Strictly 2025 Week 2 RECAP: Full leaderboard revealed – with surprising contestant at the top

Craig called them 'powerless' – they're booing him, but he's right! Motsi praised Tom's 'gusto' and boldness, which is very fair. He can pull off the lifts, at least, Shirley says. 

Anton called it a good effort, and Tess said it's the 'bravest' week two performance she's seen in a while – let's see what the scores say.

2, 3, 4, 4 – with a total of 13 and a two-week total of less than 30... A bit of a blow for Tom and Amy, but hopefully they get a chance to bounce back!

Karen Haurer said he struggled a little at the beginning of the quickstep, which is ironic for a sprinter – but let's see what the practice brings out of them.

The sprinter has the moves! He struggled a little in practice, but the co-ordinated outfits, and light footwork made for a fun watch. Harry really looked like he was enjoying himself: he's smiley and suave – let's see what the judges think!

Craig praised Harry's musicality and character, Motsi called it a major improvement over last week, Shirley pointed out that the two were a little out of sync – but also that it's some of Karen's best work!  

With scores of 6, 7, 6, 7, they've got a total of 26, giving them a major boost over last week's score of 19.

Waltzing for Scotland – Ross and Jowita got the lowest score last week, and they're aiming to beat it this time around. Ross' confidence was knocked a little, but hopefully he can bounce back today. 

Ross got emotional, calling himself the 'poster boy' for people who don't think they can dance. Motsi called him more relaxed and comfortable, but said he needs to work on his musicality.

It's been an emotional week for Ross, but with a score of 2, 4, 4, 5, it is an improvement over last week's scores!

Latecomer Amber Davies took a trip home with Nikita, to show him where her love for performing came from, in their VT. The two seem to be getting along well, and getting to know each other a bit better – Nikita says she's trying to 'run before she can walk' with learning the dance, but the Love Island winner seems confident.

The West End star has a brilliant fluidity, and the energy between her and Nikita is brilliant – I don't think you can tell that they've had less time to get used to each other's styles and working methods!

Craig was short with his feedback: "I loved, loved, loved it!" Motsi complimented her rhythm, but said Amber needs to work on the footwork, Shirley pointed out just how brilliantly the costume added to her look. 8, 7, 7, 7 for them.

Paying tribute to her Geordie roots with a bit of Sam Fender,  Vicky Pattison and Kai took on a foxtrot, with a lot of gentle, light footwork –  brilliant song choice, and the two move with grace, and that final pose was gorgeous.

Anton commented that Vicky and Kai were a little 'too close' sometimes, and Craig pointed out her 'earthy elegance' – a pleasant surprise!

Shirley thinks that Vicky could go the whole way! High praise from the queen of dance, and the former Geordie Shore star was left in tears.

A very marginal improvement over last week's 23, with four 6s – but I think Vicky and Kai were brilliant, if not necessarily breathtaking! I think they deserved a little more.

Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova are dancing a Viennese waltz – hopefully they can beat last week's 14!

Nadiya moves like the wind! It's a little difficult, as I think she really truly outshone him – with some Bruno Mars in the background, she was magical to watch, but he's stiff and really looks like he's struggling with the footwork and holds... It seems really out of balance! Let's see what the judges have to say... 

Shirley called it an improvement, saying that his "posture and arms are showing more promise". He definitely needs to work on his footwork – it's a shame, I think Nadiya is so graceful, and I think it highlights Chris' weakness!

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston

3, 4, 4, 5 brings the two to a total of 16 – marginally improved, and a completely fair score, I think!

Stefan brought professional partner Dianne along to the soap awards! How sweet – hopefully their cha cha cha is also award-worthy...

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I'm obsessed with the costumes, and Dianne's MAGNIFICENT hair! But I thought Stefan was a tiny bit stiff – Motsi called them fun, but pointed out many tiny mistakes. They're a fun and groovy pair, but the dance was not perfect.

4, 4, 4, 5 isn't terrible – but it's not amazing either. I imagine Stefan and Dianne will be safe from elimination, but we'll have to see.

Stefan gave George a lesson on how to be a little more serious throughout the dance! I think he's a brilliant dancer though, so let's see what he and Alexis bring out.

They may have dance to 'Game of Survival', but George and Alexis didn't pull their punches – and he kept a straight face! Let's see what the judges have to say.

Shirley called them "outstanding" with a brilliant narrative – she asked: "Could we be looking at a potential frontrunner?" Anton was just as positive, too, but Craig praised the "power" and "passion". The scores better reflect the feedback!

With incredible scores of 7, 7, 8, 8 – Él George better be over the moon! I'm screaming at the telly, "Why wasn't it higher?!"

This marks the first Charleston! Let's see what Balvinder Sopal and professional Julian Caillon have to bring – Craig seems excited...

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston

I enjoyed that! I am not normally a fan of a Charleston, but, other than a few rather visible missteps, I thought that Bal and Julian were great fun to watch with a lot of lifts.