Strictly Come Dancing, week 4 recap: Karim Zeroual's fiery tango tops scoreboard on a night of miraculous improvement

• Karim Zeroual closes the show and gets two 10s for triumphant leaderboard-topping tango

• Kelvin Fletcher's swoon-inducing rumba just behind, followed by Emma Barton's emotive Viennese waltz

• Alex Scott stranded at bottom of standings while several couples notched their highest scores

It was a night of high standards and erratic scoring. Here are all the major talking points and social media reaction from the fourth live show…

Karim bounced back and even eclipsed Kelvin

For most of Saturday's show, it looked like Kelvin Fletcher was set to top the scoreboard for the third time in five weeks. The former Emmerdale actor was this year's first male celebrity to tackle the notoriously tricky rumba and his highly masculine yet sizzlingly sensual routine sent the judges all aflutter. Indeed, a couple of them could barely speak.

Kelvin was sitting pretty at the top of the standings until the very last dance, from CBeebies presenter Karim Zeroual. He’s been struck down with flu this week - pro partner Amy Dowden was sneezing, croaking and seemed to be succumbing too - but you wouldn't know it from his fierce tango.

He led strongly and was full of sharp staccato, strong posture and stalking attack, duly notching two perfect 10s in a total of 38 points - the joint highest score of the series so far. Karim was keen to bounce back into the leading pack after last week’s misfiring Movie Week samba and boy, did he do it in style.

The two Ks, Karim and Kelvin, already look like they could be slugging it out for the glitterball trophy in two months' time. Special K, anyone?

Johannes is making himself a cult hero

South African professional dancer Johannes Radebe was newly promoted to the main line-up this year, getting his first celebrity partner in actress Catherine Tyldesley. He's proving a breath of fresh air and an endearing presence.

As well as being an exquisite dancer who was tonight told by judge Craig Revel Horwood to "rein it in" because he looked just too good, Johannes is downright fab-ew-lous. Clad in hot pink, bouncing around to Beyoncé and executing Charleston moves inspired by the "Single Ladies" video, he gleefully confessed he was "living my best life" and his enthusiasm was infectious.

He was a pro on Strictly's South African edition for two series and reached the final both times. Could Johannes be an outside bet to repeat the trick here?

David James snatched victory from jaws of defeat

Double dance-off survivor David James could have been forgiven for going into his shell after having all the confidence knocked out of him over the past fortnight. He was bookies' odds-on favourite for elimination coming into this show. However, the former England goalkeeper is nothing if not a competitor and came out fighting.

He looked like a different man during his frothy quickstep, prompting judge Bruno Tonioli to ask: "What is going on?  I've never seen a transformation like it. I'm gobsmacked - keep it up!" Craig Revel Horwood was more succinct, saying: "You've finally arrived, darling".

David duly scored 28 points, 11 more than his previous best. He certainly doesn't deserve to be in the dance-off for the third time. Will voting viewers agree?

Scoring went haywire on night of surprises

Many of the celebrities showed remarkable improvement, sure, but the judging panel's scores were bafflingly erratic tonight. Nine and perfect 10 paddles have been appearing extremely early in the contest.

Alex Scott, Will Bayley and Dev Griffin were under-marked. Several others were wildly overrated, notably Mike Bushell. There was often a two-point gap between Craig Revel Horwood's score and those of the, shall we say, more generous judges. It sometimes seemed they were reaching for paddles at random and holding up whatever came to hand. Four! Ten! A wooden spoon! Whatever!

Two Emmas, two big improvements

EastEnders actress Emma Barton, partnered with stalwart pro Anton Du Beke, was hotly tipped before the series began but has been stuck around the mid-table area. Not any more. She came to the party tonight with an emotional, elegant Viennese waltz which gave the judges goosebump and finished third on the leaderboard.

Her namesake, Viscountess Emma Weymouth, also enjoyed an upturn in form with her jumping, pumping jive. The judges were particularly impressed with how she's taken their comments on board, worked on her core strength and brought out her personality. All in all, a fine evening for people called Emma.

Manic Mike Bushell was wildly overmarked

He was tragic Magic Mike last week. Now he was manic Mike the mod. But with his monochrome quickstep to stomping wedding disco classic “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners, BBC Breakfast's Mike Bushell sprang a surprise.

It was hopping, hyperactive and so fast and furious that Bushell could barely breathe by the end of the routine. The judges seemed so stunned, they scored it ludicrously high - nine out of 10, Motisi Mabuse, really? - meaning Mike's total of 32 points was a full 10 points higher than his previous best. Bonkers.

