TV
Layton tipped to tally first Perfect 40 of series
Research from William Hill Vegas has singled out this weekend’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing as a very likely date for any contestant to score the first Perfect 40 of the series, with Layton Williams being awarded a Couple’s Choice routine in this Saturday’s show in Blackpool serving as the perfect opportunity to record four scores of 10 from the judges.
Layton has flirted with achieving the elusive score throughout the series, receiving 39 points from the judges in weeks five and eight, but the inherent flexibility and creative freedom afforded by the Couple’s Choice routine may be enough to bump up the Bad Education actor to the magic 40 mark.
Research shows that the Couple’s Choice has contributed to the second most Perfect 40 scores out of any currently available routine on the show in the past 10 years, with last year’s runner-up Fleur East and series 19 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis amongst the contestants to have benefited from the dance’s tendency for high scores. The Charleston leads the way with nine Perfect 40 scores, with the Jive similarly providing six over the past decade:
As a result, Layton is 4/6 to receive four scores of ten from the judges in this weekend’s Blackpool special, with outright winner favourite Ellie Leach second on the list at 6/4.
We explore the top three routines that have produced the most Perfect 40 scores below:
The Charleston: A Swing Through Time
Perfect 40 scores in past 10 series: 9
The Charleston dance is a vibrant voyage back in time, with its lively and infectious moves that evoke the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. But beneath the joyful façade lies a dance of deceptive intricacy. It demands rapid footwork, spirited kicks, and feisty flapper-style arm movements, all while maintaining accuracy and precision.
The Charleston’s fast tempo and the need for perfect syncopation often challenge even the most seasoned dancers, pushing them to the edge of their capabilities. Yet, in the midst of the twirls and whirls, the Charleston remains a fan-favourite on the Strictly dance floor, contributing to nine Perfect 40 scores since 2012, most recently series 19 finalist Rhys Stephenson.
Couple’s Choice: A Fusion of Style and Substance
Perfect 40 scores in past 10 series: 6
Introduced as a celebration of individuality and creativity, the Couple’s Choice genre allows contestants to break free from the constraints of tradition and explore a myriad of styles, from contemporary and street dance to theatre jazz.
The Couples’ Choice dances are a testament to the versatility of the competitors, requiring them to seamlessly blend different dance forms into a cohesive and expressive performance. The choreography often showcases the dancers’ unique personalities and strengths, challenging them to push boundaries and captivate both the judges and the audience.
The Jive: A Rhythmic Delight
Perfect 40 scores in the past 10 series: 5
The Jive dance is a high-energy journey that transports us to the swinging ’60s, bringing the essence of that era’s vibrant groove onto the dance floor. But behind its infectious beats and lively moves, the Jive conceals a complexity that’s as tricky as it is fun. It demands lightning-quick footwork, gravity-defying kicks, and snappy arm swings, all while keeping the rhythm tight and precise.
The Jive’s frenetic pace and the challenge of hitting those syncopated steps can leave even the most seasoned dancers breathless. However, amid the spins and spins, the Jive remains a favorite on the dance competition stage, frequently earning top scores and standing ovations, with series 17 runner-up Karim Zeroual and series 16 runner-up Ashley Roberts notable beneficiaries of the routine.
