical failings.

Jamie has now scored two 10s, while Maisie is yet to register any. This is surely illogical. The marking didn't feel fair this evening, leading to a slightly bonkers scoreboard.

Very interesting!Thanks, I'll check them out.Thanks, I'll check it out.

Year’s first Argentine tango was a hot, hot hit for Ranvir

The Argentine tango is always a fan favourite and here Ranvir Singh had the privilege of performing the first of Strictly 2020. It seemed fitting that in a Blackpool-themed show, a Lancashire lass should do the honours.

It didn't disappoint. There was sizzling chemistry and connection between Ranvir and partner Giovanni Pernice. Their hold was so close and the mood so intense, it often felt like they were on the brink of snogging. With 'showmance' rumours all over the internet, unfounded as far as we currently know, the tabloids would have blown a gasket.

The judges got decidedly hot under the collar, too. Anton Du Beke repeatedly called Ranvir "a beauty". Shirley Ballas came over all a-flutter and started kissing the air, much to Craig Revel Horwood's hammed-up disapproval. It all took Ranvir to joint second in the standings, representing a welcome return to form after last week's cha cha dis-ah-ster.

Anton's last live show as a judge - for now, anyway

He's only the 'temp' but stalwart pro Anton du Beke made a big splash last week in his new judging role. The novelty had slightly worn off this time but he still brought an extra dimension to the paddle-raising panel.

Clad in dapper black tie and with a gentlemanly manner, Anton was generous with his compliments and constructive with his criticism. At times, it was a little like he was merely naming the steps he'd spotted, as if he'd swallowed an A-Z Of Ballroom, but this was just the endearing enthusiasm of a dance purist. He still scored on the high side but so did Shirley Ballas, which was less forgivable.

After Sunday's results show, Anton’s stand-in stint is over. Motsi Mabuse is back on duty next weekend. Yet something tells me this won’t be the last we see of Tony Beak behind that judges’ table.

Maisie Smith bounced back as Bill Bailey dipped

Teen EastEnders actress Maisie Smith was one of the contest's early pace-setters but got a serious scare last week when she made a shock appearance in the dance-off. The 19-year-old admitted this week that she's struggled with the extra scrutiny that Strictly brings.

Still, Maisie showed impressive fortitude to bounced back strongly with a spicy salsa, full of fluidity and fearless lifts. It scored all the nines for 27 points - her highest of the series, putting her joint second behind Jamie Laing.

By contrast, bookies' favourite Bill Bailey suffered a light drop in standards. His American Smooth had swing and sway, class and finesse, but his footwork faltered and for once, his timing was a tad off.

He ended up mid-table with 25 points - highly respectable but his lowest score for three weeks. Bill still looks a good bet for the glitterball final but this was a reminder that despite the groundswell of  support, he won't have it all his own way.

Caroline Quentin camped it up at last

She might have a ballerina's grace but actress Caroline Quentin hasn't quite fulfilled her potential thus far, frustrating the judges by being too poised and playing it safe. Faced with the dreaded cha cha this week, thankfully she threw caution to the wind.

Her routine with popular partner Johannes Radebe had a frankly preposterous theme of a fireman rescuing a cat stuck up a tree theme. As a predatory damsel in distress, Caroline hammed up the comedic character with her facial expressions. At one point, she even licked Johannes armpit - which was brave under the studio lights. It had the whiff of a Blackpool hen night but it was flirty, feisty, cheeky, cheesy and as saucy as a seaside postcard. Carry On Caroline, anyone?

Who’ll be hauled off at half-time?

Somebody won’t make it to the business end of the series. Will it be Clara Amfo, Caroline Quentin or JJ Chalmers? Or could we see another surprise tumble into the bottom two?

The results show airs Sunday at 7.25pm, when two couples will face the dreaded dance-off and one will be sent home. The musical guest is the mighty Billy Ocean, performing a medley of his hits. But when the going gets tough, who’ll get going home?

Join us back here at telegraph.co.uk to dissect and discuss it all. In the meantime, you know the drill: keeeeeeeep dancing!

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09:59 PM

Fifth live show in full

Here’s your routine-by-routine rewind…

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08:41 PM

Routines recapped and credits roll

Phew. A razzle-dazzle 90 minutes worthy of Blackpool - with erratic scoring to match.

That concludes the action on-screen but don’t go anywhere just yet. Please stay with us for analysis, talking points and social media reaction…

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08:38 PM

Motsi dials in

Self-isolating judge Motsi Mabuse Zooms in from her sitting room and is raving about Ranvir. She dons a pink cowboy hat (very hen do) and declares the voting lines... open!