Meanwhile, his professional partner Katya Jones was on similarly frantic form - squawking and screeching in celebration, weeping at the judges' comments,  then declaring that she "wanted to kiss". In the wake of last year's snog-gate scandal with partner Seann Walsh, perhaps not the wisest thing to say on national TV. Especially in front of your ex-husband.

Tess Daly was on annoying form

Co-presenter Tess Daly might hold the show together and keep proceedings ticking along but she's something of a Marmite figure among viewers. Many of her worst traits were on display tonight - and we don't just mean her taste for silvery Bacofoil frocks.

She greeted every couple post-dance with "Look at that! They're on their feet!" as if they couldn't see the studio audience's reaction for themselves. She patronised people by repeatedly referring to "your little face" or cooing "aww, bless your heart!" Tess too often talked to grown adults as if they were toddlers. If she's got nothing to say, she should feel free to say nothing.

Saffron's nanna fixation felt cynical

Tugging on viewers' heartstrings via one's cute children or proudly weepy grandparents is a trope so well worn on reality contests that it has become an eye-rolling cliché.

Vlogger Saffron Barker has been name-checking her beloved nanna all series and Ivy was in the studio audience tonight. And the VT. And everything Saffron said. Her and pro partner AJ Pritchard's Couple's Choice routine was set to Ivy's favourite Celine Dion song and there were tears all round, even from head judge Shirley Ballas. It all began to feel sickly and distinctly cloying.

Along with Karim Zeroual's rather random roping in of his nephews to his training room footage, it was all trying way too hard to be wholesome. What curse of Strictly? This is a family show.

Sporting duo in dance-off danger

The usual strugglers shot up the leaderboard. The scoring was all over the shop. Frankly, it's anyone's guess who might be in trouble on Sunday evening.

The bottom two on the judges' totals were football pundit Alex Scott, whose scores have stalled in the low 20s, and Paralympic table tennis champion Will Bayley. His disability made the tricky slow foxtrot even tougher yet he trained like a demon and performed it pluckily.

Will voting viewers come to this likeable pair's rescue? The results show airs at 7.15pm on Sunday, when the dreaded dance-off will see somebody sent home. There's also music from country singer Keith Urban. Me neither.

Please join us back on the liveblog then. In the meantime, it’s the usual deal: keeeeeeeep dancing!

9:22PM

Saturday’s show in full

Here’s your routine-by-routine recap…

8:38PM

Sparkly curtain comes down

The dances are recapped, the credits roll and that concludes tonight’s hot hoofing action. Phew. But who’s at risk of the third elimination? Stay with us for analysis and all the social media reaction.

8:29PM

Karim and Amy’s tango

The poorly panda’s been off sick with flu (or possibly bamboo poisoning) this week and has missed some training time, but he’s keen to bounce back into leading pack after last week’s misfiring Movie Week samba. Cool contemporary styling. Loads of attack, sharp head swivels, kicks and tricks. Footwork a little lacking in flashes and some gapping when it should be more compact but great pirouettes for a strong finish. Fierce.

Music: “Paradise” by George Ezra

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "what inspiring performances from everybody tonight and you closed the show amazingly - flat, staccato, kept the frame, well done". Bruno says "power, passion, precision, the boy can tango, you were a machine and you killed it". Craig says "it's the first time we've seen a male celebrity lead and it's incredible". Motsi concludes "best dance of the evening, end of story".

Judges' scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 for a total of 38 points - top of the leaderboard and joint highest score of the series so far.

8:20PM

Saffron and AJ’s Couple's Choice

The second Couple’s Choice of the series and they’ve opted for Contemporary. It’s a family song and one of her grandma’s favourite songs. Weepily proud Nanna Ivy is in the studio audience. Saffron’s been covered in bruises this week due to the flying lifts. Barefoot and dry ice shrouding the footwork but emotional storytelling. Spinning lifts and floor-work. This is a bit like a primary schoolgirl's end-of-term show. Lifts a little lumpy but sweet, whole-hearted and shamelessly romantic.

Music: “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion

Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "it's a strength to show vulnerability, spins were beautiful, you put the emotion into motion". Shirley says "divine music choice, amazing job, no balance issues, strong connection". Bruno says "so finely tuned to each other, absolute mirror images, fantastic and expressive". Craig concludes "could have gone further and extended the ideas, a bit mechanical but I loved it, who knew you could do that Arabesque leap?"

Judges' scores: 7, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 33 points. Generous. Third on the scoreboard.

