Strictly Come Dancing 2017, Saturday live show: Alexandra Burke bounces back with near-perfect pair of dances to top semi-final leaderboard

• Alexandra Burke tops the semi-final scoreboard with only one point short of 80-point perfection

• Debbie McGee and Joe McFadden tied in second spot

• Mollie King is bottom of standings. Gemma Atkinson also in dance-off danger

• Results show airs Sunday at 7.15pm on BBC One. Join us back on the liveblog then

Five couples took to the floor but only four can make it through to next week's showpiece final. Here's all the semi-final talking points and social media reaction...

Alexandra silenced the naysayers in style

She's had a tough, troubled week after two consecutive dance-offs, tabloid smears and social media trolling. Yet Alexandra Burke dug deep to show her character, come out fighting and bounce back quite brilliantly. 

Her Viennese waltz was floaty, fluid and flowed around the floor in classically romantic fashion, notching 39 points - the fifth time she's been one point short of perfection. She followed it with a scarlet-clad, pouty party salsa which deservedly and finally got the coveted four 10s - yep, even a maximum from the panel's resident big tease, Craig Revel Horwood. Fab-ew-lous indeed.

Alexandra duly topped the semi-final leaderboard by a huge nine-point margin and without doubt deserves her place in the grand glitterball final. Let's hope she gets the viewer votes this time. She's definitely earned them.

Joe was a model of choreographic consistency

The contest's dark horse has crept up on the rails to become bookies' favourite to lift the glitterball trophy next week. And although last man standing Joe McFadden didn't hit Alexandra's heights, he showed more than enough to merit a final berth. 

His American smooth had Hollywood glamour and featured flashy lifts, while his Argentine tango was bold in its contemporary choreography and impressive in its sharp execution - worth the entrance fee for that climatic lift alone. He scored 35 points for both routines, securing joint second spot on the scoreboard.

Joe's best weapons remain his affable likeability and the creativity of pro partner Katya Jones but if he's somehow not in next week's final, it would be a miracle - not to mention a miscarriage of ballroom justice. 

Showmance shouldn't be enough to save Mollie

Popstrel Mollie King went into this semi-final as the bookies' tip to go home and so it proved. Nerves seemed to get to her and she was by some distance the weakest performer.  The samba didn't suit her and was a right old state. She partially redeemed herself with an elegant waltz but even that got sympathy points from the over-generous judges.

It therefore felt clumsy and manipulativ when Mollie's budding romance with pro partner AJ Pritchard was mentioned at every turn. The tabloids savour a Strictly "showmance" to fill column inches and more sentimental viewers might enjoy it too, but it doesn't make up for mediocre hoofing. 

Mollie was rock bottom of the scoreboard and has never scored more than 32 points for a routine, so simply doesn't merit a place in the final. Surely voters won't be blinded by the soppy storyline?

Debbie dipped but deserves to go all the way

Two full routines in one week took it out of all five semi-finalists but 59-year-old Debbie McGee had it particularly tough - especially since one of her dances was the fast, furious jive. To sap her stamina even more, she's now also making regular trips north to York for panto rehearsals. Oh yes she is. The train's behind you.

Debbie's jive was spiky but her sweeping foxtrot was better. She finished in joint second place with Joe McFadden - arguably a little over-marked but thoroughly deserving of a final place.

By rights, it should be Debbie, Joe and Alexandra Burke slugging it out for the title, with Gemma Atkinson making up the numbers. 

Craig is best-placed to be next head judge

If tabloid reports are to be believed, Shirley Ballas could be set to bow out after a single series in the head judge's chair, with suggestions that she's missing her family back in America too much.

That would be a shame but the Queen Of Latin has struggled to strike the right balance at times: veering from technical nit-picking one week to over-praising the next. 

Tonight was one of the over-praising weeks. With Darcey Busssell and Bruno Toniolo busy shouting at each other about swimwear, it was left to panto villain Craig Revel Horwood to be the main voice of sanity.

If Shirley does bow out, perhaps producers could make Craig the new head judge - and recruit Anton Du Beke to be the panel's designated ballroom expert-cum-funnyman. 

Gemma is last remaining novice but is it enough?

The other four semi-finalists have all had some sort of dance experience, whether it's West End musicals, a ballet background or pop band training. However, as her pro partner Alijaz Skorjanec pointedly mentioned, soap actess Gemma Atkinson has gone from hoofing zero to semi-final hero. 

