Strictly Come Dancing week four: Seann Walsh returns to dancefloor following cheating scandal and 4 other talking points

Tonight's episode saw Faye Tozer tackle the Rumba and Dr Ranj Singh perform a Paso Doble

Seann Walsh & Katya Jones Jive to 'I’m Still Standing' on Strictly 2018

Updated: Katie Piper is the third celebrity to be eliminated from this year's series

Strictly Come Dancing 2018 continued following the departure of Blue singer Lee Ryan who was eliminated from the BBC competition last week.

The episode saw many highlights across its two-hour running time, ranging from Seann Walsh and dancing partner Katya Jones’s first dance after their headline-making kissing scandal as well as several acclaimed dances from candidates including Ashley Roberts, Vick Hope and Stacey Dooley.

1. Seann Walsh is handed unanimous praise for “outstanding” performance

All eyes were on Seann Walsh and his dancing partner Katya Jones who, earlier this week, were forced to apologise after being caught kissing in public despite being in relationships. Many were surprised the duo remained on the BBC series, however they graced the stage with an action-packed Charleston that won rave reviews from all four of the judges. Shirley Ballas deemed it “outstanding.”

2. But Tess and Claudia can’t resist...

Additional viewers probably tuned in this week to see if and how presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would acknowledge the scandal. Well, they did albeit quite subtly. Running through events from the past seven days, Daly capped her segment with: ”Other than that it’s been a quiet week.” Claudia, full aware Seann and Katy are waiting in the wings, replies: "Yes, other than the odd headline."

3. Stacey Dooley wows the judges

Documentary TV personality Stacey Dooley won the evening’s leaderboard following her Foxtrot to “Hi Ho Silver Lining.” As a result, she received her first nine of the series courtesy of Bruno Tonioli – the perfect birthday present for dancing partner Kevin Clifton whose face was planted into a birthday cake gifted to him by fellow professional, Aljaž.

4. Women reign supreme in the leaderboard

Stacey wasn't the only female contestant to earn big points. Steps singer Faye Tozer, DJ Vick Hope and Pussycat Dolls' Ashley Roberts all received overwhelming praise from the judges. The best performing male was Dr. Ranj Singh who got a total of 28 for his entertaining Paso Doble.

5. Katie Piper struggles to impress

At the bottom of this week's leaderboard was Katie Piper whose Jive to Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" failed to impress the judges. Still, as proved last week, this doesn't guarantee you a place in the dance off.

If you want to read how Strictly went down live, you can look back at our live coverage below

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One tomorrow night

[13 October 2018 14:54 · Jacob Stolworthy]

Hello, and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Strictly Come Dancing! 

[13 October 2018 15:08 · Jacob Stolworthy]

As mentioned above, tonight will be the first episode since the headline-making controversy which saw contestant Seann Walsh caught kissing dance partner Katya Jones in public despite their respective relationships.

[13 October 2018 15:54 · Jacob Stolworthy]

The powerful open letter from Walsh's ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Humphries.

[13 October 2018 16:55 · Jacob Stolworthy]

Soon after, Walsh broke his silence over the letter which sparked a big debate on social media.

[13 October 2018 17:20 · Jacob Stolworthy]

Some people had some opposing views to the majority, however.

[13 October 2018 17:47 · Jacob Stolworthy]

In other news, Katie Piper has had her security tightened after her attacker was released from prison

[13 October 2018 18:12 · Jacob Stolworthy]

Not long to go until the remaining 13 contestants grace the dance floor in the hopes of impressing the judges and, most importantly, me

[13 October 2018 18:31 · Jacob Stolworthy]

Last week saw Blue singer Lee Ryan eliminated from the show. Here's what else went down...

[13 October 2018 18:40 · Jacob Stolworthy]

And heeeeere we go - glitterballs at the ready

[13 October 2018 18:43 · Jacob Stolworthy]

How nervous do you suspect Seann and Katya are backstage? I'm surprised they decided to remain on the show, personally