Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Strictly Come Dancing week two is upon us â and Nick Knowles has confirmed he will be performing after days of uncertainty.
Earlier this week, the DIY SOS host suffered a shouder injury, throwing his participation into question â but he has now revealed he will be performing despite having just âtwo daysâ to rehearse.
The first two weeks of the BBC competition have eased this yearâs crop of stars into proceedings, with a launch show that saw the contestants partnered with their respective professional, and a first week of dances in which nobody eliminated.
However, this week, the judgesâ scores from last week will roll over and will then be combined with the viewer vote, meaning two couples will have to take part in the dreaded dance-off during Sundayâs results show (29 September).
Out of the 15 couples who danced, the leaderboard was topped with 31 points by JLS star JB Gill and Amy Dowden, who made a triumphant return to Strictly after being too ill to compete in last yearâs series as she was recovering from treatment for stage three breast cancer.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale is punk-rock singer Toyah Willcox, who scored 12 out of 40, and former Arsenal player Paul Merson, who receivedjust 17 for his American Smooth to the football anthem âVindalooâ.
Nick Knowles says heâs had just âtwo days’ to rehearse due to injury
Nick Knowles has confirmed he will perform on tonightâs Strictly after suffering an injury.
Earlier this week, the DIY SOS host hurt his shoulder, which has led him to have just two days of training ahead of his next performance.
On Saturday morning (28 September), he shared a video on Instagram, telling his fans: “On my way to the studios â this is show day. Iâve had two days to learn the dance as well as I possibly can. I promise to give it everything tonight and try and perform it well.
âLuba [Mushtuk] has worked her magic in choreographing something amazing. All I have to do now is perform it. It’s been a tough week but I’m very excited to dance later this evening and don’t worry about me, my shoulder’s getting stronger every single day.â
He thanked his fans and said he âwill try to do my bestâ for everyone who sent him support, acknowledging that heâs in danger of going home if he doesnât perform well as heâs in the bottom four of the current leaderboard rolled over from last week.
Jacob Stolworthy28 September 2024 13:15
Who is taking part in this year’s âStrictlyâ?
There are 15 celebrities participating in this yearâs series of Strictly Come Dancing â and you can find out everything you need to know about them, and which professional dancer theyâre paired with, here:
Jacob Stolworthy28 September 2024 12:45
One âStrictlyâ couple has a âsecret code’
Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has revealed the secret code that she and her dance partner Pete Wicks use in training sessions.
The Only Way is Essex star Wicks is competing in this yearâs Strictly competition along 14 more celebrities vying for the glitterball trophy. He is partnered with Przystal, who has worked on the show since 2021.
Appearing on Wicksâs Staying Relevant podcast, which he co-presents with former Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, Przystal discussed her bond with Wicks â and said they instantly âconnectedâ when they first met.
Jacob Stolworthy28 September 2024 12:15
âStrictlyâ star will perform despite arm injury
Nick Knowles suffered an arm injury this week, which threw his Strictly future into question.
However, itâs believed the 62-year-old DIY SOS presenter, who is currently competing on the show alongside professional dancer Luba Mushtuk, will perform tonight after doctors gave him permission.
A source told The Mirror: âNick and Lubaâs attitude is very much that the show must go on, and they were thrilled when he was given the go ahead. They are even going to attempt a lift.
Find out more about what happened to Knowles here:
Jacob Stolworthy28 September 2024 11:45
What dances and songs will the couples be performing this week?
The biggest talking points from last weekâs episode included one rather odd song choice that saw poor Paul Merson dancing an American Smooth-of-sorts to Fat Lesâs âVindalooâ.
While itâs clear why they wanted Merson â a retired footballer â to dance to a football song, there were claims ahead of the episode that he felt somewhat shafted by the decision. Of course, it went down like a lead balloon and many believe he could be this yearâs âjokeâ contestant.
Here are this weekâs song choices and dances that the couples will be performing:
Jacob Stolworthy28 September 2024 11:15
Who is topping the âStrictlyâ leaderboard?
While nobody was eliminated from last weekâs Strictly, that doesnât mean the episode has no bearing on what occurs tonight.
The judgesâ scores will roll over and be combined with whatever the celebrities manage to get tonight.
With this in mind, hereâs how the leaderboard currently stands:
Jacob Stolworthy28 September 2024 10:37
