Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Aston Merrygold tops leader board as Ruth Langsford finishes last with ‘stumble-and-grab dance’

Fifteen celebrities braved the judges to kick off this year's star-studded show 
Foxtrot to the top: Aston Merrygold on Strictly
BBC/Guy Levy
Emma Powell25 September 2017

Aston Merrygold topped the Strictly Come Dancing leader board on week one after blowing away the judges with his Foxtrot.

Fifteen celebrities pushed aside the nerves as they made their debuts on the BBC ballroom show, with the judges dishing out a handful of eights.

Former JLS singer Merrygold foxtrotted his way to the top with partner Janette Manrara after receiving 31 points.

Resident Mr Nasty Craig Revel Horwood deemed him “one to watch” while Darcey Bussell described it as “cool, controlled and confident”.

Shock: Debbie McGee with Giovanni Pernice
BBC/Guy Levy

Merrygold pipped Debbie McGee to the post, who narrowly missed out on the top spot with her “outstanding” Paso Doble.

McGee left viewers in shock, and partner Giovanni Pernice open mouthed, after she wrapped up their routine with a surprise kiss.

Actors Joe McFadden and Davood Ghadami were showered with sixes and sevens for their Jive and Cha Cha respectively to take third and fourth spot on the leader board.

But it wasn’t good news for some couples who struggled to impress the judges, including Reverend Richard Coles who was given a measly two by Revel Horwood.

Bottom: Ruth Langsford and Anton Du Beke
BBC/Guy Levy

Describing his attempt at the Cha Cha, Bruno Tonioli said: “Heavenly performance, diabocial technique but I enjoyed it.”

Despite his shaky start he avoided finishing last, an unwanted title that was given to Ruth Langsford.

The This Morning presenter may have left husband Eamonn Holmes brimming with pride, but her waltz with partner Anton Du Beke was slated by the judges.

Revel Horwood said: “Stumble-and-grab dance for me, do better next week, darling.”

In an attempt to boost her confidence, Du Beke joked: “She didn't go wrong, she went different.”

The scores will be carried over and combined with those received next week, when one couple will be sent home.

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Contestants - in pictures

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Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One next Saturday at 6:45pm.

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