Her routines here were unspectacular but solid: a respectable rumba, followed by a pleasingly firece tango. Yet based on both performance levels and her "journey" (excuse the J-word), Gemma deserves that fourth final spot more than Mollie King.

The two thirtysomething blondes are the bottom two on the scoreboard but will they be battling it out in tomorrow's dance-off? If so, it could be a tight one. Gemma's tango and Mollie's waltz both scored 32 points. It could all come down to who delivers under pressure. Not to mention Alijaz's loveability against AJ Pritchard's toothy showmance. 

9:46PM

Saturday's semi-final in full

Here's your routine-by-routine recap...

8:17PM

Voting lines are open

Glowsticks a-go-go on the Clauditorium. As they recap on-screen, stay with us for analysis and reaction. 

8:12PM

Debbie and Giovanni's foxtrot

Last dance now. Hollywood glamour and graceful glide from the senior semi-finalist. They're glued together with no gapping, good head position. Frame wobbles a smidge and footwork not spotlessly clean but pivots and side-by-side sections are impeccable. Confetti falls and a grandstand finish. 

Music:  Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "strictly gorgeous, if you don't make it to the final, I'll wear no knickers and a tiara". Craig drawls "I can only hope and pray that doesn't happen. Too long out of hold but I loved it". Giovanni nearly argues but thinks better of it. Darecy says "stunningly effortless, freedom, smooth transitions". Shirley concludes "heaven sent, elegant and beautiful, sweeping moments, lovely atmosphere, thank you for closing our semi-final".  Nines en route?

Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 10 for a total of 36 points, putting her into joint second with Joe.

8:04PM

Gemma and Alijaz's tango

A rather risky choice for the semi-final, as the tango is responsible for more exits than any dance in Strictly history. Gemma must unleash the passion to this power-pop classic. Fabulous green frock, passionate mood, head swivels and fierce pouts. Staccato, sultry mood, kicks and attitude. Footwork and frame not perfect but really rather good. 

Music:  Royal Blood’s cover of My Sharona by The Knack

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you delivered, attacked it, did well". Bruno says "purpose, determination and lovely lines, got a bit steppy when you pushed too hard but beautiful quality". Craig "wanted to see more V-shaping and better palm position but I loved it". Darcey concludes "determination, passion, you went for it, very nice work, very happy". Eights?

Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Better but still in dance-off danger. 

7:57PM

Mollie and AJ's waltz

Pro AJ Pritchard went out at this stage with Claudia Fragapane last year. Can he go one better? Mollie needs to do way better than that dodgy samba. It's a slow, elegant waltz to the emotive ballad by the Canadian songstress. Classic outfits, graceful spins and pivots but her frame wobbles and footwork falters in places. Lovely floor spin to finish. Way better than her first dance but is it enough to save her from the bottom two? 

Music: Angel by Sarah McLachlan

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "all the elements, focused but an edge of nerves and uncertainty, your shoulder came up at the end". Shirley says "you're the pivot queen, a hiccup in the middle but executed it well". Bruno says "classic, proper, much better". Craig concludes "my darling, you have redeemed yourself - thank goodness". Mollie's a tad teary. Eights ahoy? 

Judges' scores: 8, 8, 8, 8 for a total of 32 points. Her highest score yet. A little generous but let's not begrudge her. 

7:48PM

Alexandra and Gorka's salsa

The double dance-off survivors try to party their cares away.  Alexandra tends to suit the fast Latin party dances and she's doing it with Strictly's king of salsa. Red outfits, complex armography, high energy and a disco feel. Loads of attitude and attack, cartwheeling lifts and spicy moves. Full-on, flat-out, fabulous. 

Music:  Finally by Cece Peniston

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "absolutely fab-ew-lous!". Darcey says "I was jealous and wanted to be at your private disco, so many great details, if you're not in the final, I'll get into Bruno's Speedos". Shirley says "rhythm, great lifts, party time all the way". Bruno concludes with a slightly random Whitney Houston impression. "Midsummer in Puerto Rico, love you darling". She couldn't get her first perfect 40, could she? Well, could she?

Judges' scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Bravo. La Burke is happy. Gorka is busy brushing fluff off his chest. 