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08:32 PM

Ranvir and Giovanni’s Argentine tango

Closing the show, it's time the first Argentine tango of the series - always a fan favourite. Giovanni got a 40 with Debbie McGee and 39 points with Faye Tozer with this dance. Ranvir needs to let her inhibitions go, because it’s all about chemistry and connection, passion and drama. Close hold, heads together and strong A-frame. Leg sweeps, lifts, intensity. Her footwork's not flawless and extensions lacking but loads of sizzle and hypnotic mood. 

Music: When Doves Cry by Prince

Judges’ comments: Anton says: “Ooh, what a beauty you are. Wonderful intensity and style. It captured me completely and I was drawn in.” Craig says: “Wanted a straighter leg in the lunge but so much detail, I'm amazed, fantastic.” Shirley says: “Made me hot under the collar, feminine but powerful. It was so hot and sensational, you were fabulous.”

Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 10 a total of 27 points. Joint second with Maisie. 

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08:24 PM

Caroline and Johannes’ cha cha

The dreaded cha cha has been the dance of death this series. Johannes also got knocked out at this stage last year with his cha cha alongside Catherine Tyldesley. Caroline’s in a hot red fringed dress and it’s a cheeky, feisty number. Slightly demented fireman-rescuing-a-damsel theme. Ladder-ography, cat-ography and much more comedy character, which is what the judges wanted from Caroline. Great acting and facial expressions. Footwork falters and leg action not sharp enough but lots of fun, good storytelling and great effort. 

Music: Rescue Me by Fontella Bass

Judges’ comments: Shirley says: “I loved it, so fun, you can sell anything, beautiful flow, the prettiest legs and feet in the competition, moved around the floor well. Did you lick his armpit? Very entertaining.” Anton says: “Didn't need rescuing, she was having marvellous time. You looked terrific, a joyous cha cha and a proper number, by far your best dance of the series.” Craig says: “Johannes is the one who needs rescuing, could have done without the tongue action, I felt like I was watching Mrs Slocombe from Are You Being Served?, cheeky, cheesy, loved it.”

Judges’ scores: 8, 8, 8 a total of 24 points. Her highest yet but on a night of high scoring, second from bottom so far.

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08:15 PM

HRVY and Janette’s tango

Another poptastic tune. HRVY certainly plays to his youth fanbase. Opera masks for moody opening, then he’s back in hold for the first time in three weeks. Craig said he wanted to see cleaner footwork last week. This is a fast, fiery tango with lots of sharp staccato. Needs to be little lower in the knees and more V-shape but this is confident, fierce and dramatic. Some tricks and drops. Grew into the routine, led well and ended strongly, 

Music: Golden by Harry Styles

Judges’ comments: Craig says: “A couple of mistakes but had power, drive and drama, you took total control, absolutely fantastic.” Shirley says: “You deliver the different styles, impressively carried on after mistakes, difficult routine, challenging fast footwork, your frame has potential to be king of ballroom and move Anton off his podium.” Anton concludes: “I loved a lot of it, marvellous frame, keep working at it.”

Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9 for a total of 26 points. Third place so far. 

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08:06 PM

Jamie and Karen’s Couple’s Choice

A Nineties hip-hop vibe here. Well, Jamie is straight outta West Brompton, after all. Karen has done well with streetdances in the past, with former partners Charles Venn and Chis Ramsey. They start off as two avatars, like Street Fighter, then become a team and launch into synchronised moves. Good rhythm, attempts some breakdancing - perhaps unwisely - but great energy and speeds up superbly towards the end. Great side-by-side sections, big finish. Made him sweat indeed. Loads of fun.

Music: Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C+C Music Factory

Judges’ comments: Anton says: “Obviously this style comes perfectly naturally to me, you nailed the timing, your best by about a thousand miles.” Craig says: “The homeboys of Belgravia trying to do street on the King's Road - but it was amazing, styled it out, in-sync, I'm just disapponted there was no headspin, darling.”  Shirley concludes: “Agile, energetic, held your own next to Karen, you were that homeboy. Is that what they say?”  It is, Shirl. 

Judges’ scores: 9, 10, 10 a total of 29 points. Joint highest score of the series. Blimey. 

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07:56 PM

Clara and Aljaž’s samba

With their confidence high, can last week's surprise leaderboard-toppers continue their form? Clara fell in love with Brazil on holiday a few years ago so is keen to capture that carnival feeling. They’re in chef’s whites, for some random reason. Spot of wooden spoon-ography and hat-ography. Too slow to get started but better when it does. Clara has the groove but does she have the technique? Voltas, syncopated runs, body ripples, bounce and hip swings, the whisk… Spicy but stilted and lacking sizzle. More disco than carnival but joyous to watch, especially out of hold. 

