Judges predict Ellie Leach will make the Strictly final after topping the leaderboard again

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have topped the 'Strictly Come Dancing' leaderboard for the second week in a row.

The former 'Coronation Street' actress, 22, is currently taking part in the BBC Latin and ballroom competition alongside professional Vito, 31, and topped the leaderboard again after achieving a near-perfect score of 39 following their rendition of the American Smooth to Robbie Williams hit 'Ain't That Kick In the Head' on Saturday's (04.11.23) episode.

Following their performance, judge Craig Revel Horwood noted that Ellie had gone from "strength to strength" in the show before giving out a score of nine, whilst Motsi Mabuse predicted the routine could send them into the final, head judge Shirley Ballas called them "finalist material" and Anton Du Beke labelled their routine "joyous".

Speaking to hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after their performance, Ellie said: "Honestly, I love that. The vibe, the costume, and the team are amazing. I felt a million dollars! I was like 'What am I meant to do here?' But I've got an amazing teacher!"

Just behind them were West End star Layton Williams and his partner Nikita Kuzma - who danced the Jive to 'Shake Your Body - with a score of 36, whilst tennis legend Annabel Croft and her partner Johannes Radebe completed the top three couples having attained a score of 35 for their couple's choice routine to 'Wings' by Birdy, which they dedicated to the sport star's late husband Mel Coleman, who died of cancer earlier this year.

At the lower end of the scoreboard were broadcaster Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington - who scored a total of 28 for their rendition of the Waltz to Nat King Cole classic 'Fascination' - whilst 'The One Show' host, Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu, along with 'Waterloo Road' actor Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuck came in joint-last with a score of 27.