Strictly’s Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin top the leaderboard with a PERFECT score of 40

Strictly Come Dancing’s Musical Week special saw Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin top the leaderboard with a perfect score of 40 points following their Couple’s Choice dance to Revolting Children from Matilda on Saturday.

The TV presenter, 20, and her professional partner, 23, left the judges and audience on their feet following their perfected executed and energetic performance, which comes after the pair previously landed in the dance-off two weeks in a row.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo stepped in to guest judge Strictly Come Dancing as Craig Revel Horwood continued to isolate after testing positive for Covid. 

Wow: Tilly and Nikita gave it their all on the dance floor and they fought  to avoid landing in the bottom two again

Top of the class! Strictly Come Dancing’s Musical Week special saw Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin top the leaderboard with a perfect score of 40 points following their Couple’s Choice dance to Revolting Children from Matilda on Saturday

Getting into character as mischievous school children, Tilly and Nikita appeared determined not to land in the dreaded bottom two as they pulled off a specular routine full of flicks and tricks.

And their hard work certainly paid off as the judges awarded them top scores, with head judge  Shirley Ballas remarking she struggled to tell who the professional was.

She told them: ‘That’s how good you was. No disrespect to you [Nikita] but she kept up with you every step of the way.’

Anton Du Beke called Tilly a ‘fighter’ and told the children’s TV chef that she was an ‘inspiration’ to children. 

There she is! Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo stepped in to guest judge Strictly Come Dancing as Craig Revel Horwood continued to isolate after testing positive for Covid

There she is! Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo stepped in to guest judge Strictly Come Dancing as Craig Revel Horwood continued to isolate after testing positive for Covid

Amazing: The TV presenter, 20, and her professional partner, 23, left the judges and audience on their feet following their perfected executed and energetic performance, which comes after the pair previously landed in the dance-off two weeks in a row

Brilliant: The couple seriously gave it their all on the dancefloor

Amazing: The TV presenter, 20, and her professional partner, 23, left the judges and audience on their feet following their perfected executed and energetic performance, which comes after the pair previously landed in the dance-off two weeks in a row

Top marks: The pair were ecstatic as every judge awarded them the maximum 10 points, earning them 40 points in total

Top marks: The pair were ecstatic as every judge awarded them the maximum 10 points, earning them 40 points in total

STRICTLY COME DANCING – WEEK 9 (MUSICALS WEEK) LEADERBOARD

Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin –  Couple’s Choice to Revolting Children from Matilda – 40

AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington – Waltz to Edelweiss from The Sound of Music – 38

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice – Quickstep to Love Is An Open Door from Frozen – 37

Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu –  Jive to Footloose from Footloose – 32

John Whaite and Johannes Radebe – Viennese Waltz to Chim Chim Cher-ee from Mary Poppins – 32

Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden –  Couple’s Choice to On My Own from Les Misérables – 31

Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova –  Charleston to Good Morning from Singin’ In The Rain – 31

 

Guest judge Cynthia declared that the performance was ‘awesome’ and packed with ‘so much fight and energy’, while Motsi Mabuse gushed that the pair were a ‘forced to be reckoned with’. 

Meanwhile, Cynthia, 34, – who has won Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards for her on-stage performances – took to the panel for Musicals Week in Craig’s absence.    

She said previously of the exciting role: ‘I’m so delighted to be joining the Strictly judging panel for Musicals Week. Musicals have a unique place in my heart, it’s such a special way of connecting all art and making it one.’ 

The Bad Times at the El Royale actress continued: ‘I’m excited to bring my experience to the show and I can’t wait to see what the couples have in store this weekend.’