Music: That’s The Way (I Like It) by KC & The Sunshine Band

Judges’ comments: Shirley says: “You bring joy and energy but your feet missed the mark, by far your weakest performance so far.” Anton says: “You light up the room, don't lose enthusiasm, couple of mistakes but who's watching? Not me.” Craig says: “Too heavy, feet too far apart and turned in, timing got out but there was great bounce, a confident performance but this dance didn't suit you.” Harsh. Sixes? Great VT message from her mum, though. Hope that skirt's not too short. 

Judges’ scores: 5, 6, 7 a total of 18 points. Eleven down on last week. Ouch.

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07:48 PM

JJ and Amy’s quickstep

His jive was bottom of the leaderboard last week. Will this dance suit JJ more? It's set amid the Blackpool illuminations. Slightly awkward side-by-side opening but he looks more comfortable in hold, with a lovely T-shaped frame. Good flow around the floor and some frothy Charleston steps but he's heavy-footed and singing along to the music, which is distracting. Flagged a little at the end but he kept up with Amy pretty well. 

Music: For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder

Judges’ comments: Craig says: “The singing along and facial expressions somehow worked but it was jagged, top half moving too much, needed to be smoothed out.” Shirley says: “Completely disagree, great vertical spine, Rolls Royce action, delighted with your footwork.” Anton concludes: “Immaculate arms, swung across the floor, brilliant.”

Judges’ scores: 7, 9, 9 for a total of 25 points. His highest but hugely overmarked. 

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07:40 PM

Maisie and Gorka’s salsa

Last week’s dance-off survivors try to bounce back by freeing their hips for a fun, full-on party dance. Maisie’s shaking her money-maker in a sparkly ribbon hombre dress. Lifts and cartwheels. Rhythmical and spicy. She looks much happier this week. Slightly unsteady dismount from one of the lifts and some of the extensions thrown away but great energy and performance value.

Music: Better When I’m Dancing by Meghan Trainor

Judges’ comments: Anton says: “Absolutely brilliant, you loosened up and were fluid, landed a bit heavy coming out of one of the lifts, I feel you've got so much more to give, terrific.” Craig says: “Unfortunate bad landing but I'm blaming Gorka for over-throwing you, amazing isolation, hops and spins, you're incredible.” Shirley concludes: “What a comeback. Accomplished, fearless, keep working on your feet but getting better by the week.” 

Judges’ scores: 9, 9, 9 a total of 27 points. Her highest score of the series.

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07:30 PM

Bill and Oti’s American smooth

A big change in mood from last week’s streetdance but they’re staying in New York - via Blackpool - for this swinging, swaying, foxtrot-style routine. A classic Cole Porter tune and a definite hint of Blackpool glamour in Bill’s top hat and tails, and Oti’s red feathered frock. Side-by-side section to open and Bill's timing isn't quite as bang-on as it usually is, then they glide around the floor classily. A little footwork falter. Some cane-work. Sparkly finish. Not quite up to his usual standard, I'd suggest. 

Music: I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra

Judges’ comments: Shirley says: “Opened the show with class and finesse, thank you.” Anton says: “I don't know about Blackpool, we're in heaven. Right up my street. Calm, wonderful topline and arm position, great partnering skills, so refined.” Craig says: “Fred Astaire needed extensions, point your feet but extraordianry hand-shaping, you are a revelation.” Eights and maybe a nine? Sweet, funny video message from his teenage son. 

Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 8 for a total of 25 points. Solid start but his lowest for three weeks. 

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07:26 PM

Time to meet the stars of our show

Here come our eight couples. Fancy dress includes chef's outfits, top hats and opera masks. Consider the dressing-up box raided. 

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07:24 PM

Here comes the judges

No Bruno Tonioli or Motsi Mabuse, so we welcome the paddle-raising trio of Craig Revel Horwood, head judge Shirley Ballas and stand-in Anton du Beke.

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07:24 PM

Frockwatch

Time for our weekly comparison of the co-presenters’ couture. Tess Daly in a black sheath dress with see-through panels. Claudia Winkleman in a leopard print trouser suit. Claudia wins

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07:21 PM

Pros open the show Blackpool-style

We kick off with a Blackpool-themed routine from the professional troupe. It's a Sixties-styled party dance, with elements of Latin, lindyhop and jive.

