Strictly Come Dancing: Claudia and Tess open the show
BBC viewers were treated to another week of dazzling performances from the remaining Strictly Come Dancing contestants as they once again aimed to wow the judges.
Last weekend saw the celebrities take on Icons Week, a first in Strictly history, where they transformed into global music industry sensations.
Actress Sarah Hadland scored a total of 37 for her Madonna-inspired routine, placing her third on the leaderboard behind JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri.
Despite not yet achieving a perfect 40, she's rapidly become the bookie's favourite to win the competition. UK Director at BetMGM, Sam Behar, stated: "There has been a big market move on Sarah Hadland to be crowned the next Strictly Come Dancing champion."
"Her odds of winning the Glitterball trophy have moved from 11/2 to 5/2 in the last few days. She's still behind the 1/2 favourite Chris McCausland but has become a serious contender ahead of Tasha Ghouri at 8/1 and Jamie Borthwick at 20/1."
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However, during Saturday's show, judge Anton Du Beke had some stern words for Sarah's professional partner Vito Coppola.
After their American Smooth performance to the song Proud by Heather Small, the judge reprimanded the pro, reports the Mirror.
He declared: "Vito, the thing I'm most disappointed about is Vito. I spoke to you about this last year! You're getting on my nerves now. I said to you, you must point your toes in a cartwheel!"
The professional dancer couldn't help but chuckle at the playful dig, yet he offered an apology to Anton for disregarding his advice from the previous year.
Anton quipped in response: "She wants five to one and all I want is pointy toes!"
Anton had little to critique when it came to Sarah's performance, praising her lower body while encouraging improvement in her upper body movement.
He said: "I just want one thing from you and that's just your upper body, just free it up please, if you could do that. Your base is spectacular, I love your legs, your legs are extraordinary, your feet are great. Your lifts, your shaping!"
Despite a slight dip in their score, earning 33 points compared to last week's 37, the pair remained strong contenders.
On the BBC programme, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared news of Amy Dowden's exit due to injury, with Lauren stepping in to partner with JB for the remainder of the competition.
They announced: "Before we get started, our lovely Amy Dowden has had to withdraw from this year's competition due to injury so Lauren will be stepping in and dancing with JB for the rest of his time on the show."
Claudia continued with a heartfelt message: "Amy, everyone at Strictly is sending you so much love and we cannot wait to see you back on this dance floor, very very soon."
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One from 6:35pm.