Great job: Getting into character as mischievous school children, Tilly and Nikita appeared determined not to land in the dreaded bottom two as they pulled off a specular routine full of flicks and tricks

Loved it: And their hard work certainly paid off as the judges awarded them top scores, with head judge Shirley Ballas remarking she struggled to tell who the professional was

Loved it: And their hard work certainly paid off as the judges awarded them top scores, with head judge Shirley Ballas remarking she struggled to tell who the professional was

Impressed: Guest judge Cynthia declared that the performance was 'awesome' and packed with 'so much fight and energy', while Motsi Mabuse gushed that the pair were a 'forced to be reckoned with'

Impressed: Guest judge Cynthia declared that the performance was ‘awesome’ and packed with ‘so much fight and energy’, while Motsi Mabuse gushed that the pair were a ‘forced to be reckoned with’

Welcome! Meanwhile, Cynthia, 34, - who has won Emmy , Grammy and Tony awards for her on-stage performances - took to the panel for Musicals Week in Craig's absence

Welcome! Meanwhile, Cynthia, 34, – who has won Emmy , Grammy and Tony awards for her on-stage performances – took to the panel for Musicals Week in Craig’s absence

London born Cynthia has starred in numerous theatre productions across the globe, including Broadway’s revival of The Colour Purple, the Sister Act UK Tour and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. 

She played the lead role of Aretha Franklin in the third series of Genius, the title role in acclaimed biopic Harriet, is currently filming for the new Luther movie and will star as Elphaba in the highly anticipated upcoming film adaptation of musical, Wicked.

The acclaimed star has won a Daytime Emmy Award, Grammy Award and Tony Award, and been nominated for two Academy Awards and will bring plenty of experience to the judge’s table. 

Elsewhere,  AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington sent viewers wild as they teased a kiss during their romantic Waltz as they kicked of Musicals Week.

The couple are at the centre of intense romance rumours and did nothing to quell the speculation as they enjoyed a highly-charged moment while dancing to the song Edelweiss from the film the Sound Of Music. 

Close: Elsewhere, AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington sent viewers wild as they teased a kiss during their romantic Waltz as they kicked of Musicals Week

Close: Elsewhere, AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington sent viewers wild as they teased a kiss during their romantic Waltz as they kicked of Musicals Week

Will they, won't they? The couple are at the centre of intense romance rumours and did nothing to quell the speculation as they enjoyed a highly-charged moment while dancing to the song Edelweiss from the film the Sound Of Music

Will they, won’t they? The couple are at the centre of intense romance rumours and did nothing to quell the speculation as they enjoyed a highly-charged moment while dancing to the song Edelweiss from the film the Sound Of Music

Flawless: AJ and Kai floated across the dancefloor during their spine-tingling performance

They've got the moves: The pair came out fighting after landing at the bottom of the leaderboard in the previous week

Flawless: AJ and Kai floated across the dancefloor during their spine-tingling performance

Ahead of their dance, choreographer Kai teased that he wanted to kiss AJ as he encouraged her to get into character as lovebirds Maria and Captain von Trapp.

After larking around on a hill as they mimicked the 1965 film, Kai jokingly stared at AJ as if he wanted to go in for a peck on the lips with the TV presenter, with AJ quipping: ‘I’m not gonna kiss ya!’.

Defending his actions, Kai replied: ‘But we’re getting into character’, and as AJ sighed and turned away, the deflated dancer said: ‘OK’. 

And as they later took to the dancefloor, the chemistry between them continued as they performed a sensational routine, with the ending seeing them gaze into each other’s eyes as the music faded. 

What a tease: Ahead of their dance, choreographer Kai teased that he wanted to kiss AJ as he encouraged her to get into character as lovebirds Maria and Captain von Trapp

What a tease: Ahead of their dance, choreographer Kai teased that he wanted to kiss AJ as he encouraged her to get into character as lovebirds Maria and Captain von Trapp

Ooh I say! After larking around on a hill as they mimicked the 1965 film, Kai jokingly stared at AJ as if he wanted to go in for a peck on the lips with the TV presenter, with AJ quipping: 'I'm not gonna kiss ya!'

Ooh I say! After larking around on a hill as they mimicked the 1965 film, Kai jokingly stared at AJ as if he wanted to go in for a peck on the lips with the TV presenter, with AJ quipping: ‘I’m not gonna kiss ya!’

Playing up the romance:Defending his actions, Kai replied: 'But we’re getting into character', and as AJ sighed and turned away, the deflated dancer said: 'OK'

Playing up the romance:Defending his actions, Kai replied: ‘But we’re getting into character’, and as AJ sighed and turned away, the deflated dancer said: ‘OK’

The judges were certainly impressed with their routine, scoring them a whopping 38 points, as head judge Shirley Ballas remarked that it was ‘beautifully executed’. 

