Strictly Come Dancing latest: Tasha Ghouri lands first 40 as JB Gill wins the Samba-thon
Craig Revel Horwood finally reached for his 10 paddle after Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec’s emotional American Smooth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There was plenty to celebrate on this week’s Strictly Come Dancing as the first 40 of the series was finally awarded.
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec — who had previously been given 39s on three occasions — landed the score thanks to their emotional American Smooth, dedicated to the professional’s young daughter, Lyra.
Giving their critiques, the judges labelled the routine “perfection” and “the Rolls Royce of the American Foxtrot”.
“Unfortunately, now for the truth darling, your right little finger... ” Craig Revel Horwood quipped, before adding: “Fab-u-lous.”
The live show also saw Chris McCausland take on the Paso Doble, which was extra special as his partner Dianne Buswell’s parents had flown over from Australia and were watching in the audience.
Sarah Hadland impressed with a Rumba (which Vito Coppola had packed with difficult choreography) while Pete Wicks’ fans suggested his song choice may have impacted his scores.
The action all took place after a tense Blackpool week that saw Wynne Evans and his partner Katya Jones eliminated.
Another celebrity will leave the competition in Sunday (November 24) night’s results show, which airs on BBC One at 7.20pm.
Here’s Saturday night’s show as it happened.
Chris’s scores are in...
He’s received a 7 from Craig, 8 from Motsi, and 9s from Shirley and Anton, giving him 33 — his highest score yet for a Latin dance.
Montell bounces back from the dance-off
Montell and Johannes are bouncing back from being in the dance-off last week with a Quickstep to Ella Fitzgerald’s “Get Happy”.
Montell is such a wonderful performer. This is a beautiful, joyous routine (as a Quickstep should be). And they both look so happy to be performing it! I know we have a few couples still to dance, and the Samba-thon, but Montell really doesn’t deserve the dance-off again.
The judges are loving Montell
She’s been labelled “quite delightful” by Shirey, while Anton has praised Montell for improving every week. “This is as good as your Couple’s Choice,” he added. “I think this was absolutely brilliant.”
Craig said: “The dynamics in that dance were out of this world. Great, great, great... Amazing.”
“What you never lose is that shine, that sparkle,” Motsi told the Gladiators star. I think she could be in for a high score here.
Montell’s scores are in...
She’s got two 10s!
Craig awarded Montell an 8 and Shirley went for a 9, while their fellow judges reached for their 10 paddles.
She has a total of 37, which is very well-deserved.
Can Tasha land a 40?
As Tess pointed out, the Love Island star has been scored 39 on three occasions so far but Craig has been holding out with that 10.
They’ve gone all out with the lifts tonight and the dance, an American Smooth to Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”, is dedicated to Aljaz and Janette’s adorable daughter Lyra.
The routine is... well, just absolutely stunning. Wonderfully smooth, and they made the lifts look easy. How it possible to be spun at such speed and not have a hair out of place?
Judges speechless at Tasha’s Foxtrot
“Stunning... wow,” said Motsi. “I have only one word to say. Perfection.”
“There we see the Rolls Royce of the American Foxtrot,” said Shirley, before revealing Anton had become emotional and shed a tear. He explained: “This is why we dance. It’s about how it makes us feel.”
“Unfortunately, now for the truth darling... your little right finger,” Craig began, before adding: “Fab-u-lous.”
Tasha lands the first 40 of the series
So well-deserved!
Here was their reaction as Craig finally found that 10 paddle:
Time for the Samba-thon
The judges are giving the celebs some last minute tips and they all look completely terrifed. I’m so excited for this.
“You want to stand out in the crowd,” Craig told them. “You’ve got to do anything and everything you can. You don’t want to be crashing into another couple.”
Chris first out of the Samba-thon
JB and Lauren wasted not time in going strsight down the middle of the floor. Sarah and Vito are shimmying along the side right in front of the judges.
Chris and Dianne are first out! He’ll probably be glad to be honest. Jamie and Michelle have gone out next, followed by Pete and Jowita.
Not as chaotic as it could have been
All in all, this isn’t too bad! And the method of the judges calling the names out and ousting each couple one by one has certainly helped make it less chaotic.
Sarah and Vito have missed out on being top three, with Montell and Johannes going next to leave us two celebs (JB and Tasha).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments