Strictly Come Dancing 2018, week 2 live: Ashley Roberts notches highest score of series - but will Anton Du Beke make his earliest exit ever?

• Strictly 2018's first public vote and elimination this weekend

• Ashley Roberts topped leaderboard with first nine-point score of series

• Joe Sugg and Faye Tozer just one point behind

• Susannah Constantine and her pro partner Anton Du Beke were rock bottom and bookies' favourites to go

It was an evening of high scores, harsh comments, judgely spats and malfunctioning presenters. But which couple will be first for the choreographic chop?

Here are all the talking points and social media reaction from Saturday's show...

Ashley Roberts saves the best 'til last

She finished joint top of last week's leaderboard but this time, former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts was out in front on her own. She and pro partner Pasha Kovalev - aka "Team Pashley" - closed the show with a disco cha cha cha which was fast, flat-out and full of hot, spicy hip action. 

Over-excited judge Bruno Tonioli raised the first nine-paddle of the series, which was enough to lift Ashley one point above joint runners-up Joe Sugg and Faye Tozer. 

Pasha must already have his second glitterball trophy in his sights, after he won with Caroline Flack four years ago. But is Ashley a little too good and lacking that all-important "journey"?

Distracted Tess Daly had a rare rough night

Co-presenter Tess Daly is normally a paragon of smooth, slick professionalism - hence it was all the more noticeable that she had a rare off-night here.

She got the disproportionate giggles over a no-funnier-than-usual Claudia Winkleman gag. She forgot to go to judge Craig Revel Horwood for his post-dance comments. She fluffed her lines during a front-row interview with comedian Romesh Ranganathan. 

Poor Tess apologised and will doubtless be mortified, but she shouldn't be too hard on herself. Viewers often warm to presenters when they remind us they're human after all. 

Joe Sugg emerging as potential glitterball winner

"Who?" cried viewers over the age of 30 when vlogger Joe Sugg joined the Strictly class of 2018. Judge Craig Revel Horwood said he didn't hold out much hope for Sugg after seeing him in the launch show group dance. Yet the bequiffed, baby-faced YouTuber is fast emerging as one of the bookies' favourites. 

He followed last week's firecracker of a jive with a cheeky charleston, themed around his former profession as a roof-thatcher. It was full of fun, tricks and musicality, thoroughly charming both audience and judges alike. Joe was top of the leaderboard until he got overtaken by Faye Tozer and Ashley Roberts in the show's home stretch. 

He has a huge online fanbase and, as a novice dancer, is certainly on a journey?. Could Cotton-Eyed Joe yee-haw his way to glitterball glory? We'll need to see him in ballroom hold to decide.

Anton Du Beke could make his earliest ever exit

He's many Strictly viewers' favourite professional but Anton Du Beke looks at serious risk of early elimination alongside his celebrity partner Susannah Constantine. The fiftysomething fashionista finished rock bottom of the scoreboard for the second week running after a wobbly, walking-around foxtrot. 

"Even the dry ice couldn't cover that complete dance dis-ah-ster," drawled judge Craig Revel Horwood, before his colleague Bruno Tonioli cruelly added: "Anton, you could have got better movement out of a lamp-post". Cue boos from the studio audience. 

Suze is clearly no dancer but could Anton's fanbase still save her skin? They need to get voting to save him from an ignominious elimination, a week earlier than his departure with Gillian Taylforth 10 years ago. 

Tetchy judges took celebs down a peg or two

It was a tense and temperamental evening on the judging panel. Craig Revel Horwood bickered with Shirley Ballas on two occasions. Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell were uncharacteristically harsh at times. Shirley was a stickler for steps and technique, as well as contestants' haircuts. It's coming to something when Craig ends up playing good cop. 

After cutting the contestants some slack for first-night nerves during last week's dancefloor debuts, the panel seemed to clamp down hard on details. Scores duly went down for six of the 15 celebrities -  namely Katie Piper, Lauren Steadman, Graeme Swann, Seann Walsh, Stacey Dooley and Doctor Ranj (despite that spectacular outfit). The hoofing honeymoon, it seems, is well and truly over. 

Katie or Seann could be in dance-off danger 

Who could join Susannah in Sunday's dance-off to decide this year's first elimination? Campaigner Katie Piper and comedian Seann Walsh look the most likely candidates, having joined Constantine in the bottom three for both weeks so far. 

Cripplingly nervous Katie's paso doble was tentative and lacking in most of the routine's basic requirements, while Seann's lumpen jive resembled a non-rhythmic Riverdance. Walsh, however, seems to be the least popular of the pair. He could have a hairy moment or two tomorrow. 

Smouldering Kate Silverton was surprise package

On an evening when many of the celebrities came crashing back down to earth, newsreader Kate Silverton was undoubtedly the most improved dancer. Clad in a sparkly midnight blue gown, her tango was intense, slinky, vampish and full of fire.

Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "Breaking news! You're in it to win it." That's going a tad too far but on this evidence, Silverton could certainly be hitting the hoofing headline for a while yet.

Vick Hope and Lee Ryan also showed marked improvement on last week's performances, so credit to them too.

10:07PM

Saturday night's action in full

Here's your routine-by-routine recap...

8:37PM

Credits roll

Keeeeeeeep dancing! But in the meantime, please stay with us for reaction and analysis. 

8:28PM

Ashley and Pasha's cha cha cha

Team Pashley were joint top of last week's leaderboard. Can they maintain that standard? Glitterballs a-go-go and disco vibes. Great leg and hip action, huge hair, silver tassels flying all over the shop. High performance levels and attitude. Perhaps not compact enough but a crowd-pleaser. 

Music: 'Boogie Wonderland' by Earth, Wind and Fire

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "You are good, darling". Darcey says "speed, musicality, a recipe for success". Shirley says "outstanding personality and energy but I wanted a strighter standing leg and consistent flow". Bruno concludes "that was an amazing disco dazzler and your hips, honey, they don't lie". 

Judges' scores: 8, 8, 7, 9 for a total of 32 points - first nine of the series and top of the leaderboard. 

8:21PM

Seann and Katya's jive

The victim of last week's "hairgate" controversy now. Will he be still standing come Sunday night? Stand-up theme and he's got his hair tied back, which should please Shirley - even if his technique doesn't. flat-footed, lacks bounce and retraction. Almost like he's Riverdancing at times rather than jiving. And then he lets his hair down and does some mic-ography. Plucky but poor. 

Music: 'I’m Still Standing' by Elton John

Judges’ verdict: Bruno looks aghast and says "it''s definitely not Jill Halfpenny - all the right steps at the wrong time". Craig says "it all went horribly wrong, I felt so sorry for you".  Darcey says "you were so off-time, sorry". Shirley says "Well, I like your hair" and they have a cuddle. Better than nothing. 

Judges' scores: 2, 4, 4, 5 for a total of 15 points. Generous. 

8:13PM

Lauren and AJ's charleston

They only had two days' training last week and still finished mid-table. Now she's had a full week of rehearsals, hopes are high. She's got the flapper girl look going on, lovely art deco feel and arrangement of the song. Some bold lifts and death-defying drop but a serious lack of swivel.

Music: 'New Rules' by Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (original by Dua Lipa)

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "seriously ambitious for week two, lifts looked uncomfortable but generally did quite well". Bruno says "I praise you for the lifts, some slippage but needs sharper scissors action". Craig says "it lacked attack, too soft, needed double the energy but spectacular lifts". Darcey concludes "loving the look, you're a stylish lady, link the moves and clean up the transitions but fearless and very impressive".

Judges' scores: 5, 6, 5, 6 for a total of 22 points - three down on last week. 

8:06PM

Faye and Giovanni's Viennese waltz

She closed the show in style last week and finished joint top of the leaderboard. Now it's a more serene dance. Gimmicky start with five Giovannis surrounding her, then into the routine. Faye's in red, plenty of passion. Slightly darker feel than your usual Viennese waltz. Accomplished performance but lacking that romance and lyricism at times. Perhaps not one for the traditionalists but top work.

Music: 'It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World' by Seal

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "it took my breath away - musicality, phrasing, drama, conviction, beautiful fleckerl to finish". Shirley says "lovely storytelling but footwork lacked flight, add some drive and technique". Bruno says "a Viennese thriller, after the Bodyguard, it was compelling, intertwined dramatic action". Craig concludes "you shattered that old-fashioned dance, so don't listen to Shirley, that was absolutely gaw-jus". 

Judges' scores: 8, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 31 points. Joint top with Joe Sugg so far.

7:59PM

Dr Ranj and Janette's salsa

Not a million miles away from last week's cha cha, but will it have enough hot sauce? The pocket rockets begin in a cocktail bar, then Dr Ranj emerges in a brilliantly preposterous red-and-black frilly, sparkly outfit. It's certainly got a party feel, great facial expressions but some fluffed moves mid-routine. Wardrobe malfucnction as Janette's dress comes apart and gets caught on her shoe. Shame because that was loads of fun. 

Music: 'Fireball' by Pitbull feat. John Rya

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "it was hot, brilliant recovery, tremendous performance but wanted to see a lot more basic content and rotation". Darcey says "spicy hot, that million dollar smile made up for the lack of hips". Shirley says "good shakes and shimmies, your personality will take you a long way". Bruno concludes "more of a firecracker than a fireball, energy and passion but need the hips to go with it - lubricate!". 

Judges' scores: 5, 6, 7, 6 for a total of 24 points. Three down from last week but he'll take that. 

7:51PM

Vick and Graziano's waltz

Slowing it right down after last week's disappointing (but harshly marked) jive. White frock, romantic mood and lovely arms in the solo section. Into hold and this is swirling, smooth and elegant. Chemistry and romance, plentiful pivots - lovely storytelling and stunning. 

Music: Somewhere' from West Side Story

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "you captured the beauty of the music, a classic routine". Craig says "you lost it a little bit but you owned that dah-ling". Darcey says "you're made to do ballroom, long limbs, graceful and sophisticated". Shirley says "the epitome of femininity but I still have an issue with your core".

Judges' scores: 7, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 27 points - biggest improvement of the night. It was Vick's 28th birthday this week and that's the perfect present. 

7:43PM

Danny and Amy's cha cha cha

He opened the show with a feline foxtrot last week. Now the Red Dwarf star is going Latin. Dapper bar-room opening. Lots of snap in the legs, confident spins, Danny's footwork and hip action falters at times but he's very nifty in the side-by-side sections. Loads of energy, great party feel. The crowd love it. 

Music: 'Beggin’ by Madcon

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "beautiful shoulders and lines, you attempted the leg action but it didn't go up into the body". Bruno says "more content than you can imagine, every single step thrown in, sharp as a razor". Craig says "it was tight and packed, absolutely fantastic, dah-ling". Darcey concludes "Amy, you are pushing this man, you fitted so much in at high speed, wow, great straight posture, fabulous". 

Judges' scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points - one more than last week.

7:36PM

Lee and Nadiya's jive

Putting the Blue into suede shoes, Lee goes rock'n'roll. They start off cleaning up the ballroom - a little nod to last week's slippage? - then launch into an Elvis-style routine, with flicks, kicks, broom-ography and a Fifties feel. Guess what he's got on his feet? Yep, blue suede dancing shoes. Flagged a tad towards the end but really rather good. 

Music: 'Blue Suede Shoes' by Elvis Presley.

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "packed routine but remember the details, your feet were turned in". Shirley says "great kicks to start but didn't sustain it and there were some little mishaps but definitely improving". Bruno says "very strong performance, brilliant when you get it right but need consistency". Tess almost forgets Craig, who concludes "heavy, flat-footed, laboured in places but your wonderful musicality shines through". 

Judges' scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points - four more than last week. 

7:27PM

Susannah and Anton's foxtrot

She's bookies' hot favourite to be the first celebrity sent home. Can Suze defy the odds and appease the Anton fans? He's in top hat and tails, she's in  flouncy blue frock with frou-frou sleeves. She's still walking rather than dancing but this is a slight improvement. Oh, until a footwork wobble and she has to skip to keep up. Oops. Spins, pivots and a bit more strolling to finish. 

Music: 'They Can’t Take That Away From Me' by Frank Sinatra

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "even the smoke couldn't cover that complete dance dis-ah-ster". Darcey slaps Craig on the hand and says "you glaze over occasionally, let the king of the ballroom lead you and tell a story". Shirley says "you improved from last week, footwork and heel turns not right, some mistakes but a good effort and definitely better". Bruno says "Anton, you could have got better movement out of a lamp-post". The crowd boo him. Anton's lovely to her on the balcony. Aww. 

Judges' scores: 1, 4, 4, 3 for a total of 12 points. Same as last week and bottom so far. 

7:19PM

Joe and Dianne's charleston  

A brilliantly random roof-thatching theme in tribute to Joe’s former job. Ladders, straw in moths, the a spinning lift and they launch into a bouncy, high-energy hoedown routine. Lots of fun, bags of tricks and plenty of props but lacking that all important swivel. 

Music: 'Cotton Eyed Joe' by Rednex

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "yee-hah, so charming and energetic, like watching a playful puppy, it worked a treat". Craig says "Joe, dah-ling, you are ticking a lot of boxes". Darcey says "you have natural spring and the timing of your lifts made it a star performance". Shirley says "I loved it, you didn't miss a beat, great musical ear". 

Judges' scores: 7, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 31 points. Top of the leaderbaord and highest score of the series so far. 

7:12PM

Kate and Alja?'s tango

Can the newsreader unleash her fire and passion? Kate looking fab-ew-lous in a sparkly navy blue frock. slinky solo section and some messin' abaht with a mirror to start. Then into hold, travel around the floor. Lacking passion, fire and staccato stalking but intense and lots to like. Best dance of the night so far for me. 

Music: 'No Roots' by Alice Merton

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "breaking news: you're in it to win it". Bruno says "you transformed into a killer vamp, incredible allure and a mean good tango". Craig says "you have transformed this woman". Darcey says "one cool, beautiful lady". 

Judges' scores: 6, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 27 points - top of the leaderboard so far and the first couple to improve on last week's score. 

7:04PM

Graeme and Oti's American smooth

The spin bowler delivers the first American Smooth of the series. Jazzy, La La Land opening and then into hold. Swanny leading well but footwork falters at times and he looks a bit dad-dancey during the solo section. Strange choreography.  

Music: 'Try A Little Tenderness' by Otis Redding

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "I'm a little confused, it didn't connect, your posture let you down and you were leaning into Oti. I want to see more showmanship". Shirley says "no American smooth feeling, it missed the mark". Bruno says "incredible, darling - you invented a new dance called the American Clumpy". Craig says "as soon as you got into hold, it fell apart and didn't work on any level". 

Judges' scores: 3, 5, 3, 4 for a total of 15 points - a seven-point drop from last week. 

6:55PM

Katie and Gorka's paso doble

She was a bundle of nerves last week. Can Katie take inspiration from the song and unleash her inner senorita for the first paso doble of the series? Little staircase gimmick to start. Swishy skirt-ography from Katie but lacking attitude, shaping and drama. Far too much walking, not enough stomping or arm curves. 

Music: 'Confident' by Demi Lovato

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "very stompy, no real shaping". Darcey says "what a transformation, you hid your nerves but you have to carry the shaping through your body". Shirley says "you channelled your inner strength but were on the wrong foot throughout, good try". Bruno concludes "intent and determination but needed to play the part and give more flavour of Spain".

Judges' scores: 2, 4, 3, 4 for a total of 13 points - four down on last week. Dance-off danger? 

6:48PM

Charles and Karen's quickstep

He was a disco inferno last week. Now can Charles rein in the hip action and light up the ballroom? Great tune choice, classic outfits and old-style Hollywood feel. Lots of skippy steps, bounce around the floor and loads of jazzy style. Charles plunges into the splits. Footwork and frame leave a little to be desired but fun routine and spot-on timing. 

Music: 'Sir Duke' by Stevie Wonder

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "suave, elegant, skimming across the surface like a hovercraft but somebody went wrong".  Craig says "topline was wobbly, missed a lot of heel leads but confident and you styled it out - and I absolutely love your jazz split, dah-ling". Darcey says "light, bright, perfect 1920s details  but a little ticking chicken head". Shirley says "my heart was all a-flutter, you look immaculate and did very well".

Judges' scores: 5, 6, 7, 7 for a total of 25 points - same as last week. 

6:44PM

Who's that bloke with the teeth?

It's comedian Rob Beckett, appearing in the Clauditorium to read the voting Ts and Cs. Strictly Come Dentistry.

6:38PM

Stacey and Kevin's cha cha cha

The likeable livewires open the show with a more sassy routine after last week's ballroom debut. Can she beat her clean sweep of sixes last time? Neon set, lasers and a nightclubby feel. Too disco for Shirley Ballas' tastes, perhaps? Sassy, confident and leggy from Stacey but lots of walking around and lacking hip action. Kevin gees up the studio audience at the end. 

Music:  'Came Here For Love' by Sigala feat. Ella Eyre

Judges’ verdict: Shirley Ballas says "you've got so much talent but get your standing leg in order". Bruno Tonioli says "spicy Stacey, you've got all the tools but need to learn consistency and keep firing on all cylinders throughout the dance". Craig Revel Horwood says "stiff, unruly upper body and too contained". Darcey Bussell concludes "you're a free spirit, infectious zest and energy, struggled with the technique but you're going to do wonderful things".

Judges' scores: 4, 5, 5, 6 for a total of 20 points - four down on last week. Stacey gives a shout-out to her mum Di at home. Aww.

6:34PM

Time to meet the stars of our show

The dressing-up box hasn't been as thoroughly raided as last week. Relatively restrained outfits and lots of classic looks. Anton Du Beke's in top hat and tails. Perhaps he came straight from a wedding. 

6:32PM

Frockwatch

Time for our weekly fashion face-off between our co-presenters. Claudia Winkleman's in a sleeveless black jumpsuit, Tess Daly's in a restrained black shift dress. Claudia wins, but by a tighter margin than usual.

6:29PM

And we're off! 

Roll recap of last week's show and tension-building training montage. 

6:24PM

Eclectic soundtrack tonight

Last week's playlist was poptastic. This week's is more varied, taking in showtunes, disco classics and swinging Ratpack anthems. Just five minute until we go live to the glitterball...

6:20PM

Half the training time, twice the fun

The couples had a fortnight to learn the dances they performed last Saturday - but only one week this time. Will it show in their performances? Ten minutes until we find out...

6:17PM

Will it be a bad hair day for Seann?

Susannah and Anton's main hope of salvation must be comedian Seann Walsh, who is bookies’ second favourite for elimination. He’s jiving to Elton John and hopes to be still standing tomorrow, when this year’s first results show will see one unlucky couple sent home. Fifteen minutes until showtime...

6:12PM

Don't go, Anton!

The first elimination weekend of Strictly 2018 is upon us and the bookmakers seem pretty certain who’ll get the sequin-handled wooden spoon. Fiftysomething fashionista Susannah Constantine and her pro partner Anton Du Beke were left propping up the scoreboard last week, five points below the rest, following their frilly car-crash of a samba.

Now they’re nailed-on favourites to be first out, which would make it Anton’s earliest ever exit - beating his week two departure with Gillian Taylforth a decade ago. 

So can the couple bounce back and defy the odds? It might not help Susannah’s cause that she’s performing one of the hardest dances, the foxtrot. However, Anton is the king of ballroom so Suze is in safe hands. A Frank Sinatra soundtrack will add some swinging style, even if Susannah’s footwork leaves a little to be desired. Now the devoted Du Beke fanbase needs to mobilise. The campaign to keep Anton in starts here. 

Airing at 6.30pm on BBC One, tonight's two-hour show finds all 15 couples taking to the dancefloor once again, their scores carried over from last week and viewers getting their first chance to vote. We’ll see our first paso doble, American smooth and salsa of the series, along with not one but two charlestons.

We'll be liveblogging from 6.10pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, recaps, analysis and mild sarcasm. Please join us - 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. 

Will it be adios, Anton? Time to staaaaaaart eliminating!