Anton said he liked AJ’s beautiful technique and immaculate footwork, while Cynthia gushed that she was really ‘proud’ of the star. 

Next up was Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu, who performed a Jive to Footloose from the musical Footloose.

And after bagging a perfect score of 40 points last week, their dance this week didn’t fare as well as they earned 32 points.

Energy: Next up was Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu, who performed a Jive to Footloose from the musical Footloose

A little dip: And after bagging a perfect score of 40 points last week, their dance this week didn't fare as well as they earned 32 points

A little dip: And after bagging a perfect score of 40 points last week, their dance this week didn’t fare as well as they earned 32 points

Work it: The judges praised his high energy and lightness on his feet, however, they picked up on a mistake made by the CBBC star

Work it: The judges praised his high energy and lightness on his feet, however, they picked up on a mistake made by the CBBC star

The judges praised his high energy and lightness on his feet, however, they picked up on a mistake made by the CBBC star. 

Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden followed next with an emotional Couple’s Choice to On My Own from Les Misérables which was dedicated to Tom’s musical theatre star sister Carrie.

The McFly singer broke down in tears in the VT as he reflected on how much the song and musicals mean to himself and his family.

Performance: Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden followed next with an emotional Couple’s Choice to On My Own from Les Misérables which was dedicated to Tom’s musical theatre star sister Carrie

Emotional: The McFly singer broke down in tears in the VT as he reflected on how much the song and musicals mean to himself and his family

Family: Tom's sister Carrie was seen wiping away the tears as he brother dedicated his dance to her

Emotional: The McFly singer broke down in tears in the VT as he reflected on how much the song and musicals mean to himself and his family

Reaction: However, despite a stellar performance, the judges didn’t feel he channeled that emotion on the dancefloor and didn’t feel that he let go enough, remarking that his movements were too controlled. The duo scored 31 points

Support: Tom's McFly bandmate Harry Judd - who won Strictly in 2011 - was seen clapping for his pal in the audience

Support: Tom’s McFly bandmate Harry Judd – who won Strictly in 2011 – was seen clapping for his pal in the audience

However, despite a stellar performance, the judges didn’t feel he channeled that emotion on the dancefloor and didn’t feel that he let go enough, remarking that his movements were too controlled. The duo scored 31 points. 

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice followed next with their Quickstep to Love Is An Open Door from Frozen. 

And despite pro dancer Giovanni admitting to making a mistake in the routine, the judges were full of praise for the dance, with Motsi calling it a ‘joy to watch’.

Shirley branded the dance ‘outstanding’, while Anton said: ‘you combined musical theatre and ballroom perfectly’. The couple were awarded 37 points.

Don't let it go: EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice followed next with their Quickstep to Love Is An Open Door from Frozen

Fabulous: And despite pro dancer Giovanni admitting to making a mistake in the routine, the judges were full of praise for the dance, with Motsi calling it a 'joy to watch'

Don’t let it go: EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice followed next with their Quickstep to Love Is An Open Door from Frozen

Well done: Shirley branded the dance 'outstanding', while Anton said: 'you combined musical theatre and ballroom perfectly'. The couple were awarded 37 points

Well done: Shirley branded the dance ‘outstanding’, while Anton said: ‘you combined musical theatre and ballroom perfectly’. The couple were awarded 37 points

Super: Meanwhile, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe were hoping to impress with their Viennese Waltz to Chim Chim Cher-ee from from classic Mary Poppins film

Super: Meanwhile, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe were hoping to impress with their Viennese Waltz to Chim Chim Cher-ee from from classic Mary Poppins film

Mixed bag: The energetic performance was met with a mixed response from the judges, with Shirley saying it was ‘flat-footed’ and Anton remarking it was ‘a bit safe’

Good job: However, Cynthia seemed to like it as she told the two that they ‘danced beautifully together’. John and Johannes earned a respectable 32 points

Meanwhile, John Whaite and Johannes Radebe were hoping to impress with their Viennese Waltz to Chim Chim Cher-ee from from classic Mary Poppins film.

