Debbie McGee scored a perfect 40 with her terrific tango on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ on Saturday night (04.11.17).
The 59-year-old star wowed the judges – Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas – as she danced a stunning tango with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, meaning she sat firmly at the top of the leaderboard.
When Craig was asked by host Tess Daly for his comments, he remained silent and walked down in front of the judging table, leaving everyone unsure what was about to happen. He then knelt in front of Debbie and praised her, before returning to his seat next to the other judges, who were visibly shocked.
Darcey told her: "You gave me tingles down my back. That was extraordinary. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tango like that from a celebrity."
Whilst Shirley added: "Debbie McGee, that was a beautiful international tango. So for me, it was outstanding. Every week you’re just flying high. That is the most difficult dance and you just executed with first class."
Elsewhere, Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez scored a near-perfect 39 for their jazz-inspired cha cha.
Shirley told them: "What a way to start the show. I want to say that cha cha has proved to be quite a difficult dance on this series but not for you. You looked like a professional."
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones’ charleston earned them 36 points, including their first nine from Craig.
He told the duo: "I loved it. I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I loved the characterisation. The co-ordination, darling, of all those very difficult opposition moves."
Mollie King and AJ Pritchard bounced back from being in the dance off last week with a great foxtrot, which Bruno dubbed "elegant and classy".
He said: "It started beautifully … Foxtrot seems to be easy but it’s actually one of the hardest dances to control … You really did a very good job controlling yourself. Elegant, classy, nice job."
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ continues on Sunday (05.11.17), where one more celebrity will leave the competition.