Strictly Come Dancing has been a regular fixture on our television screens for nearly 20 years now, and the show still captures millions of viewers as they root for their favourite celebrities to get to the latter stages of the show.

But how did some of our Essex favourites fare?

Here is a round-up of the two Essex dancers' performances, with quotes from the expert panel of judges...

Ellie Taylor

Comedian and writer Ellie Taylor was born in Brentwood and has performed at Colchester Arts Centre in recent years.

With her partner Johannes Radebe, she scored 21 out of a possible 40 for their Cha Cha Cha to The Shoop Shoop Song ‘It’s In His Kiss’.

The comedian, who was channelling Cher with a big black wig, squealed when she finished the dance which had the audience cheering and clapping along.

Head judge Shirley Ballas said: “Your personality with quite infectious today. But I am not accepting any heel leads from now on, and that’s for everyone, I know you have been told – give me that leg action.”

Gazette: Ellie Taylor, who has performed at Colchester Arts Centre on several occasions, channelled her inner Cher for her performance (Credit: Press Association)Ellie Taylor, who has performed at Colchester Arts Centre on several occasions, channelled her inner Cher for her performance (Credit: Press Association) (Image: Press Association)

Anton Du Beke joked: “If it’s any consolation, I feel I have been told off, myself.”

Craig Revel-Horwood said he liked Taylor, while Motsi Mabuse said: “I saw you transitioning through the dancing without questioning yourself. This personality can take you all the way up – keep working on the technicality.”

After the dance, Taylor told co-host Claudia Winkleman: “Craig (Revel-Horwood) said he liked more than just the ending that’s good. The cha cha is absolutely bats, it’s the most technical and I found it really hard.”

Radebe began crying when a message from Taylor’s sister, living in Australia, came on the screen, before he began impersonating Cher with: “If I could turn back time.”

Molly Rainford

Meanwhile, Molly Rainford – who is the daughter of former Colchester United player and Chelmsford City stalwart Dave Rainford – scored an impressive 34 with her dance partner.

Performing a waltz to One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story, Rainford – alongside her partner Carlos Gu – scored a highly impressive 34 out of 40.

Last week, the couple secured the top spot on the leaderboard with an impressive performance of the quickstep to Love On Top by Beyonce.

This week, Anton Du Beke said: “I have to say you’re beautiful to watch dance, I absolutely love it. The dance itself was a beautiful dance, it’s perfect for Movie Week. I would like to see a bit more in holdm, just to show more of your quality.”

Gazette: Molly Rainford, who is the daughter of former Colchester United player Dave Rainford, enjoyed another strong performance (Credit: Press Association)Molly Rainford, who is the daughter of former Colchester United player Dave Rainford, enjoyed another strong performance (Credit: Press Association) (Image: Press Association)

Craig Revel-Horwood said: “This was actually the first show I did professionally. That was absolutely magnificent. Grace, elegance, flow, movement around the floor – gorgeous.”

Motsi Mabuse added: “It touched me in such a way I can’t explain. You guys make everything so simple. Nothing rushed, just beauty – thank you guys, I loved it.”

eanwhile, head judge Shirley Ballas said there was “definitely magic in the air” and the partnership was one “made in heaven”.