The energetic performance was met with a mixed response from the judges, with Shirley saying it was ‘flat-footed’ and Anton remarking it was ‘a bit safe’.

However, Cynthia seemed to like it as she told the two that they ‘danced beautifully together’. John and Johannes earned a respectable 32 points. 

Last but not least: The final couple to dance during Musicals Week were Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova, who performed a Charleston to Good Morning from Singin’ In The Rain

Go for it: The BBC presenter gave it his all on the dancefloor and it didn’t go unnoticed by the judges, with Motsi commenting that he really pushed himself out of his ‘comfort zone’

Chuffed: Their scores reflected this as Dan and Nadiya finally broke the 30 barrier, earning 31 points on the night

Chuffed: Their scores reflected this as Dan and Nadiya finally broke the 30 barrier, earning 31 points on the night

The final couple to dance during Musicals Week were Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova, who performed a Charleston to Good Morning from Singin’ In The Rain.

The BBC presenter gave it his all on the dancefloor and it didn’t go unnoticed by the judges, with Motsi commenting that he really pushed himself out of his ‘comfort zone’. 

An impressed Anton said it was ‘a joy to see someone grow’, while Shirley noted that it was his best dance so far.

Their scores reflected this as Dan and Nadiya finally broke the 30 barrier, earning 31 points on the night.  

Hosts with the most: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were on hand to present all the action from Musicals Week

Hosts with the most: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were on hand to present all the action from Musicals Week

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Craig tested positive for COVID-19 and would be absent from this weekend’s Strictly shows. 

The Strictly Come Dancing judge is currently self-isolating and hopes to be back in action the following week. 

A Strictly spokesperson said: ‘Craig Revel Horwood has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating following the latest government guidelines.

'I'm so delighted': This week, Cynthia Erivo stepped in to guest judge Strictly Come Dancing as Craig Revel Horwood continued to isolate after testing positive for Covid (pictured earlier this month)

‘I’m so delighted’: This week, Cynthia Erivo stepped in to guest judge Strictly Come Dancing as Craig Revel Horwood continued to isolate after testing positive for Covid (pictured earlier this month) 

Sick: Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Craig tested positive for COVID-19 and would be absent from this weekend's Strictly shows

Sick: Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Craig tested positive for COVID-19 and would be absent from this weekend’s Strictly shows 

Star: London born Cynthia has starred in numerous theatre productions across the globe and will bring plenty of knowledge to the judges' panel for Musicals Week of the show

Star: London born Cynthia has starred in numerous theatre productions across the globe and will bring plenty of knowledge to the judges’ panel for Musicals Week of the show 

‘While Craig will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, all being well he will return the following week.’ 

Elsewhere, former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley was spotted leaving the BBC studios on Saturday afyter filling in for Claudia Winkleman on her radio show.

The broadcaster, 34, bundled up against the cool weather in an oversized black coat, worn over a white sweater and pale grey joggers.

Stacey accessorised her casual look with a black quilted handbag and quirky black sunglasses, rounding off her look with black and white trainers.

The beauty appeared in great spirits as she flashed a smile, while her curly, auburn locks cascaded down her back.  

Look who it is: Elsewhere, former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley was spotted leaving the BBC studios on Saturday afyter filling in for Claudia Winkleman on her radio show

Look who it is: Elsewhere, former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley was spotted leaving the BBC studios on Saturday afyter filling in for Claudia Winkleman on her radio show

Cosy look: The broadcaster, 34, bundled up against the cool weather in an oversized black coat, worn over a white sweater and pale grey joggers

Style: Stacey accessorised her casual look with a black quilted handbag and quirky black sunglasses, rounding off her look with black and white trainers

Cosy look: The broadcaster, 34, bundled up against the cool weather in an oversized black coat, worn over a white sweater and pale grey joggers

Out and about: The beauty appeared in great spirits as she flashed a smile, while her curly, auburn locks cascaded down her back

Out and about: The beauty appeared in great spirits as she flashed a smile, while her curly, auburn locks cascaded down her back

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