8:11PM

Mike and Katya’s quickstep

Magic Mike last week. Mike the mod this week. It’s the classic end-of-a-wedding-disco song and they’re in 60s-style black-and-white outfits. He's been practising with a frame harness and a stepladder this week. Katya's a tough drill sergeant. Lots of travel around the floor with Mike struggling to keep up and Katya's talking to him throughout. Bit like an over-excited toddler towards the end. Fun but ropy. She's whooping. He can barely breathe.

Music: “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "fast and furious, comedy elements that I didn't love, lost posture and hold at times but you've come into your own". Motsi says "entertainment and energy, you're a different man, look at yourself, hard work paid off". Shirley says "more sophisticated, you kept up with the pace and it was genius, much improved and absolutely out". Bruno concludes "it's a night of miracles, now I can see Magic Mike, you didn't crash and kept getting better, great achievement". Katya's tearful.

Judges' scores: 7, 9 (are you sure?), 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Blimey. Mike thinks it's a dream. Nightmare, more like.

8:07PM

Welsh or Yoda?

It's hard to tell with Karim's attempt at mimicking Amy's accent, it is, you see. Look you now in a minute, young Jedi.

8:02PM

Will and Janette’s foxtrot

A technically demanding dance and the Paralympic hero’s disability means he has struggled with his frame and ankle movements in training. Flamenco theme, slightly strangel. Very sedate and stately. Careful footwork and concentration from Will but he shows some personality in the middle section with some kicks and spins. Red petals fall. Lovely storytelling and sweet ending.

Music: Señorita” by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "well done, Will my love, I could see how hard it was to maintain the frame and you managed but it lost some flow". Craig says "soften your movements, your face dropped in hold but I liked the cross-section of steps, brilliant". Motsi says "be proud of yourself, it's a difficult dance, you showed great partnering skills and more expression in your upper body, don't be so hard on yourself". Shirley concludes "you had soft knees and kept one of the best postural lines I've seen, no mistakes, so rest easy that you did a great job".

Judges' scores: 6, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 24 points. Second from bottom so far.

7:53PM

Michelle and Giovanni’s salsa

Authentic salsa music and we’ve been promised a proper Cuban street salsa, traditional with no tricks. Michelle’s been finding it “brutal” in training as it’s solo 80 per cent of the time. Rainbow-skirted frock and huge hair. Hot and spicy flavours, full-on pace, she's sassy as hell in the solo sections. Shimies and spins. Gio's loving this too. Pace flagging a little in the middle and loses timing towards the end.

Music: “Quimbara” by Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "mishap in the middle but oozed rhythm, nightclub feel, subtle accents, you did great". Bruno says "I could savour the Latin flavour, excellent apart from the mishap". Craig says "I wanted more hip rotation and you stuck in the underarm turns at the end, but you're a comfortable, confident dancer and it felt spontaneous, well done". Motsi concludes "fierce attack, control of your body - cheeky and chilli-hot".

Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Third on the leaderboard so far.

7:48PM

Viscountess Weymouth and Aljaž’s jive

From Downton to downtown. Following last week’s dreamy period foxtrot, Emma Weymouth needs to bring out her fun side to this 80s banger. Her thighs have been aching in training and the jive can be tricky for a tall couple. Some wall-ography to start. Lacks bounce and retraction, too much running around but she grows into the routine with impressive stamina. Some tricks and drops towards the end. Much improved. "Come oooonnnn!" whoops a jubilant Alijaz.

Music: “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde

Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "getting stronger week by week, sweet 16, pumping speed". Shirley says "what's in the water today? Everyone's dancing so well, definite improvement". Bruno says "you're growing in confidence - bright, lively, youthful, compact with more finish ,you've worked on core strength and it shows". Craig concludes " I'm rather pleased we've lost the swan, we've gained a headless chicken but in a good way - fast, furious and pretty accurate, well done".

Judges' scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points, same as last week.

7:39PM

Kelvin and Oti’s rumba

Can last week’s top scorer maintain the West End-worthy standard of last week’s Charleston? Kelvin is this year’s first male celebrity to tackle the notoriously tricky rumba. Sheer black shirt "for the ladies", intense romantic mood. Oti's dancing around him a tad to start but then we're into some spins and seductive drops. Cucarachas, sliding doors, rumba walks. It's slow and technically exposing but he's handling it superbly. Lovely hug between them at the end.

