Sophie Ellis-Bexter dazzles in Great Gatsby-like spectacle
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTER got her pins out on the live show tonight as she stunned the judges with her own rendition of the Charleston.
Dressed like a 1920s flapper, the former popstar received all nines from the judges as she gracefully leapt and bounded across the dancefloor with partner Brendan Cole in a 21st century version of a Great Gatsby party.
Judge Bruno Tonioli loved every part of the performance and compared her to a 21st century version of a flapper.
Bruno said: "F. Scott Fitzgerald (the author of the Great Gatsby) could not have drawn a better image of a flapper himself.
And taking a line from the film: "Well done old sport."
Judge Darcy Bussell said: "The Charleston is made for you."
The contestants came into this week knowing that they had to show off their best routines with the possibility of not coming back next week.
And the showing was missing an ill Bruce Forsyth who had to stay at home this week.
But the contestants didn't even seem to bat an eyelid.
Gorgeous Abbey Clancy took on the cha cha cha but came off disappointed, so it was up to Darcy to reassure her.
She told her: "You can dance Abbey, you just have to relax. You have it all, just believe in yourself."
Bruno also tried to lift her mood by commenting on her revealing costume: "There is plenty to fancy about Miss Clancy."
Countdown presenter Rachel Riley was also let down by her performance with the judges calling her attempt at a saucy salsa "messy" and repeated how she had been"too careful" like last week.
But loveable Len Goodman was on hand to put it bluntly about her appearance.
He said: "I thought you were working your assets quite a bit out there.
"It was just a bit careful again, you've really got to wow us."
Judge Craig Revel-Horwood however was not a fan of Rachel's sloppy show.
"You were wrinkling around like a slug in salt," he said.
However, it was Natalie Gumede that made the move to the top of the chart over the first two weeks after receiving the first nines of the series.
And Darcy let the viewers know: "You're going to be one to watch!"
Len also talked up Natalie and commented on her "absolutely corking" performance.
The likes of Ben Cohen improved dramatically this week and Hollyoaks star Ashley Taylor Dawson celebrated scored a total of 32 to top off his week after becoming a dad for the second time.