Clara Amfo has emerged as a new Strictly Come Dancing frontrunner after topping the leaderboard and picking up some of the first 10s of the series. 

The Radio 1 DJ and professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec wowed the judges as they took to the floor with their Charleston on Saturday night. 

The routine, set to Julie Andrews’ Baby Face, earned them a total of 29 points out of a possible 30, after both Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke awarded it 10s. 

Clara was seen fighting back tears after the scores were revealed, telling host Claudia Winkleman: “Sorry, I’m [trying not] to cry. I had so much fun.

“This guy is going to be one of my best friends for life. I love dancing with him and tonight was for you and for all your amazing teaching.”

Anton – who was standing in for regular judge Motsi Mabuse while she self isolates – was full of praise for the routine, saying: “When you rehearse a dance all week, you want it on Saturday night to go like that.

“I have had a wonderful night and you have topped it off, thank you very much indeed.”

Shirley also said that Clara had undergone a “transformation”, while Craig Revel Horwood said he wanted to see them perform the dance again in the final. 

Clara was not the only contestant to pick up 10s this week, however. 

Bill Bailey and his partner Oti Mabuse were awarded a 10 from Shirley for their Street Commercial routine to Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.

The pair picked up a total of 27 points for their performance, placing them joint-second on the leaderboard. 

Singer HRVY and his partner Janette Manrara also netted 27 points for their Salsa to BTS’ Dynamite, for which Shirley also scored them a 10. 

At the other end of the table was JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden, who received just 17 points for their Jive, while Max George and Dianne Buswell were second from bottom after they were awarded 20 points for their American Smooth. 

The Wanted singer was also responsible for a rather sweary moment during Saturday’s show, when he dropped the F-bomb after completing his routine, prompting an apology from Claudia. 

Find out who is next to leave Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday at 7.25pm on BBC One.