ANDOVER’S Katie Piper was thrilled after achieving her best score yet with a Hollywood-inspired performance in week three of the Strictly Come Dancing live shows.

The television presenter, author and acid attack survivor took to the Strictly dance floor once again on Saturday with dance partner Gorka Marquez with a new found confidence in tow.

It was movie week and each couple had to fuse their dance with the theme of a Hollywood favourite.

Katie and Gorka foxtrotted to City Of Stars from Oscar-nominated La La Land on the BBC1 show.

After overcoming her dancing nerves during a performance of a spicy paso doble the previous week, the duo said they had hit the training room hard last week to focus on technique following on from the judge’s critical comments.

On the show, Katie said: “So it’s now week three and the main thing to concentrate on is the fun and the enjoyment because I guess that’s the point of dance, to express yourself.

“I think I came in a bit deflated from what the judges had said about me. But now its movie week and I’m so grateful to be here.”

Katie’s smile gleamed throughout her performance, looking every bit the film star in a yellow dress, akin to the blockbuster’s leading lady.

The judges praised the pair, with head judge Shirley Ballas giving them a standing ovation, adding: “You really quite moved me today because the music was beautiful and you really went in to that La La feeling.

“You really did improve this week, so congratulations.”

Bruno Tonioli said the pair had a “wonderful dreamy quality” while Darcey Bussell added: “Each week you are stepping in the right direction, so be proud with yourself.”

Craig Revel Horwood was more critical however, stating that she “looked nervous” and the start was “tentative” but faced with boos from the crowd added: “ I think there is a small break through at this point with your musicality.”

The pair earned their highest score yet, with a combined total of 22 from the judges.

On Sunday’s results show, Katie was over the moon after being saved in the public vote, stating: “I feel like it’s just begun now for me.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 next week at 6.40pm.