Anton Du Beke stars as a tourist seeing the sights in Blackpool. It's all set on the beach, with plenty of props: beach huts, prom benches, candy floss, seagulls... You can almost smell the fish and chips. Mmm.

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07:19 PM

Roll credits sequence

We’ve lost four of these couples already. Three knocked out, one due to Covid. Darn you, pesky pandemic. 

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07:18 PM

And we're off!

Cue dramatic montage and overuse of the word 'iconic'.

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07:14 PM

Take your sofa seats and charge your glasses

And perhaps pop on a kiss-me-quick hat, if there happens to be one lying around.

We’re about to go over live to the Elstree Studios ballroom...

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07:10 PM

Word from the training rooms

Bill Bailey’s been looking good once again - and training in a top hat, perhaps significantly. 

HRVY has been wearing a harness to perfect his tango hold. Maisie Smith has some spectacular lifts in their salsa. 

JJ Chalmers is bookies’ favourite to go home this week but his quickstep looks pretty promising. 

A mere five minutes left on the glittery countdown…

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07:07 PM

Judge Anton presiding on panel

Stalwart pro Anton Du Beke was a hit last week when he stood in for Motsi Mabuse on the judging panel. Motsi’s still in her 14-day quarantine, so the K.O.B (king of ballroom) will be keeping her seat warm once again. Let’s just hope he’s clamped down on the excitable over-scoring.

Seven minutes until showtime…

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07:04 PM

What’s on the dance menu tonight?

We’ll see this year’s first Argentine tango - always a fan favourite - as newsreader Ranvir Singh tries to recapture her form with a passionate, dramatic routine. 

The latest Couple’s Choice comes from the fast-improving Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer, who will bust moves in a synchronised streetdance. 

Other highlights to look forward to are Bill Bailey’s swinging American smooth and Caroline Quentin tackling the dreaded cha cha. 

Ten minutes until choreographic kick-off…

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06:59 PM

Kiss me quick, it’s a Blackpool tribute

Strictly’s usual pilgrimage to Blackpool isn’t happening this year, of course. However, the contest’s usual milestone will instead be marked by a special celebration at Elstree Studios tonight. From the pros’ group dance to the costumes and props, Blackpool will be written right through the show like a stick of rock.

Fifteen minutes until curtain up…

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06:53 PM

Last week’s high-scoring action recapped

Last Saturday saw the first 10s of the series. In fact, there was a flurry of them. HRVY’s spicy salsa and Bill Bailey’s prop-heavy hip-hop streetdance both prompted head judge Shirley Ballas to raise her maximum paddle, leaving this pair joint second on the leaderboard. 

Both boys were eclipsed, however, by Clara Amfo, whose Charleston notched two 10s for a near-perfect 29 points - the highest score of the series so far. Sweetly, Clara was as surprised as anyone to suddenly find herself top of the pile. Could it prove to be her breakthrough dance and turn the Radio 1 DJ into a true glitterball contender?

Struck down the bottom of the standings was JJ Chalmers after his wartime jive but a message of support from his mate Prince Harry helped viewer votes lift him clear of the bottom two - making it the first time this series that the bottom scorer didn’t go home. Instead the dreaded dance-off was between Max George and Maisie Smith. Max and his pro partner Dianne Buswell were sent home but early pace-setter Maisie’s near-miss sent shockwaves through the field. It served a stark reminder that nobody is safe. 

Twenty minutes until that familiar ba-ba-daa theme tune…

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06:43 PM

If Strictly can’t go to Blackpool...

... Then Blackpool must come to Strictly. The pandemic might have put paid to the annual trip north up the M6 but this week’s show will still pay homage to the historic Tower Ballroom. 

The professionals’ group number will be a spectacular seaside special, taking in all the sights and sounds of the Pleasure Beach. It should provide a welcome dose of sand, sunshine and sparkle on a chilly autumn evening. The eight pro-celebrity couples’ routines, props and costumes will also bring a touch of Blackpool magic to our screens.

Good evening. I’m Michael, your virtual dance partner for tonight’s live show - the midway mark of this shortened nine-week series. It’s showtime at 7.15pm on BBC One. I’ll be liveblogging from 6.45pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, social media reaction and mildly sarky asides. 

Please join me - 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. 

Can Clara Amfo continue her leaderboard-topping form? Will Ranvir Singh nail this year’s first Argentine tango? Can Maisie Smith bounce back from her dance-off shock last week? And what dance delights does surprise bookies' favourite (and Telegraph columnist) Bill Bailey have up his sequin-spangled sleeves for us this week?

Knot a hankie on your head and grapple with a deckchair. It's nearly time to staaaaaaart sort-of-seaside dancing!