A Night of Dazzling Performances: The Second Week of Strictly Come Dancing
The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing returned for its second week, showcasing a spectacular array of talent and emotion on the dance floor. Among the standout performances was that of the reality star, who made history as the show’s second deaf contestant. Dancing an elegant Viennese waltz to "Misty Blue" by Dorothy Moore alongside her partner Aljaz Skorjanec, she not only captivated the audience but also earned the highest score for a Viennese waltz in week two in the show’s history, a remarkable 35 points.
Emotional Moments and High Scores
As host Claudia Winkleman announced the scores, the atmosphere in the studio was electric. The emotional impact of the performance was palpable, especially for the contestant’s father, who was seen wiping away tears in the audience. Judge Anton Du Beke was particularly impressed, praising her seamless flow, immaculate frame, and gorgeous footwork. His sentiments were echoed by fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Shirley Ballas, all of whom agreed that her dance was the highlight of the evening. With a total score of 65, the contestant’s journey on the show is already proving to be a memorable one.
Other Notable Performances
The night was filled with other impressive performances that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Miranda star Sarah Hadland and last year’s winner Vito Coppola delivered a striking paso doble to "Freed From Desire" by Gala Rizzatto, earning a score of 32 and a total of 62. Revel Horwood commended Hadland for her fiery performance, which was packed with passion and power.
JB Gill, the JLS star, continued his successful streak with a cha cha that landed him a score of 27. His routine to "Closer" by Ne-Yo featured sharp movements and energetic chest pops, although Revel Horwood felt there was “too much attack” in his performance. Nevertheless, he praised Gill’s timing and musicality.
Opera singer Wynne Evans also impressed the judges with his Viennese waltz, earning a score of 30 for his elegant performance to "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II. Du Beke expressed his admiration, stating it was the dance he wished he could have performed himself.
Rising Stars and Heartfelt Moments
Olympian Montell Douglas and her partner Johannes Radebe brought the heat with a samba to "Fuego" by Eleni Foureira, scoring 30 points. Ballas praised Douglas as an “absolutely bright light” on the dance floor, highlighting the couple’s undeniable chemistry.
Comedian Chris McCausland, the show’s first blind contestant, received a standing ovation for his foxtrot with partner Dianne Buswell. Their performance to "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" earned them a score of 29, bringing his total to 52. Ballas commended McCausland for his footwork, calling him an inspiration to all contestants.
Challenges and Triumphs
The night wasn’t without its challenges. Former X Factor winner Shayne Ward faced criticism online for being perceived as overconfident, but he returned with a striking tango that earned him a score of 31. Ballas encouraged him to maintain his confidence and hold his head high.
Meanwhile, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and his partner Michell Tsiakkas scored 27 for their rumba, while former hockey player Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin delivered a lively Charleston, landing a score of 22. Revel Horwood noted that Quek brought a lot of personality to her performance, despite some critiques on her footwork.
A Night of Resilience
DIY SOS star Nick Knowles made a remarkable return to the dance floor after an injury, performing an American smooth that earned him a score of 21. His determination to perform despite the odds was praised by Ballas, who noted the impressive feat achieved in just 16 hours of rehearsal.
The evening concluded with Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones at the bottom of the leaderboard after their jive, but Du Beke acknowledged their improvement from the previous week. As the contestants prepare for their first elimination, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.
Looking Ahead
As the contestants gear up for the next round, the excitement continues to build. With each performance, they not only showcase their dancing skills but also their resilience and ability to connect with the audience. The next live results show promises to be just as thrilling, airing tomorrow at 7.15 pm on BBC One and iPlayer. As the journey unfolds, fans are left eagerly anticipating who will shine the brightest in the weeks to come.