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

Hello, and happy Saturday, or Strictly Come Dancing day, to all who celebrate! We'll be keeping you update here with all the latest news about, and from, tonight's episode.

The BBC have officially released all the songs and dances that will feature in this week's episode: find out everything here.

Did you know that the ER and Doctor Who star had an incredibly difficult marriage with an A-list actor, with whom she was in a relationship for 14 years? Find out all about the relationship, and Alex's current marriage, here. 

In case you missed it, catch up with last week's results, and all the news right here – it looks like there might already be some frontrunners... 

Ross King may have divorced his wife of seven years back in 2022, but he has not given up on love. In fact, his new girlfriend actually made an appearance in last week's episode of Strictly! Find out all about her, and their relationship, here.

We exclusively spoke to one of the Strictly professionals who wasn't partnered last year, and how some find it a 'disappointment', while others take a more optimistic approach. Read the whole story here.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden has shared a message with fans on her Instagram story explaining that she had been battling a cold during the week.

Amy appeared on It Takes Two alongside her partner, Thomas Skinner, yesterday, and Janette said to her: "Amy, I know you're a little bit under the weather so excuse Amy today but he made you a beautiful drink to help you out," to which she replied, in a coarse voice: "With turmeric, ginger, pepper."

Sending all of our well wishes to Amy! Hopefully she's better by next week.

Just in case you weren't sure – this week's episode of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on BBC One at 6:20pm. Stay here to get all the latest updates from the episode as it all happens!

It's a big day for Amber today – not only is she dancing the samba with Nikita for her second live performance, but she's actually also turning 29! Her professional partner made a heartwarming, super-personal gesture for her: see the video and read the full story here. 

Only twenty minutes left to go! Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the dancefloor this week?

Amber's boyfriend, actor Ben Joyce, took to Instagram to share a sweet message for the Strictly star, wishing her both a happy birthday and all the best of luck. 

That iconic opening theme... you just can't beat it! Tess and Claudia look brilliant in those trouser suits.

The costumes last week weren't show-stopping, I suppose as it's the first week, but even today I'm only particularly excited by Alex and Ellie's! Hopefully it all comes together on the dancefloor – for now, let's see what La Voix and Aljaž have to bring... 

I love seeing behind-the-scenes: the concept of Aljaż coming on stage as a surprise at a drag show is hilarious to me! La Voix seemed a little stiff, but I think her bold personality really comes through, and she's such fun to watch. They seem to be a bit of a fan favourite, as Craig's criticisms got some pretty resounding boos... 

A 19! That is unfortunate for La Voix and Aljaż, and a bit of a drop from last week's 24, bringing their total to 43... I don't think that her personality coming through makes up for the fact that she seemed to really struggle with the jive.

Training season is OVER! Karen and Carlos were speedy and intense, a thrill to watch, even if the former Lioness stumbled a little – Motsi pointed out that Karen was a little jittery, and that she needs to loosen up a little bit. Shirley and Anton criticised their positioning, and that the two seemed a little closed off. 

Karen takes everything in her stride – I'm a huge fan of her and her attitude, I really think she's got a lot of potential. She opened up about the difficulties of having a curved spine in her VT, which I can imagine make such a technical dance even more difficult. The scores were 4, 5, 5 and 6, giving them an overall score of 20, and bringing their total to 51. 

Jimmy spoke about his frustration struggling with the footwork in his VT. He and Lauren danced a cha cha cha to I Heard It Through the Grapevine, and I think his nerves and stiffness came through a little bit – he almost looked relieved when it was over!

Craig called Jimmy's hips 'heavy', but Motsi and Shirley were a little more positive: they both called Jimmy and Lauren's dance 'down-to-earth' and 'grounded', commenting on the good feelings and their chemistry. Anton, on the other hand, LOVED it! Seems like Craig's in the minority here...

WOW! Lewis Cope and Katya Jones doing a Viennese waltz to Lose Control... their chemistry on the dancefloor is insane! Anton was highly complementary of their 'power', but said he needs a little more 'refinement', which seems very fair. 

Motsi complimented the 'control of explosive moments', and pointed out a lot of 'wildness' – Shirley, on the other hand, found it all a bit too aggressive.

And the scores are in! 7, 7, 6, 7 – making for a total of 27, meaning that Lewis and Katya are currently in the lead! 

The Doctor Who star opened up about forgetting about the 'joy' of the dance in her VT, so Johannes gave her a little bit of live music surprise. I'm excited to see how they perform!

Though Alex didn't seem confident beforehand, she and Johannes were brilliant! Motsi sung her praises, Shirley called it one of the best sambas she's seen in a long time, and Anton was over the moon. Things are looking good for these two!

The performances just get better and better! With scores of 7, 8, 8, 8, Alex and Johannes are leading tonight's scores with 31.

Vito and Ellie went to a butterfly sanctuary for a lesson in flying with elegance – let's see if it carries through into their waltz.

Elton John's 'Your Song' is a romantic classic and, like Tess says, Ellie really is a 'ballroom butterfly'. Things are going in the right direction for the 23-year-old model.

5, 6, 6, 6 gives Ellie and Vito a total of 23! The two seem over the moon, which they should be on top of last week's 17.

After feeling a little under the weather earlier this week, Amy is about to take on the salsa with Thomas – bit of a bold move, but best of luck to them!

Not a lot of hip movement from Thomas at all there... a little too reliant on some comedic timing, but without the oomph of La Voix! This feels like a bit of a step down from the last few...