There will be double the shimmer and sparkle on the Strictly stage tonight as the competition reaches the semi-final stage.

Only five contestants remain at Elstree Studios and there is still everything to play for as they prepare to perform two dances.

Actor Patrick Robinson was almost a casualty of last week’s dance off.

The 50-year-old will be hoping his ageing knees will be able to get him through a Paso Doble to Because the Night by the Patti Smith Group and Waltz to Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.

Most likely to be joining him at the bottom is Susanna Reid, who will be dancing a Foxtrot to Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli and a Salsa to 'Move Your Feet' by Junior Senior.

Abbey Clancey scored the top spot last week with her ravishing Viennese Waltz.
Will her American Smooth to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond and Samba to 'Faith' by George Michael be equally enthralling?

According to bookmakers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is the new favourite to win after last week’s classy tango.

She will be hoping the judges will not take that away from her as she puts the final touches to her paso doble to Montagues and Capulets by Prokofiev and an American Smooth to Lisa Stansfield’s They Can't Take That Away from Me.

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.40pm on BBC One.