Music: “Ain't No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "you're obviously in touch with yourself, oozed machismo, it was filth". Motsi says "that's my sister, stop it! Goodness, you were Kelvin the samba, now you're Kelvin the rumba". Shirley says "very masculine, scintillating and sensual hip action, sensitivity of touch, never seen a man rumba like that". Bruno concludes "most of the nation is basking in the afterglow, the quality was excellent, hips were weapons and when they ignited, it went right through your body".

Judges' scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Top of the leaderboard again.

7:31PM

David and Nadiya’s quickstep

Is it still Movie Week? You might think so from the Greatest Showman tune. Double dance-off survivor David has been worried the quickstep is “not a big man’s dance” but he's doing OK here. Looks happier, performance levels higher, some light and frothy skipping. Footwork and frame lacking at times and he loses timing during the solo sections but spins to finish and some serious panache. Better.

Music: “From Now On” by Hugh Jackman

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "what is going on? That was a miraculous improvement, you were actually dancing, I've never seen a transformation like it, I'm gobsmacked -  keep it up". Craig says "you have finally arrived, darling". Motsi says "like a phoenix rising, you do not deserve to be in the dance-off this week". Shirley concludes "you pushed yourself, you keep coming back and you're an inspiration, miraculous change from week one".

Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 8 for a total of 28 points. His best by far. Well deserved.

7:22PM

Alex and Neil’s tango

Spicy Scott needs to bring out the fierce character of the tango and make the steps mean something. She’s been improving in increments of one point, so if the trend continues, should score 24 tonight. Rock chick theme, a motorbike prop and takes too long to get into hold. When they do, there's some purpose and attack, Alex is doing some acting. Lacks sharpness but a half-decent effort.

Music: “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "small improvement, frame is starting to get better". Bruno says "the Hell's Angel of tango, good to see you explore different sides of yourself, something went wrong and you couldn't get it back but I give you credit for trying". Craig says "you were being thrown about rather than dancing, arms need shaping out of hold but I loved the sharp staccato stuff and your acting has come up a notch". Motsi concludes "improved presence and performance but you're being a bit careful, have fun and do your thing".

Judges' scores: 4, 6, 6, 7 for a total of 23 points. Same as last week.

7:14PM

Catherine and Johannes’ Charleston

The Coronation Street alumnus had a big breakthrough last week and was reborn through the rumba. Can she continue her form? She’ll struggle to match Kelvin’s charleston last week. Hot pink outfits and nail bar theme. Incorporating moves from the Beyoncé video. Lacking a little of that crucial swivel but quirky choreography, good synchronisation in the side-by-side sections, tricky lifts and bags of fun.

Music: Single Ladies” by Beyoncé

Judges’ verdict: Motsi says "I was worried about the girls in this competition but they've arrived, a joy to watch". Shirley says "a blast, conquered the world". Bruno says "an action-packed pink explosion,  an achievement just to keep up with the content". Craig concludes "a bit random and messy, swivel was haphazard but you did brilliantly".

Judges' scores: 6, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 30 points. Second so far behind Emma Barton.

7:12PM

Dev and Dianne’s cha cha cha

The Radio 1 DJ was painted blue and wowed with his Couple’s Choice streetdance last week. Now he needs to bring out his flirty side. A game effort but not an entirely successful cha cha.

Music: “Dancing with a Stranger" by Sam Smith featuring Normani.

Judges’ verdict:  Mixed reviews from the panel, who thought it was too stilted, posed and lacked hip rotation.

Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points. Dev looks happy stroke relieved.

7:09PM

Emma and Anton’s Viennese waltz

A big contrast to last week’s swinging Sixties salsa. The King Of Ballroom and the EastEnders actress perform an elegant and emotional Viennese waltz to Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway classic. Straight in with the fleckerls. Romance, connection, mood. Emma using her acting skills for the storytelling. Lovely. By far her best yet

Music: “Send in the Clowns” by Barbra Streisand

Judges’ verdict: They loved it. Quite right too.

Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Her highest so far and that will take some beating.

7:08PM

Chris and Karen’s jive

Elton John’s 1973 glam rock hit soundtracks this fast, flicky and kicky routine.  Feathered shoulder pads and sparkly suits slightly overshadowing the steps.

Music: “Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)” by Elton John

Judges’ verdict: They loved it. Slightly more than I did, to be honest.

Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 6 for a total of 26 points, his joint highest so far.

7:00PM

Hello and welcome to our liveblog (at last)

Apologies, ballroom buddies. Technical glitches mean a slightly late start to our liveblog this evening but we're here now. Please watch along with our rolling coverage and I'll keeeeeeeep blogging.