7:40PM

Joe and Katya's Argentine tango

It was the dance of death for Davood last week. Joe will be hoping that's not an omen. As Bruno says in the VT "Is he gonna nail it or fail it?" Silver-grey outfits, messin' abaht with a mirror and contemporary choreography to match the 2016 song. Intricate legwork and lovely intense mood, Lifts, tricks, the odd tiny mistake but a stunning lift to finish, with Katya in charge. Bold and brilliant. 

Music:  Human by Rag n’ Bone Man

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says " modern twist but true to style, superb choreography, innovative ending but you lost balance which was a fly in the ointment". Craig says "your walking steps were ploddy, needed a looser leg, risk and inventiveness paid off". Darcey says "wonderfully daring, scary and surprising but you led and controlled it perfectly". Shirley concludes "pushed boundaries, fantastic pivots, little mishap but otherwise great". I predict an eight and three nines here. 

Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points - same as his first dance. Consistent.

7:31PM

​Debbie and Giovanni's jive

Two routines is testing enough at age 59, especially when one of them is the high-energy jive. It's Giovanni's favourite and he's the reigning Guinness World Record holder. Stair-ography to start. Giovanni's got his chest out on a chilly night. A bit too wedding disco to start and not sure about her foot shaping but the flicks and kicks have plenty of attack. A solo section in front of the judges' table which is brave. Not her best but high energy and bags of fun. 

Music:  I’m So Excited by the Pointer Sisters  

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "you bent that standing leg, girl, interesting choreography, a grand job". Bruno says "Debbie always delivers, your timing is so sharp it crackles, a sparkling jive". Craig says "it lacked retraction, a little spiky and stiff and your facial expressions reminded me of Judge Rinder (cut to the man himself) but timing and energy second to none". Darcety concludes "fast, sweet and agile, what are you taking? I want some". Now that's magic. 

Judges' scores: 7 (boo), 9, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points. Third place at the halfway point. 

7:22PM

Gemma and Alijaz's rumba

The judges told Gemma last week that she needs more characterisation, so she should be able to use her acting skills in both dances this week. First up it's the slow, sensual dance of seduction. Silver frock, moody moonlit opening, then into a slightly hesitant and pedestrian rumba. Sparkls fly on the set but not really between the couple, sadly. Ends stronger than it started but that was a little lifeless. 

Music:  Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth featuring Emeli Sandé

Judges’ verdict: Darcey says "an intense, romantic aura and great legs but breathe into your body, yes?" Shirley says "beautiful set of pins, I commend Alijaz on the choreography but it lacked musicality and continuous movement". Bruno says "sensual but not smutty, even grandma would approve but it lacked flow".  Craig concludes "the upper body was inanimate and torpid but I loved the routine". Alijaz is delighted. Sevens and eights, do we think?

Judges' scores: 7, 8, 7, 8 for a total of 30 points. Her and Mollie look in dance-off danger. 

7:14PM

Mollie and AJ's samba

Mollie has been dreading the tricky samba and never thought she’d get this far, so hoped she’d dodge it. Now she needs to let go, loosen up and shake it. Stair-ography and handuls of glitter to open. Then into a samba that's a bit all over the shop footwork-wise and lacking bounce. She's got the Rio carnival feel but this is clumsy and technically wobbly. 

Music:  Whenever, Wherever by Shakira

Judges’ verdict: Craig says "the palm tres had more bounce, it looked awkward, off-time and far from seamless - not your best". Darcey says "you look like a gold goddess but balance was in wrong places and transitions were jerky, not your dance". Shirley says `'liked the wiggles and solo pieces but got discombobulated when together". Bruno concludes "you missed the flight to Rio, Southern Rail has better timing than you".  Mollie's very apologetic, bless her. 

Judges' scores: 4 (boo), 7, 7, 6 for a total of 24 points. Her worst for four weeks. Dance-off danger. 

7:06PM

Alexandra and Gorka's Viennese waltz

Aiming to bounce back after two dance-offs in a row, she's in hold for the first time in three weeks. A classically romantic and sophisticated routine, white-clad and with a lyrical opening. Then spinning elegantly around the floor. Pivots a-go-go. Stylish, lovely storytelling, a drop to finish - superb.

