Will Mellor tops the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard

Will Mellor has topped the 'Strictly Come Dancing' leaderboard.

The 46-year-old actor and his partner Nancy Xu were the first couple to take to the dance floor, as they performed a Charleston to 'Hush' by Kula Shaker.

The duo were awarded a score of 38 out of a possible 40 points, with judge Shirley Ballas praising the eye-catching choreography.

Fellow judge Anton Du Beke said: "I think that was one of your best performances of the series. You commit to every move - you nail every move."

Later, Hamza Yassin and his professional partner Jowita Przystał also impressed the judges with their Argentine Tango, which they performed to the sound of 'Libertango' by Bond.

The duo were awarded 37 points by the judges. Despite this, judge Craig Revel Horwood suggested that their routine was actually a little messy.

Elsewhere, Fleur East and her partner Vito Coppola performed a Rumba to ‘Too Lost In You’ by Sugababes.

The pop star and Vito were awarded a score of 35 out of 40.

Motsi Mabuse heaped praise on their performance, observing that Fleur and Vito have developed a great connection.

Shirley also praised their passionate performance. However, she noted that their routine needed more rotation.

By contrast, Ellie Taylor and her partner Johannes Radebe failed to impress on the night.

The 39-year-old star and Johannes, 35, danced a Jive to ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ by Van Morrison, and they were given a score of 25 out of 40 by the judges.

Craig claimed that their routine lacked punch and precision, while Shirley criticised Ellie's lack of technique.

Meanwhile, Helen Skelton and her partner Gorka Marquez also appear to be in danger after earning a relatively meagre score of 29.

The 39-year-old TV presenter and Gorka, 32, performed a Samba dance that underwhelmed the judges.

Craig and Motsi both criticised the technical aspects of their dance.