Jamie Borthwick Shines Again on Strictly Come Dancing: A Quickstep to Remember

The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens this past Saturday, and one star who continues to capture the audience’s attention is Jamie Borthwick. Partnered with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, Borthwick delivered a stunning Quickstep to Elton John’s iconic song "I’m Still Standing," leaving both the judges and viewers in awe.

A High-Stakes Performance

The pressure was palpable for Borthwick as he took to the dance floor. Having previously won the Glitterball trophy during the Christmas special with a Quickstep alongside Nancy Xu, expectations were high. Fans of the show were quick to voice their opinions when Borthwick was announced as part of the 2024 line-up, questioning whether his prior victory gave him an unfair advantage.

Despite the scrutiny, Borthwick’s performance scored a respectable 30 out of 40, which, while 10 points lower than his previous Quickstep, showcased his undeniable talent and growth as a dancer. The judges were enthusiastic about his performance, hinting that he could once again be a contender for the coveted trophy.

Judges’ Praise and Predictions

The judges’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Anton Du Beke, known for his discerning eye, praised Borthwick, stating, “You know you really are a super super dancer. I think you could be one of the favourites to lift the trophy to be quite honest with you. I think you are an exceptional talent." His words echoed the sentiments of many viewers who see Borthwick as a strong competitor this season.

Motsi Mabuse echoed Du Beke’s enthusiasm, adding, "Yes, Anton, I think the Glitterball is quite close to you!" Host Tess Daly noted the significance of the judges’ comments, highlighting that two out of four had mentioned the Glitterball, a clear indication of Borthwick’s potential.

A Modest Response

Despite the accolades, Borthwick remained grounded. In an interview with Claudia Winkleman, he expressed humility, stating, “It’s a bit too early to be mentioning the Glitterball, but nonetheless, I appreciate everything they say.” His modesty is refreshing in a competition often fraught with pressure and expectations.

Viewer Reactions: A Mixed Bag

While many viewers celebrated Borthwick’s performance, not everyone was convinced of his chances. Some fans took to social media to express their concerns, suggesting that the judges’ comments about the Glitterball were premature and potentially biased. One viewer remarked, “The judges mentioning the glitterball after Jamie’s quickstep, the dance that won him the Christmas special last year. If that’s not a coincidence I don’t know what is.”

Others were less optimistic about his prospects, with comments like, “Nah I can’t see Jamie lifting the glitterball. A lot of incredible dancers this year. Don’t even think he’ll reach the final.” This mixed feedback reflects the competitive nature of the show, where every performance is scrutinized and debated.

The Road Ahead

As the competition progresses, Borthwick’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences. His previous performance, a Rumba to "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, showcased his versatility, but it remains to be seen if he can maintain his momentum.

With the judges’ praise ringing in his ears and the audience divided in their opinions, Borthwick has a challenging road ahead. However, his undeniable talent and the support of his partner, Michelle Tsiakkas, may just propel him to new heights.

Conclusion

Jamie Borthwick’s performance on Strictly Come Dancing this week was a testament to his growth as a dancer and his ability to handle the pressures of competition. While the Glitterball trophy may still be a distant dream, his journey is far from over. As fans eagerly await his next performance, one thing is clear: Borthwick is a name to watch this season, and the dance floor is his stage to shine.