Music:  Tina Arena’s version of REM’s Everybody Hurts

Judges’ verdict: Bruno says "it had a soft, dreamy quality, your arms caressed the air, it felt like a soft and silky pashmina". Craig says "there was one place where your feet didn't come together but a good amount of rotation, beautiful arms". Darcey says "ethereal, elegant and you finished the lines esquisitely". Shirley concludes "emotional, I congratulate wardrobe for that dress, sincere and stunning". More nines coming? Maybe a 10 or two?

Judges' scores: 9, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 39 points - the fifth time she's been one short but still no perfect 40. 

7:02PM

Ore Oduba's back for one last weep

The reigning glitterball champion is up on the Clauditroium to read out the phoneline Ts&Cs. Pass the hankies. 

6:57PM

Joe and Katya's American smooth

First out, it's the last man standing and now officially the most successful Scot in Strictly history. A rather literal song title for partner Katya Jones, originally from the Bridget Jones' Diary soundtrack. A nifty moving newspaper gimmick to start, side-by-side swaying, then into foxtrot steps. Neat spinning lift, Joe's got something of a rictus grin. Footwork falters at times and lacks wow factor but lifts to finish and a lovely old Hollywood feel

Music:  Have You Met Miss Jones? by Robbie Williams

Judges’ verdict: Shirley says "glorious way to open, timing and personality exquistite, great lifts, well done". Bruno says "it had jazzy swing and you pulled off the lifts with ease". Craig says "you lost a little balance, could have been smoother and posture was leaning a little but explosive, stylish, wonderful?. Darcey concludes "plenty of glamour, sweeping lines". Nines a-coming?

Judges' scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. Solid start.

6:53PM

No fancy dress this week

After last time's Musicals Week madness, we're relatively restrained wardrobe-wise tonight. 

6:52PM

Strictly alumnus in the audience

Judge Rinder and Danny Mac are in the house. 

6:51PM

Frockwatch

Time for our weekly fashion face-off. Tess Daly is in a red sequinned full-length gown with an asymmetric. Claudia Winkleman is in an off-the-shoulder fringed black jumpsuit. Clauia wins.  

6:50PM

Roll clapalong credits

Ah, Davood Ghadami's eyebrow waggle. How we shall miss it. 

6:49PM

And we're off!

Cue the obligatory tension-building montage.

6:43PM

See ya, Celebrity Pointless

Last knocking of the quiz show now on BBC One. Lst chance to marvel at the festive wonders that are Alexander Armstrong's ample ears. Mere minutes until we go over to the ballroom...

6:40PM

Two showstoppers for Joe

Holby City actor Joe McFadden is now the bookies' favourite to lift the glitterball trophy and he's tackling two big dances tonight: an American smooth and an Argentine tango. Will he flick and kick his way into the final? Five minutes until we get our first clues...

6:34PM

What's on the sequin-spangled jukebox?

Some cracking music on the menu tonight, ranging from Shakira to Robbie Williams, Rag 'n' Bone Man to REM, Stevie Wonder to the Pointer Sisters. Toes will be taping on sofas nationwide, as well as at Elstree Studios. Ten minutes until that ba-ba-da theme tune...

6:26PM

Two routines apiece for our couples

For the first time in the competition, the couples will perform two full dances each this evening: one ballroom, one Latin. It's a made for a testing week in the training rooms. Sore feet, scrambled brains. But will they remember which steps go with which routine?  Twenty minutes until showtime...

6:17PM

Welcome to the penultimate Saturday of Strictly 2017 

Yes, it's the pro-celebrity hoofathon's twelfth live weekend and showpiece semi-final, which sees our famous five pairs bidding to get through to next week's grand glitterball final. 

For the first time, they'll be dancing two full routines apiece. Double the dancing means double the fun - but also double the pressure.

We go live to the Elstree Studios ballroom at 6.45pm on BBC One. Can Alexandra Burke bounce back from two dance-offs in a row? Can Debbie McGee and Joe McFadden continue their finalist form? Can outsiders Mollie King and Gemma Atkinson defy the odds? And who will fall at the last hurdle?

I'm Michael, the Telegraph's twinkle-toes and teak tan correspondent, and I'll be liveblogging from 6.15pm, providing build-up, rolling coverage, analysis and gratuitous gags, so do join me and watch along with this blog. And please join in too - you can email me on michael.hogan@ telegraph.co.uk, tweet me on @michaelhogan or leave comments at the bottom of this blog. I'll keep an eye on them all and report the highlights here. 

Nearly time to staaaaart semi-final dancing!