The first contestant was evicted from Strictly Come Dancing with a performance that was well below par.

Four-time Ryder Cup captain Tony Jacklin was distinctly lacking in swing as his lacklustre Charlston led to him limping off the Strictly stage at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.

The golf-themed performance to It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) earned him and his partner Aliona Vilani 13 points on Saturday, with judges telling him it was a “hard dance.”

The 69-year-old golfer gave an even more “below par” reprisal on Sunday, described by the Borehamwood Times live blog as “looking like a confused jester” and “lacking in energy”.

The public agreed and he was voted off, during the first show to use free online voting.

This was also the first show in a long time without Bruce Forsythe, who was off with the flu. 

Claudia Winkleman stepped in wearing what appeared to be a casual t-shirt.

Fashion designer Julien Macdonald and his partner Janette Manrara's tame, and very glittery, tango to Applause by Lady Gaga, put them on the verge of dismissal.

This routine was given 18 points on Saturday and saw judge Craig Revel Horwood compare his posture to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

They were just saved from expulsion in Sunday's show.

Coronation Street star Natalie Gumede and partner Artem Chigvintsev topped the leader board this week.

Their “mesmerising” waltz to Alicia Keyes’ If I Ain’t Got You earned them 34 and a standing ovation.

Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor is in second place with her “fabulous” Charlston to Rock It To Me by Caravan Palace receiving four nines.

Described by the Borehamwood Times blogger as a “dark horse”, Ms Ellis-Bextor is tipped as one to watch in this competition.

To relive Saturday and Sunday’s action visit the Borehamwood Times live blog.