THE dance floor was transformed into the skyline of New York for week five of Strictly Come Dancing.

Whitchurch’s AJ Pritchard, dressed in top and tails, and his partner, Saffron Barker, dressed in a sparkly dress, defied the odds to perform in the latest episode of the popular dance show to Frank Sinatra’s huge hit, New York New York.

Viewers had spent the week worrying that the pair would have to sit out of week five because of Saffron battling with a back injury.

But all was well, as the dancing duo managed to foxtrot their way to their highest score yet.

There was praise all round from the judging panel, which included guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro who was standing in for Bruno Tonioli.

Motsi Mabuse kicked off the judges’ comments by commending the pair for taking on such a ‘big, iconic song’.

“You gave me show, you gave me beautiful techniques,” said Motsi. “You gave me everything I wanted to see. Congratulations.”

Alfonso was also impressed as he told the pair how much he had enjoyed the performance. “That was awesome, I loved it, you hit it with a bang,” said Alfonso.

And tough critic, Craig Revel-Horwood, added: “Technically I thought it was absolutely brilliant.

“You really surprised me tonight.”

The duo were rewarded for their performance with a total score of 38.

The two nines and two 10’s given saw them rise to the top of the Strictly leaderboard, securing their spot for week six.